Why Melinda Should Have Chickens Trilogy, Part 2

FRESH EGGS! EVERY DAY!!

Home From My Get Away!

Ahhhhh! Rested! I just got back from up north, Ken's working on the kitchen so I needed a place to go for a week. Here's some of the great sites I saw while on my visit.

This heron was in their pond. When I got too close, it flew up into the trees and stayed there while I got these great shots!

Cheryl and I had to stop at her veterinarians office, and were blessed to see this new born miniature donkey! I've never seen one these colors, isn't she the cutest!?

Such a cute picture of her and her mother Cyndy!

We went to the Paul Bunyon Festival, and got to see some fantastic chain saw carvings.

The kitchen is far from done, if I didn't have a meeting today, (I was top loser this week!) I would still be there. I'm half tempted to head back up, as Ken isn't in the most pleasant of moods as the flooring and plumbing are giving him a problem. I'm always game for relaxation up in the forest!

Furry Friends Friday: Mitzi's Nap on my craft table

Please go away and leave me alone, and for Pete's sake, get that stupid camera out of my face!!

Mornings With Chip

While on our walk today, Chip and I enjoyed another day of beautiful weather. I love to look at the trees, and examine their personalities I guess you'd say. The way the bend, twist, and turn give them their own unique appearance.

They form their own little arbors, beckoning you to pass through and take another path.

Chip especially enjoys these morning walks, running ahead to see what he can discover.

It always concerns me when he rolls, usually it means a bath is in store since it's usually something gross that he has found to coat his hair! Fortunately this time, he was just scratching his back.

With all the paths, he picks and chooses which one he'll explore next.

He's my little companion, I look forward to him keeping me company on my morning constitutions.

I took my camera for a walk around the yard this afternoon, the weather was just perfect. Mild temps, sun shining, the smell of autumn in the air.

I spotted these little red beetles on the goldenrod.

and I'm glad this little guy hopped, I almost stepped on him!

The moon was visible over the trees, just a perfect day.

Wow! Fantastic Picture from Melinda!

A few weeks ago, Melinda from Melinda's Fabric Fancies" decided we would really like to do a swap. One of her great fabric pictures for one of my pillows. Well today I received mine, and it's unbelievable!!!!
Melinda used this picture of Bobby.

And this is what she did!! I can't believe it! Ken and I are both amazed at his portrait, and so happy we have this beautiful likeness!

The pillow I did can be seen on my other blog, My Crazy World of Crazy Quilting. Thanks Melinda! I will cherish this always! What a fantastic swap, I'm so happy we did it!!!!!!

Blog Friendships

I was commenting with Lola today, on blog relationships. It's a wonderful, love filled, friendly community of friends, who mostly have never seen each other, but have special bond. I stated that my blog friends know me better than my own family does. As Lola suggested, is it because we feel more free to be ourselves?
All I know is that I can't imagine life without any of you. We've laughed, cried, prayed, praised, and supported one another through some of life's most important or special moments, good times and bad. In day to day life, I can't count the number of times I've seen or done something that reminds me of one of you. Through laughter and tears, we share a secret sisterhood, not understood by anyone else. As Lola said, we're considered weird. I had Diane say once, that she was told to get some "real" friends. I guess to those on the outside, we aren't real, breathing, living creatures. Yet, we are. And in this amazing blogging world, we have formed friendships, real friendships, with other women all over the world. What could be more amazing, or more real than that?
I love all of you my dear friends, yes, really love you! You are as important to me as anyone could be. If I had one bucket list wish, it would be to meet everyone of you in person. And Melinda, I'm still rooting for you on the chickens!
Love,
Laurie

Two Very Special Daughters

I have two very special daughters in my life. Though not blood, they are my daughters. One is Jenny. Jenny is my son Chad's wife. This young woman is so special to me. I couldn't ask for a better daughter in law, in fact I hate the term in-law. Jenny fills our life with such humor, and I can't imagine life without her. Chad and Jenny are so happy, and so in love. To watch them together fills my heart with such joy. I love Jenny to pieces, and always will. She and Chad have blessed me with two of the most wonderful grand daughters, and I couldn't feel more complete.
The other is Becky. This girl has been in my life since meeting my husband 24 years ago. She was only 4 then, but it was just the start of a very special relationship. Becky is Ken's step niece, but became an important part of our family. I basically raised Becky from 6 to 11 years of age. I'm so fortunate to have her in my life. She has blossomed into a beautiful woman, a wonderful mother, and special friend. I consider her my daughter in every sense of the word.

Yes, I have been truly blessed by these young women. I can't imagine life without them, but what mother could? After all, they're my daughters!

Inspirational video - Turning disappointment into joy: SURFice dog Ricochet