And Im back!!

Hi,,,
I am so sorry this has been so long,,, and the longer I left it, the harder is was to post!! Auuugggkk
But I am just going to jump in with both feet! This past summer has been nuts,, but that was part of having a blog,, was to put it in print,, hmm, so I have some explaining to do!!
I guess Life happened, but I travelled, learned some new stuff, and stretched myself in ways I never imagined that I could.
So back at it!

Dry Up Already!

This is bunny, that you saw in pieces, he has been aged and stained, still needs a bit more but I like to check and make sure that he is just how I like,, so I am waiting for him to dry,,,, hes been in the fresh breeze outside,, he has spend hours in front of a fan,, and seriously I am excited to finish him up,,, Dry up already!!

Wascally Wabbit!!

Photography Class #3

Wednesday nights are my photography classes, they are wonderful and small, just myself and 2 friends. The teacher is wonderful, she is patient and just one of those amazing people that you meet that you instantly feel comfortable with. She is so creative and artistic, just walking past her garden to get to her studio is inspiring!
I love the fact that she teaches then we play with the cameras, I am a very hands on learner, and you can preach to me until the cows come home,, and it just doesn't stick,, or even compute into my grey matter. But let me try,, ohla laa, I get it.
Wow just writing that, brings back horrible memories of high school! This is from a gal who ran my own business for almost 10 years,, but struggled to pass a class, hmm
I do want to ask her if I can put a link from her website to my blog,, I always feel better asking first, then "she" will have a name.
So I will hopefully have her information on here shortly! Wow you will LOVE looking at her pictures, incredible

Looks like a,,,,

Yes I know the long ears, and big thumper feet give it away!! Its a Bunny! I love this mohair and its all I have left,, so I had to scrimp and piece and squeeze the pattern on to what was left, out of sheer determination, I even had to shrink a couple of pieces,, this will be a fit and in shape bunny!

Now the stuffing and weights and shaping, and eyes and whiskers,, I have never given my bunnies whiskers but he/she  just seemed to need them, silly ole bunny! Everyone always gets a kick out of my tools that I use to make my bears and bunnies, of course there is also a lot of junk on my table I don't need and usually a couple of empty coffee and tea cups too.
Once bunny is finished, I sand & scruff up his paw pads and distress his fur and just rough him up a little (calm down I hug him,, hes just fine) to make him look old and loved, then I play with some dyes and I make him look like you just found him in some old attic somewhere. Of course that would be my absolute dream,, every time I drive by an old abandon house I just imagine what you would find in the rafters,,, then I think about the mice and bats and spiders, and I'm happy to poke around the antique shows and just listen to other peoples treasure adventures,, ughhh
Okay so off to the dye pot!

Party!

Okay I think I survived!
No I did really, I think everything is back in order, maybe a few more things in the garage to be cleaned up, but seriously back to normal. What a fun day! Dan & I are truly blessed with great family and amazing friends, I love the fact that a lot of our friends didn't know each other, but they are such amazing people that they where all mingling and getting to know one another! I think  some new friendships where made that day!
Our Carriage house is still under construction, and it has the white Tyvek plastic on it and Dan thought it would be fun to have our guests sign the wall,, I loved the idea, so we put out a bunch of markers and invited people to have fun! We had a good chuckle on Sunday morning reading the comments!
My younger Sister & her Husband have an amazing catering company and I asked them to set up the desserts for me, the chocolate fountain was a HUGE hit, and I didn't want a Birthday Cake,, Dan & I both love the flans that they make so we had two, one was White Chocolate Strawberry, and the other was Dark Chocolate Raspberry,,, oh they are the most sinfully rich and incredible dessert I have ever had!
I had asked our good friend and neighbour to help with the BBQing, well he comes over in his Chefs outfit,, he is just priceless, so between Milt the chef and our buddy Dave they provided the entertainment, Milt helped Dan BBQ and Dave heckled from the sidelines,, oh my gosh they had everyone in stitches!! Lots of new laugh wrinkles added! At one point we girls took over the bar,, heh hee I wont repeat any tales!

 Me & My Honey!

 The Wall

 Enjoying the fountian

 Chef Milt & Dan and one very wise apron!

Needless to say fun was had by all!! The Sangria was a success and I would make that again every one loved it! Enjoy the pictures!

