A Belated Giveaway,,or Two...and Catching Up

Yes you read it right. Not one but two giveaways.  My one year blogger anniversary was on January 12th.  We were out of town so I decided to wait and do a giveaway once we were back home. But... more on the giveaways in a wee bit.  First things first.  This just might be a long post as it has been over a week since I have been on and chatted with all of you.  So come on in, get comfy, and I will be glad to give you a cup of coffee, or hot chocolate .  You can pick your choice of coffee available and making a cup is so simple with my new coffee maker.

Sometimes a girl has got to do what a girl needs  wants to do.  I have wanted one of the k-cup machines for a good while.  I kept going back and forth with should I, will I like it, will the coffee be too expensive,, you know trying to justify buying it.  But a few months ago I just did it, and I must say I have a new love affair with my coffee machine.  It came with an attatchment so that you can put your own coffee in and brew if you want, but I haven't used it yet.  And there is also a button for hot water which is great for hot cereal in the mornings.  Now I can try all the flavored coffees that Mr. P. is not too fond of.  Okay everyone got a cup if you wanted it?

Last week I was home everyday but one.  Mr. P. came home from his trip and his truck was torned up. He was working 10 hours and it was dark when he came in ,,, so he drove the car into work everyday.  Now if you are thinking I got lots done being home,,, well it just didn't happen.  I did manage to get my new bench the mister had made me into the bedroom.  This is a very special bench.  The back was made from Holly's baby bed.  She had used it with Darbee Rae as well and it has been in storage.  I still have to make a cushion for the seat and am looking for new pillows but couldn't wait to share it with you.

I have my grandmother's old ticking feather bed and I plan on cutting it up and making my cushion.  Want to wait until spring because feathers will be flying. 

The mail lady was kind to me  last week.  Maybe she knew I was home with no car to go roaming.  Even she knows I love to GO!!  I had won a sweet giveaway from Amy over at http://bumblebeelanecottage.blogspot.com/ a while back and she waited to mail it until I was home from the trip.

 

Aren't these little bunnies cute?  And you just need a scratch and sniff screen for these little fellows.  They smell heavenly.  Can't wait to put them out for Spring.  Until then they will join my other bunnies in the sunroom.  Thank you so much Amy.

And not only did I want to learn punch needle during this new year, I want to learn to do penny mats and rugs.  Sweet Cathy from http://tolentreasures.blogspot.com/ surprised me with some pennies in the mail. 

She enclosed a sweet note and told me maybe these already cut would make me want to begin.  Well Cathy this is on my very next to do list.  It was so sweet of you to share with me.  Can't wait to get started.

And lastly Miss Robin from http://thecrankycrow.blogspot.com/. shared with me a really good and informative book on punch needle.  I found it on internet and put my order in.  It also came this week and I must say it is everything Robin said it was.  Such great patterns and information.

If any of you ladies are like me and want to learn this craft, you will not go wrong purchasing this book.  Thank you Robin for suggesting it to me.

So,,,, are you still with me?  Now on to the giveaway(s).  Many of you commented on the post I did after visiting the Depot in SC.  You all seemed to like the waxed bag luminarie I had purchased.  So on Saturday before we left to come home I made a trip back and purchased one for a giveaway.

There will be a second drawing for another giveaway so everyone will have at least 2 chances to win.  Haven't decided what it will be yet, but will post before the deadline for the giveaway is over.  Will also be adding to the giveaways as the days come closer to the drawing date.  Yep, I am just that grateful to all of you who have followed along with me this past year.  I feel I had made some wonderful friends.  You have been with me through days of joy, times of sorrow, shared holidays, and visited on days when you will never know how good it was to smile.  I am forever grateful to each and every one of you.  Your commets and visit mean so much to me.

This giveaway is open to all my followers.  And as promised new followers are welcomed. I would appreciate it if you come over and are new to let me know in your comment.  It is open to all my friends in the U.S. and in Canada.  You may post of your sidebar or blog about it if you wish for one extra entry.  Please be sure to let me know if you do. If you enter , please be sure that I can get in touch with you through your blog or if you don't have a blog please share your e-mail. 

This giveaway will be open until February 14th at midnight.  I will draw the winners and post 

 the winner on my blog on Feb. 15th.  Good luck to each and every one.

