My Heart My Art

Dallas Blooms 3.19.11

2011-03-20T18:22:00.000-05:00

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Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-13T20:26:00.000-06:00

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Moving Right Along---February Already

2011-02-08T18:27:00.000-06:00

My Beautiful Orchid

Where or where does the time go? It was just Jan. 1 and now it is almost Valentines Day. I have been busy so I guess that makes the time go fast and today I can say my studio is in good shape. I gained a tall, stainless steel table for my studio. I can paint on it, clay on it and not worry about anything. It is on wheels so I can pull it out and walk all around it when I am cutting out fabric and that is a big help along with it 29" height. Thank you Lynn for getting it for me and putting it together. I know I will enjoy it many times over.

Well, my thumb is turning green these days as I am proud to say I have my orchids blooming. Lynn and Jen gave them to me last year and now I followed the "orchid rules" and they are blooming beautifully. I have 9 blooms as of today and a few more may come out. I am like a proud Mamma!

Another variety

Now I am ready to sell on Ebay, Craig's List and Etsy but I did a test sale recently with a box of Jello. I saw it on a shelf at an estate sale with other Jello but never buy food---but---wait a minute, Barbie Jello? I had never seen it before so for 25 cents, I thought it might be a fun thing to try out on Ebay!

As kinda a joke and a test of an update on a listing program I have, I listed it for .99 cents. None were up but after some investigating, it was a box included with a Jello Barbie sold a few years ago. WHAT DO YOU THINK IT BROUGHT?????

$12.50 + POSTAGE!
What a deal! It sure was a fun thing to sell. Soooooo, our words still ring true.
You Can Sell Almost Anything On Ebay!

A New Year is Upon Us! Welcome 2011

2011-02-08T17:54:00.000-06:00

New York City Clocks

What a long time since I have posted! Time in 2010 just flew by. My Dad always said " As you get older, the time passes too fast!", and he was right!!!!!!!

We have a very busy fall and December. We traveled to Florida October, to San Antonio in November and in December it was New York City for Clint's wedding!

Lynn just loves the beach!

In October we drove to Longboat Key, Florida to see Brian and Cathie and stay with them at the beach condo there. What a fun and very relaxing trip. The drive was long be we did get to see some of the country we have not seen before and that is on our Bucket List---to travel and see country we have not been to before. They hired a boat and capitan to take up all around Sarasota. We had a nice lunch on the water at a place they go to often. What a neat place and their condo is right on the beach so we did some beach sitting and shell picking. Boy, the sunsets there are amazing. We went on Saturday to look at some condo's that were for sale. Now, that will open ones eyes! We felt just like the HGTV show, House Hunters but the Woosley's we not buying. LOL! It was a wonderful few days and we always have a great time with them.

We had a Wonderful Time with Brian and Cathie.

We were very happy to join Clint, Chelsea, Tess and Mona for Thanksgiving in San Antonio. Clint did the turkey and it turned out fabo. All the food was sooo good and we also enjoyed a BBQ outside on their covered patio. That outdoor kitchen it really wonderful-----Lynn? Might have to put that on our Bucket List. While we were they we were able to visit our good friends, Jim and Jennifer Hamilton. Lynn and Jim were cops in Des Moines and we have been great friends since even with us going in different directions in life. Their daughter, Emily was able to spend some time with us for dinner and it was so good to see them all.

Dr. and Mrs. Clint Woosley
Clint and Chelsea

Well, on December 2nd, Lynn, myself, Jennifer, Mark, Sydney and Sam flew to New York to enjoy the weekend and attend Clint and Chelsea's wedding. Yes, we survived the TSA--none of us had to be scanned! Clint had sent a car for us at the airport and we traveled to midtown Manhattan to our hotel. It was just a few blocks from EVERYTHING! Jen, Mark and kids did it ALL but us older folks just enjoyed the hotel and a great place to eat right near the hotel. We did a tour of NY on Saturday and I got to see the Statue of Liberty and tour NY with Lynn so now those two things are off my Bucket List along with riding in a stretch limo---Clint had one sent to take us to the wedding. What fun! On Friday we were honored to attend their wedding at the Library Hotel, rooftop atrium and fun party with most of Chelsea's family there and all of us. Brian and Cathie were not able to attend, darn but we all did enjoy the afternoon. Chelsea's daughter Mona (5) and Tess stood up with them. That night Clint treated us all to the Rocketts Christmas Show at Rockeller Center. It was such a great show but over way too fast. We enjoyed our selves so much. All in all, even with the cold weather, it was such a fun experience.

I know we will be going back because on December 15th, our granddaughter, Tess (Clint's daughter) got her acceptance letter from New York University where she will be attending in the fall of 2011! How exciting for all of us as that is where she wanted to go and she was able to be accepted! We are proud and know that she will accomplish all that she wants. Congrats, Tess!

Buddy with a 24 x 36 painting I did for our outside decor.

The Christmas holidays came upon us way too fast. We only did a small amount of decor in the house and I painted a 24x36 canvas of a snowman for outside. We decorated our bike against the tree and put up a wooden Christmas Tree out side which was given to us by the Wigg's years ago. Christmas Eve were took a chili dinner out to Jen's and we did our traditional Christmas Cookie Contest! We decided to open our gifts that night and just have a quite day on Christmas Day! As usual, we got wonderful gifts and enjoyed our evening very much. Jen won the contest with her snow globe cookie but there were some great cookie art amongst the runners up. Even though he doesn't want to admit it, Lynn enjoys the contest every year and comes up with some good ones

And the winners are!!!!!

Finally, I got to see the Statue of Liberty!
Check if off my Bucket List.

Thanksgiving Week

2010-11-30T17:10:00.000-06:00

Another Holiday season is right around the corner. This week we will celebrate our Thanksgiving with Clint, Chelsea, Tess and Mona in San Antonio. WE wil be cooking so should be great fun. I will be in charge of the traditional Corn Souffle and Clint is in charge of the Turkey! We will drive down on Wednesday and come back home on Saturday and hope to be able to do some shopping at the outlet mall either going or coming but think going would be the best timing. Will try to stop and visit our nephew, Dave and Anne and see their new home in Austin! Also hope to connect with our friends, Jim and Jennifer Hamilton if they are in San Antonio.

We are so excited about our new 55" TV. Amazing how things can be a big deal, even though it is just a TV. First of all, we had to get the TV on sale! Next, decided where to put it and the bedroom won out!
We spend much more time watching TV there so we moved our other TV from the bedroom to the living room and it just fit the Cabinet--Whew! Well, that left us with furniture ro purchase and three trips to Ikea and two 6-drawer dressers to put together. Lynn is a real champ! Then is was connecting the TV's up to HighDef! Not in a rush, we have it done as of this morning! Yoo Hoo!

It's Fall in Texas

2010-10-06T08:51:00.001-05:00

This is my most favorite time of year in Texas!

Lynn and I have been enjoying the cooler temps and we put a blanket on the bed last night and turned off the ceiling fan! No, not ready for heat but it did feel good!

I have been resting up from my Albuquerque trip and workshop with Lindly Haunani. It was such fun and I learned lots! Now to apply it. If you ever have the opportunity to take one of her workshops, do! Worth every penny. It focused on color and mixing color! That is a very weak point with my art so getting more comfortable with it was a good thing.

We went to our neighborhood National Night Out last night at or neighborhood park and enjoy it very much. It good to know your neighbors and we enjoyed the Spring Creek BBQ, also! I took this pic with my iPhone just after sunset.

It was getting chilly----oh, did I say that?

Our back garden has done very well this last few months and for a time, we called it the jungle. Now we know what grows back there----will have to work next year to transplant and eliminate some of the plants. Didn't think we would ever say that! Lynn took it down to nothing---not a plant or a blade of grass and now it it amazing. Our moon plant came back and we even had a few to give away. Now I have seeds---anyone want some?

He had planted one little evergreen and made the path! It's bigger than it looks here.

Mid summer this year--about 18 months after we started.

We trimmed back this week so we could get off the porch. Our trees have grown to about 30' tall!

We cut back the Moon Flower and harvested some of the seeds. This plant is beautiful. At one time we have over 30 blooms open.

The Flower

The seeds. Very sharp all over.

Hope to collect more and put them in the ground in other places. Also, had a purple double one in Mineola and working on getting seeds from that one, too. That would be special as it is one beautiful plant.

Off to work on my clay and get my studio set up for some card making and cutting with the Cricut---so much to do and so little time. How did I do it when I worked?

Hot in Texas!

2010-08-02T14:59:00.000-05:00

Lynn and I on our 46th Wedding Anniversary

San Antonio, Tx. July 18th

Today it is going to be HOT! I am staying in and playing with Polymer Clay. I forget to write on the Blog and I am going to be better about it, I hope. This summer has just flown by for us. We have been pretty busy with family and friends and trips and trying to catch up on the "TO DO" list. It sees as we get a few more things done, more are added. Lynn loves to work off of a list. He is toooooo funny as if he does something that is not on the list, he writes it down and then crosses it off!!!!! Whatever works to keep him busy and out of trouble.

I am waiting on a little book in the mail that is a project for me and one of my friends, Shirley.

Art House Project

http://arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject

What fun this is going to be. Wish mine would come soon. Check it out. Will try to post some of my pages here when I get them done.

Here is our Buddy waiting for his 4th of July photo shoot. He just laid down and waited until we were really ready!

