It's New Year's Eve Day 2011

December 31, 2011

Today we close out this year and get ready for a brand new year.  It's been a year filled with many ups and downs for all of us, and I hope the new year will be mostly ups.  For all of you, Tootsie and I are wishing you a New Year filled with good health, prosperity and happiness.

As promised, I would like to end this year of posting with a gift for you.  I made this kit quite some time ago in response to a request from a reader.  Hopefully, you can use it to scrap a lot of wonderful memories of your furry friends.

Here are your download links:

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HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone.  God Bless.  Till we meet again in 2012, Y'all have a fantastic New Year's Eve.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Nice Surprise In The Mail

December 30, 2011

At the moment, it's sunny and cold here in New England.   The wind has settled down though, so it doesn't feel as cold.   I'm at work, so this will be a short post. 

Yesterday, the mail lady brought a package for Tootsie.  It was a Christmas present that had gone astray.  Inside was an adorable little rope toy which Tootsie promptly took to her favorite scatter rug.  My little girl doesn't play so much any more with her toys, but she does like to have them near by when she naps.

I also took a photo of the beautiful white lily that is tucked in with my rose bouquet.  The texture of this lily is quite interesting.  It has lots of ripples and bumps that make it quite lovely.

Mrs is not feeling so well today.  Her breathing sounds like she may have a cold.  Gosh, I hope not.  She is supposed to be having one of her cataracts removed in a few weeks.   I'm hoping she is better before that. 

I finally had to call yesterday to order more heating fuel.  The weather so far this Fall and Winter has been a blessing as far as finances go, so I can't really complain.  But now I think the regular cold Winter temperatures are catching up to us.  On the bright side, Spring is not too far off.  It's actually, less than three months away. 

This afternoon, we have another dwarf moving in.  I hope this works out because it will be the first time in two years that we will have a full house.  Financially, this will make it easier on the bills.  It takes a lot to keep this big old house warm and looking good.  It's a great way to start off the new year.

I have some things that I need to upload, and then I can post them here as freebies for you.  I will try to have one ready for you for tomorrow.   I can hear the Mrs beginning to stir, so it's time for me to get busy and start her breakfast.  Till tomorrow, stay warm and Y'all have a fantastic day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

December 29. 2011

It's another sunny, yet windy, morning here in New England.  This will be a short post, because I have a lot to do today.  Eddie is on his way here to help finish setting up the room for a new dwarf.   I've procrastinated long enough.  This used to be Moo's room, and I've not been in a big rush to clean it out.  But it's almost finished now.  Today we will pick up new curtains and anything else that is needed to finish off the room.

My Tootsie is laying on top of her "scrunched up" blanket trying to look sad and neglected.  She does this when she thinks that I am going to go out and leave her behind with a sitter.  This past year, she has decided that blankets and scatter rugs are most comfortable when they are scrunched up into a lumpy pile.   Here is a layout that I made yesterday.  She had scrunched up her new blanket and then took a nap on it.

Sad to say, I don't scrap often enough, so maybe that can be another project for the New Year.  That, and maybe losing a few more pounds.   All my new projects should keep me busy throughout the whole year. 

Now I really must get going here.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Ever Notice The Beauty In Clouds?

December 28, 2011

Good morning.  It rained a bit during the night and even though it's still quite breezy, the sun is shining and the temps will be in the upper 40's today.  It's definitely a better day to be out doing errands.

Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours watching my DVD and learning a bit more about my camera.  There's so much to learn and it's get a bit confusing, but I will prevail! 

This year is coming to a close, and I have not accomplished all that I had wanted to.  One thing that I really wanted to do was to make a table top photo book.  So aside from photo and camera classes, that will be my top project for the new year. 

I've been noticing that a lot of blogs have already changed their formats over to the new style.  Me personally, I don't like the newer style, and I don't see how it can be printed into book form.  That will be another project to look into for the new year.

Today, I have photos of clouds to share.  This first two photos were taken a few days before Christmas, and the third photo was taken the day after Christmas.  Sometimes the clouds are just so beautiful that I have to stop and take some photos.

Tootsie is barking now, so someone must be moving about in the main part of the house.  She is such a wonderful little watch dog.  Nothing and no one gets past our door without her giving a bark. 

