Friday, October 21, 2011

Surprise!

I love surprises! My dear friend Jim has been cleaning out his basement and showering me with all kinds of surprises off and on for the last month or so. Today, however, he really saved the day. I had been debating as to how I was going to finish a large project without hauling it down into the basement, and well, Jim came through for me with such a cool surprise!
 Is that not super?!! My other sander would have blown dust everywhere and I would have had to tarp the entire inside of my house! At least this will keep it down to a minimum.


 Jim and I share a lot of common interests, some of which are plants, gardening, refinishing furniture, collecting, collecting and more collecting. Of course then we realize we need to weed out in order to bring in more. So we swap, share and mull over what to keep and what not to keep. For instance, I am the proud owner of this beautiful Aloe plant. Do you see what it's sitting in? Another gift from Jim. It's an old prime rib warmer that also has the Au jus container to match. They're made from copper and make the perfect vessel to hold plants. I also have acquired a set of pink dessert plates and candle holders to match. I'm going to have to do something very special for Jim. Any ideas? Let me know, until then. Carpe Diem, Raylene

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Rain Day

I love candles...Especially on rainy,dark days. They make a room warm and cozy. Even Jack and Lucy appreciate the quietness of a throw, candles and a good book the IPad.


 I'm still learning how to place pictures, so please bare with me. Here's a few shots of the project I'm working on right now. As soon as the weather breaks, I have plants and a garden to tend to and Eric will be back on the roof! Until then, Carpe Diem, Raylene

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

New Projects

The last few days have been very busy...My good friend Jim and I have been swapping garden plants and houseplants. He was here yesterday and shovel in hand I filled up the back of his SUV...he's dropping by later with more digs for me! Love swapping plants...In the mean time, I set out early this morning on a mission to gather together supplies I need for some projects I have in mind...The weather is suppose to turn rainy and cool for a few days and I thought now would be a good time to start. I have a few pics of some of what I'm doing and will do a step by step later when I finish. Can you guess? I had some inspiration from Kate  at Centsational Girl...check out her blog at  http://www.centsationalgirl.com.   
                                      Till next time... Carpe Diem...Raylene



Monday, October 10, 2011

October Golf!

A very golf happy John
John and I had a wonderful day Saturday. We golfed 18 holes in gorgeous weather, stopped at Sporty's for some awesome wings and shrimp after, proceeded to Wilson's cheese shop for some wine and cheese and then on to Jay's for some great homemade sausage and brats! A few more stops for odds and ends and we were homeward bound. Of course, it was one of those "stop and smell the roses" day, so projects were put on the back-burner. I think everyone should do that on occasion. It clears the mind and soothes the soul. 
But, back to the real world...I've been thinking about new projects and when and how I should start. Being that the weather is still cooperating, I'm thinking I need to do all the outside things first. The new roof is coming on this week and I wanted to post before and after pics to share. I'm so excited to see this grand old home getting it's well deserved make-over.  Carpe Diem, Raylene

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Pumpkins and Hayrides!

It is the perfect autumn day! The temperature is expected to be in the high 70's, maybe even 80! Wow...I love this time of year. The colors, the distinct smell of the air, using the oven and crockpot for those great fall recipes and the pumpkins that abound every where! Speaking of pumpkins, my cousin Debbie and Dan, have an orchard in Montrose. Some of the family gathered there a week ago to meet Michelle, a new member to our family! Her and my cousin Frank were married a month ago and we wanted to get the chance to meet her and welcome her to our clan. While we were there, some of us climbed aboard the hay wagons for a trip to the pumpkin patch. My granddaughter Lily's first hayride and pumpkin decision making! The fresh pressed cider and donuts were so yummy! Thanks Deb and Dan for the great day!
With the weather being absolutely gorgeous, John and I are going to get in a last round of golf! Maybe I'll get him to stop at some yard sales along the way!!   Carpe Diem, Raylene