He really is a ham and love to have his pictures taken.

Another Beautiful Spring in Texas

2010-04-19T12:34:00.007-05:00

What a beautiful spring we are having in Texas so far. We have never in all the 29 years we have been here seen the Bluebonnets so beautiful! We took a drive thru the hill country on Saturday and the fields were amazing. Indian Paint Brush of orange and some little yellow daisy type and then the beautiful white wild flowers, they just took or breath away. Hopefully on the way back to Richardson tomorrow we will get to take more pictures.

Since I have been on here last time we have remained busy with our home, family, travel and yard. Lynn has most of the garden back yard all done. He re-did the watering system, planted more shrubs and is about ready to stain our wood patio deck. Hope it dries out for a few days so we can get it done. We want to do something with the wall but can't decide what. We have been working bit by bit in our shed and garage getting rid of more stuff and putting like items together. That will make life a bit easier.

We planned on a trip to Alabama the third week of March and we got all ready to go and headed east but before we made it to Shreveport, Lynn turned the truck and trailer around and back we came. I became very sick due to an electrolyte problem and I was as sick as I have ever been. Lynn was correct to turn around. We were almost back to Richardson before I knew it. Much better now!

There was no way to go but to get better. Also, I took a spill this week from my three wheel cart when Buddy and a cat got mixed up and that little 20 pound dog can really pull you over!!! Several wounds that will heal over time but NOTHING broken!!!

We came to Austin on Saturday for Lynn to attend certification hours for being a police officer. 20 hours this year and 40 next so he can remain a Bailiff and Warrant Officer. We go back to the real world tomorrow. He is still loving working for the City and I know it gives him a break from me a few days a month!!! Hee

If you ever want to come and see the Bluebonnets in the spring, let us know so we can join you.

House Closed and We Are Not Landlords Now!

2010-02-20T10:47:00.003-06:00

Good Morning! Our house in Mineola did close!!!!! Lynn and I were laughing as we rented the house to them for two weeks and we can say we were landlords now in a resume. Too funny. Well, I never want to be a landlord and on top of the worry about the house, you have other folks in there doing things to your house you might not want them too. Lynn and I put so much of ourselves in the house that we feel it is part of us. Part of our lives. Now it's sold, that part is gone but we had good memories there.

I guess living in a small town can be good but when you are so far from family, friends, airport, craft stores and great food, it's hard to live like you have been used to. Yes, running to the store in 3 minutes and being able to be at Wal-Mart in 4 is easy but there are some things you give up. Your privacy--it seems everyone wants to know what you are doing, where you are going and where you have been. You get to know folks a little better than maybe you really wanted to. We made some good friends there but left Mineola with a sigh of relief when it came to some. Mineola was a learning experience for Lynn and I and I hope we have grown from the experience. I have always thought friends treat you like you treat them but THAT IS NOT SO in some cases and we learned that the hard way in Mineola. We cherish our friendships and family and found that isn't always the case with some. What a learning experience we had in the small town---give me the city anytime. We missed our GOOD friends here in the Dallas area and of course it is great to be back near Jennifer and family.

Life is just to short for all the drama in a small town for us. Pettiness thrives in the small town. It seems in the city the little things go by the wayside and that is really good for my personality.

Another chapter, another learning experience gone past. Looking forward to the next few years here in the Dallas area.

More soon.

February Hello!

2010-02-18T10:58:00.003-06:00

Today is strange for me. I feel good and my house is in order, the sun is shinning and all is good. Maybe it's because we are to close on our Mineola house tomorrow. Due to a few problems on their part, we have had to wait a month after expected closing but we did rent it to them for two weeks. I sure do hope they enjoy the home as much as we did. It was a work of love and I think they will improve it even more with putting in new windows! There are 21 windows 7 are 4' x 6' each. I am sure the windows will be very expensive but I hope it will improve the home even more. We did love that house but we really love being here in Dallas area. This home is so right for us. Looking forward to spring and our garden yard. I will miss the 7 Dogwood trees we had out there but maybe we will try one here this spring. Not sure the soil is right?

Well, off to play with my Cricut! More soon.

Starting the Year Off Right

2010-01-23T14:16:00.005-06:00

Molly, the Cat

Painted this in 2004, boy, that seems along time ago!

It's January and we have been planning out next year, well, sort of, as it is hard to make a plan when you have so much time to play with. We started out right with cleaning out the pantry, fridge, kitchen cupboards but got off track somehow. Yes, it is easy when you are doing things you don't enjoy. I have done some more in my studio but NOT enough!

Last Monday it was in the 70's here after a week of bitter cold for North Texas so we decided to go out to the lake and bring in the trailer to the Mineola house, clean it up and find a spot for it when the house sells. Took some work as we had built a deck between the other deck and behind the trailer and when we did, we didn't think about pulling out. Well, Lynn tore out the middle deck, salvaged the steps and off we went with our little home on wheels. Thursday we went back out and Lynn power washed the trailer. It really needed it as the front side had black all over it. We did enjoy it out at the lake but felt we didn't use it enough for the expense and we want to go to Alabama in March so really decided to have it more accessible when we want to go.

We will miss the view!

Our Little Fun Finder

Well, listed some items on Craig's List and Ebay today and need to take more pictures for Ebay listings so better get going. I think Lynn is napping with Buddy---good thing to do on a rainy Sat. afternoon.

Happy New Year! 2010

2010-01-11T10:16:00.003-06:00

Here is Buddy Joe in his Cowboy Outfit!

He really does watch the game with us and wants them to WIN in the playoffs!

Happy New Year, 2010

We had a white Christmas this year and that was fun! Weather here has been very cold for Texas but I think we might be coming out of it this week. Lynn and I don't like the cold and stay in as much as possible when it is like this. Very fortunate to be able to do it and not have to brave the weather.

Started this year off with a bang! Organized all our kitchen cupboards, front hall cupboard, walk-in pantry and it feels GOOD! Now for our master closet and all those clothes we don't wear anymore! When one is retired, it seems that clothing is just not the same. We seem to enjoy the same "comfort" clothes and the good stuff just stays in the closet. Well, we think we might like to get rid of some of the baggage so one of these next few days, it will happen.

Lynn is working up to his annual tax receipt day or days. In Texas you can deduct you sales tax from your income tax so he keep every receipt and at the beginning of the year, sits down and collects all the sales tax off the paperwork. Now I mean receipts with even a few cents! It takes him time but I guess he feels he wants to do it sooooo it does save us on taxes! On year, about $800. I guess it is worth it!

We are looking forward to Spring and working in our back yard. It won't be as hard this year as most of the plants are there. Now we can decided if they need to be moved or what else we want. More evergreen shrubs and some color.

We have decided to leave the lake. It was fun but we didn't go out there often enough to spend the money. We also want to travel a bit more this year and with it there, it is somewhat "set" and not as available. Hope to head to Florida or Alabama in March or April. We will have these memories and hopefully will find another good place to park it a bit closed to home. We might try our back drive but Richardson some some tight rules about things like that!!!

Check back to see what I am up to with my new toys! More soon.

Happy Fall!

2009-10-31T10:28:00.006-05:00

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

2009-10-11T21:25:00.003-05:00

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

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.

IOWA WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

2008-04-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

Arrived in Des Moines on Friday afternoon and the weather was not working for us. Cold, windy and not a great day to watch a tennis match! We gave it our best effort and watched Emily thru a wind break from the truck. Not the best but we did get to see her play! We also went to an Estate Sale run by my sister and niece. They have been doing this for 30 years and always have such great things to pic from and we were so lucky to be in Des Moines when they have a sale.

Been enjoying our time with Mike and Paul Wigg. We are excited they are getting up and running with an Ebay business. I hope they enjoy it as much as we do.

"Mike" and Paul Wigg

Saturday night we went to The Radish in Grimes, Iowa. What wonderful food!!! Brian and Cathie, Lynn and myself had a fun evening after the food. We went back to the house and met Emily's boyfriend and got to see them go out all dressed up for the evening. That was such fun!

Sunday we spent time with Mike and Paul and then went to the Apple Store at Jordan Creek Mall. I got what I needed and we then went to my sister's condo in Des Moines for dinner. What great Chili! Really makes us feel back home. They have a wonderful condo way up in the air (7th floor) with windows almost floor to ceiling all around, I sure do wish we could find a place like it in Dallas area! What a view!!!!! Our niece, Suzanne was there and it is always great to catch up with all the family information.

Today I had a fun time with a small quilting group of Mike's friends. She has a fantastic group of friends and I so enjoy myself with them. They sure do inspire me---hope I can take some of their energy and creative ability home to Texas.

Tonight we had dinner at The Radish (again) with our good friends, Ann and Ron Victor. Ann was our maid of honor almost 44 years ago! We have traveled with them and so enjoy their company. We all graduated from Creston High School in 1964 together so it is so easy to catch up on all the news.

ON OUR WAY TO IOWA

2008-04-24T21:22:00.000-05:00

Picture of one of my flowers edited in a Reflections Program I have. This is such fun!

We are on our way to Iowa. Our home state and town. We have family there and love to go back and visit. It is spring there---we are about 5-6 weeks ahead of Iowa in Texas when it comes to the growing season. So we will see Spring again! That will be fun. I hope to take some more pictures.

