INTRODUCING "SCOLLARS"

Well this is a start! I have listed the "Scollars" on a local ad site...I am in the process of listing them on Etsy and Zibbet. But if you are interested just contact me through the ad.

I have a huge variety of fabrics and colors and I love special orders! I am also making up some really neat macrame collars and leads that I will be listing in the near future.

Click here to view the ad for the Scollars!

Thank you!

MONDAY MUSE

Yesterday as I was bringing in the patio furniture it hit me! It was on this day,2 years ago that made a move...into our new home that is. We moved here after almost 30 years in our "starter home" where we raised our 3 wonderful kids.
When we moved in we knew there were things we were going to change and the landscaping around the 90 ft ranch was priority.
BEFORE...

As you can see in the "before" picture we had quite a job...and oh my did we. Being do-it-yourselfers we decided to tackle it on our own. We had several landscapers come,but the price tag was a bit much due to the fact the 30 year old yews were HUGE! Keep in mind they went all the way around the house...a daunting task to say the least.
So we dig in and start our undertaking on Memorial day...and finished it finally on Labor day. We didn't know who was going to finish who first...there were a lot of hiccups along the way with our roller coaster summer but we finally did finish. But now it's 98% finished and we won't have to do it again! I should mention we actually saved thousands by doing it ourselves.
AFTER...

We replaced the ugly yews with dainty boxwoods,roses,hydranges,lavender,mosses and grasses.

HIDDEN WALL...
We think the results speak for themselves. People stop when we are out working in the yard and ask "When did you build that wall?" It has been hidden for 30 years and the neighbors had no idea it was there! Now it stands proudly for all to see :)

I hope you have a wonderful Monday!

TUESDAY TIPS

IT'S ALMOST HERE! Jan.1 that is...and time for you know what...the dreaded NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION! Yikes! Usually topping our list is weight loss or quit smoking. I don't smoke so I can't help you out with that one but I can give you a few tips on eating better and modifying your life style. Just a few simple things can get you on track so when Jan 1 comes around you will be a little ahead of the game!

#1--STOP! Drinking that soda or pop or whatever you call it....THAT STUFF IS SO BAD FOR YOU! Not only is is laden with stuff you can't pronounce it's loaded with calories. The "diet" drinks are full of artificial sweeteners that for some reason are approved by the FDA. In other words if you can't pronounce it don't drink it!

#2--The next time you get the urge for that doughnut or bagel with your coffee in the morning think again. Instead keep on hand whole grain and I mean GRAIN, just not whole wheat. Eat a piece of fruit first...before anything. If you must have your coffee sweetened please don't use the man made stuff.

#3--Try your best to rid your house of processed food. A good place to start is with chips,store bought cookies and crackers. Snack on carrots and cukes. Cucumbers actually have a "filling" quality to them and almost 0 calories. Try eating them plain but if you can't use sea salt not iodized salt!

#4--There is something to be said about the old saying "An apple a day"...I find eating one in the early evening does wonders :)

#5--SLIM DOWN your plate. I'm not sure when it happened but America seems to think we need a buffet on our dinner plate. If you actually use your salad plate or even a larger saucer and only fill that plate 1 time you will be amazed how much it will help!

These are just a few tips to get you going,if you plan to start a diet regiment you should go see your health care provider. The tips are my own opinion and not in any way suppose to be used as medical advice! Common sense is really our best healer!

Have a great evening!

MONDAY MUSE AND CELEBRATION

Today is a day that a few months ago we just didn't think we would be celebrating. Our little lady Kelsie is 6 years old. I know some will think it's crazy to get so excited for a pet's birthday,but we are!

In July right after our daughter's wedding I took Kelsie to the vet because I had noticed a little "hack" after she would drink water. They got her right in that day and I waited and I waited and I waited...finally late in the afternoon one of the vet techs called and the Dr. needed to talk to me right away...so this was the first red flag. Upon arriving at the vet's office Amy took me into a room...the second red flag. Dr Miller comes in and with a look I will never forget,the third red flag....sits down and says "Kelsie is very sick". At this point I knew the red flags were coming together. He took me to the back where he showed me a normal x-ray and then showed me Kelsie's. I was shocked at what I saw...and I know nothing about reading x-rays. Her tiny little lungs were FULL of fluid! It was hard to see her heart...and I knew my precious little lady was on bought time. I looked at Dr Miller and asked him "What are you telling me" his answer is what I had feared....1 to 2 months. At this point I pretty much lost it...but he was so understanding and compassionate it did calm me down ...a little.

My reaction was,"well we will do what it takes!" He said "I knew you would" He explained to us that more tests were needed to pin point just why her protein levels are "deathly" low. To make a long painful story shorter I will jump to our decision.

Several trips to Orchard Park Vet Hospital near Buffalo Ny where they have specialists, and is one of the most amazing places I have ever seen! Expensive? Yes, Worth it? OH MY YES! After 2 stays in the hospital Kelsie was stable enough to do a biopsy on her liver and intestines. Dr Hedges confirmed what Dr Miller had thought...Lymphangiectasia (a name bigger than most of the dogs that get it!) They started her on meds and a special diet and so far she is one that is responding wonderfully to the treatment.

Last week I had her in for her checkup, we are down to once a month and not weekly, and I said to Dr Miller "I guess I am expecting a miracle" he said "YOUR GETTING ONE!"

So you see this is the short version of why today is so special to me...I still have my little lady...even though I know not what tomorrow will bring I thank God for our little miracle of being able to celebrate her birthday.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE KELSIE!

SUCH A PRETTY DAY

Our burning bush is just starting to turn...and show it's wonderful orange berries that the chickadees just love!



I just love mum plants...and so do the chipmunks!



I have no idea what kind of mushroom this is but I can picture a little nymph hiding under it! They are huge...to bad they are hidden under the tree in my back yard, no one can see them.

It was so pretty today I just had to snap some pretties around the yard...I just love all the colors of fall in Western Pa!

FINALLY!

After what I am calling a "Roller Coaster" of a summer I hopefully will be posting more often. I have decided to post the things that make life "tick" so to speak...at least in my world.

I will be posting about my Christian Faith,cooking,gardening,clothing,...all natural and organic of course....thoughts on weight loss,pets,frugal and easy living (we all need to slow down)and MAYBE once in a while the dreaded "P" word...yes I'm a political junkie and I do have my own thoughts about it and I love the fact we live in a country where we all can!

When I come across a product,event or blog, I will give a "Shout Out"...in fact I have done this in the past on my other blog and it is always a huge favorite!

So after one crazy summer of major ups and down I'm going to try to get things back to somewhat normal and do some posting!

Have a great day and stay tuned...