with brush in hand

Dogs Welcome

2012-02-12T10:49:00.007-05:00

We've had a visitor for a few days...My brother's dog, Cali Lou. She and Lucy get along so well...although every photo I took of them together they were looking in different directions. This is a short visit...in the summer we had her here for over 2 weeks while John and his wife Marcia took a trip to Nova Scotia on their Harley. Can you imagine riding on a motorcycle for all those days, all those miles?

Cali is a such sweetie. She will not go up to the shop with us...I think she is afraid of the sounds of the saws and sanders. When she sleeps she is usually on her back with one of her front legs sticking up in the air and she's large. She believes she is a lap dog.

We also usually keep Holly and Chad's dachshund, Dre when they go away. As Holly is getting all her ducks in row for the birth of Mariah, one of our things to do, will be to pick up Dre when they head for the hospital. Lucy and Dre love each other...they have been family since they were puppies and are always happy to be together.

Lucy does have a problem when we leave her alone. She howls and cries when we leave home. We now hide treats around the house before we leave so she doesn't see us walk out the door. I've spoken to the vet about her "separation anxiety" and he suggested another dog.

I think we'll just let Lucy have friends over for a visit. Maybe we should open
Lucy's Doggie Bed and Breakfast.

All Guests Must Be Approved By The Dog

I'm Ready For...

2012-02-12T10:14:00.005-05:00

A warm summer day at the beach...
I am so not enjoying the bitter cold windy weather today

Just Beachy

Baby Booties

2012-02-10T09:53:00.002-05:00

Just purchased these from The Baby Crow on Etsy.
I am lovin' pink.

Hands of a Family...

2012-02-08T09:57:00.004-05:00

“If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.”
Thich Nhat Hanh

I found the photo pinterest (and could not find a credit for the photo) and thought what a wonderful idea for a bit of family history. I have wonderful memories of my parents and my grandparents. There are times when I glimpse my hands while I'm painting and see my mother's hands (although my nails never look like hers) and also her mother's hands. I see my Grandmother's face sometimes in the mirror, looking back at me.

Granddaughter countdown continues...less than 4 weeks...she may be a leap year baby.

The Country Workshop

Am I On Candid Camera?

2012-01-30T22:37:00.004-05:00

roundletters

Sunday morning I was at the local grocery store when it opened. Our pantry was like Old Mother Hubbard's Cupboard...and when she got there the cupboard was bare. I had run out of coffee earlier in the week and used the last of the tea on Saturday. A dribble of milk was left in the bottle and Mom Mom had no Cheerios for the D boy, who would be expecting them when he arrived here Monday. (Actually, I need to have some in a baggie when I pick him up for my Mom Mom and Dylan day. As soon as his feet hit the floor, he asks me for cheerios)

I decide to get the fixings for pot roast to cook in the crockpot as I needed to spend some time in the studio to get orders ready to ship out. I traveled up the fruit and vegetable aisle, picking up red skinned potatoes, carrots and onions to go in with the pot roast. Also grabbed some bananas and clementines (now called Smiles). Started along the meat section and parked my cart against a soda display in the center of the aisle so I could reach around an employee who was putting out new packages of beef. Found a nice roast, grabbed a little white plastic bag and tucked the meat into the bag, turned around and my cart is gone. My brain goes...maybe I didn't leave it by the soda display...maybe it was by the TastyCake display a bit farther down the row of center aisle setups. Nope, wasn't there either. I started to walk round and round, peeking down close by aisles, in case it just rolled away...like maybe the floor went a little bit down hill.

And then, the idea pops into my head that either I'm losing what little is left of my mind, or that I'm being filmed running around like goof looking like, "Oh where, oh where can my grocery cart be?"

I got this idea from a website (found on Pinterest) where pictures are being posted of visitors who go to Walmart called Peopleofwalmart.com which makes one know there are lurkers with cameras out there and you never know where you might be filmed or photographed. This website is full of photos of "what the heck were you thinking going out in public like that?" So I'm thanking my lucky stars that I actually put on a bit of makeup and calmed down the bed hair before running to the grocery store. If it happens at Walmart, it could happen at Mars. I quickly look around to see if anyone is watching me, hiding a camera under their coat. I am waiting for a person to walk up to me and say, "Smile..." you know, the Candid Camera line.
But all I see is an older man (yes older than me), pushing a cart towards me with a sheepish look on his face and saying, "I think I may have your cart! I had bananas in mine too."

And one more thing folks. Next time you go to Walmart, please remember to put on underwear 'cuz you never know who is sneaking up behind you ready to snap that money shot!

Granddaughter Count Down...

2012-01-28T12:00:00.004-05:00

Mariah Josephine

We had a scare this week...Holly caught a stomach bug, from Dylan...another gift from daycare.
Holly was in a meeting at work when it hit her. Chad had to go and get her as she was so ill that there was no way she could drive home. I received a call from Holly, the baby wasn't moving as much as she should and they were headed to the hospital. Once there, it was determined baby's heartbeat was fine, but Holly was so dehydrated from being sick that also affected the amount of amniotic fluid. Our dear baby girl had no place to swim. After 3 bags of IV fluids and some medicine to keep Holly from being nauseated, the baby and mother are home and doing well.

So we have just over a month before we get to Welcome Mariah into the World.

Also heard more good news yesterday...
Meagan's husband, Erik, has a new job. He is an artist who works on designs for video games and before Christmas, the game company he was working for closed down the MD office quite suddenly. After an interview on Thursday, Erik received a call to inform him he got the job with another game studio.

Congratulations Erik!

Black and White and Technicolor

2012-01-27T08:46:00.010-05:00

It's a gray, dreary day here in our little part of the world. It's bad enough that the ground is bare and the trees are leafless, but with a drizzle of rain and a bit of thunder rumbling, it's downright depressing. It reminds me of the book, The Secret Garden. Last week I watched the 1949 film based on the book. The MGM movie was filmed primarily in black-and-white.

blessed wild apple girl

But when the door opens to the restored garden the scenes were filmed filmed in Technicolor.

tinywhitedaisies

Looking forward to the return of Technicolor .

The Country Workshop

White on the Ground...Purple in the Air

2012-01-21T11:46:00.009-05:00

We had a bit of snow and ice overnight but it hasn't covered
the Purple Glow here in Maryland

Maryland is Ravens Country and the Baltimore and the rest of the state has its Purple on.

And here is my favorite Ravens Fan

I'm Older Than The Internet...

2012-01-20T12:13:00.004-05:00

Country Workshop

How about you?

If You Visit The Zoo Always Remember...

2012-01-18T10:56:00.003-05:00

Photo Credit: tenioman

It's raining today...

2012-01-17T12:08:00.002-05:00

so we won't be going to the park, or playing outside like last week on our
Mom Mom and Dylan day.

After taking the boy to breakfast at Bob Evans, where he ate 5 pancakes, bacon, grapes and cantaloupe, we came home and read books and now are watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Maybe we'll pull out the crayons and paper next.

Wish it was a nicer weather day so we could play outside. As my Grandmother use to tell us,
"Go outside and blow the stink off."

At least it's not snowing...

A 50 Year Marriage...

2012-01-11T21:35:00.002-05:00

I saw this and thought, not only was this man handsome and a wonderful actor,
he was an insightful husband and partner in the marriage.

Paul Newman's letter to his wife, Joanne Woodward, on their wedding day: “ Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the Art of Marriage, the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say ‘I love you’ at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon; it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have the wings of an angel. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding rooms for things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner."

Jury Duty

2012-01-05T08:17:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday, I spent my day in this building. Yes, I had jury duty. My original date was to be in late November...a terrible time of year for someone who makes and sells handcrafted items for a living. I was able to reschedule for after Christmas thank goodness. Tuesday was the first time I was called that I made it farther than the jury pool room. Juror numbers were called, we were lined up and taken to the courtroom. We were told this was a criminal case and when 90 perspective jurors were needed, I knew this was probably a case I'd heard about on the news at some point. The judge explained the case, said it would be a 4-5 day trial. It was over a 3 hour process of the judge asking questions of the jurors. Jurors were then selected by the attorneys by the defense and the prosecution. I feel that I am fortunate that my number was high and I did not end up as a member of that jury. It was a violent crime against a child and as a mother of daughters, I really don't know that I could have been "fair and impartial" as much as I would have wanted to be. I'm sure there are people who can put their emotions aside, but I wear mine on my sleeve. But I did get to see the court room process up to the point when the jurors were seated. For me, it was a learning experience.

On this First Day of The New Year...

2012-01-01T13:46:00.002-05:00

Wishing for all our Family and Friends an Amazing 2012

What we have to look forward to... the Post Office

2011-12-28T16:04:00.003-05:00

I purchased this punch bowl from waringhomestead, a shop on etsy on December 16. The very nice owner of the shop shipped it on the 18th. Delivery Confirmation shows it was accepted by the Post Office on that date. I figured there was a chance it would be here for Christmas...great for eggnog I thought. It was coming from OH to MD. Expected Delivery date was the 24th. The next scan was on the 24th at the Capitol Heights sorting facility. I had hoped it would be here for Christmas but really didn't expected to be. Well it is still sitting at the sorting facility today. It will be interesting to see when it will arrive.

