My Heart My Art

Heavy Heart Today A Flower for Sandi Wheeler

2009-07-08T13:31:00.006-05:00

A Lily for Sandi

Sandi Wheeler, a good friend of mine passed away this week after a very short illness.

I am very saddened by this news as Sandi and I have been friends for 28 years. I met her when I had my quilt shop in Plano and we just gravitated to each other as we were both from Iowa. We shared many places of interest there and it was such fun to write and talk about "back home" with each other. We were planning on a get together this month----we were going to trade out some art and talents. Sandi’s talents were 100 fold! Her dolls, her quilting, sculpting, garment design and just anything she saw that interested her was in the back of her mind to try sometime. She was always thinking of something she could do with things she had and put her own stamp on it.

I met her at Joann’s a few weeks ago so she could show me a couple of things she had ready to take to her guild meeting and Lynn was with me so he got to see them, too. She was so excited about them and that says it all about Sandy, she always made you feel excited about your projects. Sandi inspired me and so many of her friends. Her energy was catching and after being with her I always came back home ready to start something new. I guess if someone ask me a word to describe Sandi, it would be "inspire". That is what she did for her friends. Oh, and you would always think of Sandi and the smile on her sweet face.

We had our "white" hair in common too, and we talked off and on about it, laughing about how people perceive folks with white hair. I am just sick that I did not have a chance to say goodbye but I know that is the way she wanted it---no fuss and no long illness.

Hopefully we all will have a chance to see her work someday soon…I know she could fill a gallery with her art…

Goodbye, Sandi, you will be missed!

Polymer Basket I Made for July 4 1997

2009-07-02T21:42:00.002-05:00

I can remember this like it was yesterday! I wove the basket, made the flag cane and put it together just it time for the 4th. Need to go and look it up so I can put it on again this year. Always have loved the flag, stars and baskets so looks like they all came together here in Polymer Clay Pin.

Happy 2009 Forth of July!

He Really Loves the Lake

2009-07-02T10:56:00.000-05:00

Lynn watching the water at Lake Fork!

It was too hot last weekend to really enjoy the day but early morning was great. There was a $5000 Fishing Tournament going on at our resort so lots of fabo boats were out. It is a huge lake. Will enjoy it more when it isn't 103 degrees!

Skype

2009-06-17T14:04:00.002-05:00

What fun it is to talk to a friend in Tenn. and see her, too. Skype will bring me closer to many friends, I am sure. Shirley took me on a tour of her home as we have not been there yet and what fun it was. My battery on my laptop was low but will do it later today or tomorrow. Amazing. What a great program to have if you are grandparents and was to see your kids! Love it, Love it.

Lynn is working the rest of the week so I have some "me" time and really do need to get busy and make some cards and organize. One day it will all be done.

Put up and new background and I am thinking about the 4th! Need to think about a costume for Buddy!

Come back soon as much more to follow. Marty

IT'S BEEN AWHILE!

2009-06-12T17:24:00.009-05:00

WHIRL WIND OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS!

Potting Bench he built for me.

We seem to move thru the weeks and don't know how we did it but we are getting some more things done. Our goal of the grassless back yard is almost complete. YEA! Lynn has worked so hard to get it all finished along with building me a potting bench, two small fences, laying edging bricks along the path and planting everything you see. After he removed all the glass with a sod cutter (yea, that's a fun experience) he had a blank canvas. He is amazing! I can't help him like I used to but he gets it done and very well!!!! What a guy he is putting up with all my suggestions. We took up 550 bricks that were on the patio and built a very large wood deck which is yet to be stained. Maybe NEXT week---which seems to be words spoken often around here.

This little two story storage shed/Playhouse had an RV door on it so Lynn built a shutter
like he built for the rest of the house only larger and covered the door. Also painted the fence on the balcony that had never been painted! More work that it looks like. Mike Wigg gave us some planters that hook over rail so we put them up there and now we only have to lay stone under the balcony. MAYBE NEXT WEEK? Kinda have a birdhouse theme with stars going on.

We have two fountains to install and get electric to, 30 bags of mulch to lay down and soaker hoses to run so we still have lots to do. The yard is quite a bit bigger than it looks in the picture but as you can see NO GRASS. He laughed the other day when he said it isn't mowing every week but he is watering everyday! Working on that with a soaker hose timer.

Hope You Had A Wonderful Easter 2009

2009-04-13T20:38:00.000-05:00

Buddy is ready to hand out eggs! Do you think they will know I am a DOG?

Spring Is In The Air in Texas

2009-03-08T20:07:00.001-05:00

One of my shots of a bouquet Lynn bought me last year and it makes a wonderful screen saver this time of year.

