JUST BETH.................

What a Contrast!

2011-04-03T11:37:00.000-05:00

Such craziness....last Saturday we had snow blowing like crazy and ended up with almost five inches stuck to all the trees and so forth. Of course by late Sunday it was all gone. Not a trace! This weekend, we've had beautiful weather and today it's supposed to be around 80 degrees.....only in the wonderful midwest!!!!!

2011-03-29T09:34:00.000-05:00

Hello....I'm back! Where have I been? I don't know, life gets in the way. But I'm back to blogging. Yes, this little boy has grown quite a bit since you last saw him. He's going on ten months, crawling and getting into everything. He's such a joy! I'm glad it's getting to be warmer weather so we can take him out and about. Can't wait to take him to the "big" park to feed the geese. He's gonna love it.

2010-06-17T14:57:00.002-05:00

I am very proud of myself today.....I finally used my cuttlebug that was purchased about 1 1/2 years ago. Yes, it's amazing....I know! I actually got it out of the box it came in a few weeks ago and purchased some new diecuts and I cut out letters and the cutest little feet and flip flops today. The little feet "slip" right into the flip flops! Just perfect for my "Destin" book. I've been procrastinating about getting it started long enough and started the first page today. Once I get going, I'll be fine. I leave you today with a pic of my gorgeous tabby, Taz (Tazmanian Devil).

"It is in their eyes, that their magic resides."

2010-06-16T16:44:00.007-05:00

Spent the day out weeding in my garden and cleaning up a few things since there's an everchanging landscape out there. It was a beautiful day outside, pretty hot, but humidity was low and a cool breeze to help keep me going. Got almost everything done I wanted to. Have to put a bench back together that fell apart this spring, but had to charge the power drill. That's tomorrow's project outside. Everything looks so cleaned up and beautiful. Here's some pics I have to share!

What a gorgeous melon color this daylily has.....so delicate looking.

My beautiful, over-taking coneflower. Yes, it's natural to this area, but it's getting carried away this year. I actually had to tear some out. I love taking profile pics of this flower and I also caught a bee on it. He was busy working his way from bloom to bloom.

And the best for last....my favorite of all-time. Just love the brightness of this bloom. It certainly puts on quite a show.

Johnathan Andrew

2010-06-15T15:39:00.004-05:00

Introducing Johnathan Andrew.....June 11, 11:40 pm ~ 6 lbs 10 oz and 18 1/2 inches long. He's a tiny one and doing very well. It was a long day, thought he would never arrive.....but made his appearance just before midnight.

2010-06-09T12:26:00.005-05:00

Here are some of the beautiful flowers I have blooming right now.....just love daylily's! Should be out there "weeding" right now...weeds, weeds everywhere. Why do the weeds grow at an amazingly faster rate than the flowers?
Chrissy (my son's girlfriend) is being admitted tomorrow evening to be induced on Friday for the baby...so you'll know where I will be. There will be lots of pics to come. His name will be Johnathan Andrew, John for short which is a family name for us. At first she was going to spell it Jonathan, but felt John wouldn't work then. Alot of people think spelling it Johnathan is not correct, but I've seen plenty spelled that way......! My mom, Jonel (who is named after the family name) is estatic about having a grandson "named after her"! Oops, make that great grandma....I'm the grandma! Whoopee!

2010-06-01T09:33:00.004-05:00

This is my favorite ever picture of my husband. I just love it. Who would know he's 58.....looks like a young stud!! LOL

And this would have to be be my second all-time fav pic of my husband. You don't catch him being silly like this too often.....at least in front of a camera!

A great time was had by all in Destin, Florida this year. We had wonderful weather, the ocean was beautiful (no oil) and great family time. No baby arrived while we were gone, which I was happy of. But we still have no baby......anyday now!

Goodbye Bike ~ For now.....

2010-05-09T16:15:00.002-05:00

Well, this is a two-post day it seems.....! Tried riding my bike today for the first time since knee surgery. That is my "outside" bike. Didn't work. Everytime my left knee bent I went ooowwwww! Then started to fall off. Needless to say I parked it under the carport where it might stay until I give it away. Don't know if I'll ever be able to ride it again. Very frustrating since I was looking forward to possibly hitting some good bike trails with Ken this spring up near Grafton. Had high hopes! Those shattered today......I'll have to stay inside and ride my incumbant bike and look at the walls! Grrrrrr.........

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T14:11:00.009-05:00

The real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men - from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Happy Mother's Day to the best mother in the world!

Destin, Here We Come

2010-05-08T11:37:00.004-05:00

Now all I'm thinking of is I am gonna be in Destin a week from today.....sunshine and ocean, here I come! We are going with my mom, dad, sister and brother-in-law and it's going to be a very special time of sharing. While there we'll celebrate Mother's Day and my mom's 73rd birthday; since we are arriving later than usual this year. The last three years we've been in Florida on her actual birthday...this year plans changed because of a wedding scheduled this weekend.

So looking forward to a warm sunny week of shopping, sharing and spending time together on the beach covered with beautiful white sand looking out over the blue-green waters. I so dream of living near this beach.....! Hopefully that dream will be visualized in four years or so. I want to live out the rest of my life near what I consider to be one of God's greatest creations...that beautiful and awesome ocean!

Card Making

2010-04-30T19:33:00.006-05:00

Went to my friend Deb's the other night for another "all-nighter"....we didn't get alot of cards done, but made some really cute ones. This one below took quite some time to do, since the tassle is handmade from embroidery thread. Ken and I have a granddaughter graduating from eighth grade and I made it for her. We were so excited for the way it turned out. Cute as a button....don't you think?

Just love these colors together....

Using Deb's new stampin up butterfly punch.

2010-04-27T12:08:00.005-05:00

My pics of the day are from my garden....here's what's blooming right now. I just love, love, love this photo. This is such an endearing flower....the columbine. It's official name is Aquilegia (a-kwil-lee-gee-uh). Somehow, whenever I'm around these flowers, I just expect to see a little fairy floating around! :-)

Purple Columbine

Pink Columbine.

Yellow bearded Iris!

Dianthus.....such a cute & happy looking little flower!

Hanging Out In Cemeteries

2010-04-22T20:21:00.002-05:00

Today I met my dad and stepmom in Staunton, Illinois and went to the cemetery there to find some graves of ancestors. Here is my dad and I with the stone of my Great-grandparents Adolph and Emma Hefer. We found quite a few others and also visited the cemetery in Mt. Olive where some others are buried. Got lots of good pics for my scrapbook. Also visited and met relatives I've never met before...always fun!

Scrappin' at Deb's

2010-04-20T15:43:00.008-05:00

Scrapping at Deb's.....favorite times......! This is Michelle, there was four of us this time scrapping the night away. Actually we all made cards to get "stocked" up! And celebrated my birthday too, and watched a 20 inning Cardinal game (which they lost). So we had a busy evening and a late evening, got home around 1:30 in the morning. Loved every minute of it, too!!!

My BFF, Deb......this is where it all takes place.....

Nel.....

Just love this little penguin.

So cute....the card's not bad either!

How cute is this little guy?

