isn't this a pretty sight? I put 4 gallon up night before last, they were left over night and I can't let them go bad. Even if I have alot left in the freezer. So I put them in the fridge at the farm and brought them home, I guess I am a farm girl afterall. They are sooo sweet this week. They are ripe and need alot of people to pick them. So come on out and get a bucket. Come one come all to the Strawberry field for fun.....

Well, I have had a wonderful Sunday, so far.

I got to scrap a little. And I see a nap in my future.

This little album is my version of the album Ali Edward spotlighted on her blog one day this week. But I have used a Quote about PEACE that I got off her moms blog. I have enjoyed her blog lately. If you haven't checked it out, I am sure you can go to Ali's and find it.

Tell me what you think about this article????? Do you think Martha needs to let this reporter know how she has already hurt her new line of scrapbooking products.

Dowdy Craft Business Gets Martha Stewart Makeover - WSJ.com

Dowdy Craft Business Gets Martha Stewart Makeover - WSJ.com

It is 6:45 and I am not sure what day it is. I love being outside at the strawberry patch but I am alot tired. I could not wake up this morning and at 6:30 I jumped out of bed. I will not get all I do in the morning done today. I am going to skip it and blog. We have really good, sweet, big strawberries at this time. Although they will get sweeter and smaller as the seasons progresses, I have enjoyed it alot. I see faces over and over and I love seeing them. I had a 92 year old woman pick berries yesterday. After she had picked 2 gallons, I ask if I could carry them to the car for her. She said "No, I am 92 and if i can pick them, I can carry them to the car". I bet I will see her for several more years. Last year I lived for the rain and the days I could stay home, but this year I am enjoying being outside. We have ducks that fly over each morning, a baby rabbit that lives in one row of berries, there is almost always a breeze blowing through the shed, it is a good thing. Have a good day.

Who has the time to figure this out........If it is you, let me know, I have some house cleaning to be done. Someone e-mailed this to me this morning....


At three minutes and four seconds after 2 AM on the 6th of May this year, the time and date will be:



02:03:04, 05/06/07

( A DAY IN MY LIFE )

Up at 6 a.m

coffee and computer time

completed a scrapbook page

gathered up items to complete 5 other at the shop ( if time allowed)

shower, hair, get dressed

out the door at 8:30

drug store, need meds

get biscuit

post office

open store at 9

friend came by to chat

catch up on what has been going on

since i am at the strawberry patch

another friend

customer, made sale

ate biscuit

customer, no sale

talk, talk

friends leave

customer, made sale

husband and wife from Florida

paper work

customer, no sale

check on flowers outside

customer, sale

go to back and complete 2 scrapbook pages, sewing

customer, out of state, needed a break, so stopped

and walked around the shop to stretch legs, no sale

back to the scrapbook pages, sew some more

finished all the pages

put them in album

took all to the car

read a few chapters in a new book

time to close

Dollar General, to get duster

home

load of clothes in washer

ate chips

washed and sugared strawberries

spell checked and printed 17 strawberry recipes- 10 each

clothes in dryer

diaper change

Paw Paw home

to the patch to pick 2 buckets of strawberries

grandsons need shoes put on

then to jacks for a drive through dinner

feed grandson's- eat and then to grocery store

put grocers away

clean 2 buckets of strawberries

make dump cake

clean kitchen

load towels into washer

Grandsons #1 and 2 gets meds for cold

me too please.....

Grandson #2- change diaper and put him in bed

computer time

towels in dryer

kiss hubby- fix coffee pot

meds taking effect

now turn all the lights off T.V off , lock up

get hubby up and in bed, he fell asleep in the recliner again.

night night

sleep tight

don't let the bed bugs bite!

Well, Well, it is that time of the year. Strawberry Season is upon us. I started at the patch on Tuesday. Sold over 200 buckets. They could stand a few days of sunshine on em. But They are good. Yes, we did lose some due to the cold on Easter weekend. The top leaves are burnt but the berries are good. So take a drive to the country and bring your camera . We are open 7 days a week ( 7 to 7 ) Prices are $7.00 if you pick and $9.00 if we pick. We would like for you to call ahead if you want over 2 buckets all ready picked, so we can have them ready. If you are coming from Birmingham, travel north on Hwy 79 to Locust Fork, past the school , turn left on co rd 13 and immediately right onto Jerry Marsh Road. Travel about 2 miles to a sign JERRY U- PICK, turn right into the drive. We are under a cover shed, berries are behind it. Enjoy you ride into the country and great tasting berries. If you have any problems you can call me on my cell.

A sweetheart of a friend send me a little image of a vintage postcard via e-mail yesterday. And the wheels starting moving and this is what I came up with.... Thank you Barbara for the image and I hope each of you have a blessed Easter.

Life in the country has it's advantages, you can go outside in your gown and weed your flowers, you don't have to rake your leaves, and your nearest neighbors will never see you. Life is laid back, easy going and sometimes boring. At times, the littlest thing is worth watching, just for a little excitement. On Tuesday afternoon, I had a scrap booking class. We were in the back of the store and noticed people outside. Well, the local fire dept had a controlled burn of a house near by. I wish I had my camera to show the # of people sitting on the back of their pick ups watching the fire. I would guess 50 or more people. The fire department blocked all the roads leading to Cleveland, which just made everyone curious. And then there was the black smoke.
Do you hear that? Do you ?
Life on the farm is kinda laid back, .............sing it john..........thank god, I 'm a country boy

Once again a great show, a few repeats from the last time we saw James. But always a great, clean, rib tickling show. And again he had a heckler and he put him in his place. A little uncomfortable to hear. Had a great dinner, great company, Jeanette and Bobby celebrating 23 years of marriage, good laughs and oh , so ready for bed at 1 am. I think I am getting to old to stay out so late.

