Scooter-putter....

We have had our tortoise for almost 30 years... I call him "scooter-putter"....
I have often said... he is the perfect pet...
Doesn't bark,
don't have to take him for a walk,
doesn't chase cars,
doesn't chew up my shoes,
doesn't need a litter box,
sleeps all Winter
and he loves to eat dandelions... lol!

 and he is the only other 'male' in our house besides my hubby.... lol!

 "Attack of the Ginormous Tortoise" would be the perfect title....

but in reality, he is only 12"long.... and now appears to be camera shy!

He was in hibernation,,, but todays temps got up into the 70's and he decided to go check out the lawn....in search of some dandelions I suppose.

Time to Say Good-by to Christmas...

Well today is the 1st day of 2014... time to say Good-by to 3013 and all my Christmas deco...
While Gary watches the football games, I'll putter in the house packing up my memories of Christmas. But just to make it fun, I'll play my Christmas CD ... falalala....

 Yes, I am 'that' lady,, the 'Snow Babies' collector! 
Did you know,,, the 'Snow Babies from Department 56' is actually based on the original 'Schnee Kinder' manufactured in Germany in the early part of the 1900's .... I would love to get my hands on some original ones!!!

 Even thou the house is still un organized (unpacked) I managed to find and get some decorations up...

 some of my Snowman collection....

 I have several of these 'Light Trees' the kind with the little lite pegs... I love them... My MIL gave me the little 'Village' which I display each year... and it too lights up.

 This Light Tree has a music box in it's base. The Santa mug on the left is vintage and the one on the right is a reproduction...

 Ahh, good 'ol Santa Tex.....

 Gary's stocking,,, and yes, he loves the "A Christmas Story'.... movie

 My stocking made just for me by my dear friend, Sherry...

 Peekie guarding the presents... I am happy to say, not a single present was removed on her watch! lol!,,, I mean, falalalala!

Well bummer... it's all over except the photos and memories... but the good news is,,, only 364 more days till Christmas!  falalalalala...

Vtg, Apron

Wowzers! check out this sweet apron...  I have one in my collection,,, but it is one I made from a retro pattern....

 I need to do a little research,,, but I suspect that possibly some of these fabric squares are from flour/grain/mesh/sugar cloth sacks....

It has been well worn,,, and that is what I really love about it.

Car Jacking...

Could this possibly be a 'car jacking' by a couple of Jack Rabbits?

Sorry, I couldn't resist being a bit silly today! 

Women Supporting Women ...

For those of you who know me,,, know that I believe in the motto, "Women supporting Women"...
There are so many talented women (and men) out there,,, who are trying to make a go of their home business....  and I feel blessed to know some of them...
So when I come across a lady's art/craft skills that I think are wonderful... I just feel the need to share it with all my friends...

I believe the term used is  "Cottage Industry".... or "Home Based"... what ever the name...
I wish I had some of these lovely ladies creative skills and talents... be it Art, Crafting, Sewing, Writing or Music....

My latest find... well actually not latest,,, I discovered this lovely lady's artwork some time back and have purchased her cards in the past as well as recently.... they are truly a work of art.....

Do check out her ('Kimberly Shaw) site at:  http://www.kimberlyshawgraphics.com
Her cards are lovely, and each comes with a tea bag.... a sweet little tuck for the recipient of the card.

As for Kimberly, she is so very gracious... she takes pride in how she packages up your order and to my delight, enclosed was a little tea bag for me,, so I could sip tea will addressing the cards to be sent out.
Oh, and it's not to late to order Holiday cards....
Thank you Kimberly,,, you have brightened my day with your sweet note tucked in with my order.
Merry Christmas in the truest sense of the word...