Wisteria.....

2010-04-16T09:32:00.003-05:00

Every spring I drive by this house and wish I had this in my yard.....! Absolutely beautiful, and wish you could smell it....awwwwww! It's all down there fence by the road, so I had to stop and take pics this year. I'm gonna get one of theses plants...gotta have it!

Curly Girl

2010-04-07T15:08:00.003-05:00

Check out http://www.curlygirldesign.com/ for some of the cutest darn notecards, magnet and gifts. She is now designing pendant necklace's also. Great, great site.

Healthly Dining Finder

2010-04-06T12:55:00.002-05:00

From www.healthlydiningfinder.com -From our Hamburgers and World Famous Fries® to our Premium Salads, McDonald's® is committed to serving wholesome, great-tasting foods made from quality ingredients. To help you create meal combinations that meet your nutritional needs and satisfy your taste buds, McDonald's menu features a variety of choices and sizes, with more on-the-go solutions to increase fruit, vegetable and low-fat dairy intake for both adults and kids. In fact, the foods we advertise to kids meet the criteria outlined by the Council of Better Business Bureau's Food Pledge program.
As part of our 30-year legacy of providing nutrition information, today McDonald's makes nutrition information easily accessible via in-restaurant brochures, select product packaging, trayliners, our toll-free telephone number (1-800-244-6227) and most recently, mobile devices. For more information, visit the nutrition section on www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the participating 10,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald's U.S. restaurants.

Awwwww.....spring is here!

2010-04-05T14:30:00.010-05:00

The windows open.......

....St. Louis Cardinals on TV, and they are winning top of the 8th....and "my" Pujols just hit #2 homerun.....

...and barefoot out in the yard walking around enjoying spring! It's beautiful here today!!

Little Miss Robin....hunting worms!

Mr. Starling was very upset with me, because I was by the birdfeeder and keeping him away......scat!!!

2010-04-02T14:23:00.002-05:00

Made a trip to our local scrapbook store the other day and picked out my new paper for our Destin trip this year. It's Bo Bunny..........really awesome and so many embellishments to match. I haven't decided yet whether it's gonna be 8 x 8 or 12 x 12. I've done both in the past and really love them both.....so decisions....decisions! The exciting part is, I'm finally getting my sister involved in making her own of our trip....I've been trying to get her into scrapbooking for so long....I'm very happy!

2010-03-30T12:43:00.001-05:00

Forgot to put a picture of our new "Grandpuppy" on here for all to see! Isn't he adorable? He belongs to Dalton and Dawson.

2010-03-30T11:30:00.002-05:00

Hello beautiful day! Warm....sunny....I can handle this weather.

I've been making cards, cards, cards....thanks to some scrapping time at my friend, Deb's. Having fun with the easel card and card-in-a-card.

Making a trip to Scrapbook Factory today....they are now carrying Magnolia stamps. My friend, Pam at www.expressionswithheart.wordpress.com uses them on her cards and they are so sweet and cute. I need some!!!!! Love to all...enjoy this beautiful day the Lord hath made!

Molly Update

2010-03-23T12:55:00.002-05:00

http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox Oh, and P.S. ........no new owlets yet, have you been following?

2010-03-23T12:23:00.003-05:00

Well, just got back from seeing my ortho doc.....well, how many ways can you say discouraging! He asked how my knee was and I told him wonderful...much better than last year. He said to me, "I hate to rain on your parade...but"; now is that any way to greet your patient? Hmmmm, I hate to rain on your parade? Then we looked at the photos taken during surgery and I saw firsthand what he meant....yes, bad deterioration since last surgery. So apparently, he had no good answer....just it could feel great for six weeks, six months, six years. The only thing I can do is do everything in my power to keep the cartilage there healthy (weight loss, green tea, berries and such) and time will tell. Then we're looking at discussing partial or total knee replacement. But I do thank God for the knee I have....many people don't have that! So I'm greatful for that. and..... A new bionic knee....we can rebuild! And no returning to work just yet.....follow-up in two weeks.
I did want to end this entry on a wonderful note....spring is showing up in so many ways today! Here are some pictures I took outside yesterday in our yard. Today it's beautiful and sunny, supposed to get in the low 70's.....spring, I love you! That can only mean birds, warmer weather, more flowers, green leaves on trees, rejuvenation at it's best. Come on summer....I'm ready for you!

2010-03-22T10:54:00.002-05:00

http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox Good morning everyone. A friend shared this live video stream with me of Molly in her owl box with her little baby. You can go here and watch her live......it's quite fascinating! Be sure and check it out. Have a wonderful Monday, and thanks, again, for sharing Carla. www.carla-memoriesofmine.blogspot.com

2010-03-21T17:11:00.000-05:00

Correction on Keith Yazzie Jay's website....you can see his work at... http://www.truebluejewelry.com/Keith-Yazzie-Jay_c142.htm

2010-03-21T16:44:00.015-05:00

After visiting my friend, Pam's, blog yesterday....I found a new and different style of card to make. Following the link I found the directions to make "easel" cards. This was my "rough draft" and is just an example to follow. They are really fun and challenging to make. You can visit her blog at www.expressionswithheart.wordpress.com and see her examples too. Hers are beautiful and she is an "expert" at using and blending her colors with copic markers. Those are on my "wish" list.

Here is my "real" card.....I was very happy with the finished product. I know exactly who I'll give it to!

Today Ken and I headed to Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville, Illinois. It is the largest prehistoric Indian site north of Mexico. It covers about 4000 acres and includes at least 120 mounds. It is designated as a World Heritage Site for its significance in the prehistory of North America. This weekend they held their Spring Indian Market Days in which people of Indian heritage come from all over to show and sell their crafts.

Some of the "arrowhead" point arrows for sale.

Unfortunetly is was rainy today and we were unable to go outside, but here's a view of a couple of the smaller mounds from inside the museum.

There I am!

Ken looking at some of the exhibit depicting their life in the mounds.

What their diet consisted of....corn was a big part.

Tools of the trade.

The next few images are of artifacts found during the digs.....just a little insight into who the Cahokia Indians were.

Beautiful work on tile depicting the Indian woman's role in the tribe.

This is the work of Keith Yazzie Jay, a navajo from Colorado. You can check his work out at http://www.keithyazziejay.nativeart.net/ You will be glad you took a look!

2010-03-20T12:59:00.002-05:00

Knee is feeling totally awesome today, will be going to the doctor on Tuesday for my first check-up post-surgery! I expect to get great news....think that beach-walkin' is gonna work afterall!
Going to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site tomorrow for their Spring Indian Market Days. I expect to post some good pictures tomorrow of our "expedition". Have a great Saturday!

2010-03-19T13:17:00.002-05:00

Jordan and Chrissie and what will be the newest addition to our family. Not sure if it's a boy or girl yet, but just so the baby's healthy.

