The long and winding road, that leads back to you.

A thank you to the blogging world that has kept on ticking away and posting and has fed me regularly while I've dealt with life. Thank you for taking me into your homes and showing me your latest projects. Thank you for giving me ideas for dinner, lunch, snacks. Thank you for telling me about your latest thrift bargains (and I must admit some jealousy here). And thank you for keeping me laughing.

The funeral is over with. I'm moved into my new apartment. And my life is returning to some form of normality. I'm loving my new digs -- so quiet and private compared to my last. Now, if only spring would arrive in Newfoundland.

It's always later here; we are quite far north. And I knew that the snow would stay for a while. But these cold temperatures! Man! The past week and a half has been on average -7 deg celsius (19 deg Faren). It's darned cold out there.

But I am in a spring frame of mind. While unpacking recently, I was able to longingly caress my red Converse sneakers. And I found a great hoodie for those soon-to-come early morning walks. I attended an information session last Saturday on our community garden; and despite my being on a wait list, I've been planning my 4' x 16' plot and thinking of how wonderful it will be when I have fresh spinach and chard. Ahhhhh!

I am waiting for you. 

Come soon. 

Madame Itchy McBlister Checks in

What can I say about having shingles? 

A LOT! But it would turn the air blue. It's not good. On a positive note, after being diagnosed and given the early treatment (Valtrax), my 2 spots of shingles 
dried up and began healing. THEN a different rash started --- one that was an allergic reaction to something which to date remains unknown. This rash spread everywhere except my palms, feet and, thankfully, my face. And it's extremely itchy. THEN the shingles nerve pain started. Anyone who's had shingles knows what I'm talking about when I say this is the worse pain I've ever experienced! A constant has been the burning sensation -- like I've been skinned and put out in the wind. A constant from about 2-3 pm onwards is the feeling that my body is being poked with a scrub brush full of needles; and the later, harsher pain comes unexpectedly in the form of feeling like I'm being repeatedly stabbed and/or electrical shocks running down my arms and legs -- so much so that they'd occasionally twitch. Clothing hurts and I need a makeshift tent under my bed covers at night so the weight and heat from the blankets don't make me feel like I'm burning. From a medical standpoint, not much can be done other than over-the-counter calamine lotion and such; and that doesn't work with the bad pain. There were some evenings I was kneeling on the floor crying and praying. And there were a couple of evenings when I called my sister (who is on a lot of meds) begging her for something to knock me out for the weekend so I could get some rest which is one of the key things to healing from shingles. I took several different meds from several different people -- dangerous, I know. But effective. And I've had blissful moments of relief with almost no pain. Almost!

I hate to speak too soon, but I think I may be beginning to heal. I'm still pretty itchy, but some of the rash now has a fine, rough, sandpaper feel to it. I have patches of the usual red, angry rash; and my poor legs are peppered from the knees down with scabs. As Monty Python would say, I am currently "not attractive to men, sir!".

I've been diligent in going to work and our wonderful staff have put less demands on me. 

But because by the time I finish work I'm headed into the most painful parts of my day, I've not been able to visit my Mom in hospital very much. She has been failing and is now in palliative care. The family has been preparing themselves for this, of course, but it is still heart breaking. We are all looking to God now for comfort and for a peaceful transition for my lovely mother. 

The other big news which is more positive for me is that I'm moving at the end of this month to a slightly smaller but much cheaper apartment: internet and cable are included, there's a washer/dryer, electricity is less, it's in a lovely location which overlooks the bay and is close to a major route to work. I'm a little overwhelmed with packing again but trying to overlook what's immediately in front of me and focus on being settled in a place that I believe will be better for me. And this is what I'm focusing on for my Mom as well. 

So, I've a crazy stressful, busy, painful life right now. But it is my belief that God is right at hand and that He'll come through as He has ALWAYS come through. 

I thank any of you out there for prayers and/or compassionate thoughts towards me at this moment.

Things that Make Me Happy .....

The things that make me particularly happy today are:

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The wonderfully kind and supportive comments left on my last post. Light ALWAYS overcomes dark! And the hearts and hands of friends always helps.

Receiving a video of my gorgeous grandson walking! What a clever and beautiful boy he is. 

My delicious weekly latte treat from Lahave Bakery across the street. (And finding out that if I bring in a larger mug, I get a larger latte!)

A momentary lapse in the rain -- 2 days so far and a forecast of 3 more to come including today -- and a chance to inhale the freshness of the sea air outside my office door and see what is probably the last of the color on the trees and covering the street.

One of my favorite days is here again!

