The Cross and The Rose

Hi there everyone...this is going to be short and sweet. I saw this poster on another blog and just had to have it. The Cross, says it all.

Followed by beautiful roses. This rose was Kylies, the day she died. The Vet gave it to us. I buried it with her. Still as beautiful and I still miss her bunches.

I don't think these are roses....possibly pink tulips. I think they died out, cause I have not seen them since the date marked on the picture 5/11/17.

These were my beautiful long stemmed white roses that grew in the back yard. The plant died, although there were signs of life this past Fall when sprouts of life began to grow. But the rabbits found the new shoots and ate then down to the ground. We will see what happens this Spring...if the plant made it through the Winter. I covered what was left of the plant with leaves and Styrofoam cone, hopefully it made it.

So these beautiful flowers are a bouquet of flowers I bought for myself 2/15/17....they were a late Valentines gift to me, from me....lol! Probably paid $5...on sale today!!!

This is my pretty pink rose bush in the front of the house.....it has been with us for over 20 years and still blooms every year.

Here is another bouquet of carnations that Louise bought for herself....looks like another Valentine's gift to me again 2/19/18.

So there you have it, some beautiful roses created by GOD!!! Thanks for stopping by, hope the roses gave you inspiration that Spring is not too far off. Take care and keep looking up, better days are coming. Cheers ~ Louise

Snow, Snow, Snow - April 13-16 - Yep, it's SPRING!!

Hi there everyone....how was YOUR weekend??? This was ours. Snow, snow, snow! I have never seen so much snow fall in one weekend. This was the 3rd worse snow storm in 130 years, 29inches is the record an we had about 22 inches not including the snowdrifts. I have never seen our car completely covered....unbelievable!!! This shot is from the back door.

The picture below is our car, picture was taken from out the kitchen window....where are the tires??

Our backyard from the kitchen window.....that's a lot of snow, guess I won't be working in the backyard this week!!

A shot of the street to the right of us. The city has been working to put in new water pipes....so there is quite the mess on Durkee St.

A shot of the street to the left of us. Towards Drew St.

A shot of our neighbor's truck from the front porch, covered with snow. He is in Florida enjoying the warm weather. I think he left at a good time!!! Except he usually does the drive way with his snow blower. Not this time. Yeah, we have a snow blower too....but it doesn't work. Why are we holding on to it????

Here is the neighbor's truck from the back door. The truck may be sitting there till the snow melts.

Another view of the snow from the back door......look at those drifts!!! JP had to dig out a spot for Kylie to do her business.

NO SITTING ON THIS!!! You will get a cold seat!!

Last but not least.......THIS is what things are supposed to look like.....might be awhile for this lovely view!!!

So there you have it.....Winter in Appleton, Wisconsin. April 13-16th....with more coming on Wednesday. BUT, it will be in the 50's this weekend!!! I really should be out there helping with the snow, but JP says no, it is heavy and could make my back worse. So I stay in the house and worry that the snow won't get shoveled for him to get out of the driveway. Maybe tomorrow. He is not going to make it to work today. I hope his supervisor understands.

You all have a great week, I have been working on some really neat cards, using the colorful foils...when I am done, I will put them up in my blog in a couple of days. Talk to you later and keep looking up, better days are coming. Cheers ~ Louise

Revealed Cards from the Party Last Week Part 1

Hi there everyone. Well, here we are, one week into November already. I shall be 71 years old this month....yikes!!! My mind still thinks young but I give myself sooooo much to do, problem is my body is having a hard time keeping up with all the things my mind wants to do. Okay....maybe someday I will figure this out. My mother never told me old age would be tuff.....she always said, "Everything is calm and quiet." I am still waiting for those calm and quiet days!!!!

As promised in my previous post, these are the cards from the revealing party a week ago already. We are starting a new session, but I have yet to receive the name of my new partner in crime.....I already know what images I will be sending for the next 6 months, so it will be fun to see what the new friends images will be.

So in this froggy picture, I did the card on the right and Janine did the card on the left. Ribbit....ribbit...ribbit!!! Janine sent the frog images, so I have 10 more frogs in my image stash....lol!

Janine sent the images of the Master Gardener, garden tools and seeds. Her card in on the left and my card on the right.

I sent Janine 12 bird images. Her card is on the left and my card on the right. I actually like Janine's card....so cute!!!

I sent the Dragonfly images, my card is on the right and Janine's is on the left.

