BHamSam

Monday Monday

2012-02-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

I'm starting a Monday's Question.

Please answer in the comment section.

This will be fun - I promise!

Monday's Question:

Put your iTunes on shuffle (or your playing device of choice).

Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

My Answer is:

Cowboy Take Me Away - Dixie Chicks

Cell Block Tango - Chicago soundtrack

Cherish - The Associations

Mad World - Adam Lambert

To Love Somebody - Bee Gees

Pocket Full of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield

Tag - You're It!

More Just Musing....

2012-02-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

I've been racking my pea brain for something to blog about (since I started Attic Whispers I feel like I write everyday and I do, but for another site) and I'm going to take a page from Suzanne at Meridian Road's blog post and do a 25 list. Here goes......

1 • I'm usually up by 4:00 AM - what's with that? - when I had to get up early to get my kids ready and out the door for school, I'd punch that alarm clock a half dozen times for just another 5 minutes of sleep.

2 • I hop into sweats when I get out of bed and could stay in them til noon -- wait, I do stay in them til noon.

3 • I love how close my kids are to us and one another -- we're far between in miles, but never in our thoughts, hearts or phone call.

4 • I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion - daily!

5 • My favorite color is RED and love it even more when it's in a plaid pattern (I'm not Scottish for nothing)

6 • I'm driving my dream car -- well, I wouldn't mind a little red sports car to run around in with the top down and the wind blowing in my hair with the radio blasting 60's rock-n- roll hits.

7• I love being in the middle of a good book and a good streaming TV series.

8 • My recreational reads are all mysteries -- I've read thousands.

9 • I love the seldom seen sunshine streaming in our two story windows - but hate how it shows up all the cob webs lurking in every corner that I will then attack with my telescopic duster. Living in the woods has a few draw backs.

10 • I love making hearty soups -- yummy!

11 • I surround myself with my family snapshots - here, there and everywhere - I miss you guys and gal!

12 • We told our kids to follow your Bliss, over and over and over. And they did

13 • I cry at happy endings and sad ones, too. Commercials, a story, a thought, a surprise announcement, taking my kid(s) to the airport/train station

14 • I don't miss working in the work place - retirement is wonderful and luckily enough to get a big jump on that date was more than great. I do miss not meeting and making friends that working out side of the home brings to the mix.
15 • I love my new web site: Attic Whispers -- I can't stop writing and have over 120 stories yet to post.
16 • I've had one driving violation - a speeding ticket, I was 5 MPH over the limit and the judge laughed and said, really? get out of here.
17 • I hate all my clothes in my closet, right now -- I need a new wardrobe!
18 • I could sit on a beach for hours and hours and never speak a word
19 • I miss my girlfriends from my 20's -- all the hopes and dreams we shared and fun we had
20 • I love to travel (and get antsy at the thought) especially when it's with my kids -- they are so much fun!
21 • I wish I could write like Alan Bradley.
22 • Surrounded by mountains, lakes and an ocean - I make myself travel the view of at least one of them every time I leave home.
23 • When I read a book, I NEVER read the last page first -- no no no
24 • I could go camping every week, if the weather would only cooperate.
25 • I love moonlight - I just love moonlight.....

Just musing......

2012-02-02T06:22:00.000-08:00

Do you have a nickname? I bet you refer to someone, some place or thing by a nickname everyday. I call my automobile Sassy. Our other car is called AMR (Ammer) which stands for Arrest Me Red. In it's day it was a fast, sporty, red car that was on every officers radar to follow, stop or ticket. We give monikers, or dub, give as a handle, label, use pet names or tag to everything. Since the 1400's in Middle English, nicknames have been with us, used by us, referred to by us. Babyface Nelson, Bloody Mary, Ivan the Terrible, Butterfingers Moran, Snookie, Emerald City, the Rose City, the Big Apple. If you've ever watched a episode of Lost, you'll hear Sawyer (that hunky bad boy) throw out nickname titles willy nilly.

We give nicknames to our wee babies; snookums, punkin (with a "n"), bugs, sweetie. We give nicknames to our partners; hot stuff, babe, honey. We give or have been given nicknames due to our size, hair color or personality; slim, pee wee, fats, blondie, ginger, whiz, scooter. We use a person's initials when referring to them; BA, AR, KC, SAM, Dee. Some of these monikers are given as affectionate tags to be spoken only once in a while and some stick with us for life.

I've been called S.A.M. before I was born - yes, dad wanted a boy for his first child (sorry dad). Once when he and I were in a grocery store, when I was about 6 years old, a lady came up to us and chastised my father for calling me a boys name -- we giggled and walked hand and hand out the store (it was our little pet name). But, it stuck. If I ever heard my full given name, Sandra Aleda -- I knew I was in trouble. I remember doing that to my kids, too (sorry kids). My school teachers called me Sandy, people who don't know me call me Sandy thinking they've got the nickname for Sandra. Nope, not me. I often tease my husband that I married him because his last name started with a "M" and that would make my nickname official. S.A.M. Cool! Better than the nickname he was given as a child.

When my husband's family moved into a new neighborhood and meeting the kids from the block, they asked him what his name was. Bruce will do, he replied. So, from then on he was called Bruceldo.

2011 Book Reports and Update

2012-01-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

Shock Wave by John Sandford

Another great Virgil Flowers story. Virgil is sent to defuse an exploding situation in southeastern Minnesota. Literally, bombs are going off daily as a bomber tries to stop a super store from coming to this small town. Virgil is brought in to stop the bomber from lighting another fuse.

A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg

What started as a recipe and story blog, Orangette, turns into a book that is entertaining and fun to read. Molly takes us from her childhood memories to present day life through food.

V is for Vengence by Sue Grafton

A slow spin for Ms. Grafton and at times a bit of a sluggish read. But, if you're a Grafton fan and are following her ABS series you'll want to read the antics Kinsey gets herself into next.

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

A Christmas season does not go by without me reading Winter Solstice. I love this story of compassion, loss and friendship. Five people unexpectedly coming together, supporting one another and creating a wonderful holiday in snowy northern Scotland.

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley

It's Christmastime and a film crew has arrived at Flavia's home estate to film a movie. When the plot turns from fiction to fact, Flavia de Luce isn't far behind to root out the murderer. This eleven year old sleuth will have you laughing out loud, wishing to know her better and sad when the last page is read.

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston

A novel in pictures. Ms. Preston uses vintage memorabilia cut outs to tell a story about a woman in the 1920's. This easy read book is fun, different and will have you turning the pages quickly to see what Frankie will get herself into next.

That's it for my 2011 Book Reports

I read 58 books this year

AND

now, that I was given a Kindle for my birthday, I'll have to see if I read more or fewer books for 2012. I've noticed since I started Attic Whispers and writing myself, I've read fewer books. I should (if I believed in the word should) be reading more to see how the craft is done by the experts.

12 lessons for 2012

2012-01-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

Recently, Brand and Bloom's business coach, Andrea Mansfield, was asked by Design Sponge to share some fundamental goals for small (medium or large, too) business owners. Her 12 lessons for 2012 is a concise, well written start to focus on what you want to get out of your business (or life) starting now. Here's your link to the article: Design Sponge

And it keeps on coming.....

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

From our little 2"-3" snowfall the last few days overnight we got another 7"=10" I measured it around the house at various spots and had a reading from 7" to 12". And the BIG SNOWSTORM is suppose to start late this afternoon throughout Wednesday. Oh Goodie....

I know for those east of the Cascades, Rockies, or Mississippi River our snowfall seems puny, small, nor worth mentioning - but here in the NW it's making the news, keeping everyone over the age of 17 indoors and brings our city is at a standstill. When our rain freezes and blankets us as snow - we pull out the cameras to document the event, hunker down and wait for the sun, rain and warmer temperatures to arrive.