Well, the patio is built and two rockers are on it as I write. Sat out there for a bit tonight. Going to be fun and still a bunch of work as we have to stain it and build a potting table add the outdoor fireplace we found for it and lots of plants and vines! We are thrilled. Will post some pictures tomorrow here.

Have a great week!!!

It's All Over But The Shouting! Our Estate Sale!

2009-02-12T18:45:00.013-06:00

LAKE, MINEOLA HOUSE, RICHARDSON HOUSE???? WHERE WILL I BE TONIGHT?

What a long weekend but a good weekend. This is our 3rd Estate Sale and hope it is the last we have to do!!!!! We had a wonderful response and all but 4 small boxes (Stuff for Ebay) is gone!

ALMOST THE LAST LOAD!

We had some wonderful help from Marsha, Penny, Pat, Mike P., Jennifer and Connie. Thanks to all of them for all the help, tables, and support. We so appreciate it and hope we can reciprocate someday.

Moving on----we took our travel trailer to the lake lot at Lake Fork, TX. Right on the water and set in with decks on two sides and a lower deck, too. The Pelicans and ducks swim right up to the shore and are such fun to watch. Buddy doesn't seem to mind them so far. Our friend, Dennis Mitchell came out and he and Lynn extended the deck behind the trailer and built a bridge and steps in an area that makes it easier for me. We are also going to be able to park our 8 X 10 cargo trailer out there and we can use it as a storage shed of all of the out-door chairs, tables etc.

www.lakeforktexas.com

LATE AFTERNOON AT THE LAKE

OUR LOT BEFORE WE SET UP. NICE WESTERLY VIEW. BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS

We spent one night there and had to come home. The sky is to dark you can see the stars so well and there is a great deal to watch from the deck. AS the season moves into high gear, I am sure we will be happy we leased it for a year. Lucky Break to find this place just about 50 ft. from the water. Lynn is in heaven!

We had new vinyl windows put in the house last week and we love how they look both inside and out. We choose white (old ones were bronze) and it changes the look of this house so much not to mention the light they let in. The other windows were covered with a window film the was sooooo dark. These are very "green" so we should save a bunch on utilities.

BEFORE THE SHUTTERS AND NEW WINDOWSAFTER THE SHUTTERS AND NEW WINDOWS

Well, need to finish up my studio. After this move it seems it is filling up fast. Lynn got me a new CirCut Expressions cutting machine http://www.getmycricut.com/ for Valentines so I need some space to set it up. I am taking a class on the 28th to make me more proficient with it. Want to start making some pages for a small scrapbook and also to make some greeting cards. I went to my twice a month clay day yesterday and got inspired. Now just to make a space to Play Clay!!!!

The weather has been great here lately. My jonquils are blooming in Mineola. Will probably move some of the bulbs here for next spring. We have some clean up to do at the Mineola house and then will put out a For Sale sign. Wish us luck!

FLAG DAY IN MINEOLA

More soon,

A Flower For Rosa

2009-01-30T15:27:00.004-06:00

A FLOWER FOR ROSA

I write today again with a heavy heart. A friend and past neighbor passed this week from Breast Cancer. Rosa lived with Robin and son Andrew next to us with we lived in Garland. We were not there long and didn't know them for long but what we found out was you don't have to know Rosa long to know what a sweet person she was. After we moved to Mineola, we used the Internet to keep up. She never let me know how bad she was feeling and always had an upbeat story or joke or request to forward email on Breast Cancer. My last note to her, told her we were moving back to the Dallas area and we needed to get together. NEVER put off things like that!!! Rosa was instrumental in helping me get some items we had from my Dad into the JC Penney Museum. She worked for JCP and was able to get me into to the Director. Don't think I could have done it without her "in". We always knew if we needed anything, we could call on her or Robin. Rosa fought the battle for seven years after caring for her Mom who also passed with Breast Cancer. We will always remember Rosa with a smile and sweet thoughts and we know she is at peace.

Please support Breast Cancer awareness where ever you are---I know we will.
Farewell Rosa---we will always think of your sweet smile!

Heavy Heart

2009-01-17T17:46:00.005-06:00

A Flower for Jacquie

Our hearts are heavy today as my sister-in-law passed away on the 15th and she will leave a very vacant spot in many lives. Jacquie was a very brave woman! Ten years ago she was the lucky recipient of a heart transplant. What she went thru with that procedure gave her 10 more years for life. I know she felt thankful for the heart and the time it gave her.

