Halloween Night

Halloween was a great success! A spooky time was had by
by all our trick or treaters.......over one hundred little ghosties
and goblins showed up at my door. The October wind was
howling and the air was as crisp as the fallen leaves scattered
on the ground. The perfect background for the graveyard and
other frightening spectacles awaiting the costumed travelers who
dared to venture out on the scariest night of the year.

My sincere regrets for not posting since July. The garden, harvesting and preserving my vegetables took most of July and August. In September, over Labor Day weekend, I lost one of the closest companions I have ever had. Little Errol, my Maltese, friend and buddy for over 12 years, got suddenly very ill and we had to have him euthanized. I can't describe the devastation, heartache and loneliness I have been feeling ever since. I lost interest in most everything and wasn't sure when I would be able to move on. Then, two weeks later, my cockatiel, Rusty also passed away. He was ill with a terminal liver disease for a couple of months, so we were slightly more prepared for his demise. However, it being so close to Errol's death, it took even more of a toll on my already bruised heart. No joyful barking when I would come home and no cheerful chirps every morning to greet the day.

Finally, when the silence of our wee house became too much to bear, we started on a quest to find a new Maltese friend to share our lives. A house is not a home without an animal friend by my side. And, that brings me to Flynn, the newest member of the croft! Another Maltese, he is now 10 weeks old and has brought fun, laughter and chaos to our lives once again. However, a large portion of my heart remains solely for Errol. Our special bond cannot be broken even though he is no longer with me. Also, Rusty, a gift we gave my mother two years before she passed away and has since been a link to her for me. A complete change in my life, ending one phase, yet beginning another.

A Little Patriotic Crafting

Although I consider summer to be one continuous holiday, there is nothing like the 4th of July, to really give cause for a celebration. I just love everything about throwing a party, the planning, the decorations, the menu for special food and treats, and of course, time spent with family and friends.
To get myself in the mood, I usually like to do a few holiday themed crafts. With the patriotic theme, there are so many ideas and projects that I want to do, it's always hard to pick just one. I have dreams of decorating my entire home and yard with red, white and blue decor for the entire summer. July 4th sneaks upon me so fast, as my gardens take up most of my time, so I have to be content with one or two new items a season. This year, I plan on continuing to work on patriotic projects that can stay out past the actual holiday-themed decorations.
This simple, little pin was the beginning of my creative endeavors this year. I wore it for my Independence Day party and felt quite festive for such a small, easy to make accessory and I can wear it whenever I feel the patriotic spirit.

Wreathmaking

Just decided I needed to decorate some summer wreaths. Took a trip to Michael's Craft Store for some silk flowers and ribbon and got out my glue gun. It's always very satisfying to create something of your own to make your home reflect your personal style. Uniquely yours.

It's Finally Here

Please excuse my absence.........but I have been in the garden! After months of dreaming, planning, longing and infinite (seems like) waiting.......the season is now in full swing. As I have said before, Wisconsin is very fickle with her spring weather. One day can be warm and the next cold and rainy. I'm not even going to mention that there was a June FROST warning!
When the sun shines and it's warm enough, everything needs to be done and done now. Needless to say, I am very busy during May and most of June, digging, planting, weeding, staking, transplanting and generally, loving every minute spent following my dream.
Gardening is so much a part of my life, of who I am and how I feel. I want nothing more than to share this part of me with others, to live in beauty among the flowers and welcome all who enter my world.

Blank Slate

Our Wisconsin springs are unpredictable at best. There are still chances for a frost until the end of May, so, I usually plant my vegetable garden around the Memorial Day holiday. The long winter wait is over and I can finally stop dreaming and start doing!
After the soil is tilled and smoothed out, I relish the "blank slate" situation since it is a new beginning every year. By this time, I have forgotten last year's failures (insect pests, cucumber disease, drought, storms and rabbits) and once again can start fresh with new hope that THIS year I will have the perfect garden.
Realistically, I know there will be things beyond my control that will happen....that's what being a gardener is all about. Learning patience and acceptance, knowing that there will be disappointments as well as successes, these are the things that get me energized to do it all over again. So, you must excuse me now, as Errol (my little dog) and I have some planting to do.

Wonderful Magical May

A merry May Day to all! As a child, I would deliver handmade May baskets to special friends and relatives in our neighborhood. There were always spring violets blooming in my backyard on May 1st, so, I would pick a nosegay and carefully place it in each basket. For my best friend Debbie, I would substitute candy for the flowers. Then, the real fun would begin. My younger sister and I would carefully sneak onto each porch, place the basket on the doorknob, ring the doorbell and run! We had to find a place to hide while we watched the intended recipient being surprised....or feigning surprise. Either way, it was great fun and something I looked forward to doing every year. A tradition I think that I will revive.