“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.” —Erma Bombeck

Hello! 

Hope you are well!

It's a twofer today!

There are some challenges I want to play with!

 

Watermarque is not working! Says my Date/ Clock is wrong. I don't think it knows it's a leap year!

Anyhoo, this is for my mom! I only ever make 1 (one) St. Patrick's Day card!

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge #710 Female

Can You Handle the Pressure Anything goes with a Twist of Squares and/ or Circles. My embossing folder is called Bloom Dots

Creative Fingers Challenge #272 Anything Goes

Krafty Chicks #705 Anything Goes

Retro Rubber Challenge #225 Tic Tac Toe I've used the middle row, horizontally. Yellow, green, embossing, Butterfly. My gnome stamp is ancient, and I found my sentiment as far back as 2012

Shopping Our Stash #516 It's not easy being Green.

I have this next one for some Christmas Challenges.

I made it last year, and never posted. Nice to have some cards in the stash!

Addicted to Stamps and More #462

Rudolph Days February Challenge/ Helen Nile has taken over the challenge from Maureen! Wanted to support her!

The Holly and Ivy challenge #156 Anything Christmas

In other news, we woke up to snow yesterday. Snowed, sleeted, rained all day. The gusty winds took down some of the privacy fence. The sump pump in the crawlspace quit working. Again.

First world problems people.

Larry and I will fix the fence today, as it's not so blustery. Could have been worse; we could have lost power. The sump pump is working now. I said a few choice words. It's not even a year old!

That's all I got. Still raining!

Talk to ya later!

Stay safe!

" A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman." ~ Melinda Gates

 Hello!

I'll be quick! (Haha)

I made this card for my mom. I only ever make one.

I am linking this up over at:

Creative Fingers Challenge #249 / Anything Goes

Try Stampin' on Tuesday #595 / Sketch
 I have them both!

The Card Concept #190 (Lucky Charm)

I was inspired by the greens. I think my card is clean and layered!

 

 

I was at the Tuck Shop this morning, got my taxes done, supper is in the oven, then my brother, aunt & I are going to Women Talking.

Better go before the timer goes off!

Talk to ya later!

Stay safe!

If you have the right mind-set, you can be just as happy on Monday as you are on Friday~ Joel Osteen

Hello, hope you're all well!

I've made more dress cards.

Of course they have all turned out how they should. sigh 

Moms St. Patrick's Day card has a dress! 

 Sent one to my cousin, who takes the cards I make her to work, and pins them up!

 Sent one to Vanessa.

She had surgery, so it was kind of a thinking of you.

 I have two more on the go, (remember, everyone was getting one until I get it right!) and then I will put all my little dress pieces away for a minute.

I also sent Bryson another thinking of you card, when I sent a package after Christmas.

I am getting terrible at taking pictures of the cards I have been making! 

Vanessa took this before Bryson was home from Kindergarten, as she can't open his mail, he'd be devestated!

I couldn't send Vanessa a card without one for my favorite small person.

Vanessa told me that she asked him to go wash his face.

He told her that gramma wouldn't mind if his face was dirty. Haha

I paper pieced this plane on the die.

It was easier than I thought it would be. 

I really should use up that 'little boy' paper I have, because I'm sure he will be 18 next year!!

Kalen starts a new job next week, so he got a card.

Not a dress card, however, I do have to make him a

birthday card! 

Kalen asked once why I had a sanding sponge in my craft stash. I told him to sand cards.

This is made with core'dinations cardstock, so I sanded it. 

Better go, this working 5 days a week is for the birds!

Stay safe, wash your hands!

Talk to ya later!

 

Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase.

 It's 'kinda' spring here!

We have sooo many projects on the go!

I am on project #2 for me. Project #1 is clearing up all the dead branches in the back 40. I am bringing them to the front, so if when the trees come down in the front yard, they can all be chipped up for use other places! I pull out all I can, but when they're still froze down, I move on. Project #2 is trimming the cherry trees. I am on tree #2 but can't go up & down the ladder anymore today, so came in to try & finish my Easter cards.

Kalen is on project # 29 out of; I am not sure how many he has on the go. He did finish one yesterday. His greenhouse is up, needs a few tweaks, and now he's marking where the posts go for the guy that's going to push them in. Oh yes, he has one section of trellis up for the secret garden!

I made 2 get well cards. One for my friend Helen who had back surgery.

One for Kalen who stepped on a nail Monday, and drive himself to the hospital for a tetanus shot!

 

It looks pink in the pic, but is really red!!

Moms St. Patrick's Day card.

I am not sure why it's so tiny!

In other news, we've started some plants. They are happy in the little inside greenhouse, with grow lights(we have to wear Men in Black sunglasses for), and heat mats! They're for the secret garden.