We have always wanted to take to the open road in a RV, even after the Robin Williams movie, RV. Last week I saw a place in Gardendale that rents Rv's. So I got on-line yesterday and this is what I found. For a Rv that sleeps 5, almost like this one. It will cost you Over $1000.00 for a week, 7 days , plus gas @ $2:50 a gallon and it only gets 9 to 15 miles to the gallon. Just a thought.

The Offical Buzz is.......

I lead a rather boring life and no exciting news to post. I have been rather busy at the shop the last few weeks, it is tax refund time. We tend to do well at this time of the year, extra $ to spend on the wants. I have been working on a project also. It is a book for my grandsons. The book is titled " Nanny's Recommendations & Instructions for your life". It has been a rather fun book to work on and is still not completed but close. I have so enjoyed the weather, and prob open my door as often as I can. I still have a problem getting up in the dark. I planted a few items one day this week, in tea cups and jugs at the shop. I sold quite a few of them yesterday. These are items that will not sell on their own but with a flower in them, sell well, and make the front of the store look good. Hubby was off on Monday and we spent the day together. It is nice to have him all to myself every once in awhile. We shopped and I got my laptop. Yeah! Now I have a new item to play with, and eventually will get a program for the shop . Going out on a date tonight, well a double date, but a date. Going to the comedy club to see James Gregory. I really have enjoyed him in the past. I hope he is wired tonight, I need a good laugh. Well, off to work. Have a wonderful weekend.

If you have nothing to do , I would love to see each and everyone of you.

Come and join us for

Our 2nd annual

Goodbye Winter

Hello Spring

Celebration!

_______________________________

Saturday April 14th

Starting at 9a.m

We will enjoy food, flowers and fun.

So bring your "Green Thumb"

and join us in Celebrating Spring.

Dry Creek Antiques

Cleveland Alabama

Creative Sunday

Been looking for a certain item in my room all morning. Isn't any wonder it was in plain sight, in front of my eyes, if it was a snake it would have bitten me. And it was on top of the pile. The gummed stars, do you see them? I know you do but I wish you had been here an hour ago. Working on a school page, more to come.... Happy Sunday!

Started another blog this afternoon to let everyone know more about the Crop 2 Help Retreat for 2007. So this is the address, bookmark it - www.crop2help.blogspot.com . More to come....

"TIME"

Sunday, I woke at 9:15, had a cup of java and read my e-mails. Someone sent me a heads up about the time change. It was now 10:30, not 9:30.... I started screaming oh, no, get up everyone, we will never make it to church. Well, I am here to tell you that I can get myself, hubby, a two year old and a 9 year old ready and be sitting in church at 10 minutes till 11.

Fast Forward...

Store closed on Monday, Tuesday back at work, Customers in all day. But I noticed some regulars were earlier than normal. Like the Lady that works at Alfa, comes by on her lunch. I was really hungry at 12. A guy that works for the school bus department, came by early. Oh, my, it is now 3 not 2 and I was suppose to pick up grandson at 2:45.

Now on Wednesday, only 4 days after time changed , I think every clock has been set to the right time.

Picture above is of a unique sign I got at a recent sale. Loved it so much it is now at home at my house. Daughter just shakes her head and says I just don't get you mom.

Having a lovely time, wish I was here.

Today I will dream of laying on the beach

with a tall cool umbrella drink. And a tanned

cabana boy ( no, I want a man, in this fantasy)

rubbing my ..........we interrupt this fantasy for an emergency...

grandson #2 needs a diaper change and grandson #1

needs his jeans put in the dryer, daughter asks did

you pick up any milk, and hubby screams where is the coffee filters......Have a Fantasy Day Everyone!

This is one of my many collection, old cracked and aged platters hang at the back of my counter. This one with the roses is my favorite. The walls are full now, so if I find one, it has to be better than one I already have. Went to another Auction on Saturday. Not where I wanted to be. I had planned all week to go on a ladies retreat and it all fell through. Grandson was sick but on Saturday was better, both went to spend the night with friends. So, I was free, ask hubby if he was free so we could spend some time together. So I opened the shop and he went to a small auction ( we thought it was small) . Turned out it was a good one, got lots of goodies and so we spent our day out at the auction, and afternoon. Stay tuned for pics later. Scrapbooking class tomorrow night. Page all ready for a change. Thinking about stopping the classes. Could rent the space and make more $. But I still need me alittle space to work on my goodies. Happy Monday!

Spent Monday with my bestest friend, Jeanette. And she had a RAK for me. A checkbook cover to embellish. Here's the end results. Love it! Everyone in our house is coming down with the crud. Started with Grandson #1 and then daughter, now I can hear grandson #2 still in bed but coughing. We are in for a wonderful weekend. Came home yesterday at noon, when school was let out. We had a lovely afternoon. It was warm outside and we played outside until the rain started. I was so upset to hear about the school in Enterprise. Why was these children not at home with their parents? As you well know I am not a News watcher so I did not hear if this school had dismissed or not. I know it is not mine to second guess, but once again , it was children . Please lets say a prayer for the families that was effected. No Friday challenge this week- go hug your children or grandchildren, and remember these families in your prayers.

