Snow

We actually got the snow, 6 inches of it, and it was beautiful. I got many visitors to the back deck. I felt guilty that I had not filled the feeders the night before, so I went out to fill up them.

There were so many birds and not enough room at the feeders, I put out a cookie sheet with more seed.

Even a squirrel showed up.

A view of the car from the front porch (too cold to step outside).

Another view from the front porch.

Then I finally went outside, walked around the house and cleaned off the car to go to the store. I know crazy, but I wanted to go.

Here is the view of the neighborhood with much ice on the road, should have been a sign to stay home, but I still ventured out.

Another page done!

Just wanted to share and show that I have completed a page, Everyone Loves A Monkey.

Product Review

The Quik Pod

I recently purchased the "Quik Pod" mono pod to use for those times when I wanted a photo but did not want to ask a stranger to take the it. I also wanted it to collapse small enough to carry it in my purse.

I got the chance to try it out this weekend - I will need practice.

First attempt...

and the second.

Thumbs up for the pod.

Cookie Monster...

Tonight I decided, or should I say was pleaded with to make homemade chocolate chip cookies, the Nestle Toll House kind. So I did and I found that a ice cream scoop makes for a perfect giant cookie....

I was working on placing more cookie dough on the sheet and I took out another batch of cookies and when I turned around, cookies were gone, disappeared right off the cooling rack, just gone. I believe it was the Cookie Monster (a.k.a. Rick).

My Top 10 For 2009

Two of my dear my friends came up with the wonderful idea of writing down the top 10 eventful things that happened in our lives for the year 2009. Then post them on our blogs to share and then we can scrap-book them, so here is my Top 10 List:

#1. The passing of My Mother

January brought the death of my mother. She passed away on January 15 at 11:56 pm. The passing of my mother so early in the year definitely gave me a year of "firsts" without her.

#2. Facebook

Also, in January, I found myself on Facebook and enjoying it. I was able to get in touch with family members and friends with whom I have not spoken to in years, and it has been fun catching up.

#3. Major Surgery

March brought in my hysterectomy surgery, bye-bye monthly cycle, hello mood swings, hot flashes and did I mention mood swings.

#4. Blogging

May found me starting a blog with much encouragement from my friend Melanie.

#5. The birth of "Grandson" Liam

June 13 brought us Liam, Rick's first grandson. What a perfect little Grandson.

#6. Scrapbooking

August 16, my wonderful friend, Melanie took time from her busy schedule to introduce me to scrapbooking. Since then I have become completely hooked on it and enjoy buying supplies (so far I have 6 pages done.)

#7. The birth of Caleb

Aug. 31 brought us Caleb, my friend Melanie's son. Getting to meet and hold him on his birthday was a wonderful experience, one among many that has touched my heart.

#8. House in Order

November was the month I finally got my house in order with the purchase of a new kitchen table and a bed for the extra bedroom.

#9. Holiday Party

December gave me the chance to have my first holiday party and left me exicted about planning one for the next season.

#10 (10-14), Travels

I was blessed with many travel opportunities. I traveled to new places and met many new friends along the way.

May sent us to New York to spent time with my friend Mindi and meet new friends, Mike and Denise (long-time friends of Rick). We also took a quick drive thru Hershey, PA, and yes, got chocolate.

July took us to Kempton, Pennsylvania for Dixon's 27th Annual Gunmakers Fair where I learned the art of Tatting, Lucet Weaving and YoYo quilting and got to see many incredible handcrafted longrifles, powder horns and bullet pouches.

July also took us to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for a nice scenic tour.

August send us on the "Longest Yard Sale" through Tennessee and Kentucky. While traveling thru Tennessee we stopped for a visit at the Sgt. Alvin York Historic Park, where we got to meet his son, Andrew Jackson York, and tour the house.

December took us to Wilmington, NC for a nice quick getaway.

I am very thankful for all the time I got to spent with family and my friends in 2009, here's to much more time and fellowship in the year 2010.

Holiday Gathering Success

Well after 4 1/2 years of saying "I should have a party," I finally had my first Holiday Gathering, and I must say it was a smash. The day was filled with family, friends and great food and let's not forget the "Guess How Many Snowmen on Display" contest. Everyone did such a wonderful job in counting the snowmen and entering their guesses. My friend, Roxie, was the winner with her guess of 500, actually count was 494 Snowmen on display. I have included some photos for you all to see, they don't capture all 494 Snowmen, but I think you will get the picture.

Here is the kitchen:

I must show the table of goodies, half gone at the time of this photo.

Who else would have a bookcase of snowmen?

now onto the living room:

master bedroom:

the guest room:

and my Jim Shore collection...just so cute

and a great big thanks to my very special "guest" guests, Liam and Caleb.

Here is Liam with his mommy Whitney, enjoying a nice rest on the couch.

Here is Caleb with his Daddy Jed. I think Caleb had just finished with his count and was taking a break at the goodie table.

and Liam after counting all the snowmen, all great counters deserve a nap.

Thanks to all my family and friends who made my first Holiday Gathering a great success! A great BIG thanks to Rick for all the help! Thanks to Linda for the help on the cooking and to Jenni for the last minute help. Without you guys the party would not have been a success.

Soon the snowmen will be packed up, waiting until next year, when there will be another "Guess How Many Snowmen are on Display" contest. Could be more, could be less, no one will know until the guess.

oh, I almost forgot...

the lighted snowman toilet seat cover!

Beautiful Sunset

Rick and I were able to get away on a mini-mini vacation and travel to Wilmington, NC. We arrived just in time to view this wonderful sunset on the Cape Fear River. We went out on the river front walk next to Elijah's restaurant in the Chandler's Wharf. Elijah's came with a great recommendation from a friend, unfortunately we were unable to eat there.