Sangria

Okay this definitely got the Party Started!
Sangria
I bottle of red you can use a Cab/Sav or Merlot or shiraz or Zinfindel,
I lemon cut into wedges
1 lime cut into wedges
1 orange cut into wedges
2 tbsp of sugar
splash of OJ or Lemonade
2 shots of Triple Sec or Gin (optional)
I cup of raspberries or strawberries
I small can of pineapple & juice
4 cups of ginger ale
Pour wine into large pitcher and squeeze the juice from the wedges of lemon, lime and oranges and toss in the fruit minus the seeds, add the can of pineapple & the juice, then add the sugar, orange juice or lemonade and gin or triple sec. Chill this over night so the flavours can blend.
Just before serving add the ginger ale and berries!
Add good friends and enjoy!!
I doubled the batch, and I didn't add the sugar as one of my bottles of wine was on the sweet side, I used Triple Sec instead of the gin, and I threw in Strawberries and Raspberries, and I used 4 cans of ginger ale and added 2 cans of club soda, just because it was so hot and humid, I was afraid that it would go down really well and I didn't want to make anyone sick! I would imagine this has a kick like a horse!!
I also want to try making it with white wine, but I would add peaches and green grapes, I think would be beautiful! I served it in a huge clear glass serving station, I thought it looked amazing! Put out a ladle too so your guests can scoop out some fruit as well!

Ready,,,, Set,,,,

Okay Ive been busy, all errands are complete! All systems good to go!

The burgers and sausage are in the freezer, fresh buns are on  the dining room table, munchies are  ready, fruit is washed, veggies cut up, cheese is cubed,,, and most important the Sangria is made and its in the fridge,, melding its wonderful flavours together! If its spectacular I will post the recipe later

 Dans hard at it, he worked outside all day,, then did more errands, and now is pressure washing off everything! With the drought we have been experiencing, our lovely deck and patio and furniture is covered with powdery soft dust,, oh man,,, its everywhere

I just hope this little town is ready for the bash! By the by we are celebrating our 50th birthdays! Dan turned 50 June 2nd, and I am NOT!! Ha ha well not until August 12th,,, but its going to be a great party!!
Wear your Party Hat!

A Watchful Eye

This Lovely Lady sits in my sewing room keeping a watchful eye on the goings on, and I think shes ticked cause there has not been much to watch lately!
My Aunt brought me the coat years ago, it was a very old muskrat coat. She was helping an elderly relative to clean out her apartment, they came across the coat and she knew exactly where to take it. I had it hanging in my stash of fur for awhile and then decided to make the largest fur bear I had ever made, I started with one of my favorite patterns and decided to make her much much bigger, I am pleased with the results, but Miss Mattie will always be with me, shortly after she was finished my son's rescued kitten decided to lay on her lap and while cleaning himself he just kept on going and cleaned her whole leg, but must have found something on her foot he really liked, cause he cleaned the pelt right off of it!
I was pretty ticked with him,, his name was Rascal,, suited him to a tee! Unfortunately Miss Mattie's fur is just too old to be repaired, so she is a permanent resident in my favorite room, for the most part I think she is quite happy there she can see out into the family room and she loves her vintage hat and mink wrap, you cant see it, but around her neck she has an adorable little case that holds her sewing scissors, so far she hasn't used them,,, guess she figures if the Boss ain't working,, hey why should she!
I don't think I will get anything else done until the Birthday Party is over,, Oh well!
Enjoy your day!
Sue

