Lots ‘o Pots

I have a lot of flower pots planted around the garden.  They’re here, there, and everywhere – hanging from porch roofs and tree branches, sitting on decks, along the pathways, and nestled within the flower beds, themselves.  I ran out of decorative pots for my annuals this year and just started planting them in any old pot I could find.  It doesn’t matter – bloom where you’re planted.  Now all they need is some sun and warmth to get them growing.  They’ll be gorgeous when they fill out.




                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                     



                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                    





                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                     







I love flowers!  Have a happy day!

Tea Roses

When it comes to card making I have a habit of starting starting something, but then moving on to another project before the first is finished.  Consequently I have several stamped and digital images, both colored and awaiting color, a few card layouts awaiting an image, and a basket full of card parts.  Tsk, tsk.  I’m trying to break that habit and finish a few of these projects.  Not to say I won’t start something new in the meantime, but hopefully I’ll finish it, as well.  Today I’m sharing one of a few cards I finished over the weekend.



This is a digital stamp from Squigglefly called Tea Roses.  It’s printed on Flourishes Classic White cardstock and colored with Copic markers.  I hope you enjoy it!

Homemade With Love

I made chicken jerky treats for Wally and LuLu this weekend.  Two cookie sheets of strips condensed down to this lunch plate-size batch.  I probably baked them too long, but the instructions said to bake all the moisture out of them.  I now realize the moisture I was seeing was actually grease.  I didn’t think there was that much fat in chicken.  These are some pretty crispy critters.



Recipe:

• Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1/8” – 1/4” thick strips.  Place in single layer on cookie sheet.
• Bake at 200 degrees 2 hours or until all moisture is gone.

I’ll be storing these in the refrigerator since there’s no preservative.  Not sure if it’s necessary, but I’d rather err on the side of caution.

Here we are awaiting the taste test.



The nose knows something good is on that plate.



Were they yummy?  Yes, indeed!



Thought I might as well repurpose a jar to keep them in.



More, please?



Have a great day!

Celebrating the Memorial Day Weekend

Here in the US, many of us will be enjoying the Memorial Day weekend.  Some folks have to work right on through it, but I’m fortunate to be one who will revel in the extra day to spend as I please.  This picture of Wally pretty much expresses how I feel about that.




I don’t forget the reason for this holiday, though.  In recent weeks a few of my friends and acquaintances have suffered tragic and premature losses of loved ones.  They’re still reeling from their respective blows and hurting acutely.  I do know the feeling.  I’ve lost both my parents, a sister, and a few friends.  As the years pass the losses accumulate.  You’d think you’d become practiced at dealing with the pain, but as each person is unique, so is the pain that comes with their passing.  I have learned, however, that you come to the point where you can smile upon their memory and celebrate their life.  This weekend I’ll celebrate.  I hope you are able to, as well.  With much love…

A Wally Card for Father’s Day

I’m not usually this far ahead with my stamping, but I’ve made Rich’s Father’s Day card so I thought I’d share that today.  If you’re thinking this Golden Retriever looks exactly like Wally, that’s because it is Wally.



I couldn’t believe my eyes when my long distance (Scottish) blog reader/friend, Alexandra, emailed me her own sketch of Wally – a custom made digital stamp.  Is she good, or what?  Her illustration is amazing!  I printed it on Flourishes’ Classic White cardstock and colored with Copic markers.  Not so sure I did either Alexandra’s image or Wally justice, but I think it will be quite a nice surprise for Rich.  He’ll be touched by the sentiment.  He’s really a mush ball when it comes to Wally.  The sentiment is from Flourishes’ What a Catch set, and the pine bough is from a retired Stampin’ Up! set – Noble Deer.

I have several more images from Alexandra, as well, including LuLu.  I can’t wait to get her colored up, too!  Thank you, Alexandra!  And thank you all for indulging me today.  Take care!

Relaxing With LuLu

Rich took this picture of me and LuLu on Saturday evening.  She has the sweetest habit of climbing onto the back of the sofa and snuggling into me as I sit there.  If that’s not a hug, I don’t know what is.  Just for fun I Photoshopped it with a light watercolor effect and then softened the edges.



It’s nice to be loved.

Sand ‘n Slobber

There was a lot going on around here for a while.  Seemed like spring was really underway… then my husband hurt his back.  Not to worry.  It put a temporary limit on our outdoor activities, but Wally and LuLu are happy to do the running while Rich and I watch from the sidelines.  I expect things will return to normal soon.  No permanent damage other than what the years lay on as a matter of course.  These two look happy enough, don’t they?  Big smiles.












This afternoon I have a wedding to attend, but I’ll want to get the kids out for a good run as well as spend some time in the garden.  Same old thing, maybe, but every memory is precious.  Enjoy your weekend!