The Stone Rabbit

WHAT PINK BANDANA?

Last month, we journeyed to this wonderful spot in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, to pick up a couple of pumpkins and "tag" our Christmas tree.  On the day after Thanksgiving, we returned with our son, daughter-in-law and little grand daughter, to cut down our tree and one for them as well!

 

In the front yard of the tree farm, a sweet manger scene was on display---our little one loves Baby Jesus!

 

However, she wasn't real sure about the huge "Santa"in the old wagon. 

                                  

We "boarded" the hay-filled trailer and headed out to the spot where our "tagged" tree was waiting for us!

Ah, yes, what a sweet experience!!! So serene---so blissful--what a wonderful holiday memory!!!  Yes indeedy, the joy of cutting down your own Christmas tree----with your family!  It's just the best! 

 We were off!

             

 I remembered the day we "tagged" our tree----we found it on the other side of the little lake---by the road.  I had placed the "SOLD" tag on it and . . . . . . 

 

 

 

for good measure, I added my Pink Bandana!!!  Yes, sir, we would EASILY spot our tree when we returned!

       

However, when we came back to cut down our tree, we couldn't find the one with the Pink Bandana.  We walked and walked. . . and I started to became snarly---I was CERTAIN someone else had also seen what a perfect tree it was and had done a little "switch-a-roo" with the tags.

We kept looking and looking, when all of a sudden I spotted another perfect tree. . . .

  

and I just knew it was OURS, however, the bandana tied on top wasn't PINK, but instead. . . . 

                               

it was BLUE!!!  Upon closer inspection, I saw the orange "sold" tag ID numbers clearly matched our receipt numbers.  

Once I started pulling the bandana apart I saw .. . . . . . .

                             

my PINK bandana was there after all! 

It seems the weather conditions had caused the black ink to run and somehow give the appearance of blue to the beautiful PINKNESS of that tree-identifying bandana!!

Praise be---we had our perfect tree!!!

                                  

It was now the time my husband looks forward to the most---the actual sawing down of the Christmas Tree. 

He takes great pride in skillfully slicing the trunk at the most advantageous spot---one that leaves the perfect amount of wood exposed that will allow for additional trimming before we actually place it in the stand (the fresh cut removes any sap that has collected on the bottom so the tree can "drink" more water while it is in the stand--in the house!)----without sacrificing too much height!

That man is an expert tree cutter---he's done it many, many times!!! 

So he grabbed the saw he had selected from the assortment the Tree Farm folks have on hand and took his position on the ground next to the pine beauty. 

While I have my camera snapping away and our son, his wife and the grand daughter watch in adoring admiration, he proceeds to hack away at the trunk.

He took about five swipes with the saw over the bark and announced what a "terrible saw" (for the sake of sensitive readers, I did not really write what he called that saw) that was.  Beads of perspiration dripped down his nose as he continued to grinch and gnaw away at the tree with the tool. 

Seeing no progress was being made in budging the tree and fearing a round of words that could have been even more offensive, our son says something like "give it here, dad"--- "let me do it"!

Whoa, those were fighting words!! My husband jumps up and thrusting the saw at our son said something like "here, you just see how easy that is then". 

Our son takes over on the ground---next to the tree, and after a few scrapes back and forth quickly agreed at  what a "terrible saw" that was.   Yep, his dad was right again.

A teeny smirk appeared on the face of the Elder Woodsman!

                         

It was then that I hiked back around the lake and fetched a "helper tree- cutter- downer"  and a different saw!

  

This fine young man quickly agreed that the first saw was not in prime tree cutting shape, then, while using the second saw, he quickly demonstrated his great skill at efficiently cutting down a Christmas tree.

Note the keen interest my husband took in supervising the exact location of "the cut"! 

Then, the "helper" happily passed the saw over to our son---he and his wife picked out a "perfect tree" of their own.  It was right by ours!!!

 

 

Our son, who took his dad's supervision well, promptly cut down their family Christmas tree!

The strong woodsmen hauled the Christmas trees back to the office area of the tree farm. 

  

As I went inside to pay for our tree, I noticed something I had missed when we came down  before---look at the bittersweet vine growing up the side of the building!

                            

We went inside to pay for our trees and our grand daughter was  thrilled to see the kitties I had posted about in October---they had grown so much. 

 

When we came back outside, the trees had been placed in a special contraption that shakes out the loose needles, then wrapped in plastic netting to protect the branches and make for easier transporting. 

Ah, yes, we did have a fun trip to the tree farm after all!

We said farewell to St. Nick and his team of straw horses-----then we headed home with our Christmas Trees!  