I love this blue heron....so glad he is in my possession. I sent Janine 12 images of this lovely bird.  My card is on the right and Janine's card is on the left.

In the card below, I sent Janine 12 images of the rose and pineapple. My card is on the right and Janine's card on the left. As you can see she cut three roses, very pretty.

I have some more cards from the revealing party to share with you....that will be in my next post. 

Not much happening the rest of the this week. We are still raking leaves and getting the yard ready for winter. So much to do and winter is right around the corner. You all have a great night and keep looking up, better days are coming. Cheers ~ Louise

Looking Forward To.....

Hi there everyone...guess I have been "MIA" again. Just not a lot of things to write about....winter starts to get a little bit long by this time. Although the snow is beginning to melt and the birds are tweeting louder...so it is feeling like Spring.

I am looking forward to Spring and my gardens, flowers and trickling water in the pond. Bringing out all my ceramic animal creatures.....there's just something about Spring....you know??

Maybe this year, I will be able to "ENJOY" the Summer and my backyard. Sickness won't be a focal point in my life this year. It's hard to believe a Hernia can rule one's life the way that hernia did.

These are my little Cosmos....I bought some little plants and also planted some seeds. I am thinking there may be some volunteer cosmos coming this year....hand hardly wait to see what happens.

These "Brown Eyed Susan's" volunteer every year in my front yard. I wish they would volunteer in the backyard too....maybe cause it is not that sunny. Front yard is all sun.

Tulips.....love those tulips, I was not able to plant new bulbs last Fall, because of being sick with the hernia......maybe this Fall some new bulbs will get planted. (geez...the thought of Fall, put that out of my mind.)

My Crocuse's growing along side the house....a sure sign of spring when they show their little flowers.

Another picture of my little babbling pond....gosh I love the sound of water trickling....oh, but I guess the pond was not trickling in this shot.....but it sure looks nice.

My lovely rose of summer....can't be any more beautiful. I must make a copy of this rose and frame it. (Some day)

This past week I have been working on getting papers together for  Income Tax time. Be glad when this is over and the refund comes, then I can breathe a bit. I am hoping that we will get enough of a refund that I can buy a new (used) stove. My stove is going on 25-30 years and a couple of burners do not work along with the clock and timer......with all the cooking I do, a new stove is needed, tools of the trade, right???

JP's family was here last Friday....they got here about noon and left at 2:30....not a long visit....we went to Festival food and got some take out food at the salad bar, which is always good. They wanted to get back to Chicago before it got too late and the kids were a bit crabby too...so time to leave.

Sunday, I am going to a Stampin' Up Camp. Those are always fun. I will post the cards I make on Monday. They will be mostly Birthday cards....so that will be neat. I need some ideas for Hospice, cause next week is my Hospice meeting and I need to get about 50 cards put together.

Next week I have my Blue Apron meals coming....that seems to be the highlight of my week is cooking something different. I bought a plantain banana today...I am going to fry it in the next few days. I saw a recipe from Blue Apron doing that, do you think I can find that recipe...nope, so I guess I will try www.cooks.com. one of my favorite places to go for recipes.

Well, time to close, need to get some dishes done and dinner cooked before JP comes home. Have a great day tomorrow and keep looking up.....better days are coming!!! Cheers ~ Louise

Just A Little Humor to Start the Day

Hi there everyone. Hope you are keeping warm and not getting too weary of this long winter. Well, looks like another 2 inches of snow and 16 to 19 degrees tomorrow. I have not seen any squirrels around the house....they must be all hiding, maybe I should drop a few nuts on the ground for them. Finally saw a few cardinals on Saturday feeing on our barn feeder.....so there is a little life going on in the backyard.

Yes, I am getting a little weary, I look forward to a bit of a thaw, but then I shall have to deal with a leaky roof and ceiling in the kitchen. As long as it is freezing, the kitchen ceiling does not leak. We will have to call a roofer for sure this spring...it can't go on like this anymore. Not sure how this will be taken care of, guess this one is for God to take care of.

I had an Etsy sale last week, so I was happy about that. After I am finished with this blog, I will take some pictures of some cards I made. My "happy cards" collection. Maybe it will cheer someone up....me for sure if they sell!!! I need a smily face here!!!

Well, time to close this blog for tonight. Need to go wash dishes and get something ready for JP when he comes home from work at 1am. Probably fish, vegies and fruit. Talk to you all later and have a great rest of the night. Cheers ~ Louise

♥♥♥ I Love Paris ♥♥♥

Oh my....it was so cold and snowy today. So, I decided to take a trip to Paris, France for Valentine's Day. Suddenly that familar song popped into my head, "I Love Paris". Although I have never been to Paris, it sure was fun to visit via Pinterest.com. So come along for a short trip to Paris. The sights are beautiful!