Buddy is in Texas with Jennifer and family and I miss him already. He is NOT the best traveler. All he does if we don't drug him is pant and drip from his tongue. It does make the trip hard on him so we are so grateful Jennifer can watch him for a few days. If we take the trailer, we usually take him and when we get back from Iowa we hope to go somewhere for a few days with him and sit around a lake!

We were in Kansas City Thursday and will drove on in to Iowa Friday. Will stopped at the Amish basket store in Iowa and picked up a couple of baskets as usual. They are so nice.

BUSY WEEK IN MINEOLA

2008-04-18T18:49:00.000-05:00

Our Wisteria is starting to bloom. It is a new vine from last year

and is blooming very late this year.

GARAGE SALE OVER!!!!! FOR THE TIME BEING.

Well it's over for now. Will probably have a art and craft sale soon to rid myself of some of the stuff I don't think I will ever use again. My interests have changed over the years. Our sale was amazing. Sold almost $600 of real junk. Only had three items at $30 and then rest were mostly .50 and $1.00

This is the rose from last blog! As they bloom out, they change color from yellow to pink. This is the color with no photo enhancement. Amazing!

Planted some pine trees, worked in the yard but most of all we did finish the floor or our screened porch with bricks. It was painted and looked real bad so we decided to brick it and it worked great. We still have to paint the steps but that will be easy. Concrete under the bricks isn't even cracked after 58 years! This house was built to last.

On Wednesday we went to Tyler for http://www.lifelinescreening.com/ We will get the results in about 21 days. Should be interesting. Easy, fast and should give us some idea of where we are now in our health mode. Guess we are not tooooooo bad as if they see something bad, they let you know right away, otherwise someone reads the tests and then they send you a report.

We are getting ready to head to Iowa next week. Our granddaughter is playing tennis on her High School team and is pretty good so we want to go and watch. Also, a spring visit will be nice. We have a list a mile long of folks to see and then our friend Connie will be heading back to Texas for a visit with us. That will be great fun as we always love to have her here. Wish more of our friends and family would stop by---we have the space for you! Here is a picture of our Emily! She is almost thru her junior year and we are most proud of her. She seems to love tennis and it good. I think Tennis is a great sport---you can do it all your life.

Went out today and took some pictures in the yard. Some of the flowers are fading but new one coming on. Hope I don't bore you with my flower pictures but that is something I love to take.

Close up of the Wisteria---Their sent is amazing!

Roses and Wisteria this week. Buddy helps me take them by laying down in the grass and watching me. What a sweet dog he has been. We are not taking him to Iowa but he is going to stay with Jennifer and family and his buddies, Kramer, Snickerdoodle and Oreo. They do have a great time

GETTING READY TO HAVE A SALE!

2008-04-10T19:11:00.000-05:00

Second Rose of 2008

My roses are starting to bloom! I hope to put in a few more this year but they are are bit contrary at times. I did start my vine from seeds I held over from last year in small peat plugs and they are starting to pop! It was 79 here today so everything is growing well. Here is a pic of my second bloom. Also, my white rose should be out tomorrow.

Monday was the first get together for the East Texas Polymer Clay Group at the League of the Arts. http://www.mlota.org/ Such a nice group of artists who are so enthusiastic about polymer clay. It was such fun and a few of them brought back their items to show from the class that Penny Hurst and I taught a few weeks ago. We are going to meet once a month and hopefully will gather several more members over 2008. How lucky we are here in Mineola to have a League that offer such opportunity. Old school building with all the facilities open all day and by appointment. Neat place to meet, work and share.

I don't know about any of you but I am a pack rat. Always have been and Lynn has survived for almost 44 years with this "kink" in my personality. What a guy! Anyway, over the last few months I have taken the cure---really, I know some of you don't think it possible but I have. I guess I can blame it on my parents. While I was being raised, my family always took care of thing, repaired them and reused and recycled before it was popular. EVERYTHING HAS VALUE is the way I was raised and it stuck. I love my "stuff" and can't seem to throw anything away. I save it for the next time I might need it even if a next time may never come. Well, after 44 years, I have to give somethings up----it's time. Sooooo over the next year, Lynn and I are going to have mini sales. We have the barn---we can set up and mark and close the door then open it when we decide the day is good and have it for a few hours then close the door! This Sat. we are selling off hopefully, leftovers from our booth. Not much left but want it all gone. It will be just Lynn and myself working and what is left over(not any antiques) will be donated to Kindness Kottage here in Mineola. Then I will have a art-craft supply sale in a few weeks. I will breath a sigh of relief when all is gone and we are organized. I have a little label machine ( I call it "Martha" as Martha Stewart swears by it and so does Martha Woosley) and I have gone crazy with it! If you don't have one---get one---it can change your life.

Some of Our Dogwoods

Art supplies are so hard to organize. Everything is different sizes and shapes but over the last few month I have gone thru most all of my stuff. I know what I want to keep and I have such a wonderful space (two walk in closets plus a 9 x 9 walk in room) and my studio is 20 x 20. I have all of it filled to the brim but organized. The last two days I have been sorting my clay and beading supplies. How wonderful to be able to pull out a drawer (I have 30 three drawer DMC floss cabinets) and see what I have. I also have 6 Elfa wire drawer units that are as tall or taller than I am and recently we got a 4 drawer lateral file. Then I have two 6 self book cases and three floor to ceiling built in shelves in the closets. You see, I need to get it under control and I feel I am making headway. I am trying to decide what I want to do for the rest of my life and I do think watercolor and polymer are it. Oh, I did just take on Silver Art Clay. Check out this link to see what someone can do with it. This lady is quite an artist! http://www.pmcsupply.com/gallery/htmlgallery/hattie1/index.html

Can't wait to get some pieces like these made. I have my kiln but need some instruction on running it. Hopefully next week.

East Texas Spring--Lots of New Little Calves

Lynn as been in Dallas for two nights and will be home tomorrow and we will work late in the barn getting ready for the sale.

Wish us luck!

Happy Birthday Clint!

2008-04-06T19:37:00.000-05:00

BUDDY SAYS

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, CLINT"

Bluebonnets and Buddy taken 4/6/08 in Mineola.

Well, today is our son Clint's 41st Birthday! WOW are We getting old! I just can't believe that 41 years has passed and I feel as young mentally as I did then but the old body sure has aged. Happy Birthday, Clint. Wish we could have been in San Antonio to celebrate with you. Maybe next year?

Well, as many of you know I love to start a project but finishing is not really the main thing I start for. I love the process and learning about how and why you do something a certain way. I love the process of planning, gathering the supplies and getting if off the ground. Well, maybe you remember way back when I started a silk scarf. It has been hanging around in my studio for weeks and months. Well, I set a goal for myself this week---FINISH THE SCARF! I did it today. It is painted and I need it to set up for 24 hours, heat set it and wash it and walah! It will be done. Here is a pic of it as it looks now. Check back in my archives to see where it was when I started. I think I am going to love it and to think---it is an original and there is nothing like it in this world!!! That's the part I love when I create.

Check back in a day or two as I will have more pics when it is heat set and washed. The background looks black but it is a wonderful brown. I am learning on this one and already have a smaller one in the frame.

Monday is the first meeting of our new Polymer Clay Day group here in Mineola. I am thrilled I have "hooked" a handful of friends to join together and play one day a month for now. Should be fun and creative. http://www.mlota.org/ There is an art show coming up soon so I need to get to painting----looking forward to art this spring.

Another picture of the Bluebonnets here in the area.

SPRING HAS ARRIVED IN EAST TEXAS

2008-04-03T17:52:00.000-05:00

How beautiful East Texas is in the Spring! No matter where you drive the flower are abundant and it is soooooo green this year. The Azaleas are blooming in full force and what a sight it is when you go by a yard with several different colors all in a row. WOW! Hope to get some pictures to post this weekend if the weather is good. There are some homes in Tyler that really out do themselves and they have the Azalea Trails Festival every year with a map to follow for all the beauty. Most of these homes are folks that have yard people to make everything look great. I have a yard guy and he does wonders but our budget is not what those folks have, I am very sure. Today I planted my seeds for the vines I always grow in starter plugs. They will be up in a week and ready to plant probably by the end of the month. The are beautiful and I keep the seed over the winter to replant in the spring. I also kept over the Purple People Eater plant and hope that it will grow. Above is a picture of one of my Azaleas. The picture has not been doctored so you see the color is wonderful.

While Lynn was in Dallas working this week, I was sorting again in the studio. IT WILL BE DONE SOON! I have several things to get rid of and putting like items together is wonderful. Maybe before long I will be able to start painting, claying, knitting, beading, quilting and even sewing. It's been so long since I have put my mind to art. Can't wait!

EASTER BUNNY MISSED US THIS YEAR!

2008-03-27T08:26:00.000-05:00

Here we are, almost thru March and our weather in Mineola is grand. Should be in the 80's today and spring is in full bloom. Our Bradford pear trees have bloomed and leafed out, jonquils gone but best of spring in our yard are the 6 dogwoods we have. They are beautiful right now!

I so look forward to them as they are one of my favorite flowering trees. When we drive down the road in many places looking back into the trees, you can see these wonderful floating flowers!

We are going to take a drive today to see spring in bloom and I hope to use my new camera to take some more spring pictures.

We have just returned from Dallas for about 12 days. Taking care of our "grand dogs, and pets"while Jennifer, Mark and kids went to Florida for spring break. Pets are easy but the electronics in their home---remotes etc. we very stressful. We completely messed up on Sat. night and couldn't get anything on one of the TV's. We need better lessons next time.

