Otis ~

I found myself on my blog today mainly because I wanted to do a posting on Otis.  This summer, July 11, 2016 to be exact, our Otis crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.  Dear sweet Otis is no longer with us and we miss him so much.  He has been the most wonderful companion, loving pet, and he made us so happy. 

And now he has crossed over to be with his brother, Riley, where he is, I am sure, happy, pain free, and playing to his heart's content. That's how I see him.

These two boys have been a big part of our lives for many years and they will be in our hearts forever. 

Love you both always and miss you terribly. 

 Otis and Riley

'There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.'

To blog or not to blog

 

 

Hello my dear friends, I'm back.  I know....it's been awhile.  I have been trying to decide whether I want to continue blogging or not to blog at all.  Ever feel that way?  I don't have very many creative projects left to share anymore as I did when I first started back in 2007, but I still like to come here and read and browse and see what all has happened in the years past.  Time changes, our lives change.  We get older.  

 



You will probably find me from time to time putting my thoughts down here and to say hello.  Otis and I are doing well. 

 

Until then... 

 

Bringing those house plants inside for the winter.

Hello, my friends.  Do you do what I do and take your house plants outside for the summer and then bring them back inside for the winter?  Of course, I guess it depends on where you live.  I think my plants grow twice the size when they are outside in the fresh air and sunshine (or shade) all summer long.  Today I brought the last of them inside. 

Despite the fact that it's heading toward the end of October, there is still some summer lingering around the yard.  Flowers are blooming and  I even captured a butterfly on the black and blue salvia.  I always find it hard to let go of summer, but once it turns cold I find comfort in the warmth of our home, sitting by the fire, working on a puzzle or cozying up with a good book. 

 

Today was a good day for porch sitting and puttering in the garden.

 

Hope you are enjoying your day!

A copy cat bird house

I have always liked "MacKenzie-Childs" things.  While looking through the catalog the other day I saw these really cute bird houses.  Whimsical and fun!  The only problem is the bird house in the catalog costs $200.  Since this is a little more than I normally spend on a bird house, I had an idea to make my own.

I found a $6.00 wooden bird house at Hobby Lobby.  I started with three coats of white paint for the base and then using a ruler I figured out my black and white squares evenly the whole way around.  After that I added color, and to top it off, I hung a crystal on the bottom of the bird house for some bling!

 

And this is how mine turned out.  It's not exactly like the MacKenzie-Childs bird houses, but close enough for me! 

 

My copy cat bird house.

 

  

Summer

Henry James quoted...."Summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."  I tend to agree.  

Here is some summer inspiration that I found on Pinterest. 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy your summer!

 

The cancer rose.....

Three years ago I planted a Zephririne Drouhn climbing rose that I ordered from a mail order catalog.  It came in the mail right after I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  You might remember my initial "silly rose story" that I posted in 2012, you can read it here.  I am not sure why I called it the cancer rose, it just popped into my head at that moment when Galen and I were planting the bare root in the ground, and I felt that if the rose survived, I would too.  Yes, I know, that's silly. 

Well, I am happy to say the rose survived and is thriving!  It has climbed up the post and over the pergola, just as I planned. 

It turned out to be a beautiful rose and it has a spicy clove scent.  It smells heavenly! 

I guess I knew all along the rose would survive.  And, of course, I knew that I would too! 

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

It's April!

 

Every spring we have loads of purple violets growing all around the garden.  I dug up a small clump, planted them in a pot, and put them in a hanging basket filled with moss.  I hung it on the back gate.   I think it makes a nice little spring welcome for anyone passing through.   

~ And Easter is here.  We will be hosting dinner at our house this year and are looking forward to having our wonderful family all around the table.  Easter ham and all the trimmings. 

(Below are some of my wooden eggs that I painted with chicks, rabbits, flowers and baskets.)

So, welcome April!  With the warmer temps I found myself at the garden center yesterday and just had to buy some flowers.  Today I will plant the window boxes on the front of the house and cross my fingers and hope we won't have any more freezing weather this month. 

 

I must say, March moved along fairly fast.  I had my routine appointment scheduled at the UNC Breast Cancer Center and everything is good!  (I go every 6 months.)  I am feeling great, thinking positive and staying active.  I am one to look ahead, not back and I think that really helps me. 

 

 Hope all of you are enjoying some warmer weather, blue skies, and lots of sunshine. 

 

 



Waiting patiently for spring

 

Hello my friends.  Is anyone else counting the days until spring?  I think we've all had our fill of winter this year as it seems never ending.  If you're like me I'd rather stay inside than venture out on cold days, so needless to say I have been getting cabin fever.  It was good to take a drive in the country today with hubby as the temps hit 50 degrees. 

 

I found some spring inspiration on Pinterest and thought I'd share.  Enjoy, and remember spring will soon be here.