I'm Back!

I'm back from our weekend trip to the mountains.  Ashley was able to see the true meaning of the Smokey Mountains.  The fog (or smoke) hung in the mountains most of the time we were there.  I was a little afraid our motel would be a little "sketchy" but it was ok.  It was really old (think 1948!) but clean and a nice place to rest our heads at night.  They catered a lot to bikers and there were quite a few old timers there with their Harleys.  Made me start thinking about how fun that would be to tool around the mountains on the back of a motorcycle!   Our motel was between Cherokee and Bryson City which worked well for us.  We had reservations for the outdoor drama, Unto These Hills, in Cherokee on Thursday night but we really didn't need them.  The place was probably not even half full.  We did discover that there are not many restaurants in Cherokee except fast food chains!  We went to one of the few local restaurants to try to get dinner before the play.  We had 1 1/2 hours which we figured was plenty of time.  The restaurant was full but we were seated pretty quickly.  Then we waited for a waitress .... about 15-20 minutes.  We looked around and noticed none of the tables in our area had food on them.  Most of the people did have drinks and silverware but they were all waiting too.  After no sign of a waitress, we got up to leave.  The family at the table next to us told me they had been there 1 1/2 hours!!  Another couple beside us got up and left too - their meal had gotten lost in the kitchen.  So that night, we ended up eating food at the play - popcorn and nachos! 

On the drive up to Cherokee, we drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We stopped and took a short hike to the lookout where we could see Grandfather Mountain.  It was a beautiful day!

We didn't see any real bears but all around Cherokee were painted bears that were pretty neat.  Here is one of them:

This is the closest thing to a real bear that I saw:

At one time, he was a real bear but the poor thing has seen better times!

On Saturday, we went tubing down the Tuskaseegee River.  It was fun except when it started raining, thundering and lightning!  I was truly freaking out.  But I didn't have a choice - either continue to paddle down the river or get under the trees on the bank of the river.  Sonny and Ashley convinced me I was safer staying in my rubber tube and paddling but believe me, there were a few tears coming down my face!!

This was before the rain - when we stopped to take a break.

If we ever go back, I will rent a raft instead of a tube.  It was fun but there wasn't enough current running and my arms got really tired of paddling.  At least with a raft, I would have a paddle.  The rafts were flying by us.  But we did really good staying on our rafts through the rapids .... well, at least the females in the group.  Sonny tipped over THREE times going over the rapids! 

My time with Ashley is flying by!  I can't believe I only have 3 more days with her.  We spent time with my mom today.  We picked her up at her water aerobics class and took her to lunch.  Then I had to take her home and break the news to her that one of her best friends in Charlotte had died this morning.  Luckily, she had gone to see her last week and talked to her again on Friday but it was really hard on her.  This is the last of the group of friends she had in Charlotte that she and my dad used to pal around with.  It sure sucks getting old, doesn't it?

Sir Paul

Just a quick post before we hit the road - heading up to the mountains for the weekend.  Thought you would enjoy a few pictures of my wonderful night last night!!

The concert was WONDERFUL!  I didn't think I'd know too many of the songs because I am more of a Beatles fan than a McCartney fan but there were only about 7-8 songs that I didn't recognize.  I am in love!  The old guy looks darn good for 68 years old!!

And here is a quick shot of Ashley & Sonny on our segway tour of Charlotte.  I will provide details when we return!!

Accordian Card Holder

Last week Splitcoast Stampers had a tutorial for an Accordian Card Holder that I decided to make.  I've always loved this retired DSP from SU - just wish I had more - so I used it to make it and coordinated the Baja Blue cards with the holder.  If you want to make one, HERE is the tutorial.

Here are the cards I made to go in the box:

This one uses the SU Apple Blossom set (hostess gift).

This is Apple Blossoms set agan.  I picked up the ball fringe last year at CKC.

This is Friends Never Fade used with the Greenhouse Gala DSP.  I cut the card using the Sizzix Square die.

The Apple Blossom set again.

Gonna be Sporadic!

Just a quick post this morning before I head to the airport to pick up my daughter.  My postings this week will probably be very sporadic.  Ashley is coming in today and will be here until the end of next week.  I will be trying to spend as much time with her as possible since this will be the last time I will see her for about a year.  She will be reporting to Ft Hood in August for deployment to Iraq in September.  As Scarlette says,  I will think about that tomorrow!