Have a wonderful weekend y'all!

Happy Blog Birthday to Me!

It was 5 years and 783 posts ago when I took to Blogspot to find like-minded women who were trying to deal with aging.  But I found so much more.  I found friendship and laughter and advice and imagination and acceptance and on and on and on.

Thank you Readers for sharing the last 5 years with me and teaching me so much.  

I'd like to tell you I'll be eating cake and celebrating, but I shall have to put that off for a few days until I get over this dastardly head cold.  I shall be downing sinus medication and NeoCytrin instead.



Still ..............................

a celebration postponed is just something to looking forward to for tomorrow!

(Underneath the sniffing and sneezing, this is me.  Yep.  I look just like this caricature; see the flushed cheeks and fever dazed eyes?  And I guess my nose is redder and runnier ...  and my hair is grey.  But look at how excited I am at the anticipation of cake.  

I don't get out much! )

Listen to the Rhythm of the Falling Rain .....

It's afternoon tea break here at the office ..... 

and I'm alone ..... 

and it's gently raining.  

It's so quiet here ... and so peaceful.  I've stopped and put my stocking feet up.  And the quiet, the peace and the gentle rain falling make my tea (and arrowroot biscuits) taste even better.  

I'm facing the large picture window that overlooks the pines growing in the front yard and the brilliant colored leaves of the deciduous trees across the road.  An occasional car drives by on its way to shops and business's in the industrial park.  But mostly, it's just me, and the clock and the falling rain on this metal building's roof.

So quiet and peaceful.

I'm thinking of how we so seldom have these moments of quiet and peace now-a-days.  Unlike our fathers and grandfathers, a lot of us have to "make" these moments happen.  At home there's kids and phones, TV's and I-tunes, showers running, refrigerator door opening and closing; "Have you seen my ....?"  The coffee shop can be quiet, but it's mostly because people have plugged in to their phone, talking or texting.  What's happened to sitting and making eye contact with others!  

Today I wish for you all to enjoy some quiet and peace.  I hope for a figurative "gentle rain" to fall upon you.  I hope that you'll get to sit in comfort and peace and drink tea and eat bickies and reflect on the goodness and restorative elixir of just sitting in nothingness ............. before you have to get back to life.

Tata for Now!

Like so many of you before me have done, I'm taking a sabitical from blogging.  I just don't seem to have enough time in the day/week/month to get it all done; and I never seem to get enough rest lately.  I'm cutting back a couple of things because God has been speaking to me about simplifying my life, and I need to listen to Him because He knows what's best for me.   

I want to say a huge thank you for being my followers and my online blogging friends.  Thanks for the words of encouragement and support and thanks for having such great blogs yourselves -- for giving me cause to think sometimes, for making me laugh, and for all the wonderful recipes and the glimpses into your own lives.

I don't think my departure will be forever -- I certainly hope not!  But for now, I say adieu.  I shall try to keep up with you from time to time.  And if I find I have anything I really want to share, I'll certainly do that.

Now, let's find that book and that brew and that hammock in the cabin in the woods, miles from nowhere and technology and distractions. And let's listen to the birds and the lap of the waves and most importantly, let's rest!

 Oh wait now!  That was my dream voice speaking.  Darn it!

It'll be more like let's cook dinner without yawning your way through; let's stop rushing from place to place and perhaps have a chance to stroll; let's spend some time in the hammock in the back yard; let's meditate on what God has given me to enjoy and let's see what else He has in store for me.

Let's get a good night's sleep!

See you later!

Goodbye May!

Oh my goodness; look at the date!  It's the end of May already.


I'd like to take this time to say "Thank you May."


Thank you for bringing my baby home from school (and totally messing up my downstairs room and clogging up my refrigerator and filling most of my evenings with extra kisses and hugs).



Thanks for the best Mother's Day ever with the best kids ever -- their love and thoughtfulness (and the awesome chocolates they gave me!).


Thank you for all the wonderful yard sales this month.  Thanks for the pulled pork sandwich and the several sausages-in-a-bun and the carrot cake.  (Oh yeah!  And a big thanks for that free rhubarb cheesecake square.  That was REAL good!)


I didn't appreciate that cold you gave me last week; but I am grateful that it's didn't hang on too long.  

Thank you for the fine-weather weekends you gave me:  I got all the gardening done, and I was even was able to finally move that Holly bush.  Phew!  That was a tough 'un!  And every time I worked in the garden, I took the time to sit and enjoy that sun you sent.  Thanks.


But May, your time has come and gone.  And now it's time to welcome a new month:


As much as I appreciated you, I'm ready for June.

