Happy New Year!!!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year. May this new year bring you much happiness and good health. May all your needs be met by God, spiritually, physically and financially. Minus not too much sadness.

Thanks to all of you that followed along with me this past year. It's been fun posting about cards, food, flowers, gardens and ideas. Sometimes it is hard to come up with something to write, so I found that posting once a week was a bit easier for me. Didn't feel under bondage to produce a post when there was nothing to talk about. I just may do that again, so fear not, if you do not see me on a regular basis. I do visit many of you everyday, sorry I don't always comment on a daily basis.

But, maybe 2018 will be different. I like the new year, it's a new slate and a new beginning. Not going to make any resolutions here....because they are soooo hard to keep. And, there again, I don't want to put myself under bondage again, it's just too hard to live up to the expectations that I place on myself. Trying to do things that are just too hard to attain.

Live each day to the best of my ability, is all I can do. I tried to do better at everything, but that only led to a few bleeding ulcers over the years.....one of them, I almost died from. So, it takes me a long time to learn a lesson...but I eventually get it and hopefully am not too late learning it.

One thing I will do though....is draw closer to God. Read his word everyday.....that is doable, even if it's just a verse or two or a chapter. Being thankful for all HE does in my life and how HE shows Himself real in my daily life. Day in and day out. Yep, that's what I need to do.

As I type this post....the Green Bay Packers are playing the Detroit Lions. Packers are losing 11-35, the game is almost over. Whew, no more games till next season. Hopefully things will be better and Aaron Rogers will be back to play.

Well, I still have the Chicago Blackhawks to root for, hopefully they will be contenders for the Stanley Cup. NASCAR starts up again 2/18/18 so we have that to look forward to also.

Well, time to close this post for the year. You all have a great night and a Happy New Year. Keep looking up ~ better days are coming.
Cheers ~ Louise

Christmas Day is Right Around the Corner

Hi there everyone......whoever you are???? Are you ready for the big day???? I guess I am....I owe a few cards to people I did not send to, I will make some "Happy New Year" cards for them. Have a few gifts to wrap for JP and myself. But I can do that tomorrow....no rush!

JP received some money as a Christmas gift from the people he works with....that was a pleasant surprise. SO.....I was able to buy a 4lb Boneless Rib Roast (prime rib). I am so looking forward to making that on Christmas. I will take pictures and tell you how I made it.....very simple directions. The roast will cook in the oven at 500 degrees for 5-7 minutes then rest for two hours with the oven off. Guess it depends if I want it medium or rare. I'd like it pink.....but not mooing!!!

Made some "Peanut Brittle" and "Healthy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars" tonight. There's a lot of sugar involved in these recipes. Here's a picture of the Brittle. No picture of the "Healthy No Bake Crunch Bars"

 The Peanut Brittle wasn't too hard to make. It's made in the microwave, poured on a cookie sheet, cooled and broken into pieces. Was fun to make. Going to give some to the Pastor tomorrow along with some Healthy Crunch Bars. He's a truck driver, so he likes lots of goodies in his lunch box. As does JP when he is at work.

 I made this Apple Pie a couple of days ago.....there is only one piece left....pies don't last long around here.

 Thought I would show you my little village. I added three new things to it this year. The background, the 2 new fences and if you can see it, a snowman water tower to the right of the church. I usually leave my village up till mid-January. It takes me all day to put it up and then all day to take it down. Below the village, is my manger scene....that's about 30 years old now.

Here's my little Christmas tree. I added some purple sparkly feathers....got them at Walmart. I think I will try and get some more, hopefully there will be some left for 50% off. I probably will leave my tree up till Valentine's Day....make it all red, lights, ornaments, beads and of course the elf stays. I usually put it in the corner, where my village sits right now.

Well, I guess I'll close here. Bad news, The Green Bay Packers lost 13 to 0 and the Chicago Blackhawks lost 4-1. Not a good night for both teams. So keep looking up, better days are coming.

Cheers ~ Louise

I Love This Song "Jerusalem"

Hi there everyone....Thought you would enjoy this beautiful song....I sure do like it, no, I mean love it. Could listen to it over and over again. Bet it is even better being there to experience the Worship.


Well, today we watched the snow, snowing and JP shoveling it. Good thing, it was light snow. I watched the Packers win 38-10 and I watched the Chicago Blackhawks win 3-1. Good games today.

We didn't go to church today because of the snow. Our travels to Forest Junction (round trip) is 32 miles, to watch Jimmy Swaggart Ministries from Baton Rouge, LA on the big screen 60" at church. So, because of the snow, JP did not want to go, I am glad. I can watch the Church service on my little screen 32" at home.