Some shots I took this morning - just snapshots nothing artistic

Bellingham finally got snow, too

2012-01-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

There have been many times - many - when the weather forecast announcement is:

Bellingham Washington

rain mixed with light snow flurries

disappearing overnight

HOWEVER, at the Mansfield house

there will be snow

disappearing maybe by the end of the week

We have seen the snow zone start at our driveway and end next door - they along with the rest of Bellingham will have rain, we'll have snow.

Granted we do live in a forest that I like to call the thousand acre woods and our driveway climbs hundreds of feet up from sea level to our house but when it snows it's the driveway from hell. We just stay indoors and admire the winter wonderland going on outside and wait a week or so until it's all gone. With all the tower trees the driveway is protected (nor sees the light of the sun) and it will be a long time before we'll venture out (or down).

Do you see the little red barn below - that's on the street level entrance to our home. We have 5 hairpin turns (you're looking at turn 3 - or as we call it The Clincher (it'll get ya if you're not careful), climbing up to the house and when it snows I'll give the neighboring kids five minutes to grab their sleds or skis and come play on the snowy slope. Of course this packs the snow into ice and takes us an extra couple days of warm temps to melt and let us use the driveway - but, it's fun watching them zoom down the driveway taking those turns like Olympic athletes.

We've had snow at our house since last Friday.

The rest of Bellingham finally caught up to us this morning -- it snowed!

It's time to snuggle up next to the fire, grab my crocheting project or read a book and put a pot of soup on for dinner, cause right now looking out my window the snow is really coming down hard.

At least it is at our home.

2012-01-14T06:24:00.000-08:00


I found this great idea on sewmanyways.blogspot. It's a dresser with the drawers taken out with storage bins used for craft, sewing, scrapbooking, yarns, etc. Wish I had the room to do this project and get better organized.

No More Moves......

2012-01-07T05:10:00.000-08:00

I admit I came late to the party, but once there I was the last to leave. I received the computer game, Bejeweled 3 for Christmas - I had never heard of it. I know - where have I been for the last 10 years? Not in the computer gaming world that's for sure. I plugged it in and the rest as they say is history (or herstory). Version 3 came with no instructions, rules or directions except for a deep toned voice telling me when I did something great, awesome, spectacular and all the bells and whistles went off. Or to quietly tell me No More Moves and I'd have to start all over. It took me about 5 minutes to figure the game out and another day to come up with strategies, what to watch for and how to move up the levels in Classic mode.

This game is addictive and should come with a warning relating to substance abuse -- it's that good -- that much fun -- hours swiftly fly by without notice -- and I can't stop playing trying to bet my own top score. I've made it to level 15 and who knows how many levels there are in this version (again, no instructions) so I guess I'll just HAVE to keep playing to find out for myself.

Two Weddings and a Baby

2011-12-28T06:05:00.000-08:00

TWO WEDDINGS AND A BABY

COMING THIS SUMMER TO A THEATER NEAR YOU!

with an all star cast of

Hugh Grant, Simon Baker, Minnie Driver, Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts,

Sarah Jessica Parker, Meryl Streep and Robert Redford

The story of your average American family planning
two weddings and a baby on the way
during two weeks of pulling it all off without a hitch. Or so they thought....

A fun tale of the family's planning, organizing, leaving nothing to chance with Martin Short as the wedding and event planner. You think you've seen this before - but never has such a heart warming story hit the big screen with this all star cast of zany and entertaining characters.

SCREECH-HALT-STOP THE PRESSES

This isn't the Hollywood Blockbuster it claims to be

BUT, my life!

Next summer, I'll have two new daughter-in-laws and my first grandchild

(and yes, all happening within two weeks)

I may just have to call on Martin Short to get it all done as planned,

without a hitch and make it a fun filled two weeks we'll never forget.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-15T04:15:00.000-08:00

Tis the season to be busy, so I'm taking a little break from blogging. Merry Christmas to all of you, enjoy the holidays, your family and friends, your favorite holiday music, and Christmas cookies. I'll be back in a week or two with new postings.

Attic Whispers is still posting new stories (and all through the holidays, too) every Wednesday and Friday with the continuing Kenneth and Martha post card series every Monday. Become a follower of Attic Whispers, today and don't miss the weekly short stories being told by lost photographs.

Wizards in Winter

2011-12-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

Wizards in Winter by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

---a rocking, foot stomping winter sound extravaganza---

If you have ever enjoyed Portland's March 4th Marching Band

This would be a perfect song for them to preform

If you could.......

2011-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

If you could live in a book, which book would you love to live within?

For me, it's hands down Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher written in 2000. As one book reviewer wrote: A story of 5 very different people by happenstance ending up in northern Scotland during the Christmas season. I've read this book every year during Christmas and when I've finished I dream of being in northern Scotland during Christmas and these are my dearest and closest friends.

Elfrida Phipps, once of London's stage, moved to the English village of Dibton in hopes of making a new life for herself. Gradually she settled into the comfortable familiarity of village life — shopkeepers knowing her tastes, neighbors calling her by name — still she finds herself lonely. She's the auntie that gives you huge hugs, never judges and opens her heart fully to those she loves.

Oscar Blundell gave up his life as a musician in order to marry Gloria. They have a beautiful daughter, Francesca, and it is only because of their little girl that Oscar views his sacrificed career as worthwhile.

A quiet, kind and thoughtful man who leans on Elfrida to get through a tragic event.

Carrie returns from Australia at the end of an ill-fated affair with a married man to find her mother and sister sharing a home and squabbling endlessly. With Christmas approaching, Carrie agrees to look after her sister's awkward and quiet teenage daughter, Lucy, so that her mother might enjoy a romantic fling in America. Carrie is always there when Lucy needs her and she needs her now. Carrie is a beautiful woman, at loose ends herself and needs a huge hug from her great aunt, Elfrida.

Sam Howard is trying to pull his life back together after his wife has left him for another. He is without home and without roots, all he has is his job. Business takes him to northern Scotland, where he falls in love with the lush, craggy landscape and set his sights on a house.

A strange twist of faith lands Sam on Elfrida and Oscars door step on a cold and snowy night.

It is the strange rippling effects of a tragedy that will bring these five characters together in a large, neglected estate house near the Scottish fishing town of Creagan. It is in this house, on the shortest day of the year, that the lives of five people will come together and be forever changed. Winter Solstice is a novel of love, loyalty and rebirth.

It's a Wrap.....

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

In my family, holiday gift wrapping has become an art form.

My hubby's family use to challenge each other to create disguised wrappings to house their gifts. Decorating a train of boxes including an engine and caboose to hide the umbrella inside. The large boxes would have a castle on top made out of toilet paper rolls, empty wrapping paper rolls and little boxes all wrapped in white. Or a silver foil ice skating rink with a forest of miniature trees. Another box may be decorated to become a gingerbread house. A large paper bag (with gift inside) was transformed into a reindeer with a bell hanging from one antler. The wrapping usually took longer than the shopping for the gift.

Now, I have family members (yup, that's you kids) who are very creative in designing works of art in their wrapping ideas. The elegantly dressed brown shipping/craft paper, large cut-out initials, old photos attached to the tag (without a name - guess who that present is for?). Ribbons, twine, string, yarn, paper ornaments or stamped images, buttons and a few bows to adorn the wrapping of the gifts. We all look forward to see what appears under the Christmas tree.

Here are a few holiday wrappings I've found on the web for inspiration, help get the creative juices flowing and spark this year's creative gift wrapping.

25% OFF

2011-11-24T04:42:00.000-08:00

Flora is offering 25% OFF for a limited time

Browse the store

Spread the word

and everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving.

