It's starting to look alot like Christmas! and it's about time!!!

I'm so slow in getting everything done this year. We are getting new windows - living room, dining room, and sun room, the 4 windows that I decorate trees in front of every year. BUT I didn't know when they were coming to install - so I've been patiently (really, I have!) waiting for them to come. Last week, I called them, and they said they were planning to come on December 22. Seriously? The 22nd? I asked very nicely if they could wait til January, and they were happy to do so. I went shopping and found these adorable little pears -CLEARANCE. Kinda got me in the mood.

Last year, one of the bloggers I follow (sorry, I forgot who- but if it was YOU - Thanks!) that showed how they display their Christmas cards. I thought, hmm... I have one of those, got it out and waaalaaa, love it.

Friends from California sent us a wreath, live, smells awesome! My DD#1, had the arrangement for working 5 years at her job, she brought it to share the weekend after my birthday, and kinda "forgot" to take it home. It sure takes a lot of water!

We have had snow a couple of times, but this weekend, the weather is in the upper 40's, so we were able to get the decorations outside done. I'm into wreaths this year (apparently).

Last, but never least, is decorating of the bridge. Icicle lights, greenery and a huge wreath, accent the 60' bridge quite well. It's especially pretty at night. Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful Christmas, and blessed new year. Sandi

Homemaker Link Up Weekend

As I sit here at the lake house, I have SO many things that I should be doing! We will have our Thanksgiving meal tomomorrow, but the cooking can't begin til later this afternoon. Now I know, it's like the WORST thing a blogger can do, but I don't have a camera here. I'm thinking about buying one to just leave here, cause I keep forgetting to bring mine. Oh well. I'm going to post a few photos of some of the changes I've made since we got here in June. Definitely Homemaker stuff!

When we bought this house, it had been owned by an elderly couple. I'm sure the 80's decor didn't bother them, but it is driving me CRAZY! Above, you will see the built in hutch/buffet in the (?) dining area. (The question mark is because I don't actually call a 6'x6' area a dining area, but that's what its supposed to be.) Anyway!.....They had added these shelves and when we viewed the house, it had a coffee mug collection on it. Oh dear..... I'm not into mirrors, at all - and my DH didn't want to try to take it down because it might make a mess of the wall, so ....

below is what I did.

I removed the shelves, made a black board out of the mirror, AND removed the fake stuff on the glass. The only down side is that I have to keep it nice and clean on the inside now, but I can handle that. I like it SO much better.

Thank you Sarah for starting a new fun meme! I'm linking up with Homemaker Linkup Weekend at the below address. Just click and GO!

http://bloggingwhilewaiting.blogspot.com/

Barns, barns, and more barns! Vintage Thingies I love

One of my favorite Vintage Thingies is old barns. I sell these photos, and will be putting them in my Etsy shop soon. They sell well, and I'm proud of them!

Please join the fun at the below link for more Vintage fun!
http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Vintage Thursday

This childs toy was given to DD#1 when she was 3, she loved it - and spent a lot of time taking her babies in and out. I was tickled that she nor her little sister ever got in it and broke the bottom or sides out - however tempted I'm sure they were!
It originally belonged to my step sister Kim. She was in High School, and no longer wanted it, so Dad and Lois reglued and fixed it up, Lois made linens for it, and gave it to Angie for Christmas. My Dad died the next Christmas, and we have always cherished something that he spent time working on for her.
Angie has no girls, and decided that she didn't need it kept for her anymore. We've had it in storage all this time. I pulled it out a couple of weeks ago and reglued it. My step sister Kim, just had her first Grandchild this past summer, and even if it's a boy, I'm SURE she's going to be tickled to get it back. I was tickled to give it to her.
I suppose technically, it's an illegal bed - it has that dropped side that is such a no-no these days. Good thing it's only big enough for dolls - hope none of them get hurt!

The little deer is SO cute! I remember when baby beds had this kind of sticker (?) on them.

