Hi Tracy! I baked my bread!

At the Carding Bee Tracy gave me an Amish Friendship Bread starter. Yesterday was baking day (Shhh! I was a day late, no one needs to know!) I didn't have chocolate pudding and had to go buy some! Thanks for that tip, I think it was Kathy that shared that one. My guys were all grossed out by the process of letting it sit on the counter for like ten days, but I guess they worked out their issues since there is only about a half of a loaf left.

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I gave my "starters" to my friends Angie & Brieanna, and to my sisters Lynnette and Abby.

There is a little store in Hooversville called Country Bargains. Let me tell you there are quite a few bargains there at the moment! I picked up all of this stuff yesterday.... Motts Hot Apple Cider in Granny Smith, Caramel, Original, and Hot Apple Pie flavors 10 packets for $1. Land O Lakes Cocoa Packets in Supreme, French Vanilla, Caramel, Hazelnut, Raspberry four for $1. Bigelow and Lipton flavored teas 99 cents a box. Ghiardelli Squares 60% Cacao and White Mint 99 cents a bag!

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I couldn't believe the great deals I got yesterday! I plan to use most of these to make cards that I will sell at my Heritage Festival Booth in September. I do a booth that has a make and take station and also will be selling handmade cards this year.

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Take Care!

The last of the Talented Ladies work on display!

This card is from my BS1, Barb M and she is just nuts about the Tart and Tangy stamp set from Stampin' Up! (She's a consultant as well and posts the best projects on Babbie Blogs!) I have to say that I have used the set as well and I really like it too! The inside says "wish big" super cute and summery!
You gotta love the lady bugs! The card above is Kathy's from over at The 3 E's.

It is a secret though that she hand stitched all the cards, since she never sews, so don't tell her hubby!

Love the bugs again! This sweet one is from Barb R and I think it is just adorable! I have to get out my lady bugs and stamp up a storm! Bugs and kisses is such a cute sentiment, right up there with my favorite "Hogs and Kisses" for my piggy die cut!
This one is mine. I just had to have the little Dr. Phil looking stamp. The sentiment inside says "Chocolate, it's cheaper than therapy." and there is a Russell Stover's {Private Reserve} chocolate square in the inside pocket. I wish the stamp set also came with a few other Dr. Phil-isms like "How's that workin' for ya?" and the like. LOL!

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I have to thank the ladies once again, they all made such creative and beautiful cards! I can't wait to get together and make cards with them all again! (I am thinking of World Card Making Day, the first Saturday in October, depending on if the date is available.)

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Take care!

The work of more talented ladies is on display again today!

Lori made this pretty card. She made each of her cards unique, so if you don't have one like it in your collection that is because this one was made JUST FOR ME! (just kidding!) I just love the colors she used, the are so bright and cheerful and fresh! The inside says "Inspire" What a wonderful card to send someone who needs some encouragement!
I have to tell you that I am going to tear this card that Joyce made apart so that I can figure out how to make some more of them! I just love it! The inside is just a cool with this great sentiment...

In this greeting

there's a special wish for you,

A wish that this, your special day,

is happy through and through.

And as you read this message,

I hope you'll smile a bit,

and think of all the loving thoughts

that come along with it.

Happy Birthday!

The scan of this card just doesn't do it justice. This was one that the scanner got super weird on. Those larger posies are really a very deep rich orange color and so are some of the stripes. I am sorry Carolyn that it didn't scan true. I will be sending this one to a friend of mine this week! I have never used ric-rack on a card and I love the look. I have some in my stash and you inspired me to try it out!

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Bible school started this evening and we have a record number of kids (which is absolutely fabulous!) Crafts were super crazy tonight! I will have to go buy some more supplies for crafts tomorrow! I have to remember to take my kitchen timer so that I can set it for each group so we have time to clean up and set for the next group!

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More cards tomorrow!

Take care!

Sharing My Friend's Creativity

Since I have no pictures to share of the Carding Bee I will share the next best thing, the beautiful cards that the ladies made for our card exchange. I will have three today, three tomorrow and four the following day. Hopefully I will get the right person with each card, if I don't let me know so I can correct it! My scanner turned some of the colors a wee bit funky, not sure what is up with that. I also scanned the envelopes if they were also decorated.

Sharon's Spirelli Card

I love how she embossed the background paper! The inside says this...

There's a miracle called Friendship

that dwells within the heart,

and you don't know how it happened

or when it got its start.

But the happiness it brings you

always gives a special lift,

then you realize that friendship

is God's precious, loving gift.

Tina's Hanna Riley Moose on a tractor just cracks me up! Every time I look at it I start singing Kenny Chesney's "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy" and even better is that the inside says "HAY YOU!" Riley has quite the gallery over at SCS, just type in Riley Moose and you can see him hundreds of times. I just know I am going to have to get me some Riley's!

Tracy's Beautiful Butterfly Thank You card. I just love that I have a card with that butterfly on it. I had that stamp in my hands at least a half dozen times before deciding I didn't need another butterfly stamp, but now I am so sorry I passed on it.

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Take care!