2010-03-16T18:32:00.002-05:00

Today was a great day....had knee surgery last Thursday, and after several days of being on crutches and pain medication, I'm off the meds and crutches. Still taking it slow and making sure to keep my knee really straight when walking, but feels good.
After feeding Ken a steady diet of chicken and fish over the last few months, I finally broke down and made him a meatloaf today. Even put jalopeno's in there for him. Yum! I want to share my special recipe for sauce for the meatloaf, you will love it. Ole' family recipe! LOL

1/4 cup ketchup
2 T. brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Mix together and spread over meatloaf the last 1/2 hour of cooking. I usually double this recipe. It's nice to have extra for dipping.

Enjoy!

2010-03-06T20:02:00.006-06:00

Just finished this Amy Butler "sling bag" for my sister for Christmas......just a little late. Better late than never, right sis?

2010-02-05T13:54:00.005-06:00

Eve, she's a little hard to get to sit still to get her picture taken.....she has DADD - that's Doggie Attention Deficit Disorder!

Buddy, he's a fourteen year old golden retriever, can't get around much these days, but he's a happy dog.

Alphastamp Giveaway

2009-12-26T07:50:00.002-06:00

Go to www.alphastamps.com for the great giveaway!

Letter From Jesus about Christmas

2009-12-06T12:49:00.000-06:00

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

Important Information on Mammograms

2009-11-25T12:51:00.002-06:00

Being the mammographer that I am, I would like to share some information about the new announcement on screening guidelines that was shared with me. Please read, it is very important to your life.
On Monday, November 16, the U.S.Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced a change to their mammography screening guidelines. Specifically, their new quidelines recommend screening mammograms every 2 years from age 50-74 versus their old guidelines which recommended screening mammograms every 1-2 years starting at age 40. The USPSTF is an independent panel of doctors and scientists in primary care and prevention that systematically reviews the evidence of effectiveness and develops recommendations for clinical preventive services. The Tast Force reports up through the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) and to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Since the announcement, many parties have issued statements, reiterated guidelines and have commented in the press that they are not in support of these new guidelines. Here are some more relevant statements with key parts highlighted in red.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Statement issued by Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on November 18, 2009 and the USPSTF reports into the HHS....."There is no question that the USPSTF have caused a great deal of confusion and worry among women and their families across this country. I want to address that confusion head on. The USPSTF is an outside independent panel of doctors and scientists who make recommendations. They do not set federal policy and they don't determine what sevices are covered by the federal government. The Task Force has presented some new evidence for consideration but out policies remain unchanged. Indeed, I would be very surprised if any private insurance company changed it's mammography coverage decisions as a result of this action." What is clear is that there is a great need for more evidence, more research and more scientific innovation to help women prevent, detect, and fight breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. My message to women is simple. Mammograms have always been an important life-saving tool in the fight against breast cancer and they still are today. Keep doing what you have been doing for years...talk to your doctor about your individual history, ask questions, and make the decision that is right for you."
American College of Radiology - Statement issued on November 16, 2009..."If cost-cutting USPSTF mammography recommendations are adopted as policy, two decades of decline in breast cancer mortality could be reversed and countless American women may die needlessly from breast cancer each year. The recommendations - created by a federal government-funded committee with no medical imaging representation - would advise against regular mammography screening for women 40-49 years of age, provide mammograms only every other year for women between 50 and 74, and stop all breast cancer screening in women over 74. These unfounded recommendations ignore the valid scientific data and place a great many women at risk of dying unnecessarily from a disease that we have made significant headway against over the past 20 years. These new recommendations seem to reflect a conscious decision to ration care. If Medicare and private insurers adopt these incredibly flawed USPSTF recommendations as a rationale for refusing women coverage of these life-saving exams, it could have deadly effects for American women. The USPSTF recommendations are a step backward and represent a significant harm to women's health. At least 40% of the lives saved by mammographic screening are of women aged 40-49.
American Cancer Society - Statement issued by Chief Medical Director Otis Brawley on November 16, 2009...."The American Cancer Society continues to recommend annual screening using mammography and clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40. Our experts make this recommendation having reviewed virtually all the same data reviewed by the USPSTF, but also additional data that the USPSTF did not consider. When recommendations are based on judgments about the balance of risks and benefits, reasonable experts can look at the same data and reach different conclusions. We specifically noted that the overall effectiveness of mammography increases with increasing age, but the limitations do not change the fact that breast cancer screening using mammography starting at age 40 saves lives. As someone who has long been a critic of those overstating the benefits of screening, I use these words advisedly: this is one screening test I recommend unequivocally, and would recommend to any woman 40 and over, be she a patient, a stranger or a family member. With it's new recommendations, the USPSTF is essentially telling women that mammography at age 40 to 49 saves lives: just nost enough of them. The task force says screening women in their 40s would reduce their risk of death from breast cancer by 15%, just as it does for women in their 50s. But because women in their 40s are at lower risk of the disease than women 50 and above, the USPSTF says the actual number of lives saved is not enough to recommend widespread screening. The most recent data show us that approximately 17% of breast cancer deaths occured in women who were diagnosed in their 40s and 22% occurred in women diagnosed in their 50s. Breast cancer is a serious health problem facing adult women, and mammography is part of our solution beginning at age 40 for average risk women. And as scientists work to make mammography even more effective, the American Cancer Society's medical staff and volunteer experts overwhelmingly believe the benefits of screening women aged 40 - 49 outweigh it's limitations.
As a mammographer, I've seen many women 49 and under who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.....and most of their lives have been saved by early detection because of mammography. Please take all this into consideration when making a decision about your mammogram.

2009-09-24T20:09:00.003-05:00

Wow, has it been a long time. I seemed to have become a little involved in Facebook. Have been neglecting my blog.
While following a few blogs, I ran across Inky Impression's...and wanted to share. There is a link on my sidebar to follow. I love her stamps!
We will be heading to Branson in a couple of weeks and I will have to share some fall pics from there...also heading to the Strange Folk Art Festival in our area this weekend. I'm sure I'll also have some to share from that experience.

Awwwww.......baby robin!

2009-07-02T17:15:00.004-05:00

They don't have their "red breast" at first. But they could fly without much tail feathers!!!

Butterfly House - Chesterfield, Missouri

2009-07-02T15:17:00.021-05:00

Sunday we made a trip over to the butterfly house in Chesterfield. Was a beautiful day outside...the humidity was finally gone. But inside the butterfly house was another story....hot and very humid, had sweat rolling down my back. But oh how beautiful were the butterflies and flowers......quiet made up for it. Enjoy the pics.

My parents.

Not sure what exotic plant this was, but it's beautiful.

The Lunar Moth...the only moth in the butterfly house.

Hissing cockroaches.....very large as you can see by the relation to them and the orange. Don't want any of these at home!!!!!

The native butterfly garden out back.

Back view of the butterfly house.

I just love this picture....looks like the flowers are reaching up to the sun!

Happy Birthday Dad

2009-07-02T15:14:00.003-05:00

We celebrated Dad's birthday on June 27, 2009....one day after the actual day! Happy Birthday!!

Winterset, Iowa

2009-06-15T13:56:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to add a note to the blog addition below....Winterset, Iowa is probably one of the prettiest and neatest and quaint little towns I've ever visited. We drove around and every little home was impeccable and neat. A wonderful place to visit and see all the sights!

