The Stone Rabbit

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

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Our Wordless Wednesday theme for this week:

  MARDI GRAS--FAT TUESDAY!!!!!

We thank Dixie of FRENCH LIQUE, TEXAS for hosting these great Wordless Wednesday visits!  Please click on her blog name for links to other photos representing the theme!

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.

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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

        

A PINK SATURDAY VALENTINE!

THE STONE RABBIT wanted to make this PINK SATURDAY post special--he wanted to have some goodies and little valentines ready for the wonderful visitors this week.

So he gathered his good buddies--the other concrete yard ornaments--and told them what he had in mind.

First, he shared with them that Bonnie had given me a little heart cookie cutter as part of my Valentine gift and that he had talked me into helping him make some sugar cookies for our PINK Saturday guests!

Yes, he helped with every little step of the cookie making process---the mixing of the ingredients and the rolling and the cutting out of the dough!

He wasn't real thrilled that I let the first batch get a little too brown, but I told him I had inherited my cookie baking skills from my mom.  We learned to love scorched cookies at my house when I was growing up ! :)

He was thrilled when I told him he could mix the frosting!

He did get a little bit too much red food coloring in the bowl--he wanted the frosting to be PINK for his Pink Saturdays guests, but we decided the red would be OK!

THE STONE RABBIT had so much fun spreading the bright red frosting on the cookies--didn't he do a great job?

The little friends loved the cookie idea!

Then THE STONE RABBIT told his friends that, for the next part of the Pink Saturday surprise, he needed their help!

He told those gathered that he wanted to make a special Pink Saturday Valentine card for his visitors--one that would let them know how he felt about them!

With that--he quickly tossed out some PINK paper hearts and told his buddies to think of what they could do with them that would send his special message out to the folks who visited on Pink Saturday.

The little crowd scratched their heads and thumped their feet and wiggled their ears and ------

whispered and giggled and finally told their Valentine Leader what they had in mind!

When they did, THE STONE RABBIT smiled his sweetest of smiles and excitedly said- - - -

GIVE ME AN "L"

"L!" belted the Little Bunny!

GIVE ME AN "O"!!

"O!" shouted Curly!

GIVE ME A "V"!

"V!" echoed Baby Bunny!

GIVE ME AN "E"!!

"E!" said Flopsy in her loudest voice!

"WHAT DOES THAT SPELL?" asked THE STONE RABBIT.

"LOVE!!!!!"  answered the little group!

"I CAN'T HEAR YOU!" replied THE STONE RABBIT!

 

"LOVE!!!" returned the excited little bunnies!

"One more time!"  said THE STONE RABBIT!

"LOVE!----WE LOVE YOU PINK SATURDAY VISITORS!"

And with that, THE STONE RABBIT nodded in approval!  This was exactly the message he wanted to share with everyone today!!!

THE STONE RABBIT hopes you enjoyed your Valentine and a couple of cookies and if you want-- - - -

he thought we could play a little Scrabble! 

Happy Pink Saturday and Happy Valentine's Day!

 

For MANY MORE  Pink Saturday places to visit, just click on Beverly's, HOW SWEET THE SOUND!

DANA and THE STONE RABBIT and his good buddies!

FRIDAY'S FAVE 5

Susanne, of LIVING TO TELL THE STORY, is hosting our weekly share of some of the special moments that help to make our lives full. 

Last Friday night, my husband and I saw Steve Martin in PINK PANTHER II at our little restored theater on the court house square in Independence, Missouri.   The movie had a very low rating in our Kansas City Star newspaper---and rightly so----however, I love Steve Martin, so he made the show entertaining enough for me.

I think what is most enjoyable, however, is being able to attend the show in this particular venue.  A local lawyer and his wife have brought many a new restaurant and shop to the buildings around the square.  They added the movie theater about a year or so ago and most recently, they revived an old bowling alley!  We haven't checked that out, yet, but a group of friends and us will be doing that soon!

Back to the theater---it's close, it's clean, it has a great staff and it does not have the deafening sound system that the newer, bigger theaters do.  It's just a sweet spot to go watch a show.

After we left the theater, we headed to "downtown" Kansas City---to the River Market area--to eat at Dos Hombres (we had a gift certificate!).  My husband took the scenic route, staying off the interstate, to our destination.  We passed this building---OK Furniture!  This is the spot, some 40 years ago, that my groom and I bought our very first bed!  Yep, for $54.00 we came home with a full-size mattress, box springs AND frame!  It wasn't the greatest quality, but we used it for a few years until we were out of school and able to buy a queen size set.  I thought I had died and gone to heaven! 

