The Stone Rabbit

PINKS IN THE HEAT!

 

 I can't believe it's Labor Day Weekend ALREADY!!!!

If it is Labor Day Weekend, shouldn't we be enjoying some lovely Fall temps?

We did last year at this time!

 

In fact, this is what it looked like exactly one year ago when Bonnie and I arrived at an outdoor flea market. . . ready to search for treasures.

It was a rainy start, and as I recall, it stayed very comfortable as the day progressed.  Not unreasonably wet or hot.  Just a good day to walk around acres and acres of treasures!

 

 

We were planning on going again yesterday, but had to cancel.  However, I don't think either of us were looking forward to traipsing around the acres and acres of treasures this time.  The reason for that is seen in the next photo.

Yep, that was the reading on my car thermometer Thursday afternoon. . . too hot to do much but stay inside with lots of iced drinks.

 

 That afternoon, I did decide to brave the heat and head over to our near by Penney's store.  However, when I saw the racks and racks of coats they had ready and waiting, my eyes nearly rolled back into my head!!

 

 

 

I had to snap a picture of this cute PINK jacket for my Pink Saturday friends, but I could barely hold it next to me!!!

It's toooooooo hot to be thinking winter coats. . . let alone to be TOUCHING them!!!

 

 

 

When I returned home, it was time to take the grand dog, Izzie, on a little stroll.  We were both hoping this would be one of the very last outings in such hot weather conditions for awhile.

Did you notice her new PINK collar and leash?  Yep, she's a girly girl!

Oh, and did you see that I got a new PINK cover for my phone?  It's called an "Otterbox"....and is supposed to give extra protection in case I drop it.  

It's very likely that I will drop it.  I dropped my old one many, many, many times.  I've dropped my little camera several times, too. The last time I dropped it hard was in the spring and it hit a concrete sidewalk and sorta popped open a bit.  I was able to get it back together. . . but it struggled to take pictures.  However, over the next few days, a camera miracle occurred. . . it just started taking photos like it always did and has been performing very well ever since.  I wonder if they make Otterboxes for point and shoot cameras.  I'll have to Google that.

Sorry for digressing.

 

THE STONE RABBIT told me I should take advantage of the high temps to air out and de-stink my running shoes!

I did just that because I signed up to do a Labor Day 5K run!!!  My son will be in the same event, but will finish looooong before I do.  My goal is to run the entire distance without having to take a walking break. . . his goal is to finish before one of his friends!

They are both great runners.   I just think it's great that I run!  :)

I hadn't planned on doing this particular running event, but we are supposed to get an EXTREME weather break after Saturday.  HALLELUJAH!!!  

The temps on Monday morning should be in the upper 50s!!!  Not only will it be cool, but the course is flat!!!  Two great combinations in my book!

 

 THE STONE RABBIT and I wish you a great Labor Day Weekend.  I hope you get to spend  time with family and or friends. . . enjoying some of the final days of Summer 2011 as it makes its way out of here.  It has been a hot one! 

 

 

OK. . . so it was a hot summer, but I reallllllllly am not ready to deal with snow again just yet. 

I'll quit my whining about the heat. . . cuz at least when we have heat, I don't have a driveway to shove! 

 

 

Thanks to Beverly, of HOW SWEET THE SOUND, we are able to share our PINKS each and every week!!!  

Please visit her blog and you'll be on  your  PINK SATURDAY way!

DANA

WHERE IS STELLA? WHERE IS SPRING?

After I published my Pink Saturday post this week, I realized I needed to correct a couple of misspelled words and share the next location where little Stella will be visiting.  Unfortunately, the edit portion of my post "froze" and I couldn't change a thing!  This is the third time in recent posts that TypePad  has done this to me! 

Enough Grinching about my Type Pad troubles---I really have tried to give up "negativity" for Lent, but it's HARD.  Oh, well, if it was easy, it wouldn't be something to "give up"!  The really important thing I need to address is: "WHERE IS STELLA?" 

Stella will be "mixing" with such a wonderful hostess!  Oh, yes, her next stop is guaranteed to be one  "party" after another.  Her new hostess goes to so many exciting places and has such a great group of friends and such a sweet family.  Stella will be wowed from the moment she hops out of her travel envelope !

