I am always right

Yay for New Hampshire

2009-06-04T13:40:00.000-04:00

Same-sex married was written into law yesterday!

Mexico? I think not.

2009-05-02T18:44:00.002-04:00

Months ago, Hubster and I planned a vacation in Mexico for next week. We were starting to panic when all the news was about Swine Flu. So, just a few days ago we switched our location to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Phew! We are spending the night in Boston on Tuesday and leaving bright an early from Logan on Wednesday. We return to Boston late at night on the 13th, spend the night in Boston and will be back home on Thursday...well, I will, Kas has to fly to Amsterdam for business on Thursday, and he'll finally be home on Saturday! Phew!!

Random - Amsterdam

2009-02-24T14:43:00.002-05:00

Dam Square - Amsterdam

2009-02-24T14:40:00.001-05:00

More pictures of Amsterdam

2009-02-24T14:31:00.003-05:00

These are pictures of the canals and what can be seen from a canal boat. There were hundreds of houseboats.

Pictures from Amsterdam

2009-02-23T08:55:00.005-05:00

2009-02-21T11:10:00.001-05:00

I made it home in one piece!! Now to recover and deal with the snow that's coming our way!!!

2009-02-19T08:24:00.002-05:00

Here I am in Amsterdam!! This place has exceeded my expectations in every way. It's so quaint and charming, but it has everything you'd ever want to do. We wander the streets all day, stopping in for 'coffee' every once and a while. There are so many coffeeshops. :)
It's been rather cold and wet, but still a ton of fun.
We went to the Anne Frank House and it was so cool, but so very sad.
This morning we took a canal ride and saw the city that way.
I am going to save my pennies so that I can come back here often.

For those of you who know what a travel freak I am (or just a plain freak), please send positive vibes as I travel home tomorrow.

I'm off!

2009-02-13T13:34:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to be going to Amsterdam! I leave tomorrow, my flight is at 7:10 PM and I'll be landing in Amsterdam at 8:00AM. I'm meeting some great friends there and we'll be doing so many things and nothing as well. I am really looking forward to seeing the Anne Frank House, taking a canal ride, visiting the Red Light District, and frequenting many coffeeshops:)
I'll be back on the 20th.

bye!!!

Happy Birthday Kas!!!

2009-01-25T08:53:00.000-05:00

To my best friend and partner in life.
I love you!!

2009-01-23T09:01:00.002-05:00

I know I'm lame when it comes to posting here.

Christmas has come and gone, it snowed and I didn't get to see my family, which sucked!!

After the New Year Kas and I got terrible colds that are still lingering. I can't remember being that sick with a cold.

We saw Silas back to college after buying him a car to USE. It's a SAAB. And even though it's a 1999, it's loaded with more goodies that I ever imagined. He better take good care of it and get a J O B.

Kas took Rhiannon car shopping and she bought (with her own money!!) a 2007 Toyota Corolla. It's a really nice car, only had 21K miles on it. I'm very proud of her!!

In 3 weeks I'm taking a trip to Amsterdam with some friends. Kas is NOT interested in going, he's been there on business. I'm really looking forward to just kicking back and enjoying it.

We are planning a vacation together, probably to Mexico in May. The last vacation was not a real 'relaxing' time, so we want to go alone and spend some quality time together playing and relaxing.

It's too cold to even go into my studio, let alone light my torch. That's ok though, I'm enjoying the 'off' time. I have a new etsy store where right now I'm selling soap. Sweet Fern Farm

I miss my family and I really hope that everyone is happy and well!

Ice Storm!!

2008-12-12T13:10:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures I just took. It sure is beautiful as it starts to melt.
And because Pam asked before, my camera is old school, it's a Olympus Camedia C-4000 Zoom. It really does kick some serious butt though!

Fa la la la la la la la la

2008-12-07T16:54:00.002-05:00

I did something tonight that I haven't done in over 20 years. I sang in a Chorale. I joined the Clearlakes Chorale this fall and we had a performance last night and again this afternoon. It was so nice to be singing again. I wish I hadn't waited so long, but I'm back in the swing and I love it.
It was pretty weird to have my husband and my daughter in the audience watching ME perform. I guess I'll just have to get use to it.

There are so many things to be thankful about and having a voice to sing is one of them.

2008-11-24T08:55:00.002-05:00

Mexico was wonderful and now it's back to the cold. I hope it warms up a bit because I have 4 custom orders to fill before Christmas and it's too cold to get out into my studio. Why oh why didn't we sell this house before the market bombed? I'm actually entertaining the thought of buying a small trailer some place warm.