On Wednesday, my buddy Bonnie came over.  We hadn't seen each other for over a month---far too long.  We always exchange little gifts on special occasions---such as Valentine's Day!  We enjoyed a cup of tea, a little chat, gift exchange, then we went out for a  late breakfast!

As we were leaving the restaurant, we saw this truck in the parking lot!  The antenna was festooned with peacock feathers!  I told Bonnie, when I was a kid, the folks who lived across the street from us raised peacocks---we loved it when we would find their feathers on the ground!  We didn't love the calling sounds they made at all hours---they sound like they're screeching "HELP, HELP"! 

Finally, THE STONE RABBIT  and I loved putting together  a little Bucket of Love for my Granddaughter.  We hope she has fun with her treasures.  
 

Be sure to visit Susanne's blog for links to lots of other folks who have some of their favorite shares!!!

DANA

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Our topic for Wordless Wednesday this week is LOVE!!!

Please visit our LOVELY hostess, Dixie, at FRENCH LIQUE, TEXAS for links to other LOVING blogs!!

DANA

PINK "AID"

We're getting some of the supplies lined up for our Special Little Visitor!!!

The Little Girl will be here soon---ready to spend a fun-packed Saturday and Saturday night with her Nana and Grandpa. 

The first of the items this Nana must have ready is  a fresh supply of Cheerios---a favorite culinary delight of The Little Girl's !!  When all else fails---The Little Girl can fill up on that tasty oat cereal!!!   All is ready:   Cheerios, bowl and spoon. . . . . and  the Sippy Cup! Yes, indeed, good to go!

This "vintage highchair", found at a garage sale (by her Nana) for $2.00, is for The Little Girl, to sit in at the kitchen island,  instead of perching on top of one of the bar stools!  It stays in a corner waiting for visits from The Little Girl.  It's the perfect height--and a little safer  because of the back and sides.  THE STONE RABBIT enjoys sitting in it, too.  Guess they will have to share.

We are having some warm temperatures----if the weather stays nice, we'll take a long walk around the neighborhood.  The Little Girl has always loved doing this---even when she was a teeny little babe!  Her first trip to the Mall was in this stroller and she was just a few weeks old!!  Her mom and her Nana wedged her in with little rolled up receiving blankets---she did just great.  She was born to be "out and about"!!

                                                                

When we finish taking a walk, Izzie hopes The Little Girl will throw her "fetch toy"!!  The Little Girl is getting better and better about tossing it out toward the yard for Izzie to chase and "sometimes" return.  Izzie doesn't really care if it goes very far or not---she just likes being outside with The Little Girl!

Later that evening, after The Little Girl has her beloved bath, she'll spend lots of time cuddling with her Nana and Grandpa and reading books!

Twiggy has already picked out some good ones---the one on the top of the stack was one given to The Little Girl's daddy when he was born!!!  It was read to him lots and lots of times!  Don't tell The Daddy I said this, but his book is now called "vintage"!!! :)

When it is time for bed, The Little Girl, will fetch the two favorite blankets she brings from home and will be tucked in by her Nana and Grandpa.  She also likes to sleep with this blanket---one made by her Nana for her own Little Girl nearly thirty years ago.  

Hmmmmm--- this blanket is "vintage", too. 

If the book and blanket are vintage, that means The Nana is "very vintage"!! 

The Little Girl doesn't care!!!  

When The Little Girl is sleeping,  the Nana will fill the new little Busy Bag full of fun playthings.  When The Little Girl starts to become a bit tired of sitting like an angel in church, she can check out the surprises tucked away in the pockets of the little bag. 

One other item Nana added to her supply stash is a new box of Pink "Hello-Kitty" Band-Aids!!  You never know when The Little Girl might need  one for a little boo-boo---or just to put on a sweet finger and wear because she loves the little kitty picture!   ;)

And sometimes-------THE STONE RABBIT needs a little Pink Band-Aid, too---like when he cuts himself while shaving !!!!

There are so many other bloggers just waiting with LOTS of "Pink Aid" for you at Beverly's HOW PINK SWEET THE SOUND! OOOPS!  I did it again!  :)  It must be that "vintage" thingy!

Thank you Beverly, for being our Queen of Pink and keeping our Pink Saturdays running so smoothly!!

DANA