There's a New Shop in Town -

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

There's a new shop on the Internet that is a must go and see. Flora at www.flora-prints.com has just opened it's doors and is filled with the flora work of Scott Mansfield, San Francisco professional photographer. If you're looking for the perfect holiday gift or need a little color added to your own walls -- this is the place to shop. There's a large variety of flower prints to choose from and it is super easy to pick the size you want and printing format.

The best place on the Internet to shop for flora prints, go see for yourself

flora-prints

They followed me home....

2011-11-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Some recently found ideas from Pinterest that followed me home.

A simple paper plate with holes punched about 1" apart, threaded with decorative ribbon.

So simple, So effective!

Great idea for those gift, holiday cookies or candies you make.

For the cupcake baker in your home.

Easy way to store your cupcake liners -- stack in a spaghetti jar.

Cute!

One old dresser - remove legs - make seat cushion and wha-la,

you've got a perfect window seat or bench with storage.

Clever-Clever-Clever

Cover a pop can dispenser with paper (wrapping paper is about the right size) or contact paper and label for storing your can goods. We shop Costco - this will be perfect to organize the bulk buys.

The Doors Are Open-Open-Open

2011-11-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

Sam'Studio is all set up and ready to go at the annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts in Bellingham, WA. Opening this Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday with extended opened days the week of Christmas. We're back at the same site and filled to the brim with wonderful local artisan work for sale along with local musicians to entertain you.

Get your holiday shopping done early and shop The Festival this year!

Sam'Studio is offering new items this year along with newly designed journals and notebooks. Plus, mini photo albums, pocket Post-It note holders, gift card sets, desk Post-It note sets, bookmarks, note card sets and origami gift boxes.

All are reasonably priced to fit every one's shopping budget.

Think Global - Shop Local

Let Me Entertain You!

2011-11-08T05:50:00.000-08:00

It's Entertaining

It's Fun

It's all new to me.....

Join me at my new blog, Attic Whispers located at

www.atticwhispers.com

Bookmark it, Spread the word and follow me to
Attic Whispers

(during the transition set-up, you might have to use:

www.atticwhisper.blogspot.com

for a few days.

Sam's Amusing World isn't going anywhere -- it'll be here with new posts -- I now have two blogs

One completely fictional and entertaining

and One for a little of this and a little of that

It's Time.....

2011-11-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

Daylight Saving Time was instituted in the United States during World War I in order to save energy for war production by taking advantage of the later hours of daylight between April and October. During World War II the federal government again required the states to observe the time change. Between the wars and after World War II states and communities chose whether or not to observe Daylight Saving Time. In 1966, Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which standardized the length of Daylight Saving Time.

Daylight Saving Time is four weeks longer since 2007 due to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005. The Act extended Daylight Saving Time by four weeks from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November, with the hope that it would save 10,000 barrels of oil each day through reduced use of power by businesses during daylight hours. Unfortunately, it is exceedingly difficult to determine energy savings from Daylight Saving Time and based on a variety of factors, it is possible that little or no energy is saved by Daylight Saving Time.

Recent Reads Book Reports

2011-10-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

Betrayal of Trust by J.A Jance

J.P. Beaumont and his wife, Mel, are called in to investigate Washington's governor's family involving a murder, teens and mayhem. It's nice to see J.P. back in print.

Killing the Blues by Michael Brandman

A Robert B. Parker Jesse Stone story written by Mr. Brandman. Really? Really? The storyline was very good and had Parker's typical Stone situations and all of his usual verbal comebacks, but not a Parker book. It was written and reads like a movie script. No descriptions, set-ups or background - just dialogue. And not very original dialogue at that. The book's cover is very misleading - it's not a Parker book, but a stand in author trying to continue the Jesse Stone stories.

Misery Bay by Steve Hamilton

An Alex McKnight story set in Michigan's UP. Alex joins Maven, the chief of police, in searching for answers surrounding a suicide -- or was it? As a pattern starts to emerge and Alex won't stop until all the questions are answered. Another great Hamilton story.

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

A light weight read staged in Scotland - so what's not to like? 1708's invading Jacobite fleet of French and Scottish soldiers nearly succeed in landing the exiled James Stewart in Scotland to reclaim is crown. Carrie McCleeland hopes to turn this story into her next best seller novel. Settling into a cozy cottage in the shadow of Slains Castle ruins, she starts to write what seems more fact than fiction. This book alternates chapters of the now and then, weaving a shadowy remembrance to what was and now. I'll read more Ms. Kearsly books - cause they're not heavy, fun and sometimes it's good to get out of mysteries.

The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil

Not so much about a knitting club but more about how to cope with the death of a cheating husband and carrying for two small boys. Jo moves to the UK beach and takes over her grandmother's yarn shop. Great characters, funny, with a cute storyline. Not a run to the library to find book but very entertaining.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

If you haven't read this book -- Do It Now!

There's a reason this has become a best seller, made into a movie and a must read. It's just that good.

The Affair by Lee Child

While recently stuck in an airport waiting for a flight, I realized I was about to finish my take along reading material and needed to find another book as my traveling companion. I was roaming the mystery aisle of the airport's bookstore (Portland's Powells) when the salesperson asked if she could help. We started discussing the various authors on the shelf and she said, I think you need to come with me. She took me to her station and recently opened box. There on top was the just released Lee Child book -- and I love Jack Reacher stories (and so did the salesperson).

This one is one of the best of Jack Reacher stories. A flash back in time that tells the tale of how Jack became a traveling, wandering, out of the army, helping those in need guy. It all startred somewhere - elite military cop, Jack Reacher is sent to Carter Crossing, Mississippi in 1997. A lone railroad track - a crime scene - a set up with lots of twists and turns - Jack's undercover to help the local sheriff, Elizabeth Deveraux, to get to the truth. Town's people or military base?

Needles and Pins by Gil McNeil

The continuing story of Jo MacKenzie from The Beach Street book (read above). It's been a year since the move to the beach town, out of her comfort zone and settled into a quite way of life. Or is it? This was just another chapter to the original story. Another fun read without a lot of hup-la, plot or drama.

Northwest Angle by William Kent Kruger

Cork takes the whole family on a little R-N-R houseboat vacation to Lake of the Woods. A freakish storm hits and hits hard - separating the group. Cork and his daughter land on an island and find a tiny baby and his murdered mother. Is the killer still around? An adventure to stay ahead of the killer, get some answers and discover somethings about themselves. Not Kruger's best story - but a must read for his fans.

Heat Rises by Richard Castle

This is the third in the series ABC publishes to go along with the TV series, Castle. This book was pretty good, better written than the last two. A lot of the TV show's scenerios are used to develope this story line. If you're a Castle fan, like I am, you'll recognize season 3 in most of the book - a different plot with all the characters we've come to love. Good Book.

and books I just couldn't finish

Mariana by Susanna Kearsly

I got half way through and put it down -- slow, slow, slow read that wasn't going anywhere and I wasn't interested to see if it ever would.

The Land of Painted Caves by Jean M. Auel

Having read all of the previous Earth's Children books, I was looking forward to the latest edition. However, if you've read about one painted cave, you've read about them all. And this book was one description of numerous caves, without any plot and dragging storyline. I was half way through the 756 pages when it was put on the shelf. Boring.

2011-10-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Apparently, I'm Gray Mouse. What's your superhero name?

A Pot of Soup...

2011-10-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

This last September the family gathered in Cannon Beach, Oregon. The main event was a coastal wedding - the benefit was getting the family all together in one place for a few days of sun and fun. After comparing notes on local restaurant reviews (not very good) (sorry Cannon Beach) and being very disappointed on a few "let's try it one more time" outings, we ended up walking down the block from our beach house to Warren House Pub. What an amazing find! Fantastic food, very friendly service and a great menu. We ended up feasting at The Pub numerous times and we were never disappointed.

