Even Our Birds Are Patriotic!

January 31, 2012

Good morning, and say goodbye to January.  The sun is peeking in and out and the temperature is quite comfortable (45).  On top of that, I think I just might beat this cold.  At least I feel much better this morning.  I'd have been here sooner but I was looking for information about our local park, D.W. Fields Park. 

It was donated to the city of Brockton by Daniel Waldo Field many years ago, and spreads out over 700 acres.  There are many ponds and trails, and it is home to so many birds and water fowl.  One point of interest is the Observation Tower.  I've never actually gone in and climbed to the top, but one of these days I just might do that.  Here's a photo of the tower. 

Another note of interest is our patriotic birds' homes.  I just had to photograph this one on my way out of the park the other day. 

The mail lady brought Tootsie a package this morning.  Yeah!  Her new travel carrier finally arrived, and  I think it's going to work out just fine.  It could be a bit longer, but then it might not go under the seat on the plane.  There is not a lot of room to move things on the floor and by the seats on today's planes.  I put her in it for a few minutes, and even zipped it up to see if she had room to lay down.  Barely!  But it will have to do.  It will work out just fine for taking her out walking and to flea markets, etc.

It's almost noon, so I think I'll see about making some lunch.  I bought some roast beef so my Tootsie is in for a treat.  This is one of her favorites.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

A Very Special Young Man

January 30, 2012

Good afternoon.  Last night was not a good night for sleeping thanks to my cold, so this morning I stayed in bed late.  After getting up for Tootsie's meds, I went right back to bed.  The best thing I can say about this cold is that I was fortunate to be off from work this past week. 

Hopefully, later today I will feel better enough to make our air travel reservations.  Time is slipping by quickly and before you know it, we'll be packing a suitcase.  I'm hoping for lots of warm sunshine when we get to Florida.  Audrey will be there too, and it would be nice to go on a few photo shoots.

Today, I want to share a photo of someone very special.  He's my youngest grandson, and quite a wonderful young man.  He was born three months early and weighed in around two and a half pounds.  He spent his first few months in the hospital, and was "touch and go" for his first year or two.  But my oh my, look at him now!

Koolaid (his sports name) is very good at both football and baseball.  Wouldn't it be nice one day to see his photo right up there alongside the pros?  We're all very proud of this young man.  Who'd have thought that a teeny tiny two pound baby would grow up to be such a strong strapping young man?  And the best part?  He's a really nice person.

No rants today.  I'm going to take my little dog and head back to my bed.  I need to feel better by tomorrow night because it's back to work then.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Put My God, My Flag and My Holidays Back In My Country!

January 29, 2012

Imagine!  Only a couple more days left in January!  I have so many things to do, but the days are running out fast.  This past week, I haven't done much for designing.  This  cold has pretty much closed up my creative side.  I do have a freebie for you though, which I will post towards the end of the post. 

I read in the paper recently that there seems to be a possible move to require picture ID's in order to vote, at least in some states.  To be honest, I don't feel that goes quite far enough.  I don't see why anyone would object to needing a photo ID, at least if they were legal, and a citizen.  I think that to be eligible for this ID, you should have to show proof that you are a citizen of this country.  This would go a long way to keeping the polls honest.

My last experience at the polls during the last presidential election was one that left me not wanting to go back.  So many rules were broken.  When I asked why there were so many people in the little booth next to me, I was told "Everyone is allowed to take in all the help they need to make sure they are voting for the person they wanted to vote for." 

Folks, if you're a citizen you've at least learned how to read and write enough English to be able to vote.  After all, English in the international language.  If you cannot do these two things, then I don't believe that you belong in the voting booth. 

I also don't believe in "mail in" votes except for service men and women who are out of this country and invalids.  Again, these votes should also require the photo ID.  When I signed in to vote that last time, I noticed other names by my address.  A couple of them were people who had lived here in years past and were doing "mail in" votes.  Now, how wrong is that????  These were neither invalids, service people, or residents of our town! 

