Alot has happened!

Guess it is time for me to update here! Since I last posted, we took a trip to Montana to spend Easter with my husband's family. We flew up on the 9th of April and returned on the 16th. What a change in weather! The first couple days were in the high 60's to low 70's...then it got much colder and even went to bed one night with the snow falling...it snowed all night and some the next morning! I figured that was a gift to me since wherever I go....it NEVER snows! For the most part it doesn't even storm (since I love storms and of course snow)! Living in the Sacramento valley in northern California...snow only arrives "maybe" once every 10 years! This picture was taken along a country road out of Billings. Not much snow I know, but to me it was beautiful!!

Along the way, Will took a picture of the new addition to the cemetary where his father and brother are buried....the Veteran's Cemetary....very nice with the flags, etc.

Now that we are home....we are having a heat wave!! UGH!! It has been in the 90's the past couple days. I think it got up to around 95 or more today. Just dreading what lies ahead in a month or so. At least it is supposed to cool down by the end of the week! All in all, we had a nice time in Montana, played some fun pinochle games and had a nice Easter dinner, but always good to get back home.

While we were gone our son-in-law, Brian, was in the hospital in San Francisco for his last round of treatments for kidney cancer. This was the hardest one for him I think. He was about ready to put up the white flag, but he did manage to get in 5 treatments and is back home now. He will be tested again and if there is anything there he may go in for another round of treatments. Of course, our prayers are for a clean bill of health. As always, prayers are still needed and so much appreciated!

Things are slow on ebay but I do need to be sewing again....so tomorrow that is on my list! I have an order for a large rabbit and then should get busy on my Christmas Goose items. It is just so hard to make Christmas in April...especially with the 90+ weather outside! But...I will be much happier in the fall if I get on this now!!! So....wish me luck with the motivation!!

Shoppe Updated!

I am finally done with Easter! Meaning, sewing! I did pretty well with my sales on ebay, although didn't get the prices I would have a year ago. I decided to put the one in my shoppe and made up a couple other things for the month. I made this ornie from a Kindred Spirits pattern I have had for years...decided to make one up and here it is! I had this huge stash of old wool given

to me some years back and it came in soooo handy when it came to looking for colors to make this ornie.

The other two rabbits in my shop are made from wonderful Kentucky Primitive patterns. They are both on the small side and so cute in person. Wish I had more time to make some others up but time flies...and it will soon be time to make Americana....or start on my sewing for my big sale in the fall...the Christmas Goose.

Sunday we had a very nice day. After church we went to a play in Sacramento with three other couples. We saw "Sexy Laundry"! The reviews on it mentioned..for adults only so we are all thinking we are going to see something on the nude side or quite racy!! Funny since we had to go on a day other than our scheduled date each couple were sat in a different part of the theatre (which is in the round). Of course we are wondering who is going to get the best veiw, especially the men in the group since it is usually the woman that disrobes when it does happen. Well..none ot that but some suggestive language...but sooooo funny! I think it was one of the best we have seen. Afterwards we went to the Olive Garden..which was yummy, but Will didn't find it to agree with him. He swallowed something that he said was super hot and bothered him that night and the next day...so guess no more Olive Garden for him! LOL Anyway, it was a great day!

We are off to Montana for Easter. This will be a change in weather for us since it has been in the 70's and 80's here and they have been having snow!!! I am trying to figure out what to take that will still fit the season! Will write later to let you know how it all went. Hoping everyone has a Blessed Easter.

As you can see..Spring is here!!

As you can see from this beautiful weeping cherry tree...it is spring here in northern California! It was given to us when my mom passed away and is a wonderful memory of her every year it blooms! For those who live in the areas of the country still snowed in....we have leaves on our trees already!



I did manage to get another rabbit listed this week on ebay. I sold one today but not for nearly what I got last year. With the economy in the tank...I just feel lucky if I manage to sell my dolls at all! This one has no bids yet but there are a couple days left so will see!! She may end up in my shop for the next week! Not sure where I will go from here. Can't seem to come up with any ideas on what to make next. I have named this one April, probably the last one I make for the season.



A follow up on our son-in-law Brian. He is now home from his third round of treatments. He has a week at home, then back for his fourth and last round. Each round seems to be harder on him so we pray he can get through this last one with at least the five he has been able to take. So...prayers are still needed.



Yesterday my daughter, Rhonda, and I went Easter shopping. We had a nice day at the mall, had a light lunch then shopped some more. I found some great things at my favorite store...Christopher & Banks. Of course two were in my favorite colors...black! Now I have to wonder, can you wear black for Easter!! I see it out there but for some reason always seems like a winter color. We will be in Montana for Easter so maybe black would be appropriate since they are having a winter snow storm tonight and more expected through the week! It was in the 80's here yesterday so hard to imagine!

Another Round!