My Old Faithful Kodak Easyshare CX4300

She is a good old camera. Bought her when a 3.2 MP camera was a top of the line digital camera. (I know that was all of about 8 years ago or so, LOL!) I wasn't so sure about all of this crazy digital technology and all. I actually had her almost a year and didn't take but a handful of pictures with her. I started to warm up to her after taking her to a few concerts. BonJovi was were we cemented our relationship and I was hooked. He worst feature is that awful on/off slide switch on the front. I can't tell you what exactly it is about it, but for a while it didn't work quite right, but after a few threats and such she her act together and started doing what she was supposed to do.
She's been through quite a bit. I have dropped her more than once. The evidence of that can be seen by the broken door where the memory card goes and also by the scotch tape that it takes to keep the battery door shut. I thought she was going to die after some Medstar landing dust got into the lens. She eats batteries like nobody's business.
Here is the other sad feature of this nearly ancient camera. How is that for an LCD display, a whopping 1.5 inches. Another quality of the early digital camera that drove me nuts, but I learned to accomodate it was the shutter delay. Boy does she have some delay, but we got used to it! It also only had digital zoom, 2X, but I have to tell you that I love this camera and I went back and forth over whether or not I was going to replace her anytime soon.

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She has taken pictures of brand new babies, weddings, first days of kindergarten, graduations, bikes, flowers, my hand when it was hurt, birthdays, dances, proms, homecomings, headstones, car accidents, my cakes, my cards and scrapbook pages, concerts, amusement parks, Medstar landings, firetrucks, parades, festivals, holidays, and so much more. She fits so nicely in my purse and has gone nearly everywhere with me. I think Kenny tells people that I don't go to the bathroom without my camera. (Really that isn't true, but I do have a few potty photos... there is nothing funnier than trying to pee while trying to keep a wedding gown out of a toilet.)

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So, here is the point I am getting at. It was time. I took the plunge once again to buy a camera. So she will be spending her days now, most likely in the glove box of the car ready for when she is needed. DH wants to be able to take pictures of the deer he sees on his way home from work in the mornings.

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She has been replaced by newer, faster, bigger and maybe better, that remains to be seen. I am certainly brand loyal in regard to digital cameras, with DH's blessing I bought a Kodak Easyshare Z812 IS. I don't think I love her like the old girl, but time will tell.

Vacation! (and not a minute too soon!)

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Let's see... first order of business, sleep in! Check that one off the list, I slept until 10:30 AM!

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Next, cook something for dinner.... Got that one under control as well. Meatloaf (one of my favorites is in the oven as I type this.) There is also a pan of brownies in there too, I hate to turn the oven on for just one thing. There will be some garlic mashed taters and salad to go with as well.

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This week is Bible School at my church and I am the crafty lady, so I am getting my crafts together for that as well. Our theme is Cosmic SuperMart SuperNova. Lots of space age type crafty things coming your way! I am messing with glo in the dark paint at the moment and also trying to see if my sizzix will cut through a CD. I will let you know how that one works out for me!

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Take care!

The Other Project

was this note pad holder. (CASED from over at Mish's blog!)
Keeping it Short and Sweet today... thank goodness after today at Wallywork I am on vacation for 10 days! Hallelujah!!!

Take care!

What a GREAT DAY!

So, the Carding Bee was this past Saturday! We had a wonderful time. The cards posted here today are the rest of the make and takes that we made. There is one other item that I will post pics of later.
Just want to say HI! to the Bedford Gals, Sharon and Lori and thank them for coming and supporting the event. The first one is always the toughest, and then it gets easier from there! Hopefully I can get one organized for the fall, I have to check for available dates on the Camp calendar. I have so many ideas for awesome make and takes!
Take care!

A Sneak Peek!

Hi! This is one of the cards we are making next Saturday at the Carding Bee at Camp Harmony! The monogram is from a new line from K & Co. All the products are made from recycled paper. They are available in monochromatic packs of 12 x12 cardstock, 4 x6 mats, chipboard alphas, and something else that is just escaping me right now!

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I have spent so many hours in the car this weekend, that I don't care if I ever get back into it again! Friday was Melanie's graduation in Pittsburgh. I have to say I was absolutely amazed at how organized it was and how fast it went. They graduated 450 students in 1 hour and 2o minutes. It took us that long for 50 here at Shade High School. They announced each student's name and presented their diplomas individually. My DH is in complete denial that his baby girl has grown up, it is so cute to watch the two of them.

The Grad! She is so sweet, she took her bouquet apart and presented roses to her Mom, and me and her Grandmother.

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I will have an email going out to my Carding Bee ladies very soon! I am so excited to be able to get together, it is going to be a small gathering and you will have to put up with ME all day!

Take care!

Since you all seem to love my observations about my customers, I thought I could start a weekly feature... I do need a catchy name for this feature, so leave a comment with your creative suggestion!

So for today we have the crazy parking lot lady...

Her complaint is that there is some guy (or woman, she is not really sure, heck it could have been those wild animals from that hybrid car commercial driving) out in the lot in a red car (that should be really easy to find?) who is committing the grave offense of waiting for someone else to back out of a parking space that he wants. Now of course this is happening in the middle of the day, quite a busy time. This offender has traffic backed up the entire way down the aisle, but quite honestly folks I am not so sure what I am supposed to do about this. Can someone please inform me of the newly passed law or rule that you are no longer permitted to wait to get a Sweet Parking Spot. I know that there must be one since the lady standing in front of me is just fuming mad about the whole situation. I guess I should add to my duties "traffic cop" and get out there in lot and start policing the situation, that is unless I can convince the powers that be that valet parking is a wonderful idea!

Have a lovely day!

Take care!

Hiya Everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend. I didn't accomplish much. Grocery shopped, went to a Strawberry Festival and we met friends last evening for karaoke and had a great time. (I just don't deal with the smoke so well, so I have felt crappy pretty much today.) For lack of something better to blog about, I got this email to share Four things... so here goes...