 

We showed THE STONE RABBIT our trees when we returned to the house---he thought they were both perfect.  He also thought the bandana story was pretty funny---and told me that it served as a reminder to not be so fast to jump to the wrong conclusion!  Then he pointed to the Christmas Countdown Board he had just found in my Christmas storage boxes----oh my, I thought, I didn't realize Christmas was THAT CLOSE!!! 

Didn't we just celebrate Thanksgiving?

Guess I'd better get busy!

   

Speaking of busy, there have been a lot of busy bloggers  getting their Pink Saturday Posts ready for us!  To see the list of those terrific folks, just visit Beverly at HOW SWEET THE SOUND!

DANA 

           

WE GIVE THANKS

The week of Thanksgiving, Monday through Friday, has brought very mixed emotions to me for the last few years.

Five years ago on Thanksgiving Monday, my Mother had a stroke.  She died on Friday of that week, the day after Thanksgiving. 

Thanksgiving was probably Mom's favorite holiday.  She loved to have her little family gather at her house for "the feast"----and we did just that. We gathered there nearly every one of the Thanksgivings from the time I was a tiny kiddo until five years ago.  As our numbers grew, so did her joy in celebrating that day.  She was so proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  We almost always took a family picture on that day---and I am so thankful we did.

Memories of her are very strong during these days of preparing for our own little family gathering---for some reason they are even stronger this year.  I miss so much about her, but this time of year I realize how much I really do miss her presence----AND her wonderful dressing and cranberry salad!  She had her own special touches for sure.

My Mom was thrilled when I started showing interests in "old" treasures.  That's why she gave me this little turkey---she knew I would appreciate it and keep it safe.  It was part of a set of salt and pepper shakers that would grace our Thanksgiving table every year when I lived at home.  Sadly, there is only one left, but when I touch it, I think of the many times we used it years ago to add a little spice to our potatoes or beans on Thanksgiving Day.

                         

 

You probably figured out that if I have ONE of something, there are probably a few more somewhere in my house.  Yes, I have lots of turkey salt and pepper shakers I have picked up over the years.  I am not displaying them this year, but I did pull out my second favorite pair to show you.  I don't recall where I found them, but they are in wonderful condition and I know for a fact they were very cheap!

             

This next set is the one we will be using at our house this year.  It was given to me by my sweet niece.  She knew I had been collecting the old Wheat Dishes and when she saw these wonderful salt and pepper shakers, she bought them for me.  I love them! 

 

                          

THE STONE RABBIT wanted to wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving!   He said he has so much to be thankful for, too, especially the decision I made to start blogging.  He has loved being a part of such a terrific community.  He also said he is glad I made the decision to plant him in the middle of this photo shoot, because he discovered the turkey is STILL frozen----even though it has been in the refrigerator since Saturday!

Guess I'd better start to work on thawing that bird----and cooking and cleaning!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Oh, and there's one more photo I'd like to share with you---keep on scrolling down----- 

 

check THAT out!  

Yep, one more thing to be thankful about!

  

DANA

A LITTLE PINK GOBBLER!

I recently read how often Thanksgiving gets overlooked---in the decorating department, that is.  I plead "guilty". 

As I looked around my house, I saw a few Fall leaves and a stray pumpkin or two.  The extensive Halloween decor had been hauled to the basement and ACTUALLY PUT AWAY.  I still can't believe I did that!  While I was boxing up the scary stuff, I took the time to finish putting away the Easter and Fourth of July items, too.  My friends will tell you---I have a ton of decorations and I am terrible about keeping them in order.  I won't discuss what my husband has to say about the items in the storeroom.

Anyway, I realized  I was already starting to pull out some Christmas greenery and I had even set up one tree ---and I had not given a thought to Thanksgiving decorating!

 That's right, I had totally by-passed the acknowledgment of THANKSGIVING in the way of decor!  Shame on me!  There is really no good excuse for the way I simply ignored my little Thanksgiving decorations that I do have --- waiting in the basement---all packed away.  Sweet little items, that I sadly admit, have not appeared even ONCE to decorate this house---and here we are just a few days away from celebrating our fourth Thanksgiving within these walls.

With that revelation, I went downstairs and found the box I was looking for----then I carried it up the steps and into the kitchen , where I placed it on the counter.

I eagerly unwrapped the long-packed away treasures, then examined them lovingly--one by one. 

It brought pure happiness to my heart as I looked at each of them for the first time in four years.  HOWEVER, those "little treasures" were not at all happy. . . . .  

and because they were so upset  at me for neglecting  them in my Thanksgiving decor during the last few years they PROMPTLY turned their little backs on me! 