2008-11-12T09:08:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow night the clan is spending the night in Boston and catching an early flight on Friday to Mexico. We're staying at the Adventura Palace in the Mayan Riviera, about an hour from Cancun. There are 11 of us going.
I'm being my normal crazy self today, full of anxiety, packing, stressing....it's pretty ridiculous actually. I'm going on vacation, not off to war.

It will be so much fun and I can't wait to get a massage and be pampered.
Most importantly, Kas will get to relax. He has been traveling so much and working so hard that I feel it's imperative to his health to get some down time.

Wish you all could come too!!

Some pictures I took

2008-10-17T12:26:00.004-04:00

Because I'll never forget

2008-10-09T08:52:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Dad, I miss you. WE miss you.

2008-09-12T12:05:00.003-04:00

Just an update on me...
My ankle healed after a couple weeks, and then I had surgery to repair an umbilical hernia. It's been two weeks since that surgery and I have to take it easy for at least 5 more weeks. That's a hard thing to do. I can't work alone in my studio, because the doctor doesn't want me lifting my kiln cover (it weighs 20 pounds). Kas has been volunteering his time to lift the cover for me, but he can only give an hour or so a day.
I have to be patient, this too shall pass. At least I have Mexico to look forward to!! 63 days and counting :)

2008-09-06T07:32:00.002-04:00

When I was a kid, we'd have SPAM every once and a while, not often, but often enough so that I knew what the stuff was. Even better than SPAM was fried bologna, Mom would cut the slice so that it laid nicely in the pan. But back to SPAM. I recently went to Dallas and hung out with 20 women that I've known for close to 8 years. On Sunday morning we planned a huge brunch, and the kitchen was crammed with us cooking and sampling. One woman sliced up a bunch of SPAM and fried it until it was crispy crunchy. OMG, it was so good. I don't think Mom ever made it that way. The bad thing about SPAM is that it's very very salty. (Well, there are a lot more things 'bad' about SPAM, but I'm in denial and will not go there.) I was sad because I really want some SPAM, but I just don't want all that salt. Lo and behold (or is it loW and behold?), I found lower sodium SPAM!!! Not only did I find 'lower sodium' SPAM, I found turkey SPAM and bacon SPAM. It was pretty overwhelming. I have a can of 'lower sodium' SPAM out on the counter as I type. It's just waiting to be released, sliced, and fried. Get in my belly SPAM!!

The games we play

2008-08-24T22:27:00.001-04:00

Everyone go click on this etsy link. It's something I created and it will bring more people to my stuff as well as some artists I love:

good stuff

I'm down for the count early :(

2008-08-16T14:04:00.002-04:00

We were cutting wood this morning and I stepped wrong, twisted my ankle and wanted to faint/puke/die. I couldn't put any weight on my foot, so we went to the emergency room and I was xrayed. I have a bad sprain. I'm in an aircast and on crutches. Crutches suck ass so much. Being on crutches is going to be my workout for the next week or two.

We had two weeks left before my surgery to get the wood done. My wood days are over. I think I can run the handle on the splitter though.

Silas is coming tomorrow with a friend to help Kas. I hope they can get a lot done, because after that, it's all up to Kas.

In the meantime, I'll have a vicodin with a beer chaser, thanks!

My sister is right

2008-08-14T13:20:00.002-04:00

I know, I know...coming from me, that's a huge compliment!! :D

If you read this post from back in January, you will see that she recommended Farmer Boy Greek dressing. I am now addicted to it and when I see it in my local grocery store I stock up on it, it sells out FAST!! It is really super as a marinade too.

Thanks Amy!!!

Back from Dallas!

2008-08-12T11:32:00.003-04:00

Wow. It was the most incredible time I've had in a very long time. We rented a huge huge house and had such a time!! It exceeded my expectations in every way.

Here's a funny picture we took:

2008-08-06T07:57:00.003-04:00

Our garden is doing great. We have so many cucumbers!! We've been making jars of pickles with them.
We have the usual things like peppers, onions, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, potatoes, squash, basil, rosemary, kohlrabi, eggplant, corn....but the most unusual thing we planted this year is artichokes. Yes, that's right, you CAN grow them up here. We started them really early inside and now we have little baby artichokes in the garden. YUM!!!
Yesterday we picked an eggplant and made eggplant parmesan. OMG it was so good!!
It's nice to have a garden, weeds and all!!