Thanks for joining me this week, and I would love it if you would leave a comment! Please click on the link below for more Vintage Fun!

http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Help! My blog won't let me post photos

Can anyone help me? I can't post photos, I can't leave comments, I'm SO ready to get back
on the blog wagon again and I can't get it to cooperate. I updated to Google whatever because it said that I had to - but that didn't help! Send me a blog expert please!!!! Sandi

Another reason I'm kinda busy

How truly amazing life is. When we started dating in 1972, I never dreamed in a million years

that my life would take me down the roads it has. I was a Sr. in High School, and all my friends were planning to go to college, technical school, etc. But I kept telling everyone I just wanted to get married and have a family. The problem was at that time - I didn't even have a boyfriend. On December 31, 1971, I was invited to a New Years party, with anticipation that there were going to be some "available guys there". As it turned out, there was only one - my DH now. We met that night, at 15 minutes til midnight. 6 Weeks later, we were engaged, and 6 months later to the day - we were married.

I'd like to introduce the newest member to our family - Julia Catherine. We made a quick trip to see her the day she was born (a 5 hour drive).
Here's papa with Grand #8, and Grand daughter #4. We were blessed with 4 healthy boys - and lately 4 healthy girls. Our cup runneth over, we are truly blessed. Have a wonderful weekend. Sandi

Metamorphosis Monday - Adirondack Chairs that I love

Last year while vacationing in Missouri at Lake of the Ozarks, we say Adirondacks everywhere. Not for me, I thought, they don't look comfortable. Well, boy was I wrong! I fell in love with the one below - but not to the tune of $350.00. I'm not saying it wasn't worth it. They were hand painted, and had 3 coats of paint, plus a sealer on them. I'm sure there was a lot of work that went into them. I knew I wanted one "someday".

Then we bought a new Lake house, and I knew I had to have my OWN Adirondacks. They were $59.95 each at Ace - and the footstool that went with them - $29.95. Ouch! But okay. The day before I was going to go get some, I got a flier from Ace. OMG! They are $29.95 and $9.95. I went in right away, and they only had one in the box.....

Oh boy, DH is so happy with me right now............................................

The only other one they had was already put together!!YeHaw!

This the special mixture the made for primer. Totally cute!

I thought about leaving them pink, for a little bit, but then painted them red. I love the way you can have your paint match exactly what you want these days. Just a little scan, and badum bump! It works! The photo above doesn't even look red, does it, hmmmmm......

They are pretty happy in their new home. My DH and I sat down and enjoyed them after taking the photos.

Thanks so much for stopping by , I had to show my new favorite photo again, with the chairs. Please join me as I go over to Susan's. http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

My new favorite photo

I just love to take pictures, and this is my newest FAVORITE! I'm going to have it printed in 32" x 50" to hang above the couch at our lake house. Since it's taken in the yard - I thought that would be fun!

So much to do - so little time! Joining Vintage Thingie Thursday!

We have been so busy between home and our new lake home - then throw in the fact that we haven't signed over the OLD lake home and it even gets more confusing! We love the new house though, and as well as the new location. It's so handy to just pull the boat up on the beach and run up to the house. I'm sharing a few photos, hope you enjoy! Here's the view from the living room. Those rosey drapes on the left are GONE now!

This is top of some of the kitchen cabinets - I have plans for this area, but haven't decided yet about paint vs. wall paper up here.

I used some antique ceiling tiles instead of a headboard for our bed. Thanks for stopping by - I'm still working on it, so come back again! Since I showed you the Ceiling tiles - guess I'll joining Vintage Thingie Thursday - what the heck!

http://coloradolady.blogspot.com

I'm back!

(click on the mosaic to enlarge)

We have been busy getting moved into our new lake home at Pamona Lake. While out boating on Friday afternoon, I took several photos of cranes that I made into a mosaic. Hope you enjoy! I'm joining the Mosaic Monday fun at the below address:

http://dearlittleredhouse.blogspot.com/

Wishing us LUCK!