I got most of my village up (will take pictures soon)....tomorrow I will work on Christmas cards. Maybe Tuesday I can get them into the mail along with Pop's Christmas present, a box of cookies and candy, headed for LasVagas. All will be well.

Next thing on the agenda is my card making day on Wednesday at Betty's. We have a little party, snacks and making cards and exchange little gifts. My next blog I will show you what I made for the ladies. My snack, will be "angel eggs" I am figuring for now....I can get a free dozen of eggs at Pic n Save this week, if I spend another $25.00.....we'll see about that.

So much business for Christmas and to think it is not even Jesus' birthday. I have heard that he actually was born in April. December 25th is a day to remember Him.

Anyways, I am getting most everything done....then I can enjoy Christmas....I guess. Still have to buy something for JP but I have to wait till I get some $$$ and the pay check is coming 1 day before Christmas Eve (I don't shop on Christmas Eve). JP's SS is coming 3 days before Christmas Eve. My SS comes 3 days after Christmas.....so that won't work well either. Oh well, he already got some socks and he is getting a hair cut from me....so what more does a guy need??? He will probably give me some money to go buy myself something....I will wait till after Christmas for the sales.

Well, I suppose I should cut this post short. Hope you enjoy the song Jerusalem. Keep looking up....better days are coming.
Cheers ~ Louise

Blue Heron and 10 Ways to Use the MISTI

Hi there everyone. How you all doing??? Surviving all the Politics and the World Series? I have not been much of a Baseball fan....but I'm rooting for the Cubs. (Being from Chicago, I do root for most of the teams there, except for Da'Bears. Green Bay Packers are my first pick.) It does not look too good right now, Cubs are losing 2-0, 3rd ending. Indians pitcher just got 8 strikes against the Cubs....nope, not looking great.

So now that I know I can share stuff on my blog via You Tube, thought I would give you a tutorial on how to use the Misti. I had been wanting a Misti for a long time and finally the chance came last May when I actually won a Misti. I use it quite a lot for most every thing I do. There are a few tricks to using the Misti that I have forgotten. So saving this tutorial on my blog will be of benefit to me.


I have been working on making cards the last couple of days...using my Misti to stamp these Great Blue Heron cards. (I made about 14 of these birds) Here is what the finished card looks like. I already sent a card like this out to a friend for her birthday. Gave one to JP, just because. The Misti really helped because quite a few times the image needed to be re-stamped because the ink did not cover the stamp completely. 

In making these cards, I used my distress inks, a paint brush and water and Copic markers. Made for a nice affect. My next few cards, I think I will use gold embossing powder to emboss the Heron in gold.

The rubber stamp came with no rubber backing (EZ Foam). Betty Helped me with that, as she had some extra EZ Foam and gave it to me. Note: I need to get a sheet or two of EZ Foam, because I have a few stamps without backing. Although, I can use the Misti and get a good image without the EZ Foam.

I finally took some pictures of the cards I made at Betty's this past Friday. So they will be in my next post....stay tuned. Oh, and I got a Blue Apron box last week, so I will be posting about those lovely meals I made.

Well, it does not look good for the Cubbies, score is 3-0 and in the 9th.....oh well, can't win them all. I think the Cubs celebrated too much Saturday and have not re-grouped as yet.

Time to close, need to get down stairs and ride my bike for a couple of miles and work on some cards. Next week, Friday is Hospice meeting, so I better get my cards ready. Keep looking up, better days are coming. Cheers ~ Louise 

"Fear The Feathers" Nope....No Fear

Hi there everyone.......how was your day today???  I was kind of busy today. Tearing the bed apart and washing bed blankets and linen, making cards and cooking. After the game I shall have to put the bed back together again....uge, one of my unfavorite jobs, remaking the bed, but oh so nice and comfy to get into a cozy bed at the end of the night.

I am so looking forward to this last game of the series with the St. Louis Blues tonight.....game 7, it will tell if the Hawks or Blues go on to round 2 of the next series with whoever wins. The score is tied 2-2 in the 2nd period.

"Fear The Feathers" I got this poster from my SIL's facebook, not sure where she got it, but I shall pass it along to you. One thing I miss living in Chicago, or near Chicago is seeing the Blackhawks play. I used to go to the Blackhawk games, season tickets back in the day when they still played at the old Chicago Stadium, those were the days!!!

So we moved to Wisconsin in 1976 and had the Green Bay Packers to root for, but my heart was still with the Chicago Blackhawks. I would rather watch a hockey game then a football game, maybe because I understand it more. I was told to "always follow the puck" and that I do.....the football? Hard to follow!!!!