My good friend, Penny and I taught a two day class on Polymer Clay Jewelry and it was great! We addicted several ladies and will meet and the League of the Arts once a month for a play clay day. Nice to have some East Texas PolyClayers!

Didn't get a picture of Buddy this year for Easter. We were in Dallas and just didn't get to it so here in one from last year. Since Easter was so early this year, the Bluebonnet's are not in full bloom as yet. They were last year. Here he is!!!!! Will be doing some Bluebonnet pics soon.

Well, off the breakfast and a ride. Hope to be able to take some pictures today.

MARCH MOVED IN TO MINEOLA--78 DEGREES

2008-03-02T22:10:00.000-06:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY FROM TEXAS

February is gone and even with an extra day, it went to fast for the Woosley's life. We had a great February weather wise and our winter has been so mild, we didn't seem to notice it came and went. Not so for our friends and family in Iowa!!!! My land, they had it bad!!!! I know Texas is hot in the Summer but I LOVE the Winters.

BUDDY TODAY IN THE FLOWERS

We got all moved into our little apartment in Dallas. It is going to be so nice to have a place to go and not have to drag all our stuff to and from. It is very comfortable and we have used the pool and hot tub several times. He did go and get his flat screen TV but we bought a little dresser/two door cupboard and made it into a little TV cabinet. Will post some pictures when I post pictures of the apartment. Just don't have any as yet.

Lynn works three days this week and four more the rest of the month and we will be taking care of the pets for Jen and Mark while they go to Florida for 9 days the middle of March. We will stay at their place then with Buddy and their three dogs, two birds, bearded dragon and possibly a geina pig? I guess that is what grandparents do----animal duty. Buddy will enjoy himself I am sure but he will take a week to recoup after the week with the boys!!!! They have put a fence around the pool so we can let them all out and not worry about them running off.

I am going to be teaching a class in Machine Applique and a two day class in Polymer Clay and Jewelry making this month also. I will be doing it at the League of the Arts here in Mineola and my new friend Penny will be sharing the two day class doing her thing, Jewelry Design and Findings. Should be fun!

Well, Lynn has been working on making our living room better. When we moved in we painted it chocolate----two years of that and I wanted my blue back so being the sweetie he is, it's done. I love it and will finish the valances for the living very soon. All that is left for us is to stencil one room, put up the Wall Words in my Studio and paint the hall. He also painted all the woodwork in the living and dining room. What a guy!!!

Guess I have been working him tooooooo hard. We went to Sam's the other day--he went one way and I went another and we said we would meet up front. Well, he didn't show and I couldn't find him. I went back and forth and no Lynn so I headed to the back of the store down the main isle---keep that in mind---main isle. There he was---on one of the large media couches "watching" the big screen TV. People were going by and snickering so I just had to take a picture or two before I "woke him" from his nap. He was even snoring! Love the price sign right beside him. When I woke him we both laugh and laugh---pretty funny. Shopping is such HARD WORK!

We are loving the weather here and so are the plants! My jonquils are blooming in full force and today I took this pic of my neighbors Iris blooming. I think it is a bit early but our tulip trees are in full bloom and the Bradford Pears will be totally out by the end of the week. Here is her Iris.

Keep checking back for more updates. This is such a great way to communicate with all our friends and family. Come back soon.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

2008-02-13T00:59:00.000-06:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY 2008

Can you feel it? Love is in the air! Valentines Day is almost here and that always means frosted heart cookies for me! Yes, I love to cut them out and decorate them. I guess it is family tradition for us. My MOM and Lynn's MOM always made sugar cookies. I found a new recipe this year and decided to make it. You might want to try them this year?

BEST ROLLED SUGAR COOKIES

Prep Time: 20 MinutesCook Time: 8 Minutes
Ready In: 3 Hours Yields: 60 servings

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract/ could use almond
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely. Frost with favorite decorative frosting.

Our weather has been so great this winter. I know our Family and Friends in the upper midwest have had it hard. Not only snow and more snow but frigid cold. Every year Lynn and I try to remember how it was and when we do, we are always glad we have "Texas Winters" now.

We love Gulf Shores, Alabama but I check every morning and this winter is as good in Texas as there. Glad we stayed here this winter.

Well, Friday is the moving day to our new "little" apartment. Our 5 x 10 foot moving trailer is almost packed and ready to go. Amazing one can pull enough to furnish an apartment from your home and not miss anything! That is saying something about us---will take pictures to post so you can see our little place in Dallas. Gives one perspective on what someone needs to live---and I think we will be comfortable. I know I am going to use the indoor pool a bunch!!!!

MISSED JANUARY--TOO BUSY AND IT SURE WENT FAST

2008-02-03T09:54:00.000-06:00

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY AND BUDDY STILL IS WISHING FOR A WIN!

WOW! Did 2007 go as fast for you as it did for us? Also, we are off to a fast start in February! Lynn and I have enjoyed 2007 and are looking forward to 2008---new events in our lives and hopefully some travel.

To do a bit of catching up! We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years! Our family is sure growing up. Gift Cards are where we are now. Can't keep up with all the "stuff" they want so if we do gift cards, they can get what they want and maybe a bit less expensive right after the holidays. We did give the Flip Video's to the adult kids. (I got one for me, too) I think they will be such fun for them and they are soooooooo easy to use. http://www.theflip.com/ I love mine!

Buddy Wanted to Play Reindeer this Christmas!

We decided to finish the house as fast as possible now. Almost two years!!! Time to move on and not have any of this stuff over our heads. We attacked the master bedroom and it is done now!!!! Yes, it went from green to terra cotta walls and a new spread, pillows curtains etc. Love it and now to repaint the living room. It is brown now but think I am going to go to blue. Blue is my favorite color and after seeing pics of our old digs, I have reverted back. We have a guy working for us right now on adding electricty to the barn and doing to tuck pointing (cement between the stone outside) and we hope to have that done very soon. It is suppose to be 70 here today so the weather is cooperating for us. Who knows next week.

We got some very sad news in January that a couple who we are good friends with in Tenn., Don and Shirley Jones lost their 36 year old daughter in a car crash. Missy Hunt was a great Mom and wife with two kids who will miss her so much. Cristy, 11 and Dusty 19 are left with wonderful memories of their Mom and our hearts go out to them, and the whole family. Shirley tells me that their faith is strong and they are doing ok or as best a family can do after something like this. Our hearts are sad and we are thinking of them as they go thru this heartbreaking time.

Here is a flower for Missy!

Some exciting news for Lynn and I!!!! We decided to rent an apartment in Dallas for 6 months to see how we liked vacationing in the BIG CITY! Not really, Lynn will be working more in the next few months because one of the officers is taking three months off. Well, we have used the guest room at Jen and Mark's for 5 years and we feel that is about enough. We were so lucky to be able to do that but feel that with all the extra days he will be working, enough is enough for them. Also, I will spend more time in Dallas doing classes and visiting friends. We just felt like we would enjoy more time there. We do love Dallas!!!! We lived in an apartment/hotel for 18 months before we came to Mineola and we are going back there. We had the largerst apt. before and this time we will have the smallest one!!!!! Effeciency but ALL NEW. Carpet, kitchen, vinyl, bath and we got to pick out everything. It has a nice patio on the enclosed courtyard and an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, game room with pool tables, library, social events and full time management. It has locked parking and security entry. We get to move on the 15th of Feb. so we will fill you in after that. Oh, best yet! We can have Buddy there.

Our hearts are not really in the Big Game today but we are going to watch it. Just spending the day planning our little move, loading some things in the trailer and enjoying the wonderful tempatures for the day!!!

I do hope to really keep up better with this. Check back soon for our update!

Mid December and Counting!

2007-12-12T17:39:00.000-06:00

Boy, the days slip away from us. We have had about two and a half weeks with Lynn not working and we have seemed to spend them working at the house. The list seems to get longer, not shorter.

Our weather here has been cool then warm and now cool. Not cold, freezing or snow but a few of the days have made us think of the Holidays. All our shopping is done and some in the mail.We always buy the same gift for the kids(can't say what it is as yet as they read this) and this year gift cards for the grand kids and of course, their silver bells. This is a tradition that Lynn and I started when Emily was born and as each one came along, we have kept it up. The bells are the silver sleigh bells or silver normal shaped bells that Gorham and some of the other silver manufactures make at Xmas. We will hopefully be able to continue until each of the grandkids are 21 which will give them a collection of 22 bells to have for the rest of their lives and hopefully pass down to their kids. Each bell has the year on it and they are not all alike. We did purchase a new bell this year from that is the first edition. I don't think it is as special looking as the others but thought we should do it this year. As the years have come and gone, the price on the bells has increased but so has silver. We feel this gift will give them something to start their lives with when they are out on their own. I so wish I had bought on for us as time went along but we are not putting up a tree this year sooooooo their would not be used.

We have decorated our outside with lit wreaths on all the front windows with a big wreath on the porch. A few things in but with the kids not coming for Christmas, it just felt like toooo much for us to do. We put greenery in the bike basket and a sign on the bike with a light. Kind of like a back yard Xmas Card. I have my 1776 Santa Quilt is hanging out---every years since 1981 and some of the Santa collection and a couple of Poinsettias so that is enough for us this year. Want to try to make some mints like Mom used to do. Boy, she really did make the candy of all sorts and make up boxes for friends and family. Not sure where she got her energy!? All of us looked forward to the Christmas season as we knew there would be all sorts of candy in the works. The smells in the house were unbelieveable!