I was very pleased with their soup of the day Beer Bacon Cheese Soup and had it a couple of times -- just couldn't get enough of this liquid magic. Being a soup maker, myself, I had to try and replicate this winner when we got home. I'll share with you my results -- I'd have to say that the following recipe hits about the 98% mark compared to the original. YUM!!

Beer Bacon Cheese Soup

makes about 6 cups

Takes about 2 hours to make and ready to serve

Ingredients:

6 Tablespoons butter

1 clove finely minced garlic

1 cup finely chopped onion - finely chopped!

1 cup finely chopped celery - finely chopped!

1 cup finely chopped carrot - finely chopped!

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 12 oz. can of beer (I used Pabst and was very satisfied with the results)

1 & 1/2 cup chicken broth

12-15 pieces of bacon - cook bacon & chop into tiny pieces

1 cup heavy cream (heavy whip cream works well)

1 cup grated Cheddar cheese -- I added a little bit extra

1 cup grated Colby Jack cheese

1 teaspoon dry mustard

5-8 shacked drops of Tabasco sauce

1/2 - 1 teaspoon cracked pepper

Place butter and garlic in a large pot over medium heat. Stir butter and garlic until all the butter is melted. Add onions, celery and carrot. Cook about 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add flour and stir for 3 minutes (be careful not to burn).

Continue stirring, while slowly adding the beer and chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and continue stirring every few minutes until soup has thickened (should take about 40-45 minutes). I know this is the boring part - but, very important to get the mixture thickened, slowly. Add bacon pieces. On LOW heat, add the cream, cheeses and spices. Make sure the heat is on low, if it is too high it will cause the dairy to break down. Serve when the cheese has melted and all is well blended.

Serve as is (yummy!) or topped with a few croutons or additional bacon pieces. Hubby likes it with bits of crab added. ENJOY!

2011-10-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

Just a little fun, today.....did ya find it? huh? huh? huh?

2011-10-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

So Cool!

2011-10-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

I love bandanas - what's not to love? They're cheap (usually a buck each) come in fabulous colors, a great size to craft with and they're not just for doggy neck wear or cowgirl costumes. Take these little paisley prints out for a spin and let your imagination fly.

I found these on the blogger web site: under the table and dreaming

where there's more ideas waiting to be discovered.

These are few of my favorties!

napkins

table runners

table cloths

a napkin holder

placemats

a quilt
or maybe a fun handkerchief

I'm heading to the store, partner, and getting some bandanas to play with.

Fabulous!!!

2011-10-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

3 glorious days of music! Blame Sally, Chris Isaak, M. Ward, Robert Earl Keen, Hugh Laurie, Ricky Skaggs, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Broken Social Scene, The Low Anthem, Dr. John, DeVotchka, Buddy Miller, Elbow, and Gomez just to name a few of the stage acts we followed, rocked to, danced to, and thoroughly enjoyed along with thousands and thousands of Golden Gate attendees. We missed not having March 4th Marching Band roaming the stages, but we rocked out just the same. It was sunny and warm then foggy and chilly -- that's San Francisco at it's best. Plus, we topped off each evening with some absolutely wonderful eats at local eateries.

Now to wash off all the dust, do some laundry, take some make-up naps and get back to the ordinary, usual daily routine and look forward to the next Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival!

2011-09-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

I'm getting on a jet plane and heading to San Francisco for some foot stomping, hand clapping, dance moving good music, rock out times. Catch ya on the flip side next week.

It was 40 years ago, today.....

2011-09-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

Today is our 40th wedding anniversary.

then.....

and now.....

You're going to love this -- I promise!

2011-09-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

More Pinterest posts that followed me home

This would be so cute for wedding tables.

Hershey Kisses instead of peppermint? OR Valentine candy hearts (if you planned ahead)

Use large round plates or serving platters - depending on the size of your tables.

A blank white canvas and Elmer's Glue

How simple - How beautiful!

Using shower curtain hooks to hang up those bags

If only I had the closet space to do this -- I'd be in heaven

Using a Large V-neck hooded sweatshirt

Cut down center - hem - wrap to the side and add buttons

Adorable - Simply Adorable!

A Goodwill suit jacket -- there's lots out there without the matching pants.

Find one that is a good length and fit (don't worry about the arm lengths)

Trim off the arms (or remove at seam) - leaving some of the lining from the jacket side to fold inward to create a finished edge. WahLaa- you've got a custom vest, man (or woman).

Mirror Mirror On The Wall.....

2011-09-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

More Pinterest finds.....

Love this idea to fill a small blank space

I've got the old windows - just need some scrap wood

Using inexpensive mirrors and hung horizontally

Be great to fill a wall - top to bottom

Oh, what you could do with empty toilet paper rolls

Love, Love a burst of flower power

Good Idea(s)?

2011-09-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Found some great ideas on Pinterest and brought them home to share with you.

Rubber bands to mark your sewing measurement

Empty ketchup bottle to hold pancake batter

for the perfect pancake size

One summer swim tube - cut down the center

Old shoe box with a cut out to hold the tube halves

Bag of marbles

I love this idea for some racing fun!

Ah, the beach

2011-09-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a few days on the beach - the Oregon coast beach. (more on that to come).

Before I left - I did another Jessica Sprague site challenge. Using the words "day off" in the title, we were to create a layout page of what we'd do with a full day off. Since most of my retirement days are "days off" I used what I'd love to do most if/when I had a day off the grid and my usual daily routine.

.....Head to the Beach.....

(photo from web search)

Wanna Play? Easy as 1-2-3-4

2011-09-13T04:00:00.001-07:00

ONE: Blank Canvas

TWO: Box of 64 Crayons

THREE: Hair Dryer

FOUR: Create Art

I would need to find a blank wall to showcase my creation.

That might be harder than making the masterpiece.

(another Pinterest find to try someday)

Taking the week off for some R-N-R

2011-09-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Heading to the Oregon Coast for a beach wedding, short family get-together,

beach walks with M&M's, picture taking and good times.

See ya all next week (or on the beach)

Tie One On......

2011-09-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

I love scarves - a most recent discovery.

When I saw this on Pinterest, I thought - I could make this.

It's on my "to do" list for my autumn wardrobe.

1. grab some cotton t-shirts you don’t wear anymore. larger sizes tend to work better as do non-ribbed shirts with no side seams. small logos on the shirts work fine, too. Goodwill finds would be great.
2. grab a pair of fabric scissors if you have them, otherwise any scissors will do.

3. lay the shirt out on a flat table in front of you.

4. cut the hem off the bottom and put it aside.

5. cut the shirt into 1-1 1/2 ” horizontal strips all the way up to the armpit. (may have to invest in a fabric wheel cutter -- always wanted a set, now I'll have the excuse to buy it)

6. grab 3-4 shirt strips in both hands, and gently stretch them out. the strips will naturally curl into themselves.

7. once you have done this with many of the strips, it is time to get creative. try draping them, wrapping one end with excess fabric, combining colors, braiding them, attaching beads, pins, old jewelry, etc.

Yummy!

