Red and Yellow

Not normally two colors used together

in decorating.

 

But in a bouquet – why not?

We received these from our Sunday School Class.

They were delivered by one of the ladies

from our class on Sunday who had just received the

news about our health issues along with trips to

the hospital. She went to either Wal-Mart or the

local grocery and selected these beauties.

The colors were playing well with each other

so just arranged them in a vase.  I happened

to remember I had picked up a pair of yellow candle

sticks recently (Goodwill) that would go along

with the red/yellow theme.

As you can  tell there are still some red and white items

left from Valentine’s Day decor.

♥Amelia

Snapshot Question

For the last several years I have used Snapfish for the processing of all my pictures – the ones that I use for scrapbooking and the ones for the picture album.

Snapfish has changed their website  format - making ordering pictures more difficult – you have to move along at  a fast pace or it assumes you are through..and will take you almost to the “check out” area….then you have to go back and repeat part of the process to get where you were. This has taken what should be a few minute order session to a hour one.

 So my question is: What company do you use? Would you recommend them? Is the pricing per picture economical? Are the shipping charges reasonable?

Not that my pictures are that perfect by any means but I would like them to be the best they can be when developed….so I am looking into changing companies.

So – let me know whom you would suggest.

~ Amelia ~

2011 – A New Start

 

A new year,

we should  strive to make the

best of what happens each day.

Enjoy all the people in your life!

 

Tested!

This past Saturday Leon and I wondered around the country checking out some estate and yard sales.  The pickings were rather poor…that does not mean we did not buy anything – it just means we bought less.

 

At one location the money from the sales were to help with the building of a new fellowship hall for a local country church. The selection was real meager but I was determined to find something to help with the money raising. I found a blue table runner, 4 blue water tumbler type glasses and some plastic type stuff used for lining drawers or kitchen cabinets – there were one complete roll and three partly used ones. The total of these items came to $3.00. I gave the woman a twenty – and told her to keep the balance to be used toward their goal. Explained to her I was a member of another church just up the road from them. They knew one of our retired ministers as he had been their substitute preacher for a period of time. Also told them I would like to donate more but I was retired and I would prefer my tithing go to my own church.

 

Went around the corner to another yard sale – this was one being held to sell off the items of a 97 year old woman who had recently passed away. There was a box sitting right in front of the building where most everything was located that was being sold. On the top of the box was a pair of white kid leather gloves…they looked real small and I was excited as I have such short fingers it is hard for me to get gloves to fit. I picked up one and tried it on – fit was almost perfect…glanced at the other glove…so what looked like money was there…I thought it was play money! But upon further inspection by looking inside the glove more I could tell it was real money. The gloves were not priced so I asked the woman what the price was…she said $1.50…so I walked over close to her and said “what about the contents of the glove”. She looked at me rather strangely. I opened up the glove and showed her. She took them from me – said you can have the gloves – but I offered to pay – but she insisted I could just have them. The amount of money was $28.00. The time was around 11:00 – no telling how many people had walked by that box.

 

I believe the “Test” was would I keep something that was not mine – especially since I had just given away money and made that public at the previous location. I could have kept that money – no human would have known.

 

The Lord knows what I do all the time –  but I must always behave like a Christian when I am out in the world.

 

♥Amelia♥

Dry, Brown and Crunchy

The title of this post describes so much of our yard...and a lot of my flowers. Water from the hose just does not do the same as good old water from the sky....remember that is called "Rain". We did get three drops around noon...certainly did not do any good.

No one wants to see ugly - so I will share some pictures of the flowers that are still pretty. On the pictures of the little frog - look closely to see it...he/she is the size of my thumb...so cute.

I am ready for some cooler weather...have not checked the temperature today - but perhaps we did not reach 100. If that is true will be the first day in about 3 to 4 weeks. Certainly will enjoy the fall weather this year.

Still not working on any quilty things - have been doing some scrapbook layouts - that is about the extinct of my creative projects.

Take care - if in the area - stop by!


Amelia Hugs from me to you!

Colors in the Flower Garden

Several colors come to mind - but the one color that appeared on one of my plants was not a welcome sight.

A week or so ago I posted about purchasing a new Rose of Sharon shrub...the kind with the double blossom. It was the most expensive plant I have ever purchased...then the use of high quality potting soil we placed around just drove the cost involved up even more. About 3 days after planting I noticed the bottom leaves were turning yellow...at first I thought plant shock - as I know this happens from time to time. A few more days went by - more leaves dropping - I was watering it some - but not very much. Friday evening I stuck a stick down beside the plant and it came out soaking wet plus the soil around it had a soured smell. I fully realized what was happening - my poor plant was drowning - the soil beneath the potting mixture is clay...it was forming a bowl shaped hole and was holding the water.

