Less is More

I've been known to use that little phrase "Less is More" here and there over this past year. It's mainly been something for me to keep in mind when it came to moving. Now that the move is over, it's about organizing what I have.

I'm happy to be done with plastic carts! They've served their purpose well in my scrapbook nook's at our various assignments over the years and now it's simply time for me to move on. I no longer want everything in clear see-through bins, the more I think about it the more (to me) it felt like chaos behind a glass wall. I want simple clean lines and a more unified look. Granted I'll still have my clear acrylic shoe boxes for my stamps, but those are just stamps-you can see that they are stacked and not something that's just been "tossed in" and the lid closed down on top of it. And glass jars? Well those are for storing ribbon, chipboard, Prima flowers and other colorful embellishments that I don't mind seeing out on display.

I've been thinking about being done with my fishing tackle box for my embellishments as well-although I would repurpose that item for something for my husband. Although I do like it, the box its self is rather cumbersome to take out and go through on a regular basis. I want to simplify and well, the tackle box is on my "hit list" of items to be reduced from my scrapbook nook.

The rail- I can hardly wait to get it up and have embellishments out on it. I have a great many sheets of rub-on letters and phrases, fantastic cardstock stickers and all sorts of wonderful 3-d embellishments that have been tucked away in those plastic cart drawers for the past couple of years. I know that If I was to see there hanging up on a rail that I would actually start using them again! I'm not looking to buy all new supplies, I want to use up what I have on hand! I do not need cardstock for quite some time and I'm limiting myself on stamps. Tools- unless it's something that I feel that I can not live without, I will not be buying any more of them. There is a saturation limit on crafting tools and supplies and to be honest, I think that I've reached mine. Now it's time to see what else I can live without and "reduce" from my stash.

Quote of the Day

Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work.
--Bette Davis

It's Ikea for my UK edition of My Scrapbook Nook

I'll be honest, I didn't enjoy my first trip to Ikea, the parking lot and store was packed full of people and we had tired hungry cranky teenagers with us. Add in that were with hundreds of people and all of us acting like we are salmon trying to go upstream not knowing where we are going on the crazy Toys R Us floor plan that's like a maze winding us through the entire store until we finally reach the cashier area. Top it off with having to BUY a bag to put our purchase in and having a fee added to your credit card because you want to use a credit card- well it wasn't the best start to a consumer relationship with that store.

Now the past 2 times I've gone shopping in Ikea with my husband we left the kids at home- believe it or not it made a vast improvement on our shopping experience in the store. Also, knowing what you are looking for helps- we shopped on line, looking at items there and in the catalog.

I've been using google and looking at many different websites, checking out what other scrapbookers and stampers here in the UK are using in their studios and crafting spaces. After looking at and studying some of the sites that have rooms similar in size to mine, I started measuring and seeing what I can do to improve mine and make it a more functional space while improving it's over all look.

So here's my latest haul from Ikea

The wire baskets (above) and rail (below) are from the Bygel collection for the Kitchen. The prices for these will amaze you (yes they are inexpensive). I've been looking at things like for years in scrapbooking magazines and Creating Keepsakes even sold some stuff like this although it was too pricey for me. I've always liked the idea of using a rail but I put that idea on my list of future plans. I bought 2 long and 1 short rail for this room.

I'm also putting one of these rails and 2 of the larger baskets in my kitchen above my stove for store items like my every day spices and kitchen utensils
The Slom jar from Ikea- comes in 4 different sizes, this is the 1.8 size and it's a great size for storing ribbon or pasta (I bought several jars- for each of those things).
The Billy Collection- I'm loving this collection, have bought a few Billy items and they are great! This is going to be mounted on the wall, it's cubbie spaces are perfect for me to store those Slom jars or the Malla baskets (see below). They are 40 inches long and I bought 2 to use in my space.

My new work area- the Fredrik work station. It comes in 3 different colors and I decided to go with white. I'm going with a new clean look. White isn't a busy color, actually it's not a color at all but a clean pallet- so here I am, with a clean pallet to work from.
The new drawer unit- This is from the Alex collection and it the tall drawer unit (there's also a shorter wider version). I'm purging myself of my addiction to plastic carts- I know it's hard to believe right? I want clean lines and a clean look, not a jumbled looking mess. And right now I have plenty going on in the mess department!

The Malla basket-found these gems in the closet organizer section of Ikea. I had looked at these cute crochet baskets but they were just too floppy! I wanted something that was more box like and not like a crocheted tote bag. Granted those crocheted totes were pretty darn cute but just not what I was looking to use for this project- may have to get one for my yarn though ;-)

Smadal Bookcase with glass doors this is where the Malla baskets will go- holding all types of crafting goodies. There's a large drawer on the bottom to house things that you don't want on display.

I do see a good relationship being forged, all because we decided to give Ikea a second try-and frankly I'm glad we did! I'll probably be making another Ikea run soon, I will need another Bygel rail and some more of those nifty baskets to house my scrapbooking embellishments, tools and my little jars of Prima flowers. Now for me to get upstairs and help my husband by clearing out all of the items that we're replacing with furniture from Ikea. Stay tuned for my before and after pictures of my UK version of My Scrapbook Nook.

Quote of the Day

One of the strongest characteristics of genius is the power transcendentalist of lighting its own fire.
--John W Foster

Finishing a room

I've been working around this house in circles, trying to finish in a round about way I suppose. I need to just stick with one room and get "IT" done and then work on the next one. I feel as if I'm just spinning my wheels some days and seem to get no where fast.

I realize that I do need to make another trip to Ikea for organizing material if I'm to get anything accomplished in at least 4 rooms. I like this house don't get me wrong, it's just that there was not enough attention to detail when it came to storage. But with help from Ikea, we can fix that! :-)

Now to draw up some plans and work some more on those boxes in our dear daughter's closet...you know, the ones that have "Craft Room" written on them, LOL!

I'm Doing the Happy Dance

As you well know, I've been heartbroken about our bed being broken in this last move. I did some internet searching and after a few hours, I finally found my bed in line! MY Amish made BED, a replacement one just like the one we had! Oh happy happy ME! Thank you Lord for pushing me on when I was getting so discouraged!

And a funny tidbit- Queen sized beds are apparently a US thing.

Quote of the Day

Success is a science; if you have the conditions you get the result.
-Oscar Wilde

Creating another Scrapbook Nook

Every move gives me an opportunity to create another Scrapbook Nook, this move in no exception. I find myself missing the cabinets that my dear husband installed for me at our last house. So with that thought in mind I've been looking at the Ikea website and searching the internet on what others have bought from Ikea and have used for their scrapbooking and stamping spaces.