Ever receive that perfect bouquet of flowers and never want them to die? I love flowers and I don't care if they are going to die, I will enjoy them while they are alive. Hubby knows the quickest way to soften me up is to bring me flowers. It melts my heart. He thought of me during the day and stopped to bring me alittle joy. And when I want flowers I say " It sure would be nice to have some flowers" sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. This bouquet was sad and started to die within a day or so. So I went ahead and hung them up in the ceiling of my studio. I have enjoyed them alittle longer. And soon they will be dried and I can carry them to the store and use in decorating. Here hoping someone brings you alittle joy. And if they don't, pick some up next time you are in the grocery store. I am sure it will brighten your day.

This is the other version of the clear stencil. Along with a few unusual sea shells I got at auction last night. I love sea shells and bought a big box full. So I had to go through and pick and choose a few special ones. You can see in the pic there is jars full behind grandson #1. Check back for more pic of my lasted auction finds.

Hope you are having a happy Sunday.

Sunday is my laundry day. I relax and do my laundry, it is a terrible exciting day for me. But today I woke up with a headache and washed a few loads of cloths. The first was bed clothes so I hung them on the rails to dry in the wind. And then a load of whites, you know little socks, lots of socks. And lo and behold the knob came off my dryer. Oh, my goodness now I am chasing clothes all over this porch trying to get them to stay on the rails just long enough to dry.

This is a page I completed at a crop recently. I bought this clear stencil type deal to use. Look for another post later using this stencil and markers, I like it.

Been reading a Rosanunda Pilcher novel. So I am in the Ireland type mind today. Oh, how I want to visit Ireland. Day dreaming.......Live in a cottage for a year and relax. I might even take my hubby. No, he is not in this daydream.I am by myself. Working my little garden, walking to the shops in town. A cup of tea and all that.

Don't you love where books can take you. I wish I had more time to read, I still like to dream.....

Friday challenge #3

What is your dream???

***********GOOD MORNING********

It was a beautiful day yesterday in Cleveland. And as my local weatherman has said today will be even better.

And I will be at work, boohoo

Oh well, everything seems so fresh and new, outside yesterday I noticed spring flowers awaking from their winter sleep. But my gardens look so bad. I was lazy last fall and did not clean them up. So I have to deal with them now. Or sometime this spring.

My dear Dad has had the timber cut on his land recently, and they are preparing to burn and re-plant in pines. I walked out yesterday to see they had thankfully dig up a tree that had (in my yard) broke from a storm. Then I noticed they also got my Mimosa tree. I loved this tree. It was a memory from my childhood. We played in a Mimosa tree at grandmothers, and now it is gone. Boo Hoo. What do you do, can't get it back now. Boo Hoo!!!

The picture is a few tags that I am making for a swap. They are alittle on the funky side. No they are wierd. What do you think?

This is a look at my class page . I wanted to use the pre-cut hearts, this is what I came up with. You know the simple truth is I have fallen in love once again.........

Quick post.....Been extremely busy this week. If you are a regular to my blog you know I post in the morning while everyone is in bed. This is my time..... Well this week I had doctors appointment ( nothing but that appointment we woman all dread each year) , hair cuts, shopping and I helped cook for our Annual Daughters of the Nile Silent Auction this Saturday night. And on top of all this Valentines and Grandson #1 birthday this Saturday , Grandson #2 the next weekend. So no blogging time. I hope each of you had a fun romantic Valentines. As you know it is crowded in our house lately so hubby got us a room for Wednesday night. It was a great night. So busy , Busy , Busy is what I am this week. So I am skipping Friday Challenge once again, got to get to the store and bake cup cakes, I promised Grand son #1 he could have a sleep over guest tonight... What was I thinking.....

Worked on a little Altered book this weekend. I started it a long time ago, it is about the ocean. Thought I would let you see how simple it is. Covered a book I got at the thrift store, older ones work best. Glued in a piece of a Simplicity pattern, pictures I got off the web and sea shells. You can't tell but I sprinkled glitter on the page while the glue was still wet. Not bad for a Altered Artist wannabe......

Okay I got this off Jenn's blog ( www.jennstamps.blogspot.com). It tell you what is your favorite snack in 8 questions.
I always thought I was chips and chocolate. Oh,well you know these quiz knows best.......

Valentines Day is fast approaching and each of us will be thinking about our loved ones. Picking out the perfect card, that special box of candy, or maybe you are the type to give flowers.

My Friday challenge for you today is......

We all know of someone that needs a little surprise.

Make a card and send it to someone that needs alittle lift.

Maybe send a e-mail or if you are in a drive thur, treat the person behind you.

Use you imagination.

I think this random act of kindness will make you feel good in return.

Happy weekend before Valentines Day!

Don't you just love this???

I run across it on one of my web sites. And now I am going to the basement to see if hubby has a ruler like this. I can remember my daddy having one, but I havn't seen one in years. Stay tuned....

Okay the picture is not the best in the world but look at those colors......this is a basket of ribbon that sits in my space. some rolled, some tangled , some unopened, some in knots. But all together in this basket, it is loose and free, but contained.

And what wise advise or moral does this mean......Not a darn thing, it just looked good and caught my eye.

Have a good Tuesday yall.

Junk

Do you have a junk drawer or junk room. How in the worlds do I come up with so much stuff. I have bowls, jars, drawers, boxes, 3 over night suit cases, baskets and note boards full. And this is just in my studio. This is a little Florida spoon rest I found in a shop. I had to have it and now it's home is on my table holding many treasures. The shell bowl is new and will soon be flowing over with found objects. I love finding objects in a parking lot or in a box lot from a auction. Many times I have bought a box of items just to get the small stuff in the bottom. So how many of you are junk collectors? Don't be ashamed, it is a talent. To see something in a small object that someone else has discarded. Maybe it is a button or a bottle cap, somehow they become treasures. This week look at items different and see if you can come up with a dish full of treasures.