Well that just about catches all of you up on my doings.  Yesterday Darbee Rae came home from church services with me.  We just needed a Darbee and Nana day as I haven't caught up  since being away.  We watched one of Holly's favorite movies from her childhood, "Annie"  She really loved all the singing and dancing in the movie.   Thought you might like to see where she watched most of the movie.

Guess Papa's shoulders sat  pretty good.  No wonder poor Papa couldn't hardly move this morning. (smile)

Well friends, thanks for stopping by.  Don't forget to leave a comment or I will never know you visited with me .  Hoping you all have a great week planned.  Me..... well another road trip is on the horizon.  Have I told you I love to go?????   Until next time......

Nothing Last Forever and an Update

Helllo all my friends.  Today is day 10 of our trip here in SC, and the way it looks now we will be leaving for home tomorrow.  The picture above  was of the sunset from our hotel window earlier in the week. It has been such a relaxing trip for me. One I have enjoyed so much. 

I have had so much fun finding new places to shop and am tickled over the few goodies I have found.  Can't wait to get home and do some tweaking and playing house.  But, I did not spend all my time shopping.  As some of you know I have been wanting to learn punch needle for quite some time.  I thought this would be the perfect time to begin the learning process.  I had bought these supplies back in November on our girl trip to TN.  I was waiting until after the holidays to begin.

Well, once I started I realized I had a lot of practicing to do before I wanted to start on these beautiful kits.  So I headed to JoAnns, and purchased a little punch needle kit to learn on.  Now, please all you wonderful punch needle experts, don't look close, but as I worked I think I got better and better.  There are so many mistakes, but I am proud to say the first piece of punch needle is done.

I am looking forward to starting on one of the projects above now.  I think I am really going to enjoy this craft.  I am so excited to learn something new. 

This bag was stuffed to the brim with some hand sewing projects, a few stitcheries to finish, and a few little bonnet ornaments to be made.   When I would tire of one thing, then there was something else waiting for me to work on.

 

I had my study Bible and my devotional,

My Journal,

And this wonderful book to read.  Karen, over at http://mycolonialhome.blogspot.com/ has a page on her blog of  Amish readings.  This was one of her suggestions for me to read, and I have to admit it is  wonderful reading material.  It is the complete Trilogy of Sisters of the Quilt.  Thanks Karen for the suggestion.

And of course, I had my computer so I could keep in touch with all of you.  So along with my cell phone to keep up with my girls at home and my friends back there , I had everything I needed right here with me.  Yes, it did make me stop and think just what I need to make me happy.  We could all be happy with so much less than we have.  I had my mister with me when I woke, and he returned after a day of working to spend the evening with me.  I had the few items above, and the assurance from Holly that all was well with them at home.   What more could a girl ask for?  Yes, I am truly blessed and thankful for a wonderful getaway. 

Hope those of you who have snow and ice, are hunkered down in your cozy homes with the ones you love.  Be safe and stay warm.  And to those of you who have had tornado watches, and warning stay safe and be thankful if you have had no damage.  And to all of you, no matter what the weather is in your area, hoping you are having a wonderful weekend, whatever your plans.  Thanks to all of you who have commented, e-mailed , and just stopped by these last 10 days.  I will continue our conversation from home next week. 

Until next time...

The Depot at Gibson Mill in Concord, North Carolina

Greetings all my friends from South Carolina.  Oh, the joy of internet and my laptop.  I feel like I am at home away from home.  I can still check in and keep up with all your blogs.  Oh that it so wonderful.  Thought I would fill you in on my day here in SC.  Oh my, a girl could get spoiled really easy.  The ending to the first week and I am so relaxed and enjoying myself so much.  Want to come and join me?  Oh I wish you could, and you will  want to when I share with you where we went today.

Dawn from http://hollyhillsprimitives.blogspot.com/  was kind enough to tell me about The Depot at Gibson Mill in Concord, North Carolina.  Mr. P. was off work today so we drove over into North Carolina to try and find the place.  Oh my word ladies, if you are ever close, make it a point to go to The Depot. It is the largest Antique Mall in the South.  There is over 88,000 sq. feet and over 550 booths.  Yes, that is right , no typing error here.  You will not be disappointed.  Dawn had also told me of several prim shops in NC but they were too far for me to travel alone.  And guess what? One of them had a booth inside the mall.  And there were many, many, more prim booths.  Just a few,,,,, NanBrook Farm,  Primitive Souls,Southern Cabin Primitives, Country Heart,,, and the list goes on and on.   Can you tell I was so excited.. Took a few pictures for you so just sit back and take a look.