Short of sounding like an old fart, I want my God, my Christmas, my Easter, my Halloween and my Flag back in my community, it's schools and it's public places.  This country grew up on these things and we did a pretty good job until a few disgruntled nit wits came along and decided to take them all away from us. 

After listening to the Florida debates last night (only part of it), I see that I am not the only person in this great country of ours that feels this way.  That man just may get my vote for his beliefs alone.  We have put a few miserable examples of leaders in the Oval Office, so why not a man who believes in God and our values?

That's it for my ranting this morning.  I do believe this cold brings out the cranky side of me!  For my portrait photography class assignment, I also did a couple of portraits of my son in law, Eddie.  He has so many sides to his personality (like most of us do).  I took this first photo while he was chatting and laughing with us.

My favorite portrait is this next shot that shows the softer side of Eddie.  This photo tells me so much about who Eddie is.  I think I will frame this one.

So, how about that freebie?  I made three sets of 2012 calendar book marks quite a while ago for a store that I was thinking of joining, but changed my mind.  Instead, I will post them here for you one set a week.  I hope you can use them.  Here is Set One.

And here is your download link:

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That about wraps it up for this morning.  I am going to have my coffee, feed Miss Tootsie, and see about getting dressed.  There are some food items that we are needing, so I'm gearing up the courage to go shopping.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Gorgeous New Bird!!!

January 28, 2012

Good morning.  The sun is shining and it's quite nice outside.  Now if I could only get rid of this cold, this would be a super day.  I have been trying for a few days now to ward off an oncoming cold.  But I'm losing the battle.  Last night and this morning have been consumed by this nasty cold.  I do have the coughing under control, so that part is good. 

I will try to get out later today and breathe in a lot of fresh air.  That should either help me or do me in some more.  We'll see.  I would like to take a ride to the park to see if a special bird is still there.  Folks, the other day when I was at the park taking photos, there was a bird that caught my eye.  It was gorgeous, and quite different than any I had seen before. 

I took lots of photos of this special bird, and when I got home I searched through all my bird books to identify it, but I could not.  I sent a few shots to my friend Mary Ann to see if she could help, but she did not know what it was either.  Next, I sent an email with a couple of photos to the Wildlife Information Line to see if they could identify it.  First I will post a few photos of this beautiful bird, then I will post the reply from a member of the Wildlife Information Line.

Here is the reply from the Wildlife Information Line:

"Hi, it isn't surprising that you couldn't identify it.  It is a Muscovy Duck, but a domestic version.  Muscovies only occur in the wild south of Texas, and a wild version wouldn't look like this.  They have been bred for special features like the red bill, and are highly variable.  This guy originated in a farmyard or waterfowl collection.  Sincerely,"

Is this not wonderful?  No wonder I could not find this gorgeous bird in my bird books!  (excuse me, Duck!)  Wow, last year we had a Commorant, and this year a Muscovy Duck.  I wonder what will be next?

Now I think I had best feed my little Tootsie.  She's been quite patient, waiting for me to finish posting here, and every now and then she gives me a little sigh.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantabulous day. 

Hugs, Edna B.

Such A "Sassy" Little Dog!

January 27, 2012

Ick!  It's wet and gray outside today, and quite foggy in some spots.  The rain is light and is supposed to last all day.  BUT!!  Not to fear!  Mr. Weather Man says that tomorrow will be sunny again.  Actually, it looks like sunshine for a whole week with temps between 39 and 53.  For this, I can manage a little rain!

Yesterday, Tootsie and I went to the park for a photo shoot.  We met up with Dee Dee and Eddie and their little doggie, Sassy.  I'm not sure where the name "Sassy" came from, but this is one sparky little girl.  She doesn't care how big the other dog is, to her it's snack food!  And, believe it or not, she is only half the size of my Tootsie.

Because I have to work on Portrait photography for my newest assignment,  I took a lot of photos of Sassy.  This wasn't as easy as it sounds because she is constantly moving.  Here she is (with Eddie).

And here are my "portrait" shots of our Miss Sassy.  I tried to get the many expressions that make up her personality.