So without further adieu----Stella will be- -- - - -

visiting   Donna of PARTY WISHES!!!!  If you keep up with Donna's blog, you KNOW that this will be a great time for Stella!  We're all looking forward to seeing the fun Donna has with her little guest!!

And speaking of "Little Guest"----this gal was ours over the weekend.  We had  big plans to take her to the zoo, BUT the weather turned really cold and snowy.  So our grand girl busied herself with playing with puzzles and - - - - -

wagons.

Then, she let her Nana practice making - - - - -

little cute pony tails on the sides of her wiggling, squirming almost three-year old head. 

Upon reviewing this photo, Nana realized she has lost her touch.  It's hard to believe she used to be able to French Braid her own little girl's hair and actually have it look pretty good- - - -but that was a long time ago

After the Grand Girl removed the teensy bands from her hair destroying the hard work Nana had put into the hair do,  she decided it was time to let her watch the Grandpa "play" in the snow. 

The Grandpa has a snow blower attachment that goes on his John Deere riding lawn mower.  The Grandpa can hardly wait for snowy weather---he LOVES to blow that snow off his drive and the drives of many neighbors. 

The Grand Girl loved to watch her Grandpa go up and down the driveway until every little bit of snow had been removed!!!

Even, Izzie the Grand Dog, enjoyed seeing the Grandpa remove snow with his John Deere lawn mower turned snow blower! 

You see the drive across the street?  Yep, that was another one he cleared!

Besides watching her Grandpa clear the driveways, the Grand Girl enjoyed eating a little snow!  Please note, Nana kept her away from any snow that was a bit off white!

She didn't care if we didn't make it to the zoo this time.  She loved the snow and spending time outside on a beautiful winter day.

Even THE STONE RABBIT tried to make the best of the cold and the snow. 

He invited some of his friends over for a little snowy cookout, but first he had to make a path to the grill!
 

DANA

EXTRA!!!   EXTRA!!!

I just found out about a great giveaway Vivian of VIV LYN DESIGNS is having in honor of her 100th Post!  Hurry over to see what she has waiting for some lucky person!  Congrats, Viv, on reaching this blogging milestone!

STELLA GOES ANTIQUING in SEARCH OF 'PINK'

This week Patty and I decided we needed a little get-a-way, so Stella (my house guest from England) and I picked her up and headed for Greenwood, Missouri!  Greenwood has several antique shops and a great tea room.  It has long been one of our favorite places to visit.

Our starting point was The Greenwood Antique Mall and the tea room--we're always hungry!  Stella also knew I was on "the hunt" for some PINKS to share on Pink Saturday and she was so excited to help me out!

As we were walking toward the mall, I heard someone say "Ya gonna fill up that van today?"  I looked in the direction of the voice and saw Vicky, the owner of Old Glory (her area is located inside the mall).  She  had brought some items into her booth areas and her dog Woody had come along for the ride.

What a face---what a friendly and gentle dog.  I guess we could say that sweet nose of his has a touch of Pinkness!

Vicky told us how Woody had recently misbehaved!  She was away from the house and when she returned she realized that this cutie had consumed an entire package of her favorite Girl Scout cookies--along with several other "off limits" food items!!!

How can you look at that face and say "Bad Dog!" 

We had a great visit with Vicky and Woody---Stella was thrilled to meet that cuddly boy!   However, it was lunch time and the tea room was waiting for US!

 
 

Patty and I always have lunch in the Greenwood Country Tea Room which is located inside the antique mall.   We were the first customers to arrive that day, so I quickly took a picture of Stella in this room- - -

 

and then in this sweet room! 

Stella pointed out the PINK in the table cloths!  Oh, that Stella does love the Hunt for Pink! :)

Shari Groh is the owner of this wonderful tea room.  Stella was honored to meet the woman who consistently serves the most delicious lunches around.

Do you see the books beneath the lamp?  They are copies of Shari's cookbook entitled "The Tea Room Cooks".  Of course, I have one of them in my cabinet at home!