Four, Four, Four, Four...

Four places that I go to over and over: Wal-mart (unfortunately), Dollar General, Knecht's Laundromat, the ATM.

Four people who e-mail me (regularly): Cousin Amy, Sister Lynnette, Friends Sharon and Barb

My favorite places to eat: Main Moon, Goal Line Tavern, Coney Island, Primanti Brother's

Four places I would rather be right now: Would you believe that I am such a terrible homebody that I don't really care to go anywhere at all most of the time. I guess the only thing I would really rather do is NOT go to work. LOL!

Four TV shows I watch all the time: Diners Drive Inns & Dives, Cold Case, Burn Notice, Army Wives

I am working on a new weekly feature.... not sure what day it will be, but apparently you all love to hear my rant about my crazy customers, so I have decided to pick one story a week to share with you all! Check back soon!

Take Care!

Purely for Pleasure!

I have been reading this series of Beverly Lewis books. The first one was a gift from cousin Amy for Christmas. They are about Abram's Daughters, an Amish family and they series spans about 20 years of their lives. I read the first one in a few days. Then it took a bit to acquire the rest. I picked up #2, 3 & 5 at Ollies a few weeks back and borrowed #4 from BS2. They are really a great set of books, she has other series out as well and I plan to read through those as well.

The second bit (or bite) of indulgence is this delicious dark chocolate Godiva bar that Mom bought for me when they were in New York City. I imagine that this could cure my Curse at Me Desk stress if consumed on a regular basis!
Take care!

Wanna know how today was at Wallywork?

Scroll down and re-read last Thursdays post while I go bang my head off the wall.

Seriously, like deja vu!

Happy Memorial Day Friends!

I have felt so fortunate lately to live in a small town/rural area. I was quite moved by the flag flying in the breeze at the Hooversville park this past Saturday. I hope that you took some time today to appreciate your family and think about all the wonderful freedom that we have. Take a moment to pause and remember our Veterans who sacrificed for us and say a prayer for the soldiers serving now. As Jeff Foxworthy says "kiss your kids and call your Mama..."

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Some Memorial Day History Links and Activities

US Memorial Day History and US War Memorial History

History.com Memorial Day

Memorial Day

Take Care

What a FUN Day!

I spent the better part of the afternoon with my nephew, Tyler (or as his Uncle Kenny nicknamed him Chunky Monkey.) We went to the firehall to visit Uncle and to see the firetrucks. They were washing them and hosing out the bays, probably to get ready for the Memorial Day parade on Monday. All that work was for nothing, since they unfortunately were called to a structure fire this evening. (The trucks will get washed again, the unfortunate part was that someone's home was destroyed. I am always so sad to think about home fires.) Chunk got to climb all through the trucks and ask about all the equipment that was in them.
The playground was our next stop. Hooversville got a beautiful new playground. We checked out all the new slides and climbing stuff. Chunk decided that he liked the spiral slide and the fireman's pole best. I liked all the warm sunshine and that gorgeous blue sky!
The real reason for the trip to town was to see the MedStar helicopter from Conemaugh Medical Center. It was EMS week and they always plan lots of great activities for the community. Chunk and Uncle checked out the medical helicopter while I took a mess of pictures.

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We had hotdogs and sodas and since Chunk was a VERY GOOD BOY we even stopped for ice cream on the way home. (And then I took a nap!)

Take care!

My Mood Has Improved!

It is simply amazing what a good rant, some ice cream and a good nights sleep will do for a person! As promised, today I am blogging about lighter, more fun crafty things!

This card is one that we made at Keathe's Stamp a stack a few weeks ago. She is quite the card designer! I just love pink and brown together. All materials are Stampin' Up!
These are my blog candy from over at Michelle Wooderson's. They arrived about a week ago and they are simply beautiful. I can't wait to make something pretty with them!

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I spent the day cooking in the kitchen today as well. Sausage gravy and biscuits for brunch, stuffed pork chops for dinner, banana cake with buttercream frosting and some chocolate peanutbutter fudge for good measure. You can find my fudge recipe here at Nestle Very Best Baking.
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Take care!

It was a rough week at work.... I'm going to rant here for a bit, so feel free to click the X up there in the corner if you don't want to listen. I won't be hurt, really.

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We are cashing the Economic Stimulus checks, so the beginning of the week is just nuts. Here are a few pointers for anyone who wants to cash a check at my place of business.

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First, we will NOT cash a check that is dated for TOMORROW. (Come back TOMORROW and we will talk! We are not a bank, we don't do the whole after 2 o'clock it is tomorrow already. At my work it is TODAY, ALL DAY, until MIDNIGHT, then SURPRISE like magic your check can be cashed.)

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There is a limit to the amount we will cash. For most checks it is $1500. For some special checks it is $2999. If your check is over the amount for the kind of check, I cannot cash it. The register won't let it go through and there is no way for me to force it through. I know, it is all a great big conspiracy by me and my coworkers to keep you from your money. Really, yeah, okay, whatever.

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We also do not cash third party checks or hand written payroll checks. You CANNOT cross out the "pay to" line and write it to my store or anyone else.

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If your check is made out to you and your spouse you both need to be there to get your money. I cannot be given permission over the phone by whoever may be on the other end to just go ahead and cash it. NOT GONNA DO IT, DON'T CARE HOW LOUD YOU GET.