Jacquie leaves behind her loving husband John and two sons Steve and Lee and a special son Johnathan. Jacquie loved to read and she was a wonderful artist. Needlepoint was her specialty. We got to know each other better when I was in my teens and stayed with John and Jacquie. She was very kind to me, treated me like a sister and supported my decision. I wish we could have lived closer over the last few years so I could have been more support to her.

I hope she knew just how much she meant to everyone in our family. Farewell Jacquie, you were loved-------

A celebration of the courageous life of Jacqueline E. Partlow will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2009. Tip a martini glass for her! We will!

Getting Ready for the Sale!

2009-01-08T14:51:00.010-06:00

Petunia, Jan. 7, 2009 Mineola, TX

We spent all day yesterday in Mineola working on the sale that we plan to have the first week in February---now don't hold us to it----who knows. Will let everyone know the exact day, as you might just want to check it out.

This is the third sale that Lynn and I have had over the last few years. One in Plano, One in Garland before we moved to the apartment and now the last big one, I hope. Really is fun going thru my stuff and thinking of all the fun and friendships I have made with the polymer clay groups and the Print Artist groups. Many are now very close friends. Who would have thought that the computer and a package of clay could make you such wonderful rest of my life friends. As I sit and sort I remember where I was and who was with me when we created a card or learned a new method in clay or did a bead swap. What fun but sad to think of all the time I have wasted over the years by not spending more time on a project. I guess I just enjoy learning the process---a process person is what I call myself. I get such pleasure when learning something new so the completion of the art it really not my motivation. What am I going to do with all the unfinished projects????? I have enjoyed quilting, watercolor, computer graphics, art, photography and polymer clay so much over the years. It is very hard for me to "throw something away" that I am having to force myself to do it. This new home and my studio is not big enough for ALL of it. (This is a good thing for Lynn) Lynn had a studio built for me at the little house in Mineola and my studio at the home we just left was 20 x 24 with two walk in closets plus we had a huge closet 9 x 9 with Elfa and shelves, too, for me to use. It is time to pare down and decisions are being made. I sure do hope I have made the right ones---I just think I need to focus on a few things. We will see but at the moment, I am just enjoying the journey to the sale.

We are going to sell many of our antiques and collections over the years. Better now and not leave it for the kids to do when we are gone. I need to make some good decisions if I go before Lynn, he would be overwhelmed---he has no idea what some of this "stuff" is! We are very lucky to have a two story metal building here at this home so we can bring more than we thought we would. Lynn keeps saying "I hope this is the last load" ( we have a little covered trailer behind the truck) and I say "it probably is", but I know there will be more when we start on the barn. I have two signs here at the house that say "Simplify" and I really am trying. I was raised in a family that gave everything we owned value. From the buttons on the old coat going to the rummage sale to every screw and part left over from a repair. I guess it is just in my genes! When I see something that is broken, I try to think of what one could do with it and usually want to keep it and think about it for a bit. I do have lots of items that have been saved--------what can I say. Also, I have save many of my items for "good" and in the last year, I have started make "good" be everyday! Really enjoying using those antique pieces to eat on and serve with. Used my Blue B & G Christmas Plates this year when we had Christmas desert!

What have I been saving them for???? Put out my Mother's Day plates to use every day! If they get broken, well, so what? Use up your pretty linens, dishes and jewelry. Life it too short to save them.

We made another big decision this week---the Woosley's are going green and putting in all new windows at our Richardson home. Probably will be done early February---the windows at this home are not energy efficient even being dual paned and storms and the previous owner had added a film that cuts the light. Well, if you know me well enough, you know that I love light!!! So the new windows will solve the problem of removing the film (not a fun task, believe me). We are also going to change the color to white from black and it will change the look of the house, for sure. No, we are NOT doing this ourselves! This is a job for professionals!!!!!!

More to come, check back often. Marty

BEEN BUSY AS WE HAVE MOVED BACK TO DALLAS

2008-11-22T21:19:00.010-06:00

Moved Mid November!

Putting up Christmas Decor!

WOW! I am sure most of you who have known us for some time know that this was expected. When Lynn retired in 2002 we moved to Mineola, Tx. We had a little weekend house out there and decided to make it home. It was a very hard move for me to leave Dallas with Jen and family here and all our friends but we did it. After six years and two houses out there, we made a decision to come back "home" so we purchased a little house in Richardson, Tx. This is where Lynn retired from and is still working part time for the Police Department as a Bailiff.

We added Shutters just like we did in Mineola but they are painted.

