Pear Tree Flowers

We came home from Tampa on Sunday to find our Bradford Pear tree beginning to leaf out already.

IT'S FEBRUARY ~ THAT'S A LITTLE EARLY FOR THAT TO HAPPEN!

 This a close-up of the flowers on the tree.
We are expecting temps in the 70s every day this week;

so hopefully the tender buds won't suffer.

Weekend in Tampa

Friday, February 24 we arrived in Tampa Florida, to spend the weekend with our great friends, Ken & Kim Spooner.  Ken picked us up from the airport around 11am, he took us to lunch at The Grillsmith.  We then proceeded to their home and waited for Kim to come home from her new job @ Omnicare. We went out for dinner and later that evening we picked up their daughter Haley from her middle school. She is a member of the TCMS "tech crew".

Saturday morning, Kim made a wonderful breakfast and we enjoyed some Keurig coffee.
This is very handy and we may have to check in to having one of our own for convenience.
The rest of the day was spent visiting, we did have a little down time, when Ken & Kim went to Haley's piano recital.  Late afternoon, Kim opened a special bottle of wine from Swanson's vineyard in Napa; she'd been saving for this occasion. We will definately be checking them out on our next trip to Napa. Then we got cleaned up and ready to attend the TCMS - Denim and Diamonds fundraiser at Busch Gardens in Tampa.  It ended around 11pm and we got back to the house and visited some more before heading to bed in the wee hours of the morning Sunday.

The Denim and Diamonds event, started with cocktails and silent auction, followed by a buffet dinner, lively performers from Busch Gardens.  Then they held a live auction for some larger donated prizes (a Australian Shepard mix puppy; tickets to Tampa Bay Bucs games; etc). After that we were given $1,000 in coupons to gamble at the Casino. For every $1,000 you won you got another chance for a raffle ticket to win the biggest prize (week long vacation for 8 people at a resort in Daytona Beach plus all the extras). They also had a photo booth where you could have up to 4 photos taken as a rememberance of the night.  It was a very fun evening, and I'm sure they raised alot of money for their school. Totals are supposed to be announced later this week.
Sunday morning, Kim left on a business trip to Arizona so Ken was the host of the day. We were off the airport at 4:45pm and arrived at our home in The Colony around 9:30pm.
What a whirlwind weekend, but it is always great to be around the Spooners. Lots of stories and lots of laughing!  Good for the soul!

Shoe Shopping

Today after church, I took Doug shoe shopping. 
His Sperry Top Siders were very worn!!

We started off at DSW Shoes, then to Stein Mart & Mens Wearhouse before we headed to Stonebriar Mall.  First stop was Nordstsroms, he tried on a different style of Sperry Top Siders but the Ecco brand won out for comfort. The price was about double, but so was the comfort.  The issue was they did not have his size in stock and would have to order them. The nearest location that had them in stock was Houston. Plan B - Quick Fix!  Pull out the smart phone, scan the bar code and we found them at Dillards for the same price.  A short walk later and he had the shoes in the right color and the right size.

 
Shoe shopping completed in less than 2 hours!! 

I know my kids will appreciate this story,

as they have spent many a "full-day" shopping for shoes with Dad.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

While we were at Dillards, I went shopping for a red dress (I figured after Valentines Day they would be on clearance.) I was able to find two dresses that I can wear for one of Jackie's bridal showers, wedding or rehearsal dinner. They were at bargain prices: $28.00 & $48.82.

Then we were off to Kohls to find Doug a new belt. 

All in all a successful day of shopping with out "too" much frustration.



Pepper Grinders

Ok, this post is for Diane.  She wanted to see a picture of the pepper grinders Doug got me for Valentines Day.  We have always had the one pepper grinder, but when he went to Amsterdam after Thanksgiving, he was out on a mission to find a 3 more. 

One to grind salt and then to have 2 spares, in case they break.  He doesn't get back to Amsterdam as much as he would like so had to take this opportunity.  He was not able to actually find them and bring them home the last time. But his friend, Maarten ordered them for him online and personally delivered them to Doug last week. 