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Next up, there is this little thing called a VALID PHOTO ID. There are two important words there.... VALID & PHOTO. For the record, an ID that is in two or more pieces, is held together by duct tape or is expired is NOT VALID. Moving on to the PHOTO part... that means there has to be a picture of YOU on it. (The point I am getting at here is that there is NO PHOTO on your credit card, health insurance card, Social Security card, debit card, AARP card, Access card, Voter Registration card... Do I need to list more? I guess I do, because your school ID, work ID and your bus pass don't count either.) Oh, and see the paragraph above, if you are trying to cash a check made out to two people BOTH of you need to have a VALID PHOTO ID. ( I know silly me, not taking your word that the person next to you is your spouse.)

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So, just to clarify a bit, since I evidently don't speak English so well. I don't care if your check is from the First Bank of the Almighty and you have Jesus with you to attest that you are the person on the check, if you do not have proper ID or your check is dated for tomorrow or it is over the limit, I am not going to cash it. Do we understand each other?

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Here is something so much more pleasant! I am in love with this flavor of ice cream, Graham Central Station! Graham cracker flavored ice cream with graham swirl and chocolate covered sugar cone bits in it. YUMMMMMMY!!

Thankfully, I was able to calm myself with several scoops of this and I am feeling oh so much better right now.

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Take care, thanks for listening, and I promise my next post will be more pleasant and crafty!

So, it has been a few days... Mom and Gabby Abby are back from the big city. Mom says it was a nice place to visit...you know the rest... All Abby can talk about is the Hard Rock Cafe. Dad is glad to have them home.

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The National Scrapbook Day crop this past Saturday went quite well. We ate entirely too much! I got about 5 (two page) layouts completed in Jeff and Des's album done. I likely won't see them until July 4, so I do have some time to plug away at it! I was double booked on wedding cakes the day of their wedding so I did not make it to the ceremony. It has been really nice to see the pictures. They really had a lovely day. Their ceremony was outdoors at SB2W at the Que.

So I am sure you are wondering what is up with these funky flowers. If you were at the crop on Saturday you would know that I taught a class on how to make them. If you would like to learn yourself check here... Dahlia Fold at SCS. The pretty pink one up top is actually on the corner of a scrapbook page. The papers for both are from Creative Memories. Die cuts above are Sizzix.

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If you haven't been there already, click on over to Babbie Blogs... she is hosting a "Card Candy" swap and so far it is just me and her signed up. Go, go now and sign up!

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Take care!

Just a quick hello for now and a link or two to keep you busy!

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Better Homes and Gardens Scrapbook Etc. Magazine the official website and more specifically THIS PAGE full of paper piecing patterns! I just love to do PP, there is just something so relaxing and fun about choosing the papers and making the finished piece your own. I think part of that is why I would like to learn to quilt. (I do not have the time, the money nor the space to do that at this point in life!)

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The other place to check out is for Verve Visual! They are doing sneak peeks and releasing new stamp sets this week.

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I am off to help set up for tomorrow's National Scrapbook Day Crop for Barb Shaffer, my CMC. I can't wait the make and take classes are awesome and I am finally going to get to eat Moonie's Chicken! This is his 3rd BBQ of the season and I haven't had a single bite of it yet!

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Also a little update on Momma and the digital camera. She got some shots printed and she loves it! It does take very nice pictures and she is getting used to it and she likes knowing she got the shot right away!

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Take care!

Just popping in to say hi! My scrap desk looks like a bomb went off on it, the batteries in my camera are completely dead or I might have shared a picture of it. The baby animal count stands at 6 kittens and 5 goats.
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I can't believe there was snow on the ground Monday morning, let's hope that is the last of that we see for a long time!

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Getting ready to go crop this weekend. I am going to finish my cousin Jeff and his wife Desiree's wedding album. The pages are done, they just need the photos put on the pages. They will be celebrating their second anniversary soon.

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My Mom and Gabby Abby are going to New York City this weekend for Abby's senior class trip this weekend. I just helped my Mom pick out a digital camera this evening. She has finally gone digital, practically kicking and screaming. I think once she gets used to the camera she will love it. She got a Kodak Easyshare 6.2 MP that will hold over 1600 pics on a 2G SD card, so I pretty much set up the camera and told her to just turn it on and snap pictures, don't worry about it and I will delete the crappy ones. It is PINK and cute! I also told her to not let Abby use it, since she seems to be hard on cameras.

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I am a BIG FAN of the Kodak Easyshares. Mine is about 7 years old and it is a trooper. I have dropped in at least a half dozen times and it still takes great pics. The SD door is broken and the battery door is too. I have them both taped shut. Of course, 7 years ago a 3.2 MP camera was a pretty fancy camera, but these days..... Any how Mom's camera was half the price of mine with twice the MPs.

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One final comment... I know that the little pic in my last post was painful for my BS1. So Barb, would you like to borrow my Terrible Towel to wipe your tears?

Take care!

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope everyone had a lovely day today, I know I did! I did not even get out of my pajamas today. I even went over to visit my Mom in my PJ's, LOL! Since I did so very little today, I will share some about yesterday...

First, the baby shower was so very nice. The Mom to Be, Shanna, is the daughter in law of our former pastor and his wife. It has been years since we have seen any of her family and they were there today and it was just so nice to see them and visit a bit and celebrate the happy occasion with them. Hopefully the baby is a girl, as they were told it should be, if not that little boy will have a ton of beautiful dresses and lots to talk to a therapist about later in his life! Really, they got so many nice gifts and we had an absolutely lovely time! We played the funniest game too... my Mom was the proud winner, she had a 7 1/2 purse. It is no wonder she has a bad back! (But she says she could live out of it for a few days if she had to!)

