My Everything Corner

This was our third trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, but this time we took the kids.  Our main goal was to take in a show every night, and we did just that.  Mystere, The Blue Man Group, and O, were all great performances. Of course there are so many things to keep you entertained during the days as well.  We were running around for 4 days putting many miles on our poor feet. We did pick up a bus pass which saved a lot of walking. Here is a small sampling of what we did... Koi at the Flamingo.  There is a small wildlife sanctuary at the back of the hotel which is definitely worth a visit. Swan at the Flamingo Water show at the Bellagio during the day. Night show at the Bellagio Quirky little birds at the Flamingo. Cactus gardens at Ethel M chocolate factory, not far from the airport. Dolphins at the Mirage from the below ground viewing level. Dolphin at the Mirage. A flamingo at the Flamingo of course! View of the Bellagio ...

I'm going to make this short and sweet; I am so glad January is over. I've never been a fan of that month and this past one sealed the deal. But it's over now, and everything is much better now!    I recently went out for a photo shoot with the birds, and the chickadees, as usual, did not disappoint. I would tell you the names of the other birds, but I'm really not too sure.  But if you know, you can tell me in the comments.  Happy February everyone!

Anyone who loves animals and has one or several of their own understands how remarkable a relationship can be with these furry beings.  Each of these critters has their own special story and their own unique personality.  Not unlike children, what works for one will not work for the other.  We get to know them so intimately that we can tell from the slightest sound or motion they make if something is not quite right. Animals have always been in my life, particularly black cats.  Sooty is my third black kitty.  He follows in the footsteps of Zeke, the first that was given to me as a newborn.  I had Zeke until I was 17 years old.  A few years went by before I adopted a 3 year old black cat that I renamed Zeke Junior.  Junior was with me from the time I was 20 until I was 37 years old, another 17 years.  It took me a little while to get over the loss of that one, but then one day my sister invited me over to see her litter of 8 kittens. One...

I am up to my ears in sweets! Gingerbread houses, (made from graham crackers) and all kinds of different candy; I've baked shortbread, sugar cookies, and gingersnaps.  Then there are all those squares I bought to support our school's fundraiser. If we eat these treats at a reasonable rate, (which some of us will not) we'll still be eating them in July. It really is a lot of fun though, and my 12 year old boy is fairly certain this is what Heaven is all about. I hope you are all enjoying your baking and your giving of baking and your eating of the baking and mostly that you have a very Merry Christmas!

I've got our home into full Christmas swing. I've really enjoyed making Christmas cards and they are on their way.  Next is to wrap the gifts and then into the kitchen for my favourite part, the baking!     I love this tree more every year.  It took me over 4 hours to put it together and I had help putting the lights into it this time.  There are so many memories in its branches, and we add more every year.   I can hardly wait until school is out for the year, and I can cuddle up with my family for Christmas movies and games. Even when we are all off in our separate corners doing our own things, I love the feeling a full house gives me.   This picture was taken just before sunrise.  Every morning, this time of year, I am so lucky to have a fantastic view.  

For the past few weeks, I've had this crazy notion that I wanted to hand paint all of my Christmas cards. I couldn't get the idea of snow-covered spruce trees out of my head, and so I headed over to Youtube for a quick tutorial.  I had to improvise a little, as I don't own professional supplies, and I've now got 15 little pictures done, ready to matte and place onto cards.  I can't tell you how much fun I am having painting these little trees, I've handmade cards in the past. One year, I drew a few different snowman scenes, then I made several copies and coloured them to adorn my cards. I've used my stamp collection to make sets, and I have a Cricut machine which was fun to use one year.   In the past few years, I have truly enjoyed the process of making and writing out these cards, then shipping them off.  I would love to add more of my blog friends to that mailing list, so please send me an email with your address if you enjoy receiving Christmas...

Well, as you can see, I am now fully into winter. It continues to snow as I'm writing this and I can hardly wait to finish my lunch and head out into the quiet to walk my dog. This is his favourite weather for many reasons - the temperature is perfect, he loves to eat the snow, and he loves to play in the snow.  At times, he goes absolutely crazy with joy for the fluffy, white stuff and it is so much fun to watch him.       Halloween was fun here; we carved 43 pumpkins and I had painted several others. It wasn't the display of last year, but it still looked great. I usually do up a detailed post for the occasion, and I'm not sure what kept me from it, but there it is, and it's over, so moving on.   The big reveal for Stephanie's tea cup exchange is coming up, and I am so very disappointed that I managed to miss it. I looked in 1 week too late   I had some great ideas this year for my special friend too, but I suppose they will just have...