I had this problem with oh so many of the packages I shipped to customers before Christmas. At one point I had a number of packages sitting for 6 days in the Baltimore facility. These were all Priority Mail and they took at least 8 days to be delivered. Another package, shipped on December 1 sat in the Baltimore facility until 18th and was delivered, finally on the 20th. It was going to MI. The customer of this order was very understanding, thank goodness. I had one person who purchased several signs from me file a non-delivery case with one of the venues where I sell my signs. She didn't seem to understand that the package was shipped, even with the tracking info supplied. Once I put it in the Post Office system, the time it takes is out of my hands. It sat in the Baltimore sort facilitiy from December 12th until it reappeared at the TX Post Office on the 18th and was delivered on the 19th.

Another local crafter told me that the sorting facility in Frederick, MD had closed. This info supplied by her local Post Office when she asked why shipping was taking so long. It will truly be interesting to see what happens as more Post Offices are closed.

As for the red glass punch bowl...I guess I can use it for 4th of July...Independence Punch maybe? Just hope it will be delivered by then!

And I Think to Myself...What a Wonderful World

2011-12-27T20:30:00.009-05:00

The weeks leading up to Christmas this year were crazier than the normal crazy of years past. Our living room, which has been torn apart for months for a redo due to a leaky roof, was put on hold until the roof was replaced, a huge job as two layers of roofing needed to be removed before the new roof could be put on. With the help of our daughter Meagan and son by love Erik, my brother John, Lou's brother Charly, nephew Nicolaus, and family friend Paul, Lou was able to replace the roof on Thanksgiving weekend. We have certainly been blessed with a wonderful family and how thankful I am to them for their help. Son by love Chad, otherwise known as the Darlin' D's Daddy, helped Lou replace the crown moulding and other woodwork in living room the weekend before Christmas.

I had planned to put the tree in the living room as it is a larger room than the family room and wow am I glad I decided not to wait and set the tree up in the family room instead because on Tuesday Lou was just sanding the spackled ceiling. While it's wonderful to have a hubbie who can do everything, it ends up being the old tale of the shoemakers children going barefoot. On Wednesday, Lou had a problem with his back, so the painting of the room was down to one roller and brusher...me! But, I believe in the fear that I might run away from home, the dear man rallied on Thursday and we were able to get everything painted but the mouldings around the doors and windows. The morning of Christmas Eve, with the help of Meagan and Erik, we had the furniture back in place, curtains on the window.

Then, at 7:45 the evening of the 24th, I am tucking the bottle of window cleaner under the kitchen sink and find the floor of the cabinet covered with water. The trap under the sink had a hole in it and when touched it just fell apart into tiny pieces. Of course no store that would carry replacement parts is open on Christmas Eve...so an empty spackle bucket was tucked under the cabinet, which made it possible to use the water for Christmas morning, however dishes had to be washed in the bathroom sink.

Even with all the delay and drama, our Christmas was wonderful.
Holly, Chad, Dylan and their dog Dre slept here on Christmas Eve.
Dylan hung his stocking on the family room fireplace.

In the morning, my family was here for a breakfast of kielbasa, egg casserole, crumb cake, French toast casserole and fresh fruit.
However, before we ate we all watched "the child" open gifts.

Lucy enjoyed her gift...
a pink flamingo and it took all of 30 seconds to get the squeaker out of it

Dylan helped Dre opened his present.

And in the evening, at Lou's sister's home, I was able to get this photo of Holly, niece Jamie and niece Leslie. All 3 will be having babies in 2012. Those of you who have been followers of this blog for a while, may remember that Holly and Leslie were expecting at the same time in 2009. Holly had Dylan 2 weeks after Leslie had Cali. The second babies are also due 2 weeks apart and both are girls. It will be several weeks before we know if Jamie is having a boy or a girl.
The next generation of cousins...

And I Think to Myself...What a Wonderful World.

Christmas in Hampden...Hon

2011-12-21T13:02:00.004-05:00

Photo by Maryland Artist Edwin Remsberg

Great photo of the Christmas lights and decorations in Baltimore's neighborhood of Hampden.
The 600 block of 34th Street is the most decorated block in town every Christmas.

Here is a link for a video of Baltimore's Miracle on 34th St.

Also this year, at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore there is a laser light show on the Power Plant Building. It's quite magical.
Link for Light Show

Trimming the Tree

2011-12-19T12:42:00.003-05:00

After a crazy couple of weeks with an abundance of orders to make and ship, I actually was able to get our Christmas tree decorated with the help of my favorite boy.

He was so serious about getting those ornaments to stay on the branches.

Just loved having such a wonderful helper. I am finally finding some Christmas Spirit.
I've been a humbug for weeks.

Wishing All A Wonderful Day

2011-11-24T08:53:00.004-05:00

Photo courtesy of oldtownflorist

Give Thanks With A Happy Heart

I have so much to be thankful for this year and when asked to send my thoughts on this to my younger daughter who is putting together a collage of thankful thoughts of all family members, my reply, of course was my family. I am so very thankful that both my girls have married their best friends, wonderful men who are the loves of their lives. By marriage they have enlarged our family with their families, and although there are so many jokes about in-laws, we are so very fortunate that these young men each have wonderful families and we are now one big family.
Having grandchildren is also right the on the top of my thankful list. My Darlin' Dylan holds a big spot in my heart. (although his new thing to be thankful for is pizza with bacon, I've been nudged out by dough and cheese). On Monday, I was invited to go with Holly for her latest sonogram and was able to see my new granddaughter...how amazing is that!

So my wish for all of you, my family and friends, is that your lives be filled with so much to be thankful for that your hearts are just overloaded.

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving.

It's a Blessing, and a Curse....

2011-11-17T23:24:00.005-05:00

Many things can qualify as both a blessing and curse. This phrase became well-known in the popular Monk TV series, when Adrian Monk frequently referred to his gift to solve crimes as a blessing and a curse. Solving tough crimes was certainly the blessing, while being overly attentive to detail was certainly the curse.

That is the way I always feel this time of year. Now is the busiest time for The Country Workshop, an abundance of orders and shows, which is a good thing, the blessing part. But I end up having to spend hours and hours in the studio, and missing out on time with family and friends, the curse part. We have become a shaggy bunch in this house. Lou and Lucy both need haircuts ( I clip them both, usually on the same day but just haven't had the time) and I finally colored my hair on Saturday as I was beginning to look like Cruella Deville with two toned hair. Things won't slow down until half way into December, when I will close down my shops on various selling venues, by putting them on vacations setting until after Christmas.

The past two years we haven't even put up a real Christmas tree. I did pull out my little artificial tree I've used at craft shows and had it in the family room, but as we weren't having any gatherings here for Christmas, that was enough for Lou and me...and it was so very easy to put our Christmas decorations away. However this year the girls and their husbands and our Darlin' Boy will be here on Christmas morning. We will need to find just the right tree and I would love to put together a small train garden but I don't think that's going to happen
...but we'll see.

Speaking of my only grandson, Lou received the the photo below on his phone the other night.
A jar of Vaseline was just too large a temptation for him. Don't know if he thought it was hair gel, but he covered his head and face with petroleum jelly. After almost a week and quite a few head washings, his hair still had bit of a greasy shine to it when I saw him earlier in the week.

I spoke with Holly today, she had gone to a Thanksgiving luncheon at Dylan's school. When she asked him what he was thankful for, he told her,"Mom Mom"
What Grandmother could ask for anything more?

Dog Gone Goodies

2011-11-13T23:59:00.005-05:00

I been looking on Etsy for doggie gifts, for either the dog or the dog's human. I made some wonderful discoveries.

From Doggone Tags
I actually have one of these for Lucy. Cute tag for my fuzzy girl.

This amazing mosaic of dachshunds is from Animal Instincts

From Monster Hallow Studios I love this unique wedding cake topper.

From Graphic Spaces...this cute vinyl graphic for the pet feeding area.

Walk the Dog Art Prints from Going Places 2

Find many more unique pet items on Etsy...

And of course you can find pet signs for dogs and cats in the Pampered Pets category on
The Country Workshop Website

The HON Battle has ended...

2011-11-08T13:40:00.006-05:00

Hons Photo by Diane Creagh

I heard this morning on the local news that the battle over the word HON has ended. Local restauranteur, Denise Whiting, owner of Cafe Hon has dropped her legal claim to use of the word "HON". A Baltimore endearment, and yes people from Baltimore really do use it, (such as a waitress asking, "What can I get for you Hon?") was trademarked by Ms Whiting last year and Baltimoreans have been angry enough to have boycotted her restaurant.
Her business has been off by 20-25%. But now Chef Gordon Ramsay's Restaurant Nightmares has been filming at Cafe Hon and Chef Ramsay, it seems, has done what the wrath of Baltimoreans couldn't do...have Ms Whiting make a public apology and drop her ownership of the Hon trademark.