That's all the news for this morning.  Now it's time to get dressed and get started on the laundry.  After lunch it will be time to do some errands.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Just A Wonderful Lazy Day Today

December 27, 2011

Can you believe?  All the hustle and bustle is done, and Christmas is over.  Well, for this year anyway.  The shopping channels are having some great year end clearance sales, and I've already started my birthday and Christmas shopping for 2012.  I can't tell you about my great bargains though because certain folks do read my blog.

The weather today is cloudy and chilly (about 48F) with a bit of a breeze.  The weather man is forecasting rain and possible thunder for tonight.  Actually, the whole week will be about the same with more rain towards Friday. 

Before I put some of our gifts away, I took a few photos.  We got so many wonderful gifts, including new blankets, phones, lottery tickets and some tasty snacks.  (which we are doing a great job on!)  I even got me a pillow with my rose printed on it from Audrey.  Tootsie and I want to thank everyone for making this a wonderful Christmas.

Right now, I'm trying to work up the courage to go out to do errands.  No problem though, if I don't get out today, I'll do it tomorrow.  Today, I just want to sit back and watch my new camera disk.  There is still so much about my camera that I do not know how to use. 

I think this week I will make an appointment for an eye checkup.  It's been awhile since the last one.  I don't have a problem seeing so I tend to put the checkup off for a long time.  However, I do need to get new glasses.  The ones I have are a bit scratched.

There's not much else for news.  Tootsie and I are going to have some lunch, then I can get to my DVD,  Yup, I've decided to stay in and learn.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Tootjsie And I Had A Fabulous Christmas!

December 26, 2011

It's a lovely sunny morning so far, with a little breeze picking up.  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day.  Tootsie and I certainly did.  We even had a few snow flakes floating around to give the illusion of a white Christmas. 

When I got home from work yesterday morning, I took a couple photos of my rose, then I clipped both the rose and the bud and brought them inside.  They were frozen, but still beautiful.  I placed them on a paper towel and took another photo.  I think I will press them in a book.  (a blog book!)  So, for posterity, here's the final photo of my Christmas rose.

Kyra, that chocolate is delicious!  I'm nibbling on a piece of it right now.  Later today, I will take photos of all the wonderful things under our tree and post them tomorrow.  This morning, I have for you a photo of the Christmas morning sky at daybreak,

and another of the sky this morning on my way home from work.  Are they not beautiful?

The Mrs always gets beautiful floral arrangements from friends and family.  I thought this one is especially beautiful. 

My new book "Oogy" is already making the rounds between my children and a couple of the grandchildren.  Dee Dee has picked it up for her and Jasmine to read.  Now I will concentrate on my discs for my camera and Photoshop.   Up to now, I haven't had a lot of time to spend on these.  Now that the rush is over, it's my time for learning.

Today's special value on the shopping channel is a smart phone with unlimited talk, web and data.  It comes with a built in GPS and two months of free service and requires no contract.  I think I will try it.  They give you thirty days to try it and either keep it or send it back.  You just can't lose. 

Now I'm going outside to spread some peanuts around for the squirrels and any birds that might like them.   They need the food to keep warm.  That's all the news for this morning.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

December 25, 2011

Good morning, and a Merry Christmas to All.  It's almost time to go home where Tootsie is waiting to open presents.  I happen to know that Santa left her a huge stockpile of "Greenie" treats.  She loves these, so she'll be a very happy camper.

I told you about the book that my friend Mary Ann gave me.  Well, I read the whole thing last night.  Folks, if you like animals and you like to read, this book is a must have.  It is such a heartbreaking story, yet it is so heartwarming.   I try not to hate, but I really do hate people who abuse animals.  They should all be hung up by their tenderest parts and then shot.  The world does not need those kinds of  people.

Ask my dwarfs.  You really don't want to be around me if you even think of hurting my Tootsie.  I am like a mommy tiger when it comes to her.  Our animals are just as precious as people.  Because of them, it's a better world. 

This morning, I have a couple of cute photos of a little red squirrel that I took a few days ago here at work.  In the first photo, he is chattering something to me, and in the second photo it looks as though he is waiting for me to answer.  As pesky as he can be, he is just beautiful.

Yesterday afternoon,  Dee Dee and Eddie and the kids stopped by for a while.  Dee Dee was in her Christmas Eve outfit because she still had lots of work to do helping Santa.   Last night was a long busy night for all of Santa's helpers.

This morning, I will pluck my yellow rose from the bush, and bring it in to dry.  I will save it with my most precious treasures.  I am so thankful for this wonderful gift.  This little rose has bloomed for more than a month, and has made it to Christmas Day.  Awesome!!