Yesterday was just one of those days!  I was supposed to play bridge at 10 am.  I was all dressed and ready to go by 9.  I came downstairs to make my WW mocha smoothie.  I was going to drink it on the way to bridge.  Well, I was putting the top on the blender container when it scooted across the counter all over me and the floor.  It was like seeing a movie in slow motion - I saw it but couldn't stop it!   Of course, I had just washed & waxed my kitchen floor the night before.  (You never mess up when your floor is already a mess!)  Sonny helped me clean it up and I went back upstairs to get re-dressed.  Then I made another drink and I was on my way.  I was still on time!!  It ended up that one of the gals who was supposed to play bridge with us forgot and we only had 10 players (we were already one short anyway).  So, another gal & I volunteered to leave so they would just have 2 table of 8.  It worked out because I had found out on Saturday that our friends, Margaret & Graham were in Charlotte.  Sonny was going to pick them up on Monday for a couple of days at our house.  They want to see Ashley before she deploys.  I was in time to meet Sonny in town and ride to Charlotte with him.  We took our friends to the Penguin for lunch in Charlotte - a great hamburger "joint".  So, a good time was had and the rest of the day turned out fine!

Tomorrow Ashley, Sonny & I are taking a segway tour of Charlotte!  I am excited.  Ashley & I will hang around in Charlotte because we have tickets to see Paul McCartney tomorrow night!! 

Baby, It's Hot Outside!

I've been busy making cards this weekend .... anything to stay inside and away from the heat!!  We have a thermometer on our back porch that today registered 111 degrees!!  Whew!  I know that will not be the "official high" registered at the airport but that is the official high for my house!! 

I did two cards very similar in the Black Magic Technique.  Remember a few months ago when I got hooked on this technique?  Well, I forgot how fun it is! 

This is the one I did yesterday using Friends Never Fade.  I stamped the images in white craft ink on Night of Navy and used pencils to color them in.  After blending the colors, I outlined everything with my white gel pen.  The scallop piece is Barely Banana and the card is Brillant Blue - both retired.

This one is from my Monday Mailer this week.  Again, I stamped the image on Night of Navy.  The scallops and the strip behind are So Saffron.  The card is Pacific Point.   The sentiment is from the Friendship Wheel that I have cut apart.

Birthdays - Old and Young

 Wow - I have been on the go all week.  I'm trying to do better with my exercising so I went to the "Y" a few times this week.  Sunday is my mom's 82nd birthday so I had to do some shopping to find her a present.  She really doesn't need anything but she loves clothes.  So, I found a really cute black and white kinda leopard print jacket at Ross that I bought for her.  We took her out to dinner last night at Red Lobster.  Plus, I had two doctor appointments on Thursday and played mahjong on Wednesday.  I had an appointment with a rheumatologist Thursday morning to discuss my osteopenia.  I have taken Fosamax for about 10 years and was my doctor was concerned if it was doing the trick for me since my last 2-3 scans have shown a slight decrease in bone.  The Rheum. gave me all the options that are available and did a test on the computer showing my risk of breaking a hip in 10 years (.07).  After weighing all my options, I have decided to stay on the Fosamax which is what he recommended.  Later that afternoon I had an appointment with my primary care doctor to discuss my recent lab results.  As I was afraid of, my sugar test was high as well as my chloresterol.  I am going to work real hard to bring it down with diet and exercise.  Wish me luck!!  I don't want to get diagnosed with diabetes and have to do the testing and take the meds every day like my husband does! 

Today we went out to lunch with friends to a restaurant that we had never been to, Caruso's in Mooresville.   It was delicious!  I had Salmon Picatta ... yum!  I really prefer to eat a larger meal at lunch and just have salad or something light for dinner.  We have been doing that a lot more often.  Plus, if we eat out at lunch, I don't have to cook at night!!  (I'm no dummy!)   Twice this week I've made "Chop Chop Salad".  This was a salad we used to order when we lived in Gig Harbor and it is so simple I don't know why I didn't think to make it before.  I used the shredded lettuce that is pre packaged.  Then just finely chop up vegetables to go in it.  I used celery, green pepper, red onion, shredded cheese, green olives, salami and deli ham.  Add a little low-cal dressing and you're good to go!  Now, take it to your tv tray and eat it while watching Jeopardy!! 