Both of the grandfathers bought the exact same gift which was too funny. This little girl will be a born PITTSBURGH STEELER FAN!!!! WHOOOOOWHOOOOO!!! CHEER LOUD AND CHEER PROUD!!!! GO BLACK AND GOLD!!!! (Running to hide from BS1 now!)

I have to share a bit about the location of the shower, as it was the first time I had ever been there. If you are from around here, then you know all about the past life of the location, then called the Casa Nova. It is now Beka House and it is simply an incredibly warm and cozy place to host a small gathering. The food was delicious and beautifully presented! The menu was chicken stuffed pastries, salad, homemade potato soup, and fresh fruit. The folks that own and operate it are just so sweet as well.

Our Mother Daughter Banquet was quite lovely too! We had a delicious meal and played a few games. (Have you ever tried to open a pack of gum, unwrap a piece and put it in your mouth with garden gloves on... I didn't think so!) Apparently the need to live out of a heavy purse is hereditary, because my sister Lynnette won the contest at the banquet with a 10 pounder.

Hope all is well with you all... Take care!

The Last of my on the way to Jody's house shopping spree...

(or why it takes 8 hours to make a 2 hour drive)

(or honey if you are reading this, just hit the little x in the top corner now. Love ya! Thanks!)

The papers, I love the papers. Jody says I can sniff them out, smell them in the air... LOL, she might be right about that! I picked up some Bazzill card stock, double sided pattern papers from My Minds Eye Confetti collection, Wild Asparagus pattern paper, a few sheets of Flair Amazing Grace collection, Stemma Friend paper, that cute rolling pin paper is Creative Imaginations, and a few other sheets in there as well. I also picked up a couple of fireman embellishments too! (Can't have too many of those!)
I also had to add to my 8 1/2 x 11 card stock stash with a couple new packs and after MUCH use, I finally cracked by Cuttlebug plates and needed to replace them. So that is all of it....I think.

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We have finally sat down and paid the bills for the April 12 Camp Harmony Crop and I am pleased to announce that we will be able to make a generous donation to Camp once again! I can't thank you wonderful scrapbooking ladies enough for your continued support of the crop.

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Tomorrow is a busy day for me. Banking early in the morning, then a baby shower and in the evening our church's Mother & Daughter Banquet.

Take care!

Sights, Sounds and Smells of Spring in Western PA

I have been enjoying the wonderful spring time weather this week and thought to share with you some of my favorites with y'all!

Sights.... Bright yellow forsythia bloomin', my neighbors daffodils (my nephews didn't pick the whole patch clean this year, a blessed miracle!) Baby cows at the farm out the road, they are quite cute, I think!

Sounds.... the birdies that nest above my bathroom window chirping every morning when I get up. The wind rushing through my open kitchen windows. The sound of frogs after dark.

Smells.... this is where it gets interesting.... Lilacs blooming and smelling sooooooo good! The smell of that ALL NATURAL fertilizer (from the farm out the road a ways.) I know it is quite odd, but that smell doesn't bother me. The smell of skunk dead on the road however does bother me and there are no less than three on my way to Wallywork.

I have also enjoyed the warm sunshine earlier this week, but am glad for the rain since we always worry about our spring. It has never gone dry in over 40 years, but it doesn't mean that you don't worry about it.

Camp Harmony Carding Bee!

Calling all you wonderful stamping, die cutting, sticker sticking, punch artist, ribbon loving card makers!

On Saturday, June 14, 2008 we are gathering for a day of fun and learning at Camp Harmony.

Join me from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for card making, classes, make and takes and all kinds of fun!

Cost is $25 for the day and includes your seat, continental breakfast, lunch, beverages, snacks and a goodie pack.

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We are having a card exchange (bring 10, get 10) and a trash to treaure contest. For the card exchange just make and bring with you 10 cards with envelopes (all the same design) and you will get 10 cards back, all different. (As long as 10 people participate in the exchange!) The cards can be any theme that you wish.

The Trash to treasure is going to be fun as well! What item have you given new life to by altering it instead of trashing it? Boxes, tins, bottles, books or surprise us with your creativity!

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You must register and pay for your seat in advance. Drop me a comment and I will get you more info!

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I have a Special guest instructor, Deanna, who will be teaching beautiful hand-stitched cards. There will be another class as well, not sure what yet!

1989... seems like forever ago... My senior prom... my date, my friend Greg. I asked him to take me, he wasn't from around here. When he said yes I was thrilled to say the least. If I recall correctly, right after hanging up the phone my cousin Patty and I had a screaming -hugging -jumping up and down celebration in the kitchen. You have to also know that this was back in the "olden days" when you did not go to your prom "stag" or with your gal pals, it was a couples only event. We had been friends for about four years. He really went out of his way for me, as he did not live close by and really would not know anyone but me at my prom. He was a sweet guy too. It was raining and he was thoughtful enough to drop me at the door and even opened my car door. (Chivalry is really on it's last breath these days, unfortunately!)

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I wasn't the popular girl in High School, I wouldn't go back to those days for a million dollars. I had two really close friends, Lee and Trisia. We had several classes together and ate lunch together every day. Typical high school, pretty much. I was quite active in the Western PA District Church of the Brethren and in their Youth Choir. That is where Greg and I became friends. You do get to know a person when you travel by car/bus with them from PA to New York City to Washington, DC and back again to PA.