It's time now to check the Mrs again.  I will be going home soon to my little girl.  May God bless you all on this special day.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful Christmas day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Tonight!

December 24, 2011

The sun is shining this morning, and I do not miss the snow!  I know many of you are dreaming of a white Christmas, but I don't enjoy driving in the snow and ice.  Maybe when I'm eighty, and hopefully retired, I'll enjoy the snow more.

As you know,  I start my day by going outside and taking new photos of my yellow rose.  Right along, I've been wondering if it would be able to last until Christmas.  Well, no more wondering.  Even though the nights have been very cold and the rose is fading, it is doing it's best to stay in bloom for the holiday.  This is my Christmas Eve day photo.   Call me crazy, but this is my favorite Christmas present.

I also have a couple of photos of the Christmas trees around town.  One of the yards that I stopped at the other night even had decorations outside the fence close to the sidewalk.  It's just awesome how some folks have decorated their houses and yards.

This next tree grows on an empty lot at an intersection close to the highway not far from here.  It's very tall, and every year it is decorated beautifully.  What a wonderful sight for the weary shoppers and travelers on their home at night.

My living room, however, is looking crowded,  There are bags and boxes to be delivered tonight.  I will be at work tonight, so I hope that when Santa stops by, he will grab a few of them and drop them off on his rounds.

Now I think I will treat myself to a second cup of coffee, and give Tootsie an extra treat.  We would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, and we hope Santa is good to everyone.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have happy dreams tonight.

Hugs, Edna B.

So Many Goodies Under My Tree!

December 23, 2011

I woke up to puddles and rain this morning.  The weather man is saying that we could have rain and snow showers today.  We'll see.   At the moment, it's only drizzling a little bit of rain. 

For Elee, I will be glad to share how I cook my scrambled eggs and green peppers.  First I dice up a  green pepper.  If I'm only cooking for myself and Tootsie, I use about a handful of the diced peppers and save the rest in the refrigerator for the next time.  (They can be frozen too.)  I put a chunk of margarine in the frying pan and toss in the peppers.  I open three eggs into a bowl and scramble them with a fork.

 Then I add a little milk (only a two or three tablespoons)  and scramble a bit more.  When the peppers are a little bit brown on one side (NOT burned) I pour the eggs in on top of the peppers and scramble everything together.  I turn the eggs frequently so that they are cooked all the way through.  Voila!  I personally like to butter some bread and make a egg and pepper sandwich.  Yummy!

This is one of our favorites for breakfast.  Other times we enjoy a bowl of raisin bran and milk.  Tootsie does not get the  raisins.  I hope this is helpful, and a very Merry Christmas to you, too.

Our mail lady has been busy bringing me packages these past few days.  A couple days ago, I got a wonderful package from Snowy.   This one contained some beautiful hand made gifts.  Snowy, you did a great job on the box, it's simply beautiful.   Thank you so much.

Yesterday's mail brought me a surprise package from my friend Mary Ann.  It contained a book about a dog named Oogy.  Mary Ann, this is so special.  All through school and into his early adult years, my brother's friends called him Oogie.  I've put the book under my tree along with all the other gifts.  I will  read it on Christmas Eve.  Thank you so much Mary Ann. 

Yesterday afternoon I went to the market and bought  all the fruit for my fruit baskets.  I made up one of the baskets and wrapped it in plastic wrap.  Tonight I will put the other fruit basket together.  There is so much fruit though that I have to put a lot of it in a separate box.  Ah, but that's the fun of it!

Last night, my dwarf friend and I went out to shoot some more photos of the Christmas lights.  I'll post some of them tomorrow.  First I have to go through them and crop a few for posting. 

I'm at work now so I have to start getting busy here.  The Mrs will be awake soon and wanting her breakfast.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

More Beautiful Christmas Lights

December 22, 2011

It's 8 a.m., and the sun is shining here in my little part of the world.  Yesterday, the heavier rain held off until we bought  a rug and got it back home and in the house.  Then the heavens let it loose.  My grandson and I were off to do some food shopping, and the rain lightened up on our way in and out of the market.  By the time we got home, it was only raining lightly.  All in all, a very good day.

The first thing I did yesterday morning was to go outside and take a new photo of my yellow rose.  No, I won't bombard you with another photo this morning.  I've decided to let it continue to thrive on the tree as long as it can. 