Another of the reasons I haven't posted in a few days is because my monitor went out on me.  Wednesday night it kept flickering so I turned it off.  When I turned it back on Thursday, I could only get a black screen.  If I turned it off and back on, my screen would come on, but only for about 10 seconds.  So, this morning, my nephew came over to see what the problem was.  I was afraid it was the video card in my hard drive.  He brought another monitor with him and hooked it up.  Voila!  I had a picture.  So, he is letting me borrow his monitor until I can get one.  I will be looking for the best deal this weekend.

Here are a couple of cards I did have time to make this week. 

This card I made for Noah.  He is my friend, Margaret's grandson who lives in Charlotte.  His birthday is Sunday - the same day as my Mom.  I hope to see Margaret and Graham next week since they are in town visiting their daughter and her family.  The card uses the old faithful, Bugs and Kisses and the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.  Have I said how much I love this folder???  The card is 4 1/4" square so it will still fit in a standard envelope.  The colors used are:  So Saffron, Tangerine Tango and Pacific Point - taken right off the SU Color Combo.  I embosses the bugs with white embossing powder and punched them out with the 1 3/8" square punch.

This card I made for my Mom for her birthday.  It is also in response to the Mojo Monday Sketch.  This was a tough sketch this week - lots of layers!!  The colors I used are Tempting Turquoise, Regal Rose and Sahara Sand.  The DSP is retired - from an old hostess pack.  Lots of punches that coordinated with the stamp set, Punch Potpourri (Level 1 hostess set).

Well .... stay cool if possible.  It's still really really hot here - still 83 degrees at 11:45 pm!  Supposed to get up to 99 or 100 tomorrow.  Might be going to an air conditioned theatre!!

Monday Mailers

I've got a couple of Monday Mailers to share with you. 

This is the card I sent to Karen last week. 

Stamps:  Wildflower Trio and Flight of the Butterfly 

Cardstock:  Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizazz (new in-color); Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Ink:  same as cardstock

Acces:  Square Lattice Embossing Folder; Oval Punches; Butterfly Punch

This is the card I received today from Ariel.  She is pregnant and thinking about using this design for her baby announcements.  Isn't it darling?  And it uses two of my favorite colors - Regal Rose and Tempting Turquoise.  Plus ... I love her knot - it looks so good.  I think I try to tie mine too tight.

This was last week's card I received from Ariel.  She used the stamp set, Elements of Style from the Summer Mini.  The flower is punched with the new flower punch.  Plus she used Gold Smooch spray on the card so it is shiny - hard to see in the picture.

You still have about 5 weeks to order from the Summer Mini.  Both the Elements of Style and Watercolor Trio stamp sets are in the mini.  Order now before it is too late!!

Please Be Safe

When the weather turns warm, everyone wants to be in or around the water. Hanging out at the lake or pool on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat.  But please be safe!  For people between the ages of 5 and 24, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death. 

On Sunday, two young boys (ages 11 & 17) drowned on our local lake, Lake Norman.  They were swimming with friends off a boat when two of them went under and did not come up.  Sonny and I worked with the Red Cross yesterday during the Search and Rescue efforts.  The Red Cross provides food and water to the rescue workers as well as mental health to the families of the victims. More than 60 people from 13 law enforcement agencies assisted in the search for the boys during the three-day search.  We were there until about 7 pm last night and it was miserably HOT!  But, the divers didn't find anything.  They went back this morning and found the bodies that had washed up on shore around 9 am.  Such a tragedy!

Here is a link to the American Red Cross Water Safety Tips.  Read over it and refresh yourself on water safety - for your safety as well as your loved ones. .  Please if you are out on a boat and go in the water, have a flotation device nearby.

This especially brought back memories to me of a year ago when my grandson almost drowned in a pool accident.  I thank God every day that he didn't and he has not suffered any ill effects from his accident.

A Trip South

With the heat and humidity unbearable today, Sonny and I decided to find something fun to do.  Of course, this was after I spend an hour outside pulling weeds and was dripping with sweat!  So we thought over a few options - Cowpen's Battlefield, Kings Mountain .... but decided to take a drive down to Greenville, SC.  We started out our married life in Greenville 37 years ago.  I have heard a lot of good things about the downtown restoration and park area and have been wanting to check it out. 

