Framed

Ball mason jars are not the only thing on my list to collect for Sammy and the The Writer's wedding in September.  I have also been looking for old frames that will be part of the wedding reception decor.

They will be used for various reasons, pictures, labels, menu, directions....whatever Sammy wants them for - I ask no questions!  Except...."do you want them "shabbied"?" , as my friend Suebee calls what she's so good at doing.  The answer was yes, so I set about this week trying to "shabby" up some of the frames I've found.

I tried to find frames with interesting textures or designs, painted them a shade of white, let them dry and then took some sand paper to them to give them that "shabby chic" look and make the textures and designs on them pop a bit.

I think they turned out pretty well, for an amatuer "shabbier".

I hung a few on my wall for the moment, for picture purposes and for a place to store them while we wait for September.

We will have to see what Sammy thinks of them.

But, what do you think?  How did I do?

No, not you Panda! I know what you think...

Did I Ever Tell You About the Time I..... Swam with Stingrays?

No, I didn't think I had, but I did and it was a scary, yet thrilling experience.

We fed them squid and rubbed their suprisingly soft and silky skin.

It was an experience of a life time.

That's a frenzy around Mr. Tennis' leg up there.

They even made us pose for a hokey picture of the three of us "kissing" one of the rays.

Beautiful, clear water..

Two relieved, yet exhilirated ladies in the warm waters of The Cayman Islands.

We survived!

Linking to Angela's Tuesday Show and Tail - take a look at all the over wonderful stories!









Thirsty? Project Genesis...

This is my first time participating with the monthly Project Genesis that is hosted by Suzan over at the lovely blog, Old Grey Mare.  Please visit over there when you have a chance and see all the other bloggers who have linked up their ideas and the way they personally make their lives simpler or more friendly to our earth and the humans that live upon it.

My contribution is not a unique one, but one that I practice quite faithfully.

I try not to use disposable water bottles.  Just about everyone who knows me has seen me with my Camelback water bottle. I drink A LOT of water, so the Camelback name is appropriate.  But I take it just about everywhere with me.  The gym, shopping, walking, even the movies (where I have never been questioned!)

My Camelback bottle has a neoprene sleeve to keep the coolness in and the condensation under control - a problem here in Florida.  And it's washable - looks like it could use a washing now!

Thanks Z for hosting and I hope to find more ways in the upcoming months to live more simply and more thoughtfully.

As, I Said, Addictive...Candle Version

There isn't any light that doesn't compliment these blue jars.  I think that's why Sammy would like them to adorn her wedding reception.  I found two simple milk glass vases today, in which I have put a couple of hydrangea blooms, from my humble flower bed. (White vases are also on the wedding reception decor wish list).

Blurry pictures, but it kind of matches my mood because I am excited about the many picture frames I found today during my garage/estate/rummage saling day! 

More about those later.



Ball Jar Madness Ensues!

I continue to have good luck finding the incredibly addictive blue Ball jars that will adorn The Writer and Sammy's wedding reception.

Like potato chips, it seems, you can't just have one.... going to a couple of estate sales this weekend with CG to see what else I can rustle up. Such fun.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and said some kind words about our Susie.  It is very much appreciated.

Good Bye to Susie

I've been absent from my blog for several days because I've been trying to help an important member of our fur family get over an illness.  Unfortunately, all the tests, medicines and loving care have not worked this time and today we had to say good bye to the Queen of the Boston Household Beasts, Susie, our black cat.

The Boston Lady and The Maven with young Grey Boy and unnamed at the time, Susie. Oct 1998

She came to us from out of the woods behind our house.  We took in her and her brother, Grey Boy.  We didn't name Susie because we didn't anticipate keeping her.  But each day she spent creating havoc in our house we became more and more attacted to the tiny black kitty. Her brother found a wonderful home with The Maven's fourth grade teacher.

All it took was a look from The Maven and I and Mr. Tennis caved and Susie became part of our household.  The Maven picked her name, Black Susan, from one of her favorite books at the time, The Little House on the Prairie.  Of course, it was immediately shortened to Susie.

She was a mischevious kitten and loved to hide and think we couldn't see her.

The two older cats adjusted to her and she respected the pecking order which placed our calico, Cheetah at the top, but when Cheetah passed away, Susie assumed the Queen cat role and never let anyone forget it. Not even the dogs who always gave her ultimate respect.

Nicki never even had a shot at being Queen - it was Susie's house after Cheetah left.

Susie, we will miss you very much.  We will never forget how you used to love to ride around on our shoulders, your desire to wear funny collars, but most of all I will miss my lap cat with the beautiful eyes who kept me company everyday.

