Vacation!

I just thought I would shout it for the world to hear: I AM ON VACATION! I have twelve whole days away from the nursing home! woo hoo! Here is a picture of April and Sweet Pea in their new beach gear.... ready to go!

Brother-Sister

As you can tell, Butterbean loves his new little sister, Sweet Pea! They are now sleeping in the same crate during the day!

Our new baby

I copied this picture from my daughter's blog (April's Flowers) so I could show off our newest baby. We adopted Butterbean a few months ago (he was one of my very first posts). We then decided that he needed a little sister to play with. Last Sunday we adopted this little girl and named her Sweet Pea. (she really is sweet!) Butterbean is enjoying his new sister, but he sometimes thinks she is his wife (girl toy) if you know what I mean. We are hoping to take care of that little problem by having him neutered when we get back from vacation. Poor Butterbean! (do you think my daughter and this dog look a little bit alike? I do!)

Amish Girl

This little Amish girl is a favorite of mine. I bought her probably 15 years ago from a little church that had been made into a shop in Pollocksville, NC. I was working in Home Health back then and was able to stop along the way from home to home. The lady who ran this place was a retired nurse and she actually painted this little girl. When I bought it, it was mounted inside a "country" style wooden peg frame, which had lost its appeal to me over the past few years. I had a friend to remount it inside the black frame and now it is hanging proudly in my kitchen again! My husband and I have visited Lancaster, PA two times and I dearly loved the Amish country and their lifestyle. I would like to go back again some day!

Pink Flowers

These have to be my favorite flowers growing in my flower beds. I planted these the first year we were here and they have come back a little fuller each time for the past two years. For them to have such a delicate look, I am surprised at how prickly the centers feel.

Bird box

This is one of my favorite things way back in the corner of our yard. I can't get too near it, as there always seems to be birds inside. Last year I was attacked by mama bird when I was picking grapes near the box. This box sits pretty close to my new clothesline, so I have to be careful when I'm out there! The previous owners left this for us to enjoy.

Jesus is Lord

I took the scenic route on my way into town today and thought I'd show you one of my favorite signs. Grays Chapel is a small rural community nearby, which has its own elementary school and a couple of churches, but that's it. This sign always catches my eye and it makes me proud that a community would still honor and profess to love the Lord this way.

My gift

The husband of one of my patients brings me a treat almost everyday. (candy, home grown squash, cantaloupes) He makes these ducks as a hobby and surprised me with the this one a few days ago. He reminds me so much of my Daddy's daddy; always joking and saying what's on his mind! This patient will be going home soon and I will truly miss her and her husband.

New Lamps!

Those of you who know me, know that I have wanted new lamps for quite sometime. Saturday we were in TJ Maxx and I saw two of these lamps and loved them. My husband tried to get me to buy them then, but I wouldn't do it. I just couldn't get those lamps off my mind after we got home. I had to work Monday and Tuesday (12 hour shifts) and I kept thinking of those lamps... they were the only two in the store! My daughter and I went back on Wednesday and thank goodness, they were still there!

What I did today...

Okay, I changed out the things on my mantel today. (is that spelled mantel or mantle? I don't know) I think I like this better than before. The two small green pottery pieces were made by my daughter when she took a pottery class in high school. The small purple/tan vase on the right was a gift from my best friend for Christmas. It is called a Naomi and Ruth Vessel...."The Naomi and Ruth Water Vessel symbolizes love, loyalty and friendship. May it be between mothers-in-law and daughters, sisters, or best friends. Its two handles remind us that sometimes, one is just not enough. Two may be needed to overcome hardships and strife. Together you can weather any storm and accomplish any goal."