Sneaking a Peek

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The diggers are gone for the day, but I was coming inside from running some errands to say I had been mistaken about the gentlemen. They stopped me on my way out the driveway to ask if it was OK for them to be there(a little late) but I said sure, so thought maybe I should come inside and update you, that they might be a little more polite than I had given them credit for, when what do I hear, but a something that resembles a gunshot and loud cracking. Ta Daaaa....... no electricity, no computer, no phone. Guess who...........the diggers. The power company has restored power, but still no phone, still no computer, so I may be away until Monday. Maybe there is a message here.....too much blogging, too much complaining, not enough grace, not enough housework, yard sale pile getting done, so, looking on the bright side of things, the diggers have provided me with the opportunity to give my undivided attention to some much needful chores. By the way I am at the Public library to give you this update. So until Monday, I hope you all have a blessed weekend, and I will look forward to catching up then. JackieIf it looks like I am sneaking a picture here, you would be correct. I am sitting here at my computer when I hear a machine crank up and look out my window across my driveway to see this. Now, did anyone knock on my door to say they would be driving across my driveway, possibly tearing up the grass on the other side of the driveway that is so hard to grow since it has been so dry, and is just starting to fill back out because of the rain which makes the ground wet and will be making an even bigger mess. Of course not! It appears that I am in a run on sentence kind of mood.

Now instead of standing and looking to see if they can figure out what they are going to do they are sitting, with the machine looking partially dug into the ground. I may need to add they are not even digging for me, they are digging for a house across the street. I think before I get a little flustered because I think it is just common courtesy to tell someone that they will be in your driveway, I will go, that is if I can get out of my driveway since there are many large trucks and trailers parked all around. Town is convenient but sometimes I long for the quiet country.

I know this is not a very exciting post, and I am having a little difficulty coming up with some subject matter, since I seem to be drowning in preparation for the yard sale. So much to do, and I am a little overwhelmed, having a bit of a hard time staying focused. The digging has begun again so I am out of here. Have a wonderful day, and hope to be a little more exciting soon! Jackie

Great Recipe!

I have been looking for a great Red Beans and Rice Recipe, homemade that is. I have tried a few, and they have just been OK. Well, I have found it. So if you like Red Beans and Rice, not out of the Box, but truly homemade, here it is:

1 Bag of dried Red Beans soaked overnight *8 Cups of Chicken stock ( I used one can plus the remaining was homemade that I had frozen) *Saute 1 chopped onion with 2 slices of thick sliced bacon*Add 1 tsp. chopped garlic and saute a minute longer*add 1/2 cup of stock to loosen pan drippings*In large pot add: stock, rinsed beans, onion & drippings, pinch of red pepper, 3 bay leaves, 2Tbsp. parsley. To this mixture I added ham that I had put in the freezer. It was actually the end part of a spiral sliced ham that was large chunks. Bring to a boil, reduce to med-low heat and cook for 2 hours uncovered.*Take 1/4 cup of beans and mash then add back to mixture. I added sliced Butterball Smoked turkey sausage also, and put in the crockpot on warm until served. If too thick add more broth. Serve over rice with cornbread. I want to be sure to give credit to Southerner over at Southern Seven this is my adaptation of her recipe. Trust me if you like Red Beans and Rice I don't think you will be disappointed. Jackie

PAINT PARTY!

Joy ,over at Joys of Home is having a Paint Party today, and she'd love for you to join in. Check her out. Here are just a few things I have painted, but after seeing all of the possibilities I'm sure there will be more. Painting is an easy and inexpensive way to make updates. Joy has even spray painted her bathroom cabinets and they look great! So check her out.

This light fixture was once bright brass. I used a two-step process with a rust type paint to update this, then added the shades.

This blurry little table was once a plain stained brown table, and the black paint gave it the needed update. I sanded for a little distressing, and added a glass top.

One more bright brass lamp painted with the rust look.

Be sure to check out all of the great ideas over at Joy's.

Have a wonderful day. Jackie

Another Plate Wall

OK, here you have it another wall of plates. I have had a stack of these to hang for quite some time to replace a very dated picture that hung over my bed from my country decor days.

I'd really like your input. What would you change about the arrangement to improve it. You see I have a little bit of a perfectionist streak when it comes to projects and I like to walk away at least feeling it was as close to perfect as I could get it. That's why I have to sew and feel like things are very finished. That is also why I am so slow at getting projects done.

Remember the camera quality is very poor. Which leads me to another question , when you comment today would you please be so kind to tell me what kind of camera you are using. I am trying to figure out what would be the best camera for me to purchase, that would give me a better quality picture, but stay in a practical price range for me.