         

I was so thoughtless----I told them.  I was only thinking of the "short" amount of time they would be on display between Halloween and Christmas and how I didn't look forward to unpacking, then re-packing them and going up and down the stairs any more times than absolutely necessary.

Oh, how weak and empty those excuses now sounded to my ears.  The little planters were really sad and their  feelings were obviously hurt.  I know I clearly saw tiny tears in their little glassy eyes.

I told them that I was WRONG by not bringing them out and proudly displaying them each and every Thanksgiving.  Afterall, I  had fallen in love the minute I saw every one of them at a flea market or antique shop or thrift store and they were perfect reminders of the Thanksgiving Day we were to soon celebrate. 

Slowly, the birds turned around and, only as  forgiving Thanksgiving Turkey Planters can do---said "It was OK---they still loved me, too!"

I promptly started showing them where they would be spending the next few days----and they were thrilled beyond belief!

This first one would go in front of a "Give Thanks" sign positioned atop the cabinet on the right side of our breakfast nook.  The sign is so inspiring--- in spite of the troublesome times and crummy economy, there is still so much for which to be truly thankful.

He looked dandy perched in that spot!
 

                          

Oh, and I placed this companion next to him---they look like they could be cousins, don't they? 

               

This colorful Tom took a spot on a mantel in the entry and - - - -

              

this beauty (the one I actually paid the most for--a whopping $10.00 many years ago---because I loved his soft colors) is on the other side of our breakfast nook!

                               

This boy settled in amidst a display of tiny pumpkins and a somewhat vintage pie plate. 

                             

And as soon as I spotted this little number, I just KNEW Beverly would be gasping AH HA!  Yes, Beverly, I actually DO own something PINK----a cute little Pink Gobbler!

I placed that bird atop the book I won fromBecky (the brilliant author!) and Mary Carol's "Feather Your Nest"read.  That fellow was as pleased as he could be!

                  

Since this is Twiggy's first Thanksgiving with us---everything is new to HER!  She fell in love with the little Pink Gobbler and all of the other planters, too! 

                

Even THE STONE RABBIT hopped on top of the table to "reconnect" with the Pink Gobbler!  They were both so happy to see each other after all these years!

I promised all of the little turkeys, that NEXT year, I would be certain to bring them upstairs a lot sooner.  I was very thankful that I had found all of them so many years ago and I was thankful to have their forgivenss! 

                   

You must  visit Beverly's blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND!    There, you will find a looooooong list of bloggers who have great PINKS to share with you, too!   Hmmmm, I wonder if there's another Pink Gobbler over there---lets go look! 

 DANA 

THE DANCING SANTAS

                                                                                                                                                                                                 The noise they make starts every year about this time.   

I hear it coming from the depths of the store room in the basement----way over in the corner.

It starts with the rattling of their plastic storage box----then they start with  the muffled "ho-ho-hos". 

The sounds grow louder and louder---so loud that I have to give in.   It seems like each year I have to release them earlier and earlier!

As I head down the steep flight of steps leading toward the store room---the noise stops for a bit. 

They KNOW I'm coming. 

They KNOW the time is here- - - - - -

TO GET OUT THE BOX!!!     The "DANCING SANTAS" are wild with glee and I- - - -

 

sit back and enjoy their happiness at being released for the Holidays!!!

Two of the Elder Dancing Santas are always the first to pop out of the box, followed by a flurry of other little round bodies dropping down to the floor.

The commotion of laughter and jolliness is just amazing---how fast those little guys can move---considering they are all fairly old and have been confined for the last eleven months!

                             

"Quickly, boys, up those steps!" orders one of the Elders. . . .and the wild climb begins!

                           

They are quite the spry group when it comes to ascending those steps.  They are so excited---the time has finally arrived for their month "upstairs"---they forget about their age and their stiffness!! 

                           

Izzie is awestruck at the sight of the little Dancing Santas heading upwards!  "Hey, Iz, good to see you again", shouts one red-suited fellow.  "Ho, ho, ho, Izzie Dog", bellowed another.

                                    

Of course one of the first items on their list was to find THE STONE RABBIT!  They know how very much he loves them and they also know he's the one that alerts me when he starts hearing their sounds coming from the basement!

The Little Dancing Santas encircled THE STONE RABBIT and gave him lots of pats and hugs.

"Where are you guys going to hang out this year?", he asked.

          

   Oldest Santa (the very first one who came to live with us) isn't shy.  He spoke up and said, "I'd like to try out a couple of new spots before we go where she always sticks us!   Maybe we'll find a place we like better!"

"Here, here" echoed several of the other fellows------and they scampered off. 

 

 

 

The first place they investigated was the top of a new fireplace surround I had just put in our entry! 