2008-07-31T10:11:00.002-04:00

I know I haven't been posting much. It's been busy. We have the contractor here every Saturday doing stuff on the house, and every other free moment we have together is consumed getting the wood all done for the winter.

I go to Dallas next weekend for a girls retreat!! I'm so excited to be hanging out with 25 of the greatest women ever.

At the end of August I'm having surgery and I will be down for the count for 8 weeks. That's why we're trying to get all the wood done now, so Kas won't have to do it alone.

The garden is out of control!! All that rain encouraged the weeds. Busy busy busy!!

Tornado? Microburst?

2008-07-19T10:22:00.003-04:00

We had some kinda storm come through here late yesterday afternoon. We stood outside and watched the front push through. Then, it got bad. I have never seen winds that strong. I had a panic attack. A tree fell on our power lines and ripped them off the house. We called the power company and they said they'd get to us when they could. Of course, being at the end of a dead end road isn't a plus in these kinds of situations.
The power did return later on last night, but the lines are still down, not a very safe situation.

2008-07-18T09:08:00.002-04:00

Etsy is really growing. If you haven't checked it out, you really should. There are so many talented people selling their handmade items. I think it's nicer to give something handmade. You can even search for items by location too, if you want to buy things locally.
Check it out, and consider etsy when you need to buy a gift for someone special!!!

(I'm not being paid to promote this site!!)

2008-07-12T09:25:00.002-04:00

My sister came to visit a couple times last month...it was fun to hang out with her.

I have corrupted her though....I taught her to Wii. :)

She's watching my Mom's house for a couple weeks and I'm going there to visit. My mother is offended that I'm going there when she's not there. But Mom, I always like to go swimming in July, when it's close to my birthday....it's not MY fault you're running the roads. :D

2008-07-06T22:59:00.000-04:00

2008-06-08T23:01:00.001-04:00

I just have to say that I think my kids are fabulous. Just look at them...

All Grown Up

2008-06-08T19:44:00.002-04:00

Silas graduated from high school today. It was so hot, we didn't snap any pictures with his cap and gown on, but here are a few shots after:)

The dates have changed

2008-06-04T12:33:00.002-04:00

It looks like we may be going Nov 14 - Nov 21. It was ridiculously crazy expensive to book for Thanksgiving.

So far there are 9 of us that are definitely going. Good times!

Anyone for Mexico??

2008-06-02T07:53:00.002-04:00

Last night, Kas' sister called and asked if we'd like to go to Mexico for Thanksgiving.

We decided, on the fly that we would, and we are taking Rhiannon, Bex and Silas.
It's a chance of a lifetime to vacation with my children before they go off and have their own complicated lives. (It's also their birthday and Christmas presents.)

So...family of mine...and any friends that read this....the place is yet to be determined, but the dates we have in mind are 11/22 - 11/29. It's going to be an all-inclusive resort. Yay!!

Come with us!! (you'll have to pay your own way :)

Well wishes....and we're off!!

2008-05-08T14:42:00.002-04:00

We're leaving tomorrow afternoon for a few days of fun in the sun.

I want to wish my mother a wonderful Mother's Day. Thanks for bringing me into the world, I love my life!

I want to wish my sister and sister-in-law a Happy Mother's Day as well. I love both of you and can't wait to see you soon.

I want to wish my sister a Happy Birthday. I know it's a hard month, but you can look forward to a new year, a fresh start and you have lots of people who love you and stand by you.

Lastly I want to give a shout out to Dad. You sure are missed. I can't believe you've been gone from the earth for a year. I think of you every day and I hope you can hear me talking to you. You're in charge of my hydrangeas and sunflowers again this year! Love you.

Jethro's Birthday

2008-05-03T17:31:00.004-04:00

The big guy turned 8. For a big dog like him, he's really getting up there in age.

For his birthday he had steak, potatoes, a roll, and for desert, carrot cake:

2008-04-30T07:12:00.002-04:00

Next weekend we head to Cancun! After that brutal winter, who doesn't need a vacation? My husband is perhaps the hardest worker I've ever known. Those of you who have been here on a day that he 'works from home' know what I mean. He starts work at 5:30 and it lasts on into the evening. Weekends are also 'work days'. If I INSIST or sometimes I'll just ask nicely, he'll fold up his tent early, or take a few hours to play...but other than that, he's just works too hard. He's taking his computer to Mexico, but has assured me that he will only work in the early morning, when I'm still asleep.
I'm hoping he'll get some serious R & R in. It's time to lay by the pool, walk on the ocean and reconnect.