I hope to have more pictures of the house coming as I slowly complete some projects, but right now the neighborhood yard sale will be taking more time it is only 14 days away.
Have a wonderful ,relaxing, blessed weekend. Jackie

Practical Info, and no pictures......

In doing some checking on our homeowners insurance, I came across some very interesting information that you all might be interested in.

*Be sure to make any updates with your insurance company when making improvements on your property. Our new roof got my husband and I to thinking about this, and guess what we are under insured.

*The most interesting thing that I found out, is that since our area is included in the hurricane area for FL, even though we are not in FL there is a restriction right now to be able to make any changes to our policy. We will have to wait until all hurricane warnings have subsided before we can make any updates to our policy. I never knew that. The insurance has put what is called a binder restriction on any changes. I never knew anything like this existed, we have an older home, and that is why we don't have updated coverages. Interesting info that would be worth checking out especially if you have an older home.

I'll try to be a little more fun tomorrow. Have a great day! Jackie

Homecoming

We spent Sunday afternoon catching up with old friends that we had not seen in almost 20 years! It is hard to believe that much time has passed. A few weeks ago we were invited to Homecoming at the church where we were members before we moved here. We have seen some of them here and there, but because of the distance many of them we have not seen at all. I was like a little kid not knowing what to expect but excited all the same. We arrived right on time to a packed sanctuary. There were so many new faces, many whom I did not recognize, but as I sat there, I began to pick out those faces that were familiar and Oh the joy to see those folks again!

Our former pastor was the guest speaker, and our former minister of music led the music. His wife and I were pregnant at the same time . We both had boys within a week and a half of each other. How thrilling it was to share about our families and how things have changed! When we moved away we both had toddlers that kept us so busy, and now have young adults that are following the Lord.
It was a time of joy and refreshment as we spent time with those dear friends. Just a little glimpse of what heaven will be like.
I am reminded of the priceless blessing of friendship. Have a blessed day. Jackie

Reality Check

When I read Liz's post for today, I laughed out LOUD! I can certainly relate to her dilemma. If you haven't stopped by, it is worth a read. She is the inspiration for my post this AM. I have been pondering this all week, and feeling mostly defeated. My weight is a constant battle for me. I am an emotional eater. I eat when I'm happy, down, tired , discouraged, you get the picture. When my body is feeling sluggish and drained I cannot be all that the Lord wants me to be and He confirmed that when I read Liz's post today.

I will be taking a before picture, and posting at a later date, with an after picture. Pictures don't lie, let me tell you. I will be reading some for encouragement, and using those videos too. I am going to change things up a bit so I don't get stuck in a rut.

I'll be keeping a weekly watch on these

Now, if I can only find my WW material and start keeping up with the points. When I asked my husband if he'd seen it and his reply was, "it's probably in the yard sale pile." I'll be checking that too. How about you would you like to join in? We could all be a great encouragement to one another. Accountability makes a huge difference. What healthy changes are you making? I'll leave you with this verse,"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." I Corinthians 6: 19 & 20.

Until Monday have a wonderful and blessed weekend.

Jackie

Thought for the day...........

Have a blessed day. Jackie

Tuesday's Treasures

Even though the JL sale over the weekend was not great. I thought my finds at the thrift store yesterday made up for it..........
Large Wilton Armetale Platter (new), Wine Bottle Coaster to match (I plan to use it as another serving piece), small salt and pepper (all unused), 2 Karen Kingsbury books from the redemption series, which I am looking for a complete set for my daughter. I paid a whole .39 ea.

Large Clear Platter, and new silver tray. My total came to $10.96!

Have a great afternoon. Jackie

New Roof and Rain...

Our new roof is complete, and I must say I really like it. It freshens up the outside a bit. I think in the fall we will do some painting and sprucing up on the outside. It is also raining here. When I woke up this morning I could not believe I was hearing the sound of a slow steady rain. About a month ago I told my BF that I would just love a day where it rained all day long. I cannot even remember the last time it did that here, but I think today is the day. It is such a refreshing change from the heat!



..............and no, we have not just had a bath. We have just completed our walk in the rain. Stella is not a typical dog. She will not just run out in the backyard and do her business. She likes her morning walk rain or shine. She ran out for a brief moment earlier, but around 9:00 was ready for her walk. I thought the rain had stopped briefly, but was mistaken. She was then too excited for me not to take her. We have a short circle that we walk, and by the time we were finished it was raining steadily! So we come back in and get the hair dryer out. The hairdryer had been making a fairly loud noise for quite some time, but you continue to use it until it quits, right? or until just before it catches on fire.

I am off to purchase a new one and will be posting some terrific finds from the thrift store that I found yesterday. Until later.....