When converting the British pound to US dollars, well it can get rather expensive. We may live in the UK but we're still paid in US dollars. The conversion rate changes every day but the average is $1.70 US to every British £1.00- that's a hefty exchange rate. So when I look at something that's only £25.00 in reality for me it's $41.57-ouch! Sales tax where we were last stationed was only 6% and here in the UK it's called VAT (value added tax) which currently it's 15% but starting in January it'll be going back up to 17.5% (ouch). But the British (and other foreign countries in the EU do something that America should adopt- when you look at the price tag and it says 10£ you pay 10£...the sales tax is added into the price. In America we look at the price and see it being $10 we have to add in the sales tax (which varies from state to state and in each country within the state) which makes it $10.60- I can see where this would be very confusing to foreign vacationers- heck it's confusing to many Americans too, LOL!

Oh look at me as I digress from my topic.

So with Christmas upon us, and having bought airline tickets for our son to travel to America to see his friends for the Holidays (I still can't believe that this will be our 1st Christmas and New Years without our son)- well the pocket book is a little tight right now. I've got plans lined out on what I want to do but they will have to wait a bit. I know that I desperately need more storage and I've even gone as far as to start purging even more stuff from my scrapbook nook. If I'm not using it, it's outta here! Then again It's safe to say that I've not been using any of it for 6 months right? LOL! I want to get a new work table, some shelves and cubbies. Basically all of the items that were in my last scrapbook nook just on a smaller scale.

Quote of the Day

Charity sees the need not the cause.
-German Proverb

My Quilting Corner

It's coming along slow but sure....but I've got a quilting corner!!! I'm waiting for my husband to repair my sewing table as it suffered some minor damage in the move. But other than that, everything seems to have arrived in tip top condition!

I seem to work in circles, getting bits done in every room. My quilting corner is in our breakfast room along with our computer and a few other pieces of furniture(I dare say that it's a decent sized room). The armoire is in the formal dining room, and I'll soon have all of my fabrics stored in there -currently the tubs of fabric are out in the garage, which reminds me, it's time to bring them babies inside!

I've been looking at fabrics on line (yes I'm being naughty). As if I don't have enough fabrics or quilt projects going on, LOL! Alright, enough playing...now I need to get a move on and get this place in order!

Pea Soup!

It started off rainy and cold like most mornings do and now that the sun is finally out the FOG has rolled on in! It's getting thicker and thicker and I type! Good thing my kids caught the bus for school or else I'd be stuck driving in this soup! I do have to say that It's warmer today than it was yesterday. For the life of me I could not get warm yesterday.

I'm off, I've got to work some more on those boxes and get things organized before Christmas. And at the pace I'm working, I'll be lucky if everything is out away by New Years Day!

Quote of the Day

Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.
- Albert Camus

It's only Tuesday-ugh!

I woke up aching all over- that's not a very good sign of how the day will progress. Well it's now about 5:20 pm and well, I'm still aching all over. My girlfriends told me to take it easy today and that's just what I've been doing...sort of.

I've been working on one small project, the laundry room/butlers pantry. I've got the cabinets organized, now to get working on the boxes that are underneath of the counter top and the huge piles of stuff on top of the washer and dryer. I'm doing my keep/toss/donate piles and frankly the toss and donate pile keep getting bigger and bigger. I'm keep toying with the idea of keeping a few things for sending off with Andrew when he goes off to college next year- what I should do is donate all of this stuff and just wait until he gets state side and shop then. Funny thing, I just did a major purge a few months ago in preparation for this move and now here I am...purging again. Funny what we can "let go of" when he have to, LOL! Don't fall over...I'm even purging handbags and shoes, LOL!

Quote of the Day

Some circumstantial evidence is very strong, as when you find a trout in the milk.
-Henry David Thoreau

Boxes, Bruises and Bandages

Unpacking those heavy corrugated cardboard dish-pack boxes can be hazardous! I'm sporting bruised knuckles and a bruised elbow because of it! All I can say is OUCH! My knuckles are swollen and achy as well as my elbow, frankly I'm a wreck! I seem to be taking a lot of Motrin lately, all to do with this move and I'm never without an icepack or a heating pad when resting or going to bed. When taking a shower I noticed a new bruise on my thigh- sheesh! This move is certainly taking it's toll on me! I think that I need to wear gloves and thicker trousers!

Now I have made some major breakthroughs in unpacking boxes and my husband has in making/creating storage for us. This is a lovely house but there's just not enough storage in it for us. So I'm purging even more stuff and am also pulling items to have repacked and put into permanent storage. The formal dining room is very recognizable and so is the living room. Now for the rough part, getting the rest of this stuff put away and then decorating for Christmas.

The most frustrating part of this move besides the unrepairable damage) is all of the mislabeled boxes. It's hard enough waiting 5 or more months for ones personal belongings but to open boxes and not have those items in said boxes- well its enough to make you go a little batty after opening say 30 boxes that way. We have been looking everywhere for my husbands ski boots, and the last time we saw them was out in the garage where my husband had put them- next to his skis and poles. Those boots were not in any boxes that were packed in the garage and frankly we were beginning to wonder if those ski boots walked away. And yesterday as my husband and daughter were unpacking boxes in her room they found them- packed in a box labeled "Towels and Lamp"- no mention of ski boots being in the box. But so far the favorite label on boxes is between 2 things it's either marked "craft room" which was starting to get me into hot water with my husband and the other is "Longaberger Baskets". There can be 1 basket in there and suddenly it's plural and the room designation is either the dining room or (yes you guessed it) Craft room. These guys must have thought that the entire house was a Craft Room, LOL! Kitchen cutlery- craft room, husbands winter clothes- craft room Christmas ornaments- now that one was marked for our daughters room, LOL!

Now I've slowed down some today and am taking time to to do some hand-washing of the glassware that I unpacked last night- just the items that won't fit in the dishwasher. There's that and I find the warm water soothing to my hands.

Quote of the Day

If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. I’ll always be with you.
~ Winnie the Pooh

WORK is a 4 letter word

Today's the day we attack the boxes in this house with a vengeance! Sure it's work, but we've got to get this done! I've got so much going on this month that I really HAVE to knock this out this weekend! So it's work work work for us today!

Quote of the Day

We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh.
Agnes Repplier (1855 - 1950), Americans and Others, 1912

In my element

As I unpack and put things away I feel pieces of myself coming back to me. Creative pieces making their way home. The other day I unpacked a stack of cake plates, it made me want to make cheesecakes! The fancy schmancy ones with chocolate, nuts and all kinds of good things!

So today I'm going to play in my new kitchen. My husband bought me some cool kitchen items like this HUGE wooden cutting board and some drawer organizers too. Friends of ours are having a dinner party and I volunteered to bring dessert :-) I can't begin to tell you how much I adore making and bringing treats to my friends! So the cream cheese has got to be at room temperature by now and I can drink coffee as I bake this special treat. What kind of cheesecake? It's one that I learned in one of my chef classes and one I like to call "A slice of Heaven". It's got 3 different kinds of chocolate. I have one recipe that has chocolate in it 7 different ways- that one is called Death by Chocolate. I'll let you know later how it turns out.