Not knowing how long it would take us to get there, we left early.  We arrived 30 minutes before they opened.  We were so surprised that people were waiting to get in already and the parking lot filled up before the doors opened. It was like a mad dash..... Once inside we could see why.  A few pictures of several of the prim booths.

I got several things, but I have got to go back.  Lucky for me it is open every day, not just on the weekend.  I was overwhelmed.  One of my special finds was this candle.  Scented with sweet annie.  It smells so yummy.  Will make our suite smell just prim perfect.

Got the little pillow also.  Will look good with the patriotic decor.

With Sping not too far away, this little bunny had to come home with me.  He will be right at home with my collection for Easter.

Lots of prim socks.  Endless possibilities.

Look at this prim soap.  Smells so good but way to pretty to use.  Got several of these. 

Loved these luminaries.  It is a bag covered in wax with a tea light inside.  Too cute.

A prim calander for the new year.

Do you ever see something and you really don't know why you like it,,, you just do?   Well that was the case with this old man.  He is just so prim ugly.  The patch on his shirt says 1808 and on the blanket it says Olde Thyme.   He just won my heart.  Hmmmm, wonder where he will end up at home?? I got many more little items like an old prim book candle holder, prim lights, prim tissue paper,,, yes I was so excited to find some.  All you send items wrapped in the neatest tissue paper and remember at home I can't find prim items.  So yes, I was excited over something so small.. The list goes on and on... but you get the idea don't you?

Mr.P. was really impressed .also  Although they had a "Man Cave"  room with comfy seating and a big screen t.v.,, he was having too much fun checking out all the booths with old tools and farm equipment.  He got several big items. We also got an antique tricycle, and old wooden ironing board, and an old mirror.  Maybe we will rent a  u haul when we come home.... May have to. (smile)

Well I hope you enjoyed coming along on our fun day trip into North Carolina.  Hope you have had a fun day today and remembered it was the Sabbeth Day,,, a day to rest and give thanks.  Will be back soon and tell you what I am doing during the days while hubby is working.  

Welcome to my new followers.  I love all your comments and want everyone to visit, chat and feel right at home.   Until next time.

Be Careful What You Say

Good evening everyone.  Hope all is well with you this Wednesday evening.  Just wanted to drop in and share a  phone call I got yesterday from my Mr. P.   As all of you know Holly and Darbee love to GO... Where you  might ask,,, well it doesn't really matter.  Just anywhere as long as it is in a car and there is a road.  But what I haven't truly been honest with you about..... they get it honest.  BECAUSE,,,, Mama /Nana  is just as bad.  I love to go.  Don't get me wrong,, I love my home,,, but going on a road trip is just so much fun!  I have always teased my Mister and told him anytime he got ready to go somewhere just give me 10 minutes and I would be ready.  Wellll....
Late yesterday afternoon I got the call.  Bless his heart, he did give me more than 10 minute notice.... He ask could I be ready to leave out this morning on a road trip.  His work was sending him to South Carolina.  WooHoo!!!  I was thrilled.  They had told him around Christmas he would be going Jan 2. but then canceled the trip.  But  it was back on.  I called my girls, and had them come out.  You know I had to see them before I left the state.  They came for supper.  ( good thing I had a big pot of soup in the crock pot)   And then I got busy. 

So tonight I am so excited to be in South Carolina in a suite with my honey.  Does anyone know of any prim shops in SC ?  Tomorrow I will be out roaming while the poor Mister is working.  Wow,, what a life.  I have a big bag of crafts to keep me busy in between shopping, and I have no chores to do for quite awhile.  Yep, I did have more than  10 minutes to get ready.  But,,, you better bet when that car cranked this morning, there was one happy lady in the passenger seat.  So.... will be visiting you from my temporary home away from home for the next week or so.   We are only a few miles from Charolette, NC also.  Any one know of shops in that area?? 