 

Patty and I each ordered  half a sandwich and a cup of soup!  The sandwich was a Portabella Mushroom Paninni and the soup was a wonderful corn chowder!  Those fries to the left of the plate are made from sweet potatoes!  We always split a yummy order of them whenever we visit Shari's tea room!

Stella was smitten with the chowder---I had to make certain she didn't dribble any on the front of her fine outfit!

 

Pat (left) and her friend Gail also paid a visit to the tea room that day!  I've known Pat for a LONG time.  She is a great paper mache' artist---I have several of her Santas and Easter bunnies!  She also does a wonderful job creating wool applique projects such as pillows and runners. 

After lunch we headed into the mall to look at the wonderful booths packed with a mix of terrific antiques and new home decoratives.

We  headed for Vicky's area first, where Stella loved looking at some of her Easter items.

Vicky specializes in colonial/Americana furniture and accessories.  Stella said she would love to have this piece of furniture shipped back to her home in England.  Vicky said she could make that happen!! :)

Stella found some more Eastery items.  She pointed out the little touches of Pink on the ruffle and egg on the first ducky!  That Stella has a great Pink Eye (it's the GOOD kind--not the contagious type!)

 

Stella LOVED these guys!!

 

Stella thought this was a mighty fine print of our first president and his wife! 

 

Another booth I like to visit belongs to my friend--Claudia.  Stella is posing with some great vintage canisters in her booth!

 

Across the street form the Greenwood Antique Mall is the Greenwood Mercantile!  It is a great shop with loads of great vintage finds!

One of the booths sells wool---all ready to be worked into hooked rugs or wonderful applique projects.

Stella tried really hard to find some Pink, but wasn't really having much luck.  She did, however, love the color on this vintage pie safe!

 

 

She spied this basket of vintage clothes pins before I did.  She was so impressed with Beverly's Pink Saturday post where she showed how she wrapped her ribbons around clothes pins and stored them in jars!

 

We came home after spending a great day eating, antiquing and searching for Pink in Greenwood.  Stella said she really enjoyed that part of her visit with us.

Sadly, the time was here to say Good-Bye to Stella and let her visit the next family that is anxiously awaiting her arrival!

Izzie gave her a little So Long Sniff!

 

Frankie said his Good-Byes!!!

Twiggy gave Stella a little smooch----

 

and Stella gave THE STONE RABBIT a big old hug!

Then it was time for Stella to climb in her envelope and begin the next phase - - -

of her journey!

When I returned home from the post office, THE STONE RABBIT, was dabbing  tears from his face.  He told me he missed Stella so much!!

I told him I had a little idea that might make him feel better.

I reached in the cabinet and pulled out my copy of Shari's cook book and turned to the recipe for Corn Chowder.

He remembered Stella loved Shari's corn chowder so much!  Yes, he thought having a little corn chowder would make him feel lots better!

Oh, and there's my PINK---right on Shari's book!  Whew, just in the nick of Pink Saturday Time, too! :)

Did I tell you that Shari donates part of the proceeds from the sales of her books to the local chapter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation?

 

Please visit Beverly at HOW SWEET THE SOUND for  links to other bloggers who have PINKS to share!

Thank you Beverly for your continued organization of this fun Saturday Pink Extravaganza!!!

DANA

 

STELLA ATTENDS A BRIDAL SHOWER!

Last weekend our Breakfast Group hosted a bridal shower for Laura's daughter, Erica!

Mary Ann, pictured here, volunteered to have the shower at her house!

She worked so hard making sure her beautiful home was in tip-top shape (but it always is!!!) for the big event!

Mary Ann also made the most WONDERFUL cake!

She pulled out her finest of serving pieces---isn't this punch bowl beautiful?

She stacked her lovely luncheon plates high- - - -

and set all of these items on a happy yellow tablecloth!

BUT, sadly, on the morning of the shower, Mary Ann was sick!!!  The poor girl spent the entire day in her bedroom, trying to avoid possibly spreading feisty germs to anyone else!