2008-04-25T08:15:00.002-04:00

When I first started selling my beads on Etsy (see sideboard)I didn't know what to expect. It was a little slow at first, but it picked up by Christmas I was pretty happy. Things really slowed down over the winter...not only was no one buying anything, but I wasn't making anything. I had been hoping to make at least 365 sales in my first year, but the winter was making that a tough goal.
I am so freaking proud to report that I woke up this morning to my 365th sale! I still have until May 23rd for my 1 year anniversary, so I am very happy. I'm so grateful that I am able to do this. If I didn't have my fabulous supportive husband I probably would not have been able to pursue this passion. He's on an airplane, coming home from Germany...I think we'll have a celebration dinner tonight!!

2008-04-22T16:31:00.003-04:00

This is my son's new tattoo. It's a West African symbol. (I was corrected by my two wonderful *cough* children..see comments.) I believe it has to do with awakening to a new you. He told me the meaning and it made me smile. It's on the back of his calf.

2008-04-17T07:52:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures that I took last month of Isabelle and I'm just getting around to sharing them.

2008-03-24T14:30:00.002-04:00

My father-in-law passed away on St. Patrick's day. He was sick for a while, and now he's at peace. The funeral was Saturday in Massachusetts. Hubster's siblings, spouses and their adult children were there and as funerals go, it turns into a family reunion. We're all from other states, so we got hotel rooms. On Friday night we all hung out in a suite, eating Chinese food, and drinking ample amounts of alcohol. This is weird to say, but it was so much fun. The siblings all get along so well, and they are a hilarious group of people. They are all around my age, and we have similar interests and life experiences. I felt like I was accepted right in and was one of them. My heart was so full of love and sense of belonging. When we all parted ways on Saturday afternoon, I felt a sense of loss.
We have made promises to each other that we will get together on a regular basis, go on holiday together, keep in touch. I am determined to make sure that that happens.

2008-02-27T12:36:00.002-05:00

Ok, so Mother Nature has a great sense of humor, only I'm not laughing! We got another 12+ inches of snow.

Kas flew to Paris on Monday, and today he's in Monaco.

Probably the last thing to say to your wife who is up to her asshole in snow is: "It looks like Mexico here."

3 years!!!

2008-02-20T08:34:00.000-05:00

1094 days, 9 hours, 39 minutes and 2 seconds smoke free.

20794 cigarettes not smoked.

$3,692.89 and 5 months, 8 days, 20 hours of your life saved.

I'm pretty proud of myself!

Gentlemen, START YOUR ENGINES!!

2008-02-16T11:16:00.003-05:00

Yay!! Finally!!! It's back!!!

2008-02-15T10:33:00.002-05:00

I have been very lucky this winter...meaning Kas has been home for the snowstorms and he has been the one to plow the driveway and the yard. I snowblow a path through the woods for the doggies and I do a ton of shoveling, but for the most part, I leave the machinery work for Kas.

Well, this last storm, the snow-like-a-bastard and then for kicks let's have an ICE storm...I was alone. I managed to snowblow the yard a bit and do some shoveling.(can anyone say 'shoveling cement'?) I called someone to plow the driveway, and I called someone to shovel the back roof. I decided against doing it myself because it's very heavy and we're running out of places to put the snow.

The plow guy shows up and at the top of the driveway he calls me. "I can't plow you out, sorry, it's just too tight and I've already tried a driveway like yours today."
I blew a gasket. I was stuck in my own yard.

I called the roof person to tell them they can't get down my driveway, so forget about coming. I was crying, like a baby. They call me back and say they can come get me out with a loader. Hurray!! So, a few hours later, this wonderful older man who reminded me so much of my Dad showed up on a badass tractor thing. He plowed me out. I seriously wanted to give him a hug.

The yard is a mess, the driveway needs some cleaning up, but I am no longer trapped. Being trapped really sucks.

enough is ENOUGH

2008-02-13T14:51:00.004-05:00

Got my hair 'did'

2008-01-15T12:14:00.000-05:00

I needed a change and I love it!!!!

My brother comes through!

2007-12-21T10:49:00.001-05:00

Don't you think she needs a beer or something?

2007-12-21T09:22:00.000-05:00

Introducing......Sandy the pug!

2007-12-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

She is such a sweet little girl.
Jethro took to her right away, although they both get jealous if the other gets TOO much attention.
Go to Jethro's blog to see a couple more pics.