Our Bed

I've been heart broken since the first day the movers showed up with our furniture. Why? Because our beautiful bed was damaged beyond repair some time during the course of the move. I'm not one to go out and just "buy" furniture willy nilly, never have been. Of course there are utility pieces that come from big box stores like my chrome shelves in my scrapbook nook. I did my research on them and thought out and planned on how I would use them. I can tell you where we bought each piece of furniture that is in our home.

I love my friends for trying to console me, trying to cheer me up by telling me that now I can shop for a new bed here in England. For me, buying furniture is not like buying a new scarf, for me it's a process. It's like hunting around in an antique store with a million and one items in it and finding that one little 'gem" of an item be it a teapot, a towel rack or a wine carafe that just speaks to you. The part that no one realizes is that it took us 11 years to find "that bed" our bed. My husband poured his time and soul into finishing the bed, sanding it, staining it finishing it. It was a labor of love. I've made the decision to just get a basic metal bed frame and find a simple headboard and that's it. We'll look again when we get back to the states for a bed.

And yes, this will also get a scrapbook layout made all about it. I've got plans for a series of layouts all to do with the subject of "HOME". How many of us are guilty of taking things for granted? Of over looking something as lovely as a favorite jacket, handbag or pair of shoes? Heaven knows we overlook our furniture all of the time. It's not that I'm at a loss of subject matter to scrap pages about- heaven knows I have even Christmas parties to attend in December that I can make an entire scrapbook about (last count there were 7), LOL! Just remember this...It's the every day things that matter most!

Quote of the Day

A house that does not have one worn, comfy chair in it is soulless.
-May Sarton

The Heart of it all...

Every house has a room or a piece of furniture that is the "heart" of the home, mine is the kitchen table. All great things start there- be it coffee with girlfriends, making out grocery lists or having breakfast with the kids before they dart off to catch the bus for school. It's a gathering place that's always full of love. I've done quilting, scrapbooking, rubber stamping/card-making and book reading at that table. I've written some awesome recipes while sitting at that table and our children do their homework there, make arts and crafts projects for school or scouts at that table and have just hung out with their friends...all at that table. It's a place where we all gather to talk about the start or end of our day. I can't help but to smile when I look at it. As strange as it sounds, I've decided to do a scrapbooking layout on it. Now that My Scrapbook Nook is almost all together, I finally feel as if I can finally get on with my creative side and start some new creative projects. Are you ready for a scrapbooking adventure? I know that I most certainly am!

Quote of the Day

Live neither in the past nor in the future, but let each day's work absorb your entire energies, and satisfy your widest ambition.
Sir William Osler (1849 - 1919), to his students

Thanksgiving

With such a busy day ahead of me the Lord has seen to keep me hoppin! You see, even though I kept saying (and my family had agreed) that we were to celebrate Thanksgiving on Saturday they all decided last night that they want to celebrate it today. I've already committed myself to serving Thanksgiving dinner to the airmen at our base and I had planned on doing some more unpacking. I'll have to look for the turkey platter as I've not come across it as of yet.

Our son is home sick with a bad stomach bug and he's out for any kind of help. Which leaves my husband- not sure if I want him unpacking my dishes, he's better off organizing the kids bedrooms.

Our house is a cardboard castle. There are opened boxes with things strewn out of them, clutter is everywhere and things are in piles all over the place. I've always been envious of those military wives that can move in and have their entire house organized, pictures hung on the walls and curtains hanging up in a week. Our movers have mislabeled so many boxes I don't know where to begin. One box says Hannah's room but it's stuff from the living room, box marked kitchen is something from a bathroom and so forth.

But Thanksgiving Day it is, regardless of how organized I am (or am not as the case may be). I'm Thankful for so many things in my life. My house will come together soon enough and our friends don't care if things are in boxes and I've got a formal dining room table covered in stacks of dishes and bake ware. They come over to see how we're doing and if they can help...which reminds me- I'm very thankful for the friends we have here in England!

Quote of the Day

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

Thanksgiving Eve

I love this time of year, it makes one think about all of the things there are to be thankful for in our lives. Some good, some not so good but in the end I am thankful for it all because without it all, I would not be the person I am today.

So today I give thanks...

1. That my husband has gainful employment
2. That Our family is here together
3. That we have food on the table and that our children don't go to bed hungry
4. That we have a roof over our heads that protects us from the elements
5. That our children are getting a good education here in England
6. That we have health care insurance
7. That we have warm beds to sleep in
8. That we have clothing that keeps us warm in these cooler months
9. That our kitty is happy and healthy
10. That we have working automobiles to drive
11. That we are members of a terrific Parish
12. That I have a loving and thoughtful husband
13. That I have children who make me laugh every day
14. That I'm able to see the humor in just about everything
15. That I'm able to create w/ paper, fabric and food...things that delight others
16. That I am able to be a SAHM
17. That I can volunteer my time with our military community
18. That we live in a lovely town that's close to everything but not too busy
19. That there are people who volunteer their time in charitable organizations
20. That I am able to make a difference in my community

Quote of the day

Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action
-W. C. Cameron

waiting for the cable guy

Here I am, waiting for the cable guy. Here just like back in the USA there's that open window of time when the cable guy is expected to arrive. So, with that in mind, I'll be hanging out here at home from the hours of 8 am until 1 pm. Meanwhile I had planned on using that time to go over to the other house and clear out the kids clothing, vacuum the place and clean the refrigerator...but alas that will have to wait. Every room is scary with packing boxes, with the exception of, the bathrooms, the kitchen, the breakfast area (notice how I don't include the entire room, piles of stuff blocking the door is why), the lounge aka family room. Every where else you'll see stacks of boxes, piles of "stuff" and of course packing paper galore! It's finding places for all of the items, getting the boxes of a 16,000 pound shipment (16 crates) to fit into a little 1 car garage that already has stuff in it. Did I mention that today's weather is atrocious? It's not that it's so cold, it's the fog and the pouring rain and according to weather.com, we're supposed to get some very high winds later on (reminds me greatly of South Dakota). Have I mentioned that this house is heated via radiators? Oh yeah and to be honest, the radiators simply do not crank out the heat like central heating can. My house feels cold today and I feel chilled to the bone! Oh how I miss central heat and air! I feel as if we're living in Maine (again), it was radiator heat there too!

One would think that a week of moving was plenty, but as it is, we're into week #2 and we're still in the moving process. Besides all of the things that I shipped here from South Dakota before we (the kids and I) arrived in June. There's the stuff from crate #1, we've also managed to accumulate a lot of stuff. There's all of those school uniforms, shoes (we're all guilty of buying shoes since arriving here- see, it's not just me), a few Portmeirion and Polish Pottery items (wink wink) plus the kids bicycles, the lawnmower, some gardening equpiment it seems as if my list goes on and on. Basically there's not a soul to do the work with exception of myself and since the spouse is at work all day and the kids are in school. None of them will get home until at least 6 pm and of course it's dark and they're tired and hungry! Lets face it-I'm not about to get any work out of them when they're hungry! It's my kids summertime favorite tonight...burgers and dogs!

Quote of the Day

I define joy as a sustained sense of well-being and internal peace, a connection to well being.
-Oprah

and the move goes on...