I am feeling very blessed this Christmas.  Over the last few years, I have lost my daughter, my husband and my brother.  My Kerri gave me a yellow rose bush one year which now only produces small white rose flowers but the birds absolutely love this bush.  My hubby and my brother used to bring me roses sometimes for no reason at all.  Roses don't bloom this time of year here, so I do believe that this little yellow rose is a gift.  It has been bringing me so much pleasure, and I treasure it.

What is it about Christmas time that makes us all so maudlin and teary?  We get so sentimental.  Even though we try to be good to one another all year, Christmas time brings out so much more of the goodness in us.  These past few days, I have seen quite a few men, young and older, standing on street corners holding signs that say "Please, I'm trying to give my family a good Christmas.  Thank you."  I always try to pull over and give them some money.   The other night while out taking photos of the lights, I pulled over to give a young man some money.  My friend asked me if I thought it was for real or did I think it was a scam.  I told her "Does it matter?  If he is brave enough to stand there with a sign, then God bless him, he probably needs it."  The important thing is that it made me feel good to help him.

How about some more Christmas lights?   We had to go down a side street to find this display.  The beautifully decorated tree just begged to be photographed.  It was soooooo pretty!   I took several views of the lights so that you could see just how beautiful it all looked.

If all goes as planned, tonight my dwarf friend and I will go out again to photograph some more Christmas light displays.  Today, I want to go to the market and buy fruit for my Christmas fruit baskets.  I am waiting for one package to arrive that contains the last gift that I need to wrap.  Santa, I am all ready and waiting for you!

Now it's time to give Tootsie her morning meds, and rustle up some breakfast.  I bought us a green pepper yesterday, so I'm thinking that scrambled eggs and peppers will taste awfully good this morning.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantastic day.

Hugs, Edna B.

The Christmas Lights Are Awesome!

December 21, 2011

Good morning.  It's looking a bit gray outside my window this morning.  I have a few errands to do today, so I'm hoping that any rain might hold off for a few hours.  Yesterday turned out to be such a lovely day.  Tootsie and I went out for a "photo ride" and to deliver a Christmas present to the Neurology team at the hospital.  Here's a photo of the sky above my house as Tootsie and I were on our way out.

After dark, one of the lady dwarfs went with me to shoot photos of Christmas lights.  Some of the decorations around town are just awesome.  My favorites are the ones with multi colored lights. and unusual decorations.  These photos were both taken at the same house. 

I have more photos, but I will save some for tomorrow.  This morning, I have to go shopping for a rug for a bedroom in the main house, and possible some blinds for my windows.   Also, my grandson wants me to take him food shopping.  Later, Janet will be here for supper so I want to cook us a nice meal.   A busy day ahead!

I slipped and fell this morning in the pantry.  Thank goodness I didn't hit Tootsie on my way down.  I don't know why this happens, but I've been this way since I was a teenager.   I get no warning, just plop!  The good part is that I was home when it happened, and that it doesn't happen very often.

I remember a Christmas many years ago.  Michael and I and some friends were out celebrating in a rather fancy restaurant in Boston.  After you entered the dining room, there was a step down to the main floor.  On our way out, after a meal and a drink, I went to step up on to the step and my legs gave out.  I fell flat on my face.  It was very embarrassing because everyone thought I was drunk.  Oh well!

That's all the memories for today.  Now it's time to give Tootsie her morning meds and start my day.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Oh, What A Fun Night I Had!!

December 20, 2011

Gosh, I've been up for hours, playing on my laptop and watching the shopping channel.  I guess my nap yesterday was too good, because I wasn't able to sleep past 3 am this morning.  It's 6:35 a,m, and it;s not daylight yet.  I liked it better when daylight started around 5 a.m.

Last evening I was flying on cloud nine.  The photo that I took of my yellow rose yesterday morning was published on Patriot Ledger.com.  (our local newspaper)  Let me tell you, my grin wrapped around my whole face!!  The little buds won't be blooming because they look a bit frozen, but my rose is absolutely gorgeous!  I think it delights me so because I have never seen one bloom before in my part of the country at this late date.

I think the cold temperatures are getting to it though.  I'm not sure if I should pick it and bring it in, or leave it and see how long it can last.  This was yesterday's photo.