This is a test for the next 60 seconds.................

This is a test blog for the next 60 seconds........

Well, I just typed up this nice blog about the snow and my childhood memories and it is gone. Where did it go? Is it floating around in cyber space, bumping into other lost things, like the lost sock from the dryer........Anyway I will try and re-write.
_____________________________________________________________
Well, January is gone and once again we have missed out on the snow. I can remember snow days when I was younger..... We loved those special days. And it seemed to be more of them....
In the 70's dad put in a wood heater. Mom hated it, the dust, the bark on the floor, the ashes and we loved her cooking a stew or soup on the top. She always put on a pot of something when it snowed. The power might go out and, we would have nothing to eat, ha ha. I can remember only coming in when our hands were so cold, wet and red. And fighting for the perfect spot in front of the heater. Oh, how fondly I remember those days. And if it snowed a lot mom would make snow ice cream. With a spoon and a bowl she would go outside and find a spot. She would rack back the top layer, and fill her bowl with the whitest snow for the best ice cream. Yum Yum!
Oh, well back to reality. Have a good day!

Well, January is gone and once again we missed out on the snow. I love the snow! Getting out of school, hot chocolate and mom always made beef stew or chili on snow days. In the 70's dad put in a wood burning heater to cut the power bill and in case of power outages. Mom hated it, the smell, the bark on the floor, the ashes, but loved the warmth. And we loved the stews/soups that cooked all day on the top. We would only come in, when we were made. Hands and feet cold, wet and red, we would push to be close to the heat. To feel that tingling when they would start to thaw. I still love to back up to a heater and get my jeans hot and then sit. Did it snow more when we were children? Oh, the things we remember...........

I am having a Pity Party!

And No-one is invited but me!

Let me just say, I love my daughter and two grandsons so very much!!!!

But not in my house!

Enough said!

I hope there is cake.

Chocolate Cake,

maybe even a Black Forest Cake.

No posting for a few days, I need space.

Ever can't concentrate on what is being said?

Today at church, there was a 3 year old singing softly to herself, sneezes coughs, clearing of the throat, opening of candy, a child left and went to the restroom, an adult left during the sermon, we have a member who is on call and her walkie talkie thing beeped a time or two, the mother of the three year old shhhhhing, more coughs, and more candy being opened, the grandmother of the three year old shhhhhhing, another sneeze or two, raining outside .....oh, it is getting harder and harder, more candy wrapper noise, I need to remember to put a mint or two in my purse, cause I could use a piece too, throat is a little scratchy, hope I am not coming down with something, people shifting in their set, three year old still singing......, member got up and closed a door to the back, nursery is getting loud, more coughing, a child in front of us is asking nanny for a piece of candy.....

Can I tell you what the sermon was about this morning?

Friday challenge #3

We will be "Hunkering Down "

for a relaxing weekend.

What is your ultimate relaxing weekend?

My sister loaned me a handful of movies, got beef stew in the crock pot ready to go, have popcorn and chocolate.

Got my "sick" socks and comfy old PJ's , what else would a girl want.

How many scrapbooking pages do you think you complete in a year?

I was thinking last night about this, I know my creativity comes in limited doses. I completed 10 or more pages during Christmas and New Years. And only 2 since then. When I go to crops, I only get a few completed, if any. It is the fellowship, I go for.

I came across a Blog, where her goal was 52 pages in a year, that"s just one a week. Or was they 2-page layouts?

Could I do this?

A set each week.

Well, I am willing to give it a try.

It seems I have once again added a challenge to this blog.

Have a good week!

*side note*

Picture is of the Journal goodie bag made for Jerri's Junque. They still lay on my table and has yet been packaged and added to the store inventory.

Starting classes tonight at the shop.

Been cleaning out and re arranging, new year , new start.

Classes will now be every 1st and 3rd Tuesday nights.

With a few Crops in between for fellowship.

Friday Challenge #2 ( 1-12-07)

Okay, it is a little early and the picture did not turn out like I wanted it too, but the challenge is

"OUR STREET"

tell about your street.

I hope the frost shows up on my 35 MM camera.

We live so far off the main road that I decided to take a picture from about 1/2 way up the driveway.

Give a two year old ( well, almost 2) a balloon and you get at least 20 minutes of peace.

But he is like a elephant and never forgets the drawer where I found the balloon.

So every morning I have to blow up a balloon, and every morning I get 20 minutes to drink my coffee.

I need to put balloons on my shopping list.

As promised, a look at one of my new "jerri junque" goodie bags. As you see this has a Christmas theme. it is a smaller package with vintage Christmas cards, cancelled stamps, a frostie bottle cap that reminds me of Christmas, little tags, a pamphlet with Christmas music and more. Do you think these will sell? maybe another peep tomorrow. Took pictures of this Fridays challenge this morning. It is so pretty outside with the frost. Have a good day.

As you know I am a junque collector. And have a small section in my shop with "jerri's junque". My ultimate day is junking in dark dusty corner of antique shops and flea malls. Finding that vintage game, a box of old 50's Christmas cards , or a jar of buttons can make my afternoon. Over the years I have gathered quite a collection and every so often I decide to let go of a few items. These items are not acid free, but can be used in your altered projects. They have been used and abused. Each theme bag are one of a kind, but are limited to only a few different themes. I will try and take a few pic in the morning for a sneak preview.