The next question was where to place it - Leon (bless his heart - he does love his woman) dug several test holes before we found one that did not have clay that far down. Sure I could have done this digging - but he wanted to be the one to do the digging with the post hole diggers and the shovel...so I let him be my "knight in shining armor" with these tools.

Only time will tell as to whether it will live or not - I certainly hope so. Not only because of the expense and labor so far...but the flowers on it are so pretty. You can see the yellow leaves - not a pretty sight, is it? This is one of the few flowers left on the bush. This Rose of Sharon is planted just a few feet from the sickly one...so the soil must be good here. We have three Boston ferns on the front porch - and two on the back. They must be watered everyday...especially with these high temperatures we have been experiencing lately. This mass of greenery is primarily cypress fern...if you not familiar with them I will give a tiny bit of background...very very small leaf with a red flower...and it is a climber deluxe...probably by the month of October this wire will nearly be covered in the vine. This is a close up shot of the cypress vine. The hydrangea flowers are not as pretty as they were several weeks ago...most of them have lost the bright pink. The elephant ears are standing guard at the NE corner of the house. This year the spider plants or airplane plants (I have heard them called both names) are producing so many off spring...sure wish I knew of someone that would like to have a starter plant. Just a pretty picture of flowers in an old wooden wishing well pot.

Enjoy the upcoming week - even if the road has an unexpected curve - this just means we need to lean on God more and less on ourselves.


Amelia

Do I have the problem?

As a Christian I feel that giving is such a part of being the person that Christ wants from me.

I have reached a point to where I would prefer to oft times give to a total stranger than give to people I know. Let me explain, seems like there is always a shower for a new baby or some one is getting married, or perhaps a birthday...all of these occasions a gift is the thing to do.

Here is where the problem occurs: I expect a thank you - in the form of a card, telephone call, face book contact, e-mail, or in person. When this does not happen, I feel like I have been used. It makes me feel less like giving when the next gift giving time happens.

Sounds petty, doesn't it?

Not all people are this way...there is a older lady that goes to our church who lives on her social security and we all know that does not go very far...so from time to time we will give her money to spend just how ever she wishes...she is so excited and pleased - and you can bet your bottom dollar she will send a thank you...tell you what she bought when she sees you...and then proudly show you when she wears it to church.

It seems the younger generation feel like they are entitled to the generosity of others - older people are much more appreciative.

What are your thoughts on this subject?



Amelia

Learning something new

Experiencing new things is certainly in order when children visit their grandparents. Growing up in the country is different than city life. Being able to fish in an Oklahoma pond - very red water now due to the recent rain - is a ritual enjoyed by both child and grandparent. Many things are repeated over and over and over - until finally the light bulb goes off.

Max (age 5 ) learned to get a minnow from the minnow bucket, bait his hook, and remove the fish from the hook after it was caught. This is a milestone - maybe not the same as getting your drivers license, graduating from college, or getting married...but something to be remembered for a long time.

Today's fishing expedition resulted in the catching of about 14 fish...mostly crappie, one sun perch and several bass....the fish were still biting when we came to the house...but a blond fair skinned little boy (even with lots of sunscreen) stands a good change of getting sunburned. This was the largest one he caught...we kept it. If anymore are caught worth keeping we will - but if this is the only one...we will release it.

Oh, the fun in having a youngster around - can't say they keep me young - but they make me sleep hard at night as I am pooped!



Granny Amelia

Bad Luck

There is an old saying that bad luck happens in lots of three. Yesterday seemed to be a fine example of that.

To start with Leon placed his wallet, garage door opener and cell phone on top of his pick-up while he went to do something else. He forgot about their location and took off...about 1/4 mile down the road he saw some things fly off...and realized what had happened. He recovered all items...some in bad condition. The phone and garage door opener beyond repair...so both to be replaced.

After this he came in and settled down in his big easy chair..turned on the TV...nothing...saw the red light in front...got out the book of instructions...the lamp had gone out...these are not cheap.

Had to put our old cat down...she was 18 years old and was displaying many of the traits of an old cat...could deal with all of them but the wetting in places other than her litter box...during the day she slept most of the time...but at night she would roam and do her dirty deeds...her personality had changed too - not a sweet loving cat she had once been - but most time (when awake during the day) she hollered in a nerve grating voice....needless to say Leon had to take her to the vet...I could not do it...it hurt him too - but not as much as it did me......I cried and cried....yet I knew this was best. We still have the other two cats to love and pet.

Today is a new day - sun is shining - God is still in control and taking care of us. His blessings continue to come our way.


On the bright side - got Leon a new cell phone...not as good as the one he had...but it will have to do until we can sign a new contract. As for the garage door opener will check into getting a replacement for that one. We took the old lamp out of the TV - took it to the repair shop - getting a new one ordered...should be in next week. We have the small TV ...so Leon still has a remote to hold in his hand when he is in his chair.