I slept well enough, too bad every joint in my body aches today! I suppose that's what Motrin is for right?

So. here I am gathering items from one house and am bringing them over to the other house...ugh! I'll be doing that all weekend long! Got to love having my family members leaving the house at 6:50 am and not returning home until 6 pm and asking me..."So, what have you done today?"

Quote of the Day

You must rouse into people's consciousness their own prudence and strength, if you want to raise their character.
--Marquis De Vauvenargues

Moving is not for Wimps

There is some serious labor involved when moving ones self out of one house and into another. The packing and unpacking is enough, lets add in a couple of sets of stairs, loads of dishes, clothing and shoes and well a little "do it yourself move" from one house to another has a whole new meaning. I am worn out and I've only just started.

Now I did think that I was going to wait on putting together my new scrapbook nook, but alas those boxes need to go (there are a lot of them). The funny thing is, there was this old dude packing us up at the other house and he labeled boxes "craft room" that did not have craft room stuff in it. I've opened up boxes with blankets, sheets, stuffed toys, throw rugs and even a mini Christmas tree. Needless to say I pointed that out to my husband. You see, I was starting to get into hot water with him because of all of those boxes marked "craft room". I'm innocent I tell you!!! I've not spent THAT much money, not to mention that I've not bought any craft items in 5 months!!!

If we get moved into that other house by Sunday it will be a miracle! Now for me to drive my minivan full of stuff over to the other house, unload it, put it away and start all over again.

Quote of the Day

When dealing with the insane, the best method is to pretend to be sane.
- Hermann Hesse

Creating the new Scrapbook Nook

For many months now I've been displaced and have felt distracted and basically out of my element due to not crafting. Well that's soon to change! I took the first steps in creating my new and latest version of my Scrapbook Nook. Having the chrome shelves in place and unpacking items right and left has given me joy and a rekindled desire to get back to creating and designing. And frankly right now at 4 am it's all I can think about. I want to get back over to the house and get working on getting a few things rearranged before wave 2 starts and the movers arrive with more crates of household goods.

Since I haven't seen my crafting things in over 5 months I found that I had to go look at my webshots page and see how I had some things arranged. Sad huh? The thing is, this space is a bit smaller than the last but I do have a closet for added storage. Now for the hitch... there's carpeting. I'm going to need a powerful magnet to pick up metal brads and a vacuum cleaner just for cleaning up all of those little paper snip-its! Stay tuned for pictures in the future.

Quote of the Day

If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what is the significance of a clean desk?
- Laurence J. Peter

Let the fun begin!

What do I live for if not for sarcasm? Okay so sarcasm is not my strong suit but it does lift up my spirits up from time to time, LOL!

Today kicks off insanity week for me....

Monday-
get husband and kids out the door and off to work and school
start load of laundry
Drive into town, see butcher about ordering a fresh turkey
Drive out to RAFC- pick up mail and spouse...
attend a farewell luncheon in Banbury
drop husband back off at work and go home and...
pack minivan with first load of household goods from temporary house
do the walk through of new house with housing inspector (get keys then too)
take pictures of empty home
start bringing over items from temp house and put them in new house

Tuesday-
get husband and kids out the door and off to school and work
Bring over a load of items to new house and put away before movers arrive
Movers will arrive at 8am
I'll be at the new place all day

Wednesday-
Same things at Tuesday

Thursday and Friday-
Same things as Tuesday and Wednesday just without the movers bringing over stuff, it's me bringing over stuff from the temp house and unpacking stuff from this house.

To be honest, I'm exhausted looking at all of the work I have to get done this week. There's more good news though...friends of ours has had their move in date moved up as well and they are moving into their house next week! I'm thrilled for them!

At last, we can all get settled into our houses and before the holidays!!!

Quote of the Day

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can!"
-John Wesley

30,000 blog views!

I had told myself that once I hit the 30,000 mark in views to my blog I was going to offer some blog candy. So stay tuned! I've got some goodies to give away it's just that it's going to have to wait a little now that it's happened and I'm preparing to move on Monday, LOL!

another day...

In the soap opera that's become my life.

Friday was just one theatrical event after another.

* I make that back to back dental appointment for my daughter- well she freaks out on me, she lets me know that she's got some big exam in Science and that she can't possibly make it. So I have to call the dental office cancel and reschedule the appointment.

*It was raining cats and dogs where I live, not to mention that it's pitch black outside and windy. The kids weren't dragging their butts, but with all of the bags they have to carry, and use an umbrella well... I knew there's no way that they will make it to the bus stop on time so I jumped in the minivan and drove them to the bus stop (in my pj's no less). Good thing I did that because they really would not have made it! The bus took off early! It's supposed to wait until 7 am to leave. Five or so minutes may not seem that big of a time difference, but to us parents who would have to drive their children to a school that's 1 hour away- we need all the extra minutes we can get!

* I spent the majority of my day in the kitchen baking. Okay so I'd pop on and off on facebook (I am several hours ahead of my girlfriends back in the states), LOL! But seriously between the 6 loads of laundry, the hand washing of fine washables and making my plans for moving things from this house over to the new house next week, well it was a full day!

*Our base is hosting a multi base Deployed Spouses Event tonight. The drama that goes on behind the scenes sometimes is rather comical. One person gets stressed out because of the amount of dignitaries that will be attending and she sends that stress right on down the line. And alas, it stops here with me. I let all parties know that they're going to do fine! It's not that any of them have not done this before and it's going to go off without a hitch! I think that the stress is coming from all of the hype about the event. What it comes down to is the fear that the event will be a flop and everyone wants to make sure the event lives up to the hype. I say- relax and everything will fall into place.

*I'm baking treats for the Deployed Spouses event that's happening this afternoon and also for church tomorrow. I'm enlisting the help of my daughter to get the blueberry muffin, and the zucchini bread made (Zucchini are Courgettes for those British ladies reading my blog). I just adore zucchini, m'm!

*And the move...it's got me going in 20 different directions. How do you get ready to move out of one house and directly into another without help? It's a challenge to say the least! My husband has already informed me that he will be in meetings and is unable to help me. I kind of figured that something like that would happen since the move in date was moved up a week. So here I am, getting all of this done on my own...again. Kids will be i school, the cat will be in the cottage and I'll be at the manor house with the moving people. First things first, I'm bringing over my electric tea kettle and my coffee pot! I'm not about to be w/o caffeine!

The house walk through is on Monday, I'm bringing my camera (actually I'll bring 2 cameras). I will be tasking more in depth pictures this time around. I want to bring over my kitchen and pantry items plus the bathroom items and get that stuff squared away before the movers arrive. Hand towels, soap and toilet tissue are some of the first things I plan on getting into place. My mind is reeling with all of the stuff I have going on over the next few days but if I remain calm and focused on what I need to get done, it will all fall into place.