I haven't face timed Bryson lately, but his mom sends me pictures!

Did you know they have karaoke in pre school!?

Oh what fun!!

 And he's learned how to wink!

 

He stands on that stool for his picture, so I think he's getting so tall!

That's all I got! Work is busy.

Mom got her first vaccine!

Kalen might be getting one now, as at their job they're considered essential workers.

He said he didn't know how he felt about that. His co worker, and I am in agreement, said, when they call your name, go.

We will all have a turn, and if Canada gets their poop in a group, it should be sooner rather than later!

So for now, keep on keeping on!

Wash your hands & wear your mask!

Talk to ya later!

Stay safe!

“Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway.” —Mother Theresa

Hello!

I made a card for my mom for St. Patrick's Day.

Not a traditional one, but she loved it anyway!

 And the inside:

There, now you can get on with your day!

I have one crocus blooming, might be all I have, so I'm sure Spring is right around the corner!

Kalen dug out the end rose bush, and planted butterfly bush in it's place.
The rose is in 2 big pots, and will go to a friend!

Last time Kalen was home, I was only good for every second day of yard work!
I got a shot in my knee last week, and I've been doing pretty good.
I can go up and down the stairs, put my leg in my pants, and get my leg over the quad seat!
It's the little things people!
I am now on the list for a knee replacement; wait time is 2
 years!

I got this picture of the pheasant on top of the tipped over stump in the back yard.

I guess Kalen is not the only one who thinks it's 'cool'!

Our neighbor to the north has one tree in his yard.
These are his leaves!

I'll have to go finish raking, as the leaves were still frozen to the ground behind the sheds!

There's pussy willows at my moms.

 I made cards yesterday as mother nature was in a bad mood.

 
 I woke up to this!
We had three seasons over the course of the day. TWICE!
It was all gone by evening!

I am going to visit Bryson.
He called me Saturday night to see if I missed him!
Every time we talk or facetime he says, 'Gramma, do you wanna come visit me?'
'Gramma, do you wanna come to my house?'
So I'm going!
I'll get to spend about 10 days with him.
Then his family should be here this summer for the Family Rebellion!
September, his parents are going to Toronto, so I might watch him then!
We'll see how it goes!
I need to get some cards made before I go!

Got quotes to take the trees down in the front yard, before mother nature does it! And it makes a bigger mess than the one that came down last November! 

Got a quote for a deck off my patio doors.
I can't have a roof!
Because the electrical is right there!
I told Kalen his party shed was looking better all the time!
I have no place to go in the yard for shade, especially since the shade tipped over in November! 

There's still wheelbarrows & stuff in there, but I did haul some lawn chairs there, solar lights, we'll put a fire pit just outside, Kalen will fix the roof; I already had to move my chair, roof leaks!
We really have no use for this shed. There are 3 others we keep things in!

I bought an air conditioner from one of moms friends who's moving. That tree shaded the whole house on the west side!
Kalen & I also bought a used lawn tractor, with a roto tiller, a blade for snow, and a trailer.
I plead my case before the shot in the knee. I used a push mower last year and did the yard in sections. Took 3 evenings during the week, as I refuse to spend my weekends mowing grass. This year, before the shot, was looking like every second day! Then I'd just get done, and have to start over!

My brother went back to work today.
I love it when he's here, he helps with little projects.
He changed the oil on the quad, and put in a new spark plug.
Last week, he asked, 'You got your play clothes on?'
I had to lay on the ground & help him put the quad back together, cause it's modified for a blade.
Had to wash my play clothes, and spray my play coat cause it had oil on it! 

Guess that's all I know.
Doing yard work, almost every day!
Snow against the north side of the forest is finally melting!
We will pick up the garden tractor this week while Kalen is home.
I've been watering his cedars etc.
He has a grow op in the potting shed. Not that kind; my job is to water, or don't water, just spray.

Mom's getting better all the time.
She hasn't driven yet.
Pretty sure it's going to hurt, as she has a standard vehicle!
You know, with a clutch & gears.
I'll make supper tomorrow & take it to her house.
She also has days when she does nothing but sleep, and she hurts.
I don't think she's taking her medication properly, but we're not having that conversation! 

Better go!
Hope you're all well!
Talk to ya later!

 

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” —Walt Whitman

Hello!

I've been trying to get here for a week!

Always something going on

It's life I guess!

I made a St. Patrick's Day card!

I only ever need one for my mom!

I have also been 'birding', that's what the proud son calls it!

This Pygmy Nuthatch and friends were seen in the feeder last week!

Fun bird to watch, and can run up & down the tree like nobodies business!

Also, this pheasant & friends show up a couple times a day in the yard.

Not sure what kind it is, we could never see if it had a red ring around his eye.

Yesterday I got some awesome pictures.