Isn't she just the cutest little thing?  Just don't reach out to pat her!!  You might need that hand later!

I took lots of photos of the birds too, but I will spread my photos out over a few days.  Actually, I took so many photos that I had to put a new card in my camera.  Sorting through these photos should keep me busy for quite a while.

Today, I had the oxygen concentrator and tanks taken out of my house.  I've been paying for them for a long time and only used them a few times, but the billing office has been billing me for quite some now for equipment I don't have.  I'm tired of arguing  with them every month, so now I'm finished with them.  If I need oxygen in the future, my doctor will just have to find another company.

They are showing the flooding in Texas on the TV.  Most of the state is still in a state of drought, while a few areas are under water.  It makes me wonder why no one has yet thought to build a water pipeline to carry excess water to other areas of the state.  Actually, this should be done throughout the country.  It would be a life saver in many places when the wild fires are burning.

Now I'm off to rustle up some lunch for Miss Tootsie and me.  (I know, poor English!)  Till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and dry, and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

I Just Love Polka Dots!

January 26, 2012

It's a pleasant sunny morning here in my little part of the world.  Tomorrow is supposed to 50 degrees, but it's going to rain all day so sayeth the weather man.  I can't complain though, because when the dry spells come in the summer, I'll be wishing for some of this rain. 

Yesterday Tootsie and I got a few errands done.  And, when my daughter in law got here, she and I made a trip to Costco.  It was time to stock up again on Tootsie's favorite treats, chicken jerky tenders.  Then after enjoying a supreme pizza for supper, we watched last week's episode of Project Runway All Stars.  The designers were instructed to make an outrageously beautiful dress for Miss Piggy. 

Wow, some of the designs were simply awesome.  We pick our favorite designs, and try to figure which one will be the judges' favorite.  My favorite color is orange, and I absolutely love polka dots.  So of course, my favorite was Rami's design.  It was white with pink and orange polka dots, and so perky and very feminine.  Alas, it did not win, but it was the runner up.  I got this shot off the internet, so it's not quite clear, but isn't this adorable?  Oh, to be young and thin again!!

Janet also brought me a lovely surprise yesterday.  She said she saw it  and it had my name all over it so she had to buy if for me.  It is all elements that I love - paper, fun pens and polka dots!

You know, mothers in law and daughters in law don't have the best reputation for getting along, but I have to tell you that my daughter in law is a keeper.  She is so smart and fun to be with, and she has a gorgeous smile.  Janet, I'm so lucky to have you in my family.

Eddie just called to say that he and Dee Dee would be here in a little while, so I think I had best get dressed before they get here.  Besides, I have a load of a laundry waiting to be done.  So till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

The Sky Is Gorgeous This Morning

January 25, 2012

Do you believe, there are only six more days left in January?  I'm not sure where it's all going, but it does bring us closer to Spring.  The sun is shining this morning, and it's not really cold.  It's 37 degrees, on it's way up to around 42 degrees.  Oooooh, I can dig this! 

When I was leaving work this morning, the sky was so pretty that I had to stop and take a few photos.  Have a look.  Is this not beautiful?

Yesterday, I finally got around to putting away the last of the Christmas things.  While I'm typing this, my eye catches the bow on the outside of the door.  I'll have to take that down and wrap it and put it away for next December.

I also finally opened the boxes of  Paperwhite bulbs and planted them.  It's a good thing I did not wait much longer because they were already starting to grow.  Let's see if I can grow these without causing them any bodily harm. 

This week will feel like being on vacation.  Because of swaps and fill ins, I'm off now until next Tuesday night.  If the weather stays decent, maybe Tootsie and I can go out on a couple of photo shoots at the park. 

I'm going to stop here.  Blogger is giving me a bad time.  Every time I stop typing for a few seconds, the page freezes up for almost a minute before I can type more.  So till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Boo Boo Kisses

January 24, 2012

The sun is shining and it's quite nice outside this morning.  This is supposed to be the warmest day of the week.  Even tonight should be in the 40's all through the night.  Oh my!  I can surely handle this kind of winter weather!