Grandson #1 wanted to go to Build a bear for Christmas. There was no time, so we went last week, before he went back to school. He was so excited. He wanted a panda, and was a little disappointed to not find one. But when he saw this black bear, he knew it was the one. If you are like me and have not been to this shop, it is worth the trip and the $40.00. The look on this little mans face was worth it all.

I would like to introduce you to

Cole Wood.

Bits&Pieces A "must" read

Let's Welcome back****** The Friday Challenge

*Challenge #1-January 5th-

What is your "Vision" for 2007?

At home, personal,work,art,a change in you. Your Vision on the next year will make a wonderful page, and will include a page next January 2008, for a update....Step out of the box, and start a new album. Maybe a different size than you are use to. An album you can add pages. This one will hold a year full of one page ( yes, leslie . I said one page ) Friday challenges. Check back next friday for page 2.

Random Thought on the New Year

I want to take this year by storm, push ahead, start anew, this will be the first day of the rest of your life. New year has always brought this attitude, wanting to start new, clean, uncluttered. Today I drag myself back to work, wanting to completely change the look of the shop, rearrange, start over. The overpowering urge to simpify, uncluttered my shop, my home, the end, result my life. Would this make things easier? I did not make a New Year Resolution, but this overwhelming feeling to simpify still owns me. Stay tuned......

Just thought everyone would get a kick out of this.....
P-Mate - Female Freedom - The Freedom To Pee Standing Up

It is 4 p.m on New Years Eve, the house is quite for the first time since before Thanksgiving.
I am home alone.
And I love it.
What should I do?
I need to mop the kitchen....
I need to clean my scrap space....
I need to ........Listen to only the pecking of the keys of the computer.
I need to listen to the lovely silence.
I want to wish each one of you silence when you need it,
noise when you want it,
and inspiration for the new year.
Start the new year off with a scrapbook page.
My idea is to....Document time tonight. Starting at 5 p.m till midnight.
Take pictures if you want, or just document the next 7 hours.
The 7 hours leading into 2007.
Can't wait to see your pages.

It is all over, except the packing up.

Tree went out on Tuesday to make room for the 6 foot ball pit that "SANTA" brought.

Next time read the package for size, okay.

Ham still in the fridge, a few Christmas cookies and we didn't even bother to make Christmas fudge this year.

I went to find the perfect pair of black slacks on Tuesday afternoon.

Oh my goodness, I refused to pay $47.00 for them.

So I went to Cato and got 2 shirts and the perfect pair of black slacks for $47.00.

Back to work on Wednesday, with all my new scrapbooking goodies.

Not too busy, so I got to red new books and play with my new stuff.

Still have one more "HOLIDAY" party tonight.

No gift, No pressure, just good fellowship.

The few day between Christmas and New Years seem so slow paced.

Kinda nice for a change.

Enjoy your week.

Santa,

This is the time of year that I would like to see and talk to each and everyone of my friends. But it seems like every year the season gets more and more hurried and events fill my days. So I would like to wish everyone of you a special Holiday Wish.

So from Santa's lap,

I wish you a Very Merry Christmas,

and the Happiest of New Year.

Anyone who knows me, knows my pet peeve is- people who leaves their shopping cart in the parking lot. Well, on Sunday afternoon I took my sister to Wal-mart. I know this was insane, one week till Christmas, Sunday afternoon, and a pretty day. We knew it was going to be a mad house and was not in any hurry and I was calm until.......
I checked out and went to my car. I unloaded my packages and then saw 2 buggies up against my car. (lets keep count here, with mine this makes 3) So I start to put them together to walk them to the holding pin. Which by the way was only about 4 cars up from where we were parked. ( this is where it could have gotten nasty) A couple parked next to me each had a buggy. And the lady pushed her empty buggy and propped it on the car in front of us. I walked over got her cart also and added it to mine, You know what I was thinking, but not saying a word. The husband then said, if you are going to take them, here I will donate mine. I said, " I just don't want them to hit my car or anyone else's. He got into his car. As you can guess I was steaming by this time. And I was trying to push 5 buggies to the holding pen. Well, picture this.... They started to come apart - A car pulled up to take the couples parking place, blinker on, and waiting, I am still struggling with 5 carts. The couple said something to each other and then laughed. I allowed them to pull out and the other car to pull in. Still struggling, I took 2 at a time until I got them in the holding pen. How was your Sunday?

Well, I found this on another blog and had to show you. Ten days till Christmas, I could use a laugh. Let me know what your name is:

What's in a name?

1.Your Rock Star Name (first pet & current street name): Joe Covered Bridge

2.Your Gangsta Name (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie): Coffee Nutter Butter

3. Your "Fly Girl" Name (first initial of first name, first three letter of your last name): J Woo

4.Your Detective Name (favorite color, favorite animal) Red Cat

5. Your Soap Opera Name (middle name, city where you were born): Lynn Birmingham

6.Your Star Wars Name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first): Wooje

7.Superhero Name (2nd favorite color, favorite drink put "The"): The black crown ( haha)

8. Nascar Name (the first names of your grandfathers): Matthew Garnett

9. Stripper Name (the name of your favorite perfume, favorite candy) Nadda Reeses.

10. Witness Protection Name (mother & fathers middle name): Margaret Wayne

I had a "real" day off yesterday. I went to the dentist and then home. Took a nap, done some laundry and vacuumed. I loved it. I didn't worry that I only have one more Monday off before Christmas and still need to go Christmas shopping. I hate shopping on the weekend with everyone else. The crowds have been terrible in Trussville, I hear. So I will have a marathon shopping day next Monday. Look out if you live in this area. haha

This is a photo of the decorations I came up with for the shop, this year. Inexpensive, and it makes a big statement. Hubby helped wire it all together and climb the ladder. I bought fake berries, 4 apple sprays and Eugulipus. ( I love the smell)

jerri's jubilee

We had a spectacular time Saturday afternoon. And as I seem to always do, I planned tooo much for the 4 hours we had schuduled. I always want everyone to get their $ worth, and seen to plan way too much. As promised, below are pictures of item you might not have finished.