Click this link for the Baltimore Sun Article The Hon Trademark

John Waters memories of being a teenager in Baltimore in the 1960's were made into the movie Hairspray, written and directed by him, in 1988. Beehive hairdos, the Buddy Deane Show (Corny Collins Show in the movie) , racial segregation were all part of 1963 Baltimore.

Hairspray Movie Trailer

Now, every year in June, Bawlmer celebrates with the Honfest.
Featuring Music, Food and Big Hair!

Let sleeping dogs lie...

2011-11-03T00:23:00.003-04:00

photo from the disney princess

Wednesday morning I went into the kitchen for coffee. When I returned to the bedroom
I found Lucy sleeping on her Dad's pillows.
I always have said she loves him best...

MICKEY MOUS*E

2011-11-01T10:56:00.008-04:00

My Darlin' Boy was Mickey Mouse for Halloween...
Lou and I met Holly and Dylan at my Mom's yesterday so that she would have the chance to see him in his costume. I snapped these photos at my Mother's place. Dylan went out on the trick or treat journey with his cousins last night and then came here
to spend the night with Mom Mom and Gramps.

This morning we made Mickey Mouse waffles for breakfast.

It's a beautiful morning so in a bit we'll be heading outside to see what we can get into.
Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Happy Halloween From Lucy and Dre

2011-10-31T09:19:00.002-04:00

My grand dog Dre as a devil...

and Lucy as an angel

Hope you all have a Happy Halloweenie!
Be safe out there!

And Now We Know...

2011-10-29T19:08:00.004-04:00

photo from the sweetest occasion

Yes folks...my new grandchild is a granddaughter.
My daughter had her second sonogram this week
and it has been determined...It's A Girl!

But did I already know??? Is it possible that a dream I had before Holly found she was expecting, really was letting us know the baby would be a girl???

Just about a week after returning home from our vacation in June, I had a dream that I had Dylan and a little blond haired girl (named Jenna) floating on a boogie board in water that was only waist deep, but the water was so dark that I couldn't see the bottom.
The children fell off the boogie board and I panic because I can't see them but am able to grab both of them and have them in my arms, huggin' the stuffin' out of them when I wake up.
My immediate thoughts after waking from this dream were...I never would have had those 2 children in water like that without swimmies to have them float and I knew the little girl was my granddaughter. I just didn't know who her mother was...Holly or Meagan. I told both my girls about the dream and two weeks later over dinner, Holly announces, "I know who Jenna is."

So what do you think...was the dream telling us that this new grandbaby would be a girl?

I am so looking forward to shopping for smocked dresses and hair bows.

When all else fails...

2011-10-21T23:06:00.002-04:00

Hug the Dog

And who wouldn't want to hug my Lucy...
with her sweet little face?

Live Long and Prosper...

2011-10-21T09:59:00.001-04:00

Darling D, the Captain of the Enterprise.
Found the shirt on Etsy.

Rhodeworks

A Baltimore Wedding

2011-10-19T21:15:00.007-04:00

Friday evening, Lou and I had the pleasure to attend the wedding of the daughter of our neighbors of 30+ years. We watched this adorable little girl grow into a beautiful, accomplished woman. The wedding was held at the
Baltimore Museum of Industry in downtown Baltimore overlooking the famous
Domino Sugars sign and the Baltimore Harbor.

During the day on Friday, thunderstorms rolled through the area most of the day.
But the skies cleared in the late afternoon
and it was a beautiful evening, windy but beautiful.

Julie and her Dad...

The reception was held inside the museum...a glimpse of Baltimore history.

The new Mr. and Mrs.

And the Wedding Cake...cleverly disguised as a bushel of Steamed Crabs.

Wishing Julie and Jeff many happy years together!

The Not So Itsy Bitsy Spider...

2011-10-14T09:53:00.002-04:00

Every morning the porch pets, as we are now calling the spiders who have taken over our porch, leave us a beautiful works of art.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider went up the water spout...
www.countryworkshop.net

An age old nursery rhyme on an 8 inch x 24 inch custom sign with a glittery spider web on a worn sage background with white lettering.

I sang this with my daughters and now with my grandson.

Oh Crap...It's Full Moon

2011-10-12T22:54:00.004-04:00

www.countryworkshop.net

Werewolves...Vampires...Zombies...Shapeshifters...Ghosties...Witches...
and Things That Go Bump in the Night.

A Full Moon brings out the best in us!

Colorfest in Thurmont, MD 2011

2011-10-11T22:15:00.005-04:00

New spot for us this year at the Colorfest in Thurmont on a beautiful October weekend. We set up in the front yard of Mountain Memories, a small craft shop, which is located directly across the street from "The Cozy" the oldest family owned restaurant in the state of Maryland.

It also houses the Camp David Museum.

Lou and I set up on Friday afternoon and as we are pulling the pieces out of the trailer that all hook together to make up our display, we find a table is missing. We had used it several weeks ago when we had the family here for steamed crabs and it never made it back into the trailer. I freaked, as I usually do when something doesn't go as planned, but my Mr Fix It was able to put together an end for the display where the table should be, which ended up working out so well that I think I would like him to build something similar to be used permanently in the display.

A shot of the Halloween table...although we sell
Witch, Zombie and Vampire items all year long.

A new addition for this show was a credit card reader for an i-phone. You plug the jak (from ProPay) into an i-phone and a credit card can be swiped. You get an approval or not for the card. The customer signs the phone with her finger tip and can have an email receipt sent to her if she would like. We had to purchase the i-phone last week...and we really didn't need a new phone with all the bells and whistles. But we've been tempting fate all these years at outside shows with taking cc and not knowing if they were good until we ran them when we got home.

This little gadget saved us $84.00 when a mutiple item purchase wasn't approved.

Am off to read your blogs...have been so busy getting read y for the show that I'm way behind reading and commenting

Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog!

2011-09-28T22:47:00.003-04:00

Please Spay or Neuter Your Pets
This is a tragic example of an in-bread dog

Received this in an email and thought I'd share.
Made me giggle...what a dear little face.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere...

2011-09-28T00:01:00.007-04:00

We traveled a hundred miles north today, to Reading, PA, to pick up a wood order that we absolutely needed as we were down to less than one 4x8 sheet of mdf that we use for our signs.

I noticed that autumn was starting to appear as we crossed the state line from MD into PA. The tops of the trees are beginning to turn shades of yellow, orange and red.

We also passed many, many farm stands and shops with mountains of beautiful pumpkins,
not only in orange but also in white.

I took my Darlin' Boy to our local farm yesterday hoping to be able to go on a hayride but the ground was still too muddy, so we settled for a pumpkin, some apples, a jar of apple butter and 6 apple cider donuts.

I have had visions of decorating with lots and lots of pumpkins and mums every year, but when the girls were small we usually had only 1 or 2 pumpkins made into jack 'o lanterns for Halloween. Since they've be out of the house I haven't even done that. But I'd love to do do something like the photo below that came from the Martha Stewart website.
I have a drill...I can do that!

Martha Stewart Website

www.countryworkshop.net

Two Years Ago Today

2011-09-26T15:37:00.002-04:00

We were in Thurmont, MD at the wedding of
our beautiful daughter, Meagan and the love of her life, Erik.
Happy Second Anniversary my darlings. We love you!

Burlap Pumpkins with Hydrangeas...

2011-09-22T08:58:00.003-04:00

http://www.frugaliciousme.com/

I saw this great idea and thought how lovely...and I have the hydrangeas.
I might even find the time to make some burlap pumpkins to decorate for fall.

Just Maybe...Hokey Pokey

2011-09-20T17:23:00.003-04:00

The Country Workshop

The Hokey Pokey

You put your right foot in,
You put your right foot out,
You put your right foot in
And you shake it all about.
You do the Hokey Pokey
And you turn yourself around,
That's what it's all about.

It's Apple Time...

2011-09-19T08:01:00.003-04:00

Found this easy to make Recipe for Baked Apples in the crock pot. I think I need to try this. I haven't made baked apples for years. Looks like I'll need to make a trip to Weber's Cider Mill today.

A Snow White sentiment...the Wicked Stepmother/Witch or
An Apple a Day keeps the doctor away.

Have An Apple Dearie....

A Quick Change of Seasons

2011-09-17T09:59:00.004-04:00

Photo from XAXOR.com

The Feel of Autumn rolled into Maryland on Thursday evening. Seems we will be having a lovely couple of days. A bit cloudy today, but Sunday and Monday are going to be beautiful, sunny with temps in the low 70's.
Can't ask for anything better than that.