When we moved up to Ladysmith Wisconsin, for 10 years, we did not have a TV.....I know, how I managed, I do not know. But I lost touch with the Hawks and what they were doing. It wasn't till two years ago I could get them on TV again and was able to get a few games again. AT&T has allowed me to watch more games this year......so I feel more complete, knowing I have the Hawks and hockey to watch again and any team is fine with me. I am from the old school, when there was just the original 6 teams, now there is 30 teams....hard to keep them all straight.

Well, we are going into the 3rd period and the score is still 2-2......oh boy, I think I need some coffee and popcorn!!!!!

Oh my gosh.....what a game.......I am so nervous!!! The announcer just said whoever wins this round will play the Dallas Stars......oh-oh St. Louis just scored 3-2!!! Okay Hawks lets go!!!!! I am sad.....I don't think the Hawks will win this one....okay 1:20 left. I can't look!!!

HAWKS........LOST!!!!!! BUMMERS....end of the story.

Well.....cheers anyways ~ Louise

Are You Wondering?.......Valentine Tree and Cards

Hi there everyone. Well, you are probably wondering why my post title says "are you wondering?" Yes, I would like to say I am sorry....for I am sure you are wondering why I am not commenting on your blog....I really want to, but blogspot is not allowing me to, and I am very upset about this. I love commenting, just as I love receiving a comment, even if it is just to say hello. I have tried going anonymous, that does not work, (my comment vanishes) then I try the URL and that does not work. (again, my comment vanishes.) I don't know how or what to do. One day I tried emailing one of my blogger friends and that did not work....I clicked and clicked to no avail. Finally I gave up.

I have searched through BlogSpot to see if I could find a setting that needs to be changed and I have not yet found the problem....it sure is frustrating to me. So I just wanted you to know, I do read your blogs....most everyone you see along side my post...I visit most every day. Please don't give up on me, just cause you don't see my comment....I am here, reading your blog....but sometimes I just can't comment.

I do have another blog, on Word Press....but no one knows I am there....Word Press is so complicated to me.....I don't know.........guess it is time for a change of some sort, or just go back to Word Press and scrabble my mind some more. In the mean time, here are some more pictures.

Below is my Valentine Tree....hard to tell the lights are a glowing. I think I will leave the tree up most of February and take it down March 1st. Sounds like a plan.

So here are a few cards I made for my Etsy store. The shoe pictures are actually napkins, using the first layer and gluing it on some card stock then letting it dry. These two cards will be $3 a piece, so $6.00 + shipping ($9.50). I am looking around for St. Patrick napkins, as soon as I find them....they will become cards also.


Blue Apron meal....here is their site. "Chicken & Udon Noodle Soup with Napa Cabbage & Dried Lime" This was a really good soup and easy to put together. The use of the dried lime was unique....but I did not see a difference. I would give this soup 4 stars.

So yesterday (Sunday), I was in a cooking mood. Pretty cold outside, so I think I was making comfort food inside. Baked potatoes, 500degree beef roast and carrots. I also made a baked sweet potato and mashed it with butter, milk, salt and pepper. YUM, I have not been much of a fan of the lowly sweet potato...but that is slowly changing for me. Sweet potatoes make a good pie too.

So, now....we get to have roast beef sandwiches for the week. I have put some sliced meat in the freezer for another meal or two or for Italian beef sandwiches for a later date.

In this picture is Banana Crazy/Wacky Cake and then there is Chocolate, Vanilla, Spice, Lemon and Coffee Wacky cake.....all very simple and on my agenda to make often. There is no butter, milk or eggs used in this cake. I guess in the old, depression days, when it was hard to get butter, milk or eggs, this cake was used and truly, it is very good. Would be wonderful with it warmed out of the oven with ice cream on top. I am sure you could make this gluten free by using rice flour.

Okay....in this next picture is Doggie treats for Kylie....see, I was in a cooking mood. These were very simple. 2 bananas mashed, 2/3 cups peanut butter and 1 1/2 cup oat meal (powdered) So I ran the oat meal in my blender to powder it as much as I could. Then mix the 3 ingredients together...if it is too sticky, put more oat meal in it, too dry, more peanut butter. Then, roll out the mixture and cut into squares or us a cooking cutter. Bake at 350 degrees on parchment paper for 15 minutes, cool and put in a container...Kylie, by the way...loved her new treats and wagged her tail faster then she does for her other treats. Maybe she knew I made them for her?????? They were pretty good too....I tried one or two of them. Maybe they should be "people treats" too.