The "Duke"

2009-06-15T13:06:00.012-05:00

Okay, all you John Wayne fans get ready......

Here are pics from John Wayne's birthplace, Winterset Iowa. There is a picture in the home of him and his dog, Duke. We were told that's how he became known as "Duke". When workers in a place he used to walk by saw him, they didn't know his name, only the dog's, so they starting calling the dog (which was large), big Duke and John Wayne little Duke. John Wayne liked that name, instead of Marion; so he adopted the name for his own. That's why he was called Duke most of his life.

JOHN WAYNE....the mere mention of his name produces images of courage and patriotism. His life story began in this small central Iowa town of Winterset. He was born Marion Robert Morrison, the son of Clyde and Mary Brown Morrison and weighed a whopping 13 lbs! His father was a pharmacist and John Wayne described his father as "the kindest, most patient man I ever knew." His mother, Mary, was of Irish descent, and the Duke said "she was a tiny, vivacious red-headed bundle of energy." John Wayne actually set out to be a lawyer, playing football in college....but we know life takes mysterious turns, and the rest is history, they say.....!

Here it is......the Duke's house! All four rooms! Step back in time and picture the life of a young midwestern boy and his family near the turn of the 20th century. It's been restored to reflect its appearance in 1907, the year of Duke's birth. I wasn't able to take any pictures in the house, but it is filled with memorabilia! So much to look at and absorb. The memorablia includes unique items as the eye-patch worn in the movie True Grit, a hat worn in Rio Lobo, and a prop suitcase used in the film Stagecoach. Hundreds of rare photographs of the Duke are on display as well as letters from Lucille Ball, Gene Autry, Maureen O'Hara, Jimmy Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan and George Burns. There is also the bib-style shirt worn by him in North to Alaska, two pair of pants and a leather vest which were worn in various television appearances during the late 60's and 70's....the list just goes on and on. Awesome stuff!!

Dad and JoAnn in the back of his house. Since it's opening, the childhood home of John Wayne has been visited by many celebrities and dignitaries. (Now that includes us...hehehe) On November 3, 1984, President Ronald Reagan commented during his visit that the Birthplace of John Wayne is an inspiring tribute to a good friend and a great American.

In May of 2007, Ethan Wayne and more than 30 members of the John Wayne family journeyed to Winterset to join in the celebrations surrounding the actor's 100th birthday. Among the weekend's highlights was the presentation by the Wayne family of a magnificent, larger-than-life bronze of John Wayne by sculptor David Manuel. This statue is in the museum and gift shop.

Pictures of the "public square" in downtown Winterset. One of these buildings house the pharmacy where John's Wayne's dad worked as a pharmacist when they lived here.

We visited a couple of covered bridges during our visit to Winterset. This town was basically where they filmed "Bridges of Madison County" with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. There was so much we wanted to accomplish on our trip we couldn't see all the places of the movie. Directed by Clint Eastwood, produced by Eastwood and Kathleen Kennedy, and associate produced by Tom Rooker and Michael Maurer, it is the visual representation of two people coming to terms with their own lives through each other. The film is a narrative about love and choices and consequence. "The Bridges of Madison County" was made on location in Madison County, Iowa. A reconstructed farm house provided the key set, with additional sequences shot in the towns of Winterset and Adel, along with the actual Roseman and Holliwell covered bridges. Locations were coordinated with the full cooperation of the Iowa Film Commission, Winterset and Adel Chambers of Commerce, and the Madison County Covered Bridge Preservation Society. This is the Holliwell Bridge, built in 1880 and located over the Middle River southeast of Winterset, and is the longest bridge, measuring 122 feet. It was renovated in 1995 for $225,000.

Another view at the bridge.

Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge greets visitors as they enter Winterset City Park. Built in 1871 , it is 79 feet long. Originally over the North River near Bevington, it was moved to its present location in 1970. It was renovated in 1997 for $35,000.

2009-06-10T20:34:00.016-05:00

Our first stop on our Iowa trip was to Marceline, Missouri, Walt Disney's hometown where he spent his formative years. He moved here when he was five years old and was 11 when he left Marceline. But here is "Where the Magic Began".
Walt returned to Marceline many times throughout his life with fond memories of his boyhood. Once he addressed thousands of residents and said, "My best memories are the years that I spent here in Marceline. You children are lucky to live here".
Ensuring that the world never forgets....Walt Disney was a simple farm boy from Marceline who grew up to become the keeper of childhood magic.

The Walt Disney Hometown museum is the recipient of a unique collection of family effects, never seen elsewhere in the world. Personal belongings and artifacts from Disney family members, hundreds of personal letters written between family members and interpretive exhibits that focus on the Disney family and tell the story of Walt's childhood, family and friends are some of the things you will see in this museum. You'll even see his actual school desk that he sat in in grade school with his initials engraved into the top of the wood.

I took this picture before I knew that you weren't allowed to take pictures inside the museum. Oh well, at least I have one! This little car has been restored into it's original condition and there are more still to be restored.....these were a collection of the only "ride" from Disneyland ever to be disassembled and reassembled in the town of Marceline for all the children at that time to enjoy. A gift from Walt.

The main street in Marceline was the model for Main Street USA that Walt designed for Disneyland. He came back to the town quite a few times, unknown to the residents at the time, to make drawings and help with his memories.

Dad and JoAnn outside the Uptown Theatre.

Walt's original dreaming tree, which was hit by lightening quite a few years ago.

The new tree planted to replace the original tree. The "little dreaming tree".

The barn behind his home where Walt and his sister Ruth played in and he put on little plays for the neighborhood kids.

Walt Disney's home as a boy.

2009-06-09T08:54:00.011-05:00

We had a storm yesterday evening that went through, and a tornado touched down about three miles from our house in this neighborhood off Lebanon Avenue and Greenmount Rd. It also touched down outside of Mascoutah, IL. These are pictures I took of the damage in the area of Greenmount Rd. We could not get into the subdivision where it touched down, but these are pictures we got from the road as we drove by. We were driving very slow by here because they were still cleaning up debrees off Lebanon Avenue in the roadway.

Debrees being stacked out front.

Channel Four "copter".

All the light poles in this parking lot were either leaning or c ompletely broke off like this one.

Huge sign completely bent over.

Very pretty sun after the storm.

2009-06-08T12:47:00.015-05:00

These are pictures of Seymour, Iowa, where we went to on a recent trip up north. My G-G-G-G-grandparents on my father's side settled here from England in the 1800's. I had information on them and wanted to see the town and where they were buried in the local cemetery. We didn't find their original home, don't know where it was. But certainly would enjoy going back and spending more time in the area and take more time to go through the library info and find other local information on my family. I did get copies of their obituaries from the Seymour Library.

This is the cemetery where they are buried in Seymour, Iowa.

Samuel and Sarah Webb, my G-G-G-G-grandparents that came over from England in the 1800's and eventually settled here in Seymour, Iowa.

On down the road, outside of Adair, Iowa, we stopped at this historical site.

Me, standing at the marker of the "First train robbery in the West" that involved the notorious Jesse James....just outside of Adair, Iowa.

A part of the original tracks.

