Chip's stuff

Chip is quite the unique little dog, with a very quirky personality. He has built himself his own little stash pile, of things he has found in ours and Robyn's yard Since this picture was taken it has grown to accommodate a rag bone, old glove, half of a plastic egg, all the sticks collected by himself, a toy teddy bear, pods from Robyn's tree, plastic juice bottles from the triplets, a purple rag, a carrot squeaky toy,and the list goes on! When he goes outside, he rolls around in the middle of his treasures, and is in 7th Heaven! You can see him at any time, picking up items and bringing them home to place in the increasing pile. I think he has watched Ken too much, and picked up his junk picking habits!

Hello!

Wow! I just noticed it's been longer than I thought since my last post. We have been so busy packing up Mom's house, it sold very quickly and we have to turn over the key at close, end of this month. It's amazing the amount of things accumulated in the last 52 years. It has been an emotional time for us sisters and Mom, sorting, tossing, packing; the stress level raises pretty high at times, but it's to be expected. She is moving into a very nice complex, with a lot less worry. It's subsidised housing which makes it easier for her to afford. The building is beautiful with all ameities right there. It's going to be hard handing over the key, and we're all prepared to cry. The people who bought the house are so nice, and have a passion for it. That makes it easier somewhat knowing it isn't going to anyone who want to turn it into a rental.
I will post more tomorrow!

Wonderful Surprises!

Receiving packages from home is an extra treat, especially ones like these! I was thrilled to receive this book from Diane, at http://pineconesroses.blogspot.com/ . If you enjoy Simple Abundance, you'll also love this book by its author, Sarah Ban Breathnach. It's beautiful, and I'm so touched by your generosity Diane!

I also received this beautiful painting by Liisa, in Sweden. Liisa won my wall quilt in the OWOH give-away. It proudly hangs in my room, I just love her talent. She also enclosed 2 pictures drawn by her daughters, that are now in my scrapbook! Liisa they are going to have your wonderful talent! So I had another Christmas in my heart! Thank-you so much Diane and Liisa. I will treasure your gifts always!!

Pictures! Finally!

Welcome to Iowa!
Crossing the Mississippi River, you come across major flooding in the area, caused by rains and melting snow. Homes were surrounded, and trees looked like they were growing in the middle of rivers.
Then we arrived at Chad's!
My granddaughters Tara and Kiley
there great chocolate lab Winston, who kept me company during the day and made it easier to be away from my little menagerie at home,
and Lily the Guinea pig welcomed me with open arms!

Recognize this Kathy!? My sister was at the furniture store and saw this set in the clearance section. When she went back to buy it, they had just sold it. Guess who bought it and where it is!? In Iowa!

It was a cloudless day when we went into Des Moines, Iowa's capital. Their capital building is amazingly beautiful, set against the bright blue sky. Click on the pictures to see fanastic details!

I was able to get a picture of my little family with the capital forming a beautiful backdrop.

Beautiful statues grace the capital and surrounding area. This one is a tribute to the West and Native Americans.

Tara and Kiley sitting on one of the fountains, which Kiley thought was Abraham Lincolns urinal!

Beautiful statue of Abraham Lincoln and Tad.

Each side of this monument honored different people and their works. Tara and Kiley are coming around the front of this one and were mortified by the bare woman holding her breasts. Kiley informed us very disgusted, that "this is NOT rated PG!

I loved the horses and their cavalrymen.
The detailing on these century + statues is amazing.

We then went to The Brass Armadillo, an antique store. It's huge! I saw these frames of embellished antique quilts and have some great ideas!

These are a couple of the hundreds of booths and displays. I am saving for the trip back in October, where I will promptly drop some cash!!

It's nice to be home, but this trip holds a lifetime of memories with my kids, that will always be close to my heart. I had the most wonderful, fun time, and can't wait to go back!

Wendy's Whimsy's2

This is Wendy's Blog! http://wendyswhimsys.blogspot.com/

I'm Home!

And I had the most amazing time with Chad, Tara and Kiley. The time for us to bond again, and spend quality time together will never be forgotten. I can't wait to return and do some more site seeing. There is so much to do and see in and around Des Moines, and seeing it with my little family makes it even more fun! I will post pictures as soon as Ken helps me find the right usb port to plug in so I can get them downloaded!