2011-09-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

On my "To Make" list: another version of Mac and Cheese

Servings: 8 (or double servings for 4)
Ingredients
1 and 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed**one whole sleeve
2 cups white cheddar cheese, grated and divided
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 and 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces uncooked)
One 5.2-ounce container of Boursin Garlic and Herb cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch red pepper flakes
Parsley, for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Generously spray 8 cups of your muffin pan with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, 1 cup of the shredded white cheddar cheese, and the melted butter, mixing well until the mixture holds together and resembles coarse sand.
4. Divide the mixture among the 8 muffin cups and, using your fingers or the back of a spoon, firmly press the crust into the bottoms and up the sides of each muffin cup.
5. In another large bowl, combine the cooked (and still hot!) macaroni with 1/2 cup of the shredded white cheddar, the Boursin cheese, and the butter, mixing well.
6. In a small bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and red pepper flakes, mixing well.
7. Add the egg/milk mixture to the cooked macaroni, mixing until all the ingredients are melted and smooth.
8. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the macaroni mixture into each muffin cup

(you will probably have a little leftover macaroni, save and bake it separately, if desired.)
9. Top each muffin cup with the remaining white cheddar.
10. Bake the mac and cheese pies until lightly golden on top, about 20-25 minutes.
11. Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin pan, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Source: Adapted from The Deen Bros. Take it Easy, via Epicurious, via Pinterest

You're Invited

2011-08-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Taking a page from Pinterest and from Meridian Road blog post -- I created my new cabin on the lake. New cabin? (as opposed to an Old cabin?) Lake? (what lake?). That's the fun - create your own get-a-way place and dream. And the best part is that it can change, move, or dream it again without prior notice.

So you're invited to come for a visit - stay as long as you'd like.

The doors always open, the coffee pot is on and the games are all set up to score.

I'm still building the hot tub - but, it'll be ready when you are.

The living room is cozy for those afternoon reads or evening fireplace conversations.

The meals will be entertaining with good food and great conversations.

The game table (not my first choice) has to be round, roomy and always up for the challenge.

Big-Big-Big Kitchen with loads of light, open cupboards, farmhouse sink.

There can never be too many cooks in this kitchen.

Bedrooms for everyone - magically added to accommodate one and all. Quilts, farmhouse antique finds and all with a view of the lake.

Glass enclosed showers and soaking tubs with a view. There's more than one or two or three.

Come on over to my place, stay awhile, relax on the deck or swim in the lake.

It's all good at Sam's Get-A-Way Cabin on the Lake.

(I hired Pinterest, the web and Sarah Richardson's web site - love, love Sarah Richardson's style -

to put together my little cabin. See ya there.)

2011-08-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

I want one!

2011-08-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

I want a porch swing! I need a porch swing!

There is a magical quality to porch swings. Perhaps it is the soothing rhythm or the reassuring creak of the porch swing that attracts us. Perhaps it is the companionable silence or quiet conversation. Or maybe swings simply remind us of more genteel times, sipping lemonade on a warm summer evening.

A remembrance of childhood a memory. Swinging on a swing set, being free, gliding above the ground, toes pointed reaching for the sky. Gaining confidence to stand, hang on and pump - pump high.

That's what I want - a porch swing. This is what I have now: a cedar glider that moves maybe 5 inches to and fro. It's a tease of what could be, what should be, of what's to come.

I have an idea -- take the glider apart and use the bench to make a real swing. I don't have a porch from which to hang said swing -- but I do have a deck -- a VERY large wrap-a-round deck. I could build a frame (and anchor it for the full out pumping experience) or build an extension from the roof line out to hang the swing from.

Either way, I want, I need, I have to have a deck swing.

Next summer's #1 project: the perfect spot to sip lemonade, watch the sunsets and enjoy our surrounding forest setting.

My Summer Reading List

2011-08-21T05:46:00.000-07:00

I have to admit this summer I read fewer books than I usually do. It may have been all the house projects that took away from my "read" time or that I got hooked on watching TV series on the computer. Of course the many TV series I watched was like reading a story with an immediate next chapter with the click of the mouse. Or was it that I haven't found a great new mystery author or series to peak my interest in a long time? Bored with reading? Never! Bored with what was sitting on the night stand to read next? Right On! So, here's my summer reading book reports -- some of the boring stuff and some of my summer's favorite authors next book.

SixKill by Robert B. Parker

Spenser's last story. (so sad) He's hired and then quickly fired to investigate the involvement of a slug of a celebrity in the death of a groupie. Along the way he mentors a trouble young man into maturity or at least has the smarts to recognize the youths potential when he sees it.

Good bye Mr. Parker, you're missed.

Buried Prey by John Sandford

One of John's best stories yet. The truth comes to light when two bodies are found during a house demolition. Lucas worked the case as a young cop. Now it's come back around and he's determined to get to the truth, find the murderer and close the book on this one. Lots of flashback chapters about Lucas' early cop years.

Hard Evidence by John Lescroart

A billionaire's body is washed up on one of San Francisco's shores. Hardy is sitting in the ADA chair when it becomes a case of murder. Long drawn out story -- way tooooooo long.

The Legacy by Stephen Frey

A second film of the Kennedy assassination shot from the opposite side of the street from the Zupruder film. Who has it and where has it been for the last 30 some odd years? Great story premise -- poorly written -- very poorly written.

One Dog Night by David Rosenfelt

Andy Carpenter doesn't really like lawyering, but when he's swept into a case, he's all over it. Tara's (his dog) first owner is charged and confesses to an arson killing 26 people 6 years ago. But did he really do it? His life has changed over the last 6 years but that night still haunts him and Andy steps in to uncover the truth - the whole truth and nothing but the truth....

Executive Privilege by Phillip Margolin

Another "opps, the U.S. President was a bad boy" book. Good story, just not a great story. Yawn--boring.

Gone by Lisa Gardner

Oregon - FBI - missing agent- enough said

I grabbed this book when I was hunting the aisle at the local book store. Wish I hadn't. But, to give it credit - it's part of a series (who knew?) so I didn't know all the background information, connections, etc. while reading it. I may go find the first of the series and start from the beginning. Or Not.....

The age of Aquarius

2011-08-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

I have a little widget on my computer that gives me my daily horoscope read. I'm not all that into signs and stuff (and yes, I HAD been known to use that line "hey big boy, what's your sign?") -- but, once in a while a little tidbit of information comes across that is positive and worth remembering. This was last Friday's forecast and worthy of sharing.

The voices that whisper softly in your ear - not the ones that yell loudly - are the voices that you'll hear most clearly today. Avoid people who are brash and hostile, because what they have to say is definitely not worth hearing. Instead, pay attention to the quieter, subtler stuff that's going on. You'll be able to notice many new ideas, and you might even find a new way to connect with an old friend. Today is all about nuance and subtext.

Somthing to try....

2011-08-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

Found this on an Etsy shop (which is temporarily closed) and I had a ah-ha moment. I have old jeans that hubby doesn't wear any more - but has kept for a "just in case" might still need. I have to mention hubby is not a pack rat, collector, or someone that holds on to things (except his wife of 40 years). Although, he does keep some things way beyond their expiration date -- his old jeans are one of those things. As if he could wear them anymore, they'd instantly fall down.

I'm going to raid his stash and start making some jean bags -- they'd work as shop bags, crochet bag, book bag, camp bag or a bag when one is needed. I love carry-alls and have a collection of them. I am a pack rat, collector and someone that holds on to things that I usually don't need anymore, haven't used in eons but just can't part with (as in hubby of 40 years).

I shall call him Squishy

2011-08-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

With the sun finally coming out to give us a late summer, we headed to Larrabee Park to search for sea stars at low tide. We found a lot of large, purple sea stars mostly clustered together with a few renegades here and there. The most shocking thing was that we had to pay $10 to enjoy this state park. The state eliminated the short lived parking fees a couple of years ago, but now added a $10 use fee for the day. They obviously didn't learn their lesson with the original parking fees that created empty state parks. Really? $10.00? Give me a break!

2011-08-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

(still learning)

2011-08-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

(digi papers: Vintage Blue 1885 by Sam's Digi Design Studio

seen on Pinterest via Etsy shop Family Sayings Inspirational Wood)

How I spent my summer vacation

2011-08-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

This was a summer project where Murphy and his law decided many things and that pesty can of worms kept opening with surprises along the way. But, it was all worth it. The before picture is far below and these are the after photos. Next summer I'll get some large, red, ceramic planters to fill with flora and fauna and new deck furniture to complete the transformation. We may bring the crew back to redo the trim in a dark green instead of the dark gray. We'll think about it over the winter.