Quote of the Day

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing-that's why we recommend it daily.
--Zig Ziglar

side note

Just when I thought that I "did good" by scheduling the dental appointments for tomorrow - I tell daughter about what happened and she let me know that she can't miss tomorrow because she has a big science exam tomorrow at 8:30 am. Yup, my life is nonstop succession of little emergencies. So tomorrow at 7:30 am I have to call the dental clinic and cancel the double appointment. There are days when I shouldn't even try to get out of bed...this is one of them!

At least the move is still on and we are still scheduled to get the keys on Monday and the movers show up on Tuesday and Wednesday!

you know that you have too much going on when?

When you forget your daughter has a dental appointment...TODAY! Good thing I was able to reschedule it for tomorrow. If I couldn't then it would have had to wait 3 more weeks because of MY schedule-ugh!!!

What can I say about...

how insane the next couple of weeks will be for me.

Take yesterday for instance- child #1 misses the bus, spouse and I are scheduled to be in attendance at another military installation for a Remembrance Day event (husband is part of the event). Our time line changed because our of son and we had to step everything up. I hate getting ready in a rush, something is always forgotten or skipped- this time is was us getting something to eat or drink-ugh! After getting Andrew to school late, we ended up spending 2½ hours on the road yesterday before getting to where "we" needed to be. After all that, we were back home by 1pm and we were both exhausted! I had to take a nap, I could hardly keep my eyes open after all of our running around.

Tuesday's Spouses club meeting went well, we had 5 more ladies in attendance. The club is getting off to a good start (at least I think so). Now for the word to get out and to gain more members. There are things that I would love to do with our group, but alas we need more members if we are to be able to have the social groups such as book club, lunch bunch, scrapbooking, bunco and especially when it comes to volunteering as a group at RAF Croughton.

Today- I'll be spending today making desserts for the Saturday and Sunday events I'm attending. A couple of cheesecakes, some carrot cake, gingerbread cookies and a pound cake. Just call me the baking queen!

Now for my "other news", we got the word and now we're moving in EARLIER into our house!!! Am I excited? You bet I am! But that in its self also causes some other issues to arise, like getting the cable and phone line switched over to the new house which is only up the street and around the corner. BT internet wants 14 businesses days- get real! Sometimes these moves take place in a blink of an eye for military families, we shouldn't be punished because we've waited 7½ months to get our permanent house. Hopefully my husband will have time to work on all of this today. I've got TMO bringing over the furniture on Wednesday/Thursday- was supposed to be Tuesday/Wednesday with the keys in our hands on Monday but that changed because of the AFN being installed on Tuesday (whatever!). Just don't make me move in the week of Thanksgiving is all I ask! As it is, my husband won't be able to be there or to help me with the move - so what's new? LOL! I've got a couple of terrific girlfriends that I can call on to help me out there if I need it :-)

Now for me to start getting things ready for transport over to the new house. My mind is going off in 20 different directions.

I just realized that I need about 2 dozen eggs for my mondo baking session today, and wouldn't you know it- not a single egg to be had in the house! Now to get dressed and buy some eggs!

Quote of the Day

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

-Elmer Davis

Venice

What can I say about my weekend trip to venice...PLENTY! It was just as beautiful as I had always imagined it would be. Pictuesque beauty abounds in Venice.

Quote of the Day

"I believe in the imagination. What I cannot see is infinitely more important than what I can see."
- Duane Michals

Venice Bound!

I'm leaving in an hour for Venice! When I get back I'll tell you all about it! I'm also bringing alone a little companion who frequently goes on trips with me, it's Wilson the Travel Pig. He's been to many an exotic place, places where no other travel pigs have been (none that we know of anyway).

Once in the new house I can get to work on making Wilson's travel album with pictures of him on various vacations with us. I'll call it...The adventures of Wilson or something along that line :-)

Quote of the Day

"Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life."

- Henry L. Doherty

one more day!

I'm now down to counting down the hours until I leave tomorrow. I'm sooo ready for a mini-vacation, heck I'm ready for a long vacation but that will have to wait.

The new commander and his wife moved into their new to them home which means it's only a short wait until we're in ours! I saw the new appliances...oooh I hope that we get some like theirs! I'm worthy, I'm worthy!!!!

Did the pre-inspection of our house today, everything went swimmingly! So we'll be completely out of here in 18 days!

Now for me to get some things done around here before I leave tomorrow!

Quote of the day

False history gets made all day, any day, the truth of the new is never on the news.
--Adrienne Rich

Anticipation...

November is a month where I wait...
* for the days to pass until I leave on my trip to Venice (only 2 more)
*for the keys to our newly renovated house (16 more days)
*to get all of our household goods (18 and 19 more days)

I seem to spend a lot of time "waiting". I only hope that what I'm waiting for is worth the wait.

Quote of the Day

Today you are You, that is truer than true.
There is no one alive who is Youer than You.
-Dr Seuss

Quote of the Day

Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of - for credit is like fire; when once you have kindled it you may easily preserve it, but if you once extinguish it, you will find it an arduous task to rekindle it again. The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.
Socrates (469 BC - 399 BC)

Quote of the Day

The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616),"The Merchant of Venice", Act 1 scene 3

It's the little things....

That have me loving living here in England so much! I attended an indoctrination ceremony for the new honorary commanders at our base. These are local British folks who are outstanding members of their respective communities who have been nominated for these positions. It was WONDERFUL to read their biographies. It was even better getting to talk to them and engaging them in conversation. What charming and delightful people! I look forward to being in their company in the future.

Quote of the Day

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

git 'er done

It's the kids break from school and all I seem to have on my list is things to get done, ones that include them.

Flu Shots- if you haven;'t gotten yours you better get on it! With all the illnesses going on in the schools here, and how we've all had some sort of flu bug...well the flu shot is something to now cross off of my list!

Grocery Shopping- another thing done and checked off of my list of things to do! I got it out of the way- hooray!

Library- turned in my book

Post Office- picked up today's mail

AFRC- picked up my pie server

Bowling Alley- took the kids there for lunch

I also did a quick pop in at my husbands office to day hello then off we went to go home. Full day of hanging with my teens...UI deserved a nap and I dare say I took one!

Now for me to plan out what I'm going to take to Venice.Oh and now something to make you laugh...Ryan-air luggage restrictions...

Strictly one item of cabin baggage is permitted per passenger (excluding infants) weighing up to 10kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (your handbag, briefcase, laptop, shop purchases, camera etc. must be carried in your 1 permitted piece of cabin baggage).

Quote of the Day

Creativity is a drug I cannot live without.
Cecil B. DeMille (1881 - 1959)

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow...

Some days are just a blur. Yesterday was one long day...took the medical shuttle to and from Lakenheath. Hannah had her orthodontic appliance taken off and in a few weeks she'll a different orthodontic appliance put on in place of the old one. Poor kid!