Last night I also worked on my photo class lessons.  Sad to say, I was not able to work with camera raw in Photoshop.  For some reason that part of the program does not work and I will have to contact Adobe to find out what the problem is.  The fun lesson was making bokeh.  I photographed the lights on the Christmas tree, and made some really pretty papers and textures.  I'll share those with you later in the week.

The photo on the bottom left corner of the layout was especially fun.  I singled out one of the ornaments and placed it on top of a bokeh background. 

Fortunately, it doesn't take very much to make me happy, so my evening was quite enjoyable.  Except for the camera raw part (which I will learn eventually), I got carried away with learning new things.

Here's an interesting photo that I took on my way home from work one morning.  I try to get a shot of the birds when they are flying in a huge flock, but I'm usually driving when that happens.  This shot was taken while I was sitting a red traffic light.

While I've been sitting here writing, daylight occurred.  Amazing, one minute it's very dark outside, then in a few minutes daylight happens.  I think maybe it's time to make a cup of coffee, and think about cooking up some breakfast.  Hmmm, I wonder if I have a green pepper in the fridge. 

That's all the news for this morning.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Parts 5 & 6 Of "Home For The Holidays"

December 19, 2011

It's 5:35 a.m, and I'm beginning to wilt pretty badly here.   I did have an opportunity to catch a few winks, but the winks just wouldn't come.   So I've been sitting here playing on my laptop.   I was working on the January collab kit, but my concentration isn't so good.   

As soon as Tootsie finishes her breakfast this morning, I do believe it will be nap time.   My poor little doggie, some days I feel so bad for her.  If I'm cold, she has to put on a sweatshirt.  If I'm tired, she has to take a nap too.   But she never complains.   As long as she's with me, she's a happy little camper.

On my way to work at night, I would love to stop and take photos of the Christmas lights along the way, but I don't usually have the time.  I'll try to get out one night this week and snap a few photos.  In one yard that I pass there is an adorable display of a deer family.  It's made from logs, and decorated with wreaths, bows and lights.  Last night, I pulled over to the side of the road and got this shot.  Isn't this gorgeous?

It's almost time to start packing up my things here, so I'll post the last two parts of "Home For The Holidays".   Su and I hope you enjoy this kit.  We had such fun designing it. 

Here are your download links:

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When you have finished,  stop by Su's blog and pick up her last two parts.  Don't forget to take a moment to stop and say thank you.   Here is Su's preview.

My battery is dinging at me, telling me to plug in to an outlet or shut down.  We're not allowed to plug our laptops in so this is all for now.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

This Kind Of Snow I Can Handle!

December 18, 2011

The sun hasn't decided yet whether or not it wants to shine on my little part of the world.  The weather is still trying to decide what to do about the snow I think.  Yesterday afternoon, we had seven or eight snowflakes that fell in my yard but they melted before they hit the ground.  Then during the night, there was maybe a handful or two of flakes that fell.  Gosh folks, I can did this kind of snow!

Here's a photo of the snow that was on my car this morning.  As soon as I opened and shut the door, it all disappeared.   (sorry for the blur)

I also got a nice photo of the sky at 6:50 a.m.  It sort of looks like it can't quite decide whether or not to snow some more or move away so the sun could shine.  Either way, it was quite pretty.

Yesterday, I got a lot done.  My last little package went out in the mail, I went to the store and picked up some food and a gift certificate.  I ordered one last gift from the shopping channel, and wrapped another gift.  Now I only have a couple of gifts left to wrap and a fruit basket to make.   I'll only be cooking Christmas dinner this year for myself and Tootsie.  All of the dwarfs will be spending time with their families on Christmas day.

I have to work Christmas Eve and Christmas night, so I will be looking forward to a nice quiet day with Tootsie.  There will be visits from my children who live nearby, and phone calls from the ones who live out of the state.  So all in all, it will be a nice Holiday.

My beautiful little yellow rose is still blossoming outside our kitchen window.  I realize that with this cold weather it probably won't live much longer, but I sure do love seeing it there.  I just went outside to get my newspaper and take a new photo of my rose, and six or eight snowflakes wafted down from the heavens and then the sun came out.  Folks, you just gotta love New England!

That's all the news for this morning.  I want to finish up another photo class assignment before it's nap time.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Oh No!! Are We Really Getting Snow??

December 17, 2011

Good morning.  I don't see any sunshine yet, so I guess maybe that bit I heard about some snow just might have some truth to it.  It's time to put the weather channel on and see what that has to say.