Kalen asked me how close I was.

Told him I was in the house at the back door.

Darn squirrel got into the bird feeder & there was seed all over!

 

In other news, I talk to Bryson (grandson) almost every night.

Or we Facetime.

Here he is reading me a story; if you can zoom in, the phone is propped up against the TV stand.

 

 

 And here; during Facetime, he wanted to take me for a ride on his truck.

You can see my face. All I can see is his shirt!

And he's so proud!

 I have been keeping busy researching natural gas.

I'm the only home on my street without it!

I can't do the wood stove another winter.

Chimney fire scared me, and I can't sleep!

Which is not great, cause I don't sleep anyway; I just nap!

Been to The Upside. 

The High School drama club put on Peter Pan & Wendy.

Last night was the Coffee House at Wyndell!

It's light out longer, spring is coming, and I'm sure there will be a gazillion things for me to learn do!

Hope you're all well!

Talk to ya later!

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. - Oscar Wilde

Good day!
Look at me go! Another post, and it hasn't been 6 months!

I made a St. Patrick's Day card!
I only ever make one.
It's for my mom, she thinks she's Irish.
Maybe just to get the cards!?

This one was found on Pinterest.
The link is here. 
You know after you click through 16 things!
Kinda like trying to find a recipe on Facebook. Or anything else for that matter!

I have severe arthritis, my knee's bothered me for 20 years.
I got a cortisone shot on Wednesday.
It's like a miracle!
I occasionally have a twinge, but nothing like the 24/7, wake me up at night pain!
The downside is it's lifespan is about 6 months.
Surgery was the other option.
I don't think I'm there yet!

I am telling you, I am falling apart!
I've been doing exercises for my Sciatica.
Those are working too.
We'll back up........
In November, my doctor said I had to got to Physiotherapy.
I'm in small town no where, and the wait is 6 months.
So I googled exercises for Sciatica, and found a few I thought I could do.
Last weekend was Family Day in Alberta, so I ventured off to visit friends 3 hours away for the weekend.
When I can't use cruise control, I pop pills like a crazy lady!
Can't use cruise control in the winter people!
I am happy to report that on the trip there I was only uncomfortable a couple times.
The drive home was a little painful.
Tylenol takes 20 minutes to kick in, I was at my destination twice within 20 minutes. Had to stop for groceries on my way by, then almost home! so no painkillers!
I'll keep doing the exercises!
In Smalltown nowhere, we travel 1 hour for groceries. One. Way.
So I need to be comfortable!
Most tests are done at the hospital 1 hour away, and my dentist is; yup, 1 hour away!
I'm going to a Johnny Reid concert next month, and that drive is 2.5 hours. Then Vanessa signed me up to make a growth board for Bryson the next morning at 10:30 am.
Her reasoning is that "you're up at 6.00am"!

It's snowing today, although it has warmed up to single digits.
Still on the negative side of 0, but it is the end of February, which was mostly -30C. With a wind!

Hope you're all well!
Talk to ya later!
 
 

believe anything is possible, I see opportunity when others see impossibility. --John Assaraf

Good day everyone!
We have had another "Extreme cold weather warning" this morning!

Bryson sent me Valentine flowers to my work! I asked if he used money out of his piggy bank!

 I did get the red velvet cupcakes frosted.

Note to self: Do NOT make a double batch!

I had cupcakes for Monday supper, work, and to give away!

Got my laundry detergent made!

Next time I'll save the receipts to let you know the cost.

It takes about 20-30 minutes to put together, 

and this lasts me a year.

Arm & Hammer washing soda was the hardest to find!

I ended up ordering online, and picking it up at a local store. 
Note: speaking of ordering online, I did get reimbursed on my Mastercard from being scammed before Christmas.
I think because I called right away, did everything they suggested, and saved every scrap of email etc. from the scammers.

I did get a card made for St. Patrick's Day!

I have watched this happy little dumpling!

He's starting to giggle. It's funny. 

He also uses his 'outside' voice for conversations! 

Been to Garth Brooks in Edmonton!

We were at the last show; didn't get back to our hotel room until after midnight!
One of the guys at work said that 'this year he's seen George Strait, and Garth Brooks, what's left?"
Concert was awesome, one of the best I've been to, and I've been to a few!

 We took the LRT from Kingsway.

Roger's Place is amazing. We met Kalen there for supper on Saturday! 

Had a root canal last Monday!

Next up is Arizona!

Leaving next Wednesday (the 15th) for 2 weeks.

Finished Friday night craft. 

I'll have to pick it up this week!

Better go, I've got a few cards to make before I get to go anywhere!

Also have to take dessert up the alley & do baked potatoes etc. for Sunday supper.

Call us crazy, we're BBQing! 

Hope you're all well! 

Talk to ya later, stay warm!