If you have any questions, please e-mail me.

Jerri's Jubilee

Well, today is my jubilee, and I am not stressed. Seems funny, I am always stressed before an event. It is not a good thing, as Martha would say. And I have had some stress this week, on another family note. Today is a new day, a jubilee day. As it turns out we will be completing over 20 different item to take home. I even had to drop two items that I don't think we will have time to complete. I had Malik glittering name plates yesterday, everyone has been in on this one. Hubby went out and got dinner, while I prepared snacks last night. This is going to be a fun-filled afternoon. I have the 2-page layout all bagged up to take home just in case we don't have time. It has been so much fun coming up with the ideas. Well, if you will be joining me today, I welcome you, get ready to have fun..... But if you are not for what ever reason, maybe next year. Maybe I will take a few pictures....have a good day.

Someone sent this to me, and I had to pass it along.

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is

to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the centre of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention.

Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"



Have a great holiday season!

I really like this advent calendar, I found it on one of the many blogs I read. And I just so happen, have a wooden hanger, just like this one. We have been using the cookie sheet advent calendar I made a few years ago. But maybe it will be time for a change next year. Or who is to say I can't have two. On another note-
The Jubilee is full- thanks girls. Be prepared to have a wonderful time. I am finalizing projects this week. I know waiting until the last minute, is not good. But I have almost all finished. One is giving me a problem and I will be doing a lot of prep work, for it. Want to have plenty of time to get to them all. There is over 10, if you count each card, tag, bag and/or goodies. Oh well, off to take Malik to school.

Only 1 spot left

for

Jerri's Jingling Jubilee

I am getting so excited about my first annual Jubilee.

I have woke up each morning this week, dreaming of the projects I need to complete.

Yesterday it was the tags and cards. They were completed yesterday.

This morning it is this wonderful snowflake ornt, we will re-create.

Make out of book paper.

This is one of the projects we will complete during the Jubilee. It will hold all those Christmas cards you will be receiving this holiday season. Can you see a theme here? I think I went dot crazy. But it is all coming together and we are going to have soooo much fun. Went alittle brain dead yesterday and lost all my creativity. But when I got home a got out the glitter, it all came back. Don't you just love glittler and all things that sparkle. Is it Christmas or is it just all things that sparkle???? Have a good Thursday!!! And by the way only 3 spaces left for the jubilee.

Went to Auction on Saturday and this painting spoke to me. I had no idea I could even touch this painting. But I got her for a song. Yes, she has seen better days and yes , where will I put her. I had to have her, she is proudly hanging on my wall.

As you jump out of bed this morning, you realize you forgot the cranberry sauce. Daddy thinks you need that cranberry sauce in the can. Everything planned to the minute.... Turkey in at 8, check- noodles cooking for homemade mac and cheese, check- potatoes on at 10.30, check- green beans , check , deserts cooked yesterday, check check- cornbread dressing ready to go in oven, check- rolls going in just before dinner. It's Thanksgiving and all the stores are closed. Well, would anyone notice if there is not cranberry sauce??? Can I subtitute anything for cranberry sauce? Something that taste close to cranberry sauce.....Think Think Think!!!!!!!! As I am going through the pantry....We live in the country and the nearest Walmart is 25 minutes away. Which means I could skip my bath or not mop the floor and run out and get cranberry sauce, but it still needs to cool/set up. Could I put it in the freezer to speed up the process???? Grandson spilling on the floor yesterday leaves out the not mopping option. Thanksgiving with out cranberry sauce???.........sniff ,sniff under each arm ??, decisions to make......
Snort, snort, yawn , oh, it is just a dream..... I am going to mothers for Thanksgiving dinner.
Hope your blessing are abundant and your dreams are inspiring.

Happy Thanksgiving

This is my finished altered canvas we made at the retreat. I really like it and it is going on my wall in my studio as soon as I can get to it. All these events and projects have left my room in quite a mess. I hope I am not the only one. Will be decorating for Christmas at the shop today. Our Christmas Open House is December 2nd. Starting at 9 a.m. till 4.

If you have nothing to do, I would love to see you.

Also, as of the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we will be open a few hours after church on Sunday afternoon. From 2 to 6. So if you are out for a ride in the country, stop by. Off to decorate.

Here is a thought:
Do something nice today.
Maybe a Random Act of Kindness.
Send out a nice card/a note, anything.
Make a difference to someone else today.
It is that time of year, and before it gets so crazy, just do it. NOW!

Not up to much this week. My knee swelled up about Tuesday and I have been trying to stay off of it. It is hard at work sometimes. So, Saturday after work we went to see Santa Clause 3. We really enjoyed it. In this movie there is a flash back of the first one, 12 years ago. Can you believe it has been 12 years? Grandson #1 watched it when he was about 3 and we had our dining chairs in a row, with stick/antler for over a month. I hope this is not the last one, it has really became a tradition to see a new Santa Clause Movies every few years. Speaking of Santa Clause, I have not even started my Christmas shopping. I have plans to shop alittle tomorrow. If my knee holds out.

Have u seen this?