2007-11-28T11:53:00.000-05:00

It's getting so cold...too cold to work in my studio. I hate that about living in New England.
I guess it's ok though, sales are slowing down, the jewelry designers have probably already bought most of the beads they need to get them through the HOLIDAZE.

I'll have more time to read, to catch up on housework and all the unfinished projects.

We're talking about renting a house in a warmer climate next winter. It would have to be a place where I could drive, seeing we have Jethro. It would be nice not to be so cold. It seems as I get older I can't seem to stand the cold anymore. Of course I'd be bitching if I lived with my mother and how hot she keeps her house :)

Looks like we may be adopting an older pug, a girl named Sandy. Kas' dad can't take care of her anymore, and we can't stand the thought of her going to a shelter. Of course we'll have to see how Jethro deals with her, and how she deals with the cat. We figure we'll give it a shot, maybe she'll add a new touch of comedy to this house.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T07:08:00.000-05:00

We're back from the warm wonderful weather, just in time for snow!
Here is a picture of the Key Deer that live on Big Pine Key, where we stayed. There are so many of them, and although it's illegal to feed or entice them, we left them fresh water, and they came every day and night to fill up.

There are lots to be grateful for this year, my family, my health, my bliss, my memories....

I hope everyone has a day filled with family and love.

2007-11-10T17:39:00.000-05:00

We're finally going on vacation. We leave tomorrow morning (tonight) at 2 AM, drive to Boston and fly to the Keys. Kas scored us first class tickets because he flies so much. We're staying here. I'm hoping it is like paradise...we just want to relax and keep it low key.

We get back a couple days before Thanksgiving, and my children are coming over. I have no place to sit or any food to eat, but other than that it should be fine :)

2007-10-25T11:52:00.000-04:00

What's up with the Red Sox spitting all the time??!! Come on!! It's just wrong wrong wrong.

And do I see some chewing tobacco?? EWWWWW.

And some people think NASCAR is red neck......

He always had that grin...never forget.

2007-10-09T18:12:00.001-04:00

2007-10-02T18:29:00.000-04:00

I just needed to vent and say that Mitt Romney is starting to piss me off. That's all.

2007-09-21T17:10:00.001-04:00

I received this email today and I think most people can benefit from it.....

If you just look at all that already exists in your life, all that you already have: unlimited air to breathe, ample lighting to see, music to hear, books to read, stars to dream by, trees to gaze at, floors to dance on, friends to cavort with, enemies to befriend, strangers to meet, woods to walk through, beaches to comb, rocks to scale, rains to cleanse you, rivers to float you, animals to comfort you, you do have to admit, Karen, there's more of it than you could ever, ever, ever spend.

But try anyway.

Football!!

2007-08-27T20:45:00.001-04:00

I think he looks kinda like Tom Brady :D

Poor White Trash

2007-08-27T10:13:00.000-04:00

At least that's what my kitchen reminds me of at this moment.....

I have a very clean blog :)

2007-08-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

He's not perfect, but damn, he's cute.

2007-08-14T19:03:00.000-04:00

Here's a glass octopus. His legs are a little messed up, but nobody's perfect, right?

2007-08-01T15:15:00.000-04:00

Here are some nice beans from the garden today. Everything is getting out of control. We have 38 tomato plants, 60 pepper plants, lettuce, 3 types of beans, cucumbers, eggplant, sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn, basil, squash, carrots, radishes, pumpkins and volunteer plants: dill, tomatillo, sunflowers and in the compost heap we have 2 squash-like mystery plants and a mystery tomato.
We also planted 2 kiwi trees, raspberry plants, 2 grape vines, 2 black walnut trees, 2 butternut trees, a wysteria and a pear tree this year.

And just to knock your socks off with my mother nature streak, I started making my own powdered laundry detergent! All natural without all the chemical fillers.

I still shave my legs though ;)

2007-07-18T08:41:00.000-04:00

I have good news. Yesterday morning (my birthday!) I had a meeting with a woman on the other side of the lake that owns a bead store. She has decided to carry my beads and I walked away with less beads and a nice check. As I was leaving she asked when I would be back with more beads. I'm so proud!

2007-07-12T17:30:00.000-04:00

His newest toy.......

Now we can dig all the rocks out of the yard so the mowing will be easier. :)

2007-06-21T14:20:00.000-04:00

Wow, is it summer already?