They LOVED how their color "popped" on the black mantel and they felt like they could see everyone coming and going---heck they'd be right by the front door!

 

              

But one of the elders said he felt a bit cramped and- - - - 

                           

"the twins" said part of the view came with a big old wall across from them----BORING!

             

Tiny, the smallest of the Dancing Santas, quickly spoke up and said, "Let's try that swell looking hall tree over there!"

Watching those little Santas jump off the mantel and make their way to the hall tree just warmed my heart!  Izzie was keeping her distance as the little guys scurried by her and on to the next location!

                          

They soon found their spots on the different levels of the hall tree.

I felt they looked pretty swell spread out on that old treasure, but the vision of my husband coming home and not being able to hang his coat on one of the hooks without sending a Santa or two falling to the floor soon entered my head.  I shared that thought with them and they nodded in agreement that this location might not be the safest for them. 

"To the dining room", I heard one of them yell.  Off they went again! 

                                   

I had just dusted some cake plates  and was playing with how they would look going down the middle of the table.  Those Santas LOVED the idea of perching atop those old stands. 

 

 

 

 

 

Yep, they agreed this was a pretty good place, after all, they could kinda see out on the back Veranda and get a little view of the kitchen AND (the part they were the most excited about) they had a great shot of my hubby's big ol' TV!!!!  "Woo-hoo!", they shouted, "we can watch TV if we stay here!"

After awhile, THE STONE RABBIT, came over and told them that the TV wasn't usually on during the day time and when the master of the house came home and took command of the control, they would be subjected to endless hours of ESPN, Fox News, The Discovery Channel, every sporting event known to man, etc..  There would be no Christmas movies or specials.  No Grinch, or Christmas Carol, or Snoopy.  Not even a Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.  No, the master of the house, didn't enjoy that type of thing.

After a little conference, the boys in red decided they wanted to head to the spot where I always put them.  With that decision made, they jumped off the table and headed down the hall.  

                               

Their excitement became apparent when they saw that I had their tree ready for them.  It's a skinny thing, filled with big red lights----a standout in a house that typically uses white ones.

"Ooooohs and ahhhhhhhhs" were heard as they looked at their very own tree, just waiting for them!

                            

In no time at all the Dancing Santas were clammering up their tree. 

They wiggled and moved and positioned themselves within the branches---their smiles were getting bigger and bigger as they took their posts.

 

From the top- - - - -

 

                     

to the middle- - - -

                                

and all the way down- - - -

                                

THE DANCING SANTAS were------- 

                               

 so happy to be back on their tree.  Afterall, they could look out the front window and see all of the happenings in the neighborhood and watch the folks as they enjoyed, prepared and made ready for Christmas.  Oh, and if they were really lucky, they would see a beautiful snowfall or two!

 

Of course, THE STONE RABBIT, will be spending lots of his time hanging out with his Santa friends.  He won't get up in the tree, but he'll just visit beneath and enjoy their special company!

ho, ho, ho!!!!

                         

Please visit Karen at A SCRAPBOOK OF INSPIRATION for links to others who are sharing in her wonderful Chirstmas Fair!!!!!

 

 

DANA 

A "BITTERSWEET" CHRISTMAS!

Last Saturday, Bonnie and I visited our friend, Jill, owner of BITTERSWEET SOAP CO..  She was having her Open House!!!  We were so excited to see her new products----and sample her homemade Christmas cookies!!! 

Jill's boutique is located in Liberty, MO, ---- always a pretty and short drive from our Independence, MO, area.

Her entrance was graced with a fresh pine wreath and.  .   .   .   .

                                      

 she even decorated the darling little building that is just outside  her shop!  She pays attention to EVERY detail!!

 

                                       

Jill has the softest and sweetest touches on every shelf and in every corner of her boutique.

 

               

Among the many handmade items Jill makes, are wonderful soaps.  Here are the ones she is featuring in her Holiday line,  but she also has several other scents.  They are made from natural ingredients and are just the most amazing soaps to use --- EVER!  These samples are unwrapped, but her soaps are sold in beautiful and creative wrappings!

                       

These sweet soaps come in "sticks" and are cinnamon scented!

             

Can't you just imagine taking a long, soaking bath using some of Jill's wonderful Velvet Spice bath crystals?

             

She makes items for the laundry, too, such as her "ironing spray" and. . . . .

                

and "laundry powder"! 

             

Here are some of her Patchouli Soaps---in the special box she creates for them! 

            

Jill is a great seamstress, as well, and  has all sorts of fabric creations---who couldn't drift off to dreamland in one of those cute "night masks"? 

                          

A real popular item at Bittersweet are Jill's lip balms!

