* * * And Time Flies By * * *

I cannot believe it has been a week since my last post!  A couple of wonderful friends wrote and asked if I was doing OK, if the family was well, was everything going alright?  Yes, yes and yes! I've just been really busy and time, literally just flew by!

A lot has happened in all our lives!  Does it seem to anyone else, the older we get, the faster time goes by?  I remember family elders saying that, and of course when we were kids we thought anyone as old as are parents didn't know what they're talking about!  When we were teenagers, time went by so slowly we could hardly wait to get out of the house!  Oh, but then came the rat race of college, working, families, and we all thought, "Ah, as soon as they're raised we'll be able to relax and enjoy life!"

So, here we are and time seems to go by so fast, it almost feels like we're on a fast train!  All these sights keep just keep going by, or we by them, so fast!  I thought of that when Don called me to look out our living room window two evenings ago to see this view ~ "Honey come look at this!"

I ran out quickly to take this photo!  Isn't this sunset incredible!?  We must slow down and notice the small blessings in our lives, and this is one of them!

I'll be back tomorrow, I would love to share some of the cards and journals I've been making.  I'll be by to visit all of my blogging buddies tomorrow, too.  Right now, just know I think of you all often and keep all of you in my prayers!

Hugs,
Donna

Blog Land Blogging Blobs

OK Any one else notice blogging is taking longer to do?  Longer to post, longer to leave a message, longer, longer and then POOF! A comment we left for a friend on their blog is gone!

I have felt a lot like this guy lately!  Hee haw!  My blog was switched to the new Blogger format way back when it was introduced, I had a ton of trouble trying to do the everyday things I had just learned on regular blogger.  So, I worked at it and finally felt like I was getting along fine. Then the whole thing with Chrome verses regular Blogger came up.  My sweetie got me all set up with that and I'm finally use to it.

I've even been able to get my photos on faster and easier - well by mistake, actually.  I accidentally double clicked on the photo I wanted and it loaded lickity split!  Easy Peasy! Another notch in my belt.  Now another problem the past couple of weeks, going to leave comments for friends and up pops 'select profile' - O K - select my profile and my message is gone.  At first I figured it was saved and went on my way.  Then a few of my friends we missing me as I hadn't left a message in several days, not like me.  But I had!!  There must be a million posts, pictures and messages out in blogger outer space!!

So I had to put on my thinking cap - pretty nice one, hug?  Now what I've figured out is for what ever reason, I need to not just refresh my page, but sign out - sign back in and then I'm ready to roll.  So - for my sweet friends who missed me, 'THANK YOU' for letting me know, for asking. Maybe this will help someone else.  I think it's a bother, and always wonder what is going to pop up next?

I had a friend ask how much time I spend a day blogging, because it's very easy to just get lost in here.  So I have to stay on track or I loose track of time!  I'm finding everyone is weighing these issues, too.

For those of you who are very computer literate, I'm very happy for you that you don't ever have any of these problems.  For those who confided in me that you have the same kinds of things going on - we're all here to help each other.

Cutest thing happened to me today!  I was out giving all my plants a drink of Miracle Grow.  A pair of Hummingbirds who are nesting in the tree on the side of our hill came and took turns taking a sprinkle shower from the hose!  You all know how much I love these little guys!  No camera, and because it was so hot, all the windows were closed so I couldn't call Don to come take my picture with them!

First one would come and shower for a bit, then the mama would come and shower - I stretched my hand to her and she came over to see if I had a gift for her.  Next time I'm out, I'm carrying my camera and some oranges or yarn for her!

Well, it's late, and with all the yard work today, the heat and oops - I forgot to freeze the peaches - need to do that first thing in the morning!!  Thank you to the Graphics Fairy and June at Dezinaworld for the images I used here.  I'm off for a cup of tea before jumping in bed!

Blessings to all for a wonderful new week.
Donna

~ ~ ~ How Does Your Garden Grow?? ~ ~ ~

Well pretty darn good right now!  Hot weather is supposed to be coming - a one of these days! The last two weeks the weather guessers have been saying, "Winds will be dying down and the weather will be warming up 10 degrees tomorrow, 10 degrees the day after and we'll be in triple digits in a few days!"  Still not happening, but our garden is doing pretty good in spite of only 80's (all of the plants we put in are for hot weather!)