So, Mary Ann didn't get to help roll bacon around Little Smokies with Patty (left) and Beth AND Stella------

or help spoon yummy chicken salad into Beth's, from scratch, cream puffs- - - - -

or POSE with the rest of the hostesses---including Stella!  (left to right:  Patty, Mary, Beth, Dana (me!) and little Stella------

or visit with  guests over a little glass of wine-----

 

or see how beautiful the array of food looked once we had it all put together! 

She also did not get to see how much the beautiful bride to be ( shown here surrounded by her future Mother-in-law on the left (Liz) and her mom on the right (Laura) and Stella!!!) so enjoyed her bridal shower!

When Stella and I returned home that evening, she was still excited about spending the day at the  shower! 

She told THE STONE RABBIT every little detail of her experience---including how poor Mary Ann missed the entire event because she was ill.  He wanted to know if she was able to eat any of the food.  Stella told him  we  made up  a plate of goodies for her to eat in the bedroom while the rest of us sat around the beautiful tables and merrily chit-chatted away!  She said she had heard   "Poor Mary Ann" repeated over and over! 

Stella showed him the beautiful candle holder Erica presented to each hostess as a sweet Thank You gift! 

Later, they lit the candle, munched on left-over shower cake and talked softly.  I overheard Stella asking THE STONE RABBIT if he ever thought about getting married.  He replied that he came close once, but that didn't work out.  He was just waiting for the right "one" to hop by some day!

DANA

STELLA VISITS THE BASS PRO FOR SOME PINK SATURDAY FUN!

Stella, our little visitor from England, was so excited to visit the local Bass Pro shop here in Independence, Missouri.  This business was finished a little over a year ago and attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over.  It is filled with the finest in hunting, fishing and boating gear and a great restaurant.

Another gray, cloudy, and windy day made taking good photos difficult, but this is the view of the huge store from the front!

Stella could hardly wait to see the inside of this wonderful place!

There are great fishing boats scattered all around on the outside of Bass Pro---tempting the weak fisher folks! 

Stella loved this bass boat and wanted to "get the feel" of taking a ride!

She thought the display of old duck decoys was really awesome---so I helped her find a little spot amongst them for a photo.

She was amazed at the many wildlife vignettes placed all over the store. 

She said she'd never been so close to bears----

or  deer---

OR a skunk!!!

She was thrilled to visit the huge fish tank and she LOVED it when this big one tried to give her a kiss!

She also loved these mailboxes---this place is stocked with everything a fish lover could possibly want.

When we made it to the level with the boats and other fishing supplies, Stella asked what she would need to pick up for a fishing trip.

I told her she would need a little tackle box---and we found this swell Pink one!

Then we discussed the basic fishing equipment required---like a fishing pole or a rod and reel.  When we walked around the area where these items were displayed we spotted some wonderful Pink reels!!!

Just as we were surprised to see the Pink reels we were totally shocked to come upon THIS display of fishing Pinkness!

These Pink reels were pure fishing beauty!

This brand of rod is called Ugly Stick---but with all of that Pinkness, we did not see one bit of ugliness!

Our next necessary item for a fishing trip would be a few lures.  Stella was impressed by the thousands of lures Bass Pro has in stock.
However, it took us a long time before we found the perfect lure for our trip!

We finally found a little display of PINK lures--all ready to be tossed in some water to tempt a fish or two!

Of course, Stella and I both agreed that Pink Fishing Frocks would be a necessity for the perfect fishing trip.
 
Bingo!!  PINK Bass Pro T-shirts!

Any good fisher person needs a hat.

Yep, we found great PINK hats at the Bass Pro, too!

Stella said she had read somewhere that polarized sunglasses were a must for a fishing trip.  When she saw this display she just HAD to check them out!  

One other item we could use would be a carryall bag.  We both thought this one would be  great  to take on a boat and fill with sandwiches, and water, and chips, and - - - - -

Bass Pro fudge!!!

When we returned home, Stella surprised THE STONE RABBIT with a little Bass Pro Gift Card! 

He was so excited!  He said he wasn't sure what he would spend it on, but certainly a bit of that fudge would be on his list!

Wow, Stella had a great time checking out all of the wonderful items in Bass Pro.

We know YOU will have a wonderful time checking out the many, many blogs with more PINKNESS to share.  Just visit Beverly, at HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for the  long list of Pink Saturday participants!