However, in Ocean City, Maryland, the quick weather change on Thursday caused a tornado to form...no warning. Video of the Tornado

Hundreds of bikers are in OC this weekend for the annual Bike Week. My brother and his wife and my sister and her boyfriend are there with friends for the weekend. Thank goodness no one was hurt.

Some Halloween Decorating Ideas

2011-09-14T22:50:00.005-04:00

Coolfaceart Blog

A different face on this Jack'OLantern...A little creepy and very unique.

BHG Website
Thought these eyeballs were cute...

The Country Workshop
Made especially for my friends and me...could be a snapshot!

Jenny's Tole Shed
Spider and Web Candle Mat

A Day With The Boy

2011-09-13T21:17:00.005-04:00

Spent the day with my Darlin' D today. He stayed overnight, so we had an early start to the day. We made pancakes for breakfast then set out to get pumpkin colored acrylic paint for Halloween signs. Dylan talked to me the whole time we were strolling through Joann's as he was sitting in the seat of the shopping cart facing me. Now that he has so much to say I have discovered he is quite a character (very like his Dad) and he makes me laugh.

Then we headed to Weber's Farm for apples, peaches and cider. We visited the turkeys, which I'm sure will be on Thanksgiving tables in November... but I will never tell Dylan that. He gobble gobbled all afternoon.

I saw this cute idea for making a Halloween greeting using the foot prints of a child and making them into 2 little ghosts. It wasn't as easy as I thought. Although Dylan was happy to cooperate...what 2 year old wouldn't like having paint spread on the bottoms of his feet, the first try was to put the black card stock on the floor and stand him on it. His little feet just slid forward in a streak. So I re-painted his little tootsies and had him sit in the high chair and pressed the card stock to his painted soles. It took several more pieces of cardboard before we got this one. It was hard to get just the right amount of paint on the feet. Then I popped him into the tub, as we were both covered in in white poster paint. Later we added eyes, the moon, stars and glitter.

Good Night All

We Remember

2011-09-11T09:46:00.001-04:00

We Remember

Long Leggedy Beasties...

2011-09-11T00:54:00.009-04:00

All Hallows Eve is coming up quickly...time for ghosties and ghoulies and things that go bump in the night. Lately, around here it's been the long leggedy beasties we've had to worry about.

Blissfully Unaware

Don't know if it was the earthquake 2 weeks ago or Irene or the week long buckets of rain drenching the east coast, or maybe a combination of all of three, but those spiders are growing pretty big around here.

This lovely creation fills the door frame going out the laundry room to the backyard. It spans the entire width of the door and is almost four feet tall. Definitely not an Itsy Bitsy Spider... Thank goodness it didn't reach the floor or Lucy could have been the beastie's breakfast.

Words of wisdom don't you think?

This amazing iridescent piece of art is on our porch. Just love the way the web has a purple tint to it. Maybe this guy is a Ravens Fan.

Just hoping the Beasties stay outside.

We Survived the Weekend...

2011-09-01T09:42:00.005-04:00

We prepared for the worst and although we had lots of rain and lots of wind, we had only had to deal with being without electric and small branches and leaves all over the yard. I was actually concerned for the first time in 30 years living in this house that the large oak trees, one in the front yard and one in the back, might fall because the ground was already so saturated. We decided sleep in the downstairs family room on Saturday night just in case.

My daughter Meagan and her husband Erik, who live just across the street from us had no damage, just some time without electric. Holly, Chad and Dylan have been staying with Chad's Mother as their electric is still out. Having a well, they also have no water. Dylan stayed here with us on Monday and Tuesday which was entertaining and exhausting, but when he left, the house was so empty.

I received an email from my niece asking about my hydrangeas. She is hosting a baby shower for her friend the end of September and wanted to know if there were still flowers on my bushes that she could use for decorating the tables. I was feeling sad that the hydrangeas would not get used this year. Two years ago Meagan used the flowers from the bushes my garden, which turn burgundy and green this time of year (like the photo above), for centerpieces and decorating at her wedding. Last year I dried them and they were used for the wedding of the daughter of my best friend in February. I'll be drying some for myself to use in the house but am so glad Leslie can use them for the baby shower.

Need to get to the shop on this beautiful day to fill some orders and work on adding up inventory for the shows I'm doing this fall.

Also I can still use votes for the OC Photo Contest. I think I probably can't win as I don't have hundreds and hundreds of FaceBook Friends like some of the other entrants. Seriously, who can have 967 friends.

Vote for Me Vote For Me Vote for Me

2011-08-26T10:11:00.004-04:00

There's a Then and Now contest on the OC Facebook page to win a weekend in Ocean City. (Hoping Irene will not cause too much damage) My entry is the 2 photos above. The top picture was taken in 1954 on the Ocean City boardwalk...that's me in the stroller with my parents, grandmother and 2 aunts. The other shot is Dylan and his Gramps on the beach in June.
We are one of the 10 finalists.
If you have a FB page and get a chance...could you click below and vote for us.
The entry is titled "The Tradition Continues".
Oh...and you can vote once a day...not being too pushy am I?

Thanks Folks

Then and Now Photo Contest

Also, all also in the path of Irene please keep safe...

Every Child is an Artist....

2011-08-25T08:27:00.005-04:00

So true...every child loves to create. A box of crayons and paper can entertain for hours.
I am so sad to see art and music classes being taken out of schools due to budget cuts.

Art and Music add so much to life.

Every Child is an Artist...Pablo Picasso

Love when I see parents encouraging their children to create. I received the framed finger painting below for Mother's Day, painted by the fingers of my Darlin' Dylan.

Remember how I told you about Dylan not napping for me all day Tuesday, after being up most of the night before? Well it caught up with him at school/daycare yesterday. He was eating lunch one moment and sound asleep the next. The teacher emailed Holly this photo and she passed it on to me.

Another Mom Mom Dylan Moment...

2011-08-24T08:47:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my Dylan day. I leave to go to Holly's a bit before 6am in order to beat the traffic on the Baltimore beltway. I hate driving during rush hour. However, schools have opened in Baltimore county and the traffic was heavier, even that early, than it has been all summer. When I walked into Holly's house, I see her coming from her bedroom looking so worn out. She's been having a problem with morning sickness and has been dragging in these early months of pregnancy but her problem wasn't from this new little life...it was my darling D. He woke up at midnight and didn't go back to sleep until 5am. He was up again at 6:30.

Holly decided to work from home, so I thought I'd bring him to my house, expecting him to fall asleep in the car. Nope, no nap. Dropped by my Mom's so she and Dylan could spend some time together. We then came back here for lunch and he's still going strong. No whining, lots of talking and singing. Taught him a new song...Jeepers Creepers, Where'd You Get Those Peepers as The Wheels on the Bus was getting old. I bribe him with laying down on the bed for a while by turning on Mickey Mouse Playhouse. He and I are singing the Hot Dog Song with Mickey and crew when Lucy, who is at the bottom of the bed sits up and starts howling. The drawer pulls on the dressers start to bounce, making clanging noises and "the house begins to twitch" like in the Wizard of Oz song.

I grab Dylan, stand in the door way of the bedroom with him in my arms, calling for Lucy to sit there with us. Dylan and I experienced our first earthquake together. This will be one of those family stories that he will be told many times as he grows up. A Mom Mom and Grandson bonding moment. And the child, still has not taken a nap. He did not go to sleep until 7pm, on the ride to deliver him back to his parents. Lou carried him into the house and he did not stir...

Now I know those on the west coast are probably laughing at those of us who were scared by this 5.8 earthquake but when you aren't use to the ground trembling, it is quite a shock.

Now we are waiting for the hurricane to hit this weekend.

Cheesecake in a Jar

2011-08-20T09:14:00.003-04:00

The Italian Dish

Quick Saturday post...found this wonderful blog with great recipes. Thought some of you would like to visit too.

Wishing all a beautiful weekend.

Live in the Sunshine...

2011-08-18T09:27:00.002-04:00

Jena Ardell Photography Bicycle Print

I think I'd rather be at the beach today.
I saw this bike at the beach print on etsy and just love it.

I'm also still working on beachy things.
I have always liked this Emerson quote and have finally put it on a sign.

Now to get up to the shop and work on "Things that go bump in the night"
Halloween is fast approaching.

Lucy Loves Ice Cream

2011-08-17T09:38:00.004-04:00

Dumser's Dairyland has been serving the best homemade ice cream for years on the Boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland. There is now one located on Route 50, just out side of town.

We stopped there when we were leaving for home last week so Lucy could have her cup of vanilla ice cream. (and yes, Lou and I did get milkshakes, strawberry banana for Lou and vanilla for me)

After having her special treat...Lucy winked at me. A new dog sentiment based on cute things our fuzzy baby does.

Lucy's New Sign

Aqua and White

2011-08-12T13:14:00.004-04:00

I am hiding in my bedroom today, with a sore throat, hacking cough and a fever. I believe I owe this malaise to my darling grandson who brought it home from his daycare/school. He was coughing earlier this week while I watched him. Talked with Holly earlier and she's home with the same symptoms.