Here's what we have so far - and we're happier than can be with it!

Do you see the pea pods!?  There's about 6 Snow Peas and Snap Peas!

Butternut Squash - 3 bushes - and so far I've counted about 40 babies like this and a ton of flowers!  We just enjoyed our last one from last year's crop!

Spaghetti Squash!!  It's growing like crazy this year!  Remember last year, last Spring when it stayed so darned cold and Spring just passed us by?  Nobody had much success with this plant because we had so many late frosts, it killed them all!  I quickly counted this evening - hold your headbands ladies - 25 already with a ton of flowers and this is the first wave!!

Zucchini Squash!  Yeah!!  It's been growing like crazy!  We've been enjoying stir fried veggies now for a couple weeks, given a few away - and can't wait to grow a couple of boats for bread.  Looks like we'll have another bumper crop, which is a good thing - we're down to the last 10 or so loaves and that's the family favorite!

Yellow Crook Neck Squash - well of the two plants, one is straight, one is crook neck!  Planted together in the same pot - love them both so no matter!

Our first baby Bell Pepper!!  Think this is a red one.  The one on the left isn't making it so I'll need to take it off, but I hope you can see the one in the middle?  These plants are small and not growing vigorously - they need the HEAT!!!   We are still finishing up our peppers I froze last year!  So, these will be ready just in time!

Last but not least this evening, our tomato plant.  We chose a Patio Tomato because it stays a bit more compact. Only one plant this year.  We've found more than one produces so many, we thought we'd stick with only the one this year - and it's already been providing tomatoes.  I hope you can see it even has tons on it already and it's still a baby.

If I get adventurous next year, maybe I'll plant my Yellow Pear and Beefsteak Tomatoes, some Jalapenos, and the herbs needed for salsa and can some for the year!  We'll see - we're just at the beginning of this season!  I forgot to take photos of the beets and carrots!  The tops are about 4" high already.  Probably should thin them out, but I hate to toss out those babies!  Those are growing in large pots this season - a new one for us!

So ~ that's how my garden is growing, so far!  With 3 Butternut, 2 Spaghetti, 2 Zucchini, 2 Yellow Squash plants (last year was not so proliferating as this year has even started out!), 4 sets of Peas in two mounds (again, last year didn't yield but 10 or so ALL SUMMER!!!) 3 Bell Pepper (red, yellow, orange) - always great to freeze, and 1 Tomato, along with the Fruit trees Blueberries, Beets, Carrots and Herbs so far- we should have a fair crop.  Lots to put up, lots to give away and share with friends and family!

If you have a garden, please let me know so I can pop by and see how your's is growing!

Have a wonderful weekend, Ladies!!

Blessings,

* * * * * * * Happy 4th of July * * * * * *

I hope everyone enjoyed our lovely 4th of July!  What an honor we have in our country, I think the greatest country in the world, to freely celebrate our National Independence!

Our Nation is so very blessed!  We wake up every day, go to the job of our choice, make as much money as we want to work hard to acquire, provide for our families in the manner in which we would like.  We are schooled for free until we graduate from High School, able to attend a number of different trade schools, colleges or universities - that in and of itself is tremendous!  How many people came, and are still coming, some at great cost both monetarily and physically, just for that right alone?

Let's face it, almost every one of us has an immigrant background!  But at the end of the day, whether we have become Naturalized or born here, WE ARE AMERICANS!

It's up to all of us, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, all of us, to teach our little ones exactly what this means.  We have freedom and liberty today because of the brave men signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that they would loose every thing they owned, every one they loved, their very lives!

Every single man who sign this document, that some would crumble up and throw away, died horrible deaths, lost their love ones, wives, children - every thing they worked for FOR US! What greater sacrifice could another man give to his countrymen?  I think there is no greater gift.

We have so many rights, so many liberties, so many freedoms, I pray we are honorable enough, strong enough, wise enough to keep them!  Do you realize, or do your children or grandchildren know, that people in other countries are imprisoned or punished by death for worshiping Jesus Christ?  For believing there is only one living God?  Some for believing in any god, some for not believing in a god not of their choice?   Do you have to believe in our country? No - that too is your right!

Just as the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, as General George Washington and our country men and women believed in, fought for, died for, I for one am grateful each and every day for those who have fought, died and won our battles to keep us free!