DANA

AWARDS PART 2 and A TAG and WHAT HAS STELLA BEEN DOING?

I was so lucky to receive the "Let's be Friends" Award from two great blogging "friends".  Jillian of JILLIAN'S PAGES, whom I talked about in my previous post, sent this my way.  Jillian, while just a young whipper snapper in chronological years is one of my "older blogging  buddies"---in terms of how long I've been reading her blog and she's been reading mine!!! I know I would love to meet her in person some day and if I do, I hope she'll bring the Bebe and her mom, Jean, of THE DAISY CHAIN.  Jillian, thank you for this award---I certainly appreciate our friendship.

The second person to send this award to me was Deanna of TIMELESS THINGS.  Deanna, is a newer blogging friend.  I believe we connected through Pink Saturday posts.  Deanna lives in Texas and is also a gal after my own heart---she loves vintage treasures and thrifty finds.  She does a wonderful job of sharing her fondness for those items through her blog.  It's a spot I enjoy visiting and she will always have a surprise for you---just like the surprise I saw on a recent post dedicated to her hubby and the place where they were married!  You see, they were married in a spot in Alaska that my hubby and I have visited a couple of times---Exit Glacier  near Seward.  I can't think of a more beautiful place to say "I do" than in that location.  Thank you Deanna for including me in your list of recipients of this award.  I look forward to reading many, many more of your great posts.

This next award is certainly a special one.  It was created by Claudie of BUBBLIN' OVER.   She calls this award  the "If the Shoe Fits-Wear It" award.  It's about finding the heart and "sole" of friendship and is a "platform" for recognizing that each of us wears unique qualities of friendship (like a favorite pair of shoes and we wear comfortably and repeatedly).

This wonderful friendship award was created by one of the neatest blogging gals around--Claudie.  She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.  She makes great efforts to feature her love of vintage---with a Claudie-Twist--- in the decorating of her home.  Pinks and pastels are welcome with open arms---as are the best in chocolates, shoes and little furry critters.  Claudie kindly promotes others on her site by featuring a blogger each week.  Her generosity knows no limits.  Claudie, I thank you for including me in your list of folks to receive this wonderful award of yours----you are amazing blogging friend.

Another special "Blogging Friend" is Cathy of THE CHRISTMAS CORGI.  Cathy presented me with a fun tag to play!  However, before I share that with you, I want to tell you about Cathy and her blog.  I "met" Cathy through a fellow blogger, Susan.  I instantly liked Cathy when I first visited her blog.  You see, Cathy is an artist---with her favorite subjects being the Corgi dogs she loves so much!  She and her family and friends are very involved in the World of Corgis---I find it so very interesting, as I honestly didn't know a thing about Corgis until I was lucky enough to meet Cathy!  How exciting is this---her dog, Bridget, just competed in the Westminster Dog Show and won an Award of Merit!  On her Feb. 9th post, you can see a video of the Corgi judging at the show.  It is a great little piece to watch--they are adorable dogs and that Bridget was darling!

Thanks for sending this tag my way, Cathy, and thank you for sharing your artistic and blogging talents with us! 

                  7 Random Things About Me Tag

1.  I once won a talent contest for my pantomime and "dance performance" to "Ahab the Arab". 

2.  The best thing I have ever done for myself was to quit smoking.  I did that on July 13, 1982...7:00 p. m. . It was also the hardest thing I have ever done----well, maybe not as hard as birthing babies.  The pain of quitting  smoking just lasted a lot longer! :)

3.  My grandpa used to scare the "bee-jeebers" out of me (and my cousins) by telling scary stories to us about the Yah-Hoos who lived in the small mountains of Northern Arkansas.  I can hear his deep voice right now saying "Yah-Hoo. . . . Yah-Hoo" (the sound those critters would make as they were searching for US!!!).   We'd be squealing and shaking in total fear by the time he finished one of his stories.  I sure wished he would have written some of them down.

