The Stone Rabbit

A Pink Saturday Independence Day 2012 Recap!

 

Our tradition of attending the annual Fourth of July Parade in Sugar Creek, MO, continued this year . . . but MAN. . .it was a HOT one!!!

Umbrellas, sun screen and lots and lots of water were in order for sure!  

As you can tell, I brought my patriotic beach umbrella this year and I was really glad I did as it provided a much bigger amount of shade.

The parade had tons of wonderful enteries and, as you can see. . . 

 

the Grand Girl enjoyed waving at some of them. 

 

 

 

This was the entry from Jacob Turk, who is running for the House of Representatives from the 5th District.  He will have my vote again this year.

 

Grand Boy #1 enjoyed a lollipop while watching the parade.

 

 

He loves firetrucks. . . and this one in particular as it is owned and driven by a friend of ours.

 

 

The Grand Girl and Boy, along with their buddy, are becoming old pros at picking up candy thrown out by the various parade entries!

 

 

As I said, it was a real scorcher this year, so our son spent a lot of his time keeping Grand Boy #2 safely out of the sun.  He slept through most of his first 4th of July parade.  :)

 

 

Speaking of parade candy. . .our DIL (on the right) and her friend, were really happy to snag a box of DOTS!!

Following the parade, we head to a local park to have a wonderful picnic.  Toasting the 4th with good friends has become a tradtion, too.

 

 

My plate!!!

 

 

Following our meal, we were treated to a ride on the vintage firetruck!!

Our friend has made wooden steps so we can get on easier. . .much better than when we used to have to scale the sides!!  He also has wooden benches for us to sit on!

The Grand Girl had a great spot!!  Her dad, 3 year old brother and Nana were on a wooden bench in the back!  :)  Her Mom stayed back at the park with her baby brother this year, as did her grand dad. 

 

 

Later, the owner of the truck was presented with a plaque and a little cash prize for winning 2nd place in the parade entries!!!  Congrats!!!!

 

Because it was sooooo hot, we all left the picnic early this year. . .right after we got our annual group shot of everyone who attended the picnic.    However, just before we gathered for that picture, I was holding a sleeping Grand Boy #2. . .and couldn't resist photographing his amazing little tootsies.  He's 6 months old right now.   Next July 4th, he will be toddling around . . .this year he was content to be passed around so others could cuddle and hug him or to let his big sister and brother push him around in his little umbrella stroller.

Even though it was beastly hot, it was a great holdiay. . .spent with good friends and wonderful family.  I still can't believe it's already been here and gone!!

Our neighbor gave us this cute little woodend flag. . .THE STONE RABBIT really loves it.  

While I was watering this morning, I saw this little clover plant.  I couldn't help myself. . .I had to snatch it up and search for one with four leaves.  I remember my sister and I would spend hours crawling around our yard at home when we were young. . .on the look out for four leafed clovers.  

Such simple summer times.

Later today I return to my doctor to see how my hand is healing. . . with a little bit of luck, I might get to shed this splint!

 

I hope you all had a great Independence Day, too!

Please visit our hostess Beverly of HOW SWEET THE SOUND.  You'll find a very long list of other bloggers who are sharing their July 4th memories or some PINKS!!!

Happy Pink Saturday!!!

 

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.

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

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