There you have it.  All of you know what my plans are for the next few days.  Want to come and join me?  Take care, be safe ,, until next time.

A New Prim Shop and My Goodies

I know, I know, this is my second post today.  First let me say a big thank you to all of you who visited Holly on her new blog.  So kind of you to make her feel so welcome

Saturday Mr. P had to work and Holly's hubby was going to a gun show.  She called and wanted us to go roaming.  Yipeee!! I had just found an advertisment of a shop I really wanted to visit.  Once you get to know Holly you will know she is a professional shopper (lol). So we set out on a wild goose chase.  The shop was about 25 miles from us and the gps (aks Miss BlabberMouth) took us right to the shop.  This is what we saw when we arrived

Oh My Goodness, my heart skipped a beat.  There was so much outside that I would have loved to bring home with me.  Even before entering the store Holly and I were so excited.  Remember there are no prim shops in our area.  But as of Saturday we found a new place to frequent, " Spoon Sisters Tiques & Treasures.

As you entered the door the smell of tarts and candles welcomed you.  The first thing I saw was a very large feather tree decorated with sheep.  Yep, we were in Prim Heaven.  The ladies were so nice as we were shopping.  After two arms full of goodies to put behind the counter for us as we shopped  one lady ask,"Do you girls love prim?"    AHHHH   Yes, we do!!! We had to be in there for hours.  There was room after room of goodies .  Not a lot of handmades, but nevertheless prim items that before today we would only get thru mail order.

I got this pretty plate.  They had many more with different designs.  Might just have to have a set soon.

Love this old worn and beat candle box.  I have to find somewhere to hang it.  Mr. P. laughed at me when I showed him this purchase.  I just loved it.  And the price was great.

Got a set of placemats.  They will look good with my old white farmhouse dishes.

Can you tell  I love old boxes?  This is an old dovetail file box or recipe box,,,,, The top slides and has grooves on top to angle the top.

I got lots more goodies but can't show them as they may end up in a giveaway or a surprise gift. BUT,,, all their Christmas was 75% off.  WOOHOO.  I won't bore you will all those goodies but I had a wonderful time shopping for decorations .  Made me want to come home and decorate all over again.  I got 5 wreaths and lots of other items.  Holly and I both got a small German Twig Tree.  Remember my love /hate relationship with the one I got for Christmas.  That one is now decorated with my snowman items on it.  This little one may end up being my seasonal tree.  Haven't put it away yet as I am trying to decide.

If it stays out, I am dreading getting the branches just right already.  Sure does play havoc on the arms and hands.  But a great price at 75% off.   So there you have a few of my purchases at the wonderful shop.  You can bet Holly and I came out of there so happy.  Poor little Darbee Rae even had her arms full helping Mommy and Nana with their purchases.  She was happy also.  She got a Mommuy, Daddy, and Baby stuff rabbit family. 

On Thursday of last week I got a package in the mail from Sweet Linda Parker.  I was so surprised and thrilled when I opened it.  Linda had seen where I had commented on a blog about these neat baby shoes and stitchery.  Being the thoughtful and giving person she is.... this is what I found when I opened the box.   

There is just something about the little shoes along with the saying that mellows my heart.  Brings back so many memories.  So simple but just a perfect display to me.

Linda also included these sweet sheep ornaments and the little Valentine pillow.  There was also homespun with Cookies stitched on it.  I have it already in the kitchen and sorry Linda but forgot to get a picture.  Thank you so much.  You know I love everything.  You are such a special friend.  I am blessed!

As you all know Holly, Darbee, and I  had the pleasure of meeting Betty from Thru My Back Door. in November .  We were there the weekend before Mother passed on Wednesday.  Betty has become such a special friend.  On Friday I got another package and it was from her. She just did a post and showed this wonderful devotional book, " Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young.  She had gifted me with a leather bound copy of the book.

And a really sweet sympathy card.  Love those crocks on the card.  Betty also included a really sweet book for Darbee Rae.  We were on the way to take Darbee to meet her Mommy when we got the mail so I didn't get a picture of Darbee with her book.  She had to have it home with her to read at bedtime.  Thank you Betty. You are such a true friend.  I am already enjoying the writings in the book. 