In this last picture is my Valentine tree in the dark and the setting on the camera was for "fireworks" a setting I did not realize I had....geez, I have had this camera for over 3 years and just now found this setting?? Where have I been living?????

Well, bummers the Green Bay Packers lost their game Saturday. Now they are out for the season. At least I still have the Chicago Blackhawks to root for, and there is still 2 1/2 months yet to play and then the playoffs for the Stanley Cup.....yep, I have high hopes for them.

Not too much going this week except for card making at Betty's on Wednesday. JP has another appointment on Thursday and my Blue Apron meals are coming on Thursday also. OH....another thing going on, I am finally working on my income tax...uge, but I got a good start so that is good, maybe I will be finished before the due date this time.

As for card making I have been making a few new cards lately and also working to put some cards together for the Hospice meeting on the 29th. That always keeps me busy.

Time to close....gosh, it stayed lighter tonight, Daylight saving starts Sunday, March 13th....yay, then, we are back to normal, whatever that may be.

Have a good evening and keep looking up, better days are coming. Cheers ~ Louise

November and Stampin'up Cards

Hi there everyone, how did your day go today? Went to church this morning, we left early today, we usually hang around to talk to people. So we got home and I made quick grilled cheese sandwiches....no, not like the ones I made the other day. Just plain grilled cheeses with ham and sliced, grilled potatoes...that sure did hit the spot. Stamp Camp was at 1:00.  

Today was daylight savings, of which I totally forgot about until 11pm last night....by the time all the clocks were changed it was 11:30, I think we have WAY too many clocks in this house. Anyways, while JP was eating his lunch, he mentioned, "didn't you say you had a meeting at 1:00 pm???" Yes, I said. Well, it's 1:00!!! Oh, those clocks didn't get changed, it's still 12:00.....whew!!!!!! Yeah, way too many clocks in this house.

So I got to Kathy's house on time, actually early and started into making this lovely fall card. A little bit of coloring to this one. I guess that's the newest thing now a days....coloring books for adults...guess I shall have to get a coloring book. Sometimes it is just plain fun to sit down and color a stamped image...very relaxing. Four other ladies showed up, so we were all busy at the different stations, making these cards.

This was a pretty card to make, I bought this set....the cut outs and the stamp set, bundled together and 15% off....maybe this will be one of my Christmas cards for this year. The background is sponged ink, can you see the stars and moon? Then the background was put in an embossing folder and ran through the Hot Shot to make the snow effect. The snowflakes were sanded down to look snowy. This sure made a nice card...I like.

This was a neat card....made to look like a dressing screen. I have this stamp set, so I guess I could make of few of these cards some time. Just would have to get the dimensions for the card stock and the punches.

Now this was a fun hunk of cheese to make. It is an actual die cut that was run through the Big Shot with 2 pieces of card stock. The parts of the cheese were scored and bent to shape the cheese. Dabbed the card stock to look like swiss cheese, I guess. Then embellished with the Green Bay Packer logo, ribbon, sequins and the red card stock. Turned out really fun. I think it shall be my decoration by the computer.

So the Packers are playing right now....so far, not so good, the score is 7-0 Broncos winning. Come on Packers....lets GO WIN this game!!!! OH, oh Broncos just scored again...NOT GOOD!!

As soon as I finish this post, I shall go downstairs and make some cards. FINALLY got my mojo back to making cards again. Sure took time to get it back. Guess the "hernia" took a lot out of me, not realizing it.

Well, you all have a good evening and keep looking up.
Cheers ~ Louise

Saturday....Spent a Day Making Some Cards....Finally!!!!

Hi there everyone.....whomever that may be. Well, I finally spent some time in my basement studio, making some cards and also found some time to reorganize some stamps. Sometimes I can be so messy, and not put things back they way they were. So yeah....time to pick up after myself and straighten up a few things..

I bought this Tim Holtz stamp set from "Simon Says Stamp!" Here is their site. This week I need to get some Tim Holtz here is his blog site. distress inks, especially one certain color for my Christmas cards. If I can't find what I am looking for here in town. I will be off to "Simon Says Stamp!" again.

I have been seeing these "Crazy Birds" around a lot and thought they were so cute. There are quite a few tutorials on YouTube that show how to color them with Copic Markers and water color pencils. So far, I am liking the copic markers. So many ideas and so many ways to color these guys.

I like that they are so colorful....and whatever the color you use....they will look funny and appealing to the eye and bring a smile each time. Now I have to find some sayings to go along with their funny faces.

Thank You, Missing you, Hello Friend. I have seen some birds with hats on for Birthday and Halloween. I need to get some cards together for Hospice.....think I will use these crazy birds to bring a smile to a face or two.