4.  My favorite car that I have ever owned and driven was a 1992 Grey Jeep Grand Cherokee.  I drove it for 12 years and put thousands of miles on it.  It reached the point where it was needing lots of frequent repairs, so we sold it and bought another vehicle.  The car is still in use by a fellow in town---I see my little four wheeled friend every Fourth of July when the owner comes to the same picnic we attend.  My heart just aches when I see the little faded grey beauty---I LOVED to drive that car. 

5.  I LOVE "24" and "Lost".  Friends know not to call during the times those shows are on!

6.  I have a really bad case of Motion Sickness.  I can't even walk on a tread-mill because the movement of the belt makes me sick when I  look down at it.  Car rides, especially if I'm in the back seat, are torture.   My friend Patty has a story she never fails to tell, whenever possible, about a car ride she gave me up and down the hills around Jefferson City, Missouri, and what I looked like by the time we arrived at our destination.

7.  The most memorable dinner out that I have ever experienced was atTavern on the Green in NYC with two dear friends, Patty and Mary Ann.  I was just awe struck by every little detail---it was the first time I had ever eaten Creme Brulee.

There you go.  You have endured two posts on awards I have received and a fun tag.  I do hope you visit the bloggers I have shared with you in this post and the previous one.  It's always so wonderful to find new folks---I know you will love the ones I have mentioned.

Blogging is such a connecting force--it brings us together with the most amazing folks.  Blogs let us peek into the lives of each other, a bit,--- visiting blogs helps  broaden our knowledge in many new and exciting areas.  Visiting blogs can take us on  great trips to spots we might not be able to see in person,  or make us drool over mouthwatering recipes, or introduce us to elegant lifestyles and entertaining ideas or share tips on how to live frugally "in style".  Bloggers are talented, kind, generous, caring, funny, creative---the list is endless.  Bloggers share a unique friendship.  I truly appreciate being a part of this community of special friends.

                        *  *  *  *   *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

What has Stella been up to, you ask?

Well, life this week has been fairly normal---and Stella has seemed to enjoy this!

On Tuesday, I had my mammogram appointment---Stella came along.  As I entered the miniature dressing room they plop you in before the Big Squeeze, I pulled her out of my purse and placed her on my folded exam gown--I had an idea about photographing Stella next to my face just as the technician clamped that device down on me,but I promptly decided that I probably could not click that camera and remain still, so photos of her experience with the mammogram equipment were not taken. 

I tried to get a picture of the area where my doctor's office is---it's  in an area of Kansas City called The Country Club Plaza.  This wonderful place was the first shopping center in the world designed to accommodate shoppers arriving by automobile.   It is a real upscale location full of great shops, fountains and architectural design.  On Thanksgiving night, every year, thousands flock to the area to see The Plaza Lights turned on for the first time---welcoming the Christmas season.  They stay on until the middle of January and are truly a sight to behold.

When Stella and I were on The Plaza, it was a gloomy, cloudy, high-traffic type of a day.  I tried to get a view of the main drag when I was at a stop light.  It's a terrible photo, but you can see one of the many fountains to the right of the school bus.  If you click on The Country Club Plaza above, you will find lots of great photos of the area--on brighter days! :)

Stella was impressed with the beautiful area--even though it was a "drive-by"!

Yesterday, I had to drop newspapers off at our little recycling container we have in our church parking lot.  Stella pointed out a new container that had been added---one where we can place our cardboard and some plastic items.  I told her the other items we recycle have to be taken to a city location not terribly far away.  Stella was glad to see that so many folks are making recycling an important part of their daily lives.

Next on our agenda was doing a little grocery shopping!  Our local HY-VEE store gives a 5% discount on our total grocery bill on Wednesdays--to us Elder Shoppers!!!   It adds up to quite a savings over a month---I just forget to make certain I shop on Wednesdays sometimes.  It must be that "Elder Shopper" memory thingy I have! :)

Stella enjoyed her tour of our grocery store.  She did tell me she was really grateful that she didn't have to pay for groceries---she was shocked at my total spent, even with the Elder Discount! 

Today, Stella visited our nearby mall, The Independence Center, with me. 

This weekend my Breakfast Group is hosting a bridal shower for Laura's daughter---so I was on the hunt for a new item to wear with THE BLACK SLACKS.