Real Fur Swim Suits

This post is for everyone who wonders why,,,,, why would you have 3 dogs,, not one to clean up after, but THREE! I have wondered that myself some days, but on days like yesterday when we are struggling thru a heat wave, I know why,,, heh hee
My dogs have doggy friends,, yep and their friends have a pool, yep and guess who they took with them to go for a doggy fun night and swim,, yep, you guessed it! ME!!
Okay keep in mind it was 32 degrees here all day,, like I waited until 7pm to go to the grocery store to stock up on pop & mixers for the party this weekend,, and its was still 32, I was melting walking into the store, uggh
Then loading the stuff into the car, uggh. But let me tell ya, that was the fastest unload and put away you have ever seen,, in no time I had my suit on and out the door, puppies trotting along, bath towel, and poop bags in hand, Tobi opted to stay home in the AC comfort of her big cushion.
Panda & Scooter had a blast, Maddi & Sophie, are the pool owners, and Kerry another furry friend that we walk with was there too,, oh man the racket the first 5 minutes while they all say hi,,, too funny!
Then once they settle down,, mine where quite interested in the pool,, and hey its an in ground real pool, I was in the water in like 30 seconds,, Panda was trying to figure out how I did it, so I picked her up and put her on the first step, she hopped right out,, but it wasn't too long and she was right back in,, they where so hot, it took her about 3 dips to bring her body temp down,, now keep in mind, all of the dogs are non shedders, but Scooter who is going through this weird molting right now,, he might not get invited back,, he wasn't as thrilled with the water, but would let me take him in,, and hold him. Kerry is the funniest,, she was the happiest just hanging in her Moms arms, floating around without a care in the world!
Then the treats came out,, oh ya, Scooter is convinced that this is the best party ever!
I have to get a picture of the dogs, all sitting waiting for a treat! Panda is sooooo excited she can barely keep her bum on the ground,, too cute!
Any how it was so refreshing and too cute to see the dogs all wet and having a blast! Jeez thanks for taking me along guys!!
Oh and the title was kinda of a trick,, no I wont be making mink swim wear anytime soon!

Which one of things doesnt belong hmmmm

Remember that game from Sesame Street,, which one of these things just doesnt belong?? There was a catchy little tune, that as  a Mom we would be humming for the rest of the day? Well I am out in the garden with my camera, working with my new knowledge and the morning lite, and got some great shots,, and opps, in the middle of getting what I thought would be an interesting shot, out pops a furry face,, with of course a ball!

I really do like this one of the sun coming thru my neighbours sunflowers! Have a wonderful weekend!

Pinky Swear!!

Well I keep saying Im working but I know I havent posted any pictures,,,, sooooo,, Voila!

The first one is a customer order, the bear was made from her Mom-in-laws persion lamb coat! I love the personal touch of putting her initial on Teddys paw!
The next picture is also a customer order from a pastel mink stole, I need to make a cushion from the scraps,, and finish the bear of course!
Next are furry squeaky mice,, they are a fund raiser for Jack Russell Rescue! I love supporting them and helping out where I can! I make them from the scraps and supply the squeaker & a little stuffing and  give all the profits to the Rescue, they sell for $10.00 each.
The last 2 pictures are of my sewing room supervisors,, yeah Im working and they are hmmm lounging and sleeping! Nice,, if I could just teach them to sew!!

Spoilt & Lovin It!

Wow, I am seriously blown away!
I had a very good friend in for lunch, she is away for our Birthday Party and wanted to get together before she goes. I invited her here to enjoy my new backyard and I wanted to make us lunch so I could stay true to my diet.
She came bearing gifts,, omg,, a Coach Bag,,, and its a Poppy,,, I LOVE IT!!!
She also gave me the cutest cupcake that lites up and is a little storage container,, anyone who knows me, knows I adore purses and china,,, oh my, for fun she got me a book, its an alphabet book for the middle-aged!! Its called B is For Botox!! Ma haaa too funny!

Soooooo I am feeling pretty spoilt,, and ya know what,,, it feels really good!!

My Balance will be Basil Flavoured!

Recharge that bracelet! See its hiding right in there waiting for the sun!

My Balance will be Basil Flavoured!

Sorry its been awhile, Ive been struggling as of late, well more like months on finding time for myself. I miss being creative, and having time just for me. Now I feel like Support Staff, the majority of my time is spent for others, which is fine, but there must be a balance!
Two years ago, when I was at Canyon Ranch in Tuscon AZ. I was told repeatedly that I needed balance in my life. I took some very interesting classes and applied what I learned when I got home and it was very helpful, the meditations where the best! I also bought an energy muse bracelet to keep me grounded and I wear it religiously and I love it, I was reading over the little paper that came with it and realized that i need to recharge it in the sunshine, so mine is in a pot of basil this morning soaking up the sun!
So hopefully my world will become a little more balanced and a little less chaotic.
I have started a photography class and hopefully my pictures will get better too!
Now that I have a blog, something I have dearly wanted for along time, I need to be attentive and keep it up to date.
I think I will make a list and post it somewhere that I will see it everyday and keep working toward that!
Of course now that being said, I am planning a birthday party for my husband & myself, we both turn 50 this year and hope to make it a big  BASH! (Cause we don't do anything small!)

Gettin at it!