It's crunch time for shopping and mailing.  The last batch of things that I had ordered came in yesterday so today I'll try to get the last little package in the mail today.  Early this week coming, I want to pick up the last two gifts and make my fruit basket.  Tootsie and I also want to deliver a gift she has for the Neurology Staff at the hospital.

UPDATE:  The weatherman says we have a 30% chance of snow today and tonight with daytime temps around 42 degrees F.  I guess I can live with that.  I'm not really looking forward to a white Christmas.  It was wonderful when I was a kid, but us older folks aren't so crazy about it anymore.

How about some birdie photos?   These were taken yesterday at work.  Mind you, they are taken through the glass windows on the patio door.   I dare say, the windows need a good scrubbing, but some of the photos came out pretty good. 

I have more cute photos but I'll save them for tomorrow.    Right now, I want to rustle up some breakfast for myself and Tootsie.  Then I will need to get hopping.  I'd like to have all my errands done early so that I can squeeze in a nap later this afternoon.

I will leave you with an update photo of my beautiful yellow rose.  I am so amazed with this little flower.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Gift From My Secret Santa Friend

December 16, 2011

It's a gorgeous sunny morning here in New England, and it's not very cold.  Actually, I think it's supposed to be around 50 degrees F today.  I can definitely handle this! 

This won't be a very long post because I'm at work and the Mrs will be waking soon.  Yesterday,  the mail lady brought me another package.  This one was from my Secret Santa friend.  Oh my, what a beautiful quilted table topper my Secret Santa friend made for me.  There was also a cute Santa ornament for my tree.  I was so anxious to see what was in the box that I forgot to photograph everything while they were still wrapped. 

After I took this photo, I moved things around a bit under my tree and placed the table topper there.  It really makes my tree look very festive.  Then I spent a couple of hours visiting the rest of the blogs that were taking part in the fun, and I do believe I figured out who my Secret Santa friend is.  I want to thank you Melinda for my wonderful gifts.  Your stitching is just beautiful.

Now I must get busy here.  It's time to start breakfast for the Mrs.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Only Ten More Days Till Christmas

December 15, 2011

Good morning.  It's rather gray and windy outside my window.  I want to go out later and take a new photo of my yellow rose.  The fact that it is still blooming amazes me so I'm trying to keep a little photo journal of it.  

I just went outside to get this photo, and to my surprise it is raining very lightly.  Of course, this could change to a downpour at any time.  Not only is my little rose still blooming, but there is another one not far from it trying to blossom in time for Christmas.  And Christmas, by the way, is only ten days away.

Today, I want to check out a free program called "Extract Now" that Hummie recommends.  Sometimes I download a lot of files, and this program will open all of them in a super fast time.  This in turn would save me a lot of time. 

Right now, though, I have laundry waiting for me plus a small stack of scatter rugs.  Because Tootsie doesn't pee on them every day, I'm thinking that she does it on the days she is most uncomfortable.  So I have a shelving unit in the laundry room with lots of scatter rugs on it.

One morning last weekend I took another photo of the morning mist in the field across the street from work.  This time though, I took a wider shot. 

Now it's time to get started on the laundry.  Before you know it, it will be lunch time.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas!

December 14, 2011

Good afternoon.  (Tootsie and I had a "sleep in" this morning.)   I don't see the sun yet, but it is still nice out.  Last night, I finally got our Christmas tree up.  So now, it's officially Christmas in my little spot in the world. 

After I took this photo, I went out into the main part of the house and took a photo of the tree that the dwarfs put up in the den.   Everyone here is getting the Holiday spirit.

The mail lady just delivered some more prints that I had ordered.  Once I get these framed and hung on the wall, I will take photos of how they look.   I had the photo of the turkey vulture enlarged and wow, it looks great!  For the new year, I will have to make a concerted effort to find new places to take photos of nature. 

Today, I still have a couple of things left to wrap, and then there's that vacuum cleaner giving me the eye.  There's a little robotic dust mop that goes around and picks up dirt and dust off the floor.  I wonder if there will be a robotic vacuum cleaner coming out soon.  I will have to look into that.   The small amount of effort it takes to push the vacuum back and forth around the rooms takes my breath away, so I tend to give that chore to the cleaning girl.  My only problem is that she doesn't come around often because her after school activities take up a lot of her time.  Not to worry though, the dust isn't going anywhere.