Below are the pair side by side on the kitchen counter, next to our oil carafe we got as a souvenir in Napa.  This oil decanter is great because it doesn't drip and leave any residue on the granite.

These are both grinders with what is inside each of them.
Himalayan Pink Salt & Whole Black Peppercorns.

Inquiring minds wanted to know!!

Vitreous Floaters

Today I went to the eye doctor because I've been experiencing some "floaters" in my right eye.  They look like pieces of dust and sometimes round circles. 

I had a very thorough eye exam with dilation & photos. I do not have any degenerative eye diseases (macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, etc...).  The eye doctor, said I have vitreous floaters and overtime, these floaters should settle at the bottom of my eye but that it could take several weeks to two years.  I just need to let him know if I see sudden flashes of light because that could signal a detached retina.
The phenomenon of vitreous floaters is due to a deterioration of the vitreous body. The vitreous is a gelatinous and initially compact substance that fills up the intraocular space situated between the retina and the crystalline lens. This substance is most likely due to natural aging.

These mobile bodies appear in a particularly clear way when the I turn to look towards light and bright surfaces (such as white walls and the blue sky). Although I have the feeling of seeing them on the eye surface, in reality these objects are floating inside the vitreous and their perception is due to the projection on the retina (the "photosensitive film" of the eye).

Oh the joys of getting older!

Valentine - Day 14

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Today is day 14 of my Valentine countdown.

The card I made today had cut out hearts and was tied with a bow.
Inside the card was a certificate for tickets to the upcoming
Mythbusters Tour (March 12th) at the Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie.
I don't really know what to expect for this event so stay tuned for more on that in March.

My present from Doug was 3 pepper grinders
(personally brought from Amsterdam by Marten Meersok this week)
I also received some pink Himalyan salt to use in one of the grinders.
Now I have a matched set of two stainless steel grinders on the kitchen counter.
One for freshly ground salt and one for freshly ground pepper.

 Doug purchased filet mignon yesterday at Sam's Club on his way home from work.
He cooked for me tonight!!!
This was the wine we enjoyed with dinner.
One of our souvenirs from our Napa Valley CA vacation.

Valentine - Day 13

Monday, Feb. 13th

Today's card is made using the Cursive 101 font.
The letters can be nudged together & welded so they make one word.
Heavier weight paper is better for small words so they won't tear.
This is a heavy weight glitter paper.
 

The gift for today are drip pan trays for Doug's new Weber grill.

 Inside of the card
I wouldn't "tray'd" you for anything.

Valentine - Day 12

Sunday, Feb 12th

This is a hand drawn card. I used colored pencils and markers to decorate the card.

The card and package? 

Can you guess its contents?

Donuts to go with our morning coffee.
Doug likes these donuts, but we only get them on special occasions.
A special treat in the morning!

Valentine - Day 11 (Part 2)

Saturday, Feb 11

Doug went out this afternoon for a while and returned with a bottle of champagne and some strawberries.  He knew I really enjoyed the store-bought choc covered strawberries the other day, so he decided to make some of his own.

I think he did a great job! ~ Don't you?

Valentine - Day 11

Saturday, Feb 11th

Today's card is made to look like BINGO balls or Lottery balls
with the theme "Lucky in Love".

The inside of the card. 

I tried to use the lottery machine to purchase a scratch-off lottery ticket,
but I didn't have any "luck" with that and instead the machine spit out these two tickets.
I hope it was meant to be!



Valentine - Day 10

Friday, Feb 10th.

Valentine - Day 9

Thursday, Feb 9th.

Today, Doug's treat for the day was a special cocktail hour when he got home from work.

There was a candle, wine/wine glasses, chocolate covered strawberries, crackers, sliced ham, assorted cheeses and prosciutto wrapped mozzarella.

Unwinding after a hard day at work, listening to Pandora on the Blu-Ray player - Priceless!!!

Inside the wine bag was a 2010 Migration - Russian River Valley - Chardonnay.