Even so, I am still looking forward to going to Florida for two weeks.  I'm just waiting for Tootsie's new carry on to get here.  Once I know that is all set, I can buy our plane tickets.  Thirty three more days and we're off to play for two weeks.  We'll be home in time to celebrate Spring. 

Now that brings up another cheerful subject.  It's almost time to be shopping for new flower bulbs and plants.   This is one chore that I absolutely love.  This year, we are going to try to put in some plants that will bloom in the shade.  There are some shady spots that could use some prettying up. 

Today I have a few more photos of special gifts to share with you.  This first one could make your dear hubby want to bang his finger with a hammer just to get a Boo Boo Kiss.  (some men would!)

This next one is one of my favorites.  You never know when there might be a water shortage.  These could really come in handy.

Dehydrated water is a very good item to keep on hand.  And just think of all the space you save.  No more cases of bottles taking up a lot of room.  Just think, with these capsules, you could slip a whole case of water in your purse and have it handy wherever you are.

Okay, I promise no more special gifts for a while.  I'll stick to photography, for now.  I'm not having any luck getting people to pose for portraits.  Maybe Eddie will be willing.  He'll be here shortly to finish the ceiling in my pantry.  I guess he'll be doing little swirls on it because I won't let him do any sanding.  Last time he sanded, it took me a long time to clean up all the dust.  So we won't go there again!

Now I think I should get going here and at least get dressed.  We might even get outdoors for a little while today.  I think Tootsie would like that.  So till tomorrow, Y'all have a really nice day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Extra Post - Parts 5 & 6 Of "Ladies Night Out"

January 23, 2012

My bad!  I was so busy having fun this morning that I forgot to post the last two parts of our January kit, Ladies Night Out.  Here are the previews and links.

Here are your download links:

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Here is Su's preview.   Don't forget to stop her blog and pick up her last two parts.  While you're there, please take a moment to say hello and thank you. 

I hope you enjoy the kit.  Thanks,

Hugs, Edna B.

Need A Special Gift For Someone?

January 23, 2012

Good morning.  Did anyone besides me see the snow this morning?  From around 3 am to 6 am?  I wonder how the weather man missed this!  The good part is that between the warm temps today and the rain today and tonight, most of the snow should disappear. 

We finally got our next lesson in the Photography class, and it is about portrait photography.  Now I just have to find some willing subjects to pose for me.  The Mrs let me take a couple photos of her as long as I promised not to post them here on the blog.  She has just had eye surgery and is not at her best.  Maybe one of the dwarfs will oblige me.  Maybe if I bribe them?

You know how it's difficult to buy gifts for some folks?  Well I found several places on line that sell absolutely fascinating gifts.  For example:  For your friends and family who are into taxidermy here is a wonderful wall plaque.

And for those folks on your gift list who enjoy music and love pickles, there is a yodeling pickle.  Isn't this just perfect?

And how about us nature lovers?  Even though I don't want the squirrels in my home, I do feed them.  I couldn't sleep at night knowing that they were hungry and freezing out there.  And a good way for them to start their day is with a steamy hot cup of coffee.  This mug is just perfect!  (I bet you don't have this mug in your collection, Nani!)

No, I haven't lost all of my marbles.  At least not quite!  It doesn't take much to amuse me, so it's been a fun and informative morning for me.  I found lots more unique gifts, but I'll save them for another day. 

I don't really have much news for today, so I think I'll have me a cup of coffee and think about maybe pushing the vacuum cleaner around for a bit.  The dust bunnies are starting to make demands so I think it's time to get rid of a few of them.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

It's Warming Up, Bye Bye Snow!

January 22, 2012

Good morning.  The sun is shining, and the temperature is working it's way up to 25, maybe even 30 degrees.  Beginning late tonight, the warmer temps will be coming back and we will enjoy a week of temps between 40 and 50 degrees.