Jackie

I Won!! and Remodeling$$$$$$$$$...

I arrived home yesterday afternoon, and this box of goodies was waiting on me! I won Dawn's 2ooth Post Giveaway over at Gahan Girls. For a much better picture check her out. I was so excited since I never win anything. She now has her seashell crosses for sale and they are so pretty. Mine is a smaller version of the larger ones that she has for sale. There 4 vintage hankies, an old badminton trophy, vintage note pads and one of her cute matchboxes with a little birdie right on top. You will want to stop in for a visit at her place, because she will make you feel right at home. Thanks Dawn!

What are you spending your remodeling $$$$ on these days. Well here is a look at where mine are going............

A view in the front yard.


A beautiful view out the side door.

and my hydrangea that was finally showing promise.... Oh the necessities of owning an older home. I will say on a brighter note, that it is completely paid for thanks to God's provision for us. We have been here through my daughter's lengthy illness, job loss, a wedding, and now the empty nest. The nest is just in need of a little repair.

Remember that HUGE JL yard sale that I was so excited about? Well I spent more on the tickets for my daughter and I to get the Early Bird shopping than on our actual purchases. Needless to say I had been so excited and we were both disappointed. No purchases worthy of showing you today. Oh well maybe next time. Today I'll be catching up on the laundry and collecting a few nails later on. Have a blessed day!

Jackie

The Nest....

These are my two that have flown from my nest. I will be off tomorrow to visit my daughter and my son heads back to his place to get ready for school. I am extremely proud of these two.

My daughter was married in January, and they are in the middle of a major house remodel. I will be helping for a few days , and we are also going to the yard sale fund raiser. We are looking forward to it and I hope I will be showing some great finds on Monday.

My son is a junior in college and a very talented artist . He loves the Lord, knows God's word well and is one of the most disciplined young men that I know. I will miss him once again.

God has blessed me with two wonderful children and a great son-in-law. I just thought I would take a little time today to do a little bragging. I will be away until Monday so I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Jackie

Neighborhood Yard Sale

I am in the process of organizing a neighborhood yard sale. If no one else in the neighborhood has one I will. I have a room, that seems to be accumulating stuff daily. I am in the process of deciding what things I really want to hang on to and what it is time to let go of. Both of my children have brought home additions to the sale so I have definitely got to get busy. The flyers have been made and delivered to the neighbors so the only thing left is hopefully there will be some participation.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

**Have any of you ever organized a neighborhood sale, and what was helpful in getting participation?
**How do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of?

I usually err on the side of getting rid of more than not enough, then sometimes wish I had not let it go, like the dresser and chest I sold for little of nothing, and now wish I had it back for the bedroom that needs a dresser and chest. How about you, is there a yard sale in your future?

Sensational Sales......

I had told myself I would not get up early Saturday morning and go hopping from yard sale to yard sale, but as you will see my sweet husband changed my mind and I am glad he did! Let me show you a few of my finds. Keep in mind this is not everything. It was one of those days I had to practice some self-control.

How do you like these little dessert dishes?

I bought a large collection of these at an estate sale, and these will be added to it.

How about this little guy?
6 salt cellars with glass spoons......
One of my husband's all time favorite movies....

Pretty cream colored plate.........

Did you notice the black bench that everything was sitting on?

Yes, that was part of the find too! One of my FAVORITES!

So you ask, what was the grand total for everything?

Dessert dishes .50

Dog Figurine 1.00

Salt Cellars & Spoons 2.00
Movie .50
Plate .25
Bench (new) 25.00

Grand Total $29.25

This is a little more than my usual yard sale spending, but the bench was worth it. I also picked up a few yards of fabric, my husband got an exercise jump rope, a shirt, spoon rest, and I guess that is about it. It is unusual in our area to find many good sales at all particularly this time of year. You never know. Did you have any fabulous finds this weekend? I'd love to hear about them.

Have a wonderful week, I may be in and out. I am headed to my daughters to deliver Chloe.

Jackie

Last Chance

This is your last chance to enter the

200th Post giveaway over at the Gahan Girls.

Hurry before midnight tonight!

Have a great weekend!

Jackie

Along the Way

Remember yesterday started like this for me.

What a great surprise!!!

Well, somewhere along the way this happend! Another little surprise........

Now in case you are wondering exactly what this is, this is what a portion of my car now looks like.

While sitting at a stop sign on my way home, ready to make a left turn toward home this happened. A little red SUV was coming around the curve slightly on the fast side, as she went to make the turn she lost control and came straight into the side of my car.

