Exhausting

I am back from a quick trip to my folk's house. It was two days filled with Wii playing and sibling quarreling. Packing up and going (followed by packing and returning, then unpacking again) for four wee ones and myself is exhausting. It doesn't matter if we stay for one day or four it is equal work, just more pairs of under ware!

We are back and the kids are proclaiming that they want to live at Grandma and Grandpa's. I myself am glad to be home. I have so much work to do this week..... yikes!

More later, however right now I am up to my armpits in suitcases, dirty laundry and a bedroom that a cat was locked in for two days - ugggggg...

"Jules"

I make "Jules". It is a hobby. Something to fill the long nights. Mostly it provides inexpensive gifts for friends and family

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I have discovered I love to teach other people how to make their own jewels.
I have the ability to do that through our local community ed classes.



















In a past life I taught Elementary School. I really enjoyed myself, but, there is something so much more rewarding inteaching adults (to me). The ability to get to the subject, no discipline, stand back and jump in when needed. Watching the satisfaction on these ladies faces when they leave with a real necklace, multi strand necklace, or a few pair of earrings. It makes me feel useful.

Here are some of their creations.

Out of Town

I will be out of town visiting my folks for the next two days. I have scheduled some little pictorial diversions for you.... enjoy.

Severed Heads

I went to the local beauty school on Wednesday to get my hair dyed.

Severed heads oversee the goings on

At one point the women start looking like severed heads ....

Yeah, I know, WTF?

I started thinking of the ritualistic torture we subject ourselves in the name of beauty.

Foil, rods, dyes, gels, sprays, heat, and then products to cover up the damage we have just done.


Side note- the school seemed quite a bit emptier then the last time I had been there. My student/beautician said a lot of people had graduated and several had dropped out. This put me into a fit of hysterical laughter while having my hair rinsed (it is hard to laugh so hard with your head hanging in a rinse bowl!) I explained to my poor perplexed 19 yr old girl that it made me think of the song from Grease - Beauty School Dropout- which she (go figure) had not seen..... sigh

What to say?

I have been trying to figure out how to share what a wonderful Valentine's Date/Surprise I had last night with my dearest.

How do I sound genuine, not braggish
How do I explain the feelings, fun, and joy without making others gag?

Is it possible to explain the adventure I went on when most have never even heard of my town?

How can I explain that I started on my hunt at 4 pm and didn't find my dearest until 5:30 following my trail of clues (one of which you can see in the comment section of the last post). Or, how it ended with a cup of coffee and some great conversation at 10 pm....

I haven't found the right way to explain it all.

So......

I'm not going to. I am going to keep it mine. Close to my heart - in a little box that I can open and enjoy when I need a pick me upper.

I will share this. My yearly Valentine's gift. It is always the same thing that I have received for the last 13 or so years. It costs dearest nothing, but his time and one piece of paper.

Every year I receive "The Top 10 Reasons" it is the top ten reasons that my dearest loves me. They are different every year, but always personal - yet just as meaningful if not more than the year/s before.

So, to my dearest I just want to say Thank You for the adventure, fun and romance
I Love You Too!

Of Birds and Barns

I have never thought about how many red barns are located within a mile of my house.
I take red barns for granted....

Bird watching is a hobby for me. When the temps soared above freezing the other day the birds took advantage by cleaning themselves. At one time there were over a dozen birds splashing.
Red barn down Pumpkin Seed Lane.
I was not the only one to notice all the birds fluttering around!

I hope you enjoy the pictorial diversion. I am busy today getting the house ready for a sitter, going to lunch with a fine friend, and preparing for a surprise Valentine date tonight....

Around the Yard

Do you see what I see?






A bunny in the tree












A bird in the hand...



This little fellow hit the picture window. After a little nursing he flew away. This happens at least once a week. There is something so amazing about holding a bird.


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Blue sky with a jet going high...
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What happens when in rains. It is quite a sight to see snowmen lose their fight