So I actually have some time to "stroll" through some decorating ideas. My friend Bonnie has been using shades of aqua in her house for years. Seems that aqua and white are the newest decorating rage. I do believe I may have to paint my kitchen using these colors.
What do you think?

Lets Drift Away

Such Pretty Things

The Sunny Sunflower House

House of Turquoise

I made this sign with Bonnie in mind...

Ocean Pines Craft Show

2011-08-08T17:15:00.005-04:00

Wow did we luck out. We signed up to participate in the Ocean Pines Crafts Show outside of Ocean City, MD on Saturday. As most of you, we have been experiencing the hot, hot temperatures the past month, and were very concerned as to what the weather would be. The last time we set up for this particular show was 3 years ago and it was an extremely hot day and I uttered the words more than once…”I’m melting, I’m melting” in my best wicked witch voice. Well Saturday was a beautiful day…mid 80’s, breezy and our space was under the trees.

This was also the Lucy’s first craft show. At first she wasn’t too happy being tied to a tree, right next to where we were setting up, but once she realized we weren’t leaving her by herself, she settled in. She was so happy to visit with all the folks who stopped to talk with her. But she wasn’t too fond of a large, black marshmallow of a dog who wanted to give her a kiss. She snapped at this darling boy. Guess our Lucy just isn’t that kind of girl.

I love to do shows like this…good weather, great customers and the ladies of the Pion’eer Craft Club, who put on this festival do an amazing job. The show next year will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2012 in White Horse Park, Ocean Pines, Maryland.

The Country Workshop

Zucchini Cakes...

2011-08-04T09:15:00.002-04:00

Had hoped to be able to make all types of recipes using zucchini when I planted several little plants this spring. I actually harvested two, yes two zucchini from my potted plants. But I still will try this recipe...just have to go to the local farm store to get the main ingredient.
Recipe for Zucchini Cakes

What if...

2011-08-03T08:54:00.002-04:00

A sentiment to think about...

The Boy is 2

2011-08-02T15:25:00.002-04:00

A quick post...this weekend Darlin' D's second birthday was celebrated. He has discovered the movie Toy Story and just adores Buzz Lightyear. His Mom made a wonderful Buzz cake for him and he not only blew out the candles but was singing Happy, Happy, Happy all evening.

Gramps and I found a Buzz that talks, and moves and has blinking lights and sounds. The second photo, Holly sent me the morning after the party. Buzz and D are having quite a conversation. Oh the magic...

Tiki Bird Pineapple Whips

2011-07-24T23:54:00.006-04:00

I just love visiting DisneyWorld...the Magic...the Fantasy...the Dole Pineapple Whips.

Outside the Tiki Room, the home of the famous Tiki Birds, we usually stop for a Pineapple Whip. I found two make it at home recipes. I think I will be making some for the Darlin' D boy sometime soon.

DOLE WHIP (VERSION 1)

1 quart Dole pineapple juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups heavy whipping cream
3 cups sugar
Milk

Mix the pineapple juice and sugar, making sure that the sugar is dissolved.
Next add the cream and vanilla.
Pour the whole mixture into a 4-quart ice cream maker.
Add milk to finish, filling to the fill line.
At this point simply follow the instructions on your ice cream maker.
When the ice cream is ready you can serve it as is or you can stick it in the freezer
for a while and let it set up a bit.

DOLE WHIP (VERSION 2)

Prep: 10 min.
Freeze: 3 hrs.
Makes: 8 servings

Ingredients:

2 cans (20 oz. each) DOLE Crushed
Pineapple
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

Drain pineapple; reserve 2 tablespoons
juice. Set aside.

Place pineapple, lemon juice, lime juice,
sugar and reserved pineapple juice in
blender or food processor container. Cover;
blend until smooth.

Pour into two 1-quart freezer zipped bags.
Store bags flat in freezer. Freeze about 1-
1/2 hours or until slushy.

Hydrangea Cupcakes

2011-07-19T11:40:00.004-04:00

Found these beautiful cupcakes and how to make them on the Glorious Treats Blog

I'm thinking...I need to try this. Aren't they just gorgeous?

A Secret Revealed...

2011-07-18T23:42:00.004-04:00

For a week I've been keeping a secret...

Darlin' D's shirt says it all...

A Father, A Son and the Space Shuttle...

2011-07-16T21:14:00.003-04:00

photo courtesy chris bray

Saw this and thought what a wonderful story the photographs tell. Father and Son watching the very first launching of the Space Shuttle and 30 years later, again watching a shuttle take off for the last time. Family history...American history.

Random Thoughts...

2011-07-12T23:10:00.012-04:00

1. After years of trying to attract hummingbirds to my garden with several different types of feeders without success, I find them at hostas in front of the house.

photo courtesy google images

2. Got a text from Holly on Saturday morning...Darlin' D went on the potty for the first time. He was with me yesterday and told me all day when he had to go. Lots of clapping and cheering here on the hill. However the novelty must have worn off...he wouldn't take the time today at home with his Mom. (I hope he doesn't read this post when he's older)

3. I haven't seen a stink bug around here, inside or out for several weeks. Where the heck did they go...not complaining, but had heard how bad they would be this summer.

4. I've been having a problem with the middle finger of my right hand...that's the finger that the paintbrush rests against and right at the cuticle it's been cracking and sore. I can't stand to wear gloves while I paint. I found these nifty little finger covers at the drug store. They seem to be doing the trick.

5. I think that the experiment of planting zucchini in posts has failed. Lots of leaves and flowers but not one zucchini as of today. I had hoped I would have bunches like the picture below.

6. I really can't get into Twitter and tweeting...I had set up an account over a year ago to promote the Country Workshop but can't seem to get the hang of putting all I have to say in that little bit of space. I guess I just have a run on brain. But I've decided to try again. I think I'm afraid I'm missing something.

7. Found these wonderful solar lights that screw onto mason jars. Just had to get some for the patio and garden. You can find them at TreaureAgain on Etsy. Can't wait to receive them and to find just the right spots for them in the yard.

8. Also found this tutorial on The Craftberry Bush blog about how to stain glass jars blue. I'm thinking maybe I will stain the jars I use for the lights above.

Good Night All...

Beach Sentiments...

2011-07-07T09:51:00.002-04:00

Personalized Beach House Sign

Now it's time to get started on Autumn and Halloween merchandise. Next month...Christmas!

The Country Workshop

God Bless America...

2011-07-02T08:42:00.007-04:00

Good Morning All...What a beautiful morning it is here in Carney. A bit warmer that yesterday, but yesterday at this time I was in the shop packaging orders for shipping and missed the morning.

We'll be having a quiet holiday weekend here at our house. No parties or cookouts. Although, last night at about 1 am someone was setting off quite a fireworks display across the street which made me sit straight up in bed. Lucy wasn't too happy about the noise, she was walking all over me...Lou slept through it. So quiet may not be the correct word...uneventful probably is.

I am wondering if the kids setting off the fireworks last night even realize what the 4th of July Celebration actually is besides hot dogs and hamburgers, fireworks, and a day off of school or work. American history doesn't seem to be an important subject taught in schools anymore. The state of MD just passed a requirement for high graduation that students must be "green literate" (and I'm not saying I don't believe in conservation) but the schools are not teaching the children American history and what the men and women who shaped this country sacrificed so that we live the lives we do today. I believe we, as Americans need to know where we come from. I hate to think of what the kids are not learning today. Art and music programs are being cut. Heck, I read where some schools are not teaching how to write in cursive. My two sons-in-law don't think of this as a horrible thing, but they each have their i-phones in their hands most of the time and very rarely use a sheet of paper and a pencil. I asked them if they they had ever seen the movie, Escape from LA, when at the end of the movie, Snake Plissken pushes the button and turns off technology.

So this weekend I will be putting out the flag...pinching off my petunias (my Grandmother Elsie told me that the 4th of July was the day to do this to make bushier plants)...wishing I had gotten one the the sparking spinners pictured below for Darlin' Dylan (I just loved these things when I was a kid)

...sitting on the porch with my feet up, drinking ice tea, and quietly celebrating our country's history.

What I Read at The Beach...

2011-06-28T12:34:00.008-04:00

For several days, before I left for Ocean City, MD for a week at the beach, I searched online for mysteries and romances to read while on vacation. I purchased several for the kindle and figured I would probably find one I could sit on the beach and enjoy.

So what did I end up reading...
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter.

I saw on one of those entertainment tv shows that a movie is being made based on the
Dark Shadows soap opera from the late '60's.
Johnny Depp will be playing the Vampire Barnabas Collins. Also mentioned was another vampire movie based on the book, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter.

OK folks...in an earlier post I told you that I love vampire movies, books and television shows, so this really shouldn't be a surprise to you. The two movies will be premiering in 2012, as well as a remake of Fright Night.