Today I met my dear friend and sidekick for lunch as we were celebrating her birthday and her anniversary later in the week.  A big week for Jane.  And this year her and hubby will be married for 40 years.  I know, that makes her sound old,  but Nah,,,  she and I both married straight out of school.  In fact the mister and myself are not too far behind.  Happy Birthday Jane and Happy Anniversary to you and Mr. H.

Well folks, I think we are caught up again.  Hope I haven't bored you too much with my ramblings.  Sure have enjoyed you stopping by to visit.  Don't forget to leave me a comment.  I won't even know you stopped by unless you do. 

Please Welcome a New Blog !

Good Monday Morning Everyone.  Hope you all had a great weekend.  Mine was great as I found a new place to shop.  More on that in my post later today.

Most of you who follow my blog know that my daughter and granddaughter are a MAJOR part of my life and my blog.  Holly has had a blog for years but she has decided to close that blog and join us with a new blog to share her love of decorating, crafts and her family.  Please join me and welcome her into our  blogging community.

Go over and say hi and make her feel  right at home.  I have already shared  with her what a great group of ladies you all are.  You will find her blog at  http://hollyanddarbee.blogspot.com/ 

Hope you all have a great day planned.  I am going to celebrate a friend's birthday with a wonderful lunch and then home to do some cleaning I didn't get done before the weekend.  Will be back tonight with an update of the weekend. 

Until then......

Trip to the City

Good afternoon friends,  Hoping all of you are staying warm. Sure have enjoyed seeing all the snow pictures some of you have been sharing.  I am just thankful we finally are having winter temps.  But according to the weather forcast, they too will be short lived.

Yesterday was the coldest day of winter thus far. Our morning lows were in the teens.  Did I stay inside where the fireplace would keep me warm and cozy and enjoy the day sewing or creating?  Of course not. Holly had two more days before going back to school so... five of us loaded up and went to Atlanta shopping.  That has got to be the coldest city in Ga.  and the winds were fierce.  Walking between those tall skyscrapers  had there been snowflakes wetting our faces (no snow) and Christmas music playing (no music) it would have been perfect.  I know, I am wierd like that but I so LOVE cold temps.

One of the stores we visited was IKEA.  You will not find anything prim in the store, but they have wonderful storage units, boxes, etc,  and I just love to go look at the rooms they have decorated and on display.  Saw this quote and thought it was right neat

 They have wonderful homemade cinnamon rolls too.  They smell so yummy when you enter the store from the windy cold weather.  We found lots of goodies and were right proud we battled the cold temps.

After a full day of  shopping we ate an early supper at one of Atlanta's famous landmarks, The Varsity. This is a cute picture I caught of Darbee's back sitting at the table eating.  Look at the static in her hair, it was plastered to the back of her seat.  Can you tell how windy it was?  We all were getting shocked everytime we touched something.

We all had a great time, but I was so proud to get home and get into my flannels and snuggle in front of the fire with a hot cup of coffee.  Yes, all is well and good here at the homeplace.  Sure hope you can all say the same. 

Hope you are all having a Wonderful Wednesday.

Until next time

Happy New Year,, Catching Up, Giveaway Goodies

Happy New Year to all of you my friends.  I know, you don't have to tell me that I am a day late.  But it's only day 2 of the new year so there is plenty of time for well wishes. I wish for all of you days of contentment, happiness, good health,  and prosperity in the year 2012.  Look at my calander for January.  NOTHING is  written in.  For that I am so blessed.  No doctors's appointments which means the Mister and I are in fairly good health,  no obligations that I have to fulfill, it's a clean slate and for that I am so thankful.  I have no list of to do's to nag at me until they are done, and I made no resolutions because I never follow through with them.  Now mind you I could write a to do list a mile long of things I really need to do and the same goes for resolutions, however I am so going to try this year to be carefree and happy and live one day at a time.  We will see how long this last.  You my friends may have to remind me to go back and read this post before the month is over. (smile)

I was so blessed during the holidays to recieve so many gifts from friends and blogger friends.  My long time friend Dimple in TN sent me a very sweet package.  We have been friends since before our kids started kindergarten many, many moons ago.  When the kids were in junior high school they moved back to TN to be closer to their parents but our friendship has remained strong.  It has been almost a year since I have seen her but am hoping that will change sometime later this month.  Miss you Dimple.