Because we're getting a late start, Tootsie and I are having ham and cheese for brunch.  She obviously approves because there's hardly a sniff left on her plate.  She even ate all the dry kibbles that I put in with her food.  Even though I spoil her, I do get some dog food into her too.

We got a healthy dose of snow yesterday, at least another 5 or 6 inches depending on where you live.  It made for very slippery roads on the way to work last night.  This morning, however, the roads are much better thanks to the sanders.

I have a couple more photos that I took Friday morning.  This first one is of a gorgeous tree in the Mrs' back yard.  The second photo is a rhododendron bud poking through the snow.  To me, this shows hope that Spring is not too far off.

Yesterday afternoon, I was busy checking on what flights were available for our trip to Florida, what transportation was available to pick us up at the airport and return us there two weeks later, and which car rental place to use.  Tomorrow, I will secure our airline tickets, and then the vacation becomes real.  Just five more weeks.  Woo Hoo!

Today is the Law and Order SVU marathon on TV.  In a little while, Tootsie and I are going to snuggle up in our cozy little bed and watch a few re-runs of one of our favorite programs.  That's all for this morning.  Till tomorrow, Y'all keep warm and have a fantabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

A Star Is Gone

January 21, 2012

Good morning on this white, snowy morning.  I did go out and get a few photos, just in case some of you are missing the snow and don't have any of your own.  This first shot is the snow coming down in front of our huge pines.   The second photo is the top of the bird feeder, which we keep cleaning off so that it doesn't get too heavy.  Enjoy the snow.  It can't leave soon enough for me!  I will admit though, that it sure is pretty!

I heard on the radio yesterday,  that Ms. Etta James has died.  The woman is a musical icon, and was admitted to the music Hall of Fame.  What I found astonishing was that she was only 73 years old.  It seems I have loved her music forever, and always thought of her as being much older than me.  Surprise, surprise!   Here's a picture of her (from Google) taken in 1962 (I  believe for an album cover.)

One of my all time favorite songs is Etta's "At Last" which she recorded in 1961.  You can find it by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click on the second song on my music player.  Turn up your volume, sit back, close your eyes and savor this truly magnificent song.

The mail lady brought me a package yesterday.  Don't you just love getting packages?  Anyway, it was the new carry on bag that I had ordered on line.  It's perfect.  It's not too big, and it has plenty of room for my little laptop, my camera and my purse. 

I also ordered a new carry on for Tootsie.  Hopefully it will fit her nicely.  These two items will make air travel with Tootsie so much easier for me.  One carry on, Tootsie in her pull carrier (it has a handle and wheels) and one suit case which I can check at baggage.  It will eliminate the need to carry along her stroller.  Last year, I had quite the time trying to maneuver with everything that I had to carry and/or pull along.  This year things should be easier.

I also ordered and received my newest blog book.  Folks, if I live to 100+ years, and continue blogging, my kids will have to put a whole book shelf unit just to hold my blog books.  Here's shot of them on my bookshelf now.  I have 2008 through 2011.

Now I think I will see about rustling up some lunch for myself and Tootsie.  We had bacon and eggs for breakfast and Tootsie ate every last crumb on her plate!  So, till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Snow Everywhere, And More On The Way!

January 20, 2012

This will have to be a very short post.  I'm at work and the Mrs is waking.  We had several inches of snow during the night, and everywhere you look it's like a winter wonderland.  This morning, the sun is shining and will hopefully melt a lot the snow.  We have lots more coming tomorrow.  Oh goodie!

If anyone knows how to shut off the touchpad on netbooks, please let me know.  I use a mouse, and the touchpad makes it very difficult for me to type.  You cannot avoid hitting the pad when you type, and it sends the cursor all over the place and messing up what you have already typed.    If you can help, thank you.

While looking through some old photo albums, I came across a wonderful photo that was taken around 1980 I think.  From left to right is my son Gary, my daughter Dee Dee, a very young Eddie, and Uncle Moo. 

Today, Gary is a grandpa, and Dee & Eddie have raised to sets of children seventeen years apart. Is it any wonder that some days I feel just a tad bit old?  lol. 