Today I had coffee with my girlfriends in town, went shopping came home and did some domestic work. While talking with a girlfriend I realized that I had agreed to speak at a conference on the same day that I'm leaving for Venice. OOh bad move there, yeah I feel like a heal. I know that they were counting on me big time for it and I hate the fact that I had to back out but hey- it's VENICE need I say more?
I've not been out of the country since arriving here in June, I've been pretty darn patient waiting on the other house to be finished and well frankly I feel worthy of the trip. Meanwhile all of my friends here have been somewhere other than England over the summer. Heck even our daughter went to Wales. So Venice here i come!

Tomorrow- I'm going to get some groceries, get some research and more paperwork done, get flu shots for all of us and get a flier done up for the spouses group. I lead a full life...most of it's filled with paperwork, LOL!

Quote of the Day

What we see depends mainly on what we look for.
-Sir John Lubbock

waiting to get crafty

I find it rather ironic how I've been waiting all these months to get into our permanent house, waiting to get back into full blown hardcore crafting and how there is a huge craft fair coming up here in soon. And wouldn't you know it, it's the same weekend I'm going to Venice. I really can't complain, I've been wanting to go on trips for such a long time and I can always buy crafting items on line when I need to. Not to mention, I'm going to Venice, LOL!

I'm finding a renewed desire to start teaching the art of card making. There are so many great stamp companies out there how can anyone limit their usage to just one? Autumn is my favorite season. I first fell in love with it when we lived in Maine. The colors of the fall foliage was remarkable! Here in England the trees do the same thing, turning brilliant shades of orange and red. But alas, the bulk of my crafting supplies are in storage. I'll have to content myself with making some Christmas cards for a handful of friends as I really won't have any time to truly dive into crafting until I get the house put together. But for now please check out my friend Kim's blog for some fresh ideas (her link on my blogs of note).

Quote of the Day

Friendship make prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it.
Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC), On Friendship, 44 B.C.

preview of my calendar for next week

Here's what's on my planner for next week...

Monday- going to Lakenheath as Hannah has an orthodontic appointment I hope to make it over to the craft center and buy some fabric for a quilting project I've been planning for the last month and a half. I want to take a peek at what's in at the BX and a quick lunch from BK for Hannah.

Tuesday – I’m taking a car-less friend shopping in town. I want to introduce her to the antique store. It may or may not be her thing, but I do want to share it with her as I just LOVE that place!

Wednesday is free for now (which is amazing)

Thursday - I'm attending a luncheon at the base for all honorary commanders

Friday- another open day, I'm sure that I'm missing something. If not, then I'm headed for market day on Sheep Street!

Saturday- pick up commanders wife from the airport

Busy is as busy does

Am I busy these days? Oh that goes without saying, LOL! From going on a tour of our soon to be new to us house, going to meetings, talking to new comers to our base and organizing a dinner for 20 and ending the week with taking in a Musical in London, yes it's been a busy week!

My goals are to get as many people that I can touch involved in volunteering their time to worthy causes within our small military community here at RAF Croughton. My first goal- getting folks involved in Hearts Apart dinners...
All of us are far from home, many of which are away from "home" for the very first time. Many spouses are now going through deployments for the very first time, and on top of that they are in a foreign country. It's hard being away from family and close friends, I know because I've been there myself. But I hope that through encouragement and motivational programs that we help these families through these tough times. I genuinely care about these people and no one will be left behind.

Thursday -I put on my super woman cape (aka my apron) and cooked up a storm! I made dinner for at least 20 people (along with dessert) for the Hearts Apart dinner. My dear friend Alisha stepped up and helped out by taking care of all of the children coming to the event and made a kid friendly meal and dessert.

Friday - The first part was spent going to Sheep street looking for scarves and a new pair of black pumps (I knew that I would need a new pair after letting Hannah wear mine to school). Mission accomplished, the Clarks shoe store on Sheep street hasn't failed me yet! I found a super cute pair that was on the markdown rack (they always have great shoes on the markdown rack), I also found a black scarf that worked great with the outfit that I wore last night, plus a few more... all at great prices!
Oh side note on the shoes...they were super comfy, especially when you consider all of the walking I did last night in London.

My husband and I took in our first Musical theater production in London, we went to see "Wicked" and as they say in New England...it was wicked good! I can tell that this is something that we will continue to do so as long as we're living here in England! We had dinner in a french restaurant in London and the food was delicious!

Today it's clean the house, write a couple of letters (the snail mail kind) catch up on laundry and later on...a nap.

Quote of the Day

You have got to discover you, what you do, and trust it.
-Barbara Streisand

One month and counting...

So here I am on the last month of my 5 month ordeal of waiting for our permanent quarters. Keep in mind that it will be a 7½ month wait on my husbands side of this "waiting" issue. I've got pictures, some of which make me scratch my head. Bathroom design was no ones priority here I can tell you that for sure! I've got pictures to go with this post but they will have to wait as I am literally running out the door.

Quote of the Day

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.
-Steve Jobs

a lovely place to visit...

Stratford-upon-Avon has to be my most favorite place to visit. It's got plently of parking and the town is simply charming to walk around in. The shopping and dining are great, so are the tourist attractions. It's the kind of place that feels like home- well to me anyway.

perfecting recipes

So I can't really create any cards or scrapbook layouts due to the fact that I have just about everything in storage for these past few months. BUT I can create with food and I've perfected my Chicken Cacciatore recipe (check it out on my cooking blog).

So I've started gathering things together for the cook book I've been writing off and on for the past couple of years. Of course it will have my own spin to it and I'm sharing some of my recipe exploits on my cooking blog...My Cookbook Nook.

Back in August my husband and I went out to a charming restaurant in a local village, Ever since then I've been trying to recreate and perfect the meal that my husband had ordered. It was a simple enough kind of dish but as you all know those so called "simple" dishes can be rather tricky. It all comes down to timing, how long to leave the steak to brown on each side is the cincher to this recipe! but first and foremost the steak must be at room temperature before you cook it! Now you're wondering why I'm not trying to recreate the dinner that I had...well I had Duck and I'm the only one in my family that would probably ever eat it, so why bother trying to cook something that I know the other 3 people in my family would not eat. Fillet Mignon, now that they WILL eat!

Alright, now for me to get with the program and get ready to go meat the contractors that are doing the remodeling on my soon to be new to me new home.

Quote of the Day

Play: Work that you enjoy doing for nothing.
- Evan Esar

Quote of the Day

I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.
Isaac Newton (1642 - 1727)

My week...

I can't begin to tell you all of my week- it's been a rather trying week ay best. I'm sure that you could tell from my post yesterday. I like to see the good in people, but some make that rather difficult for me.

Our friends had their baby on Monday- a little girl. She's an Angel! A petite little 7 pound baby who they have yet to name. Funny story there as my friend is on the way to the hospital and is in labor her husband tells her that he hates the name they picked out. I think that he's lucky to be alive, LOL! Now my friend was released from the hospital only a few hours after giving birth-wow! Now I must admit that she looks fantastic for just having given birth.