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Okay, so let me get to my point here. Unpopular gal in high school has a real cute guy for a prom date and he is sweet and a stranger to everyone else. Several of the girls want to dance with him, but he politely declines, since he is MY date. He doesn't even bat an eye when the prime rib arrives and it is pretty much rare, which is how it is served, but what do a bunch of kids know about that. We have a good laugh, enjoy our barely cooked beef while everyone else is grossed out and sends theirs back to be cooked to well done, or they attempt to cook it over the candles in the centerpieces. (How absolutely HICK is that?) Some other random details... my dress was Deep Purple satin, tea length, hand made by my Aunt Janet, who has made nearly every formal gown I have ever worn. Flowers were black and purple. Our theme was "Wonderful Tonight" and it is still one of my all time favorite songs. Prom was held at Hidden Valley Resort.

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I know that Greg is now married. Haven't seen or talked to him in years, haven't thought much about him either. On the rare occasion I do see his parents and inquire about him. I think that his wedding anniversary is the same as my sisters. I am blessed to have had such a sweet prom date who made a shy girl feel like the belle of the ball for one evening. I could probably do one of those Master card ads, Dress $$$, Flowers $$$, having the best date at the prom, Priceless! The only person I would have rather gone to prom with is my DH, but I met him about 11 years too late for that! (He gets to go to the class reunions, LOL!!)

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All this prom flashback is due to the fact that my baby sister's senior prom was yesterday. She wasn't even born when I was at my senior prom. Where does the time go??? I will likely have a picture or two to post of her, since she took about 200 of them. GabbyAbby looked lovely, who knew she would clean up so nice?

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Stay tuned, I will likely have more flashbacks since while I was hunting the prom photo I found some senior pictures, graduation pics, and some other not so flattering evidence that I am a child of the 80's!

I can't believe I am actually posting this.... here goes.....

Take care!

I am a WINNER!!!

WOOOHOOOO!!! I was a winner over at Michelle's blog, Mish Mash! I can't wait to see them for real, click HERE to see what I am getting!!! They are so very pretty! I highly recommend visiting Michelle's blog daily. She is an awesome stamper and has wonderful creative projects!

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So does anyone have any big plans for National Scrapbook Day? Where are you cropping? Who are you cropping with? What are you going to be working on? Like I said before, I am going to be at Wallywork doing a make and take Mother's Day card and promoting my Camp Harmony events at the Speaking of Women's Health Event.

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In two weeks Barb Shaffer, my CMC is having her NSD crop at Berkey Church of the Brethren. I love her NSD crops, she has great food, great goodie bags, great make and takes and great door prizes! She doesn't have hers on NSD on purpose, because there are so many other crops going on. This way you don't have to choose just one, you can celebrate twice!

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I have my make and take swirling around in my head for her crop. It is from a tutorial on Splitcoast along with some swirly stamping and my new Sizzix dies. I just have to get it down on paper now.

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If you are not cropping this weekend you can do some shopping, all from the comfort of your couch. There are lots of scrapping segments on QVC and HSN. I shall not be shopping, since the $1 ribbon and other craft clearance at Wallywork got me yesterday. There will be a small class at my Fall Camp Crop for an Autumn theme decorated wood frame. I also got a super deal on New Arrival for the Cricut, just $25! (Sorry, I got the only one ladies.) Oh, and of course fourteen more spools of ribbon and a couple of other good deals that I may use for the crop games prize box down the line, you will just have to wait and see!

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Take care!

P.S. Special note to Kathy Parks, send me the link to your blog! Babs is holding out on us over there and I can't wait to see it!

Speaking of Ho's...LOL!

Yes, I am a ribbon ho... there I said it. I know it, I love it, I embrace it. I can't stay away from the $1 ribbon bins, the cut by the yard displays or the spools of holiday themed satins and grosgrain. I am not looking for a twelve set program to quit, but if anyone has a great twelve step program to organize it all put me in contact! Seriously, I do love the ribbon, but a lot of what I bought this round is for card crop goodie bags! (WINK! WINK!)
Some other irresistibles... those darn $1 acrylic stamps. They just keep jumping into my shopping basket and coming home with me. Pesky little things!

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On the home front, there is hot water at the Homestead as of yesterday morning. Thank goodness! There is also a mountain of dishes to wash.... I haven't yet trained them to wash themselves.

Take care!

Something that I actually made!

I thought I would show you something that I actually made today instead of something that I bought to feed my crazy addiction! I put this in the mail today, with a stamp and a quarter and a note to my mail carrier, since I never seem to get enough postage on my lumpy handmade cards. He is a very nice guy, and usually the next day there is a U.O. Me envelope in my mailbox with the amount of extra postage it required. The other reason for sharing something that I made is because my DH reads the blog and he is probably having heart failure over my shopping spree from my weekend in Washington, PA!

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I sent this out today to some very dear friends of ours from Florida. They are an older couple and he is starting his radiation/chemo treatments today. We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayer and hoping for the best!

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The image is Stampin' Up from the Spring mini catty, I think the name of the set is For Father. Image is stamped with brown StazOn and then colored with watercolor pencils and blended with an aqua painter. Papers are most likely DCWV card stock stack, they were pulled from my scrap folder, so I can't be sure. Eyelets are Dollar tree and twine is Wal-mart hardware dept.