We recently purchased a 2nd lake home. We will be selling our other one before the end of summer. This new home is withing 1 hour of 2 of our kids and 1 1/1 hours of the 3rd one. I haven't been blogging lately, because I've been busy cleaning out - and packing to fit another house in to our lives! Please wish us luck, and hang in there, I will be back as soon as this all gets sorted out! We move in on Friday! Sandi

Pink Saturday - my new gloves

I haven't participated in Pink Saturday for awhile - things have been quite hectic.

One of the things we've had going on, is truly amazing. Last Labor Day, we came

home from the lake - as usual. My DH arrived home before I did, and I was surprised to see he was talking on the phone. Let me tell you - he RARELY talks on the phone, but he was truly engrossed in this conversation. Giving details about our life - how many kids, grandchildren, etc., etc. I was puzzled, but went about unpacking from the 3 day weekend.

When he got off the phone, he came into the house and was very quiet. He came to me and in a very quiet voice said, "That was one of the guys I was in Vietnam with. He tracked me down."

I have to tell you I was shocked. It had been 40 years since these boys had served together, and never had we heard a word from anyone. My husband is not good with names, and the few times we talked about it, he couldn't remember enough about anyone to do any looking. And frankly, he wasn't that anxious to do so. But, thanks to William DeMusey, that is all changed now. The men in the 3/17th Air Calvery, 1969-1970, no longer have to wonder. They have been able to contact all but one of the men - (no one can remember his first name - he was Sargent *). They lost 3 in the 13 months they served, and 7 have passed since then. I can't explain the roller coaster of emotions that we've experienced since then. But, 2 weeks ago, we met with 2 of the men. Spent 4 days with one of them, then joined with another for 2 more days. Listening to these guys talk about their experience, was an eye opener for me. I think the thing that got me more than anything was - they were only 17 and 18 years old, mere children. The responsibility these boys were given is astounding, embarassing, horrifying. Yes, when I was that age, I thought I was grown up - mature - even got married at 17. But, to think the our Grandson is only 2 years away from that, freaks me out. I am so humbled at their sacrifice.

We had a wonderful time, and can't wait to meet up with even more of the men, on down the road.

I was in tears when I saw what the monument said, as we walked up. This could not have been more perfect for these men. How proud us 3 wives are of them.
After spending some time together we found out that we all shared an

interest - in antiques! So, off we went to find the nearest

antique store. And look what I found!

I spotted them across the less than crowded room.
They called to me quietly at first, but the cry quickly grew.

I'm looking for a sundress to go with my new pink gloves, I'm going to wear a hat and the gloves - to church!
I have them lying on a table, along with my gloves I wore to my Sr. prom. They have the perfect pearly button decorations on the wrist.

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment. I'm joining Beverly for this wonderful day dedicated to all of us Pink Lovers!

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

One of my planned projects

We have a strawberry patch that provides ample sweets for the whole year. So, I when looking through the freezer the other day, I realized I better get ready for another June of fresh berries. I found enough strawberries from last year that I made 21 jars of strawberry jam today. Mmmm! I had to try some and it was just as good as it looks. Ha! Thanks for stopping by! Sandi

Vintage Thingie Thursday

When my Mom and Dad were married in 1954

my Grandma Alley painted a wedding plate for them.

I just love the lady and gentleman on this plate!

The next one, would be me - when I was born. The plate had a spot of rust on it

when I got it out this time, and I got most of it off - but not all.

Then, when I was married, I got the one below. I cherish it, mainly because I don't think

she made them for anyone else in the family.

I wish she'd continued on, and made them for our kids too. I also wish I were talented enough to make them for my Grands - but I don't think my Grands are going to get attached to "things" quite like I do! Ha! Thanks for stopping by, and please leave a comment. I'm linking to Vintage Thingie Thursday at the below address:

http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/