I hopefully will be able to get some cards in the mail but probably will just do our New Year's Letter.

Oh, purchased a new camera. A Nikon D40x (Digital SLR) with all the bells and whistles. Hopefully, it won't take me years to learn it but I know I will love all the extras. Maybe I will post some of the pics here. Keep checking back. I will also put up some video of our lights on the house and a pic of the bike!

Cool and rainy here today but it makes it feel like the Holidays. Check back soon. Here us one of my last roses. Pic taken with my new camera!

Last Rose of 2007

BUSY, BUSY MONTH!

2007-11-17T08:35:00.000-06:00

A Few Shots of Buddy from Halloween

It's been a while since I have posted. We have been very busy with all the fall things that seem to happen all at once. I enjoyed a trip to Houston for the International Quilt Show. I went on a tour bus out of Tyler, Tx. with the quilt guild and we arrived at 9:45 and left at 5:00. It was a short time but I did make all the vendor booths and missed all the quilts! That is really a show for two days. Maybe next year. I have only missed two shows since 1983 and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

Here is a pic of the new front doors. We have five outside doors on this home---soooo when you change one, you must change two---yikes, double the dollars!

I also went to Dallas to take a class from my watercolor teacher, Janet Warden. What fun! I have not been to a class for a couple of years but hope I can attend. Janet is a wonderful teacher and I had a wonderful time. Her web site and information is http://www.theartcompany2.com/

Lynn stayed in Mineola that day to attend the Iron Horse Festival. He said is was really a good time and the antique cars were fabo. We attended the Edgewood Heritage Festival on the 10th and enjoyed it. Car show, vendors and Heritage Park was open. What a neat group of old buildings with old time crafts.

Well, didn't get this posted until now---Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas Season is upon us. Lynn and I had much to be Thankful for this year. We went to San Antonio to Clint and Melody's new home for Thanksgiving. Jen, Mark and the kids came too and we had a wonderful meal hosted by the San Antonio Woosleys. Melody went out of the way to make a feast! Beautiful Turkey, Prime Rib and all the fixings! Well, we all over ate but enjoyed it sooo much and we sure did have a few days of fun. The house was full of dogs! Jen's 3, our Buddy and their Pebbles! Five doggies kept things hopping!

NEWS FLASH! After three months, some drugs and pretty good eating, my cholesterol is down from 556 to 165!!!!!!!! I guess I am not a "dead woman walking" at least getting things back to normal. I am feeling so much better and my ankles are not hurting as much! We are very happy about this news. Hopefully, I can get off the drugs sometime soon.

More pictures soon. This is a sunset picture from Mineola Fall 2007

RED LETTER DAY FOR THE WOOSLEYS

2007-10-24T11:37:00.001-05:00

Car Show in Lindale Saturday

Monday was a RED LETTER DAY for us. We signed up for Social Security!!!! The more I think about it, I thought it would be years and years before this was possible but Zowie! Time passes quickly and here it is. Lynn will continue to work so much of ours will go back to them if we don't keep good track of the time but still half is good!

We arrived home from Gulf Shores on Friday as it rained 12" there overnight and we were very tired of hearing the hard rain. We drove straight thru and wasn't a bad trip. So enjoyed it and hope to go back soon. Plan to take the camper to Lake Whitney in November and then will probably park it until February.

Saturday was the Hwy 80 Garage Sale (yearly event) and we took off and checked it out. It runs from Terrell to Longview on Hwy 80 and people just pull over in a lot and set up anywhere. Lots of goodies but Lynn and I attended two car shows. He loves those old cars. We have had several over the years that we should have kept but you know how hindsight goes.

Here is one we thought was cool!!!

Since we came home a bit early, we decided to go the the Texas State Fair! Sunday was a beautiful day and perfect for the fair. We did decided we would not go again on a weekend as there were crowds everywhere. Spent time at the Vita-Mix booth as usual. Got some new recipes and tips. I love that machine and now with the special diet, it comes in handy!

Went to a class last night on making Broken China Jewelry. Lots of fun and I made three pieces. Need to really practice the techniques, but happy with what I did for practice.

Excited, I just got a call that I made it on the Bus to the Houston International Quilt Show next Thrus. Bus out of Tyler drops us at the door and pics us up at 5 pm and brings us home. Not a bad day, for sure. Will see all the quilts and the vendor booths are fabo. Excited.

Fall in Alabama Shrimp Festival 2007

2007-10-19T00:20:00.000-05:00

We arrived here on Saturday to beautiful weather! Alabama coast, Gulf Shores, is a great place to be in the fall. We attended the 36th Annual Shrimp Festival on Sunday on the Beach in Gulf Shores. http://www.nationalshrimpfestival.com/ What a wonderful art show!!! Also the food is out of this world. Vendors from all over showing off the recipes they are known for. Well, guess what---with my shell fish allergy, I didn't dare try fish just because I didn't know how it was cooked and didn't want to take the chance of a trip to the hospital. Forgot to bring my shot to counter act the allergy. We saw some wonderful art!!!! Great water colors, pottery, wood turning, oils and photography. Hope to come again. I have eater gouper several times this week and boy, the way they fix it here, you want more and more. Grilled fish is wonderful and it has won Lynn over.

The weather has been wonderful and we haven't had to run our air in the camper until today. That was because it has been raining for 24 hours---almost every minute. Hard, hard rain. Buddy is really bummed as he loves to be outside. I have no idea how much we have received but water is standing everywhere. Hope we don't float away!!!!

I had planned to do some quilting and even brought my little sewing machine but it seems we were enjoying the outside too much. We shopped at the Tanger Outlets, (biggest in the southeast and building on) It is just about a mile from us here. We went to a fabric store that sells fabric by the pound. I made it to a quilt shop for just a short time also. Camping World took up some of our time, too. There are so many place to go here but Monday we spent hours at the beach. The waves were very high as there was some wind! It was so enjoyable----wish we had a beach closer to Mineola! I guess it's more fun to come this way and not have to worry about the hurricanes.

We head home tomorrow. Hope we can make it so we can attend the Texas State Fair on Sunday as it is the last day. Back to the real world next week. I AM going to do some quilting and clean the studio so I can start some Fall projects.

Our youngest, Jennifer was 38 on Monday so feel a bit old myself and really wanting to get so many things done for the kids! My art is important to me and I hope to leave some to my kids even if they only hang it when I am coming for a visit.

OCTOBER IS UPON US

2007-10-09T07:11:00.000-05:00

Flying Geese Wall Quilt

October, my favorite month is here and the weather in Texas has been very nice. Lynn, Buddy and I are getting ready to leave this Thursday for Alabama--Gulf Shores. We do love it there and have a favorite campspot. http://www.anchorsaweighrv.com here we stay. I am taking some things to do and we are just going to kick back and enjoy the beach. Oh, will hopefully be attending the 36th Annual Shrimp Festival this next weekend. We went there last year and it was so much fun.

I have completed a 12 hour drawing class last week. It's hard and I need lots of practice but isn't that the way with everything? I also entered three small quilts in the League of the Arts Quilt Show that starts this next weekend. http://www.mlota.org/ Just want to support the group and I haven't quilted for some time now. Old stuff but new to them. I am starting a mini quilt this week. May even do hand piecing???

On the Street Where I live!

1776 Santa designed by me in 1981. Sold thru Quilt Country, Kansas City

as a commercial pattern. I retain the registered copyright.

I got my silk painting supplies in the mail last Friday so looking forward to finishing my scarf and starting something new. Watch for updates.

VERY FULL WEEK!

2007-10-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

Mr. Buddy Ready for a Ride 10/2007

Lynn and Buddy got the Mercedes out and cleaned it up and we all took it for a ride! Well, Buddy only lasted about 25 feet before he jumped on the back and then off the car. Guess he didn't feel as if he could handle the top down. He does like to sit in it and act as if he is ready!

It really is fun to have a convertible---so Lynn may keep it, who knows. We did have a wonderful surprise last week when we took off the hard top and were able to see a cloth top, looks like never used under the cover!

The Boys and Their Toys!

Our week has been filled with fun. Had a great weekend with dinner at the Shed in Edom. Marcia, our neighbor and Lynn and I drove about 25 miles but it was worth the drive. Salmon, grilled----very, very good.

Friday I went to a class at the League of the Arts on making felt. I did a small clutch purse and a larger flap purse. Well, I still have my clutch but for some reason, Buddy didn't love the flap purse and shook it to death! He looks like he was attacking the sheep the wool came from. It wasn't good so guess I wasn't unhappy but hope to do more soon. It is a very neat craft and I took it from a master. She even raises he own sheep!!!

Monday I went to Hideaway Lake to a new friend's home and she and two new friends and I painted silk scarves. What fun it is. So fast and now I am hooked! Ordered supplies to finish my scarf as I didn't want to use up Penny's paint and it should be here the end of the week. I am thrilled with my first project but it isn't done. Want to have a dark background so when my paint comes in, I will finish it. This is a one of a kind and I think I am going to love it. Finish, I did finish two knitted scarves this week, too.

First stage of silk scarf. 22 x 22

Tuesday I went to a 6 of 12 hours of pencil drawing class. Will finish up on Friday. I really do need to learn it and it seems everything comes at once. It's HARD---hopefully I will have something to show you soon. Also, I joined a Scherenschnitte online group. I hope to do some "paper cutting" this fall and Connie Rhine got me interested again when we were in Iowa. She is doing some for the kids for Halloween. They are toooooo cute.