Along the way, we were searching for some good old South Carolina peach stands.  SC takes it's Blue Laws seriously!  All the major fruit stands were closed.  We did find one on the other side of Gaffney and Sonny was able to buy some rock hard peaches.  That's how he likes them.  Me?  I like them soft with the juice dripping down your arms while you're eating them. 

This is the watertower along the side of the interstate in Gaffney - the peach capital.  What does it remind you of?  A BIG BUTT???  That's what I think of!

.

We stopped off first in Taylor's, a suburb of Greenville.  That's where our first house was.  I had seen it last year and hardly recognized it.  There was a fire some years ago and the owner's made a lot of changes during the reconstruction.  It really looks good.  The neighboring houses definately show their age - unlike "our" house.  Then we headed on downtown.  Wow!  I was really impressed.  They have really done a good job of making the downtown a pedestrian friendly city with lots of shops, pubs, restaurants.  Unfortunately, not many of them were open today.  We walked all around the downtown area and sat outside at one of the local restaurants and enjoyed a couple of ice cold beers. 

There were a lot of statues all over town.  This one is of Joel Robert Poinsett who was the first US minister to Mexico and a US Secretary of War in the 1800s. The poinsetta was named in his honor since he introduced it to the US.

This man I am hugging is Mr. McBee.  He was an entrepreneur, philanthropist and industrialist back in the 1800s.  He bought up extensive properties in Greenville and gifted a lot of them to the city for its first churches and schools.  He was instrumental in moving Furman University to Greenville.

This gentleman is Max Heller who was the mayor when we lived in Taylors.  Under his leadership, the revitalization of downtown became a priority.

It was a very enjoyable afternoon. 

Old and New Stampin' Friends

I had some friends - old and new - over this morning for a little stampin' fun.  I designed three cards for them to make and I believe they were a big hit.  I used some of my new goodies - stamps, paper, ribbon .... no more hoarding for me.  That is my resolution this year!  Let's see if I can do it.

This card uses the new in color, Peach Parfait.   The stamp sets used are Wildflower Trio (pg 16 of Summer Mini) and Word Play (pg 147).  I used my handy Color Coach to pick the coordinating colors for this card which are Pear Pizzaz and Not Quite Navy.

You should consider getting this color coach.  It's great for having all the colors right in front of you and on the back of each card, it lists coordinating color suggestions.

This card uses that yummy DSP, Greenhouse Gala.  It was so simple to make.  We just used the 1 1/4" Square Punch to punch out 4 squares of the DSP and mounted them on a 3" square of Whisper White.  We stamped the friends saying on a scrap of white and used the Curly Label Punch.  Then just make the little dotted lines all around the edges.  The saying is from the Friendly Words Wheel (pg 138) that I cut apart.  By cutting apart that wheel, I got about 12 small stamps .... all for $8.50!!    I am thinking about doing the same thing with the Hero Wheel.  Also the Bright Blessings Wheel would be another good one for this trick.  I used the Boho Blossoms Punch for the flower.  I just love the new twill ribbon!!

This owl punch is "da bomb"!!  I love it.  And, yes, I'm one of those people who were really "into" owls back in the 60's & 70's when they were the Thing!  Remember the macramed owl hangings?  Don't think I had one of those but I did love to macrame!   Anyway, back to the card ... I used some new DSP - Elegant Soiree which is perfect paired with the owl.  I also used the fabulous Baja Breeze, Vanilla and Crumb Cake.  The scallops on the side are made by punching out 7-8 3/4" half circles and glueing them under the DSP.  The Baja Blue large scallop is a new punch - 2 3/8" Extra Large!  The sentiment is from an old standby, Sincere Salutations (p 155).  Unfortunately, the ribbon is not available anymore.  I am really surprised that there is not any Baja Blue ribbon available in the catalog - what's up with that?

Even though these cards were great and a hit, the biggest hit of the day was this:

This is a great tool that everyone should have.  I got this several years ago in a swap.  I need to update mine - haven't included all the new punches that have come out in the past couple of years.  Each card has a punch out on it (along with a sample) so you can just hold it up to an image in the catalog to see if it will fit.

If there is enough interest, maybe I will consider making a few and offering them for sale.  Would you be interested?  Mine are enclosed in an acrylic holder.  I found these at Wal Mart a few years ago.  They are for holding baseball cards.  But I have looked the past year for them again and cannot find them anywhere.  But, it should be easy to get them laminated.