Doesn't this sweet tin make you smile? Grace has named the dog "Princess" so what better spot to place her than next to a painting of a very young Queen Victoria. Doesn't every loo need a painting of a Queen? And a dog named Princess?
Thank you so much Cassie.
You are a sweetheart!
Isn't this bunny fingertip towel precious? It came from the sweet hands of
Kari and Kijsa
and if you do not know about their shop and art and *fantabulous* creations, hop straight on over and see! Each piece they make is as delightful as they themselves are! Thank you Kari and Kijsa!
Now, unfortunately, I do not have a fireplace in my Loo Library (if there was room, I would so put one in there!) so we are now back in the living room. I wanted you to meet Beau. Beau is a creation from Donna. Is he not scrumptious? Donna has the most delicious site and an *Etsy* site as well. Do hop over to see the wonderful work that she and her husband create!
This was a Beau I received just prior to Valentine's day but he is too special to box away until next year. He remains out, in a little nest, wearing his proverbial heart on his sleeve.
Dear Beau....dear, dear Donna!
It is raining, no, pouring again today. Poor Kipper may soon reach maximum capacity as he refuses to *go* outside. How I wish he could use our library!
Tonight we are off to the Schuster Center to see Michael Flatley's
"Lord of the Dance". I saw it 4 years ago and it was spellbinding. I am excited to share this with Grace, Mom and 2 of my buddies.
Stay well, happy and safe.
See you soon....
Why, even the olives look like a work of art!
Is there anything in nature more colorful than peppers?
The lovely Spring flower arrangements were a breath of fresh air on a cold Winter's day.
When we had finished our errands,
we decided to have lunch at one of our favorite places, Christopher's. Grace, Mom and I each had their tomato and chicken salad plate and oh how good it was.
Bill said the BBQ sandwich was Heaven on a bun!
When we arrived home, 2 boxes were waiting on me. The first box contained my 3rd order from sweet Kathy at Hens N Daisies.
Kathy even included one of her dear Easter tags.
Isn't this one beautiful?
I have two other hearts from Kathy and am awaiting another! I adore them!
Kathy's things are a delight, as is she!
The second box had the most precious painting from Donna at Donna's Art.
Isn't this nest painting wonderful? Thank you Donna! I love it!
I hope to purchase more of her lovely work in the future!
I purchased these two Spode plates recently and have placed them at opposite ends of the mantel. (See Barbara? I spelled it correctly!!) They keep the Staffordshire dogs company there. I love playing with my mantel...changing it seasonally or on a whim.
And this is a little thrift shop purchase. I fell in love with it and had to give it a proper home...well as proper as my home ever gets. Ahem. Just a sweet little pin dish and, for only $1, how could I go wrong!
We are going to run by our favorite Chinese place for take out this evening, then head to my buddy *T*'s for dinner and a movie. Tonight we will be watching "Michael Clayton". I have not seen as many of the Oscar nod films this year so look forward to this one.
I hope your weekend is sweet. The sun is shining here for the first time in a week...it just looks *happy* outside!
Do something good for YOU and remember to smile as often as you can. You are all a blessing to me.
Now, just what do you think happens to old Susie Q when you add, one wading pool, a 9 year old with a propensity to splash, a 4 year old who LOVES the water, a bucket, a hose and me? Um, I get wet. Damp. Soaked. And I loved every minute of it. The giggling from these 2 children was like music to me.
The pretty new Mama 
We were all given white onesies and fabric markers to decorate. This was my offering. I missed getting a shot of Grace's! You can guess that it was colorful and bright! 
Last week I won one of Donna's (from The Decorated House) precious treasures on Ebay! I just adore this and have it in my study...isn't Donna talented! 
And she is so sweet as well...she included a surprise for Grace. All wrapped in tissue with silk flowers and ribbon was this adorable treat. It now hangs in a place of honor in Grace's room. Thank you dear Donna. You are a sweetheart! 
Last evening we had a few friends over and bar b qued hamburgers. Everyone brought goodies to share and we had several dishes as well as this fruit salad. What is it about Summer fruit that just makes me so happy? Among the guests was my nephew Boo. He was just a hoot all evening. He has finally begun to clap (I know this is a given with most children but to us, it was a triumph!) and thought it fun to go around and have everyone clap in unison! Needless to say, there was much applause all night! His Mama told us of a new acquaintance that has been a true blessing to her. This lady and her husband have an 8 year old son who was diagnosed Autistic at age 4 as Boo has been. This little guy is now 8, speaks well, writes, sings and has been mainstreamed into school where he does amazingly well. He attended a pre-school/Kindergarten/1st facility like my nephew will attend. We have been tickled to discover that Boo will be enrolled in this new facility in late August. There is one like it in Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland. They have a fantastic record of success. It does not come inexpensively but there are grants and what a blessing to know Boo will be a recipient of one of these. It costs upwards of $70,000 a year to school Autistic children in these schools but to be able to help children like Boo unlock their potential is priceless.
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This afternoon we all went to my brother's and sis in law's for pizza. I guess you saw the top pictures! Splish splash I needed a bath after the soaking I got...and I had to get one more good dose of Boo kisses and hugs before leaving....
Grace and I are on the road to Tennessee now...I have my laptop and hope to check in if time permits. We are taking Mom back to see her friends in the Middle Tennessee town where she and Dad lived for 25 years. We will also see our relatives in the Knoxville area and make a little trip into Gatlinburg. Bill and Dan will stay here with the dogs (Kip and Mom's Abby) and cats. I am sure they will raise quite a ruckus and make a huge mess and get into tussles but I have hopes that Kip, Abby, Lucy and Henry will be able to keep a lid on Bill and Dan. *smile* I will try to visit each of you but, if I do not get to leave a comment, please know I will be thinking about all of you. I will try to catch up next weekend upon our return. Please stay well, safe and enjoy a week filled with smiles, sunshine and happy moments.