Sunday my boys decided that they needed to organize the race trailer, and work on the dragster, while I understand that we are back at the track and racing next weekend for the Big Canada Event, and they need to be ready.  I was kinda disapointed because I knew our friends where heading out for a bike ride,, and the sun was shining,, now normally I would have rolled the Beast out of the garage and joined the ride,, but the Beast ate her battery AGAIN!! We just replaced it last year at this time, in preparation for our Utah Trip.. So needless to say I am more than ticked! When she is all clean and shiny I will post a picture of her,, she is beautiful,, and a hand me down (from my honey) but that is another story.
So I headed into my sewing room, I decided to work on earmuffs,, they where calling to me,, yes I should have been working on other things, but I was in the mood,, hmm to make earmuffs,, not sure I should post that!!
I am the very lucky owner of a furriers sewing machine, I bought it from a retired furrier who became a very dear friend and mentor to me, sadly we lost him to cancer, but  I smile everytime I turn on his machine,, because I can hear him asking me if I have oiled it,, and cleaned it! Oiled yes! Cleaned it,, hmm gotta get at that!
I remembered to take some pictures to show you, I hope you enjoy them!
I forgot to take pictures of the needle cases I made earlier,, but I can add those later!
Enjoy the day! Sue

Sunshine!!

Auhh finally!
 I woke up to sunshine and brightness, unfortunately it was at 5:30am this morning,, I seriously need to reset my internal alarm clock!
I do love getting up early, I could hear the mourning doves,, much better than the robins in the spring,, they just make too much racket and you know they are all busy working working,, and they make me feel like I should get out of bed and get to it! The doves seem all peaceful with their cooing and make me want to roll over and snuggle in deeper and know that all is right with the morning,,, such a nice thought,,, just couldnt make it happen!
So I got up, took the dogs out,, they agreed with me that it was too early,, they came back in and promptly flopped into their doggie beds and went back to Z land. Hmmff
So I played on the computor, checked face book, downloaded some pics  sent some emails, and then rattled the leashes and had 2 willing furry faces,,, dancing around wanting to go for a walk! Tobi decided to stay snuggled in her bed,, she opted for the shorter walk later.
So Scooter & Panda & I did  a really big one this morning,, went a different way, had the crap scared out of us with a big brown dog,, not tied up,,,whoa, and of course the owner no where to be found,,, I stopped,, and told him in my best big girl voice to go lay down,,, he looked kinda shocked,, and stopped in his tracks,, but the hair never went down on his back,,,, I had to tell him 3 times,, but he did finally walk back down his driveway,,,, my knees where knocking so bad I could hardly walk,,, I checked over my shoulder alot too,,,,Love owners like that!!
I was very proud of my 2 Jacks, they didnt make a move when I stopped, no barking, they didnt move a hair. Good Dogs!!
Anyhow, when we got back  I did get some pictures,, so happy with my cushion color and I couldnt resist a picture of 2 little guys in my flowerbeds,, I know alot of people hate them,, and I dont know what the strange attraction to them are,,, but everytime I see them they make me smile!! Auugkk Rats!!
Hope you enjoy your day,, I know I will, love the sunshine!

Lost in the aftermath!

So after having family with me for 4 days, Im feeling a little lost,, not sure which direction to head? Clean kitchen,, na
Water planters, sure okay!
Walk the dogs, na, its raining,, dont wanna mess my hair,, and besides they are so tired from keeping one eye open constantly for the last 4 days, they are exhausted, its alot of work watching 3 children,, they didnt want to miss one moment of fun!
Its raining and grey and all I really want to do is go out and tear the plastic off the cushions of our new outdoor furniture! We have been under construction out there for 7 months and counting,,, but we are getting close,,, so close,, and having some of the furniture come and not be able to organize it and flop my butt out there with a cup of tea,, is just killing me!!! Auuggk
Oh well,, and I dont even have to make a big dinner tonight, my Hubby is playing golf,, ya I know its raining,, and my Son is going out with friends,, hmm
So game plan, tidy kitchen some what, make easy salad for me, and go play in my sewing room,,, Okay now we are talking!!

Theres a fairy in my car!!

So I am in my glory,, my Albertan Adopted Daughter,, or my niece to most,, has brought her family to Ontario for a visit, after much travelling and visiting they landed in Shakespeare! Yahoo
Shannon & Tyler have 3 children and their middle child is my goddaughter Sage!
She loved my camero so much we dressed her in her Fairy Princess outfit and went for a ride and of course a photo shoot!