'Cause ya know, the gardenings done ..... and there's probably some more good weather in the forecast ..... and I've a stack of good books and a lounge chair with a comfy cushion and some gin and tonic in the cupboard.

So, thank you, thank you, thank you May

But ............. goodbye May.  

Don't slam the door on your way out!

A huge THANK YOU & a Thrifty Thursday

After my birthday hunting trip, I put myself on a restricted diet -- food, clothes, finances, decor, etc. I'm trying to be more mindful of what I spend and what I put into and onto my body (and abode)! We all know that there's nothing I need! (Well, other than a good man and a few cuddles ......... and the occasional piece of dark chocolate and opportunity to dance!)

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While in the Valley with my TOPS pals last Saturday, I did score a pair of navy blue dress pants that had been on my "I Want" list for over a year: $3.85 didn't break the bank!

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And when I stopped into the Sally Ann yesterday (Salvation Army Thrift Store), I bought half a dozen Chatelaine & Canadian Living magazines (50 cents each) and these seasonal items:

3 Xmas towels and a cute Xmas apron - $4 total.

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Then when I got home from work, there was a little package for me in the mail from my bloggy friend ❀❀❀Ðαωᾔ❀❀❀. She has such a flair for dressing and such a way with scarves and jewellery, some of which she makes herself. When I expressed how much I liked her flower necklace, she wrote me and said she'd be happy to make me one! Isn't that so nice of her! And isn't this the sweetest necklace! The flowers are a jersey knit t-shirt material, so soft. And she choose yellow because I'm always admiring and coveting her yellow shoes, sandals and purses.

THANK YOU SO MUCH DAWN.

(Please check out her blog Creative Cain Cabin).

You really do meet the nicest people through blogging. .

And don't forget to visit Leigh at Thrifty Thursday #136, Plus a Halloween Tablescape. Now that I'm on my belt-tightening budget, I must mostly live vicariously through the thrifting of others!

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Versatile Blogger Award

I received the above award from ❀❀❀Ðαωᾔ❀❀❀ at Creative Cain Cabin . She is an absolute sweetie with a lovely log cabin home and the prettiest jewellery (and shoes and purses that I often covet). Don't we all wish we had flowers around our names?
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The rules for the award are the usual -- tell 7 things about you that people wouldn't otherwise know. I hope I don't repeat myself and bore you to tears. As I've been in this frame of mind lately, let's take a trip down memory lane.

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1. Believe it or not, I was relatively shy and quiet as a child. I'm not sure when that changed ..... but change it did! (There were many notes home from teachers stating "Sandra tends to talk a lot")

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2. One of my favorite childhood memories is of a Christmas outfit my Mom bought me for my school concert when I was about 10 years old. It was a deep blue, full-skirted velvet dress with attached crinoline and I wore it with my new black patent leather kitten heeled shoes. (My sister had the same thing in red.)

3. Another of my memories from childhood is that of falling out of a moving vehicle. My Dad had just picked me up from a weekend stay at my Grandma's house, so I was alone in the backseat. He was driving slowly around the sharp turn of Herald Avenue (one way street) ... I must have been leaning on the car door (those were the days of no car seats or seat belts and [apparently] inadequate locking systems) ... the car radio was playing (probably loudly knowing my Dad) ... when suddenly I found myself rolling to the curb near the Thrift Mart! I wasn't terribly hurt, just minor scraping. And some nice man picked me up, dusted me off & dried my tears. By the time my Dad even noticed that I wasn't in the car anymore (probably due to how quiet the back seat had become!!), and made the loop back around Herald Avenue, I was sitting on the curb waiting for him. I think I got ice cream after that -- it has amazing healing properties!.
4. I have always had an inordinate fondness for plaids: big, small, bright, soft. However, it took years for me to realize that I could love them without wanting to wear them. (Cue memory of a jumper I wore in my late 20's and a co-workers comment about it putting him in mind of his Grandmothers sofa!) Plaid and I now have an understanding: it understands that I love it; I understand that I must love it from a distance. Sort of like a plaid restraining order!

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6. I'm the type of gal who has shoe boxes of memorabilia sitting around ; and every few years, I like to open it. I still have the sugar doves that were on my Nanny and Poppy's 50th wedding anniversary cake in 1969. And when I look at them, I remember vivid details about what I wore and who I danced with.

7. In my early teens, I fell in love with Kermit the Frog after I saw and heard him sing "The Rainbow Connection". He's on my playlist, I know most of the words to the song, and I still along with him when I listen.

"Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers and me.