Here is the third meal from Blue Apron I made on Thursday....this was really good. The eggs actually came in the box of food and were packed very carefully in an egg container and wrapped up in brown paper and then in a box....nope, they were not broken. I wondered about the transportation of these eggs....but they made the trip in one piece.....lol!!!

This meal was so yummy. "Roasted Romanesco Cauliflower Salad with Homemade Garlic Croutons and Sunny Side-up Eggs" I think I shall make this again....not sure I will be able to find the cauliflower they used.....but white will be fine. The cooked kale and onions with garlic was just the right touch. The cauliflower was roasted with spices and olive oil. Mixed together with the croutons and a fried egg placed on top....yes, a very good dish with lemons squeezed on top.

I found 3 people to receive the free invitations to receive 3 free meals from Blue Apron. Here is their site.  Two Blog Friends and my neighbor next store. I know they will enjoy these lovely gifts and love the meals as much as I do. Happy cooking friends  :)

Well, time to close here, need to take a short nape. I am feeling my eyelids getting heavy. The Packers are playing today at 3:25....that is usually my nape time. So you all have a great day and keep looking up. Cheers ~ Louise

Another Eye Update

Hi there everyone.....this is just a short update on the eyes. Went to the 2nd post op on my left eye today. The nurse had me read the letters on the wall......I could read the very last line and she said "WOW, we have to give you an award....your vision in the left eye is 20+1!!!!" When the Doctor came in....he said I had the eye of a Hawk and that my left eye must be the dominate eye......yeah, I said, my eye must be bionic!!!! He was very pleased that my eyes are doing so well.

He asked me if my eyes were feeling dry and I said yes. He put something in my tear duck that would cause my eyes not to dry....forgot what he called it. But he has it in his eyes and all his nurses too....so I thought, why not....so far, so good. No dry eyes and they feel comfortable. Remember when you used to wear contacts and the eyes felt gritty? Nope, does not feel that way now.

 

I have one more Post op appointment on the 25th of August....I told Dr. Neilitz that I would miss seeing him.....he for sure, has to be my favorite Doctor of all time. A very nice man who made me feel like I was his only patient.....very good bed-side manners. Yes, I will definitely miss him. Although I do have an appointment with him again January 7th, 2016!!! A lot can happen between now and then.

 

Well, the Green Bay Packers played the Patriots in New England. Yay for the Packers they won!!! 22 to 11!!! 

 

Well, time to close this blog....hopefully I will have more news this week-end. JP's family is coming for a visit and we will be going out to eat. Have a great weekend, talk to you all later and keep looking up. Cheers ~ Louise

WHAT?????

Hahahahahaha......hope you had a wonderful Sunday. It was beautiful today, sunny and crisp, a good day to be alive!!!!

I put a pork tenderloin in the crock pot along with some of my homemade sauerkraut at 8:30am this morning, by the time we got home at 12:30, the meat temp was 160 degrees. So I waited for about an hour,  putzed around the house, sat on the front porch and turned my water fountain on. Got dinner ready, toast, salad and applesauce. It was a lovely meal to savior on a beautiful day like this.

Checked out what was on the computer, took a short nap and then took Kylie for a little walk. About 5:00 we raked some leaves, cut my peonies, lavender and irises down. Tomorrow is leaf collection. So we need to get as much out there for the city to collect as possible.

So here I am typing away on this blog....nothing much important going on this week that I know of....maybe just finish winterizing the front and back yard. I still have one tomato bush producing, it sits on the front porch...the frost has not gotten to it yet....so little tomatoes for salads are on the agenda for them.

Well time to close....the Packers are about to kick the ball and play tonight...time to go watch them play and win......hopefully. Have a great couple of days and enjoy the beautiful weather till the snow begins to fly!!! Cheers ~ Louise

Baby It's Cold Out There.....

Hi everyone....hope you are keeping warm. Not looking forward to this COLD weather. So much for the talk of global warming. No man really knows the weather conditions...only God. Here's a good scripture to meditate on...let me know what you think. Genesis 8:22 "While the Earth remained, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease" In my commentary, it says (The promise is given here that the seasons of the year will continue forever, because the Earth will remain forever)

So maybe man can predict what is going to happen all he wants....But God, is still in control. "Keep Calm....God's Got It"

So I am watching the Packer game as I am writing this blog....oh bummers, the 49er's just scored. it's 20 to 17 and the temperture is -2 degrees with a windchill of -13. I just don't know how they do it. Watching them play, it looks like their faces are frozen. So the QB on the other team was just asked how it was to play out there in the cold and he said..."oh it wasn't bad" (yeah, right!!)