We have been looking for several months and found just the right place at the right time. It is only 1800 sq. ft. but plenty of room for us---and Buddy! We have been working on it since the 24th of August. (Camping our here after moving from the apartment) New paint, new carpet, new counters and back splash, new laundry room, new water heater and mini heater under the kitchen sink, new kitchen sink, new glass top drop in range, crown molding in my studio and our master bedroom. Had a great guy here for a week from Mineola do all the good stuff. We had a bay window in the kitchen so I pulled out an idea I had saved in the "idea" file and wallah!! Dennis built it----a Buddy Bench so he has a place of his own to watch outside.

Buddy Bench, not finished but built. Lots more to do. Bye, Bye ugly paper!!!!

The yard is a blank canvas in the back and is fenced with 8' white vinyl fence on two sides and poured 8' concrete wall on the other two sides. Not one tree, shrub or good grass in the whole back yard but that is for next spring!

We have a wonderful live oak tree in the front and ground cover of Ivy and shrubs so our work will be in the back. Lynn was DONEwith YARD and this will keep him happy as he wants NO grass in the back. Now I think Buddy might want a little grass so we will see. The big John Deere went to a good home a few weeks ago and Lynn kissed it good bye!!!!

We even had Christmas here at the house. 10 for dinner and it was great! Almost done, just a few things to finish in the kitchen and some crown in the livingroom, both bath's need paper or paint and then Spring will be here and the yard will take most of our time.

Check back soon as I am going to publish before and after pictures here of the improvements we have made on the home. Hope to have our Sale in February in Mineola and then we will put that home on the market.

As I say to Lynn everyday---"Back to the Real World"

Happy New Year to all our friends and family!!!!

WELL, WE ARE ON THE MOVE AGAIN!

2008-10-22T14:54:00.003-05:00

Before the Shutters!
Lynn and I have been looking for a place in the Dallas area for months and we found one we thought we wanted in an area in Richardson, Tx. Well, they took it off the market and we thought we were out of luck. Surprise! I came back on and we bought it in 10 days!!! What a whirlwind but we are thrilled now. We are working on it to get ready to move ???? when we don't know. I think it is going to be great!

Two bedrooms, split and two baths! Two atrium's, one living area (center of the house) a dining room, large kitchen with eating area and nice laundry room., Double garage!!! Small yard. That is what we were looking for---Lynn is DONE with yard work. This yard is a blank canvas and we will work on it as we see fit. We have 8' vinyl fence on two sides and poured concrete fence on other side. Buddy will have his own yard!

We have put in new granite tile counter top( Lynn is the master now of tile) and stove top and vent fan. New single sink with wonderful faucet and stainless steel fridge. We have had Dennis here all week working for us doing lots of wonderful thing, one is building our "Buddy Bench". There was a bay window in the kitchen so Buddy needed a place of his own sooooooo Dennis built it! Gives us an extra place to sit with some storage under it. Lynn is in process of painting the inside of the house. We have the two bedrooms done and ceiling fans installed. One wall in the dining room was wallpaper so I stripped it off and thought I could paint it----well, the paper was put on to the wall right on the drywall!!!! You got to be kidding!!!!! Soooo new plan, we will skimcote the wall with a plaster type compound and make it like trouled walls. There is paper in the kitchen, and both baths, front hall and back hall so we will do the same there, then paint.

Lynn laid the new floor in the laundry and we bought black washer and dryer (yes, I know that those of you who know me well will not believe that one) and we put on a Formica six foot countertop over the unstacked-stack unit! Painted it camel and will use all our Uncle Sam stuff in there. We had slate tile put in the large atrium and one wall in there is all old pavement brick and we love that look.

The plan is-----finish this house----move from Mineola just what we want and need----have a huge estate sale---then put the house up for sale. Oh, the house is for sale now, don't get me wrong but it is not listed and we are going to try to sell it ourselves for a few weeks. Yes, wouldn't you know the market went to hell about the time we did this deal It's all in timing and usually ours is not too good.

Back Home for a Few Days!

2008-08-18T20:18:00.005-05:00

Buddy Watching for Lynn!

We are just back from Dallas today! It feels good to be home. Went to Clay Day on Tuesday and Lynn worked Wed. and Thursday. Boy, did we get rain on Wednesday---cool weather and rainy day---loved it. Saw the grandkids on Wednesday and worked on my FaceBook with Jennifer. I have much to learn but little by little, right. Probably a little old to have a FaceBook but have to keep up with the grandkids, right!

Trying to update my websites---use it or loose it and I have lost it. Took some good lessons from a very good friend of mine last week but didn't go right home and work on it and when I started to do it-----well, brain freeze. Will try to do more soon. Then I have promised myself to keep up with it.

Lynn bought me a new high back--very soft Broyhill leather office chair! It is wonderful---my old one was not as comfortable lately and didn't have padded arms so not sure but might have been the cause of my back problems. WE WILL SEE. So far so good---really great.