Have a great weekend...we will!

Two Two's

Does that make any sense?

Two people named Amelia...

Each one celebrating a birthday. Little Amelia turned one on the 16th of this month...and I hit 69 on the 20th.

Double blessings for Grandpa Leon, don't you think?

Ending and Beginning

This is the end of 2009 - been a good year - ending the year with Leon recovering from the surgery. The last six weeks have been quite a challenge for both of us. Patience sometimes ran thin for both of us. Our love for each other has persevered and brought us to this ending of the year.

The calendar for 2010 now is filled with lots of empty spaces - but they will be filled as we go along - may all these days be filled with something that is pleasing to the Lord as that is how I wish to live my life.

Here are some pictures taken Christmas Day.



HAPPY

NEW YEAR


Amelia

Craft Time

Completed a new sign for the Christmas holidays.

Anything I do now has to be something that I can count on having many interruptions along the way. My sweet honey can only do so much during the day without my help.This started as one of those plain wooden placques from The Dollar Tree - painted it a pretty brown - painted the wooden letters the bright red...then added the Santa face....he was one of those refrigerator magnets that I have had for many long years...just pried off the magnet. The boxes and holly leaves/with berries were in my Christmas crafting stuff...which has been around for many long years.

If you recall this is the same place I had the pumpkin in a picture frame and then hung within another frame as part of my fall decorating. Here is a close up picture.

With all that has been going on I needed something in the easy department for my brain to handle.

Added note: Christmas decorating is about complete...somewhat satisfied with the results...still needs a bit here and there...don't get your hopes up...no Martha lives here...just plain old me.


♥Amelia♥

Many arms

Do any of you ever feel like this creature?

This is the way I have felt this week. I have been going this direction, then that direction, and then whirling around back to the original way.

I suppose I have accomplished some things - but really nothing exciting unless you count the banana nut bread I made on Wednesday - they turned out great. Local grocery store was having a sale on bananas last Saturday - 25 cents per pound - so bought extra ones to make a double batch of bread. I made them in small mini loaves and some in cupcake style...froze most of them.

Oh yes, did go clothes shopping, which by the way is the least favorite thing I prefer to do when it comes to shopping. Leon was out of town on a fishing trip...did not have to be in hurry to leave town after I got my hair done...so went to a couple of stores and scored at both of them. Wound up with two jackets (casual type that can be worn with slacks or jeans) and one blouse. I have short arms and oft times the sleeves on jackets will reach the tip of my fingers or longer. This was true with one of the jackets - but I wanted it bad enough to put up with the sleeves re-do...cut off the excess...hem it up and sew the buttons back on.

Been sewing some on a new quilt - fabric is primarily a christmas design....nothing fancy ...Basically a 9 patch - not with even squares but still 9 pieces to a block. I know I will have it pieced before Christmas...but the quilting part - that is another story...perhaps by the 4th of July of 2010.

Rest of the time went into just the usual household stuff...you know all that line of work.

But that is what retirement is all about - too many days, weeks and years I spent working - so now I am entitled to some off days...ones that don't have to show a lot of accomplishments.

Main thing - I am HAPPY!

A Wonderful View

Leon and I were out in the golf cart - just enjoying ourselves - and the cool breeze.

Isn't this a beautiful picture of the pond behind the house?

If you were to come by...you could see for yourself...plus we could pick garden items, grill something, and just have a good old gab session.

Amelia

Summer

When you hear the word "summer" usually wonderful thoughts come to mind. Such as - playing in the water, eating snow cones, long days, gardening, and the list can go on and on.

However, having a cold is not one of the things I want to associate with the word summer.

I started feeing a bit puny on Friday, Saturday worse, and then this morning down right terrible. Did not feel like going to church at all - and I very rarely miss Sunday services. Just went back to bed where I stayed un 3:00...got up, ate something. headed for sofa to listen to the humdrum noise of some mindless television show.

It is now some what later - I had a bath, checked out messages on E-mail and Face book...read a few postings on blogs.

Holiday weekend was somewhat of a dud = feeling this way.

I think I will go take some pills, go to bed, and sincerely hope I feel much better in the morning.

One thing I know for sure it is sure nice when you can breathe thru your nose...blessings for sure.

Puny - but I will be better!

Amelia

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2009

Celebrate this wonderful day in a very patriotic way...fly "Old Glory", eat, and watch fireworks!

Wagon Up-date

We have made some additions to the wagon in the last few days...just in keeping with the original time (at least in my way of thinking). I am old - but not that old.

We added the old lantern and the black cast iron pot that we had in other places in the yard. You will also note a long horned steer head. That actually was in another part of the yard - originally came from an animal in NE Oklahoma.