In the meantime, I'll be watching the new season of HBO's True Blood.

Back to Reality...

2011-06-27T11:09:00.012-04:00

after a week at the beach.

There were 16 of adults and the two little boys who kept us entertained all week long.

An Ocean City Memory...

With A Great Mustache...

2011-06-13T21:06:00.013-04:00

Many famous mustaches on many famous faces...

and would you believe that I have never seen the face below without the mustache
in 36 years of marriage?

The Country Workshop

Summer Weekend

2011-06-12T10:25:00.005-04:00

Went to Boordy Vineyards last night with a large group of family and friends. Boordy has a summer concert series and you can bring in a picnic dinner and sit, eat, drink wine and listen to the music. The entertainment was The Mahoney Brothers who perform songs as The Beatles. The band starts out in the grey suits with short hair...then comes out in Sgt. Pepper costumes... and ends with the way the Beatles looked before they disbanded, with long hair and beards.

It was hot and humid yesterday, and scattered thunderstorms were being called for but we received an email in the afternoon saying the concert was still being held outside. This was our first time at Boordy and were amazed at all the old time concert goers who brought everything but the kitchen sink with them for the evening.

Too hot and too crowded to get close to the stage but there were lots of folks dancing. I realized that I remembered all the words to the songs. Isn't that funny...as I sometimes can't remember what I did yesterday.

Sitting on the porch this morning, writing this as I move the hose around to soak the gardens. I have some things to plant and need to pull the vacuum out for the rug here on the porch.
Tomorrow I will be back in the shop but today will be just a summer day...porch sitting and flower watering.
Hope all are having a wonderful weekend.

Pirates and Mermaids...

2011-06-10T00:09:00.005-04:00

On Sunday afternoon, Lou and I went, along with my friend Bonnie and her husband Bob, to see the latest Disney Pirates movie Pirates of the Carribbean 4 . We liked this 4th installment, better than the last one but still think the first movie was best of the four. The story involved Pirates, Mermaids and the Fountain of Youth.

Always trying to think of new ideas for The Country Workshop, I realized Mermaids would be a great new addition to the beach and summer sections of the website. Below are several ideas I came up with.

It's so hard to share...

2011-06-09T08:13:00.004-04:00

Well folks...I actually get to use my laptop this morning. It made it back down to the house after several days in the shop without coming home. I have my routine and it has been totally messed up. I usually check the selling venues every morning and evening, answer questions anyone may have about my products, read the blogs I follow, do my blog posts and take some time to list items on the various selling venues where I have shops set up.

In December we had to replace both our desk top computer in the shop and my very old, owes us nothing, laptop. Couldn't believe that both went to computer heaven two weeks before Christmas. Our wonderful son by marriage totally set up the desk top for us but a problem with the ports developed and we knew it had to go back but were having a problem with getting the laptop to work with the cutter machine we use to cut our stencils and vinyl. Lou ended up using an old laptop of his brother's just for the cutter and the motherboard of the desktop is on its way to be repaired or replaced.

But this is posing a problem. My laptop needs to be in the shop during the day for internet access for printing out orders and shipping labels and such. Lou has been working up in the shop in the evenings and is using the laptop then, and he never brings it home when he closes up shop for the night. He says, "Oh did you want the computer? I figured it was too late for you to do any work tonight." Welllll, yes! I guess I could run up to the shop in my jammies but I've just been dealing with the business of answering messages once I get to the shop in the morning. I like sitting on the porch, drinking my coffee and doing what I need to do on my laptop in the morning. So that's where I am right now, even though it's hot enough to melt my brain today out here and the sweat will shortly be dripping off my nose. Hope, after all these years of marriage, that we don't kill each other over who gets to use the computer.

On a positive note, Lou and I did get to share the Darlin' D boy yesterday. I drove out to Holly and Chad's yesterday for my regular grandson day and then brought both Dylan and doggie grandson Dre back to our house for the day. We planted some flowers in pots, watered the garden, read books and ate pancakes for lunch. (I ran down the list of what Dylan might like for lunch and he chose pancakes). Gramps took the D boy into the shop and Dylan may be the only almost 2 year old who knows the difference between a table saw, a router, and a drill press. And he likes to hammer on wood...no nails, but boy can he swing a hammer and bang on the wood.

Below is a photo Holly sent me of D in the pool this weekend. He's just growing so fast.

For all of you in the sweltering heat of today...Be safe and try to keep cool.
Also remember to check in with any elderly folks you may know and be sure your pets have shade and water if they are outside. This heat can be a killer.

Snakes? Why did it have to be Snakes?

2011-05-30T20:55:00.002-04:00

We had a visitor at the Country Workshop on this beginning of summer weekend. At least the door to the shop wasn't open as this one was just a step outside the front door. The last time a black snake paid us a visit, the door was open and a relative of this fellow, slithered in and climbed the stairs to the studio, went over my chair and ended up on the counter, sunning himself by the window. That one was much larger than this 4 footer, probably 6-7 foot and about 3 inches around.

I realize, that there are probably snakes in our yard all the time, but I really don't want to see them, and I certainly don't want any in the house or in the shop. Guess I'm gonna have to be a bit more careful when I'm pulling weeds in the gardens.
Anyone know where I can borrow a mongoose?

Memories In The Garden...

2011-05-26T14:57:00.011-04:00

I don't know about in your garden, but as I stroll around the yard, I see plants that have significance in my life. We have been in this house for over 30 years and there are still plants that the previous owners loving put into the soil, that come back year after year. It makes me wonder about that gardener from all those years ago.

There are also flowers, like the daisies below, that I planted the first summer we called this house home. They show up every year, have been divided many times and handed out to friends and family.

These ferns came from friends, Ann and Bob in Shunk, PA. Ann's family owns Baumunks's General Store and Lumber Yard in Shunk. We visited them one summer and stayed at the family's lake house. The woods were full of ferns and we brought home a shovel full with us and tucked them in the corner of the garden. They have flourished over the years and each spring, when the fern fronds start poking through the earth, I think of Ann and Bob and that weekend we stayed at the lake.

The pink dianthus started out a tiny plant, in a cute little pot that was a favor from the baby shower given for my niece Leslie when she was expecting her daughter, Calista. Cali came into the world two weeks before darlin' Dylan. Every time I look at these "pinks", the face of Dylan's little girl cousin pops into my brain.

When the primrose in my garden blooms in the spring, I remember my 50th surprise birthday party (and it was really a surprise as Lou and I came home from seeing a movie and 40+ people were here at the house yelling, "Surprise"). The primrose was in a planter filled with spring flowers and was a gift from friends Ann and David.

I'm sure that most gardeners share plants and have fond memories of the plants the have shared and the plants they have received. Isn't that what gardening is all about?

Going to the Chapel and We're Going to get Married...

2011-05-24T21:17:00.006-04:00

I seem to be running in circles with all I've had to do in the past week or two. I've had many orders to fill which is a wonderful thing. That means business is good but there's so much to do in the spring around the house and in the gardens. So I break up each day doin' a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I'm also so enjoying the kindle that Lou and the girls surprised me with for my birthday and am staying up late reading all the books that I'd been putting off. Makes it hard to get up when that darn alarm goes off.

But I did have the pleasure of designing several signs for the wedding of the daughter of my dear friend Margie. The sign below is the only one I photographed (Duh...what was I thinking...guess I'll have to wait for the professional photos). It's a small beach wedding and I'm sure it will be just beautiful.
Wishing Megan and Tim a wonderful, long life together.

Megan and Tim

The custom sign below was made for the wedding of the daughter of my oldest and very best friend, Bonnie. We've been friends since I was 4 and she was 3. Her beautiful daughter Erin and now husband Nick said their I Do's back in February. The sign was on an easel in the foyer of the 1840's Ballroom in Baltimore as guests walked into the banquet room.

Erin and Nick

Country Workshop Wedding Signs

Tomorrow is my Dylan day...I definitely will come home exhausted after a day with my darlin' boy. Hoping for a nice weather day so we can play outside and maybe take a nice long walk!

Goodnight...Sleep Tight

Visions of Blueberries Danced in my Head...

2011-05-15T18:57:00.006-04:00

About this time last year, on one of those nights when I couldn't sleep, I saw a commercial on the tv for blueberry plants. Plants to be grown in containers on patios or decks. Small bushy plants that would produce hundreds of blueberries on one plant. I did something I had never done before...I actually purchased something off a late night television sales pitch.
The order came rather quickly, but 2 of the 3 plants, which were little more than skinny 2 inch sticks, were dead. I emailed the company and never received an answer but much to my surprise, I did get replacement plants in the mail about a week later.

I planted those tiny little green sticks, sat the pots on the patio and within 3 days two of the plants had disappeared.

By the end of last summer, I had two little blueberry sticks with just a few leaves. The pot wintered over on the porch and when spring came those two tiny plants shot out new leaves.