Yard work tomorrow! UG! The rain here while we were gone really make everything green and GROW. Guess that is good as August in Texas can be BROWN!

When we got home today our new Bose Radio/CD radio was here. I have always wanted one since I was at a home of a friend years ago and heard hers. WOW!!!! The sound is amazing. I can also attach my Ipod or Iphone to it so that will be a GOOD thing. It has two remotes and a clock/alarm in it, too. We are going to love it, I know.

Found this picture again tonight. Just love it. Jennifer when she was about 1 year old. Always a smile and she is that way today! We want to scan some of the pictures and sort them for the kids. Passing on the boxes of pictures so they can do with they want with them. Sure brings back memories---and some of them bring a tear to my eyes as our time with them seemed to go so fast. My Dad always said, "the older one gets, the faster time passes" and was he right!

Live each day to the fullest!!!

Been Sorting Pictures! Will Post When I Find Them!

2008-08-18T20:16:00.004-05:00

Here is a picture I took out our VW car window as we crossed a dam. It was fall and as I looked out the window, there we were, a shadow on the area below the dam. Interesting!

Middle of the Month Already!!!

2008-08-15T20:03:00.006-05:00

Just about that time again!!!!

August is half over here in Texas and I think I heard that we have had 30 days of over 100 so far this year. Now that sounds bad but the humidity has not been high only a few days of the 30 so really has not been as terrible as it sounds. I do look forward to fall cause after my scooter ride last night in the cool late afternoon, it's going to be fun. I am studying for my test for the Motorcycle license---it's been 46 years since I took a written or driving test so I do need to study up for sure. Hope you can take it several times The worst will be having the Highway Patrol officer following me in our car---riding with Lynn. Oh, he has to do the same as me---wonder who will have to go first?????? Put the Zuma up for sale tonight on Craig's List

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/798691638.html (motorcycles/scooters) both in East Texas and Dallas. Hope it sells--------keep your fingers crossed.

Know anyone who needs a great little scooter????

Buddy fighting with the Sherpa (lamb skin) seat cover we have for him. We have to drug him in the car and guess he wasn't quite ready to leave Dallas!!!!! That bite was caught on his tooth!!!

We have been in Dallas for several days so far this month and still will go in this week and next. They thought they had a new guy starting at the court last week but he decided to take a full time job soooooo we are still in the "work more than 6 days a month mode" for sure. Lynn doesn't seem to mind and with the apartment there, it is nice to just kick back, use the pool and enjoy some of the Big D!!!

Sydney Barnaby in High School Musical Production!

Sydney as Kelsi in Wednesday's Production

Sydney and Gramps after the Show

Sydney and Jennifer after the show.

Lynn and I sure did enjoy it. We couldn't take flash shots and I didn't have my tripod and Nikon with me so didn't get such great shots in the theater. She was good in it and I know she really seems to love the productions. This is her second one this summer, the last one was the Wizard of Oz. The Plano theater groups sure do a great job with the kids. School is about to start and we look forward to more musical and plays this coming year.

Well, need to go and watch the Olympics again tonight. Nastia (gymnast) lives down the street from Jennifer about 7 houses. We are thrilled for her and it great fun knowing Plano and West Des Moines did so well!!!!

Looking forward to a great weekend and hope you have one too!!!!!!

TOO HOT TO RIDE

2008-08-03T19:21:00.003-05:00

Well, a woman has the right to change her mind---that is what I say and I did!!!
The scooter (Yamaha Zuma) I bought two weeks ago didn't work for me. I tried with all my might but could NOT put it up on the stand in the back sooooooo Lynn bought me one with a kick stand and now I can go by myself!!!!! Pictures above of my new Copper Vintage 150cc Lance scooter!!!!! I am thrilled. Sits great, quiet and lots of storage space for my runs to Wally World. We were out there last night a drew a crowd like we did the last time we went out there. Folks just want to know more about them. Also, it's a look---white haired 62 year old on a scooter with her hair flapping in the wind!!! Lynn is thinking about selling his and of course the Zuma (any one want a deal?)and getting one like this. It is a NICE bike!

Well, had two acupuncture treatments one onThurs and one on Friday and after Thurs. NO PAIN!!!! I was to the end of my rope. The pain was so bad that I could not walk--- it is amazing. I will go for another treatment on Monday afternoon and maybe Wed. But I am fine now. What a strange thing. You don't feel anything! Really---I hate needles but I guess they are so small (thin) you just don't feel them. I am Really amazed!!! Life might get better for me now. I was in such pain, I didn't want to do anything, go anywhere, see anyone and that is NOT me. WOW---if you have pain, you might want to try it. Sure does beat that "Back Dr." routine that they can put one thru---fusion etc. Life is good again!!!!!