49er's won the game with a time-out and 3 seconds left. The kicker kicked the ball and they won.....somehow I did not think that was a fair game play......but who am I??? Guess I will hear more about it on the news and tomorrow. Well, I guess the football season is over for the Packers, sure was hoping for a win!!!

This is going to be a short blog with NO pictures, can you believe it? guess I am slacking off. Well you take care and keep warm these next few day and keep looking up, cause Jesus is coming soon!!!
Cheers ~ Louise

Something New in My Etsy Store

Hi everyone...whew, where did this weekend go??? Well, tomorrow is MONDAY and the beginning of a new week. I tell ya, life flies by so fast, what does that mean anyways?? Am I too busy or not busy enough??? I don't know, it's either one or the other. Sometimes I have so much planned (24 hours is not enough) I can't get everything done, then there are days I just back off from everything. I can't imagine when I was working....I must have found the time, but then maybe everything went half done....I don't know....it's one of those mysteries!!!

So this weekend, JP and I went to Archivers....can you believe it? He went into one of my favorite stores. JP wanted some sheet music enlarged as some of the notes are hard to read. I wanted to print off some pictures from my camera disk and turn them into beautifully framed pictures, something I have been thinking of doing for awhile. Archivers has a section of the store available to work on their computers. You can pick pictures from your flash drive or disk that you want for scrap booking or framing, and make them any size you desire. I usually use a coupon from Achiever's for "10 free 4x6 pictures". I have decided to matte the pictures and sell them on my Etsy store.

So in the following pictures you will see some of the pictures I have chosen to matte and sell. Enjoy.

I really love the way this flower turned out...it almost looks like a hand painted Zenia. There are a few more colored Zenia's to print off and matte. Will have to see how this print fares on Etsy. I will be selling the matted print for $5.50 + postage ($7.00). (a trip to the Post Office with a sample mailing to see exactly how much postage will cost is in store).

This is one of my Black Eyed Susans. I just love when they pop up in my flower garden. I always try to plant lots of seeds....one or two of them will usually take. This picture shows that the black eyed susan is matted, but not in the frame. The picture will be sent like this with the clear plastic sleeve protecting it. A frame does not come with the pictures. The frames serve as a sample of what the picture will look like.

I just love my roses...in the above picture is my beautiful yellow rose framed....so pretty! Oh, about the frame...this was one of those little gems I picked up at a rummage sale. Fill a bag for $1.00.....there were about 7-8 frames in the bag...I think I got a good deal!!!

Here are my pretty white roses. This year the white rose bush had as many as 15-20 blooms at one time....gosh it was gorgeous!!! I have a pink-salmon colored rose...but for some reason, did not take pictures of them this year. I will have to go back into my files and find one of those roses.

Now this was an interesting picture of the pink Zenia and a little butterfly....I was told by a professional butterfly keeper, this was not a Monarch, which I thought it was, it is actually called a "Painted Lady" (Vanessa Cardui). This little butterfly visited while I was having my garage sale...it would stay the whole afternoon fluttering around on the Zenia's. It must have been having a ball, cause it visited 3 days in a row....so naturally I just had to get some pictures of it fluttering around on different colored flowers.

Last, but not least is my "Volunteer Sunflowers" I am not even sure when we had sunflowers in the garden, must have been a couple of years ago. The seeds ended up in the Compost at some point. When we planted some daisies, JP got a couple of shovel fulls of "gold dirt" planted the flowers and up came these volunteers. Wow...they sure were fun to watch, as they grew and the bees would suck up the nectar. Fun flowers to have in the garden...plus seeds for the birds next summer.

Well, there you have it, my new project for Etsy. As soon as the Packer game is over I shall add one of the pictures to my Etsy store.

Green Bay Packers are winning 31-17 in the 3rd with 23 seconds to go. On to the 4th...Ummmm...I think they have this one, Packers are looking pretty good...Oh, I am an Aaron Rogers fan!!! OKAY....FINAL SCORE PACKERS 44 - VIKINGS 31....GO PACKERS!! Next game is with Chicago in Green Bay....should be a good one.

You all have a great rest of the evening and hope your Monday is a good one. Keep looking up for your redemption draws nigh. Cheers ~ Louise

Going With the Green and Gold

Soooo, you are probably wondering why the title "Going with the Green and Gold"?? I like those colors for one thing, don't you?? Who can not love the color green, when you look all around, (during spring, summer and fall) what do you see....Green grass!! Must be one of God's favorite colors, also blue and white for the sky and clouds.