We visited Jesse James' home in St. Joseph's Missouri.

Dad and JoAnn on the backporch of Jesse James' home.

Picture of Jesse James' living room.

Jesse James was straightening a picture on the wall when Bob Ford shot him in the back of the head. You can see the bullet hold in the wall (gold frame) where it went through his head and into the wall.

Picture of Jesse James in casket; there's a small tie pin that was found in the chest area when he was exhumed for DNA testing.

2009-05-12T17:53:00.015-05:00

We visited the historic town of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. All the historic homes you see face a natural perfectly round lake. It was a very cute little town with lots of fun history.

The Hotel Defuniak.....we ate lunch at a little restaurant inside here called Bogey's. It still functions as a hotel.

My dad said he learned to drive in a car just like this one.........wow he's old!

The Little Big Store.....just like the old-fashion general store. They had everything you could imagine from "way-back-when".....lye soap, parafin lips, clove gum, horehound candy....the list goes on!

The Magnolia Tree, such a stately tree with such beautiful blooms.

A cute little Methodist Church and a huge magnolia tree to the right.

Is this not the coolest thing? A fountain out front of your home. Next pic is of the saying that's above the fountain. Awesome.....

This is a beauty!

Saved my favorite for last........I just love this house!!

2009-05-11T20:15:00.006-05:00

Just got back from our Destin, Florida trip. Will be sharing photos with you over the next few days. This is a beautiful sunset in Destin. Breathtaking!!

Check out the website.....

2009-04-01T12:45:00.001-05:00

Okay, you crafters, you have to check out Ball's website.....they have all sorts of ideas of things to do with ball jars!

And they're made in America!!!

2009-04-01T12:12:00.008-05:00

Finally got my scrapbook room painted. Since my all time favorite color is lime green and I wanted a cheery place to scrap, I chose "Chopped Chive" in Valspar paint for my room. If you've ever used Valspar from Lowe's, it is the best paint. I just love the coverage you get from it. Yes, it's bright! But I love how it turned out! Also, I keep my ribbons in mason jars (ball jars as some call them). They are new ones, but my sister has a "love affair" with ball jars and I found this interesting article on the history of mason jars...and wanted to share! Used for canning pickles and sipping iced tea, these wide-mouthed jars have been kitchen mainstays very since the Ball Corporation began producing them in 1884. Even now, the company continues to make 585,000 mason jars each day.
1858 - John Mason invents the first canning jar with a screw top; his patent expires in 1879, opening the world to competition.
1884 - Brothers Frank, Edmund, George, Lucius and William form Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing in New York State and start making mason jars. The company moves to Indiana three years later.
1909 - The first Ball Blue Book, a primer on home canning, is published. (An updated version can be purchased at www.freshpreserving.com.)
1918 - The Ball brothers bequeath a small college in Muncie to the state of Indiana; the school is later renamed Ball State University.
1933 - The Ball Company does not lay off a single employee during the Great Depression.
1972 - After 88 years as a family-owned business, Ball goes public.
2009 - The Ball mason jar celebrates its 125th anniversary. An exhibit, Can It! 125 Years of the ball Jar, can be viewed through August 23 at the Minnetrista Culteral Center in Muncie, Indiana. Visit www.minnetrista.net for details.
Now how cool is that?

This was a frame I bought in the clearance isle at Hobby Lobby for $1.60 and covered in paper and embellished. It's a picture of my sister and I in Indiana at the an orthopedic hospital where our mom had gotten a hip replacement. We bought our matching t'shirts at Cracker Barrel and wore them into our mom's room...she got quite a kick of out it! If you can't read them well, they say "Mom Likes Me Best"! LOL

Hi, Tinkerbell....she always has to be the center of attention!

My DH bought the table for me at Big Lots for $45.00 and then we got the 24" chair to go with it. It's just the perfect heighth. I love it.

Somewhere over the rainbow......

2009-03-24T18:36:00.003-05:00

It's rained here all day, but around 6:30 this evening the sun came out and being the scrapbooker I am with my camera always handy, I ran outside and behold...a beautiful rainbow!

2009-03-24T17:09:00.001-05:00

Beautiful new WTA ATC I received yesterday from Melissa Huber. How sweet!

2009-03-23T14:42:00.002-05:00

Wanted to share a new picture of my son, James, and his girlfriend, Jessica. The hospital I work for offered a free picture taking session with a free framed 8 x 10 and a CD with all the pics on it. So I let them get their picture taken since they didn't have a professional one together. Turned out quite nice.

Thought for the day....

2009-03-23T13:58:00.000-05:00

When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?"
- Sydney J. Harris

2009-03-17T14:40:00.001-05:00

Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer. ~Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

SIGNS OF SPRING

2009-03-17T14:29:00.004-05:00

Starting to look like spring and feel like it too outside. Yes, there's and end to this coldness!!!! Here's one of my trustworthy daffodils.

Hyacinth...and oooohh the wonderful scent!

Butterfly Bush

2009-03-15T11:16:00.000-05:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

2009-03-15T10:54:00.010-05:00

Spent the afternoon in Alton, Illinois on Friday. Had heard about Fast Eddie's Bon Air for years, but never had eaten there. Quite good and cheap. Was originally owned and started in 1921 by Anheuser Busch. Food is the same price as it was 15 years ago. 99 cent hamburgers and fries, Big Elwood on a stick, which is steak and green pepper shish-k-bobs for $2.99, Chick on a Stick, Pork K-bobs and peel-n-eat shrimp, 29 cents each and they're huge and oh so good!! On weekends standing room only is at a minimum here.
Was second day without crutches, so was good to be out "walking" around and did very well. Was a little sore and tired by the end of the trip, but great exercise! Getting better every day.

I just love primitive!!!

These stone walls run up and down almost every road in historic downtown Alton and many homes are made of the stone....it is natural to the area. Someone has set a stone rabbit on top.....just love it!

Okay, they're not kidding here......LOL.....that would be the mighty Mississippi in the background. It can look quite serene on a clear, nice day! Don't let the look fool you, it can be quite mighty at times!

Found this in the cemetery.....fascinating....this old tree has engulfed some of the old stone fence that runs alongside the road.

Beautiful statuary in a cemetery.

Love the clock in this church steeple.

All the stone homes in Alton just intrigue me.....I love stone houses! And here's a stone church steeple.

2009-03-11T13:11:00.000-05:00

Hope is the companion of power, and mother of success; for who so hopes strongly has within him the gift of miracles.
- Samuel Smiles

2009-03-07T17:03:00.001-06:00

I can't change the direction of the wind. But I can adjust my sails.

2009-03-07T16:57:00.001-06:00

A beautiful ATC received yesterday for the WTA from Teri Chinen. Gorgeous colors....

2009-03-06T19:04:00.004-06:00

Was such a beautiful evening, daytime temp was 74 today, I couldn't resist going out and sitting on the deck in the springlike, cool evening air. Here are a few pics of the wonderful sky I viewed. What a beautiful moon!

Another view of the moon.

Tree off our deck with almost invisible star left side.

The tree of our deck.