It is really hot here in Texas this week!!!! 104 today here in Mineola. We are heading back in to the apartment for the week. Lynn works and I have a clay day and a couple of acupuncture treatments!

More soon, as I want to take a pic of the Buddy on the cycle!!!

Buddy Joe Ready To Ride

2008-07-27T20:49:00.001-05:00

Scooter Sam

2008-07-27T20:05:00.001-05:00

Playing with a New Little Fun Program and Site

2008-07-27T19:41:00.002-05:00

How about this, Sydney on a Cover of a Teen Magazine (well, it would be great but Gram did it with this new little program) Fun Playing Around with it.

44 Years and Counting!!

2008-07-22T09:40:00.006-05:00

Anniversary Picture 2008 Still having a great time after 44 years!

Well, the 44th Anniversary has passed and we are headed to 45! Time sure does pass faster as one get's older. My Dad always said that and he lived to be 95 so I am sure at the last his time seemed to move very fast.

We had a fun Anniversary. WE were going to Shreveport to Gamble and spend a couple of nights and then as we thought about it, we decided to stay here and buy a scooter for me. Lynn was enjoying his so much and he wanted me to have one, too. Well, after searching all over north Texas, we found the only one left around in Longview!

We have been having a great time. I already have 70 miles on mine!! Now, that is just in Mineola. Mine is only a 50cc and top speed is 45 but at 45 you feel as if you are going 100!

Jennifer, Mark, Sydney and Sam came out on Saturday and the kids enjoyed my large scooter (electric) cause they can't ride the Yamaha! Jen and Mark took a spin on the scooters and they like them. Mark has a Harley so pretty tame for him, I am sure.

Sam, lovin my little scooter!

Pose by Sydney

Sydney, the Poser!

Sam after a week at Sky Ranch Camp!!!

Off to Dallas for a few days in the Big City! I think Jennifer and I will do Ikea on Friday and swim in their pool.

Check back soon. More to come.

HAPPY 4TH 2008

2008-06-24T22:54:00.010-05:00

This is one of Lynn's Mom's Hostas in Bloom in Texas. We have worked hard to save this and it is in full boom this week. They are beautiful!!

Happy 4th Belated!

Let Freedom Ring 2008
Thetford Farm Bell

Pine Mills, Texas

We were at the Thetford Farm for a 4th party and this is a bell on the farm.

Buddy looking for fireworks, not one of his favorite things!

We have a good 4th this year. (Celebrated on the 5th) Out to the Thetford Farm for a wonderful lunch and sitting on the porch. Anne Thetford is such a wonderful hostess and the food is always exceptional. Lynn and I cherish the time we spend there as it is so quite and the views are wonderful from the porch. Here are a couple below.

Our New Uncle Sam 2008

Home Projects Again!

We are almost done here at 702 Sycamore

House looking South towards kitchen.

Well, we are back at "home projects" for a few days. We had decided to have a new railing take the place of the original 1949 Iron scroll rail but were not sure how to do it. As luck had it, we found a guy who is a master at cabinets that is retired and he agreed to do it for us, all we had to do it come up with the design. We were so excited that our plan was going to happen so we got real busy fast and gave him a drawing of what we wanted and he said "not a problem"!!!!!! Also, we had decided to take down the old downspouts and gutters and install Rainhandlers http://www.rainhandler.com/ so after we had that done, we wanted shutters! We hit Dennis up with the idea, he agreed and wala---he built us 9 sets before he had to leave town. Lynn and I will finish them as Dennis gave us great instuctions on using our router and how to cut the stars. If we do the rest of the house, we only have 11 sets to go---------Yes, 19 windows in this one story house but that is part of the reason we loved it so. Lots of light!!!!! I guess you can see we have a star theme going on here.

Work in Progress

Railings stained by Lynn. We put steel caps on the posts.

Our new front doors! We have two, one to the kitchen and one to the livingroom off the front porch. We are going to paint them a dark teal soon. House trim will remail white unless we can get someone to change it up. Lynn said he liked white so it will make it much easier to repaint some of the place where it needs repair.

Lynn's new brick floor in screened porch

Buddy Helping Lynn Lay Bricks! He is such a big help.