Another reason for liking green....it stands for life, living, new beginnings..........fresh, lively, healthy, oh and not to forget "green smoothies" that to me is what green stands for.........good words, huh? Gold stands for bright, shinny, rich and there is a street of Gold in heaven that we get to walk on. Gold also reminds me of the sun, money, crowns and jewels that never tarnish. Who could possibly not like those colors????????

Green and Gold also stands for the GREEN BAY PACKERS!!!!! GO PACK GO!!! Now I suppose you are wondering WHY in the world is Louise writing this blog about the Green Bay Packers???? I have been following the Packers ever since Bret Farve......sure did like watching him, but, didn't really care for the shenanigans he pulled. But, then along came Arron Rogers and everything was okay. It was so exciting to watch the Packers win the Super Bowl in 2011 against the Steelers 35 to 25. Ever since then, they have come so very close. Hey, at least they have come close to winning again, there is always next year!!!

One of my favorite blogs to visit is http://mybizzykitchen.com  I love all of Biz's ideas with different foods and exercise, her ups and downs with diabetes and inspiration for others to keep on going. TODAY she let her husband TONY loose on her blog, here is what he wrote:

While watching the Packers go down in flames over the weekend (They were humiliated 31 to 45), I remembered back to the days when I lived among them.

The company I worked for wanted to open an office in Wisconsin. I was newly married (first wife) and we looked around the Sheboygan area. We settled on an idyllic home a block from Lake Michigan. In those days the lake levels were very high, so storms would claim a house or two a year. It was near a little town, and that town hated us, so we shopped in the next little town over. They seemed to enjoy our money.

I then went out among them. They seemed friendly enough, but they spoke oddly. They had a different accent that was new to me. It is now immortalized in the movie Fargo. I slowly got to know more of them. We made friends with a Chiropractor and his wife who shared my office. We learned new words like bubbler (drinking fountain) stop –n-go lights (traffic lights). We learned that if you wanted a cola you did not ask for pop, soda is the correct word. I was quite often referred to as a FIB, I suggest you look it up in the urban dictionary, as unlike Biz, I won’t use such language, my Mommy reads this!

I don’t mean this is an insult to all of the Wisconsinites, but some were a tad….slow. I actually had to call the library to prove to my secretary that Sheboygan’s name was not an Indian Chief’s reaction to having another male child.

It was a simpler life, no traffic but to my first wives horror, no Marshall Fields. The malls largest store was Sears. They did open a Wal-Mart right as we left; it was big news in town.

Parties always and I do mean always included bratwurst. I don’t mind brats, but after a while c’mon, daddy needs a friggen Italian beef! Pasta was not widely understood. I learned that ordering it was suicidal. Pizza, oh don’t get me started on the pizza. Also, my Chicago connection automatically made me a mob member. I went to a few Brewers games, and was introduced to tailgating. This is where you bring a grill and drink so much you really drunk before you get inside the stadium. Also, fires rage all around as people dropped their hot coals into trash bins. This was before they spent over $300 million to build Miller Stadium.

My son Joey was born in Sheboygan. We got out pretty quick after that, I was afraid the boy might grow slow. This could cause him to like the Packers. This is not something I could live with. Sexual orientation, hairstyles, whatever makes him happy, but I will not have a Packer fan spring for my loins!

To the Wisconsin readers…I will type very slow now…I HATE THE PACKERS!

Also, to Louise. I know the Packers utter destruction at the hands of mere children must hurt. In my house it was awesome!!

Oh Tony, you crack me up :)

So, here is my comment to Tony on Biz's blog:

Tony, Tony, Tony….everytime I read your posts I crack up. You make Wisconsin people sound like aliens….when you lived “among them.” I think you moved to the wrong place in WI!! Appleton is another story, we have everything your little ♥ would desire even great Italian beef sandwiches, Pizza's and Chicago Style Hot dogs, Macy’s and the Fox River Mall, oh and LOT’S of traffic to make you feel like you're in Chicago.

We left the “rat race” of Chicago to “slow down” a bit and smell the roses We’ve been in WI longer then we lived in Chicago and we were born there (uge).

**As for the Packers…..did you know the Packers have appeared in the Super Bowl 5 times and won 4???? Your little bears have appeared in the Super Bowl 2 times and won ONCE !!! HA!! I’d rather be a GREEN BAY PACKER FAN……..GO PACK GO!!

And remember there is ALWAYS NEXT YEAR!!!!

Biz…..that smoothie looks great shall have to try it for sure and the naan bread is another thing on my list to try!!