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Saying Hi to Babs and Becky! Since you gals are keeping blogs now I am having to do better with posting regularly, so thanks for the kick in the pants!

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Also saying Hi! to the Bedford Ladies (yes I know, I use "ladies" loosely!) I hear that there is a bag ho amongst you, but hey, I am not here to judge... (says the self proclaimed Ribbon Ho!) LOL! You ladies are soooo much fun and I can't wait to see you all again!

Take care!

New Sizzix

Even though I did become quite proficient with the Cricut the other weekend at Jody's house, I do still love my Sizzix and my Cuttlebug! These are some of the new dies I purchased recently. I am really LOVING the swirls and flourishes, can ya tell?

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I am so glad that you all are liking the new look! I was so ready for a change!

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It was a normal crazy Monday at Wallywork. On the home front we do have water again, but only cold, so we are still trekking to Mom's next door for showers. Hopefully by tomorrow afternoon the hot water will be back in business. The pipe burst just ABOVE the shut off valve and sprayed all over the breaker box for the hot water heater so we have to let it dry out super good before we can turn it back on. Thankfully it woke me and we turned the water off to the whole house and shut down the breaker. It is always something around here.

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I am also searching for some summer sandals, so if anyone has any recommendations send them my way~ I tossed my old favorite sandals after 3 summers of wear, they weren't going to make it for a fourth summer.

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I am also going to be at Wallywork on Saturday. We are having another Speaking of Women's Health event. I will have a table set up to do some card making. I am actually going to do a make and take Mother's Day card. Stop in and see me from 11 to 2! I also get to promote my Camp Harmony events!

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Take care!

So I got a make-over!

How do you like the new colors and Swirlies???

There are also a few new Blogs I Love! on the list to the right.

Take care!

Have you checked out Heart & Home??

This great magazine used to be called Homegrown Hospitality, but it got a make-over. It is full of cute and fun paper and crafty projects. It took me forever to find a copy of it, finally got it at JoAnn's in Greensburg. There are ideas for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, reunions and other special events. You can get the inside info on the next issue due to hit the stands in a few weeks at Homegrown Hospitality, Stephanie is the inspiration behind the magazine.
Above are some of the bargains I got over the weekend at Michael's in Washington, PA. Journals for altering for 50 cents a piece and note cards for 50 cents as well. The note cards were purchased primarily for the pretty colored envelopes. The note cards I may use as card bases, just because the envies are about 1/4 inch smaller than a standard invitation envelope so I would have to remember to make the cards smaller anyway and I hate to just throw them away. So 10 card bases with envelopes for 50 cents was a deal I couldn't pass up.

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The latest crisis at the Holbrook Homestead is a leaking pipe above the hot water heater. Not the best or most fun thing to have happen. Hopefully we will be back in business by tomorrow. Dad, DH and baby Brother will be hard at work fixing it right up.

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Just one other little detail... today was the start of Chicken BBQ season for us. The Hooversville 4-H club had theirs today. Next week is the Central City Boy Scout troop. I have to say that my Dad and Brother make some of the BEST chicken you will find in these parts. So if you want to give it a try just drop me a line and I will get you fixed up with some tickets. I am kind of bummed myself. I usually don't buy a ticket because there are usually extras available. Well, long story short, they sold out, so no chicken for me!
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Until later, Take care!

Sometimes it is all about the food...

Today I am sharing with you the recipe for the Baked Oatmeal that we serve for breakfast at the Camp Harmony Crop.

Baked Oatmeal

1/2 cup applesauce

1 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1/2 pkg instant vanilla pudding (dry)

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. allspice

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 cup milk

3 cups old fashioned oatmeal (not instant or quick)

Mix applesauce, brown sugar, eggs and pudding mix. Combine with other ingredients and put into an eight or nine inch baking dish. We usually spray the dish with some PAM. Top with sliced apple, raisins or nuts. My mom also says that she does pour some extra milk on it since it is kind of dry, sorry I can't be specific about how much, just mess with it and see what works for you! Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve hot with milk and brown sugar.

Now a couple of thoughts that I had... I wonder how it would be with banana pudding or butterscotch? Maybe some maple syrup in place of the brown sugar. I really like to take a recipe and play with it!

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It was all about the food and the scrapbooking this past weekend. I spent the weekend helping my Chicksa Jody work on her daughter's scrapbook. We got a ton accomplished and we ate the entire time we worked on it. Some of my favorite scrapbooking goodies are cookies from The Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown . Specifically lady locks and fudge filled chocolate chip cookies. I also got my Krispie Kreme fix, had some delicious veggie lasagna, waffles and sausage with real homemade maple syrup, sweet tea... you get the idea right?

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We also shopped our way from Somerset to Washington. We hit the WOW Outlet, Ollie's, Art Tech, JoAnn's, Crop Shop, and Michaels. I will have to post some pictures of some of my new purchases when I get a minute to photograph them. The added bonus of scrapping at Jody's is that we get to use the hot tub as well. I like scrapping at Chicksa's as much as any crop I have ever been to!

That is all for today! Take care!

My Friends are the BEST!

I think I have finally recovered from the Camp Crop. We had a great turnout, 54 Women came to scrap with us and it was sooo much fun! We ate food all day, did some really cute make and takes, played games,shopped for new stuff, drank sweet tea that *might* be as good as McDonald's, and hopefully got lots of scrapbook pages done! Thank you ladies for making the event a success. I am not sure yet what our project is going to be for the money we made. Camp has several needs and we will have to check with them about what is most urgent.