Sneak Peek....

2011-07-25T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sam's Digi Design Studio Sampler

I've been dabbling and creating some digital paper designs and will be giving some away and sell others this fall. Digital papers with texture, style and color, coordinating elements, poetry strips, overlays and more. Here's a taste of what's to come. Keep watching for more information and launch date.

Let's Celebrate!!!!

2011-07-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREA!

HAVE A WONDERFUL, CUPCAKE FILLED, FUN DAY

LEAVE A BIRTHDAY WISH FOR ANDREA AND LET'S CELEBRATE THE DAY!

For Sure......

2011-07-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

A recent scrapbook page for the weekly Jessica Sprague site challenge. This week the prompt was to use the phrase What I Know For Sure and scrapbook the first thing you thought of. I don't much for sure .. but, I do know that I love doing digital scrapbooking instead of paper scrapbooking. I still get my hands in the glue pot doing all my Sam'Studio products to sell on Etsy and at our Allied Arts Juried Festival in the fall. That's enough for me.

What do you know for sure?

dot dot dot

2011-07-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

I love polka dots!

Come on NW weather --- I'm ready!

2011-07-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

I am so ready to fill the car with the camping gear, firewood, marshmallows and chocolate bars and hit the road to one of our favorite camp sites. IF our NW weather would only cooperate and give us a bit of warmth and clear skies. We usually don't see summer around here until after July 4th, but this year it hasn't arrived, yet. Looks like we'll have only a small (tiny, really) window of summer this year - groan, grrrr, moan....... But, when it does come, I'm ready. I've got the camera charged, my trip journal in my pack, binocs & bird book sitting by the door waiting for camping fun.

Decisions • Decisions • Decisions

2011-07-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

We are in the middle of sprucing up our home's exterior and while living amongst the spruces, it's hard to make the decision of what color do we want. One of the "we" wants a very light color - the other of the "we" wants a deep bark color. The entire house will be this new color and we have to live with it -- both of us we's. My thought process was to eliminate the red barn look and create a look that blends with the surrounding trees and foliage, a cabin in the woods, a color that looks aged yet fresh. The other "we" just likes light gray (that was his total thought process). The current (and keeping) trim is a medium gray (or is it grey?) that we're going to match with a fresh siding color. Decisions-Decisions-Decisions

Here are a few of the samples created from the Sherwin-Williams web site. It's kinda fun to download a house photo, highlight the area to be painted and play with all the colors they offer. Of course, not all of the "to be painted" areas were highlighted - so some of the old color shows up here and there -- but you get the picture.

Sample 1 -Current worn barn color

Sample 2 - Gauntlet Gray

Sample 3 - Pewter Cast

Sample 4 - Cityscape

Sample 5 - Mink

I know there's not much difference between all these colors, just subtle hues and shades. I'm off to pick up about 5 pint sample colors -- brush them on and see what works for both of the WE's.

I'll show you mine if you show me yours.....

2011-06-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

Do you have favorite sayings, verses, mantras that you keep handy for the appropriate times? Words that are jumbled together that just make sense when put together? If you crossed stitched or did typographical wall art, this comes to mind first? Cruise Pinterest scoping out sign sayings that catch your eye, heart or feelings? A saying that hangs at the bottom of your emails, blogs, tweets?

I have a few. I'll show you mine if you show me yours.......

If nothing goes right - go left

Welcome!

If you always do what you've always done,

you'll always get what you've always gotten.

Pinterest Finds.....

2011-06-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

You'll often find me grazing through Pinterest looking at DIY, Home and Furnishings, Photography, or on the home page. I haven't pinned anything, myself - but love what other web crawlers are always finding. Here are a few really neat ideas that I've found and may have to act on.

If my craft room studio walls weren't slanted and had just one right angle,

I'd go for this in a heart beat. Almost looks like an ole telephone niche.

Just too cute - I'm thinking bathroom

After hitting Costco - this would be perfect!

This is a must have -- NOW!

(they will so match my mason jar glasses set)

These are pillow cases sewn together - then add pillows - easy peasy!

I did something like these last Christmas - may have to go it again with a little twist

Thought for the day ......

2011-06-20T04:45:00.000-07:00

The Reveal --- before and after Guest Room Remodel

2011-06-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

Before

After

The original wall color was fine in the guest and the basic furniture didn't need to be replaced - just updated for a softer-comfort room. Since we have red in all the rest of the house rooms, I went out of my way to not have red in the guest room. Soft sage green won the toss for the color spot.

Before

After

After searching all the local stores and then hitting the web, I could not find a comforter and pillow set that I liked. So, I made the new set myself. Fitting the queen size bed, I used 2 king sized sheets and a new down alternative comforter. The Euro pillows and front pillow from green/sea blue/ivory material.

I built a headboard with 4 foot pine boards. It was so simple - measured the wall space, tung oil finish on the boards and screwed to the wall with silver knob head screws.

Before

After

I found some treasures at Goodwill - a new lamp that is adjustable for better lighting and an old tray that I painted and mod podged with vintage post card paper then I sanded down some of the edges.

Before

After

New funky willow lamp shades for the side table lamps and added some reading material for our guests.

Before

After

New floor lamp and side table/stool with framed photograph (by Scott Mansfield) art in a silver frame.

A spot for the suitcase to sit on the willow basket that is filled with all the room's afghans. I repositioned the room coat hooks and added vintage hotel room numbers that I made with metal sheeting and vinyl numbers.

Before

After

On the large, far wall I created a wall of multiple frames that I found at Goodwill and either painted or shabby chic the wood and filled with artwork, posters, photographs. Three of the frames have background maps with our kids photos labeled on top of the frame. Yosemite with Scooter's photo, Olympic N.P. with Bruce's photo and Oregon with Andrea's photo -- turned out cute.

A finial look at the bed colors

This was a 6 week project (with life taking up some time along the way). The furniture placement stayed mostly the same with some stored pieces removed adding more space to the room, but everything else was changed. The total cost for the make-over? $300.00 with the most bucks going for the new bedding - comforter, new sheets, blankets and pillows. $50.00 for the headboard wood, $15.00 for the green table/stool, $47.50 spent at Goodwill for the frames, dresser tray and lampshades. Money well spent. We now have a pleasant, comfortable room for our guests and family.

The vacancy sign is out and just waiting for a visit.

Being Published - again......

2011-06-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

One of my scrapbook pages is being published in Scrapbook News and Review for their June issue (June 12th release date). You've all seen the page - it is the Mumford and Sons layout (May 3rd post) I did and posted here a while back. I haven't submitted any of my work in ages and last month I decided I needed an update to my scrapbook resume and went for it. Check it out --- but, remember you saw it first here.......

2011-06-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

i found it on Pinterest and had to bring it home.

May's Book Reports

2011-05-31T06:07:00.000-07:00

Cold Truth by Mariah Stewart

Ms.Stewart's series just keep getting better and better. This New Jersey shore hamlet hasn't seen the serial killers kills for 26 years. Is he back - you bet! Police detective, Cass and true crime writer, Regan, are on the hunt to stop the killings (along with a couple FBI agents when things get personal). And it gets personal when Cass is stalked by the killer. Another series starting point.

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

A 1920's series set in England with Maisie starting her private detective agency. This story is a mix of current conflict and flashbacks to give us Maisie's history. An award winning story, slow to progress in the mystery department, but gives us much of Maisie's back story to set the stage for future stories.