**I did look up that stats "how many Super Bowls won" by the Packers and "bears" and the bears appeared in 2 Super Bowls, 1986 and 2007 winning in 1986~46-10 over New England. The Packers were in 5 Super Bowls, winning 4. 1967, 69, 97, 98, and 2011. In 1998 the Packers lost to the Broncos 31-24

Finally added a picture of Arron Rogers (so Tony can see his favorite colors of Wisconsin). You all have a great day and keep lookin' up for your redemption draws nigh!! Be sure to come back!!! Cheers~Louise

Some Words 4 Wednesday

I was going to make this a "Wordless Wednesday" day.........but decided, I have some words to say....lol!

Here's an update on our physical beings: JP's "Heart" doctor wants to try anti-acids for a month as he thinks the pain in his arm may be related to "acid reflux disorder". He said, "do you have any questions or concerns???" I said, "I do not understand how this pain in his arm can mean acid reflux, I don't see how the two go together????" Well, you would have thought I committed the most cardinal of cardinal sins by asking him that question, honestly, I just did not understand the concept!!! I was not questioning his integrity, I just did not see how the two went hand in hand. Gosh, did he get upset, JP said I pushed one of his buttons........well, I did not know, I was just asking a question, forgive me for asking anymore questions...........geez!!!!

Update on me..........the nurse called this morning, my liver levels are still high and the doctor wants to do some more lab work and ultra sound of the liver. So Friday more blood will be drawn and an ultra sound  next week the 29th at St.E's. AS FOR THE MEDICATIONS: blood pressure, diabetes meds and vitamins etc. I am feeling MUCH BETTER since not taking meds. My blood sugars have been "what I call normal" this past week, 129,129,136.134.133,130,125, and today was 138! For me that is great, the numbers are not bouncing around like they had been while on medications.

I had such a fear of going off the blood pressure meds, fearful that I would die on the spot!!! The pharmacist told me if I should ever stop taking the blood pressure pills that could be very dangerous, as I am like a "walking time bomb"!!! Then suddenly the doctor takes me off the blood pressure meds.........so what am I to think, for sure I will explode!!!! My neighbor told me that was a scare tactic the pharmacist used on me.....of course they want to make money!!!! Everyone is out to make money and they will use whatever they can to get what they want and if it means scaring the hell out of you......they will!!!! So much for updates!!!!!

"Dancing With The Stars"
On to more exciting things........Donald Driver won "Dancing with the Stars"!!!! How exciting is that!!! Oh yayyyy!!!! Be sure to watch Channel 2 - June 1st at 7pm, "Donald's Welcome Home Bash" in Green Bay, that will be fun to watch. Will be fun to watch Donald make his first touch-down and do his new dance at the goal line! Lambeau Field will roar with excitement!!!!! On the "Today Show" they said, "Donald Driver is really big in Green Bay Nation now he is big all across the Nation!!!! God Bless Donald Driver and the Green Bay Packers the Team to Beat in 2012-2013!!!!!!!

"American Idol"
"American Idol" Finals are tonight.............I am rooting for Phillip Phillips, even voted online........don't even know how many times I voted, could have been maybe 20-30 times. We'll see what happens. Thursday starts "So You Think You Can Dance"!! These are probably my favorite reality shows plus "Celebrity Apprentice" and "Biggest Loser".

Been doing some planting and getting things organized outside the house. Can't say much for the inside, it looks lived in, what can I say. Dishes are always in the sink, cause I am always cooking something. Last night it was vegie lasagna.......was very good too. Zucchini, onions, chili beans and red peppers. With lots of cheese and sauce so it would not dry out. That should last a couple of meals.

Well, I think I will close this blog down, have to go get ready and pick up JP's new medication for his "acid reflux" hopefully this will cause the arm not to pain him so much!!!

Have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh!!
Cheers ~ Louise

♥Frame Your Favorite Valentine♥

Made this frame along with two other frames, maybe about a year ago and just now putting all three frames in my etsy store. Nothing like a little procrastination on my part. But, now they are in my Etsy store, you can see all three frames at: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/.

Hey, so what did you think of those Green Bay Packers.....what a great game, huh!!!!! I am really impressed by Arron Rogers, he sure is one of those great players..........good for him, couldn't happen to a better person. Aaron is going to be on the Letterman Show tonight, will be fun to see him and see how he does throwing the ball back at Letterman.....hahahaha!

Finally took the rest of my Christmas stuff down......there I go again....procrastination setting in. Another thing I procrastinate about is doing my taxes....gosh, taking time to sit down and see where all our money went and how much Uncle Sam takes from us is one of those jobs I have a hard time getting to. But, I have set aside Wednesday to at least get started on the taxes....mmmmm would be nice if I could finish it all.

Well, time to close this blog till the next one that may come up next week some time.......you all have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption drawth nigh.

~Louise~