Life on the farm

Back in the 80's, my dad decided to plant some fruit trees - apples, pears, peaches, and a grape vine. The grape vine died and the others bore fruit for him year after year. We called it "Daddy's Orchard" although it was no where near an orchard. He tended to these trees lovingly until his death in 1991. Over time, most of the trees have died and I think there might be 10 or so trees on the plot of land.

I don't do anything to the trees. I just let it grow. Most years, there is barely any fruit and the deer and other wildlife take care of the crop. This year, these trees have come alive again. They are loaded down with pears, peaches, and apples (on different trees, not all on one tree!)

Oh my! Pears, and peaches, and apples! Oh my!! Pears, and peaches, and apples! Oh my!!


Pears, and peaches, and apples! Oh my!! Pears, and peaches, and apples! Oh my!!
Pears, and peaches, and apples! Oh my!! Pears, and peaches, and apples! Oh my!!

Looks like LOTS of work for me in making jelly and dried apples. What a wonderful problem to have ~ I can always give jelly for Christmas presents!!

Christmas in July

I have been busy crafting for Christmas in July! I made 2 items that I am especially proud of - magnets and post-it note holders. Both were so easy and were fun to do! I will be making these for the boys' teachers for Christmas. I may make theirs to be non-holiday so they can use them all year. These two things were made for a Christmas in July swap with my friend Tammy.

Handmade Cards

I attended a car making class at my local scrapbook store this morning. It was the first time I had attended this class and I loved every minute of being there! The instructor was great, everything was organized, and I met lots of new people. I also reconnected with a school mate that I had not seen in ages!!! Although the cards are far from perfect, I did have a good time and brought home something useful!

Flower Fans

Martha had these on her website to make for the 4th of July. She used patriotic colors for the 4th of July. I decided to make some using my kitchen colors to leave out for the summer. I really enjoyed making these simple flowers. I plan to make some to hang in my classroom from the ceiling. I think they are so pretty. They are really good fans too, if you are hot!

Cats

I love cats and have a few peeking out throughout my house.

These are wooden cats from the 1940s/50s. The 2 tallest ones belonged to Dennis' grandmother and was a wedding gift to us from his mother. The 2 smaller ones I found in a thrift store but they are the same beautiful wood.

This little orange kitten went all the way to Russia with us when we brought Deniska home. He was Deniska's constant companion during those first few years. He now resides in my office and comforts me when I need a hug!

The painted cat is from Perm, Russia. It's only been with us for a year. He was brought home with Nikolai and resides on top of my curio cabinet. He watches every thing and I call him Nikolai's Guardian Cat!

These two little fellas came all the way from Malaysia when my husband when on a business trip. I love them for their colors and that he thought of me. (He brought other things too but I love these cats!)

This kitten is a heavy metal little kitten who guards my valuables!

This little one just appeared one day. I don't know how he came to be with us!

This little black kitten has been with me the longest. He was a gift from my friend Charlene. His ears are beaten up from all the mice he has caught. He is very loved.

Bathrooms

I am going to paint one of my bathroom this month. I am leaning toward a dark, rich yellow. I found some inspiration pictures of bathrooms that I though I would share with you. I would like to have a new sink but that is just out of the budget right now. I like the idea of using yellow and black. I might need to give that some more thought.