          

My goodness, she had the most delicious array of homemade treats ever!  Bonnie and I hung out in the little back room and sampled those delightful confections (more than once, but don't tell Jill!).  She also served the best "frosty" punch out of that cute little punch bowl---and just LOOK at the sweet vintage creamer and sugar bowl she used.  Jill adds special touches to all of our shopping experiences! 

Note:  Jill shared those wonderful cookie recipes on her blog recently!

                           

I apologize for not getting a better photo of this display---also in the back room with the "treats".  Jill had her holiday soaps  beautifully wrapped and displayed on this table.  Bonnie (here) and I were so wowed by the look she had created.  Yep, we bought some of those items!  

                                 

Happy shoppers were found throughout the little shop.

                              

Here are Jill (on the left) and I at her check out counter!  

                 

She LOVES it when Bonnie and I come and visit!! 

                   

Back home, I unloaded my loot from Jill's shop. 

She makes great face and body creams and oils.  I replenished my supply of "Peppermint Foot Creme"--you KNOW what cold, dry air can do to a person's tootsies!!  This product puts the softness back in my old feet!  I also love her "Lavender Liniment" and, of course, her soaps.  I picked out the "Lavender Spice" (front left) and the "Peppermint" (back, white wrapper.)

Jill creates all of those wonderful labels, too!  She's something else!

               

THE STONE RABBIT was a bit miffed that I didn't take him to visit Jill this time.  He understood, however, when I told him her shop was really busy and she wouldn't have had time to talk to him. 

He was very excited when I let him have the sweet ribbon Jill attached to my shopping bag.  It is so festive ---- it has "fa-la-la-la-la" imprinted on it!!!  That made him very happy!

                                   

Please visit Jill's website to see her great lines of products---you won't be disappointed! 

 

DANA

       

"LIFE IS GOOD"---AND A LITTLE PINK!

Last Friday, Bonnie and I were hitting some of the Christmas Open Houses presented by area merchants .  We found ourselves at the Prairie Village Shopping Center in Prairie Village, KS, (part of the metropolitan Kansas City area). 

That's when we decided to pay a little visit to JAKE'S IN THE VILLAGE.

                 

 

This shop is filled with the most wonderful selection of clothing and accessories imprinted with delightful pictures and optimistic messages.   

As we were "oohing and ahhing" over the  items----it suddenly hit me that "GADS!!!!  THERE'S A WHOLE LOT OF PINKNESS going on in this place!"   

This terrific location is a "LIFE IS GOOD" store and it is independently owned by David Schmidt and Cassandra Compton-Schmidt. 

I'm certain Cassandra, pictured on the right,  thought I was a babbling loon when I asked  permission to photograph some of her PINK items for my blog.  (Sometimes my brain just freezes up and my tongue swells when I try to explain "Pink Saturday" to someone.)  However, you can tell by her picture---she is a lovely and sweet gal---and she said "Sure"!  

 

Back to what I already said, the shirts and accessories have MANY uplifting messages in all sorts of categories (and I should say all sorts of colors,too, but I focused on PINK for the purpose of this post!)......

I will share a few of those optimistic thoughts, starting with the very basic and inspiring  "Life is good," to. . .

                   

connecting with nature, to.......   

                    

the joy of sharing with others, to. . . . .

                        

the start of a new family life, to. . . . .

                       

 celebrating a very established family life, to..........

                      

sharing physical fitness preferences, to. . . . . .

                             

promoting good health habits for our self and our environment, to. . . .

                           

taking time to be good to ourself by relaxing and renewing our spirit. . . . . .

 

                          

 

                            

or just simply enjoying life!

                             

Bonnie and I considered how great we would look in one of these numbers---I thought the message was one that might get lots of attention!! 

 Instead. . . .

                            

we each bought a great coffee mug! 

 

       

THE STONE RABBIT was really happy to see the new PINK coffee mug I found at "JAKE'S IN THE VILLAGE".   

 

                                            

 He's been telling me how much better my coffee would taste if I put it in something PINK.  Honestly, I think he's been talking to Beverly!

And speaking of Beverly----you will find a complete list of other bloggers who have great PINK items to share with you, too, just by visiting her at HOW SWEET THE SOUND!

Now, I'm gonna go fill up that PINK mug!

DANA

AUTUMNAL BLISS

 

Autumnal bliss is found-----

beneath the umbrella of beautiful orange leaves, hanging on to the trees as the  sunlight sets them aglow. . . . .

 

        

in the  little girl as she embraces the warm Fall air, while tiptoeing atop a rock wall---dressed in her Halloween finery. . .

                                     

and playing sweet games.

                                      

when the beauty of a glorious Fall day  fills the child's heart with total joy. . . .