La la la, la la la La Laa, la la Laaa, la la Laaa, la laaaa laaaaaaa"

Ahhh, I'm all soft and misty-eyed now! So, I lovingly pass this award on to:

.- Chatty Crone at CHATTY CRONE
- Zilly at Met HART & ZIEL van SIL Kunst(on)zinnigheden van alledag!

- Sweet Tea at SWEET TEA

- Pamela at playingwithmycamera

Recipients - It's up to you whether or not you want to participate in this; but please don't feel obligated to do so or to divulge information. No pressure!

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And thank you so much ❀❀❀Ðαωᾔ❀❀❀ for the lovely and thoughtful award.

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Is there an Award for Neglecting your Bloggie Friends?

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Cause if there was, I'd get that one too!
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As most of you probably know, I sometimes don't follow the rules; especially when it comes to Blog Awards. I don't pass them on. BUT I do appreciate them; very much! Not that you could tell lately.
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So, while I acknowledge my blogging buddies who think of me enough to send me an award, let me also apologize for being negligent for so long. I am sorry.
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And now, let's highlight these lovely awards and these wonderful bloggers.
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. This past Tuesday, Debra at http://shewhoseeks.blogspot.com/ gave me this wonderful "Happy 101" Award -- just in time for my birthday! Thank you Debra.

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In early June, I received this "Versatile Blogger" award from Jan at http://dandelionanddaisy2.blogspot.com/. Thank you Jan..

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And in July, The Wanderer from http://therainydaywanderer.blogspot.com/ sent me "The Bloom of an Idea" award for my "openess, honesty and encouragement". Thank you so much Wanderer.

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The requirement for acceptance of these awards is basically the same for each of them: list 10 things that make me happy. Easy! And because there's much more than just 10, I'll choose some seasonal "happy-makers".

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1. Sunny, crisp autumn mornings - even if I have to be inside at work
2. Raking the autumn leaves
3. Feeling stretched and lithe after exercise class (and anticipation of the lunch that is to follow)
4. My children - including my borrowed ones
5. Old Fashioned Gravenstein apples (only available for a limited time!)
6. Walking in the fresh air
7. Hearty lentil soups (w/ sausage, tomatoes & noodles -- what I had Tues night for supper)
8. Apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
9. Hanging out with my friends - dancing with Winnifred, lunch with Lucy, art shows with Diana, laughing with Laura
10. Blogging and getting inspiration, encouragement, laughter, etc from YOUR blogs

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And now comes the time that I get to pass this award on to other bloggers. I never want to put people on the spot by insisting that they accept and take part in an award. So, without any obligation, I want you all to help yourself to any or all of these blogs.

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And I do hope you'll post what makes you happy! Your "happy-makers" can sometimes remind forgetful old me of other things that I appreciate and give me ideas for future blogs.

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Blog Award

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A while ago, I was presented with this great blog award by Jeannie B at http://jeanniesgarden.blogspot.com/.

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A huge THANK YOU to Jeannie for this award. Don't you love the colored pencils and the heart shape.

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Of course, now I have to tell you 10 things that I am loving these days.

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1. Sunshine -- and the way my whole mood changes when the weather turns from grey to yellow!



2. I love the way my bedroom smells! I keep the door closed during the day (to keep our kitty out). When I open it after work, there's a beautiful smell from all my soaps and lotions and perfumes -- and no matter what kind of a day I've had, I'm reminded that sometimes the simple things are the things appreciated the best!



3. I love wearing sandals and going bare-legged. It may blind those who happen to look at them (they're still pretty white), but it sure feels good!



4. I love fresh peaches! I love the fuzz, I love when they drip down my chin and all over my hands; I love them raw, I love them in cobblers and I love them in Brandy compots poured over ice cream. What's not to like about a fresh peach? ....... Nova Scotia's growing season is not great for peaches; so I have to wait until mid July when we get Ontario peaches in :(



5. I love getting lost in worship with God.



6. I love watching my garden grow. (And I take a sense of satisfaction at quishing slugs or poopy-patrol for my lilies.)



7. I love watching my kids grow. (But because they're becoming independent, I cannot quish them [even when I feel like really flattening them] AND they're on their own personal poopy-patrol -- thank goodness!)



8. I love making my Mom laugh.




9. Popcorn! (But I have to stop putting butter on the top because my doctor told me the other day that my cholesterol is high!)



10. And I love oatmeal! Actually, I kind of adore oatmeal and oats in general! And oats are great for high cholesterol. So, let me share one of my favorite, quick breakfast recipes.