              The song: "Every time I look down on this timeless town, whether blue or gray be her skies,

                 Whether loud be her cheers or whether soft be her tears, more and more do I realize.

                                      That I love Paris in the spring time,

                                       I love Paris in the fall

                                           I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles,

                             I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles

I love Paris every moment, every moment of the year, I love Paris, why oh, why do I love Paris? Because my love is near".

Happy Valentine's Day to you and your favorite people. May this day be special and you enjoy the day. Keep looking up. Cheers ~ Louise

Here's an interesting little tidbit about the Effel Tower. Did you know there are approximately 4 acres under the Effel Tower. That sure puts things in perspective doesn't it. I have always seen the Effel Tower in pictures. So picturing 4 acres makes that tower pretty big!!!

Sicily and Made 2 Cards

So today I decided to go to Sicily Italy.....aaaahhhhhhh....so warm and sunny. Do you see me in that boat???? We are having cheese and crackers a little fruit and water. So relaxing. Don't you just love these minute vacations and they don't cost a single penny. Yep, we are rich when it comes to taking vacations. We can go any place our heart desires on the internet via Pinterest. Check out my boards if you like, I have lots of stuff there, go to: http://www.pinterest.com/louisellen/ (Sorry, the link button is not working for some reason.)

Ummmm...............still relaxing, I don't want to leave. Is this what Heaven will be like?????? Blue skies, water, sun and perfect weather conditions. Yes!!!!!!

Thought I would post a few cards I made last night. I got the idea for these cards from another blogger, her name is Frenchie. She took acrylic blocks and used them to stamp with. So I tried it and "Waa-Laa" (as she always says) I got this rather neat effect. Then I used a stamp using the same effect on the Anniversary card. I rather like the way it turned out. Here is Frenchies address: http://www.frenchiestamps.com If you are looking for "Stampin Up" she is a dealer. (Sorry, the link button is not working for some reason)

I bought the chandalier stamp at Archivers for 75% off. Debated as to if I should buy it. Had seen it around alot but never had the urge to buy it. But, at 75% off, it is part of my collection now, and I am glad I bought it. It's very elegant, I think. My next project with this stamp will be stamping on pages from an old gospel hymnal song book. I have seen examples on Etsy and rather like the effect.

Well you all have a great day and keep looking up. Winter is almost over in a few weeks for some of you. For others, hang on for an explosive Spring!!!!! Why I used that phrase, I don't know. Cheers ~ Louise

Birdie Houses

 Hi Everyone......how is your day going, hope you are keeping cool in this very warm weather. Now remember, if you live in a state that has cold harsh winters, think back to these warm, warm days. At least in winter you can bundle up to keep warm.

 So in these three pictures are our bird houses and bird bath. This has been quite the busy place for active birdies, squirrels and chipmunks. Together they seem to feed on the same stuff. When the squirrels and chipmunks show up....we send Kylie out to chase them away, but they seem to come back when she comes in the house. I have seen cardinals, wrens and finches. Lots of sparrows though.......but that is okay, it is fun just to see the birds enjoy my backyard.

Another view of the houses. The green and white house came from Steins ($16.98) and the red barn came from Menards ($12.98). The same green and white house can be bought at Walmart ($9.97). There is still some things I want to do with the "birdie garden" but it has just been tooooo hot to spend alot of time outside. Maybe when things cool down a bit. This is much too warm for me.

Well time to close here for a bit. You all take care and keep looking up for your redemption draws nigh. Cheers ~ Louise

"Oh Spring.....Where Art Thou? ~ Boating and Baking!!"

Where ARRRRRE YOUUUUUUUU Spring??? Everyone is looking for you, why are you hiding???
The above picture was taken in January, and this is what we expect for January. BUT it is March 23rd and is supposed to be SPRING!!!  My back yard is still full of snow!!! This time last year we were in the 80's! We went from winter to summer in the twinkling of an eye!!
Hopefully we will taste a bit of spring this year, I for one am ready!!!

READY for boat rides and mini vacations!! Yes I am looking forward to this ride.....winter vanishes away.....not to be seen again, for at least 6 months or more!!!! I will enjoy my summer this year and look forward to every day!!!