                                        

  and  her dad sweeps her up and embraces the precious moment in Autumnal Time----- 

                                           

when the always watchful Mom lets her little one explore the "crunching" Autumn surroundings, while----

                        

   

reassuring her that the pesky invasion of Lady Bugs are a part of the Fall. . . . . .

 

 

 

in a Grandpa who loves to capture the "child in Autumn" through photographs---because she has certainly captured his heart. . . .

       

                             

  and in the Nana who is so thankful she is able to share a Fall moment with this amazing little girl. . . .

                                         

in watching the child as she delights in picking up handsfull of fallen color and. . .  

                                                                        

 playing in the bounty of the trees. . . .  

                           

in the spider also enjoying the November day. . . .

            

and the child  experiencing  a sweet ending to a beautiful Fall outing---"frosting" a cupcake in Autumnal Orange, of course. . . .  

            

 as THE STONE RABBIT spends a few peaceful moments beneath a 3 year old tree---trying to hold on to this splendid time of the year.

           

Holding on. . . .

DANA 

   

A LITTLE PINK "TRICK OR TREATER" !!!

 It alllllllll started with this-----an Abby Cadabby Doll.

For those of you who do not live in the land of Sesame Street---Abby is one of their newer characters !!

My Daughter-In-Law (hence forth referred to as my DIL) wanted my Grand Girl to be this character for Halloween,  partly because she loved her very own Abby Cadabby Doll!  She asked if I had any ideas about the skirt. (She had the rest of the costume pretty much figured out!)

 

Well, I thought and thought and then a bright light came on in my noggin'!!!  My DIL said she had a tu-tu already----so we just needed the outer look of Abby Cadabby's skirt.

What came to my mind was something like THIS---see the neat collars Viv of VIV LIN DESIGNS sent to me and THE STONE RABBIT for a Vintage Halloween Swap? They are lengths of shear ribbon tied on to elastic bands.

                       

I thought maybe she (my favorite DIL) could create a skirt of shear blue ribbons to go on top of the tu-tu--similar to the collars we had received! 

                        

My Grand Girl loves my Halloween Collar.  She wears it as her very own Halloween Skirt!

 

 

NANA DANA,that would be me, was lucky enough to find the perfect little PINK shoes at Target (on sale).   They were a good look with her costume.

  

  This view shows how cute the costume turned out.

My DIL borrowed the wings from a friend.  The PINK shirt and leggings were found on sale at Old Navy and the blue overshirt was also on sale at Target.

In this photo you can see how great the ribbon skirt turned out and how cute the pink shoes were on those cute little feet of hers.  (Sorry, sometimes her cuteness just takes over me!)

 

 

 

Make-up time!  A touch of blue eye-shadow and some litte freckles and she's looking just like the little Abby Cadabby Doll---but LOTS cuter. 

See the loops of ribbon my DIL made to go on each side of her head?  They really gave her the total Abby Cadabby look! 

 

The little Abby Cadabby Doll was a teensy bit hesitant during some of her Trick or Treating stops. 

I didn't blame her.  I have never cared for clowns myself. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Their neighborhood was amazing. 

 There were so many little Trick or Treaters being escorted by their parents.  Many of those parents were  decked out in costumes, too!!  Several homes had opened their garages and decorated them, then they set up little activities for the the kids---plus they were giving out piles of treats.

The Halloween paparazzi was right in with the festive mix snapping photos--yep, that's my big ol back side on the right.

 

 

Little Abby Cadabby became a bit braver as the night went on.  

Check out the Mummy in the foreground---what fun, but not nearly as cute as the Abby Cadabby!  The little PINK wings were starting to tilt a bit by then, but just  LOOOK at how cute she looks!  sigh!

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a great night for a little Pink Trick or Treater---even this little Jack-O-Lantern was sporting a cute PINK bow!

I'll bet Beverly is grinning from ear to ear over that one!

                 

When we got home that night, I showed THE STONE RABBIT some photos of our very own little "Abby Cadabby" and the costume her mom put together for her.  Then I showed him this photo of a costume for sale at Target for $30.00.

 

                    

He felt the one my DIL put together looked much cuter and so much more comfortable AND it ended up being cheaper!

                                                      

He also shared how amazing it was that if I hadn't started blogging, and hadn't signed up for a Halloween Swap and hadn't been paired with Viv and if she hadn't sent us the great Halloween collars---well, heck, what kind of a little skirt would the Little Abby Cadabby have ended up with?  Certainly, it wouldn't have been nearly as cute!

Viv, THE STONE RABBIT, me, my DIL and the Abby Cadabby Doll thank YOU for helping to make her costume complete!

Happy Pink Saturday! 