Heads You Lose by Lisa Lutz & David Hayward

Alternating chapters with author notes and comments at the end of each chapter, Lisa and David give us banter and humor. That's about all they give us with this book. The mystery (is there really a mystery here?) is all over the place and never settles down to tell a story until the last page. Although I'd read anything Lisa Lutz writes -- this is not one of them.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

with Annie Barrows (editing niece)

I loved this book! A series of letters to Juliet Ashton, London 1946. Letters she's written and written to her. Juliet successfully wrote a series of articles about London life during WWII and then puts them into a book - that starts a chain of letters to her from a group of people living on the Channel Island of Guernsey. This is about their story during German occupation and Juliet seeing the seed of her next book. This is a wonderful read with humor and intrigue.

The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly

Another Lincoln Lawyer novel (timed to come out when the original LL story hits the big screen). Mickey has had to start supplementing his criminal practice to include forecloser clients. Not really his cup of tea, but it's paying the bills. Until he ends up defending one of his clients on a murder charge and Mickey goes after the banks - forecloser practices and the in between companies. Good story.

Spider Web by Earlene Fowler

Another Benni Harper mystery. With the Memory Festival coming up, Benni is busy. When a sniper enters the town all hell breaks loose. An OKay read.

Hard Truth by Mariah Stewart

When Lorna Temple returns to rural PA to sell her family's property after the passing of her parents, the last thing she expected were bodies being discovered in the back 40. Over 20 years ago, 2 children went missing and one was Lorna's best friend. Are the questions finally getting answers to the disappearances or are more questions about to be asked? Good book....

Dark Truth by Mariah Stewart

FBI agent, Nina Madden's life changed when her professor father was convicted of a series of killings on campus. He died in prison. That was 20 years ago. Nina left town and never looked back. When a series of killing's MO matches the earlier killings, Nina and the detective from her father's case start comparing notes. They come across some new evidence, missed truths and a killer ready to strike again.

Final Truth by Mariah Stewart

Regan Landry is following in her deceased true-crime writer father's footsteps and looking for the next "best seller" to write. When fraud is discovered at a DNA testing lab and releases a few convicted felons, Regan looks into the story to be her next book. But, she and FBI boyfriend, Mitch are in the thick of things when a series of killings follow them -- all the way home.

What's Behind Door Number 1?

2011-05-27T06:09:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I decided that our guest room needed a complete overhaul. It's the room that got all the left-overs. Furniture that didn't fit anywhere else in the house - blankets and comforters that have been around for eons (and didn't fit anywhere else in the house) - changing art work and wall hangings to make it look pulled together (and never did). It was time to make it a room of it's own.

I have been painting - sewing - shopping - sewing - and giving the room a complete new look. It's starting to look the way I imagined it --- but, I've got a lot yet to do. Along with planning a birthday party, being a graphic designer, meeting with exterior house painters (yup, that's going to get done too, this summer), roof cleaners, and then taking a few days to feel under the weather (where does that phrase come from anyway?). When the room is done -- I'm posting lots of photos. Before and After -- so stayed tuned.

The thought for the day.....

2011-05-18T04:42:00.000-07:00

Monday Monday

2011-05-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

Another great challenge from Jessica Sprague site -

pick your favorite day of the week and scrap it.

and I did just that...

(photos from the web and Fairhaven post cards)

2011-05-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

Mine were: see made passion

(that's my story and I'm sticking to it)

Leave a comment what the 3 words are that describe you

(the 1st 3 words you see - be quick)

2011-05-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

90!

2011-05-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my dad's 90th birthday.

He was born May 11, 1921, in Duluth, MN.

Happy Birthday, Dad and Many Many More!

April's Book Reports

2011-05-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

A Morning For Flamingos by James Lee Burke

Southern Louisiana is the backdrop for Dave's next series installment. Dave goes undercover after a shooting incident leaves him wounded and with a dead partner. This story brings out the best and worse New Orleans has to offer - from voodoo, drug lords to a new love interest surfacing from Dave's past.

Last Look by Mariah Stewart

When a dead prostitute is found, her identity turns out to have been a woman murdered 24 years ago, the FBI get involved. FBI agent, Shannon, remembers the 24 old case, her father got a conviction and execution the first time around -- did he get it wrong? Shannon needs to know and digs up more than she can handle. The first of the Last Series my Ms. Stewart.

Last Words by Mariah Stewart

In the nine years with the FBI, special agent Mia Shields has seen it all -- but nothing prepares her for the serial killer in St. Dennis on Maryland's eastern shore. While living in her cousin Connor's Maryland home, she and chief of police, Beck, are determined to find and stop the gruesome killings. Another good book by Mariah Stewart

Last Breath by Mariah Stewart

Archaeologist Dr. Daria McGowan is offered the job to curate her great grandfather's artifacts at the university museum her family established. When she finds missing artifacts that have been stored for over a hundred years, she calls on FBI agent Connor Shields to help investigate the thievery. Thievery isn't all that comes their way. One of the best in the "Last" series by Stewart.

Forgotten by Mariah Stewart

(this book is listed as a stand alone - but really is the last of the "Last" series)

FBI agent, Portia Cahill, has just returned to the states and is handed what looks like a simple assignment. Portia would rather be on the other side of the world fighting undercover -- but this new case just keeps getting stranger and stranger and she's out to get the facts. Portia must communicate with the incarcerated serial murderer to find one more body. When a copycat murderer surfaces, Portia and the original murderer's lawyer find themselves in unexpected territory with twists and turns no one expected. Very Good Read!

Who do you Admire?

2011-05-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

A recent scrapbook layout challenge on the Jessica Sprague site (one I frequently join for the challenges) was to pick a famous person that you admire or inspires you. I could have picked a few - but, Teddy came to mind first. Especially, after visiting the Badlands and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and again spending time on the Washington D.C. island with his memorial. Both fantastic sites! Here's my entry to the challenge using web photos. Bully!

Mumford & Sons

2011-05-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a grunge or shabby scrapbooker, but I sure had fun with this one.

May have to give it a go, again. Great concert by the way from a great group.
(photo by Sara & Scott Mansfield)

Words for thought.....

2011-05-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

and the music lives on......

2011-05-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

October 1, 2010

October 2, 2010

October 3, 2010

More Scrapbook Layouts

2011-04-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

It was last October when I flew to San Francisco (via Portland) to experience the free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. It was defiantly hardly strictly bluegrass music, too. We danced, we sang, we ate, we clapped, we roared with the crowds and we had a great time. Here's the first of the HSBF layouts I've made to capture the memory and put them in the books until I go again this October.

Anyone for a pot of tea? (so said with a British accent, please)

2011-04-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Introducing Brand & Bloom

2011-04-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

If you have a business - Big or small

If you want to start a business - Big or small

then check out Brand & Bloom's web site to get you started in generating a business brand that will give you results, success and an experience to be all that you can be.

Help Yourself......

2011-04-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

Happiness is.......

2011-04-20T04:00:00.001-07:00

Another scrapbook challenge from Jessica Sprague's site.

This is a double page layout 11" x 17".

Just having some fun.

How would you finish the phrase: Happiness Is......

Cool!

2011-04-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

While watching the series Damages

(Emmy winner Glenn Close is riveting as lawyer extraordinaire Patty Hewes, whose intellect is as boundless as her morals are skimpy. With her devoted colleague, Tom Shayes (Tate Donovan), and conflicted protégé, Ellen Parsons (Rose Byrne), Patty rules the New York legal scene. Patty needs all her skills to best crooked businessman Art Frobisher (Ted Danson) and the corrupt Tobin family: Lou (Len Cariou), Joe (Campbell Scott) and Marilyn (Lily Tomlin).

(although not the best photo example - but, that's what you get with a screen shot)

I noticed a really cool art piece on the dining room wall. (of course the rest of Patty's Pad is pretty awesome, too). The art piece was a black and white photograph - blown up (way up). Then cut to wrap around canvas frames. The image continued on all sides of the frame. This piece has 16 frames.