New Addition to Lynn's Motor Pool

Lynn has been wanting a motorcycle and I am totally against it but he always goes with what I want so when he found this scooter I didn't fight it. It is pretty cute and not tooooo big. I can even ride it but haven't as yet. Need a motorcycle license for it as it is a 150 cc. Goes pretty good intown but only about 55 on highway. I think he is happy with it. Our neighbor, Ray found it for him and did some great work on it so now it is just like new---600 miles on it and ready to ride anywhere here in Mineola. It will make some great Icee runs, I am sure.

Here are Ray and Lynn ready to ride!!!! Boys and their Toys!

Cute?

I need to make some some shirts that say "Harley Starter Kit"

BUSY JUNE

2008-06-20T16:24:00.000-05:00

Neighbor's Pond Lily

Just checked my blog for comments and realized that it has been a long time since my last entry.This just means we have been enjoying life and I have not been at the computer as much as usual. We have been in Dallas at the apartment for the last 8 days and enjoying all the great places we used to haunt for dinner. Lynn has been working a great deal as they are short this summer and I have been kicking back and just taking life easy.

A Flower for Grandma Alice

We lost a very "favorite" person in our lives this month. Our daughter, Jennifer is married to a great guy who's Grandma passed on at 93. Grandma Alice was a dear lady who we became very attached to as the Great Grandma of our grand kids. She loved her candy and the picture below show her at 93 enjoying some goooooood chocolate. How wonderful it has been for them to have great grandparents. My folks, Lynn's Mom and Mark's Grandmas have all been in Sydney's and Sam's life. That is quite an accomplishment. Alice was a very kind and gentle lady who knew the meaning of LADY. That is special in this day and age. Grandma Alice was ready to move on and told us that often. How fortunate she was to share 93 years on this earth. She will be remembered always.

Alice Slater

It is getting hotter here in the East Texas area but we can handle that with no problem. Our hearts go out to our friends in Iowa----we just can believe the devastation left by the water. What a horrible experience to go thru, I am sure. Not sure how I could handle it but I do know that being from Iowa, those folks will get thru it and be better for it.

Father's Day was celebrated a day early for Lynn this year as Mark had to work for two brother's that lost their Dad a day or two earlier. Mark is a volunteer fireman in Parker where they live but is certified to work other places, too. He filled in for them so they could have the visitation on Father's Day! Terrible for them, I am sure. It was a great thing to do for his friends and with us Sat. was as good as Sunday. Living a police life, we rarely had Holidays when Holidays were----another day or time was usually the plan so this was right in order. We went to Jen's to swim and have a BBQ and that was a Kick Back Father's Day!!!!

Lynn and I last Fall in Arizona

We are working on the house again. Shutters, new porch railing are being custom built by a guy we know who is a master at things like this. We are so fortunate to have Dennis doing this for us. Taking off the old iron rail has not been easy but with help from our neighbor, Ray and lots of sweat from Lynn, it is off and then new is being designed. We decided to do wood this time. The rail was the original and I guess a bit out dated---1949. I know what goes round comes round but we just were not sure how long we would have to wait????? Hope our design is good but whatever it is, we will love it. Will put up a before and after in my next blog. Think "Texas Star".

Our Granddaughter, Sydney has been preforming voice and dance lately. You know all the programs in the Spring---we we are lucky to be close for them. Wish we could be there for the other kids!!! Anyway, she loves music and dance and is pretty good at them, too. Now that isn't just a proud Grandparent talking, but she is good. WE really did see her grow up this year! The little girl isn't there anymore---what a sweet and gentle young woman she is going to be.

Sydney 2008 Spring Recital

Well, back to help what I can on the front porch. This Dennis is so good and so easy to work around. I put on a large pot of beans this morning and the smell is call me to the kitchen.

Check back for an update on the porch!

2008-05-30T10:28:00.000-05:00

Red Letter Day!

The day arrived on Wednesday, May 28, 2008, Lynn and I had our Social Security Check deposited into our account. Now that really can hit home that you are in the last part of your life!
We applied in October, Lynn's birthday is the last of Jan. and they witheld three checks back for taxes for us. UG, that is what happens when you are still working part-time. Anyway, there are days in your life that you call "red letter days" and Wednesday was one of them.

Weather getting hot in Texas but we are so glad we have miss most of the storms. Everyday it seem that our world has major problems with Mother Nature. Our hearts go out to those folks who's lives will never be the same again.

I picked up a book on blogs yesterday and am going to read it and try to make this a bit more creative. I take pictures all the time and Lynn says "what do you do will all those pictures?" Well, I am going to publish them on my blog. Also going to put up pictures of my art in progress and if I ever finish something, a finished project. Less words and more pictures.
Come by and see my new look very soon.

ALMOST BACK TO THE REAL WORLD!