Stella and I hit the Dillard's store first.  It's my favorite place at this location.  Unfortunately, after quite some time of looking and walking and walking and looking and trying things on------Stella and I left Dillard's's empty-handed.  

After a little snack at the Pretzel Shop, Stella and I continued our search.

We checked out Macy's, Coldwater Creek, Chico's, Penney's and struck out in those spots, too. 

Even though I didn't find what I came for, Stella  was thrilled when she spotted a rack of MIZZOU shirts.  She was so excited!  She said she had heard stories about the WONDERFUL  Missouri Tigers---even all the way over in England (the location of her origin!).  She so enjoyed being photographed with the glorious MIZZOU shirts---and who wouldn't?

I forgot to show you what Stella had slipped into the shopping cart  when we went to the grocery store.  That Stella has a sweet tooth just like me---she saw these chocolate swirl marshmallows and just HAD to have them. 

THE STONE RABBIT  and Stella had the best time visiting and eating chocolate marshmallows.  You see, THE STONE RABBIT has quite a little sweet tooth himself!

 

DANA

AWARDS TO SHARE-PART 1 and A SPECIAL VISITOR!

I have been honored to receive some sweet awards recently  (and not so recently!!!).  I apologize for my tardiness in acknowledging the kindness extended to me through these great blogging expressions!

The first award, the Marie Antoinette Award,  was sent to me by Nancy of MY CRAFTY LITTLE PAGE.  Nancy was one of my first "blogging buddies"---I believe we started our blogs at about the same time.  She's much savvier at computery stuff than I am---she's a scrap artist and a lover of antiques.  She even has a darling booth, in an antique store, she calls The Roost.

The Marie Antoinette Award is given to  people who inspire in the blogging, crafting and art community.  To Nancy, I say "thank you" for including me in your list of folks to whom you shared this award.  Also, Nancy YOU inspire me through your interests, skills and down right "fun attitude" about life.

This next award came from Vivian, of VIV LYN DESIGNS.  This "Coolest Blog" award was given to me by a blogger who is truly an artist.  She designs and creates the most wonderful cards you could imagine.  Her blog is an ongoing tutorial in card design---she amazingly links you to every supply source she uses in each creation. 

I "met" Vivian through a Halloween swap.  I was so lucky to be her partner as she sent the most amazing items in her package---and over the months, I have grown to appreciate her talents more and more.

Vivian, I feel the same about you--you are one 'cool chick' and you have a cool blog yourself!!  Thank you for being my blogging friend.

 

This sweet award came from a new blogging friend, Vanessa of MY VIEW.  Vanessa has so many interests and among them is her skill at digital scrap booking!  I would love to learn to do that---and with her examples of wonderful pages to inspire me, I just might make that happen one day!!  Thank you Vanessa, for including me in your group of blogs who also received this kind award from you!

This next kind award was sent my way by Kymber of A NEW DAY IS DAWNING.  I have only recently found Kymber's excellent blog through our participation in Beverly's Pink Saturdays.

Kymber never fails to touch me with her deep faith which she shares on her blog in such uplifting and inspiring ways.  She also frequently participates in Blue Mondays (so she not only is on the lookout for Pink, but also Blue!!) and WIP (Work in Progress).  When you check out her blog, be sure to go to her great post on January 14th---this is one that caused me to laugh for a long, long time and knew I liked her a lot for sharing that great story. 

And that's what this award is all about--focusing on the friendships that happen here in Blogland.  Blogging has certainly given me the avenue for meeting so many wonderful folks---folks I would have never known existed if I hadn't set up a blog.  Folks like Kymber, who lift my spirits---and make me smile.  Thank you, Kymber, for sharing this award with me.

Donna from PARTY WISHES, was so kind as to pass along the  SECRET ADMIRER  or PINK LEMONADE Award!

This award is given to those "with great attitude and/or gratitude".  Donna, I have to tell you the one with the Great Attitude is YOU!!  Donna's  blog is so filled with her wonderful attitude-----and TALENTS!!  She brings her upbeat spirit to everything and everyone she touches.  She is a Party Planner Extraordinaire and if you haven't had the change to visit her blog you will be totally blown away by the events she has created!  She not only plans the most creative and over the top parties for children, but for her adult friends, as well. 