2009-03-06T08:45:00.001-06:00

Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties. --Erich Fromm

Vintage Ledger Swap

2009-03-06T08:20:00.007-06:00

The Vintage Ledger Swap Atc's arrived! The theme was to have some vintage ledger paper as the background. They are just beautiful! This one is from Barbara Dunford; lovely colors with some "bling" (gotta love it) and a cute pink flower up in the corner.

This is Heather Bloom's and has a cute little vintage button at the top with a little "bling" on the heart. You know I love that bling! It also has a metal corner at the top and german scrap along the bottom.

April Dudko's with a copy of actual vintage paper from a Philadelphia mechants Ledger date 1862 in the background! I just love the garter fastener...very cool.

Here is Janet Cassady's...the flash didn't do it justice. It's awesome and what a cute saying.

Another wonderul ATC from Teri Chinen, hostess of the swap. It's titled "The Big One". Such a cute little boy image with a metal crown and german scrap along the left side.

Here is Kris Dickinson's "Captain of Industry"....love those dunce caps! They add such a whimsical look to any ATC.

2009-03-04T08:06:00.001-06:00

And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. - Abraham Lincoln

2009-03-03T09:36:00.003-06:00

Sharing some information today of a friend of mine's website. I used to work with Andy at Sears and became good friends; he's a wonderful christian man. He moved to Florida and married Gail, seen here in the picture. He was diagnosed with cancer recently and has gone through some rough surgeries and now radiation and then chemo when his wrist heals from where they took the graft for his tongue. He did have lymph node involvement and the borders didn't turn out "clean" after surgery. So he has a long road ahead of him. His friends, family and God continue to be his strength through all of this. Please keep my friend Andy in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you! Visit him at www.mylifeline.org/andyweisenborn/
"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph" -- Thomas Paine

Happy 18th Birthday, again, Dad!

2009-03-01T10:30:00.001-06:00

Yes, my dad was born in a leap year.....he's a big 'ol 18 years old. Yesteday or today, whichever you like, is is non-birthday! Happy Birthday, Dad!!

2009-03-01T10:25:00.000-06:00

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." --Mahatma Gandhi

2009-02-26T10:55:00.002-06:00

Just blogging right now about me....went to the doctor yesterday, ten day follow-up from knee surgery and I still have to be on crutches for another two weeks. But I can put more weight on it and take a few steps without here and there; so at least that'll help with my arm pain! I HATE CRUTCHES! Never had to be on them before, never had the fun!!! Thanks for listening.....

More wonderful creations....

2009-02-24T21:49:00.004-06:00

Another "WTA" ATC arrived yesterday from Alice Hyde....so gorgeous!!

These are from Pam Sparks for a personal trade we did between ourselves. She's a wonderful stamper....just beautiful work.

Getting to Know You....

2009-02-23T11:39:00.003-06:00

Everything that I have done is in bold..
1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played tennis in a statewide tournament.
4. Been to the San Diego Zoo
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland and Disney world (only Disney World)
8. Held a praying mantis
9. Climbed a mountain (small one in Southern Illinois)
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped (wouldn't ever, either)
12. Visited Paris (would love to)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill (Sorry Sears!)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagra Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Met siblings you never knew you had.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person
39. Visited Hershey, PA
40. Been to a Renaissance faire (First time last summer in St. Louis)
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen a bald eagle in the wild (In Alton and Wisconsin)
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant/ in the drive thru
44. Visited Africa (Would love to do this too)
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Toured the Norfolk Broads
47. Have your portrait painted
48. Gone to the place where the Mighty Mississippi begins
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Touched a manatee
52. Walked in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (Do home movies count?)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Rode an elephant
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited the site of a prisoner of war Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Walked the Freedom Trail
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy/book
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Panned for gold
81. Watched the Macy's Thanksgiving day Parade in person as an adult
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Road on a trolley in San Francisco
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Been to Mardi Grais
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (Had two)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Beautiful "eye candy"

2009-02-23T10:03:00.005-06:00

I won!....Yeah....WTA in my ATC group. That means I get some wonderful ATC's sent to me.....here is a beautiful card from April Dudko...will keep you posted as they come in...

"At the Opera" by Laura Carson

"Lady Iris" by Laura Carson

Do not forget where we came from....

2009-02-22T08:58:00.003-06:00

Here is my great-great-great grandmother and grandfather.....Sarah Rodgers Webb and Samuel Webb Sr. They are surrounded by their children..from left to right...Ernest, Mary Jane, Herbert, Sam Jr., Alfred (bottom), Harry, John and Matilda. Samuel Webb Sr. was born in Warwickshire, England, best known for the birthplace of William Shakespeare and Sarah was born in Bilston, Staffordshire, England. Bilston is a town in the West Midlands regions of Staffordshire. They are buried in the family plot in Seymour, Iowa.

Left bottom corner is Sam, Jr....my great-great grandfather on my paternal grandmother's side. He was born in Yorkshire, England in 1863. Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in Great Britain. Surrounding him are his five brothers.

2009-02-21T13:15:00.002-06:00

Found a new website to try out, thanks to my wonderful friend, Deb! It's www.wordle.net Check it out and you will be addicted. You can make some wonderful "word clouds" to frame or use in scrapbooking....awesome!

Aprons

2009-02-19T11:17:00.004-06:00

Here are some fun apron images and some interesting facts about aprons. It sure brings back memories of childhood...my grandmother always wore one in the kitchen. People just don't use them anymore like the 'ol days...and kids these days don't know what aprons are!
The principal use of grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.
It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.
From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs.
When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids!
And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.
Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.
From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.
In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.
It will be a long time before someone invents somthing that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.
They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron!!!

2009-02-16T12:59:00.012-06:00

Here is two of six ATC's I've made for a "vintage ledger background" 6/6 swap that I've done for my Vintage Photo ATC group. They are quite the chick magnets, aren't they?

Here are two of six "Bingo Beauties" that will go out in a 6/6 swap for the Vintage Photo ATC group that I'm in. They were to have a bingo card background. Can't show you anymore, don't want to ruin the surprise!

Look at these two cute "bottle bugs" we purchased at an arts & craft fair we went to a couple of weekends ago. They'll both hang out in a small tree in my flower garden along with a red one purchased last fall from the same people.

You can go to her website at http://www.straycatart.com/ and check out her work. This summer we plan on an overnite trip to visit Galesburg and see all the sites.

Bought a new purse at the show.....isn't it cute? It'll be a great accessory to my favorite pair of jeans!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

2009-02-14T11:32:00.002-06:00

RAK.....random act of kindness. I got one of those this week at a time when Julia didn't even realize I needed it the most. Julia Ziemann sent me a RAK out of the blue for Valentine's Day and it arrived at a very wonderful time. The day before I had had my knee surgery and was feeling no pain but the next morning it all hit and I was a little "under the weather", crying (yes, I was a baby!) and having a difficult time....when what showed up in the mail, but a wonderful ATC for me sent by Julia. Did that ever uplift my spirits. And what a beautiful one it is. Thanks, Julia; just what I needed!

2009-02-09T16:26:00.000-06:00

Another fun ATC....give your imagination wings!

