Happy Fall!

We are enjoying the fall weather here in Texas. Now, not to say the rain has been heavy and is getting old but the lakes are full and the plants are green. This is something we don't see much in the Dallas area in the fall. We did see some turning leaves this week so maybe fall will show up soon.



We did sell our scooters and hated to see them go but we felt that we had enjoyed them in the "country" but the city was not the best place to have them. Lynn is on a quest to own no extra motors!!! I guess the Mercedes it next to go. Well, we hope.



We want to wish everyone a happy and healthy fall and hope you are all looking forward to Thanksgiving. I know we are---turkey, yum! This year has passed so quickly for Lynn and me and I need my time to slow a bit so think maybe staying home and concentrating on painting and cardmaking along with polymer clay will fill my winter. It is so hard to have so many interests!



Remember, if you are coming this way---please let us know. We would love to see you!




View from our patio at the lake.

Lynn's Little Baby

Brought this into Dallas yesterday from our home in Mineola. Lynn has had it in storage.

His little baby---he wants to sell it but after driving it in, he has second thoughts! Boys and their toys. It has a hard top, too and almost mint. Rides and drives like a jewel. All original. He has been saying he wants everything to go that has a motor! Sold the Yamaha Zuma last week and working on the one he bought for me. We both decided we have survived a year + without a wreck or near wreck and probably we need to make sure we stay healthy so we can enjoy out next few years. Good move, don't you think? They really were fun in Mineola but Dallas,well, that is a different story. Three cars, two trailers, one scooter----lots of insurance and only two people.

Been very cool here the last few days and really feeling like fall! Rain, Rain! We have had a strange thing happen to us. Hole in roof, almost a perfect circle and directly thru a shingle. Nice leak in the dining room but we have it fixed. I heard a terrible crack noise last week or maybe two and could not figure what it was. Well, must have been something that fell from the sky---no trees around at all, no storms and went thru the roof and pretty thick sheeting. Hard to get to place to check to see what it was but either a plane dropped something or from the heavens. Sure glad it didn't hit me!!!!!

Our Class reunion was super. Will have much more to put up in a few days but I am leaving for a workshop Thurs in Albuquerque for four days so will be busy getting ready this week. Things are slowing down just in time to speed up for the Holidays!!!

Heavy Heart Today A Flower for Sandi Wheeler

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Spring Is In The Air in Texas

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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.