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Family Favorite Muesli (serves 1)

1 Tbsp rolled oats
3 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 med apple
1 tsp ground nuts
Drizzle of honey or maple syrup (optional)

Soak oats overnight in water. In the morning, add lemon juice and grate or chop the apples into the mixture. Sprinkle with grated nuts, and serve immediately with plain yogurt to taste and to consistency desired.

You can also add 1/2 of a chopped banana and a tsp of sesame or flax seeds.

Food for Thought

I'm initiating "Food for Thought Tuesday"!

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When I first became a single parent, being encouraged was so important in keeping me sane and happy and motivated. I held onto my God and drank in as much positive as I could. Not that the girls' Dad was absent; he was very present and a wonderful father! But running a household alone, working 9 to 5 and carrying most of the day-to-day responsibility for 3 little girls was (and is) daunting! Many survive; but do they thrive?

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My eldest, Amy, was a young teen when this happened; and in those first, very difficult years, she watched me pray and cry and dance and worship through it all. And she was a very observant and astute little girl. (She still is!!)

Senior Prom

Young & fresh & naive ... & blond!

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One of my favorite Christmas presents ever was this gift from her in 2001 when she was just 17:

It's a homemade journal. I realize that she must have seen me praying on my knees (& on my face) a lot! (We had a lot of needs!) And even though she had money to buy gifts, she cut and pasted this gift for me on a hard-covered blank book my brother had given her.

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This is her art work on the inside cover.

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And this is page 1; and this is the mantra for my life -

Collossians 1:18

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So, I began filling the pages with positive things -- dreams & visions, words from God, lovely quotes, encouraging thoughts, things that make me laugh, etc. And the pages aren't full yet; I continue to add to it.
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We are a wonderful community of friends. I'd like to share this book with you.
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Finish each day and be done with it.

You have done what you could.

Tomorrow is a new day;

begin it well and serenely and with spirit.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson -

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Shalom!

I'm a Prolific Blogger!

I received another award this week; this time from Cindy at Life at Lakewood - http://plantsomeroots.blogspot.com/
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"A prolific blogger is one who is intellectually productive… keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content. The Prolific Blogger Award is for all the prolific bloggers, who read voraciously, blog tirelessly and have made the blogging community such a vibrant place."

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Now, you know how hard it is to choose one blog over another. Every one of us contributes to our blogging community. I love the diversity of thought and topic; and thank goodness that not everyone blogs every day. Scheech! I'd never get anything done if I had to read (and perhaps comment on) every blog that I follow! So, as I've stated before, I'll gladly accept any awards you have for me. However, don't expect me to follow the rules and pass it on to a certain number of bloggers! I'm a rebel!!

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So, I thought that the way Cindy handled passing on this award was brilliant. When it comes to being a prolific blogger, her words were "that describes you, doesn't it?"

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I could say that Cindy took the words right out of my mouth! Here are the rules with Cindy's words appended. (Doesn't that make it all nice and easy for me, huh! Lazy cow!)

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1. Every winner of the Prolific Blogger Award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers. Spread some love! Whoo-hoo...I choose everyone who has taken the time to read my blog and this post. Snag this award for your blog. Yes, do it right now! If you let me know that you've accepted, I'll come on over for a visit.

2. Every prolific blogger must link back to the blog from which he/she has received the award.

3. Each prolific blogger must link back to this post, which explains the origins and motivations for the award.Get to know the person who started this recognition.

4. Every prolific blogger must visit this post and add their name in the Mister Linky so that we can all get to know the other winners.Go ahead and make some new friends.

Secret Christmas Ornament Swap

I got a wonderful surprise package in my mail yesterday.


A couple of months ago, Val from It's a Wonderful Life hosted a secret christmas ornament swap. I was the lucky recipient of this fantastic box of goodies from Ethelmae Potter (Fred and Ethel).
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Because of my love of nativity scenes, she sent me this beautiful ornament. It's a Fontanini (and it's signed by Fontanini himself)! It's sitting in front of the church in my Xmas village now and looks perfect there!

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Because of my love of sparkly, I received 2 beautiful ornaments. (Is this the key to your heart, Ethelmae?)

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Because of my angel collection, I received this beauty. She's so pretty on the tree.

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I must have been a good girl this year, and Santa must have spoken to Ethelmae; because this was an extra something added. It's my new favorite Xmas tea mug!

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But this one is my favorite! Ethelmae thought I should have something that represented her home - Tennessee. Who better to represent than Elvis! I love him!

Another wonderful ornament with a story attached! That's so great!

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Thank you so much Ethelmae. I am so touched and humbled by the care you put into every gift. You're a real gem!!