Amish Gourds ~

Okay, dear friends. I am NOT making this up. In the February 2011 issue of Create & Decorate magazine, there is an ad for Amish gourds. Maybe it's been there before and I've just not seen it. Are these kinder and gentler gourds? Are their computers gas powered since they do not use electricity? And what about their toll free number? Or is this someone exploiting the "image" of the Amish? Come on folks. Just because the word Amish is used doesn't make these gourds any better than ordinary gourds. This reminds me of the full page ads that have been in the newspaper for several years selling Amish heaters. The heaters are made in China! The Amish make the case they are in so that makes them better? My Mom was talking about ordering one a few years ago and I did a Google search and the majority of the comments were none too favorable. Okay. I'll get off my Amish high horse {grin}.

Speaking of C & D magazine, does anyone else feel the majority of the projects are getting too cutesy? I believe there is going to be a new magazine in the spring, and this is my description, create & decorate gone prim. I am looking forward to seeing what they have to offer.

Thank you so much for listening to me rant, er, I mean...

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Four Letter Word ~

S * N * O * W

I think today's forecast called for a chance of flurries. Our chance of flurries probably brought us 3 inches of snow. I have to admit, snow is gorgeous and I'd like it a lot more if it snowed when it was 80 degrees outside.

Just a few pictures from around the yard.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope each and everyone of you has a wonderful weekend. I am knee deep in Christmas decorations and hope to get lots done in the next couple of days. Pictures will follow soon.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren

From the Bottom of my Heart ~

I thank all of you for your kind comments and emails. They mean so much to me! Many of you have gone through the same thing and you have my sympathy, too. Those furbabies have a way of wiggling in to your heart.

Yesterday it was near 60 degrees in Ohio. Today was a rude awakening but not unexpected for this time of year. We had our first snowfall, though very little stuck to the ground. Unfortunately it will get a lot worse before it gets better.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Rainbow Bridge ~

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,

that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends

so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food and water and sunshine,

and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor;

those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again,

just as we remember them in our dreams

of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing:

they miss someone very special to them;

who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together,

but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.

The bright eyes are intent;

the eager body quivers.

Suddenly he begins to break away from the group,

flying over the green grass,

his legs carrying him faster and faster.

YOU have been spotted,

and when you and your special friend finally meet,

you cling together in joyous reunion,

never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face;

your hands again caress the beloved head,

and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet,

so long gone from your life

but never absent from your heart.

My Linnie got sick last week and the prognosis was not good. Yesterday I made the painful decision to have her put to sleep. It's one of the hardest things I have done in my life. Though she was in my life only a short time, she took a piece of my heart with her.

Run fast and free, my Linnie Lu.

Give your furbabies an extra hug and kiss today.

Lauren

Happy Thanksgiving ~ ~ ~

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope everyone is blessed this Thanksgiving with health, happiness and the day spent with someone you love.

Just a few things I am thankful for ~

• my two sons who have grown to be fine young men
• a healthy 5 year old grandson
• family to spend Thanksgiving with
• a dear niece and family who come to Ohio every Thanksgiving to share the day with us
• my dear significant other who believes in me when I don't believe in myself
• friends who I know personally and blogging friends who I hold dear
• that my former foster Eema is living in a wonderful forever home
• my health
• employment

I hope everyone reading this also has much for be thankful for.

Pug hugs :)
Lauren

TGIF ~

This picture comes courtesy of Eema's new mom. {Thanks, Dolly!} Now if that was Eema sitting there, that pumpkin pie would not last more than 10 seconds! Oh, that girl can inhale food.

Lucky me! Today is my Friday :) Thursday and Friday are holidays and I took tomorrow off. There is much to be done, but at least I won't feel as rushed. The top priority is baking pumpkin rolls. Believe me, I am not a baker, but I have been making them for what seems like forever. I believe my older son (who is coming in from Las Vegas) and my niece (who is coming from Chicago) would mutiny if there was no pumpkin roll for Thanksgiving and one to take home. The funny thing is my younger son won't even take a bite!

Here's a little peak at the cross stitch sampler I am working on. No wonder my rug is not getting done! I am stitching this on 26 count linen that I will dye upon completion. It will be about 6" x 6". I'm thinking maybe I'll make this in to a little pillow ~ or maybe it will join the growing pile of cross stitch items that needs to "finished".

Thank you so much for stopping by!
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Waiting {im}Patiently

Welcome everyone. Thanks so much for stopping by. Please be sure to read the caption on the post card ~ not very politically correct, I'd say :)

Thursday was Jake's first swim lesson. He was so excited. Can you tell he had a hard time waiting for class to begin?

The weather here on Ohio's north coast was drop dead gorgeous today for the middle of November. Here's Linnie out for a short walk.

She loves to do her "business" in the flower beds.

A few marigolds that have not succumbed to the frost. I'm sure it won't be much longer. Today would have been a beautiful day to rake, but my two huge maple trees have barely begun to lose their leaves.

I've spent the weekend cleaning the house. Not much fun but a necessary evil. I was shocked at the size of my dust bunnies. I still need to finish up in the kitchen and the wool room. I'm not sure what happened here, but it is out of control! My great nieces will be sleeping in here so I just can't close the door and ignore the mess.

I did work a little on my punch needle project and started a new cross stitch sampler. It is a little Christmas chart that I found in my box from the attic. Of course I have no recollection of ever having purchased it! My goal this weekend was to hook - LOTS - on my rug and I've yet to pull a loop. Maybe after dinner?

Pug hugs :)
Lauren