Needless to say it was a little scary. I saw that she had lost control and was coming straight for me. I was afraid she was going to hit my door. I had put the car in park and was trying get out of my seatbelt to move to the other side and avoid the hit, when her vehicle hit towards the tire and just above my door .

Afterwards I came home and had to have a few of these. One a day is usually my limit, but not today!

As I wait for the insurance adjuster to call today, I am clearly reminded of God's protection for me. It could have been much worse and instead was just a fender bender. Please pray that our car is not totalled. I know it looks minor, but where it hit has caused the car to drive a little odd and because we drive a vehicle forever it is not worth much. The insurance could end up totalling it because that might be their cheapest way out, but not for us. My husband has reminded me that this did not catch God by surprise and He has a plan for us, as a matter of fact it is a good one.......Jeremiah 29:11.

I have rambled long enough today. I hope each and every one of you has a blessed day!

Jackie

Surprise, Surprise!!!!!!

Today started with this little surprise. Kim from The Hancock Family sent this little award over my way. She was so sweet and kind to think of me, since I am not a seasoned blogger and I am still in the learning stages. I hope you will please be patient, and hopefully you will begin to see some improvement. About Kim, you will love her. From what I see she is down to earth, an encourager and wants to spread some sunshine to others. Give her a visit and you'll be glad you did! There are specific instructions that must be followed in order to maintain such status in blog world though, so here they are:
1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate at least seven other blogs.
4. Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.
The best of the best... check them out...


1. Susie Harris at Bienvenue would be one of my inspirations to begin my blog. Not only does she have a beautiful home, make the greatest tassels you'll ever see, but she is REAL and it shows!

2. Shannon at Bless our Nest is a full time nanny to the most adorable little guy, and you will not want to miss her great decorating ideas.

3. Joys of Home is just that a joy and inspiration to vist.

4. Dawn at Gahan Girls made a most kind offer to after my first visit. You will want to run over for a visit, kick your shoes off and stay a while.

5. Liz at Mabels House is someone you will definitely want to meet. I visit daily. She is a talented writer, has the cutest home and an adorable sidekick...Mabel.

6. Lipstick and Laundry has a cute little etsy shop. She will share some great ideas with you, but most of all has a love for family and friends.

7. V & Co is a truly amazing mom and wife! or at least I think so. She makes some of the most beautiful quilts, cares for her family all while her husband is deployed in Afghanistan(I think this is correct). Send some encouragement and prayers her way.

Kim thanks again for the award!It was such an encougagement for day I have had. Details later, I will just say God's protection for me was evident today.

Thanks for all the encouragement that you ladies have been to me. I had planned on doing this much earlier, but circumstances did not allow.

Blessings,

Jackie

Collections...

Some of you were asking about hanging a collection of white or cream plates so today I am showing a couple of collections. Please forgive the quality of the photos. A new camera is moving up on the list .

Below are the plates in what we call "The Room". It used to be our garage. Please overlook the lack of window treatments. In this room we have our TV, our computer, a table where most sewing projects take place. More room to spread out. When our little company (aka Chloe )leaves I will try to show a little more.

This is just a collection of creamers hanging on a shelf in my dining room. As you can see I like the white and cream china. Oops that one on the bottom shelf is a little out of place.

Again the quality of this picture does not do it justice, but this is an iris that my son did when he was taking art classes in high school that hangs over a bench in my living room. One of these days I will get everything fluffed for a full house tour.

Have a blessed day!

Jackie

Seeing Double?

No, you are not seeing double. For those of you who guessed I would be switching my son for a four legged creature, you were correct. This is not the best picture but Chloe is on the left, my daughters mininature schnauzer, and Stella, my little girl is on the right. This should be an interesting two weeks. You see Chloe is about 6 or 7 months old, and Stella is about 7 years old. Chloe likes to play and be a little bully non stop, but Stella on the other hand is more laid back and likes to have her rest. Stella usually gives in and lets Chloe take over. I will actually have to put Chloe up a few times a day just to give little Stella a break.
Wrestling
Stella Resting.
Chloe and her stick.

By the way, this is resting for Chloe.

Have a great day. I'll be busy!

Jackie

Quick Switch......

I am making a quick switch in more ways than one. I started an earlier post today, while I was holding on the phone for quite some time. After I received an answer to a somewhat frustrating situation, I decided that bringing in the day with such a negative post was not the greeting to start the day with, so I am making a switch.

The second switch will be tomorrow when I travel to my daughters . I will be switching my boy and a packed car of items to be used for renovating the home they have just purchased. I will be bringing a little something back with me when I return Saturday. I will be sure to post some pictures but until I am back on Monday, I'll let you guess what I will be bringing home with me. What do you think it might be? Until then have a blessed and safe weekend.

Jackie