Things have really picked up for my business and I am so psyched about that. I actually have a backlog of stuff to make. It's an excellent problem to have. A complete stranger approached me on ETSY and asked if I'd make custom beads for her high-end jewelry. Of course I said yes!! I can finally say that I love my job.
I was practicing The Secret WAY before Oprah had it on her show. I truly believe it got me where I am.

The NASCAR race is coming right up and I'm psyched.

We re-booked our trip to the Keys and it coincides with the last race of the season in Miami :)

We picked out our kitchen cabinets and counter top!!! We still have a LONG way to go, but at least it's moving.

2007-06-13T09:48:00.000-04:00

This is another special request that I made and sold yesterday. I like this one so much I'm thinking of making myself a necklace similar to it.

Happy Birthday MOM~~~!!!

2007-06-12T17:00:00.000-04:00

I hope you have a great day!!!! We all love you!!!

2007-06-12T13:20:00.000-04:00

I just made this today as a custom order and thought it was so beautiful that I had to post it here.

2007-06-06T11:04:00.000-04:00

The painting of the new kitchen has begun. The color is actually more 'orange' than this picture shows. It's almost the same color as my blog background color. You only live once, and we're choosing to live it in color!!

2007-06-02T18:42:00.000-04:00

I hate ads, but just an FYI, the sidebar that you see, is featuring my beads that are up for sale. I'd rather sell my beads than my jewelry, but I'll be doing both.
I feel really good about my art right now, and that's awesome!!!

I just want to share with you guys, my family and friends.

2007-06-01T21:21:00.000-04:00

I made this bead this morning, posted it for sale tonight, and it sold in 15 minutes!

With this sale I also sold:

2007-05-25T15:38:00.000-04:00

2007-05-23T08:54:00.000-04:00

I've been cranking out some yummy beads to sell on eBay.

2007-05-21T11:32:00.000-04:00

This is the bracelet that I made for my sister...It's really blue and BROWN, but in this picture it looks black. I love it so much...

2007-05-16T16:09:00.000-04:00

My Dad died on Sunday. He was surrounded with love when he left this world and he will be in our hearts forever. I love you Dad, don't tease the angels too much!

2007-05-09T14:20:00.000-04:00

Just when you thought I wasn't going to mention NASCAR....

I still get a chuckle when they talk about the Rousch-Fenway team. The Redsox are all about NASCAR!! I wonder if NASCAR is promoted at the baseball games? It's fun to see the players being interviewed at the races. I KNOW my sister has a rule that she doesn't date NASCAR fans, so she must have to rule out any of the Redsox.

Much to my dismay and disbelief, I am falling in 'like' with the enemy and I can't stop myself or explain it. Well, I guess there is an explanation - I read an article and have seen the changes in the man that I always took pride in booing. Now I'm even dreaming about the guy. Yes, it's Jeff Gordon. My husband calls me a turncoat and a traitor. I would never publicly cheer for him though, so I guess you could say I'm keeping this little secret in the closet.

2007-05-01T19:06:00.000-04:00

Today is Jethro's Birthday!!!! He's 7!!! This morning he had eggs, bacon and hotdogs for breakfast. Tonight he is having a piece of carrot cake!

Happy Birthday Jethro!!

Home Improvements A.K.A Moneypit

2007-04-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

Before, during and STILL during.....

2007-04-21T12:42:00.000-04:00

I know my blog is stale....so here's a quick update post.

I had a blast in Las Vegas!

My kitchen is still torn apart and I'm sick of feeling like we're camping. They aren't moving fast enough. Kas complained yesterday, so I think they're going to start working their asses off. I do have some pictures to post, I'll do that sometime soon.

The sun is FINALLY out and we've started doing some new landscaping. We planted some bushes on the side of my studio this morning.

Kas needs a vacation, and seeing I'm his wife, I'm obliged to accompany him :D We're renting a house on Big Pine Key (lower Florida Keys) in May. It's very private, has a really nice pool as well as a private beach, and Kas can get in lots of fishing while I'm laying around the pool reading. A very low key vacation! (Get it, LOW KEY!) The man that we're renting it from lowered his price because it was just the two of us, therefore, no messes to clean up. We also scored free first class airfare because of Kas' miles and using the points on our credit card. We'll also eat cheap, because we can make our own meals. I love bargain vacations!

2007-03-22T08:15:00.000-04:00

In one week I'll be in Vegas with a bunch of really cool girls. I'm so thankful!!