I just figured it would be years, if ever before I'd ever see a blueberry. Even said to Lou that I'd probably wouldn't live long enough to pick blueberries from these bushes.

However, I just noticed 3 little flowers that will become the blue tasty berries. So do I let the 3 berries develop or do I pinch off the flowers to promote plant growth?
Decisions...decisions!

The Little Mouse Who Roared or the Squeaky Wheel gets the Scholarship

2011-05-13T16:10:00.007-04:00

When I saw on a Facebook a post by my cousin Tom, I was appalled. His daughter Lindsay, a beautiful, bright, amazing high school senior had been awarded Maryland's Distinguished Scholar Award, a $3,000 a year scholarship if she attended a Maryland University. 350 students, the best and brightest, were awarded these scholarships. This award helps to keep the state's top students here in Maryland. May 1st was the "Decision Day" for students to determine which college they would be attending. The state officials waited until May the 6th, when all other scholarship deadlines had passed, to inform the students that the scholarships were cancelled due to budget cuts. However, in the same week, the Governor of Maryland passed a law which grants in state tuition to the children of illegal immigrants, which also has many Maryland citizens up in arms.

The local paper interviewed Lindsay and you can read the article and see the video here

After the interview went out, the Governor's office must have heard from many angry citizens. Governor O'Malley personally called Lindsay to let her know that he was reinstating the scholarships for all 350 students.

Congratulations to all these amazing students who worked so hard and are receiving what they earned and was promised to them.

Lucy and Zucchini Updates

2011-05-13T14:25:00.006-04:00

With some info from the ladies below...thanks girls
Dee (Icehouse Crafts)
Gloria (The Little Red House with the White Porch)
the zucchini plants are now in their containers and we will see what happens. I hope end up with a jungle of leaves and vines and so many zucchini that I'll have plenty to share
with family and friends.

Also a Lucy update. The lump on her neck has totally disappeared and and she has an appointment with Dr. Tim on 5/20 for a followup. He talked about doing another biopsy but there is nothing there to biopsy so that is good. Appears the infection is clearing up. She's had a bit of problem with her stomach due to the antibiotics so I'm adding rice to her diet and she has a chewable pill to help her digestion.

The picture below is Lucy sleeping on the landing in the shop. I know she is feeling better if this is where she decides to snooze. For several days she was sleeping on my feet as I painted.

I washed that window this morning and threw the curtains in the laundry. Lucy loves to push her head past the curtains and nose the window.

By the way...those are the stairs I fell down and the window my shoulder went through when I noticed a 6 foot long black snake coming up the steps as I was going down. Twisted my ankle, which swelled the size of a grapefruit but at least didn't get cut by the glass as the were curtains covered the glass. That was many years ago, before cell phones and I couldn't get in touch with Lou. His Dad came to save the day and get the snake out of the shop.

Grudgingly going back to work now. Thinking the sign boards I base coated earlier must be dry. Hope you are all having a beautiful day!

www.countryworkshop.net

You just need to show up...

2011-05-11T06:44:00.005-04:00

36 years ago today, Lou and I were wed at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Overlea, Maryland.

Watching this weeks episode of Castle (one of my favorite shows) on Monday night, the Police Captain and his wife were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. When asked how they had stayed married for so long, he replied, "You just have to show up." Whoever the writer is for this show, he/she got it right.

Through good times and bad...You just need to show up.

Heading into year 37.

Zucchini in Pots?

2011-05-10T16:12:00.003-04:00

Our yard hasn't for years had one spot (except for the middle of the driveway) where there is enough sunlight to grow vegetables. I've adapted my flower gardening to plants that thrive in shade or part sun. We've had to take down several trees this spring due to the tornado that grazed us in November. Several had the tops sheared off at the time and others started leaning months later.

There is now an area that gets sun almost all day but I don't have time to put in a new bed this year. So I'm going to grow some veggies in pots. My question is this...has anyone grown zucchini in pots? I have in the past put tomato plants and herbs in pots but not zucchini so if anyone has had success or failure with this please let me know.

Enjoying another beautiful, perfect spring day here in Carney.

www.countryworkshop.net

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T11:19:00.003-04:00

My Mother and Father, me, my brother John and sister Jan.
1959

Celebrated Mother's Day last night with the daughters and their hubbies, the Darlin' D Boy and my Mom. Lou and I are just so blessed that our girls married men who have truly become our sons. Meagan and Erik hosted dinner last night and we all had a wonderful evening.

Wishing all a beautiful day with the special women that you love...

A Long Couple of Days...

2011-05-04T08:08:00.003-04:00

Last week I made an appointment for Lucy with the vet for a check up. She needed a heartworm and lyme disease test as well as just general look over. The appointment was on Friday and on Wednesday night, while Lou was in the process of his and Lucy's nightly ritual of playing fetch the whatever toy Lucy chooses and the belly rubs and ear scratches, Lou discovered a lump on Lucy's neck. My brain went way back to when I was a child and our black cocker spaniel, Penny, had lumps on her neck which turned out to be lymphoma. When the vet felt it, I could see by the look on his face that he thought it was something serious. Dr. Cujdik did a needle biopsy and when he took a look at the slide he discovered cells that looked an infection, but it didn't rule out lymphoma. Lucy has been on antibiotics 3 times a day and I have been thinking the lump was getting smaller, but was that wishful thinking on my part?. So we have been waiting since Friday to get the results from the lab.

We received a call this morning to let us know it was definitely an infection. Thank goodness. My first reaction, of course, was to think the worst, so I am extremely relieved to find out that our sweet, rotten spoiled Lucy girl is going to be fine.

Fairies Gather Here...

2011-04-27T15:46:00.002-04:00

One of my new signs...I think I need to have one of these in my garden.

Fairies Gather Here

Looks like Darlin' D found his own fairies in a patch of violets...

Always Leave Room in Your Garden for Fairies to Dance

Mothers of Little Boys...

2011-04-25T08:11:00.003-04:00

Being a Mother of Daughters I never realized how true the sentiment below truly is until Darlin' D came into my life. Looking back, I had it fairly easy raising my two girls. I was thinking that I come home exhausted after a day of watching the grandson because I am getting old but is it maybe a combination of that and Dylan's bottomless little boy energy?

www.countryworkshop.net

Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day here...that makes 2 in a row.
Hope you all are having a good day too!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:17:00.001-04:00

From Our Home To Your Home
Wishes for a Blessed Easter Sunday

The Forget-Me-Nots Haven't Forgotten...

2011-04-22T13:13:00.003-04:00

So maybe spring is actually coming...the forget-me-nots in my garden are blooming. The lilacs are starting to pop open. I'm sure lots of other blossoms will be showing their pretty selves soon if we get more than one day of sun in the next week.
Mr.Sun...Sun...Mr. Golden Sun...Please Shine Down On Me!

Just Rip It Out and Do A Dye Job

2011-04-17T22:30:00.009-04:00

Saturday, here in Maryland, as in so many other South Eastern States, it was rainy (2 inches), stormy, windy all day and into the night. The daughters and our sons acquired by marriage, came here for the day for dinner and to dye Easter Eggs with Dylan. Had the weather been nice, the boys were planning on helping Lou take down some trees in the front yard. However, when the weather didn't cooperate, the plans were changed dramatically. It was decided that the living room ceiling, which had some water damage, was coming down. When we moved into our house 35 years ago, Lou had put up drywall over a ceiling of cracked plaster, added cedar beams and stippled the ceiling. We liked it then but in 2011 it is very '70's, very dated. I had said when the time came to repair the water damage I would really like it the '70's gone from the living room.

The "kids" walked in the front door on Saturday and quickly cleared the living room of furniture, (which is now tucked in various rooms and places around the house) curtains, lamps the fireplace mantle, every picture, book and rug. Plastic was put up to cover the doorways out of that room. First beams came down, then the crown moulding, then the old drywall. Lou, Chad and Erik worked all day in that room and were able to get much of the new drywall back up and finished putting up the rest on Sunday.

Holly and Meagan fixed both lunch and dinner for all of us and while the men folk were busy ripping out the ceiling, the women took time to dye eggs. It is the first time that Dylan was able to help with that task and he did an enthusiastic job. His Great Grandmother, my Mom, was also here to help with coloring the eggs.

Lou will tape and spackle the ceiling this week. We need to go pick out new crown moulding and paint colors. We are debating on refinishing the wood floors, but I would be happy with just getting the ceiling finished and the room painted. Lou is also planning on making raised wood panels to cover the brick fireplace.

I'm so very grateful to my children, Holly and Chad, Meagan and Erik for taking the time to help us old folks this weekend. Love you guys! I am blessed to have you all in my life.

Ballerina Pink

2011-04-15T09:14:00.006-04:00

While looking for a replacement color for "Raspberry Sherbert" which isn't to be found anywhere, I discovered this delightful light pink color paint called "Ballerina Pink".