For more PINKNESS, go on over to Beverly's, at HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a complete list of participating blogs!

 

DANA

PS  Donna at AN ENCHANTED COTTAGE is having a giveaway.  Slip on over there, as you will get a kick out of her "Patience" post and you can toss your name in the hat for a swell prize!  Tell her THE STONE RABBIT sent you! ;)

A PRESENT, A PRIZE AND LITTLE GAMES OF TAG!!!

I am hanging my hi-lited head in shame right this very minute!  I have been so horrible about sharing the great things that wonderful bloggers have so kindly sent my way the last few weeks. 

Will you forgive me if I say I'm sorry?  I've been so wrapped up in the busy time I go through every fall---I just can't keep up with this new blogging-phase of my life!!!  I want to, but I just have to face it---I can't.  SO today, I am making certain I show you the kind and fun things that I recently received from some of my terrific blogging friends!!!

First, Donna, of PARTY WISHES thought of me when she saw this item.

Look at the cute Halloween embellishments she had added all over the box!

 

Inside, a decadent treasure was waiting for me!    OH MY!!!

 

Look at that SWEET JAR of toofers!!!!

 

 

 

 

Isn't that the neatest candy?  You may recall I did a Pink Saturday Post about "decorating with dentures"---I think she felt I needed these gummy teeth!

I loved them, Donna, and I have had a hard time keeping my family members from nibbling away on those chewy teeth!

Donna has a wonderful Children's Party Planning business in California.  You must go visit her web-site, then check frequently on her blog.  She shares the most delightful events with her readers!!!!  She had a Witches Party, too, that was amazing!    Of course, the witches at HER party appeared to be younger than the witches at the party Bonnie had, but I think we were all pretty neat hags---no matter the age!

 

                                    morefun.morefun.morefun.morefun

 

I won a giveaway from Miz Smoochie Lips at UNABASHED REPETITION!

 

 

 

There were two amazing packets within the mailing envelope.

Here's the first one----embellished with vintage wallpaper and prints, ribbon and flash cards!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside this unique sheet music lined wrapping, was a wonderful array of vintage decals!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This second packet was held together by old office paper, tied with a vintage bow and a sweet note to me---written on the back of  Monopoly money!  Clever, clever!

 

 

 

 

 

This packet contained a great supply of vintage wallpaper and Bingo Cards---all for use in my future Creating Projects! 

What a great prize---thank you again, Miz Smoochie!  ;-)

 

 

                                morefun.morefun.morefun.morefun

 

   I was BOO-ED by these fun gals:

Kim of KIM'S TREASURES of 

DOT (not Pat as I erroneously and stupidly wrote earlier) PICKET'S PLACE

       pleassssse, Dot, forgive me!  I am old and tired!

Darlene of DARLENE'S DAYS

This little photo was given as a treat and to be placed on my side-bar, BUT I can't figure out how to do that with the level of TypePad I have---it looked like Greek when I read the instructions (had to do a lot with HTML) and my brain wouldn't process that!!  I would appreciate any and all help from you Type Pad users!!!

And to those folks who sent me this little treat----I'm sending you a big old "thank you"!!!!  I loved being BOO-ED by each of YOU! ;-)

                                       

                     

                                      morefun.morefun.morefun.morefun

 

I was tagged 4 times in the 4th Photo Tag by:

Pat of MILLE FIORI FAVORITI

Jeanne of BACKYARD NEIGHBOR

Donna of PARTY WISHES

Donna of AN ENCHANTED COTTAGE

In this fun 4th Photo Tag Game, you are to go to your picture files, select the 4th one and then pick out the fourth photo in that file!

Since I am pretty new at using  a digital camera, my photo files aren't that old.

This picture is really my 6th photo in that folder.  The fourth one was of my friend Bonnie, and she would KILL me if I put that particular picture out here for the world to see.  The 5th was actually this building, but this photo shows you what is so neat about it!

This picture was taken in Aug. 2007.  Bonnie and I had traveled to Lexington, MO, to "antique" and celebrate my birthday.

This is the Lafayette County Courthouse in Lexington.  The cool thing about it is the cannonball lodged in the top of the left column (your left) on the front of the building.  It is a reminder of the Civil War battle that was fought in that town in  1861.  My dad was a real history buff and I clearly recall, as a little girl, him bringing us to Lexington and showing us the cannonball.   I imagine we (the three kids) were more interested in finding a sweet snack some place in Lexington---and I doubt that we got it---but I do remember seeing that cannonball.

 

Heck, I couldn't stand it.  I zoomed and cropped and stuck ONE MORE picture into this, "the longest post ever"!

I just wanted you to SEEEE the cannonball!  Isn't that amazing?