The flower box was one Leon built from some old scrappy looking wood. It had a rough finish on one side - so we put that side out - it will look better when weathered. I think now it looks a bit too new - but give it several months.

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This picture is not the flowers in front of our new "Old" wagon - but close to the first wagon we got several years ago. However, the cactus we put in the new flower box is the same as these. It will take a couple of years before we can expect blooms as profusely as this puts out each year. It is similar to what is known as prickly pear cactus - I suppose a close cousin - the flowers in the one we have has the orange center and the pears are green...whereas the actual prickly pear has a solid yellow flower and the pears are red. At least from what I have been able to find in checking out these cacti.

One thing for sure there are always changes going on in our yard. Like in decorating in the house - an item could be in room "A" one day and the next day or so be placed in room "B". That is how it may be with our flower garden decorations - keep them moving around for a change in the way things look.

Everyone have a good week - enjoy the blessings provided by God and give him the thanks for such.

Amelia

Leon's Latest Love

No, there is not another woman in his life that is taking my place.

For the last few weeks we have been going to garage sales - which can be addictive. I found some new treasures - but that is for another post perhaps. We have been watching this item sitting in a neighbor's yard for several years...just sitting there...looking sad and lonesome. When we stopped by the place on Friday to view her items at the yard sale Leon was so excited to see this "Old Treasure" was also being sold. He did not say but I bet his heart beat rate went way up as he walked around and contemplated how much if would cost. Finally, he just asked how much and was very well pleased with the price. He said "I will take it!"

So starting with this: ,


~ 


Here it is - An old, old wagon. As far as history of this old relic none is known. The lady who owned it had purchased it some time ago and was unable to get any details or history at that time. It has to be real old as it used the wooden spokes in the wheels.

We had to get it moved Friday afternoon as dear son was tied up the rest of the weekend - and then back to work this week. Also we wanted to get it home. The loading was quite a feat. Leon tied a big chain around it...then son lifted the front end with our tractor. Leon then backed the trailer underneath it. Then was able to lift back end and roll rest on to the trailer. To unload it, we did practically the same routine.

Of course, at that time we did not have the area prepared where we wanted it placed. However, we placed the wagon where we wanted and we figured we would work around getting the edging blocks and rocks down later.

Leon made some saw horse looking deals to sit the wagon on - As the frame was not going to hold up much longer...besides with no wheels on the rear end - it looked strange. We maneuvered them under the wagon...which was not easy - but two old determined people did it!

Monday morning bright and early we were at Lowe's to get plastic sheeting and block edging. On way home went by son's house and got a lot of the rocks. (Years ago I bought son a huge load of rocks and had them dumped at his place as he was planning on doing some yard work that would require them...only stipulation was I could use what I wanted and when I wanted...dear son readily agreed).

Now the hard work began...jacked up the front end with car jacks (one on each side) wrestled the plastic down in place. We absolutely did not want any grass/weeds growing up underneath the wagon. Moved the jacks to the rear end and proceeded to get plastic in place. Then started in placing the blocks around - getting them squared up. Leon took a shovel and unloaded the rocks and spread them around. My job was to pick up those that fell on the ground (not where they were supposed to be). Did not have enough rocks - so back to son's house for more. On second load Grandson-in-law was here and he unloaded them for us.

You can see to the left back of this picture the latest wagon in our yard. I want to find some "decorating" items to go with it. First Leon is planning on doing some fixing up of it. By no means is he going to do a complete restoration.

Granted not everyone would want something like this in their yard - but we like the looks. Plus people can identify our place very easily.

Oh yes, I need to tell you the price of the wagon - $75.00. The price of one of the wheels could be more than that.

Now you know the rest of the story!

Bakery Chef?

At this point in his life Max loves to help me in the kitchen. These pictures were taken in "his" kitchen when we were there visiting. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting...a favorite. Max helping cut out the biscuits.

I realize I had better capture these moments when I can - children and grandchildren grow up so fast.

Spring has arrived...

 The temperature today is warm and no wind - just a perfect day for venturing outdoors with my camera..
First stop is the garden - all we have planted so far are the onions. We have been eating on them for the past 4 or 5 days.
. 
First rose of the season - the wind has been blowing so hard the past few days - so the petals are a bit worn. <
The strawberries are starting to bloom - lost some of the first blossoms to the frost we had several days ago.

Tulips - my very favorite spring flower!
We have quite a few hosta plants of several varieties in our flower beds. All are up and looking very healthy. The two small pots in back of picture contain airplane plants - just waiting for me to plant in their summertime home - which is a half whiskey barrel.

  Even the wild flowers are pretty at this time of the year.

Sweet husband just came in and suggested we go fishing...wow - that really means spring time is here.