It certainly is the color of the ballet slippers (which I saved and still have in my cedar chest) the daughters had when they took dance lessons many years ago.

I painted a 3 inch wooden heart ballerina pink
with tiny rosebuds with some iridescent glitter...

Several shabby signs in ballerina pink. I Believe in Make Believe and

Love You More

Some block sets...Tickled Pink and

Love You to the Moon and Back.

And a Hopeless Romantic sign for those of us who just Love a Good Love Story.

And last but not least, these sweet little blocks for the room of a dear baby girl.

I am just loving Ballerina Pink.
But I never did find paint that was the darker rosy pink I had gone looking for.

Wishing all a wonderful weekend!

Sunshine and Pink Eye

2011-04-14T09:16:00.006-04:00

The sun is shining brightly this morning. Looks like it's going to be a beautiful spring day here in my little area of the world. I know the old saying that April showers bring May flowers but enough is enough...here as in other parts of the country the weather has been wacky. It's time to warm things up a bit.

I will be running up to the the shop to get out a few orders but then will be working in the yard and am so looking forward to playing in the dirt. Guess that's where Dylan gets it from...he loves to play in the dirt too.

Dylan is now in daycare for 3 days a week. It was a rough time for both child and mother. He cried, hanging onto her leg for quite a few days when she would leave him at the school. (I call that payback for all the times when Holly did that to me when she started pre-school) The teachers however sent her emails and pictures showing that he settled down minutes after she left the building. It has been good for Dylan to be with other children his age, almost 2. I still watch him on Wednesdays and am amazed week to week what new things he has learned, like how to shout, "No" instead of the famous head shake he did before and the always wonderful "Mine". But he's learning how to socialize and a new look at the world has opened up for him. He is not a baby anymore...he's a little boy. Also daycare has provided other things, like a stomach virus, a runny nose and now pink eye. Yesterday I had to pin him to the floor to put antibiotic drops in his eyes. He screamed, it broke my heart, and then it was back to normal. But other than that my darling boy and I had a wonderful day together. We danced, we counted things, we read books, we played with poker chips, putting them in piles according to colors and then knocking them over and piling them up again. Hoping that next week the sun will be out, it won't be so muddy, and we can play outside.

Remembering Edna...

2011-04-06T21:40:00.003-04:00

About 20 years ago, my brother John walked into Bill Bateman's Restaurant and was sitting at the bar. A "little old lady" came up to him and started talking. She took him by the hand, back to the table she was sharing with a younger woman. She said, "I want you to meet my daughter." That is how my brother met his beautiful future wife Marcia and the funny, kookie woman who would be his Mother-in-Law.
This was typical Edna.

A wonderful character, full of life, who spoke her mind and was always ready for a good time. She made us laugh at what she sometimes had to say and although Marcia tried to rein her in at times with, "Mother, that's enough" it never worked. Edna liked my husband, and more than once told me that Lou must really love me because of the way he looked at me and then would turn to Marcia and ask why John didn't look at her that way.

Edna was so happy when John and Marcia got married and more than once over the years she had commented, "I so glad we married John." Of course, she had taken matters into her own hands to get the two of them together.

We lost Edna today at the age of 95. While we will miss this one of a kind woman who was so loved by so many, heaven is lucky to have a wacky, wonderful new soul.

Everybody Goes to Gino's...

2011-04-04T20:17:00.004-04:00

Gino Marchetti with my baby sister, Jan and me.

My Dad was a huge Baltimore Colts fan. I remember that he had season tickets for the Colts football games and his very, very favorite player was Gino Marchetti. Every summer, he would load the family into our green 1957 Chevy station wagon, and we head to Colt Camp Family Day. My Mom would pack a picnic lunch and after we ate, my brother, sister and I would stand in line to meet the players, get autographs, and have our pictures taken. I have fond memories of those days.

Several of the Colts opened restaurants in the Baltimore area. John Unitas had his restaurant, The Golden Arm. Ordell Braase owned the Flaming Pit Restaurant in Timonium. Gino Marchetti and Alan Ameche opened the first Gino's Drive In Restaurant in 1957 on North Point Road in Baltimore County. Several other locations were added in Maryland, and within a year Gino's Restaurants had expanded to New Jersey, Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania.
Serving burgers and Kentucky Fried Chicken, Gino's was best known for the Gino Giant, a large 2 burger sandwich with a secret, pink sauce. In 1982 the chain was sold to Marriott International and the restaurants soon disappeared.

I heard on the radio that Gino's will be reopening in the Baltimore area this year. The first has opened in King of Prussia, PA and later this week the radio station is taking Baltimore Fans to that restaurant to meet the man himself. Unfortunately, I wasn't one of the winners, but as my Dad would shout out, "Way to Go Gino Baaaaby!"

Everybody goes to Gino's

Ashley Thomas Design

2011-04-01T08:45:00.002-04:00

Ashley Thomas Design

A home based business owned by a friend of my daughter and son-in-law. Ashley is a stay at home Mom and has an etsy shop with cute children's clothes, hats and shoes. Dylan has a pair of pair of baby loafers that he wears as slippers.

Ashley Thomas Design also has new facebook business page...
Stop by and give her a thumbs up!

Perry Hall Craft Show...Set Up Done

2011-03-31T18:06:00.008-04:00

Spring in Perry Hall Craft Show

All set up for the Perry Hall Craft Show for Spring. This is a drop off show which will run for 2 weeks and I can be back in the studio while my items are being sold for me.
My friend Sheila has been running the show for years.
She also has a show in the fall for Autumn and Christmas goodies

There are 50 or so vendors who make a variety of items.
You can click the link above for pictures of the show displays.

The show also has an area of vintage and used furniture. I found a glass topped table and two chairs that I just had to have for my porch to replaced the table and chairs that were lost or damaged when we had the tornado pass over us in the fall.
Also there is a section of gently used children's clothes. I found 4 Hawaiian print shirts for Dylan, some shorts and several other summer shirts and paid a total of $14.00

I am loving this adorable little girls sundress with the embroidered daisy.
One of my favorite pieces in the show.

Also, I need to tell a funny story about the wine bottles that my longtime friend Connie of Wood and Wax decorates and puts lights. I was collecting empty wine bottles for her and so was my younger daughter Meagan. I had shopping bags full of empty wine bottles in my kitchen sitting by my recycling bin. When my son-in-law Chad saw all the empty bottles, knowing that my husband never drinks, he told Holly he was worried about me...maybe I had a drinking problem.
Gotta love a guy who worries about his mother-in-law.

with brush in hand

Dogs Welcome

I'm Ready For...

Baby Booties

Hands of a Family...

Am I On Candid Camera?

Granddaughter Count Down...

Black and White and Technicolor

White on the Ground...Purple in the Air

I'm Older Than The Internet...

If You Visit The Zoo Always Remember...

It's raining today...

A 50 Year Marriage...

Jury Duty

On this First Day of The New Year...

What we have to look forward to... the Post Office

And I Think to Myself...What a Wonderful World

Christmas in Hampden...Hon

Trimming the Tree

Wishing All A Wonderful Day

It's a Blessing, and a Curse....

Dog Gone Goodies

The HON Battle has ended...

Let sleeping dogs lie...

M*I*C*K*E*Y M*O*U*S*E

Happy Halloween From Lucy and Dre

And Now We Know...

When all else fails...

Live Long and Prosper...

A Baltimore Wedding

The Not So Itsy Bitsy Spider...

Oh Crap...It's Full Moon

Colorfest in Thurmont, MD 2011

Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog!

Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere...

Two Years Ago Today

Burlap Pumpkins with Hydrangeas...

Just Maybe...Hokey Pokey

The Hokey Pokey

It's Apple Time...

A Quick Change of Seasons

Some Halloween Decorating Ideas

A Day With The Boy

We Remember

Long Leggedy Beasties...

We Survived the Weekend...

Vote for Me Vote For Me Vote for Me

Every Child is an Artist....

Another Mom Mom Dylan Moment...

Cheesecake in a Jar

Live in the Sunshine...

Lucy Loves Ice Cream

Aqua and White

Ocean Pines Craft Show

Zucchini Cakes...

What if...

The Boy is 2

Tiki Bird Pineapple Whips

Hydrangea Cupcakes

A Secret Revealed...

A Father, A Son and the Space Shuttle...

Random Thoughts...

Beach Sentiments...

God Bless America...

What I Read at The Beach...

Back to Reality...

With A Great Mustache...

Summer Weekend

Pirates and Mermaids...

It's so hard to share...

Snakes? Why did it have to be Snakes?

Memories In The Garden...

Going to the Chapel and We're Going to get Married...

Visions of Blueberries Danced in my Head...

The Little Mouse Who Roared or the Squeaky Wheel gets the Scholarship

Lucy and Zucchini Updates

You just need to show up...

Zucchini in Pots?

Happy Mother's Day

A Long Couple of Days...

MICKEY MOUS*E