I took a few photos of the snow, but they will have to wait.  It's time for me to give the Mrs her meds and get her breakfast ready.  So till tomorrorw, Y'all stay warm and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

The Critters Are Beginning To Annoy Me!

January 19, 2012

This morning, the sun is trying very hard to keep shining.  And, it's cold!  It's 16 degrees, and the weatherman says it will hit 34 degrees later today.  I must say, this is the craziest winter weather ever.  But, I'm not complaining because I'm enjoying all those 36 - 50 degree days.

We were supposed to hook up my new phones yesterday, but somehow we forgot.  Today this will have to be the number one chore for Eddie to do when he gets here.  I tried to do it last night, but cannot get at the little box where the phone has to be plugged in.  Maybe Eddie can move that little box into my living room.

I did find out what made my old phone stop working.  One of those critters that had gotten into my house had chewed the little phone line.  I saved it to show Eddie today.  I've been very good to those critters.  I feed them (in another part of my yard, of course) all through the winter so they won't starve or freeze.  So I'm not happy when they come in and chew my phone line.

I have to share something that a friend sent to me quite a while ago.  I'm not sure where she found it, but I think it's adorable.  It's a cell phone made especially for us seniors.  I doubt our children or their children would even know how to work it!

As promised, I do have a freebie for you today.  It's a collection of CU nature papers made with my own photos.  Here is Nature Trails Set 01.   I hope you can use them.

And here is your download link:
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Now it's time for me get dressed and get started on a few chores.  Like laundry, a tad bit of vacuuming, maybe hang some curtains, etc.  First, I need to give Tootsie her morning meds.  Already she has found a hiding spot.  Gosh, I love that kid!  Till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Busy Shopping!

January 18, 2012

Good morning.  This morning the sun is shining but it's still cold at the moment.  I think it's supposed to get up around 37 degrees this afternoon.   I may have to  go out to the post office later and it's not too cold to leave Tootsie in the car for a few minutes.  Of course, she'll be bundled up good in her shirt and jacket.  She does not like the cold either.

I've been busy shopping on the shopping channel this morning.  First, I looked around and found a bug zapper just like mine there.  If you're interested, it's item # H357066, $18.99, Power Bug Swatter/Zapper.  You can find it on QVC shopping channel.

They also have a Lithium Hand Held Garden Trimmer, 3.6V Lithium Ion, w/Hedge Blade.  This I can definitely use.  It's a lot smaller than my electric hedge trimmers, so I'll be able to trim the hedge outside my window by myself.

Yesterday, I did have a question about Tootsie's breed.  My little girl is a Chinese Crested Powder Puff.  Usually the Chinese Crested doesn't have body hair, but some puppies are born with hair and they are called Powder Puffs.  I got this photo from Google to show you a pair of Chinese Cresteds.  They are really beautiful doggies.

My Tootsie used to have all this wonderful hair, but because of all the chemo and prednisone, her hair is thinner and shorter and her tail is not so long and plumey.  But she is still absolutely beautiful!

Yesterday, we finally picked up the supplies for the ceiling in my pantry, and Eddie put it up.  Tomorrow, he'll come back and try to get it finished.  Already, my pantry looks so much better.  Thank you, Eddie.  What would I do without you?

I know I promised you a freebie, but I was busy and did not get it uploaded.  I will try to get it finished up tonight so that you can have it tomorrow.  Right now, it's time to get dressed and get started on my day.  Till tomorrow, Y'all stay warm and have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Surprise! Surprise! It Snowed A Bit!

January 17, 2012

That weatherman is such a miserable soul.  He promises us such a wonderful warm day, BUT it's going to rain off and on all day.  Now that's just not nice!  On top of that, I got up this morning to find everything outside covered with a light layer of snow.  That was a surprise.  Needless to say, I did not pay enough attention to the weather channel yesterday. 

The weather is not looking so good for my friends in Ohio either.   Even Texas is looking rather cool, although Florida at least will be warm.  My grandson is in Florida with his Dad, and was looking forward to some nice warm temperatures.