She sent me a really cute icicle ornament.  She knows we decorate after Christmas with snowmen and snowmen related ornaments.  I enjoyed it during Christmas and it is now on the snowman tree.

She also sent me two really cute ink pens.  The Santa Claus pen I used during Christmas and have already put it away but look at this neat snowman pen.  Looks so cute on table where I sit next to the computer.  Fits right in with the snowman decor in the great room.  There was also bath and body lotion  I already am using. It's in my purse.  She always remembers Darbee Rae and Holly.  Darbee was so excited to get a big book with lots of stories in it.  Thank you Dimple.  We all love you.

Earlier in December I was so excited to find I had won Angie's 300th post giveaway. http://lilraggedyangie.blogspot.com/

The package was misplaced by the usps. and Angie was so worried until it finally arrived on Dec 30th.  I knew I had won this cute snowman head on a wooden spindle.  Here is a picture.

This is the box I saw when it arrived on my doorsteps.

Those of you who know Angie know it was  NOT just  full of paper to protect the giveaway.  This is what I saw.

These next pictures will speak for themselves.

My heart overflowed at the generosity of  Lil Raggedy Angie.  If you haven't visited her blog please go over and pay her a visit.  She also sells her crafts and she makes so awesome things.  Angie you know how I loved each and every item you sent.  But that's not all .. she sent Darbee Rae some goodies as well.  Darbee so wants to meet Princess and have a play date.  We will never say never.  You just don't know..

Don't you just love the way she is dressed?  She was playing dress up. Our weather has been so warm, under that princess skirt she had on shorts.   There was a beautiful tiara on her head , but the picture don't show it too well. I bet Princess picked that one out.

A really cute Raggedy doll for her room

 

And one of her favorite  books to read.  How did you  know Angie?  Just look at that smile.  You made my little princes such a happy little girl.  Thank you.

Whew!! I am finally caught up with my blessings from such special friends.  Today I spent the day decorating the great room with my snowmen items.  Do any of you leave out your snowmen to decorate for winter??  It's such a let down after Christmas so this year I decided to leave up the German Twig Tree and decorate it with snowmen, and related items.  The big Santa tree is gone and I moved the twig tree from beside the fireplace to where the Santa tree was.  I am really pleased with how it looks.  Hanging on just a little bit longer.  And at such a good time.  We are getting into the teens tonight and the wind is howling here at the homeplace.  No snow,, but a girl can wish can't she?

If you look close you will see some of the ornaments I have won in giveaways or was gifted from so many of you , my friends. 

So there you have it, my snowman tree all decked out for the winter season. 

I don't know about you, but I love all my trees I decorate with for the holidays.  Years, and I mean years ago when the skinny trees were a "new" trend, I bought a set of 3 trees.  The largest I kept up all year and decorated it according to the season.  Holly was in grammer school.  One of  the most fun times decorating was the "Back to School " theme.  She would get so excited to see pencils, boxes of crayons, rulers, etc. on the tree.  No surprise that she became a teacher.  I should have seen it coming way back then.  That same tree was part of the floral decorations when she was married in a Christmas setting 8 years ago.  Needless to say that little tree has held so many memories throughout the years.  To trash one of my old trees is so hard to do.  I was always taught from an early age to never throw away a Bible.  My Daddy lived to be in his 80's and was a Baptist Preacher.  You can guess just how many Bibles he wore out over the years, but we just couldn't throw them out.  Well, I have a love of my trees similar to that.  But today,, that beloved tree is being put to rest.  It's branches are tired and are now to weak to hold up the ornaments to adorn it.  It has served our family well and has stood proudly in our home over many, many years.  It looks so tired this evening.

Rest in peace my dear old tree.  Your memories will stay in my heart for years to come.   I will be on the look for another tree to decorate with as Darbee will be expecting it as seasons come and seasons go.  The tradition will continue.

I have so enjoyed your visit this evening.  Mr. P. goes back to work tomorrow and thus the holiday season here at the homeplace will come to a close. 

I want to thank each one of you who have stopped by to visit this past year. I so cherish each and every comment. I so treasure all the friendships I have made since I began blogging almost a year ago. You are so talented, caring, and giving. I am so blessed to be part of this blogging community.

Until next time....