More to come---stop back and see my progress with the silk painting. I hope I have enough time to at least try all the art I want to do.

Car Show Tonight, Class on Felting Friday.

2007-09-27T18:25:00.000-05:00

Great Grill

Was a good day today! We got up late and walked a bit then had breakfast of egg beaters! Yes, I am doing all I can to help my situation and when I weighed today, I had lost another 3.5 lbs!! Yeah!!!! Eating right does make a difference. Lynn has lost too so doing this together is a good thing. Got my extended VAP test back today and my numbers are down considerable. Still high but only been doing this 10 days when we took the other test. Down 200 points and that does make me feel a bit better. Still have a ways to go but all of this is for a best, I am sure.

I have an all day class tomorrow at the League of the Arts http://www.mlota.org/ I am going to learn how to embellish with felting. Should be fun.

The man is coming to install our new Texas Star doors on the front of the house. Having two front doors is expensive---never thought about that one. Will share a pic here when they are installed. Another man is coming to give us a bid on a single Stainless Steel sink in the kitchen. After having a single sink and going back to a double, well, it is like night and day. Hopefully it can be done and the $$ is not too bad. One never knows on custom orders.

This is what I found our about the Purple People Eater Flower I have growing. Scary!

The Purple People Eater is a variety of Datura--a poisonous plant used in Voodoo rituals--in the making of zombies! It's also called 'devil's trumpet'. It is very beautiful, but (not that you would be tempted, but..) DONT EAT IT! Well, wasn't going to but will have to watch Buddy! How can something so beautiful be so strange?

Well, off to a car show here in Mineola. Going to take my camera. Maybe a pic or two.

Buddy Is Ready for Fall!

2007-09-26T13:31:00.000-05:00

Our Buddy Joe, Fall 07

Boy, just realized that Summer is past and Fall is almost ready to show it's colors. Fall is such a beautiful time of year---and I am looking forward to the color. We hope to travel early October to see some of the fall. We have not been anywhere in our new travel trailer but one night in Jen's driveway so it should be great fun. Will just take off for a couple of weeks and see where it leads us.

Buddy went to the groomers this morning so decided it was a good time to take a pic for fall. He is such a poser and very patient when I am taking pictures. I bought a stick tripod and I LOVE it. These little digital cameras even with stabilization and really blur---well, guess it is me, not the camera.

Here is his shot for Fall----

Buddy Joe

Come back soon and check out my Picasa Web Album!
http://picasaweb.google.com/martywoos/PurplePeopleEaterFlower

Back to the Real World!

2007-09-11T12:42:00.000-05:00

Fall Picture I Took at a Market

I did feel pretty good to get home Friday of last week. We took our time coming down thur Arkansas and went to Dallas to pick up our Buddy Joe. We had had three weeks of running and playing with his "nephew dogs" but I think was glad to get back to Mineola and out of the Bid City! Jen and Mark are putting in a beautiful swimming pool and Buddy took great care in checking out the workmen.

We took Sat. off to relax and Sunday I went to Dallas to attend a meeting to the North Texas Clay Guild. It's been sometime since I have attended as it is about 110 miles each way and about 1 and 1 !/2-2 hours of driving. Was glad I went as got to see some good old friends that I haven't seen in awhile.

Well, didn't have such good news when we returned. Glad I didn't know while I was gone that I am a "dead woman walking"
I had a blood test the morning we left town and WOW! Guess I am not as healthy I we thought. I have lost 39.5 lbs this year and thought that was great. Lost 3 lbs. While we were on vacation!!!!

Amazing how things can turn. My Cholesterol has always been about 130 and it is now. 556 and my triglycerides are 796 Doctor sent me a note and said it was in very dangerous level and sent a prescription for me. Now I have to keep checking and watch my diet, I guess. Lynn and I have both started on a low fat and low cholesterol diet yesterday. It really isn't hard and hope we both loose more weight and get the numbers down. Will miss our prime rib and rib eye steaks but we will survive.

Lynn is mowing today and I am trying to get back to normal, what ever that might be.
This is a wonderful day! Great to be home and retired.

ALMOST HOME

2007-09-07T08:20:00.000-05:00

Miss Pingree, Nightlight I made at Pingree Retreat

Well, we are heading back to Texas after a relaxing trip thru Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas. We will be in Texas today. Can't wait to see our Buddy Joe who has been on vacation in Dallas with Jennifer and family. I really do miss him but probably he will not even remember me---she has three dogs of her own and he love to be there with them. I am sure he will be lonesome back with the old folks in Mineola!

We enjoyed our trip across Nebraska but it ended in Council Bluffs for the night as my back was killing me. Back problems are not for the faint of heart. We did meet some folks in the hot tub from Bella Vista, Ak. We enjoy meeting folks when we travel.

On to Des Moines to visit our great friend in Ankeny. Mike and Paul Wigg. It was a full house as they had their 6 grandkids there for the weekend, too. We also went to see my sister and hubby in their new "digs" , a 7th floor huge condo with all glass outside walls. The have a wonderful view and I told them to get us one just like it for what they paid and we would be back in Des Moines! I loved it. We had a very nice lunch with they and our niece and hubby. It was so good to see them.

Then we also stopped at our good friend, Connie's daughter, Amber's new "digs" in Clive, Ia.
What a beautiful home she and her hubby and sweet little daughter have. They should enjoy it for a long time. It was sooooo good to see them and Maddie has grown so much in the last year.

Hogback Bridge

Off to see our kids, Brian, Cathie, Emily and Ethan at their lake house in Panora, Ia. We were able to spend time with them and go to dinner on the lake. It is sooooo good to be with them and we had a great time. It was so late to go into Creston so we stayed at a small hotel in Casey, Iowa. Slept in and then we decided to go the the Bridges of Madison County. We have lived within 20 miles of the bridges for all our life in Iowa and had never been. We went to two, Hogback and Roseman (the one featured in the movie) but the torneau cover with filled with grit!!! You can bet that made the boss happy. Just to think they are hand made that many years ago----really neat to see. Lynn and I were glad we made the side trip and now he says he doesn't have to do that one again.

When we got to Creston we went to see and stay with Lynn's sis, Char. She has a beautiful, huge new house that we had not seen. What a wonderful home to retire in! She has it decorated so nice and I know she will enjoy every minute she is in it. We had a new mattress she had just bought that week and my back was better----thanks, Char!

Next we visited our very close friend, Connie and stayed with her two nights(longer than expected) as we went out to a antique shop near Creston and the day got away from us.
We bought the neatest little trunk and gas can. We got to eat at our favorite places, too.

Wednesday morning we were off to Texas thru the Ozarks. We got to Buffalo, Mo. and stayed there using the wonderful hot tub for my back. Slept in and then headed for Eureka Springs, via Branson. Hope to come back there this winter to see some shows. It rained on us hard for about an hour and the clouds parted and got beautiful We love Eureka Springs and spent about two hours there eating at our favorite BBQ and checking out the town. If you ever get a chance to go there, do, it's worth the trip. Puts you back into another time!

Me on the Roseman Bridge.

Amazing construction!

We came on down the road with a stop at Sam's in Rogers, Ak. Back to my real world almost.
Drove to Ft. Smith, Ak and stay our last night in a suite at the Hamption Inn. Livingroom with huge flat screen TV. Small kitchen and bedroom with another TV. Very nice.

Last night on the trip so decided to "live it up"!

Some good old Iowa Goldenrod!

LEAVING THE BEAUTY OF YELLOWSTONE

2007-08-29T23:27:00.000-05:00

On our way out of Wyoming.

A Barn I want to paint. This is in eastern Wyoming.

It was very hard to drive east today away from the beauty of the Rockies! What a wondeful vacation we are having. I know we will try to get back next year as Lynn and I so love the mountains. We are now in Morrill, Nebraska. The drive to here was very barren and rocky. Amazing how different our country can be in just a few miles. We are seeing cornfield after cornfield and it reminds us so much of Iowa in August.

My back is doing a bit better today but I know with just a bump or a twist, I will be back to a place I don't want to be!!!!!! Will be glad to hear what the Dr. has to say when we get back to Texas. We had to cancel our plans to stay in Colorado until Sunday for a wedding. I just didn't feel I wanted to wait that long in so much pain. So sorry to miss it as I know it would have been beautiful. We have decided to drive to Des Moines and Creston on our way home and take a bit of a break or rest for my back. We have not been back since March of 2006. Hopefully, we can take a trip in October with the RV up thru the mid east states to Ohio. Back willing!!!!!

Well, we have a time change tomorrow so will lose an hour going east. We had a wonderful steak dinner at a little place here tonight. They had a wonderful relish tray with carrots, pickled herring, celery, black and green olives, dill pickles and ranch dip. Then we had a choice of the best brocolli cheese soup or salad. We each had one and shared. Then came the rib eye steak and potato cooked to perfection. After all was over, here they came with two mini cream puffs!!!! WOW. This is a town of 972-----in the middle of nowhere. Wish I could take them back to Texas. I guess the corn fed beef made the meal sooooooo goooooood!