And no one rocks the reindeer antlers like you did!



Spring Flowers for Easter Weekend!

I have some wonderful pictures of my friend, CG's, pretty Florida wildflower garden.  I took pictures last year when she first started this project and my has it grown!  Take a peek here if you want to see last year's entry about it.

But first I wanted to show you some beautiful flowers I received from yet another good friend (who never reads this blog!) and my son and his fiance (love to say that!).  They sit in a crate I found at a flea market this week that another lovely friend, Country Mouse, took me to as a Bday treat.  I was able to wrangle it from the guy by purchasing more blue Ball jars that were all caked in dirt (upcoming post) - and when I reached for my wallet that sneaky Country Mouse bought the lot as a gift to me!  I'm hoping Sammy likes the crate enough to incorporate it into her wedding reception decor. Ah, but do you see my new Boston?  He was sitting on my porch on my birthday.  My friend and fellow blogger SueBee found him at the thrift and gave him to me.  I about fell off my porch - he's perfect! I don't know who was more excited, me or Suebee. I have such good friends, I am truly lucky.

So now on to CG's garden.  Mainly pictures, few words, because they aren't necessary, such beauty speaks for itself.

She even has a vegetable garden too!

I couldn't resist snapping a picture of these baby cherry tomatoes. So cute!

May all my friends and family here in Real Life and in Blogland have a beautiful Easter weekend.

Strength

This was a birthday present to my daughter, The Maven.  I ordered it from a wonderful blogging friend, Annie, who writes with her own great strength and wit, the blog The House That Jade Built - it's fantastic!

She has started up an at home business so she can be home with her three young children.  She has extra special reasons in particular for wanting to be home with them and if you would like to know her family's story and look at the wonderful items she makes and sells, please pay her a visit!

Annie's jewelry is custom-made - just tell her what you would like and she whips it up, just like that! I was so thrilled to give this to The Maven because of all the people I know in my life, she is one of the strongest in spirit and action.

And she has an awesome smile (in her awesome new glasses, I might add)

Thanks Annie! It is perfect!



Madame Butterfly and Helen Keller - and Susie

Last week we had two special guests stay with us at Boston Manor.  And even though our post title may reflect some levity and perhaps a bit of gallows-humor, these were two well-loved canines who stayed with us. 

First, our male canine vistor,  "Helen Keller". He is a 19 year-old chihuahua who we have known for all his nineteen years.  His lovely human, who lives across the street from us, has always given him the best life possible and now that he can no longer see or hear she considers the efforts she puts forth with him repayment for the years of unconditional love and companionship he gave her.

Whether you agree with her or not, this I know - she will do anything for Mr. Nicki, who used to be quite the tyrant over here in his younger days.  He and the matriarch of our household, Susie, (note on her at the end of this post) had quite the passionate relationship over the years.  It's hard to imagine now, but they always faced off at the beginning of every visit with, please excuse the stereotype, a "Mexican standoff". 

It wasn't a visit from Mr. Nick until he and Susie "had it out".

New to the scene is Miss Sassy.  You can see why we call her "Madame Butterfly".  She has beautiful ears and a beautiful coat - but most importantly a wonderful disposition that includes ultimate respect for Nicki and concessions to his limitations.

Sassy is so sweet and even as a puppy sensed that her housemate, Nicki, needed extra respect and space. More importantly, that her new mistress needed some company to help her through Nicki's later years.

My memories of Nicki, besides those famous altercations with Susie, are filled with my children as youngsters.  The Writer would insist that Nicki sleep with him while we kept him and as she got older, The Maven would help me whenever we would need to go over and let Mr. Nick out if his devoted owner was late or away.

What amazes me most since Mr. Nicki has lost his sight and hearing is the adjustment the Bostons have made when Nicki is over.  Their usual exuberance is directed elsewhere and they give Nicki a lot of space and respect in the backyard.

Sadie and Nicki

Miss Panda and her former playmate, Mr. Nick

Even animals learn to show respect and kindness to their elders.

Special request for Nicki's Supreme Nemisis, Susie:  she's been sick. Vet's not sure what it is, but we are working on it together. It just upsetting to see that our usually robust, "give 'em he**" gal, is quiet and doesn't have much of an appetite. Her beautiful black coat is a little duller, but we hope she is going to take on that 8th life of hers and rally. 

Susie showing those UCF colors even when she's under the weather!

C'mon Susie, Nicki wants that rematch really badly!

Linking to Angela's Tuesday Show and Tail.