Gratitude and attitude are the keys to happiness. --Ann Liguori

Hello!
We've been having lovely weather! Unseasonably warm! 
I'm not complaining; I'm sure we'll pay!
It was pretty darn cold out this morning; however, the sun is shining!
This is a St. Patrick's Day card I made.
It's already on it's way to the recipient!

 

I have 3 packages of cards, with all their bits & pieces I hope to do today! they are Thank You, Congratulations, Thinking Of You, and Birthday, although they could be whatever I want!
I'll find a good movie on Netflix, and work away!

I finally have an appointment with the surgeon! Next month!
I've been fighting for 6 7 months to get the screws out!! I'm not leaving without a date to do so!

Craft night Friday was a wash! We've been taking turns doing supper and taking it over! Friday we just visited, ate & drank! That's all right too!
I'll be finished my Welcome sign next Friday.....maybe! 

The family reunion on mom's side is scheduled for July. Always a
great time!

Better go! Finishing the laundry, and I should get busy!

Hope you're all well!
Talk to ya later!
 
 

Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.--John Maxwell

Hello peeps!

I've missed you!

Things are going swimmingly!

I made a card!

Actually, I've been making it for a while, and just finished it today!

 

I got the inspiration over here!

Alrighty, I shamelessly copied it outright, with what I had!!!

 

Surgery went all right I guess....

no one said otherwise!

I go to GP on Thursday, cause my surgeon likes to take out his own sutures! There will be questions!

I have stylish footwear!

 

 

I dug out an old croc to put me sorta on the same level....NOT!

 

It's shaped like that to keep pressure off my toes,

it's hard on my right knee & hip.

I have a rod through one toe, and my foot turned a lovely shade of purple last Tuesday!

I could show you pictures, but it would gross you out!!!!

 

The kids have gone shopping in PR.

They asked if I wanted to go, and I said "sure; I can ride one of those scooters at Walmart!"

I didn't even get that all the way out of my mouth before there was a resounding NO!

Hahaha!

 

Anyhoo, they're making supper when they come back, so I made dessert.

 

Sour Cream Apple Pie!!!

 

 In other news, my foot doesn't hurt....
been off the painkillers since about Tuesday.
It's just uncomfortable.

Ray's surgery (hip replacement) was the day before mine,
February 19.
He's recovering at the lodge in town.
He ended up at the hospital on Friday night with swelling, but I'm putting it down to poor circulation, because he didn't have his chair pad, that lifts him up about 6 inches.

I've been to the movies, it's great to have pull!
They found me a stool to put my foot up on; I kicked off both boots, got comfy, and didn't move!!!
I've been to a purse party, Vanessa's friends for a fashion show, and even participated (1/2 a glass of wine) in Happy Hour at work on Friday!
Yup, I've been at work...........
I put my foot up under my desk.
People yell at me to 'sit down', and 'why don't you holler instead of getting up'............it's wonderful!
I'd probably go nuts at home.

I missed my naps on Thursday & Friday,
so I slept most of yesterday!
I only felt a little guilty!
I DID do a couple loads of laundry & the dishes before succumbing to the couch!
I hear it calling my name right now!

Talk to ya later!
Hope you're all well!

Life - It always works. It's always fair. And it's always on time. --Mike Dooley

Good evening/morning everyone!
I'll show you the St. Patrick's Day card I made, in case you don't want to stick around until the end of the blather!

I couldn't get a good picture, and I sent this today, as the mail's taking forever to get to Kalen, and enclosed is his mortgage cheque for his house rental!!!

 

I tried to keep it flat-ish, so the watermarked stamp doesn't show up well!

I was blog surfing on the weekend, and got the idea here!

 

Alrighty, DONE!

 

LOOKIT!!

It's getting light when I go to work about 7-ish!

Yeah, I was stopped I was so excited!

 

This is the average morning temperature the past 2 weeks....

we're in the deep freeze again.

Gets to -40 something with the windchill!!

Doesn't warm up much during the day...still in the -20's!

And it's gonna keep on coming according to the article here!

 

I took the previous 2 pics yesterday morning, with thoughts of blogging last night.

Glad I didn't get a minute cause............

 

LOOK BARBARA

this was in the yard at work this morning!

And that's our new dog Odie!

She's a timid girl, but really likes the treats, and all the activity that goes on!!!

 

And wait, there's more!

A late last years calf....

it's too big to be this years, and too small to be last Spring!

And sorry about the quality of the pics,

but we have that film (keeps out the sun & heat)

 on our windows in the office,

and I was inside by the time we saw this little feller!

 

 

There!

That's enough excitement for yesterday & today!

I'm working on a HM card!

Got a few ideas in my pointed head......

 

Hope you're all well!

Talk to ya later!

Ta ta for now!