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Of course some of the door prize items we had ordered arrived UPS on Monday... so we have a head start on the Fall crop door prizes.

Now about my friends being sooooo wonderful.... these lovely items were given to me by my BS2, Sharon and my Chicksa, Jody. Sharon's (above) is a tent with HERSHEY KISSES in it! How cool is that! I just wonder how everyone knows about my chocolate addiction??? I think that they would make the most adorable favors for graduation or wedding or baby or Mother's day or Father's day or... are you getting my idea here??? LOL! Sharon did a make and take for the crop as well. She made her tea bag holder cards and her class filled up and overflowed! Thanks again Sharon!
Jody, my chicksa... she is my friend AND she introduced me to my DH, Ken. She altered this gift journal for me in my most favorite color of course! The inside is so neat too, there is a page for each person. You can list their birthdays, other special dates, things they like and dislike, sizes, gift ideas, and then on the opposite page you list the date, occasion and the gift that you gave to them. I just love it!

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So now that I am recovered from the crop weekend, we are moving full speed ahead to this weekend. I am going to Jody's for the weekend to work on her daughter Jessie's scrapbook. The goal is to scrapbook like CRAZY and get her book done (birth to graduation) in time for her graduation party. Jody worked her butt off for me at the crop on Saturday. She was the sweet tea maker and the brownie baker this time! I am just happy to be able to return the favor!

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Until next time, Take care!

Busy, busy, busy!

What I *really* would like is to sit and relax with some coffee or tea... however that ain't happening this week! Things are moving full speed ahead for the Spring Camp Crop! Registrations are in (about 60 of them!) and we have groceries to buy, food to cook, tables to set up, seating charts to work.... need I say more!

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Can't wait to see you all there! Since I have been seriously slacking here, let me send you to my BS1's blog, she has been posting some really cute projects. Check her out here at Babbie Blogs.

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Take care, see you at the crop!

Easter Preparations...

Getting ready for Easter here at the Holbrook Homestead. The kiddos arrived yesterday morning on the train. That was a first for all of us and we may use it again since it may cost less to do that than what it costs us in gasoline to drive to pick them up. I have to admit though that I was a bit nervous about it, but all was well in the end. We picked them up in the morning and stopped for breakfast together. I love those first couple of hours with them when we are getting caught up on all the things that are going on in their lives.

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I am not sure if we are going to color eggs this year or not. We usually use my cake decorating air brush to do them, so if Trav wants to we will but if not I will just make pickled eggs. Last year my eggs looked like they were camo colored after he was done with them. LOL!

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I will be making Country Pineapple Casserole to take to my Mom's for dinner tomorrow. It is so yummy, like sweet dressing for ham. You can find the recipe for it here. It is one of those delicious Taste of Home recipes! (Speaking of Taste of Home, my sister and I are going to the ToH Cooking School on April 3rd... More info here.)

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The card pictured above is one I made quite some time ago. The cardstock is all Bazzill. Easter eggs are done with Dreamweaver white embossing paste and a Dreamweaver brass stencil. After the paste dried I sponge stenciled with pigment inks, just blending them as I worked across the image.

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Hope the bunny lets a sweet treat in your basket!

Take care!

Been to the Dollar Tree again!

When I was there I found these very pretty packs of tri-fold card bases. They come four in the package, perforated, scored and they have very pretty patterns printed on them. Envelopes are also included, all for a BUCK! There were several different patterns to choose from some pastels and some neutrals. The package also says that you can run them through the printer.

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It seems that everyone has realized that Sunday is Easter and they have descended upon Wal-mart to buy their ham and candy. We have been crazy busy the past two days.

Take care.

HEYYYYYYYYYY!!!!! I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow! It has been a little while since I last blogged... we were having some issues with the computer, but that is all taken care of now, so hopefully I will be more on top of the blogging around here!

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Just because I have been away from the keyboard doesn't mean I haven't been crafting though! How about this cute little bright ray of sunshine! The stamps are Studio G from Michael's (surprise! LOL!) I used a sweet little button over the sun and some teensy tiny googly eyes on top of the button... it is a bit on the lumpy side, but sooooo stinkin' cute! The verse and the sunshine are water colored.

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It was a busy month for such a short month. It took me and my Mom working hours and hours and days and days and weeks and weeks to close out my Grandmothers apartment. I have no idea how she got alllllllll of the stuff that we hauled out of there into that little apartment. It was down to the wire on it, finished the day before we had to turn in the keys.

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I have also been busy with preparations for the crop which is just around the corner!

April 12 at Camp Harmony

9 AM to 9PM

$35

Drop me a comment or email if you need more info!

We have about 21 confirmed registrations and I know that at least that many more people have said they are coming but haven't sent their registrations in yet.

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So hey, hopefully you are all still out there and thanks for hanging around waiting for me to come back. Drop me a comment and tell me what you have been up to so I know you all are still there!

Take care!

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope you all are doing well. All is crazy here as usual. I have had a bit of a cold the past few days, so I have been trying to take care of that. This weather has made for an enjoyable week as well!
I have also been trying to help my Mom get my Gram's apartment packed up and taken care of by the end of the month.

Just a quick post to let you all know my Grandma has passed away. Today would have been her 75th birthday. She went quietly in her sleep after a very difficult 5 months trying to recover from a hip replacement that became infected.

Take care.