Got it in the mail yesterday, hubby tried to put in the shredder. His response was this is all you need. I am not sure what he meant by this but I agree. But they are cute. It will save me $, you get paybacks.

4% on scrapbook supplies Up to $100.oo a month, this is a joke. I can spend 100.00 on a run by just to pick up a piece of paper I need to finish a layout.

3% on pay at the pump----as u are rushing to the scrapbook store.

2% on groceries- this should be on delivery pizza, after you have scrapbook all day and forgot to cook.

and 1% on almost anything else. Is there anything else, except scrapbooking, I ask you?

Birthday Chocolate Crop/ Party was a blast!

This is a picture of the place sitting, all had pictures of a cutie, ( me) as a child. I made personalized Jerri Junk Jewelry ( bracelets) for each gal, put them in a little take out box. Martini glass has shredded tissue and a candy necklace. Booklet was the game we played all about chocolate. I lifted this glass idea. from Teresa McFayden blog. Love her style... I think all had a great time, we ate chocolate, cropped alittle, laughed alot and ate chocolate cake.

More pictures to follow......

Today is my Birthday!!!!Yeah! Happy 46th Yeah!!!!!!!

I made it another year.

As I am starting to slid into 50, life is good.

It is always a very emotional time for me. Or at least it has been for the past 10 years or so. I do not mind growing old, I would never want to go back and re-live any time in my life. I have high expectation and I "assume" ( key word here) everyone should feel the same. It is hard to talk about this because so many people think their birthday is just another day.

I disagree, it is a day to celebrate life. Our parents wanted the children they had. My parents tried for 4 years and thought I would be the only child. It is not another day, it is my day! And I am going to celebrate it! I have already had one crying spell this birthday, it was short and not a lot of emotion. Last year was not a good one. I cried for a month. So this year I took my day into my own hands and decided to host my own party. There has been disappointments but I dealt with them. And I am sure there will be more but today is my day, today is the beginning of my birthday weekend. So Happy Birthday to me! Want you join me! Let's party!!!!!!

November is a good month ........

*the mornings are cooler and afternoons are warm in Alabama

* the leaves in out neck of the woods are beautiful this year

* after saturday, I can slow down for a week or so, the calendar seems to lighten up a bit.

* November is my Birthday month

* All the planning and prep for my party is almost over, these personalized goodies are great. Can't wait to show everyone.

* no more mowing the grass

* time to get ready for hot chocolate, hot cider and the wonderful latte's at Starbucks

* and pumpkin cream cheese muffin

* almost turkey time, with all the baking and cooking.

* go to bed early on Halloween night and 8 year olds roll your yard. It's all good!

I gotta LAUGH! guess it will rain today before I can get it cleaned up.......

Soooo yada yada....

Life has been spinning by as fast as it possiblely can the last couple of weeks. And so I have had not extra time to post on my blog. So today is catch up time. As you well, know the crop was great and we will be donating over $2000.00 worth of supplies and $400.00 cash to the hospital. We learned alot about each other and I look forward to next year.

Halloween is upon us and I have the past few years had a party for about 25 children. But this year it was impossible. So one of the mother is having a party and ask if I could make a few treats. Pictures to follow ( I hope).

My computer is having problems and hubby has not figured it out , yet. But I know he will. I have to go off line and back on to get my mail. For some reason it disconnects as soon as the mail is delivered. So keep your fingers crossed that this post goes through.

I am hosting another crop this Saturday but this one is for me. A chocolate birthday crop. I have been trying to complete the goodies for the party. And it has taken alot of my time this week, thank goodness we have been slow at the shop. And trying to find all the right chocolate to have at the party and the taste testing, someone had to do it. I will post a picture as soon as the party is over.

Oh, and the picture of my lastest book is above, love it!!! It is really funky and I am trying to create a ornament I saw in the book, will post pics later on this too. But if you get a chance, take a look see at this book. Not alot to do with scrapbooking but making jewery and crowns too. Did I say, I love it!!!

And on another note a friend of ours had open heart surgery this last week, Don is doing well but add him to your prayer list. He will have to change his life style quite a bit and this will be very hard on him.

Today I am off and I have to finish the chocolate covered apples for the kids party, go to Hobby Lobby and get stuff, grocery store

Crop was a blast!!!!

We all had a great time at the retreat house last weekend. I met new friends. I am so excited, it is a good thing to met new people that "get" scrapbook. Good food, fellowship and laughs. That is what scrapbooking is all about. We got to where we did not look forward in hearing, Dinner is ready. I have never over eat so much in all my life. I am proud of my 2 pages I created this weekend. But more proud of the $ and goodies that will be given to the shriners childern. I am still not unpacked, my stuff made it to the basement, and that is as far as it got. Jeanette and I had a wonderful time on Sunday night at Cats. If you have not seen it, it is well worth it, believe me. I went in not know what to expect, and I was pulled in to the loop. Just wanted to check in and now I am off to get Malik to school, more later.....

Busy Busy Busy

I have been a busy camper this week, preparing for the charity crop. I hope you are coming, because you are all in for a treat. I will spill the bag, here today on a few things that will be happening. You will be altering a Canvas for my class on Friday night. I wanted this to be a special class, and one you have not tried. I have kelp it fun and usable. Can't wait, hope you enjoy it. I received gifts yesterday to give away from one of the ladies at my shop. She sews, and was a stampin up dealer once upon a time. Can you guess what I have to give away....... Well, we will be giving away alot of goodies, all weekend. The lady ( Linda) that will be sitting up her store, will also be giving away goodies and surprises all weekend. Special sales, and treats. My mind has been going like crazy all week with little extras, so I am finishing item up today ( i hope).