So I was on Facebook today...my usual place to go after checking emails and such. Found this recipe that I just needed to share today.....have not tried it yet, but will today for sure!!! I will give you the ingredients here, so if you are so inclined, you can try it also and let me know how it worked out for you.
***************
This is Red Lobster's Cheese Biscuit recipe done in a loaf pan.


3 cups flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
... 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cup sour cream
3 Tablespoons of butter, melted
1 egg, lightly beaten

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan with oil. In a bowl, whisk together the first 5 ingredients. Carefully stir in cheese cubes until covered in flour mixture, this will help prevent your cheese sinking to the bottom of your loaf of bread.

In a different bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Fold the wet mixture into the flour and cheese mixture, stir until just combined, do not over stir. Spread the mixture into the loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes and then remove from pan. Allow to cool for one hour before slicing and serving.
*********************

Sounds good, doesn't it, this could be a keeper for sure!!!
Well, time to close this blog for today, need to get some things done. Saturday, wonder what I can get into??? Well, for one, make the above bread!! 
Have a great day and keep looking up for your redemption draws nigh!
Cheers ~ Louise 

Cold, Cold, Cold and Winter Smoothies

Buuurrrrrrrr..........Baby it is COLD out there!!! I think I want to hibernate for a couple of days.

Although, winter is actually good for us. It gives us time to do the things that get overlooked during Spring, Summer and Fall. Right?!?!?! I know there is always something that gets pushed aside, wish somehow there was a happy balance though. When I was 20 years younger I got those things done......but now, it seems to take a little longer to get all the things done and then I seem to find more things to do.....guess that keeps life interesting though.

Made another interesting Smoothie today....I am starting to like this new, hummmm, what would you call it, new lifestyle, regime, life change, diet, exercise, not sure, but it seems to be working for this old lady.

I call it "Coconut Chocolate Chip Chobani Green Smoothie"

1/2 cup coconut water

3 large strawberries

1 1/2 stalks celery (stringless)

handful of spinich

1/2 banana

2 large tablespoons Chocolate Chip Chobani yogurt

Mix together and enjoy!!

I am really having fun doing these smoothies and have lost 1 lb. YAY!!! (4 since I started). I know, I know it is probably water weight, but hey, I will take it!!! Still ride my bike 5+ miles every night and now have added my rebounder trampoline, maybe 1-2 minutes until I can build up to 5 minutes.  I read where 5-10 minutes a day works every muscle and organ in the body including the fat that bounces around too!!! Let you know how it works after about 20 days. Hopefully by the time I have to go see the Doctor, a few pounds will have been lost since the last time I saw him.

Well tonight is "Bachelor" and "Biggest Loser" have to record one of them, probably will be biggest loser as it is right by my stationary bike. So what would be natural but ride and watch BL at the same time...works for me.

Time to close, you all take care and keep warm  and keep looking up for your redemption draws nigh!!!
cheers ~ Louise

So Missing My Flowers

Hi everyone.......thought I would post a little something tonight. Not much happening this weekend, which is fine with me. Life sure can get hectic at times, tis good to have a quiet weekend.

I forget what the name of this flower is.....thinking it comes from the onion family, it sure was lovely this summer. I am missing my flowers already and we are not even into the winter months yet. Not really ready for snow yet.

Was working on a few cards and an etched candle holder with snowflakes on it tonight...........thinking I will keep this one in my possession for awhile. Really should put one of my creations into my Etsy shop, this week perhaps. Need to make time to make some Christmas cards and get them out the first week of December. I don't have many gifts to make or buy so I can put all my time into scrapbooking. Sure do have alot of pictures to sort through, or maybe just throw them away......I don't know, not too many people would be interested in seeing them, except me.

Made an interesting little recipe this week end, I might just use it as a Christmas present.
Home made butterfingers...........gosh were they good and probably loaded with SUGAR!!!! All it is, was a bag of those candy corn pieces  melted in the micro, then I added peanut butter, microed, till soft and easy to work with, laid it in a pan to cool, sliced and covered with melted chocolate............wow really good and one piece isn't enough, I could see my blood sugars sky-rocket, so really one piece was enough for this old girl.

Well, I am going to close for now as it is getting late and I need to get some rest. Talk later and keep looking up for your redemption draws nigh.........Cheers ~ Louise

Ground Hog Day and a "Thanks" Card!!!!!!!