Even better would be to have Mom come with me! She loves the slots more than anyone I know!! I think we'll need to plan a trip to Sin City :)

2007-03-09T08:08:00.000-05:00

Budapest was very very interesting. I am planning on going back to further explore the things that I only glimpsed briefly. The language barrier was a challenge, but I managed. I had read that the people weren't very friendly, but that wasn't my experience.

These pictures are from Hero's Square on the Pest side. I think this was my favorite place in Budapest. The Statues were incredible and the story the tour guide told me was moving. Hungary has gone through so much over the hundreds of years. I had never known this.

Fisherman's Bastion - on the Buda side.

This is the view from the Citadella on the Buda side.

2007-02-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

My mother says I don't post enough in my blog. Here are some pictures of the hotel we're staying at in Budapest.

MY SISTER HAS HER OWN NASCAR TEAM!

2007-02-15T08:48:00.000-05:00

Roush Fenway Racing

BUDAPEST!

2007-02-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

I'm going to Budapest in 3 weeks!!!! Hubster has to go there for work, so I'm tagging along and exploring all by myself. I'm beyond excited...my stomach has butterflies in it.

2007-02-09T17:05:00.000-05:00

Long time no blog...I know.

I just started a Web Design Class. I refuse to fork over the money that web designers are charging to build my website. We're starting by writing code in Notepad. Everyone I've talked to about it said that is the best way to start.

I'm really hoping to get the hang of it all so that I can have a really nice site.

I haven't been working in my studio for about a month now. It's too cold. I'm just waiting for it to warm up a bit! Winter bites.

2007-01-09T14:17:00.000-05:00

One of my major goals for 2007 is to become a juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. 2 weeks ago I submitted my application, along with 5 pictures of my work. On Saturday I received a letter from them stating that they are interested in taking it to the next step. They have their quarterly meeting TODAY and one of the things they discuss is potential new members and set dates for the juries. They will be sending me a letter with my jury date, which could be as far away as 6 months. I have to bring 6 - 12 pieces with me, and stand before a panel of judges as they drill me with questions about my trade, etc. I'm very very excited about this opportunity. I'd be able to sell my art in various League stores and get my name out there.
Woohoo!!

I Cannot Keep It To Myself!!!!!

2006-12-30T08:28:00.000-05:00

Hubster got me a Tapas cookbook for Christmas and we tried this recipe last night and it is just SO freaking good (and simple) that I had to share!!

Fresh Salmon in Mojo Sauce

1 LB of fresh salmon fillets
3 tbsp olive oil

Sauce
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
5 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp white wine vinegar

To prepare the sauce, place the garlic, paprika, and cumin in a food processor fitted with a metal blade and, using a pulsing action, process for 1 minute to mix well. With the motor still running, add 1 tbsp of the olive oil, drop by drop, throught the feeder tube. When it has been added, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, then very slowly continue to pour in the oil in a thin, steady stream, until all the oil has been added and the sauce has slightly thickened. Add the vinegar and process for an additional 1 minute. Season to taste with salt.

To prepare the salmon, remove the skin and cut into 3/4" chunks, discarding any bones.

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottom skillet. When hot, add the pieces of fish and cook for 10 minutes, depending on its thickness, turning occasionally until cooked and browned on both sides.

Transfer the salmon to a warmed serving dish, then drizzle the sauce over the salmon.

Enjoy!!

2006-12-28T13:33:00.000-05:00

2006 was a year of journey and personal growth for me. I have learned so much this past year and I am thankful for every minute of it. The past is the past, it got me where I am today, but it needs to stay in the past. Every minute that you dwell on the past, you are missing out on the here and now.
I discovered a book, called Simple Abundance, it's a daily meditative book, you read one page each day. I would grab the book and read it before I got up in the morning. It helped me start the day feeling good.
Something else that I discovered was the DVD, The Secret . This was a recent discovery, but better late than never. It uses basic principals that I have been using, but it brings them all together and really makes sense.
I have learned to get out of bed in the morning and give thanks. I have learned so much more than that.
I have also learned about strength this year. My Mother has been going through very very difficult times, but she has such strength and grace. She is a force to be reckoned with and I am so proud to be her daughter.
The things that I have learned this year have brought me love, joy and abundance. And it wasn't by 'luck' that these things are mine....it is because I have been loved by my family and friends, and because I choose to 'feel good' every day, even when I have to fake it.
I wish you all a happy and abundant 2007.

2006-12-24T12:33:00.000-05:00

The Motley Crew! Happy Holidays!