Monday was also Columbus Day, our chldren went to school and my husband and I set off for Stratford-upon-Avon to do a little sight seeing. Which reinds me that I should take the memory card out of the camera and upload it. Stratford was lovely! We ate lunch at a lovely little place in town, the building we're sure was quite old and full of charm! We walked all over the place, taking pictures everywhere we went. we were even able to accomplish a bit of Christmas shopping!

Quote of the Day

To punish me for my contempt for authority, fate made me an authority myself.
-Albert Einstein

My life...or something like it

The twists and turns of my ordinary life...there are days and then there are days. My biggest desire is to have a positive effect on others, to leave a person or a place better than when I came across it.



Since arriving here in England a number of circumstances have occurred, none of which I can go into great detail about. But there have been people that I have had to deal with that are simply impossible beings. Some are British and some are American, neither are what I would call a good example of the kinds of people from either country-pompous, arrogant, self centered and simply full of themselves. I abhor the kind of people that think that it's alright to belittle others and especially those that act as if they are more important than anyone else, in all honesty, it disgusts me.

Quote of the Day

Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.
-Albert Einstein

What a BUSY week!

This week has really kept me on the go! From cultural events at the base to being the personal escort to the wing commanders wife,to driving my kids to school and Key Spouse training, lunches with friends and buying clothes to keep me warm yet fashionable.

Tuesday- I went to the home of a military spouse whose husband is gone on a 365 to Iraq. I heard that she's been ill and from the description it was the same crap cold that I had. I let her know that I would be there at a specified time and to have her crock pot ready! I brought all of the items I needed including spices and my own knife, kitchen towels and cutting board. I made the soup in front of the spouse and talked with her while putting it all together. I had even gone as far to bring a crusty loaf of rustic bread to go along with dinner and a bouquet of flowers to brighten her day. Some times all we need for someone to take the first step- especially when we don't know how to take it ourselves. I know that she was appreciative of what I did, I hope that I was able to make a difference in her day.

Wednesday- This was my run run run go go go day. It starts with my children missing the bus and my husband having to be at another base for the majority of the day, not to mention that I had things going on that day...so it's perfect for my kids to miss the bus to school right? Kind of mandatory I think (God likes to see me flustered). It takes a hour to drive the 28 some odd miles to the school with all of those twisty turning roads here in England, and about 45 minutes back home-ugh! Then I have to get ready for the day's events...
It was Hispanic Cultural Day at our base and our key note speaker was our neighbor Jose (he did a great job). The wing commander and his wife came out for this event and we had a great turn out for the luncheon. Our little base club turned out another fantastic meal! After that I attended the commanders call with Mrs. C, then I took her to the Brackley Antique Cellar. I can honestly say that she enjoyed the place. All of the lovely items there were just that- lovely! That's where I found my latest little treasure a Cameo Brooch dating to the early 1900's (I'll tell you more about it later) and I bought Hannah the pendant that she had been long admiring.
After that it was back to the base and then home. It was a long day as I did not realize that I didn't get home until 4:30 pm-ugh! I felt as if I had gotten nothing done in my house and was too tired to care.

Thursday- Lunch with girlfriends before our 4 hour long Key Spouse training session. Again another long day away from home.

Friday- spent in the company of my friend Alisha. I wanted to go to Sheep Street because I wanted to get something that would go with this one purple skirt I own and to get a 2 piece suit. Well I found bargains galore in this shop PLUS I had a 20% off coupon for all I bought that day...life is good! I found a 2 piece suit (blazer and skirt) plus some other really nice items that can mix and match. I came out of there feeling like a million bucks! Always bring a girlfriend with you when shopping for clothes, one that you know will give her "honest" opinion and in case you didn't know this...those are the best type of friends to have! After that we were off to have some lunch, do some grocery shopping at the base, then to the library and back home before the kids got home!
Hannah stayed late at school (until 9pm) for A girls house event. The house mom Mrs H. got the school minibus and drove the girls out to the base so we parents didn't have to drive the hour long trip to get to the kids and then back home. You bet that I made sure to thank her for doing that drive! I was back home a little after 10 pm with my tired but happy teenage girl.

Today- we plan on taking a trip to Stratford upon Avon to visit some of the Shakespeare homes.I hope that the fogs burns off before we leave for our trip.

Quote of the Day

One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.
Jane Austen (1775 - 1817), Emma

Quote of the Day

“Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy, you can't build on it it's only good for wallowing in.”
- Katherine Mansfield

The Bazaar

Saturday we went to RAF Lakenheath for their big Bazaar. For years I've been hearing from my friends about how the overseas bases have these great "Bazaars" with all these great vendors out selling their wares. So I finally got to attend one of these "Bazaars" and this is what I found...

Pashmina Shawls- must have been at least a half dozen vendors selling these things. I bought a handful when we went on our last cruise. At the Bazaar there were ones in every color of the rainbow plus extra fancy ones! I admit it now, I bought 2 of the extra fancy Pashminas, the floral designs were amazing and the fact that they had a bit of gold and silver thread woven through them that gives them this iridescent shimmer...WOW!

Wine, Beer and Food- oh my! Yes there were vendors selling all sorts of food items. from imported cheeses, wines and beers, to dried pasta form Italy and chili fixin's from Texas. There was one booth that had a chocolate fountain and they were selling skewered fruits dipped in chocolate- oh that looked sooo tempting! But knowing me, I would have managed to find a way to get it all over myself.

Antique Furniture- several vendors there selling unique pieces, but dang were they expensive! The furniture looked great, but to be honest I could buy similar items from an antique shop for less.

Home is where the Air Force Sends You Signs- I've wanted one of these for years but never knew where to get them. The line around this booth was over a mile long. There was no way I was going to wait in that huge line...maybe I'll see them at another one of these Bazaars.

Jewelry- Lots of great Sterling Silver, and handmade jewelry items to be had here and all at great prices! From original handmade glass pendants to charms for charm bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings! Andrew has been wanting to buy his girlfriend Samantha (she lives in SD) a Claddagh ring. We've looked high and low, found one at an antique store but it was very expensive and way too big. So I was looking around at the items the various jewelery vendors had for sale and there they were Claddagh rings! I found one for Samantha's petite hand- Andrew was happy (of course that was only temporary). Hannah bought herself a ring and well in the end, I bought a Claddagh ring for myself- as you know, a girl can never have too many rings!

Rugs- there were some really nice looking imported rugs at affordable prices. But alas, we're still in temporary quarters and I have no idea what size rug I'd need to go under the table in for the breakfast area. So that will have to wait for another time.

Artwork- Loads of artwork to be had! From water colors to oil paintings and all kinds of wall art! There was something for everyone, there really was! From African Art to Indonesian Art to Americana Folk Art and French Country Art!

Knick Knacks/Brica Brac - There was tons and tons of this kind of stuff available everywhere! Again, it depends what you're into collecting. One of my most favorite things to collect is Matryoshka dolls, those nesting wooden dolls from Russia. And there was a vendor there selling them- yes I bought one. I kick myself for not getting a couple more to have on hand as Christmas presents. I'm wanting to go to the next Bazaar in hopes of finding the Matryoshka vendor there so I can get my niece one of them for Christmas. The Faberge Eggs were breathtakingly beautiful! These were exquisite masterpieces to behold!