I'm off now to make some lunch for myself and Tootsie.  She has been waiting patiently while I crop photos and post on my blog.   Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Gosh, I Just Love Santa Claus!

December 13, 2011

This morning, we have fabulous sunshine and no wind.  I looked out the kitchen window and noticed that while the water in the bird bath is frozen, the yellow rose is still looking beautiful.  I call this a gift, and I'm grateful for it.  I took a photo because the nights have been cold, and it may not last much longer.

I've been busy clearing the card table of all the wrapping stuff so that I can get my tree up.  I taped up the last Christmas box to go out, and labeled it.  Later today, I will make my last trip to the post office to mail out boxes.  All I have left to do is pick up a gift certificate, make up a fruit basket and decide on a gift for my friend at work. 

A couple of days ago, I had a nice long chat with Santa Claus.  Gosh, I just love this man!  I was telling him that I'm thinking of getting a new net book (I gave my other one to my daughter when her laptop crashed).  It would be very handy for me to take back and forth to work, and for when I travel.  I love my laptop, but it does get heavy carrying it everywhere.

A few hours later, he showed up at my door with the cutest little 11.6" laptop, and told me to try it out.  If I like it, it's mine.  And if I don't like it he has someone else on his list to give it to.  Wow, this thing is so much lighter than my laptop.  Even though the screen is smaller, it's still big enough to work in Photoshop.    Now all I have to do is play with it for a bit to see if I want it.  DUH!  Is there any doubt?   Santa, you surely know how to put a big smile on this gal's face.!

My little Tootsie hasn't been doing so great in the walking department.  So every third day or so, I give her a larger dose of prednisone to help her walk.  The effects of the disease are beginning to take quite a toll on her.  It's been six years now,  and so far we have been able to ward off the worst of the bad effects.  But now they are catching up and she is slowing down a lot.

 I would put rugs everywhere, even in the kitchen to make her walking easier but she would just go around and roll all of them up into balls.  For some reason, she finds it more comfortable to lie on them when they are scrunched up into fuzzy lumps.  Here is a photo of her taken during the summer when she was having a good day.  Isn't she just precious? 

I'm taking her to Florida again this winter.  The warm weather there will feel good on her achy little bones.  (Mine too!)   All my time with her is a gift to cherish.  There are no guarantees on tomorrows.

Now I need to get back to setting up the tree.  I'm determined to get it finished today.  lol.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a marvelous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Oh, What A Glorious Moon!!

December 12, 2011

Good morning.  Sorry for no post yesterday, but by the time I had a chance to sit and type, it was time for an afternoon nap.  I get side tracked quite easily these days.  Yesterday morning, I decided to set up my tree before I posted here on my blog.  Well, I moved a box off the table I'm doing my wrapping on, then I spotted another box of stuff.  So I decided to go through the stuff in that box and then get rid of the box.

On my way to the trash bin, I spotted something on the kitchen counter (I don't even remember what it was now), and my attention was averted to that area.  While at the kitchen counter, I dropped a plastic bowl.  This reminded me to go through all the plastic containers and lids and match them all up.  Once they were all matched, I decided to give most of them to the dwarfs.

This done, I next cleaned out the area in the pantry where the containers are stored.  By now, it was well after lunch time so I made something to eat for myself and Tootsie.  It was already 2 p.m, so I decided the blog would have to wait and Tootsie and I went in for a nap. 

Before I left for work last night, my daughter Deanne called to see if I had noticed how big and bright the moon was.  Naturally, I had to stop a couple of times on the way to work to take some pictures.  The naked eye could see a lot of detail on the moon, but the camera did not pick it up.  This moon was just so bright!  These photos are straight from the camera.  I only cropped them to fit here.

This morning, I have Parts 3 & 4 of  "Home For The Holidays" for you.   Have you ever noticed how our different styles of design (mine and Su's) fit so well together.  Once we have decided on a theme and color pallette, we put together our part of the kit without knowing what the other is making.  Yet, when we post all the parts everything fits together so well.  Here is my preview and link.

Here are your download links:  
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When you have finished downloading, be sure to visit Su's blog and pick up her parts.  Do take a moment to stop and say thank you.  Here is Su's preview.

Now I want to finish taping up my last box for the mail.  I saved these last three boxes because they do not have so far to go.  Then it's back to clearing away all the wrapping stuff so that I can set up my tree.  That's all the news for this morning.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.