Eddie will be here shortly to take me shopping for some things for the house, so this will have to be a short post.  Hopefully, my headache will be gone.  I just took some Excedrin Migraine, which usually works pretty good. 

I have a photo to share that I took I took yesterday.  When my Tootsie isn't lying on top of her scrunched up blanket, she usually places a couple of her favorite toys on it.  This keeps them warm and safe when she isn't playing with them.  At least that's why I think she does it.  Here you see her little red bear and her yellow bottle ducky.  There's a plastic water bottle inside the ducky that makes a crinkly sound whenever you touch it.  When Tootsie was a puppy, she would spend hours chomping on empty plastic bottles to hear the sounds.

I will have another freebie for you in a couple of days.  I just have to get it packaged and uploaded.   Now it's time for me to get dressed.  Dee Dee will stay here with Tootsie while I'm shopping.  This will be a treat for Tootsie.  It's more fun for her to stay here in our little space with someone when I am out instead of having to stay out in the main part of the house.  So, till tomorrow, Y'all have a wonderful day and stay warm.

Hugs, Edna B.

ZAP! ZAP! Instant Fried Critter!

January 16, 2012

Good morning.  It was 7 degrees this morning when I left work to come home.  The good news is that it is already up to 10 degrees, and by  tonight it will be up to 31.  A definite heat wave on it's way in (for a few hours at least).  Tomorrow is supposed to hit 47 degrees.  Oh my, I will defintely have to get outdoors tomorrow. 

I have found a fantastic fly killer.  While cleaning out my bedroom, I came across my electric zapper.  I had forgotten all about it.  I put in two new batteries and went on a fly killing rampage.  We still have not found where these buggers are coming from, but I must say that there aren't so many of them left now.  Here's a shot of my fabulous weapon.

You see that little yellow button on the handle?  When you see a fly, you hold in that little button and swing the racket at the fly.  As soon as the fly hits the screen, ZAP!  Instant fried critter!!  Several years back, we had a similar fly problem, and Dee Dee and Eddie found a store that sold these lovely weapons.  Once I put it away though, I forgot all about it, until yesterday when I found it again.  I'm a much happier camper now.  Fewer flies, and I'm getting lots of exercise.

Is it me, or has anyone else noticed how big the stars are now?  On my way to work last night, there was one star so big and bright.  I suppose it could have been a planet, but I don't know of any that are visible to the eye just now.  When I got to work, I tried to take a photo of this star, but my hands were shaky because it was so cold.  All I got was a very bright squiggly curly que.  BUT!  The rest of the sky was filled with thousands of stars, and they showed up in my photo.

All those little white dots are the brighter stars.  If you click on the photo, it will get bigger and the stars will be easier to see.  The smaller stars don't usually show up clear in any of my photos, so I'm tickled pink with this shot.  Tonight is supposed to be warmer (31 degrees) so maybe I will go down by the school yard and try again.  That's if the stars are still as bright.

Today. Su and I are posting Parts 3 and 4 of our new kit, "Ladies Night Out".  Here's my preview and your download links.

Here are your download links.
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Don't forget to stop by Su's blog and pick up her two parts.  They are simply fabulous!    Here's a preview of what's waiting for you.  Take a moment to ssay hello and thank you while you are there.  Enjoy.

Now I'm off to watch NCIS.  It's a re-run, but it's one of my favorite shows so that's okay.  Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fabulous day.

Hugs, Edna B.

The Cold Weather Has Caught Up To Us

January 15, 2012

Brrrr!  It's cold here in my little part of New England.  Only 11 degrees F.  Winter temps have caught up to us.  When it's cold like this, the house just never seems to warm up.  But it will get better.  The weatherman is promising 31 degrees tomorrow.  Then 42 on Tuesday. 

I've been busy this morning trying to go through a lot of clothes.  It's amazing how we hang on to things even when they no longer fit us.  Who know?  We might lose weight and get back into them.  Keep dreaming kiddo!  If that happens, I'll treat myself to some new clothes.