Looking forward to seeing all of you on Friday for a fun filled weekend.......

At least 6 inches deep. Can you guess what this is?

And we still have 5 days to receive more goodies..... Did you sign up to come to the crop?

I bet you will next year!

Thanks again to all who will be joining us next weekend. See you there......

Today is the last day to sign up for a * fun* fun * crop to benefit the Shriners children. If you missed my post below, we are offering a " Saturday only" crop price. Please join us in helping these precious children. I have visited the hospital in North Carolina and although it was late on Friday afternoon. There was a child or two, receiving therapy. And they have the biggest smiles. And to see the sparkle in their eyes, makes it all worth while. This crop will be a blast. And I am looking forward to spending time with each and everyone of these ladies that will be joining us. I have prepared for months, and I want to thank each one of you for helping these children. I want to make this a special event for you, because with out you, this would not happen. Be prepared to have a great time. See you Next Friday!!!!

Do you remember when the Sears ( Christmas) catalog came out. We would fight over who was going to look at it first. And the dog eared pages and black marker circles, how could mom possibly know what we had chosen. Well, I am sure the constant talking about how it would be cool if I had my own.........
Well, grandson #1 does this with the Party City Halloween Catalog. He looks at it all the time, even on the ride to school this morning. Telling me about how this one would be cool and that one. Telling me that he will be a Vampire next year and the year after that maybe a...........this is where I tuned him out. Oh, to be young again. In a few years he will not think it is cool to pick out a costume for Halloween, to soon he will be a "TEENAGER". Too Cool to participate in Halloween. Now that is a scary thought.......

What a day.... I met with the nice women that is planning the food part of out "Crop 2 Help Retreat". I can only say 3 words "Apple Cheese Bake". Have you had it? Sounds great to me, can't wait to try it. These women are wonderful cooks, and I know we are in for a treat. They will make it special. We decided yesterday that since we are not full and want to raise as much $ as possible for the children, we will open up a "Saturday Only" crop too.
You will be entitled to:
Cropping space
1 class
make n take ( stampin up)
Goodie bag
group photo
Meals
Accommodations for 1 night , if you want.( on a first come first serve bases)
Saturday night prize give a way
all for $65.00
Deadline if Friday October 13th.
Help us Help the children.
The "Daughter of the Nile" give our money to the Shriner's Hospital.
Our goal is to provide a better quality of life
to children who are in need.
While the children are in the hospital they, nor their parents, have any cost.
So by joining in on the fun at this crop you will be helping these children.
Call me if interested
Jerri Wood
205-559-7278
e-mail
woodte4@urisp.net

Oh, and I should tell you that the scrapbook store in Tuscaloosa has a box full of goodies to donate. It is coming together girls. And there is still time to join us...... we are going to have a blast.

I just loved seeing this in my e-mail last night.........gotta love em!!!!

Dear Jerri Wood:
Thank you for your interest in Making Memories® products. We are happy to inform you that your request will be fulfilled. Your product was requested on August 27 and will be arriving shortly. Thank you again for your request, and best of luck with your event!
Sincerely,
Making Memories®

What's in the mail today?

Everyday for weeks I have rushed home to look into my mailbox, for goodies. And everyday I find "NOTHING". I have contacted 20 different companies asking for donations. A friend told wished me luck in the crop, but hoped I wasn't disappointed. She had tried to have a crop and did not have a big response. I thought oh, there is enough of us with big hearts that will fill that retreat house. I was hoping to turn people away.

But as it turns out we still have places to fill. We have one more ploy, here is hoping it will soon show up in the Birmingham News. And I will have a answering machine full of requests. After all, remember the smiling faces of all those children we will be helping. No matter what they have been through, they always seem to have a smile to show. So let's show them we care.....And no, this is not my new mailbox, just thought it was a hoot!

Do you enjoy going to scrapbook stores you have never been to before?

had a little urge Saturday. Had to get my fix.......

so went to Huntsville to a old & new scrapbooking store, well, new to me. My sister in law, June is responsible for enticing me with the scrapbooking craze, many years ago. So now after her children are older she is ready to join us again.....I had a great time showing her all the new items that has come out. We even got Krispy Kreme. So if you are in Huntsville, Alabama check out the Rubber Stamp Lady, she is worth the stop. And the new to me store is Once upon a Scrap. She has old and new items, alot of Quick Kutz too. I have always enjoyed checking out all the shops I am near. Even on vacation I check out the yellow pages and go see the shops. You never know what you might find. Sometimes you will see old paper in a new light, new ideas, new paper or embellishments. Do you check out shops when you travel?????

Burrrrr

It is cold this morning, even went into the closet and got a thicker shirt to wear. I know it might be to warn this afternoon but I will take a thinner one, just in case. We haven't turned on the heat yet. I liked having to curl up closer to get warm in the mornings. Hubby doesn't seem to mind either. The sun is out and it looks warmer outside. It is getting time to have a fall festival's. Pumpkins, turning leaves, corn stalks and apples. But seems it will be a few weeks before there is one near here. Might have to go this year, soak up the fall atmosphere. Take some pictures, so this means I need to go shopping for fall scrapbooking supplies....... See you there.

I love how a lot of the magazines are adding paper projects to the line up. I found this one in Country Home. Love it!!!! Finished it's counterpart last night. But it still needs some tweaking. So what I need is a name. Help me name this jolly fellow. I know, Jolly is for Santa but you get what I mean. I know some of you can't leave a comment so e-mail me and I will let everyone know on Monday his/her name. If you think of a name for both, that would be even better.^^oo^^