2008-05-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day Iris Bouquet from Buddy Joe and Lynn

How fast time can fly by when you are having such a great time. Iowa was good--a bit on the nippy side but seeing friends and family makes up for it. My sister Pat and her daughter Suzie were having a contract Estate Sale the weekend we got in so we got to see what was at the sale early. I bought a wonderful pin enameled painter palette and Lynn bought an old hat rack. Not that we needed either but it is always fun to shop one of her sales. We got a sneak peak at another one they will be having later this Spring----WOW---what a wonderful array of antiques but such a lot of work to get ready for it. We spent a nice evening with Pat, John and Suzie at Pat and Johns condo above the trees. What a wonderful place they have---if we would find one similar here in the area, we sure would be there. Dinner was so good and we sure did enjoy the evening. Hope we get to spend more time with them in the fall.

We were thrilled to get to see Emily play tennis. The wind was blowing about 30 MPH but she did well anyway. Later in the week she played so hard he hurt her leg but did well in her next competition. Wishing her luck for the tournament upcoming.

We stayed with our good friends, Mike and Paul Wigg in Ankeny. We always are treated like family and the food is great. Got to spend some time with her applique small group and really enjoyed seeing the wonderful work they all do. Amazing. Mike has just finished a quilt she has been working on for a year or more. It is fantastic! Here are a couple of shots. All hand applique!.

We spent some time with our kids and were very surprised with our Brian's announcement that he was retiring this month at 44. He has worked hard and made a wonderful life for Cathie and Emily and Ethan and wants to spend more time with the family. Knowing him, we think a year or two off and he will get into something but power to him!!! We are not sorry that we took early retirement at 55 so I am sure he will find he will really enjoy it. More time at the lake house and traveling. Great times with the kids before they leave home. They took us to a new restaurant "The Radish" in Grimes, Ia. Wonderful food.

We also went there again with our good friends, Ann and Ron Victor. They loved it, too. Great to see them but our time was not long enough. I bet they have returned to the radish. Ann and Ron are school friends from Creston and Ann was my maid of honor. Special friends for sure.

We went to Creston, out home town and stayed with Lynn's sis, Char. Got to see our niece and great nieces, too. Everyone is growing up so fast and when we don't see them but about every six months, we can really see a change. Char is enjoying her new beautiful home and we are so happy for her. Eating at the Windrow and S and J are always great and we look forward to it.
We were not the long enough to see everyone we wanted so this fall we plan to take the RV and Buddy Joe and make a vacation of it.

On Wed. night we met Cathie, Emily, Ethan and Mike at a great pizza place in Johnston. Sat with Ethan and he really filled me in on how to do more things on my IPhone! I think a few hours with him and I might really know lots of goodies that the phone will do. Ethan has grown up so much and is so tall! He is almost ready to get his license to drive and he drove Lynn and I to and from the resturant in the TRUCK. He says that is what he wants but is really thinking it over with gas prices so high.

On Thursday we picked up our good friend Connie Rhine at her daughter's in Clive, Iowa and off we went to Joplin on our way home. Didn't get a early start so stopped at the Iowa Welcome Center and shopped for Amish Baskets and antiques. Found some good ones. Then on to Liberty, Mo. to the needlework shop. Connie was looking for some special wool and WE FOUND IT THERE! Couldn't believe it so we were very excited. Bless Lynn for his patience with us.

Then off to Joplin, Mo. where we stayed the night listening for storms and checking the TV! They missed us but there were a few moments of being a bit anxious. The next morning we headed to Eureka Springs. Connie had never been there and we spent the day with me in a wheelchair! Not Fun on the very old limestone walks and hills. A town that old not designed for handicap folks. Back problems the whole time we were gone and that is not fun. Thanks to Connie and Lynn, I was able to get around.

Headed to Dallas to get Buddy and then home on Saturday to Mineola. Funny when you are gone for a few days, your house feel strange when you return. We had a good time in Canton on Sunday, all of us had scooters and we really got around the flea market with good speed! Connie spent time at our apartment on Wed. when we came in and we stayed in the guest suite. She flew home on Thursday but we really didn't have much time to play. Maybe next time. Come back soon, Connie.

Lynn has worked this week and we stayed in Dallas thru the weekend. Mother's Day we were treated to a wonderful lunch with Jen, Mark, Sydney and Sam and then they came to see our new part-time digs. Nice weather and a great day!

I spent the whole day alone in the apartment working on the computer and just hanging out with good company, Buddy! He loves to watch the folks come and go in the courtyard. Will be something to remember when we move into a condo or apartment sometime down the road.

Well, better sign off ---the weather here in the area has been wonderful, flowers are very much in bloom and trees are completely leafed out. What a great spring for us.