I just turned on the electric fireplace.  Thank goodness for that little gem.  When my hands start getting cold, I know it's time to turn it on.   I should have turned it on earlier but I was so busy that I did not even notice the cold. 

Eddie is supposed to be coming by today to measure the pantry ceiling so that he can pick up whatever materials he needs to put in a new ceiling.  The old tiles that are up are looking pretty shabby and really need to be replaced.

I have some photos to share that I took at work Friday.   I know they could be better, but I'm shooting through windows that are in dire need of a good washing.  Come Spring, I'll see about washing a few of them myself.

Now I think I should get dressed.  Dee and Eddie will be here soon.  Stay warm folks, and till tommorow, Y'all have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Edna B.

Duplicate Card Readers On The Way!

January 14, 2012

It's 5:10 a.m. and very dark outside my window.  The temperature is 30 degrees and shooting for 31 degrees.  That doesn't sound right, does it?  Ah well, who am I to argue with the weatherman.  He says that tonight will get down to around 7 degrees.  I'm not so crazy about this part!

Yesterday, I searched online for prices on the lens that I might be asking Santa for next Christmas.  Oh my, sticker shock!!  Santa sent me an email that  read "Girl, this one's a biggie.  Have you given any thought to just renting it?"  (You just gotta love this guy!)

Well, yes I have.  In the past, whenever I wanted to try out a lens I would contact the "LensGiant" company.  I have rented for periods of three and four weeks.  When you're thinking of getting a lens that costs many many thousands of dollars, this is a great way to go.  Actually, you can rent most any lens.  It's easy, and the customer service is great.  Check them out.

Today's photos are ones that I took yesterday at work.  The clouds were putting on a spectacular show, and I just couldn't resist taking photos.

God's beauty is something I just never get tired of.  I just wish I had gotten into photography many years earlier.  Although with my busy schedule then, I probably wouldn't have had any time for it.  With a little help from above, I still have close to thirty more years to play with my camera.  Why not?  I'm always reading stories in the newspaper about other folks over 100 who still lead active lives.  Food for thought!

This morning, I went online to Comp USA, and order me a set of card readers.  One for my little laptop, and one to leave in my purse.  I feel so lost when I forget to take my little tekky toys with me wherever I go.  I also found another fabulous online store.  If you take a lot of photos with your cell phone, check out The PhotoJoJo Store.  They have some fascinating toys for Phonographers.

Last night I took one of the dwarfs food shopping.  While I was there, I took advantage of a great meat sale.  5 packages of meat for $25.00.  When I got home, I cooked up a scrumptious steak for Tootsie and me.  Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm!  For $5, we pigged out!!

Today, I'll be taking two dwarfs shopping at Walmart.  I still need to pick up a couple cases of spring water and more doggie dinners.  Oh, and I'd better not forget the fly spray!  We haven't found out where the darn things are coming from yet, so I'll just have to stay well armed.

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

Hugs, Edna B.

Oh No! Today Is Friday The 13th!

January 13, 2012

Good morning to you on this gorgeous sunny and warm morning. It was 37 degrees and working it's way up to 48 degrees on my way to work this morning.   Needless to say, I am just loving it!  It could only be better if I were home and able to go out to take some photos.

On my way out this morning, I forgot my flash drives and my media card reader, so I cannot post any of my photos here this morning.  Instead, I went online and found a couple of fantastic bird photos to show the kind of photos I am striving to take myself.  I got these at Funny Potato.com.

Aren't these photos great?   Can you hear me, Santa?  Maybe for next Christmas I could have a bigger lens?  Maybe a 400mm or a 500mm?  Please pretty please? 

The sky keeps filling up with amazing clouds, and in between typing I keep running outside for a moment to get a photo.  I will have to wait until I get home later to see if I got any good ones.  I think I will have to pick up an extra flash drive and media card reader to leave in my work bag.  That will solve my problem of forgetfulness.  I hope.

Now I have to get busy here making lunch for the Mrs. Till tomorrow, Y'all have a fantastic day.

Hugs, Edna B.