2009-02-09T12:02:00.006-06:00

Been on an ATC-making "binge" this weekend. I have a little time off, having knee surgery on Wednesday, so thought I would take advantage of some time and create at my desk. Here are a few of my newest.....

Saving the World One Bird at a Time

2009-02-02T12:14:00.004-06:00

Our backyard bird feeders can make a difference! Especially this time of the year. During periods of cold and severe winter weather, our birds will utilize them as the cricitial source of food that enables them to survive from day to day. I read about a 3-year study in Wisconsin that concluded that when temperatures fall below 10 degrees, Black-capped Chickadees (which happen to be my very favorite bird) have only a 37% survival rate as opposed to the much higher 69% survival rate for those able to utilize feeders. That's a substantial difference. And if chickadees are represenative of our other feeder birds, then our feeders can make a big difference in the number of birds that survive the winter.

Also, birds may burn up to 10% of their body weight in stored fat each night to stay warm...and this fat must be replaced every day. Be sure to keep your feeeds filled with the high-energy, high-fat foods that provide your birds with the crucial nutrition they need to survive. What would this world be without them. So get out there and feed those little birds!

2009-01-28T16:26:00.013-06:00

Winter has finally "shown it's colors" in the last couple of days! We had two fronts that moved through, dumping sleet and snow on us. There was no getting out of the driveway today in "Sally", so I stayed home and took advantage of the time to take some pics on throughout the yard. Hope you enjoy them....it was cold out there!! My little boy statue has a little snow cap on......

Thought this was pretty....my little victorian fence with it's shadow on the snow...

Rudbeckia in the winter...

One happy snowman......

My little garden fairie.....

2009-01-12T22:07:00.006-06:00

Here are some wonderful vintage images for sharing.....enjoy them. Beth

2009-01-07T19:47:00.002-06:00

Who can name this plant?............it's a peanut plant. Yes, I've learned some interesting things today at my allergist appointment. A peanut isn't really a "nut" afterall, it's actually from the legume family. It can cause quite the problem if you are allergic to them. And yes, I found out I am. After 50 years of living, I've developed an allergy to peanuts. Why? They cannot explain that; it's a mystery. But they will no longer be in my diet or any derivative thereof and I will have to carry an epi pen wherever I go now. And I can no longer indulge in my favorite snack, peanut M&M's.....and regular 'ol M&M's can never take their place! So now I will adjust my diet, pay special attention to ingredients in foods and move on. Oh well, I guess carrot sticks are healthier anyway!!

No more of these in my diet!!

Our Granddaughter, Dakota

2009-01-05T09:42:00.005-06:00

Christmas as seen through the eyes of a 17th month old.

Happy Birthday, Dawn

2009-01-03T15:42:00.002-06:00

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. ---Anatole France

Today I made a donation to Bernie Berlin for the wonderful care and love she puts into her beloved animals at her shelter, in honor of Dawn's birthday, our daughter-in-law. Everytime I'm on Bernie's blog, I always end up crying! Not only because of the animals condition when she gets them, but also for the love she has for them to sacrifice so much for their care, rehabilitation and finding them wonderful homes.

Please take some time to look at her website and her blog; there are links at the right that will take you right there. As I hold back tears just writing this, I just ask God to bless Bernie and her work and to make it possible for her to continue helping those who cannot help themselves. Thank you, from Beth and all her furbaby family of rescue kitties.

Jack Frost strikes again!

2009-01-01T21:00:00.003-06:00

Okay....so I was having a few friends over the other night and got the basket out for the chips to go in. Never leave a room with an open basket.......this is what I found when I got back! Well, on the other hand, I guess it was good the chips weren't in there yet!! Jack, what are we going to do with you?

Love this vintage postcard.....reminds me of Jack.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T19:12:00.003-06:00

I wish everyone a blessed new year!!! Beth

Christmas At Our House

2008-12-28T10:15:00.016-06:00

Merry Christmas from our house to yours.......

My sister, Barbara, played Santa Clause...

Christmas.....the kitties "present" is there on the left. A new condo!!

My cute little "grunge" tree complete with victorian ornaments and some of my santas I collect in the background.

Here's my little kitty...Jack Frost.....Frosty.....little snow bunny kitty....Jackster! Whatever he goes by, he loved all the wonderful "trimmings" that came along with the season! LOL

Who's taller.....Grandpa or the "13 year old grandson"?

Grandpa and some of the grandchildren.....Ashley, Dawson, Ken, Allyson and Dalton.

The Christmas kitty......Jack Frost! Jack loved the tree...as soon as it was up he spent the better part of Christmas in it's branches! Sometimes at higher altitudes than you see here!!

Joy

Love

Dream

Believe

Peace on Earth

A child is born

Joy to the world

This house believes!

My mom's Christmas shirt.....

Can't get anymore peaceful than this.....

Merry Christmas to all....and to all a good night!

2008-12-20T10:30:00.002-06:00

This was sent to me....wanted to share it with you.

As Lowe's the word
Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas;
it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty
Are the words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, or Kerry, on Clinton!
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate "Winter Break"
under your "Dream Tree"
Sipping your Starbucks listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,
not Happy Holiday!
Please all Christians join
together and wish everyone you meet
during the holidays a
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Christ is "The Reason" for the Christ-mas Season!!

2008-12-16T19:09:00.003-06:00

I have been MIA for sometime now.....so many things to do and now I have sinusitis on top of it. There's a beautiful light covering of "white stuff" outside on the ground, the fire's going in the house making it quite cozy......so I'm feeling a little nostalgic. Nothing says nostalgic like a vintage snowman postcard. I'm thinking of collecting some for my sister who's really into snowmen. She can display them around the house throughout the holidays and on into the winter season.

Frosty the snowman, was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the snowman, is a fairy tale they say
He was made out of snow,
But the children know how he came to life one day.
There must have been some magic in
that 'ol silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
he began to dance around.......

2008-12-06T10:16:00.002-06:00

Looking for a great gift.....look no further than your local bookstore. When I was at Barnes & Noble the other day, I had to pick up this wonderful book written by Billy & Ruth Graham....."This Christmas Night"....Reflections from Our Hearts to Your Home. What a wonderful book.....and reminds us all of the true meaning of Christmas.

Fun Turkey Trivia

2008-11-24T08:59:00.003-06:00

1. The first Thanksgiving celebration was in 1621.
2. The first turkey was domesticated in Mexico & Central America.
3. A female turkey is called a hen.
4. A male turkey is called a tom.
5. Benjamin Franklin lobbied to make the turkey the national symbol.
6. The sound a female turkey makes is cluck.
7. The sound the male turkey makes is gobble.
8. A mature turkey has about 3,500 feathers.
9. Minnesota produces the most turkeys annually.
10. Wild turkeys can run up to 25 mph.
11. The Wampanoag Tribe was the Native American Indian tribe that celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the colonists.
12. Wild turkeys can fly up to 55mph.
13. Approximately 90% of all American homes eat turkey on Thanksgiving.
14. Approximately 50% eat turkey on Christmas.
15. The skin that hangs from the turkeys neck is called the wattle.
16. Abraham Lincoln specified that Thanksgiving would land on the last Thursday of November.
17. Israel consumes the most turkey per year per capita.
18. The best way to defrost a turkey is in the regrigerator.