For those who are still in our Military Services, "Thank you for your service to our country.  My family and I appreciate you, we thank you for standing on the front lines protecting our freedom, our very way of life."  To those families who have someone in the Branches - "Thank you for your service to our country.  While not on the front lines, you are the one supporting your service person, keeping the home fires burning, raising the children of soldiers.  You and your family make the sacrifice every day for all of us.  And please know, my family and I thank you and appreciate you and your sacrifices."

So - while we are shooting off fireworks, sparklers - gosh that reminds me of when I was three years old - honestly!!  Please remember after the BBQ's, time on the beaches, or in the stadiums watching big shows, our country is very fragile right now.  We all need to work hard to keep our flag raised, to make sure our freedoms and liberties are not stolen from us one bit at a time, be proud of our country, work hard to keep it free, work with one another.

Blessings,
Donna

Flowers, Roses, Magnolias and more ~~~

3/8" Roses

Not real ones of course, but flowers, roses and magnolias for my cards!  And they are beautiful!!  I love making my own cards and altered art projects, but running down to the craft store and picking up a package of 5 to 7 for $5 or more (yes, we always use the 40% off coupons when we have them) but we're limited to color and style at the store!

Gorgeous Small Gardenas

I've done some online ordering, but this one company looks so good - so I took the plunge!  Oh my gosh ~ these roses and flowers are F A B U L O U S!!!  Wild Orchid Crafts ~ a company out of the United Kingdom.  Now, before that scares you off thinking, "Oh my gosh, shipping will be a fortune!  It's going to take forever to get here!  They must be really expensive!"         

Aster Daisy Flowers

No, no and no.  Shipping is very reasonable, free if you order over a certain amount.  It took less than 6 days to get here from the time I ordered to doorstep delivery - ordered on Wednesday night, shipped Thursday morning and arrived on Tuesday in the mail!  I can't beat the price with a coupon or a stick!  I bought some of these beauties 50 - 1 1/4" roses, for less than $6!  And these are all beauties!  But, you decide for yourself.  I decided for me, and I need to make a bunch of cards so I can place my next order!!  he he he!

So my dilemma was - open roses, rose buds, curly roses, cottage roses, tea roses, wild roses? ? ? 

Light colors?
     1" - bigger?

            Two toned?
                    Maybe a flower
                            and not a rose?

As you can see ~
    Nope, I couldn't decide!

I can't even get them
    All back inside!!





Hope to be showing you all some great cards soon!  I love making them!  I love giving them!  Now I'm off to buy ribbon and twine!

Also, I'm still working on my computer.  Seems Chrome, regular Blogger and the rest of the Computer Genies in the sky, are all working to irritate me - not succeeding - I'm just going with the flow on this.  Everyone is seeing something different and I don't know why.  Just know I'm trying to fix it!!

Blessings to all!!
Donna 

~ ~ Haaappy Birthday Toooo ME!!!

Yesterday was my birthday - actually a milestone birthday - so my daughter in law and wee ones came over to celebrate with us!  I made a nice dinner (I know, I know - but I love cooking, so it's not a chore for me to do it!!)  And Karla made the Cup Cakes!

Karla always makes the cutest cup cakes, they are honestly a gift themselves!

And of course, how do you decorate for Grandma?

Why ~ a garden of course!  Wait til you see these up close!

Soil made of crushed Oreo's, with the cream intact!

A head of lettuce with a mint M&M and Corn Flakes dipped in green frosting on top!

Radishes and Carrots made with Sour Balls, Corn Flakes, a bit of frosting, rolled Starburst - Cute!

And, three peas in a pod, again using taffy, frosting and sour balls!  Aren't they just the cutest?!

And, while the cup cakes are the cutest, these three little ones are the apple of my eye!

I love how Karla makes these, because she puts a thin layer of frosting on them to help them adhere, not a ton, so you can actually eat the entire cup cake!  They picked out a lovely card, it honestly brought tears to my eyes, as did my Sweetie's!

They only stayed one night - Bible Study Camp was having an evening of fun tonight they were so excited to get to - "Nerd Night!"

 Leila with two crooked pony tails!

Two

Nerdy

Kids!

Like Urkel in

Family Matters.

Snorts and all!