Oh, and did I mention she has quite the flair for decorating her home!  There really does not seem to be an end to her creative abilities!

Her generous and creative spirit comes through in her devotion to her family and as the leader of her daughter's Brownie Troop, too.

Thank you Donna, for including me in your list of recipients for the this great award.

Well, guess what!!  That sweet Jillian of JILLIAN'S PAGES gave me that award, too!!

Jillian just recently became a mom---but that little gal kept it a secret from all of her blogger buddies until after that sweet little "Bebe" of hers entered this world!!  That was probably the biggest surprise I have had while reading the posts of my favorite blogs!!!

Her little girl is just an adorable Princess!!

Jillian is not only a new mom, but she is an antique and vintage expert.  She and her husband collect items to enjoy AND resell.   I was drawn immediately to her blog because we both share a love of "old".  She particularly loves Lu Ray dinnerware--and even found a little Lu Ray  look-alike tea set for her  Bebe!!  Jillian even encouraged her mom, Jean, of THE DAISY CHAIN, to start her own blog!!! 

Jillian also displays a remarkable  attitude --- and I truly thank her, too, for sharing this award with me.

OK, so now you will see what a real lucky gal I have been---Alaura of COTTAGE ROSE was kind enough to present me with the very same award!

  I met Alaura through Pink Saturdays, too.  She just painted her brick fireplace a shabby white and it turned out great.  I was really impressed to see how brave she was with that can of white paint!  Besides home improvements, she likes to sew and just recently organized her craft room.  Oh, how I need to follow her example!   She and I both belong to a special club---yes, indeed, we are both members of Shelia's Bathroom Snapping Divas  (NOTE SONGS) !!  Yep, Alaura likes to have fun, too!!!  Thank you for including me in this award and for your great attitude.  It is a joy to read your blog!!!   

If you don't know some of these bloggers, please take a few moments to visit them.  You won't be disappointed, I promise!                         

I do have a few more awards to share, but I will do that a bit later.

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On Valentine's Day, I received the most amazing Little Visitor---in the mail!

Her name is "Stitchin' Stella" and she was sent to me from Linnea of NEAR BEAR AND B-DADDY'S NEST!  You see, Stella has been traveling from blogger to blogger since she was created in November of 2008 by Lindsay-ann and Lorrie.   The idea is that she visits as many locations around the world as is possible in exactly one year!

We were so excited to have her arrive at our home in Independence, Missouri, for a short visit!  THE STONE RABBIT led the official welcoming committee and eagerly posed with Stella as soon as she hopped out of her mailing envelope!

Since yesterday was President's Day AND Independence is the hometown of former President Harry Truman, I thought I'd take Stella to see his house!

 

Unfortunately, because it was President's Day, the home was closed for tours.  Stella didn't mind---she's so sweet.  She was just thrilled to have her picture taken in front of the home of President and Mrs. Harry S. (Bess) Truman!

I showed Stella a great banner of President Truman taking one of his walks.  They appear around the historic parts of Independence. 

Next, I took Stella over to the court house square and the little soda fountain named Clinton's.  President Truman worked there when he was young.

Then, Stella checked out the old court house.

 

President Truman was a judge in this court house before becoming President of the United States!

She liked his statue!

Stella enjoyed seeing the statue from this angle, too, and the awesome flags of the state of Missouri and the United States.  It was very windy yesterday--you can tell by how the flags and Stella's little pigtails were blowing.

 

On the way home, I needed to put gas in my car.  Stella said she was impressed with how cheap gas was in Independence.  I told her that not long ago,  the price was about fifty cents a gallon cheaper.  I also said, it still looked better than it did a few months ago when it was $4.00 per gallon.

Later, Stella and THE STONE RABBIT helped me look for some appetizer recipes.  I need to make one for a shower this weekend.  She loved the books I have that were published by a local organization---they have great recipes and wonderful photos of Harry and Bess!

 

We hope you all enjoyed your President's Day and that you were able to honor and remember the men who have held that demanding office.

DANA