More when I get back to the computer with pictures. Keep checking in

Beautiful Yellowstone

2007-08-29T02:00:00.000-05:00

We have been seeing Yellowstone National Park for the last two days and what an experience. Beauty everywhere. Old Faithful was amazing. I had been there before, when I was 5 years old so as you might imagine, things have changed. We saw Bald Eagles, Wild Buffalo and Elk. the bears were hiding from everyone this week.

We spent the night last night in West Yellowstone and had a great Italian meal. The indoor pool and hot tub made the day and really felt good on my back. I have been battling back pain for two weeks and I don't think a different mattress every night is doing it any good.

We are in Cody, Wyoming tonight. We ate the best BBQ for a long time. Neat little town and probably will check out some shops in the morning but will swim first!

Well, off to see more of Wyoming tomorrow.

Then heading back to Texas. More to come.

Beautiful USA

2007-08-27T09:52:00.000-05:00

VIEW OUT MY WINDOW AT PINGREE RETREAT!

Boy, was our drive yesterday wonderful. We are at the base of Yellowstone (Lander, WY) and today we will drive there and see all the beauty. Yesterday's drive was amazing. I have never seen such expanse and you could see forever. It sure does make one feel small! I could only hope that folks who live in the inner city could see the beauty of it all. It really could give one a sense of peace to stand alone in this great expanse.

There are snow fences everywhere along Interstate 80 and we came up a cut thru 287 where you didn't see any houses for miles and miles. Just expanse of hills, rocks, brush and blue sky.

What an amazing country we live in.

We are sleeping as long as we want, eating some very good food and going until we decide to stop. This is the way we love to travel. Hoping to visit the quilt shop here in Lander if it is open on Monday. This is a very clean small town with lots to offer.

Pingree Is Over For 2007

2007-08-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

Well, Pingree is over and I had a wonderful time. Learned so much this time and really did kick back and enjoy the time. Didn't push myself but there was lack of sleep. Really don't stay up that late but when there are 37 creative women in a group like that, you want to try it all. Really enjoyed my time and the group has grown so close to each other. Such a varied group when it comes to age and to interests but the "little package of Polymer clay" seems to bring us all together. There is a song I found by Point of Grace that says it all. Here are the words.

Words & music by Douglas Mckelvey & Steve Siler

We were made to love and be loved
But the price this world demands will cost you far too much
I spent so many years just trying to fit in
Now Ive found a place in this circle of friends
In a circle of friends we have one father
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That every orphaned soul will know
And all will enter in
To the shelter of this circle of friends
If you weep, I will weep with you
If you sing for joy the rest of us will lift our voices too
But no matter what you feel inside theres no need to pretend
Thats the way it is in this circle of friends
In a circle of friends
We have one father
In a circle of friends we share this prayer
That well gather together no matter how the highway bends
I will not lose this circle of friends
Among the nations, tribes and tongues we have sisters and brothers
And when we meet in heaven we will recognize each other
With joy so deep and love so sweet
Oh well celebrate these friends
And a life that never ends
In a prayer
That will not be long before
All will enter in
To the shelter of this circle of friends
That it will not be long before
All will enter in
To the shelter of this circle of friends

I will be posting some pics here tonight if I get time from our vacation! We are in Laramie, Wyoming today heading for the Yellowstone National Park!

More soon, keep checking in.

Vacation in August

2007-08-19T00:44:00.000-05:00

Wildflowers along the Road

On the Route 66 past Amarillo TX

Well, we are off and running. We headed out on Wed. and made it to Amarillo, Tx. the first night. Ate at a great place, The Big Texan! Great food. On Thurs. we went to Taos, NM and enjoyed the weather. 68 degrees and very low humitity. WOW. Neat place. Great shopping and I found a few great different things. On Friday, off to Colorado Springs, Co. Got in late afternoon, Stayed at Microtel(loved that hotel) and had the best Chinese meal ever!

Creek Along the Way
Today we came to Denver. Got hotel early and went to Cherry Creek Mall and got some shoes, went to a movie and then to the Tattered Cover Book Store in the West End of Denver. Neat area. I go to the Tattered Cover every year when I come to Denver. Got some good books.

Lynn Hunting a Good Rock for our Rock Garden

Off to the airport to drop Lynn off in the morning , then off the Pingree http://www.pingree07.com/
for a wonderful week with polymer friends. Hope to get inspired as usual. Lynn will fly back to Denver next Sat. and I will pick him up and we will head north to Wyoming and the Yellowstone. I haven't been there since I was five and he has never been there. Should be fun.
Hope to get some good pictures.

Loss of Another Friend

2007-08-13T15:20:00.000-05:00

A Flower for Eileen

One of my good friend from Colorado, Eileen Loring, passed away last week. Eileen was a wonderful artist and fun person. She had many health problems but was an inspiration to me as she really never let them get in her way. She passed away at a Rock Concert in Red Rock, Co. doing something she really loved. She will be missed this year at Pingree! We will celebrate her life on Thurs. Aug. 23 in the evening with all of her Pingree friends. I will miss Eileen very much and hope she gets to attend many rock concerts in Heaven.

Camp Woosley Is Over for 2007

2007-08-13T14:30:00.000-05:00

Water Park, Canton TX.

Well, another year of Camp Woosley has come and gone. We had a wonderful time with the kids but missed Ethan who didn't attend. Maybe next year. Jennifer picked up the girls at the airport on Saturday and had a movie party that night at her house. Sunday they came to Mineola and we had an Italian Dinner that night. On Monday we went to a water park near here for a whole day!!! No sunburn for any of us! What fun for Lynn and myself as it was our first ever trip to a water park. Dinner at Dairy Queen---healthy choice!

Tuesday we did crafts---covered pens with polymer clay. Creativity filled the room. In the afternoon we went to the Mineola Sports Complex as Lynn calls it!!! Yes, a kind of dingy bowling alley but spent two hours trying to hit the pins. Not too bad scores, I must admit. For dinner we had a cook out and vegged!

Logo Photo~

Wednesday brought a trip to Tyler all of us wearing our camp shirts. I did the logo for them and it was such fun to see the girls cringe at the thought of wearing them OUT! ALL of us wore them and we really didn't get weird looks at the mall, at least to our face! I made one for Lynn with Director/CEO on it, Jennifer with Activities Director/ Bus Driver and me Cook!

Jennifer Activities Director and Bus Driver

After shopping at the Mall, all but myself went to a movie and dinner at Cici's Pizza. I went shopping at Hobby Lobby and then came home to take care of our Camp Mascot, Buddy Joe.

Tess playing, Emily music stand!

When they got home, we got set up for our Talent Show. Everyone of the kids thought of something to do, even Buddy did a trick. What fun it is to see what they came up with. Sam did a comedy act, Sydney did a contemporary dance, Tess played a solo on the violin and Emily did a hand puppet show. We even had a good friend come and take great pictures for us. After all was over we had cake and ice cream and then built a marshmallow fire.

Sam and his comedy act.

The week went so fast. Jen looked in on the girls dorm late one night and Sydney was on my computer doing Webkins, Emily was text messaging and Tess with video conferencing. Sam was watching Satellite TV. I guess technology was taken over sitting around the campfire getting bug bites and telling stories.

Sydney dancing!

Thanks to the kids, Lynn and I experienced the water park and had a great time. We decided why folks that are 61 years old don't have teens and younger. Our stamina isn't what it used to be but spending time with the kids really meant a great deal to us.

Camp Woosley Group Photo 2007

Fence Day for Us

2007-07-26T13:28:00.000-05:00

Well, it finally is coming about. We are having a fence built at the back of our property. We already have a chain link fence but wanted to block the view to our yard from the neighbors as their dogs don't really love us outside!!!! We left the chain link and moved our new stockade fence 6 1/2' tall, forward about 5 feet so we can get behind it to mow. The dogs BARK whenever we walk Buddy or just sit on the new screened porch or water the yard. To bad we have to build a solid wood fence just to keep them quiet. Oh, well, with the barn out there and now the fence, our view is good and theirs is blocked!

Also, we have a man here patching some drywall cracks in our kitchen ceiling and bedroom. With a old house (built in 1949) and ceiling fans that must have weighed a ton, sometimes this happens but this guy really has fixed them. WHAT A MESS!!!!! Not sure we will recover for several days. I now will have to dust and wash almost everything in the house!!!! Glad we didn't clean all the wood blinds!!!! They really need it now.

On to painting the ceiling in the bedroom, the walls and we are done! Well, I do want to repaint the living room but Lynn is saying, maybe not. I need to make four valances for the living room windows and we are getting a new rug for the bedroom but that is about it.

I need to get busy on making my earrings for the Pingree Swap! 10 pair---- http://www.pingree07.com/

Can't wait but Camp Woosley is next. Going to make some T-shirts for it.

Everyone have a wonderful day.

Heavy Heart Today

2007-07-24T16:01:00.000-05:00

A Flower for Helen

I received some very sad news this morning.

My very good and old friend, Helen Clark, Greensboro, NC passed away in her sleep yesterday morning. Way, Way tooo young!

Helen was a wonderful person who loved life completely. Her talents were so many.
Cooking was a passion, needlework, quilting and best of all making a wonderful, beautiful, comfortable home for her family and friends. Always welcoming anyone who dropped by and always had an ear to listen. Her garden was beautiful, her herbs and flowers, again, making everything around her beautiful. She cared so much for her Bob and kids, Julie and Steve and her two sweet grandsons. Helen was a teacher, thru and thru! She loved kids but had a wonderful knack for teaching adults. Many have learned quilting and needlework skills from Helen. Her work was impeccable. If it was worth doing, she did it well.