British Bone China and Polish Pottery- Only one vendor had an all Polish Pottery booth, although there were a handful of booths that had Polish pottery pieces available for purchase along with many other kinds of items. I could not believe that there were so many different Polish Pottery designs, all of them beautiful! I fell head over heels in love with two pieces that have the hand painted Lavender design on them ( an over sized mug and a 9x12 rectangle serving dish). Talk about unique looking! When I first looked at them it made me think of Texas Bluebonnets, but once the shop owner started telling me about the unique pieces he had for sale and how he goes to Poland and has gotten to know some of the the various pottery company owners and their artists it really made me love this pottery even more! There are designs done for the English market, American market, there's even a line for the growing Canadian market and lets not forget of course the traditional Polish designs we all first fell in love with. I do not have dishes per say other than a couple of mugs and of course tea cups and saucers. I'm concentrating only on serving pieces and bake-ware. In my honest opinion, nothing cooks food so well as stoneware.

Now the bone China was nice, but there was nothing to grab my attention. I looked at it but thought that I could do better with buying this stuff at the local antique shops since the vendors wanted to sell me an entire tea service and not just one teacup and saucer.

Children's Toys and Collectible Toys- There were oodles of toy vendors at this event! From dealers in the collectible toy market to actual toys kids could play with, LOL! Again something for children of all ages! I suppose that you could put my Matryoshka dolls in either of these categories ;-)

Direct Marketing companies- There were independent sales consultants from Longaberger, Pampered Chef, Stampin Up, Discovery Toys, and a few more that I can't remember the names of at the moment.

There were a handful of vendors selling their handmade items- my favorite one being the booth manned by these 2 little old ladies that sold their hand knitted items. One of them was spinning and making her own wool yarn while the other was knitting away making an adorable child sized sweater! This was simply incredible in my book! They had so many beautiful items there and I fell in love with the little hand-knitted sheep- so much so that I bought myself a small herd. I plan to e-mail her and put in an order for 20 more of them so I can give them out at Christmas time as presents rt maybe I'll keep them for myself and tie little strings to them and hang them all over my Christmas tree, LOL!

So there it is, I'm sure that I didn't even cover half of the stuff that was there. The event was held in an aircraft hanger and the place was HUGE!

Be Ye all warned...

The TODDLER years were NOTHING as compared to the TEENAGE YEARS!!! The terrible twos and trying three's, those were a piece of cake as compared to what you will go through with your kids when they are in their teens!!!

Our son does not want to be here, he argues with me near daily about leaving here. Telling me how it's a waste to time to have to ride a bus a hour each way, how school here is a waste of time and so forth. Meanwhile I know that my children are getting a top notch education at this school- much better than what they could have received in South Dakota.

I tell you, this child of mine is stubborn and believe me when I say that we are not about to give in to him and send him back to South Dakota (although at times were are tempted). Unlike the laws here in the UK, in America we are responsible for our children until they turn 18 tears old and they are required to be in school until the age of 18. I could not for the life of me see him being "done" with school at the age of 16, not at all!!! Now I do see in his future that he would be great in politics because he can argue his point like the best of them!

Now for Hannah it's "other" stuff...I see this girl going on to get her PhD in either Mathematics,Physics or Engineering...but she'll drive me crazy with her perfectionism in the process. And lets not forget about teenage girl hair issues...dear Lord what I go through in the morning around here, ugh! I thank the Lord daily for those school uniforms here in the UK, because we've knocked out "I have nothing to wear" go around in the morning before school...no to work some more on the "hair issues".

I'm, not complaining, I do lead a full and interesting life, just not one that I thought that I would have had over 20 years ago. Truly, If it wasn't for my kids and husband I would have had earned my PhD in Archeology/Forensic Anthropology, my ultimate goal was to be involved in a great dig and to be a museum curator. It would have been a deeply rewarding career but a lonely one at the same time. Instead, the Lord chose a different path for me to take and I went on to develop my talents in designing things such as window treatments, counted cross stitching patterns, scrapbooking layouts, greeting cards, tote bags and garden landscaping. There's my gourmet cookery (I love cooking) that I use to make meals for our young Airmen who live in the dorms on base, the Hearts Apart monthly dinners for the spouses and families of our deployed service members, there's all of that training that I took so I could counsel the spouses of our deployed military members, and lets not forget my talents at interior design because of all of those moves me do with my husbands military career. Over the years I have taken classes to enrich MY life and now it's time for me to share what I have learned with others.

Quote of the Day

Complaining is good for you as long as you're not complaining to the person you're complaining about.
-Lynn Johnston

Sheep Street

I have to say that I had an awesome time shopping with my girlfriends. The vendor with the Indian clothing booth was phenomenal! Many oooh's and aaahh's with the Pashmina shawls they had on display- they were available in a rainbow of colors! This gentleman and his wife were so wonderful and so obliging, we (each of us) bought 3 Pashmina Shawls- it was hard to choose which ones to buy as they were all equally lovely!

Edinburgh Woollen Mills- I've passed by this store so many times, why I never stopped in until now is beyond me. I bought myself a new jacket- this pink jacket you see here :-) Believe it or not, it's machine washable! Isn't it adorable?!!! I also bought a button front cardigan

And here's my new cardigan-cute city! The feel of these items was remarkable and the prices- not bad at all! I think ladies...I have found "my clothing store" in the UK :-) The styles they are carry are sooooo me, the staff was helpful and friendly, even the customers were nice! I look forward to my next shopping experience in that shop!

Quote of the Day

Most people would succeed in small things if they were not troubled with small ambitions.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Friday Market- Bicester

I'm meeting some friends for coffee on Sheep Street in Bicester. While there we will peruse Sheep Streets friday Market! I'm bringing my camera for extra fun!

Quote of the Day

A little knowledge is dangerous. So is a lot.
-Albert Einstein

Happy October!

Wow, I dare say that September went by rather quickly! Before you know it, the kids will be on school break- at least the ones attending Kingham Hill School here in the UK will. I do hope and pray that time goes quickly this month and I'm getting a bit itchy to move out of this house.

Being organized in a temporary house with little storage for said organizing materials is challenging. I dislike the fact that even after being here for 3 months, that our house looks like cardboard city. I've not had very many people actually "in" our house because of the packing boxes that are in every room. The small type room that we used as a guest room is packed wall to wall with cardboard boxes (some empty, some not). I can't stand the fact that the kitchen is so small and awkward that I have to keep my plastic storage containers in said cardboard boxes because there is not room to store them- again because of limited storage space. The refrigerator is so small that I HAVE to go grocery shopping twice a week- that frustrates me to no end! But on the lighter side...only 50 more days to go in said "temporary" house, that is if there aren't any more set backs.

Quote of the Day

"A healthy human environment is one in which we try to make sense of our limits, of the accidents that can always befall us and the passage of time which inexorably changes us."

-Rowan Williams