Winemaker's Notes: Capturing both the sophistication and richness of cool-climate Russian River Valley Chardonnay, this wine displays inviting aromas of pineapple and fresh pear, alongside notes of nectarine, Meyer lemon and orange zest. The stone fruit and citrus elements continue on the palate, with layers of nectarine, tangerine and lemon curd, as well as hints of crème brulee, Gravenstein apple and subtle toast notes. Though the mouthfeel is long and rich, the wine's natural acidity adds poise, focus and balance.  Alcohol by Volume: 14.1%

This is my cricut card for today.

This card was made using the Oceans of Words cartridge.

The back of the card.

I made a hole in the card to tie it around the wine bottle neck.

Only 5 more days til Valentines Day!!
Am I inspiring anyone yet??

Valentine - Day 8

Wednesday, February 8th

Today Doug receives a wrapped gift & card today.

The outside of the card - any guesses on the contents of the box?

This is the inside of the card  - getting any more clues?

The contents of the box were 8 place settings of the Lenox Vintage Continental Dining set.

Continental Dining features a "very" heavy weight, superbly rounded edges & shiny finish.

We had been looking at replacing our silverware as they were beginning to start to corrode. Doug had been periodically throwing knives away. I was beginning to think the dishwasher was eating them.

Our current set of silverware is an Oneida set that has lasted our entire 31 years of marriage.  Doug wanted nice heavy weight sturdy pieces and I wanted pieces with sleek contemporary lines (no pattern on the handles).   Time for a home cooked meal and try them out!!

Valentine - Day 7

Tuesday, February 7th.

I have not been able to think of a card for this particular gift,
so I decided to call it "HOT STUFF".
I found some flames/fire borders, added some text.

This gift for today is two cans of Weber grill-n-spray.
I bought Doug the can, in the photo below, a long time ago.
He did not like using it on his old grill, but states it works very well on the new grill.

The problem is that it cannot be found anywhere.
I tried Walmart, Target, Home Depot & Barbecues Galore.
When I was at Barbecues Galore last week, they suggested I try Lowes.
I was not successful at Home Depot  so wasn't holding out too much hope for Lowes.
But I needed to find it somewhere.
Luckily the Lowes in Lewisville had many cans in stock at less than $4.00 per can.
It was a bargain!

Weber Grill'N Spray is a breakthrough non-flammable product.
Safe to use on a hot grill or open flame.
It can be used for outdoor cooking and leaves the grill grates with less food
on them, making clean-up easier!

I am looking forward to something yummy on the grill very soon!

Valentine - Day 6

Monday, Feb 6th

Today was a music themed gift. Doug loves listening to Pandora Internet radio.
You can create your own stations based on artists or song seeds.
I renewed his subscription, so he can listen to his own stations without commercial interruption.

This is the front of the card.

This is the inside of the card.


Valentines - Day 5

Sunday, February 5th

The created design of the day today is a Valentine Mailbox,
created from the "Love Struck" cricut cartridge.

Doug is checking his mailbox for valentines.

Special Delivery - Valentine Hugs

 

Visit with Andrew

Thursday, Feb 2nd: Josh, Jill & Andrew came for a weekend visit.

Friday, Josh & Jill spent part of the day out of the house, so I could have babysitting duty.
We had some great fun, singing, rocking, and playing.

Doug is shown feeding Andrew.

Grandma is shown snuggling Andrew.

Andrew is shown doing his best Michael Jackson impersonation.

Andrew is smiling and cooing with Grandma.

Happy little boy!

Talking and playing with his new blocks and car he got from Grandma & Grandpa!

More playtime!

More play photos!

Andrew close-up!

We are counting down the days until our next visit with Andrew, the first weekend in March.

Valentines - Day 3

Friday, February 3rd

I made Doug a cricut "coffee cup" card using George's Basic Shapes cartridge.

They are ovals, letter C for the handle and various sizes of the letter S for the steam.

The note says:

Thanks for all those wonderful cups

of coffee you make me in the morning.

You make me feel so special!!!

Now you can enjoy coffee on your way to work!

His present of the day was a Red Cadillac travel mug for his car.