2006-12-18T18:43:00.000-05:00

These were a BLAST to make. This is a special request, and it's going to be hard to hand these over...I love them!

2006-12-10T17:38:00.000-05:00

I think it's just about time to close the studio for the winter. Even though it's insulated, it's not really 'heated'. I have a space heater, but the exhaust hood sucks out any warm air. I was able to work today because it was in the 40's, but it's going to get too cold to work very very soon. I have a few things to finish up before Christmas though. I'm thankful that people like my beads and want to give them as gifts. I have 3 more sets to produce in the next week. It looks like Wednesday and Thursday will be warmer, so I'll get in my studio after work.

During the winter I'll catch up on my soap and candle making. I did a few craft fairs lately and people seem to love my soaps, so I'm selling out fast.

I gave my notice at work. I'll be self-employed after Christmas!! I can't believe it!! I'm so excited. I never thought I would be doing something that I love so much.

We put up a tree for the first time in a few years. We've got the Christmas spirit this year and it is so much fun.

I'm very excited to be spending some time with my parents, husband, children, siblings, sister in law, niece and nephew. It's been forever since we were all together at one time.

2006-12-01T11:37:00.000-05:00

So.....we have a plow for the truck. It's a Fischer 'Minute Mount'. That's suppose to mean that you mount it in on the truck in one minute. (This is actually possible if you have a flat cement surface to use - which WE don't.)
The first year we got it, it took us half a day to get that darn plow on the truck. Half a day and much swearing. And - I locked the keys inside the truck (the ONLY set of keys) and the truck was running. How much fun do you think THAT was?
The second year (last year) it took us 90 minutes, and we had to get the tractor out to pull the plow into the correct position. 90 minutes and minimal swearing.
This year it took us less than 10 minutes and NO swearing!! We were so proud :)
Of course the plow is now attached to the truck and not coming off until spring - so we'll look like idiots driving around with a plow attached and no snow, but it's all good.

2006-11-19T13:42:00.000-05:00

What a week! First things first, I have to send loving birthday wishes to my two children. Silas turned 17 and Rhiannon turned 19. Holy Shit where did the time go! I love my babies so much and I am refusing to believe that they are all grown up.

Phoenix was incredible. I know that the summers are brutal there, but I think that I belong in Arizona. Hell, if we have to deal with months in the winter when you don't really go outside, I can certainly deal with months in the summer when you don't really go outside. And no more CUTTING, SPLITTING, STACKING, HAULING, and BURNING wood! (what a serious waste of time)

New Mexico was nice, but 'you can't there from here'. There were a bunch of fatal accidents while we were out there. Many of the locals say that drunk driving is out of control and that not only are there lots of drunks on the road, but just plain stupid drivers. I saw that. There aren't side roads to take to avoid the traffic either. We sat in one backup for over 3 hours on Friday because there was an accident and they had to shut off the highway. So EVERYONE had to get off on Route 66 and it was just as bad....stopped traffic. There are no back roads like here in NH.
I am a very lousy passenger. Anyone who knows me knows that I cry, scream and hold my breath as we drive along (let's just say Xanax became my new candy)...so the driving in New Mexico was a deal breaker.

Oh the luck we had!! Upgraded to first class on the flights (yeah!), we went to pick up our rental car...they had made a mistake in processing us, so for our troubles they gave us a 2006 Mustang (yeah!). We got to the resort in Phoenix and they had upgraded us to a HUGE suite - huge like, bigger than my house huge..(yeah!!!!)

And Jethro somehow survived the 8 days as well. Poor guy was SO happy to see us when we got home last night.

It's nice to be home, I just miss warm weather!

Away for a while

2006-11-09T10:12:00.000-05:00

Hubster and I are on our way to Phoenix tomorrow morning. We're catching the NASCAR race on Sunday, spending a few days in Phoenix, then driving to Albuquerque for a few days. I can't wait to eat more green chile!!!!!!

2006-11-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

I have been receiving requests for a site where my designs can be purchased. Until I get my real website up and running I have created this site:

http://libeluladesigns.blogspot.com

2006-11-03T11:53:00.000-05:00

2006-11-03T11:52:00.001-05:00

2006-11-03T11:52:00.000-05:00

2006-10-29T22:41:00.000-05:00

I have a small show this coming Saturday and I've been making jewelry with my glass beads.

2006-10-29T22:40:00.000-05:00

blue mood

2006-10-20T16:22:00.000-04:00

zebra beads