If you break it down - it wouldn't be hard to make.

Using Photoshop (or Photoshop Elements or another graphic program of your choice).

Find a great photo - convert to black and white (if it's color)

Crop a section (or use the entire photo) to the size of the finished wall size

Then:

Using the size of your frames (plus extra to wrap on all 4 sides) Crop each piece separately

Print the section -- continue until the entire piece is printed.

Adhere to the canvas

and hang it

If I had any wall space

(they're already filled with windows, doors, closets, fireplaces, etc. etc. etc.)

I'd be printing as you read ---

Don't Ya Just Love Color!

2011-04-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

This was a post on a Pinterest list of favorites.

I Love the Colors

I Love the Patterns

I Love that it's Crochet

I may have to grab the yarn box left overs and get started....

Playing Gordon Cooper

2011-04-16T04:00:00.001-07:00

I grabbed some pics of my son, Scooter, from Sagebrush Coast (wifey's blog site) and ran with them.

Playing Gordon Cooper at Chabot Observatory.

Aloha!

2011-04-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

This layout started out as this week's challenge on the Jessica Sprague site

(must use circles with the posted colors given) --

and has become one of my favorites. Thanks, darling daughter for the pics!

Project 12 continues

2011-04-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

MARCH - It's another month to scrap and get into the albums.

My Project 12 continues, doing a scrapbook page for a month in review.

Hang on to that.....

2011-04-12T04:00:00.001-07:00

Fresh journal - New pen

2011-04-11T04:00:00.000-07:00

I've joined a new journaling group that meets on Monday nights. I'm excited - it's been a while since I was in a group of journal writers. We use different prompts to get the thoughts going and the pen flowing. I've got my new journal and pen ready to start writing.

How about you?

What have you written lately?

Oh, honey.......

2011-04-10T04:00:00.001-07:00

When I asked for a new salad bowl I was expecting something to fit on the table.

(I found this photo on the web and had to laugh)

My hubby has been banging away in the workshop since January. (and I've got the dusty house to prove it.) He goes exploring in our hundred acre woods looking for interesting, usable wood to turn into -- well, things. He's discovered some unusual and beautiful pieces to work with and work with he has. And as my daughter says, "we know what we're getting in our Christmas stockings this year". Dad has found a new hobby that has kept him busy creating - well, things.

It's a Winner!

2011-04-08T05:31:00.000-07:00

Okay!

2011-04-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

That's creative!

2011-04-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

What a clever coat rack - I've got those hangers - I may have to pull out the saw and glue and get busy.

Words for thought......

2011-04-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

and a scrappy page I made from this inspiration.

A Site To Behold

2011-04-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

Scott Mansfield of Scott Mansfield Photography has launched a new blog site Mountain Over Water and photography web site, Scott Mansfield Photography. These are both A Site(s) To Behold! For Scott, art is the search for truth, about life, about nature and yourself. And it is with the self that the artist must start their journey. Art can only come from grace and grace can only come from truth and truth can only come from honest. View this nature artist's work, revel in his honest look at the world through his photography and you'll be glad you did.

March Book Reports

2011-03-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

I didn't get much reading done in March -- me bad. I got hooked catching on-line TV series. It started with Friday Night Lights (all 4 seasons and waiting for season 5 next week) and went on to Army Wives (another 4 season session with season 5 now playing on Sunday nights). Whew! I watched a lot of computer screen TV. It was addicting...no commercials...hit the next episode instantly...find out what happens with the click of the mouse. *children, please do not try this at home* me bad (but it sure was fun)

Dead Even by Mariah Stewart

The third segment in Ms. Stewart's Dead Series. Three prisoner vow murderous revenge - the first two had the FBI stumped, but they got their man (men). Now, the third villain is free and has an FBI agent in his sights.

Dead End by Mariah Stewart

With the first three books in the four book series, we meet all the players that cross paths, date, marry and befriend one another. This last book ties up all the loose ends. I'd recommend reading all four books in sequence, one after another to keep all the characters and plots straight. Well written stories with a little romance mixed in to spice it up.

Heaven Is High by Kate Wilhelm

It's been a while since we've had a Barbara Holloway novel by Kate Wilhelm. It was worth the wait. Barbara, the Eugene Oregon lawyer, is at loose ends. She's turning down clients, hanging out in her office doing nothing and doesn't really care. Until a desperate family comes in with a request that puts Barbara back on the streets and looking for answers. The streets of Belize, that is.

Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

Hannah's in the thick of things once more in Lake Eden, MN. Her cookie shop is thriving and she's got time on her hands instead of flour. It's time for some sleuthing. This light hearted cozy has many twists and turns, with sweetie, Norman, mixing things up (and not at the bakery). Another great read through Hannah's life in the little town on Lake Eden.

It was Fair day and I scrapped it.....

2011-03-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

Another one for the Albums

2011-03-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

Scrapping Family Camping Trip 2010

2011-03-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

Wasn't that a fun camping trip to the North Cascade National Park? Let's do it again, gang!

The Coast Layout - yup, more scrapbooking...

2011-03-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been to the Oregon Coast?

When we moved to the northwest over 30 years ago (okay, now I'm feeling old(er)) we were excited to be back near the ocean -- the pacific ocean. Since we had relatives only 4 hours south in Oregon, that meant trips to the coast. Every summer my sister-in-law and I would load up the kids and head to a rented coastal cabin. I have great memories of all those trips - the sandcastles, the kites, the walks on the beach (with a pocket filled with M&M's) and crab dinners. The vast sandy beaches, crashing breakers and little hamlet coastal towns are still there and just waiting for us. This year, the Oregon coast trip will be for a niece's wedding - perfect!

More Scrappy Pages

2011-03-21T03:50:00.000-07:00

This one (or two) is for you, Scooter!

photos copyrighted by Scott Mansfield

to view more of Scott's work visit: Scott Mansfield Photography

Super Perigee Moon

2011-03-20T03:55:00.000-07:00

Today may be the Spring Equinox, but more spectacular is the Full Moon Perigee. The last time the moon was this close to the earth was 19 years ago. If you're lucky to have a clear night sky you'll get an amazing super-sized look at the moon. The cameras are out tonight. Happy Spring!

Lincoln Memorial March 19, 2011

A couple more pages done.....

2011-03-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

These are photos that were sent to me by my son and daughter-in-law from a hiking trip they took last year. Thanks for the snapshots! Remember: if you send your mom pictures, they'll get scrapped.

When it rains -- I scrap

2011-03-18T04:25:00.000-07:00

A few more layout pages for the albums.... These are double pages for the 8.5" x 11" albums

What's Next?

2011-03-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been hooked watching older TV series that you either missed or didn't care to see when they were on the small screen? With the capability to watch instant play on the computer - I've been getting hooked for a couple of years. I go through periods of "I can't get enough" and playing catch-up with some remarkable programs.

It started with The Wire - a recommendation from my son and daughter in law. And to date -- my very favorite 5 year series that is amazingly written, acted and now I consider a classic American series. I've since gone through all that BBC had to offer. From Poldark, Cranford, all the Austen movies (not a series but a series of Austen classics) Monarch of the Glen to As Time Goes By. Mostly staring the British actress, Judi Dench. With another S/D-I-L recommendation I'm currently hooked on Friday Night Lights. I'm not a football fan, but this series is so much more than football. It shows conflict & compassion, tragedy & triumphs, family dysfunction & family togetherness.

So, what's next? Got any recommendations?

Back at it .......

2011-03-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

After a week of having my favorite daughter home (I only have one - and she's my favorite) and working the computer non-stop designing, discussing, and watching her bloom -- I'm back to my Scrapbooking To Do List.

and the start of scrapping a last year trip to Sun River, Oregon