So many things and moments in my life remind me of Helen. She had a style about her, Helen!!!! When I think of a word to describe, Helen, It was CARETAKER! Always there for everyone. She will be missed by many as her friend were many. When Helen came into your life, your life changed forever. She passed away the way she lived---very gently!

You were loved, Helen, you will be remembered always. Love Marty

July is moving like a freight train!

2007-07-19T08:12:00.000-05:00

Well, as expected, July is half over and we have been so busy every minute. I want to do better with the blog, but----- as usual, things get in the way.

We had a wonderful surprise the last week of June when our great friends, Jim and Jennifer Hamilton stopped by for dinner and overnight on their way to the DC area. They had never been here since we moved to Mineola and we had such fun gettting caught up on all the news.
We will be attending their oldest son"s wedding over the Labor Day weekend in the Mountains outside of Denver. They just celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary! They are such good friends, it's so easy to catch up. It was also nice the Jennifer was coming this way to pick the kids up from camp and she and Sydney got to see the Hamiltons.

Time Is Flashing By

2007-06-28T13:56:00.000-05:00

Boy, it seems as if it has been ages since I was here. I wanted to do this everyday or two before I forgot what I wanted to write about but it just has not been in the daily plan.

Lynn and I spent time with Clint, Melody and Tess in San Antonio on our way to Corpus Christi for a two day seminar for Lynn. Buddy got to stay there for a visit with his doggie niece, Pebbles. She did put up with him but really loves her own space! I know she was loving it the day we returned and took him with us.

When we got back, we got ready for a visit from our very close friends "Mike" and Paul Wigg from Des Moines, Iowa. They flew into Dallas (well, with a side trip to Houston because of the weather) and we picked them up to come visit and pick up the 1990 Caddy they purchased from us. It is their new "Sweety Pie". Paul loves to redo older cars and this one reminds him of a hearse, he said. Black big Caddy with only 30,000 miles on it. It was Lynn's Mom's car and Wal-Mart and the Beauty Parlor was where most of the miles came from.

We have vowed to eliminate motors here at this house. One boat and one car down!!! One RV(Rialta), one Mercedes to go. No more license, oil changes and insurance!!!!! YES! And, I could park my VW in the garage last night.

The sun is shining here today. It has rained more than 60 inches since the first of the year here and boy, lately, I wasn't sure we didn't need to get our boat back. Rain, Rain, go away, come again another day!!!!!

Been Working on Our Web Sites

2007-06-07T07:26:00.000-05:00

It is really come to my attention that if your don't use it, you loose it!

It has been ages since I have updated the websites I do and without my very good friend, Neta, I could not have done what I did, or should we say done what she did!!! Front Page is the program I use but due to companies being sold and passwords being changed, I was in deep trouble for updating. Neta and I started a little website building company for small companies and artists before we moved to Mineola. When I moved, I left the business without much experience but Neta has worked hard to build the business and is doing well.
Check it out, http://www.metrovillageusa.com/.

Thanks you, Neta, for all you do for me!

I went out last night to see my lily plants and this is one that was blooming. The evening light was shining thru the back. The lilies have been beautiful this year.

Thinking today about my new friend who is having breast cancer surgery today. Double mastectomy---stage 2. Her name is Amy Joy and I hope you will keep here in your thoughts today as she is really on my mind! Young mom with 4 girls and hubby. Positive thoughts for Amy!

We are off today for Cracker Barrel for lunch---special Turkey and Dressing, one of our favorites. Getting ready for our little trip south to San Antonio and Corpus! Our Rear Cover for the back of the truck came in and was installed yesterday! Yes---just in time for our trip. Loving this truck--- lots of good space for Buddy's stroller, my scooter and suitcases in the back!!!!!

Oh, exciting news! I won a bid on Ebay last night for a Kiln, Sierra E450. Now I can do the PMC Silver Clay and Fused Glass. As my kids say, new phase in my life but I have lots to learn before I know what to do. I am prepared for it now!!!!!

Busy Weekend

2007-06-04T23:40:00.000-05:00

I saw a beautiful butterfly today and reminded me of the butterfly pics I took at Gulf Shores/Foley, Alabama last fall. I wish I had planted a butterfly bush this year! Maybe I still will. Nature is amazing, for sure.

Well, we decided to have a short "Barn Sale" this last Saturday. Worked all day Friday on sorting out the big stuff to sell. We need room in the barn to get ready for the July 7th Barn Sale we are going to have but had to rid ourselves of some of the "ugly" stuff we have been saving for 43 years. Lynn and I have moved many, many times but we can't seem to shed the "stuff" habit. I am the worst! We really did great! Planned to call in and advertise on the trade radio show here in town on Friday night and Sat. morning but guess what---they didn't have the show because of a Rodeo or something like that so our signs just had to grab them. Our neighbor, Kandie brought over some goodies and while we were setting up on Friday, she sold a bunch. What a great way to have a sale, just open up the barn door and drag out the stuff. We started at 7 and ended at 11----great hours. Then it was off to Dallas for our granddaughter's dance recital. Yes, I will brag on her---Sydney CAN Dance! Boy, she is growing up so fast ---turning 11 this month. Time is flying for Lynn and me.

Lynn is off to Dallas to work for three days and when he comes home, we will be leaving for San Antonio to see Clint, Melody and Tess. Then on the Corpus Christi for three days of school for him and relaxing and picture taking for me.

Omni Hotel on the water so might be a good place to shoot some fun pictures.

Working on some fabric cushions for the porch and curtains for the laundry and back hall. Been awhile since I have been at the sewing machine and I really love it and want to get back to making things and miniature quilting.

Also, working on the web pages I have neglected for so long. Little by little, our lives are coming into shape. It is such fun to work on our class site as it brings back so many memories. It all take a good deal of time. Really seems as if there is always something to do here are our home. Our Cosmos are blooming.

It's almost June, Can You Believe It?

2007-05-31T09:58:00.000-05:00

What a way to welcome June! Our neighbor, Marcia has a beautiful Magnolia tree in her yard so after the rain yesterday, I went over and took a pic of a couple of them. They smell like citrus and are huge. We are lucky to be able to view the tree from across the street. One of the downfalls is that they are very messy, dropping leaves often and the leaves are huge!

Well, again, I say the porch is done but we still have to do the cushions and decide if we want to repaint the floor or tile---my vote is for paint and Lynn's is for tile. We have a little celebration on Memorial Day, homemade ice cream and cake. Neighbors, friends and us. How wonderful it is to sit ourside under the fan and not be bothered by pesky flys and nats. I really am an attraction for the mosquito and I managed to come inside without one bite!!!! Lynn added a little rock area for our pots to sit on and we hope to add a small fence for Buddy but we are taking the month of June off as we will be traveling to San Antonio to see Clint, Melody and Tess and going on to Corpus for three days of school for Lynn and relaxing for me.

Now we have added another room to clean and keep up but we are going to love it. After 43 years of marriage, I finally have my "screen porch".

Porch is done!!!

2007-05-25T15:05:00.000-05:00

Well, we finished the porch today.!!! We have been waiting to finish until our guest went back to Iowa. Connie was here from Friday of last week until yesterday and we had such fun. Wish the porch had been done before she left so we could enjoy it but she will be back soon, I know and we will sit and sip and celebrate our finished project. I want to buy some pretty fabric and do rocker cushions and maybe get a small day bed. Sat out there for over an hour and would have loved to been napping!! Will fill the big pots with something pretty and sit back and enjoy. Also got my window box up on the garage. Been over a year. It is a day to just do projects that are hanging around. Boy do we have "hanging around" projects!

Buddy helped with the porch and now he can go out

and lay and enjoy the outside!

One of my Lily Blooms!
Our kitchen is finished and we love it. Great to know we are coming to the end of the "remodel road" now. The next thing is building a privacy fence and and small picket fence for Buddy.

Screen porch is started

2007-05-14T14:30:00.000-05:00

We are thrilled that we have come to the point where we can add our screen porch. Yes, Monday the 14th of May, we started it. Will take a few days but with our good friend, Mike Perkins and Lynn I can see it is going to be what I wanted and drew out for them. It is so good to see that what was in my mind is working.
Here is the first of the progress. More to come.

Art Show Mineola League of the Arts

2007-05-10T23:37:00.000-05:00

I entered a couple of watercolor paintings in the Mineola League of the Arts Annual Art Show 2007 yesterday and went to the reception tonight to see my y "Back Porch" watercolor got a Honorable Mention. I am thrilled. Mostly because I have a finished painting in 2007!!!!!

Sunday, May 6, 2007

2007-05-06T06:49:00.000-05:00

Well, this is my first post and I think it will be fun to add things here and keep updating my interests. Lynn and I are finishing our kitchen renovation this week and boy, are we glad. It has been a long haul but we feel it was all worth it. Pictures to follow when we are complete. Now, on to my studio and then the master bedroom. The kitchen was the major thing in this home. Oh, forgot, Monday we will start screening in our back porch! Bugs in Texas are a problem and we are going to love being able to set out at night and not be dinner for the critters! Will take before and after pics and post as we move along on this project.

Hopefully I can get back to art in the near future! Oh, entering two pieces in the Mineola League of the Arts Show this coming weekend. Always a nice show and being a member---I try to support it as much as I can.

More soon and come back to follow our progress with the house.