 

Every year, they re-enact the battle.  I believe it is called "The Battle of Lexington", but when I was in 8th grade, we took a class trip to watch it and I clearly recall it being known as "The Battle of the Hemp Bales", because the soldiers took cover from behind big rolls of hemp.

Lexington is a town filled with Civil War homes that are just magnificent.  It's a place I love to visit----besides being filled with terrific history, there are lots of great antique shops and specialty stores that line the main street.

                                    morefun.morefun.morefun.morefun

Yesterday, Knitty, of LAZY DAYS AND SUNDAYS sent me the "Tag You're It" game.

 

 Here are the official rules:

                     · Link to the person who tagged you

· Mention the rules

     · Reveal six quirky yet boring, mundane, banal and pedestrian     facts about yourself.

  Knitty, what a fun game this is---but I believe I actually did play this game on an earlier post.  HOWEVER, THE STONE RABBIT said he'd like to play, if it's OK with you.  Soooooooo here are six facts about my good friend, THE STONE RABBIT!

1.  I found him about 29 years ago at a seasonal lawn and garden center in Kansas City, MO, shortly after we had purchased our very first house!  He and I clicked right off the bat and have been good friends ever since!

2.  He doesn't have a favorite "time of the year"---he loves all seasons.

3.  He weighs almost 12 pounds.  He used to be a little heavier, but over the years, some of the original concrete on his base has worn off.  He doesn't mind.  He has embraced his "elder years" and is thankful for the amount of concrete that is does have left, as he's still able to maintain his balance!  (I am amazed at how insightful that guy can be!)

4.  He loves the many companions I have brought home to him over the years---and they love him, too!  He feels the company of good friends has helped to keep him young and has also helped to maintain is typical positive attitude!

5.  His favorite song is "Here Comes Peter Cottontail"!

6.  His favorite dance is-----"The Bunny Hop"!

                             morefun.morefun.morefun.morefun

 

 

This GORGEOUS little two and one-half year old red-head is my grand girl.  She's playing a form of "tag"---she's counting for the game of "hide and seek"!

 

We were at a local park taking "fall photos" when I captured this moment.

                          

I told THE STONE RABBIT  how we played Hide and Seek at the park.

Of course, it didn't take him long to organize a little game on our front yard with his friends!

 

THE STONE RABBIT counted to one-hundred- - - - - - -

               

 

while the pretty Planter Bunny took her spot in the Holly bushes-------

                  

and sweet little Flopsy hid behind one of my last blooming Stella d'Ora Daylilies of Summer 2008.  

    

The Big Guy Bunny hid behind the old ice cream bucket planter--------- 

                 

and, lastly, Curly and one of the Concrete Birds giggled while they hid from THE STONE RABBIT under the old wagon filled with pumpkins!!!

   

What fun they had---playing in the yard---not thinking about serious things, like the stock market, terrorism, and food prices.

THE STONE RABBIT realizes the importance of keeping his spirits high and enjoying life as much as he can---especially with family and friends. 

DANA

 

ELECTION DAY 2008

Can you believe the Election Hoop-lah is almost over?  I am glad.

We certainly had a beautiful Mid-western Fall day to fulfill our civic duty in the Kansas City, MO, area--gorgeous blue skies and temperatures in the low 70s.

Here in Missouri, we don't have "early voting" like so many other states do.  Until this year, the number of folks actually voting didn't typically mean a wait at the voting  places, but with the keen interest in the elections and the increased numbers of people who registered to vote, we were warned to be prepared for a large voter turnout and a possible long wait.  This year, many more of our citizens voted early by voting absentee---even up until 5:00 p.m. Monday.  The wait to do that wasn't short, either.

In some parts of the city this morning there were hundreds of folks lined up first thing to vote.  I have heard on the local news that there were a few glitches at some voting places, but for the most part, things seemed to be organized and the actual process went smoothly. . . .as far as I know at this point. 

I didn't go to our voting  location until 12:45 p.m.

 

 

This is what it looked like in the parking lot---and you can tell, there were no lines to get in!

In fact, there was NO ONE inside except me and two other voters----and SEVERAL election workers.  As I finished,  four  voters  walked in.  I'm sure things will pick up as more people get off work.

  

 

THE STONE RABBIT thinks it's really swell that they reward you with a sticker after you drop your ballot in the box.

I told him there were some businesses in the area that were going the extra mile!  This morning, on our local news, we heard that at some locations, you would get a free beer, donut or body piercing if you showed them your voting sticker!

THE STONE RABBIT wasn't impressed---he thought you should vote because it was important AND your civic duty.  He didn't understand why you needed any other incentive.

He's right.

 

DANA