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action."
--W.J.Cameron

Thanksgiving Thought

2008-11-22T09:29:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. --Edward Sandford Martin

Recipe to share: Cranberry Jello Salad
1-6 oz. pkg. raspberry jello
2 cups boiling water
1-16 oz can whole cranberry sauce
1-20 oz can crushed pineapple, in juice
1-15 oz can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

Boil water in saucepan. In 9 x 13 glass dish, mix boiling water and jello. Stir until dissolved. Break up cranberry sauce and add to gelatin mixture. Stir until cranberry sauce is dissolved. Add pineapple with juice and drained oranges. Stir. Stir in nuts if desired and refrigerate until firm. Very yummy!

Oops!

2008-11-18T08:38:00.002-06:00

Misplaced a Halloween page....just found it! This beauty was done by Pat Blackwood-Condra. Love the vintage girls, the orange german scrap, the moon, etc.....just awesome!

Thought for the Day

2008-11-18T08:32:00.001-06:00

Remember....happiness is a way of travel...
.....not a destination.

Today is Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T10:24:00.003-06:00

Veteran's Day Tribute
When America had an urgent need
These Brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family:
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.

We salute each and everyone of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in graves.

So here's to our country's heroes;
They're a cut above the rest;
Let's give the honor that is due
To our country's very best.

By Joanna Fuchs - www.poemsource.com

Haunted House Book Swap

2008-11-10T20:48:00.030-06:00

The following are pages made in the "Haunted House Book Swap" organized by Heather Bloom in the Vintage Photo Images Group I'm in. They will be made into a book with rings to attach the pages and finished with a front and back cover created by me. I was totally blown away today when I received these pages in the mail. They are so creative.......such a talented bunch of ladies! This will be a one-of-a-kind book to be treasured for years to come. I just want to say thank you, Heather, for all the hard work you put into your page and organizing and carrying through with this swap. It was alot of hard work...and to all the ladies for all their wonderful pages. I will truly treasure this amazing work of art.
First page...and not in any particular order....was created by Carrie Rees.....

back of page.....

Created by Rosalie Ackerson.....

back of page......

Created by Carolyn Utter.....

back of page.....with one of my favorite sayings....Heebie Jeebies!

Created by Barbara Stapleton.....

back of page.....

Created by Heather Bloom.....our wonderful organizer of this project......

back of page.....

Created by Muriel Fulgione....

back of page.....

Created by Teri Chinen......

back of page....

Created by Heather Robinson.....

Created by April Dudko.....

back of page.....

Created by Vonda Roberts.....

back of page......

back page with door open.....

By JoAnne Balaz......you can see there's something attached at the top I could not scan....it's a skeleton as long as the page is tall! Awesome!

the back......

By Connie Anne Camp...

windows open....

Back page.....

This page was done by Laura Carson. The door opens up with her name and the saying...The 13th Hour, when anything can happen and things aren't always what they seem.

Page open.....

Page open with door open....she has skeletons in her closet!

The back.......

By yours truly....the front.....

Back....

"Little Witches"

2008-11-09T09:29:00.009-06:00

Received my latest swap in the mail....Little Witches, hosted by Teri Chinen. What a wonderful swap and so much fun. Wanted to share them with you.

Created by Muriel Fulgione.....love the colors and the cute witch image. The bat and the and Transylvania ephemera add a very nice touch!

Created by JoAnne Balaz.....love the background image and what it adds to the card. Cute little witch and black cat!

Created by Pat Blackwood-Condra.....a gothic arch too! Definetly too cute to spook, although I am scared to death of spiders....but yet, they fascinate me!

Created by April Dudko....cute and spooky! Love the collage work!

Created by Heather Bloom...always love "bingo" backgrounds.....and did you notice? The little doll has a hat just like her cute little "owner"!

Created by Carolyn Utter.....love the purple and green together and the black wings on the little witch.

Today's Hug

2008-11-05T12:55:00.007-06:00

I could go through this day oblivious to the miracles all around me, or I could tune in and "enjoy." -- Gloria Gaither

Each day God's handiwork is evident for all to see and experience. His miracles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so keep your eyes and your heart open. Be watchful, and you'll soon be amazed.

I love fall and all the beautiful colors....and I didn't even have to leave my yard for these wonderful pictures.....enjoy!

Where Is That Coffee Cup?

2008-11-03T09:44:00.002-06:00

Still laughing......someone sent this to me with funnies about "old age" and it so reminded me of myself! Is any one else "feelin' it"? Where did I set down that coffee cup, anyway? If you find it, please send me a note!! LOL

Today's Hug - The Value of Friendship

2008-11-01T10:48:00.003-05:00

As I head out to meet friends at Archiver's and scrap all evening together.....I'm reminded of how much my friends mean to me. I hope I always show that to them!

Love one another earnestly from a pure heart. - 1 Peter 1:22

Emily Dickinson spoke for friends everywhere when she wrote, "My friends are my estate." She understood that friends are among our most treasured possessions. But unlike a bank account or a stock certificate, the value of a true friendship is beyond measure.
So today celebrate the joys of building and preserving your personal estate of lifelong friends. Give thanks for the laughter, the loyalty, the sharing, and the trust. Remember what it means to aid an ally, to be a backer, or to console a comrade. When you do, you will have increased two personal fortunes at once!
I plan on letting each one of them know today how much their friendship means to me!

Harvest Home

2008-10-31T21:20:00.009-05:00

These are my "Harvest Home" ATC's I just received in the mail today in a 9/9 swap hosted by Alice. They are just wonderful! Each one is special.
They were all to be in a house shape but still within the ATC dimensions. This one is by William....wonderful colors, shading, layers and texture.

What can I say about this one.......so cute. Love those sparkly bat wings on the vintage little girl "witch". And real wire with a fuzzy little spider on the end. Yikes, I'm scared to death of spiders! This one's by Jan.

This card is really awesome....sorry, a little crooked on the scan. I just love the colors and the crow. And check out the real feather, which really adds interest...and more german scrap at the bottom. Made by Donna.

As always, a wonderful ATC from Pam. I have so many treasured cards from her in my collection. She does wonderful stamping and all those little die cuts add so much to her card.

This one is by Kris....just love it. So many little details. She used a couple different colors of german scrap and isn't the little owl cute? He has jewel eyes which don't show up so well on the scan.

A very cute card by Julia...wonderful vintage images!

Isn't this the cutest little witch? And the spider web and little black picket fence add so much. This was done by Carrie.....for a special treat, check out her blog at http://www.pinkadoo.blogspot.com/ You'll be glad you did!

And last, but not least, is Alice's card....our wonderful hostess. Such georgeous colors!

DAKOTA at fifteen months

2008-10-30T10:12:00.002-05:00

Wanted to share a couple new pics of our Granddaughter, Dakota. She is fifteen months old now. She wasn't into "picture taking" this time! Only wanted to be in Daddy's arms....but they are adorable. Of course, I'm a little biased!