Yep.....it's that day of the year that we find out if we have 6 more weeks of WINTER!!! Personally, I am not really caring.......if the groundhog sees his shadow or not. Guess it depends on which groundhog you are talking too.....hahahah......and which one saw his shadow, the one in Wisconsin or the one in PA, Ohio, Ill or Mich. (Note: just on the news....a couple of them did not see their shadow, does that mean an early spring????? whatever). So many people seem to think they know how to predict the future in some way or another......hummmmmm.....me thinks no one knows the future except God!!!! For isn't His ways higher then our ways and His thoughts higher then ours??????? "If God says", I will tend to listen to what HE says and not man or groundhogs.....so there!!!! I have no pictures of a groundhog.....they aren't that pretty or cute like my puppy dogs..........soooooo this may just be a picture less blog for today. Who knows maybe I will come up with something as I write.

Some bad news yesterday.....we had to get rid of our second car, had too many things wrong with it, needed brakes, new fuel lines, rusty lines, tyrods, etc. would cost more to get it fixed then what it is worth....junk yard paid us $400....that was good. Paid part of our bill at Van Linn's, the rest will go towards another "old car" and more bills till that one wears out and becomes "undriveable".
Here's a picture of a card I made with my new Cricut machine, (used this picture in a previous blog) I really like my Cricut, it's fun to play with. It is a gift from a friend. Bought some new mats on Etsy, ordered them on the 28th of January and they arrived yesterday......gosh that was fast delivery. Have an idea for a St. Patrick card, "Kiss me I'm Irish" card. Really need to get some more cards in my Etsy store for St. Pats......sort of lagging behind. But I did notice that last year, this time I sold some St. Pat's cards, 4 of them, starting the 21st of February.......soooo, guess I have a little bit of time to get some cards made and up in my Etsy store. Take a peek, go to http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/

Hope you all are having a great day with better days ahead and keep looking up for your redemption draweth nigh!!!
Cheers ~ Louise

♥Happy 11th Day of the Month♥

Hi everyone........well, it's the 11th day of July....where is this month going to???? Winter starts December 21st.......are you ready? Hahahaha.....laugh now pay later!!!!

Was looking for some winter pictures from the last couple of years.........mmmm can't seem to find them, once I do, I will put them up in this blog.....just a little reminder of the way things were and what is to come. So I say, enjoy the summer and sun and warmth, it may end all too soon!!!!!!

May be going out on the boat with Sandi this week. We went out last Friday and I got a bit of sunburn, forgot the sun lotion, which reminds me, when I go to Wal-mart must get some. Sandi took some pictures of me on the boat (I forgot my camera) here is one.

Look at that beautiful water, so calm and serene. My face is getting a little baked.....yikes!!!! Notice you only have my head.....we decided to leave out the bottom half...hahahhaha! I have started another diet, maybe in a few months the bottom half will be toned down a bit. You know, turning 65 can be a piece of HELL!!!!! It is said that the years of retirement are the GOLDEN YEARS........Ha!!! I heard it is called the TARNISHED YEARS!!! Guess it is all in how you look at it....I am not sure at this point......I will let you know in a few years.

I mentioned starting another diet....this one will be about fruit smoothies in the morning and juicing vegetables in the afternoon or there abouts. Maybe I will do this for about a week or so. I saw of documentary about this guy in Australia that juiced for 60 days and lost 90 lbs, don't think I will be that radical, but he found that a lot of meds he was on, he did not need after a couple of months cause he was getting all the nutrients and vitamins needed, course he exercised also, I shall just walk and bike.....and go boating with Sandi!!! Here is the website: http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/ check it out, saw it on http://www.netflex.com/

Here is a recipe for a delicious fruit smoothie:
Handful of blueberries, 3-4 strawberries, 3-4 pieces of cantaloupe, 3-4 Tbls water, blend then add blueberry yogurt and blend again.....mmmmmmmm good!!!

Have a great day and will be back with some juicing recipes....cheerio ~ Louise

Valentine Cards

Just added these Valentine Cards to my etsy store tonight. A set of 6 cards of various kinds for that special someone. They are $2.50 a piece or $15.00 for 6 plus, for your order of these cards you will receive one free bonus Valentine card along with one free bookmark. Just for stopping by. You can see all my cards at: http://www.cards4ubylouise.etsy.com/

I am going to add a few new cards in the next few days, probably St. Pat cards and then a few Winter cards. Trying to get a large stock of cards in my store, so when people come by they can sip a cup of tea and just enjoy the moment.........sounds good to me!!!

Getting late, so I shall close for now, take care and have a great day. ~Louise~