Could find a single extra

glass frame we had

hanging around

here forever! 

Wishing you all a Happy Wednesday - the weekend is fast approaching.  I'm trying to change the font on my blog, so hang in with me!  Had the kids over and needed all the time for storing up Grandma lovin' till I see them in a couple of weeks!  

Blessings to all!

Donna

And While I Was Away ~ ~ ~

As you can see, at least I hope you can - Lord knows these days with Blogger - there are a few changes with my blog!  First the color ~ it's a bit brighter, used a different script, honestly I haven't figured out what else!

I fixed dinner, my Sweetie and I watched a program, then he went back to work and I looked at my blog, and honestly - thought I was on someone else's page  -  IT WAS BLUE!!   With blue writing, barely seen through the blue on blue background.

So, what's a girl to do?  Well, I don't know - so I went in and of course with the new Blogger, nothing is the same in the design section (that's the inside part for those like me who know nothing about the design section!) so I tinkered around for a half an hour, said darn, and saved what I had tinkered with and tried to fix.  

However, it's a bit blinding now.  My original color is gone from the back ground selection.  So, tomorrow I will take another look in daylight and see if it's still blinding, or if it's just because I'm tired and frustrated.  I will go over to the blogger I introduced you all to a few posts back - she has some great tutorials.  So, I'll be looking at her blog, AGAIN!

May I ask - has anyone else had this problem??

Also, what do you think of the changes I did make??

Who better to ask than friends who look at my page from the other side?

I hope you all had a wonderful start to a marvelous week!  I have seen so many blogs reminding us, "It's only six months til Christmas!"  I don't know about you, but I'm not running out to do any Christmas shopping.  I will admit, I look for those special gifts for those special people all year long, but with birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparent's Day, Easter, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Veteran's Day, Flag Day, I just love you days - I'll still need to go shopping in time for Christmas!  But, thanks to all who are reminding us - now I guess we'll start to see countdown clocks!

HAPPY JUNE everyone!
Lots of hugs,
Donna

PS  I just added the images throughout my post and the original color popped back on my screen - I'm really confused.  I guess it will just be a surprise each time??  Don't know what to think - I haven't a clue - maybe it will be a rainbow tomorrow.  I changed it to my favorite colors, though a bit bright - pinks!  Oh heavens!!

PPSS  Sneaky Momma - I'll be at your blog as soon as I can in the morning - now, after deleting some spaces, I've ended up with highlighting blocks around the paragraphs under the images - really - oh heavens!!

Grandma, Grandma - Let's Go Harvest!!

Oh my goodness, I can hear her now!  My grandchildren and daughter in law are coming next week to help me celebrate and when she sees the 'fruit on the vine' my little Leila will be grabbing the vegetable basket.  I'll need to get a small one.  Last year she was so disappointed when we took the big garden basket and had two squash and a tomato or two.  She looked up at me, pointed to the basket, and said, "How do we fill it up?  Is there more plants somewhere? This is not a harvest!"

Now - I'm going to show what we have today - and no laughing - it's still a young garden!  And, the plants were itty bitty or seeds - so we've come a long way, baby!

 3 Butternut Squash in the middle, 2 Spaghetti Squash - 1 on each end.



We took out over half of this side lawn to use for garden and trees.  In the background are our 4 Citrus Trees.  We have babied them for over 4 years, and this is their first time out in the elements.

Fruit almost ready on all 4 and new blossoms!  Good signs of being happy!






I know it looks like I may have gone overboard with the squash plants, but last year we had some that just didn't make it.  The weather again this year is crazy!  Near 100 last week - barely  80 tomorrow!  Here are the 2 Zucchini and 2 Yellow Crookneck!  So, I over planted - a little.




Lookie, lookie!!  Our first Zucchini!











And Yellow Squash!

3 Pepper plants - Red, Orange, Yellow.  And, a must, Tomatoes!

The Peach Tree is growing and getting very sturdy.  The new Blueberry looks great, too!  And it even has several of these.  Not enough for a pie, not even for a tart, but enough for Grandpa and Wee One to see if they are tasty!

And the favorite part of our yard ~ ~

Yep!  My Humming Birds!  You know how we love these little guys.  Papa and Mama birds!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend - be safe, be happy and have lots of fun!!

Blessings,
Donna