This picture has been posted before, but it just seems so appropriate for what our son-in-law is going through. He is now on his third round of treatment for Kidney cancer. The "thumbs up" just seem to go along with his upbeat sense of humor and attitude. He is not feeling too well tonight, but has had his third treatment of the week so it all goes with the series of injections. He is so many different reactions after receiving the injection, but puts up a fight till he just can't take anymore. His treatments so far have proved to be on a very good plus side...so our prayers are he will be healed soon from this dreadful disease. Prayers still very much appreciated! (funny, in this picture he is sitting at my computer amongst my mess and doll bodies..but the pic is worth a thousand words)!

I was so excited to see my Redbud tree finally in bloom! We had a huge weeping birch tree in that location, which we planted when we built our home 34 years ago and I LOVED that tree!! I couldn't imagine my back yard without it...and all the shade it provided. I fought my hubby for several years as he wanted it removed due to rot in the center. It was a clump birch and it began rotting in the base. But, one day I was watching the granddaughters playing in the back yard and thought..wouldn't be awful if a big trunk suddenly just fell on one of them! So...after thinking it over I conceded. We immediately purchased this Redbud tree and now I really like it..and our yard seems to do so much better with more light. Not sure what that round circle is in my picture!! LOL...but my hubby sat the birdbath on the old stump...laughed at that but sort of neat!! Now I have to get out there and clean up all the old debris from last year and get started on planting for the summer.

I finally sold my last rabbit so thought...maybe I will try one more..so finished this one up today and got it listed tonight. I was pleasantly surprised when I looked a couple hours later and I had a bid already! I was sure no one would want her..she is quite prim! I do like the angel part of her though. I have lowered my prices alot lately but they seem to be slowly selling so something is better than nothing! I may do a couple more things and then need to get on my supply for the Christmas Goose, a huge two sale in the fall held here locally. I usually try to get around 300 items made so need to get on it early. Then, need to come up with something for my shop....haven't a clue what at this point!

Will return with the latest on Brian...hopefully he can tolerate a few more rounds before he comes home. He has a week off then back for his final series.

It's Spring!

Not a very big plant, but as you can see...spring has sprung and the flowers are starting to appear! My primroses and iris are blooming. My roses are full of buds and my tulips will soon be opening up! We planted around 50 bulbs this year and some will be in bloom soon! My weeping cherry (or whatever it is...my girls will know) is full of buds..as is my Redbud. Can't wait to take pics of them when they are open..oh yes the lilac will be open soon also. My one forsytha is also very pretty this year. Last year my dh decided to prune early...well you know what happened...no flowers!! I try to tell him some plants you don't prune before they bloom...but you know you can't tell a man a thing!! Oh well..there is always next year!! LOL

Yesterday I decided to re-do my rabbit a bit since it hasn't sold with two listings on ebay!! I decided to add some flowers and a basket..then made some clay eggs...so will see. I did sell another one today so things are moving...though slowly! And, of course not getting the $$ for the same things a year ago. Of course, with this lousy economy I just feel lucky to get bids or a sale on my shoppe. If Abigail doesn't find a new home this time..guess she will have to live here with all the other ones that haven't sold!! LOL

Tomorrow is my dental appointment in Roseville so will see if I can find some "fun" things to do afterwards. There is a craft place called the Wishing Well I may check out. Was thinking maybe they might have some of the tiny bears, etc for my santa bags. Will let you all know what or if I find something!

Great News!!

First of all....for any of you that have followed the story about Brian (our son in law) on Deb's blog (Dollgiver's Attic) and Linda's blog (Simpletresures) and his cancer journey...we received great news today!! He has been in an aggressive treatment for advanced Kidney Cancer. We found out today his tumors have shrunk by 50%...so its working! He will go back for another round of treatments in a week or so, but now we all know it is working and from now on have a very positive outlook for him. The prayers have worked...so all of you please keep praying!

This picture is of Brian and Rhonda in December, when we had a great family reunion. All of our kids came from Oregon and Indiana, then we went to a neat little town and spent a couple days together...had a great time!

Amongst all the excitement from the great news....I did manage to get a couple things listed on ebay!! YEAH! Now for the sales..??? This bunny is one of the ones I listed...he is small and love the way he turned. Now....like everyone else...have to wait for the bids! This has been a hard time for sales...not many people bidding and Easter will be here in a few weeks. I am sure everyone is feeling the financial pinch and many looking but not many buying. Regardless, have to keep plugging along and see how it all plays out.

As far as Easter being on the way....not hard to believe by the weather we are having. It has been in the 70's so far this week and many of our fruit trees, plants etc are blooming. The birds are also quite busy! I have two bird feeders and have to fill them every other day..fun to watch! I will try to get a few pictures for my next visit...to show some of the plants in bloom.

Time Flies!!

First off...wishing my son James a Happy Birthday today! Like I said, how time flies! It seems it wasn't that long ago when he was small...now he is living in Indiana and only get to see him and his family once or twice a year. Thank goodness for the internet though as we do keep in much closer contact through e-mails and the messenger! Would hate to think of life without it!!

The last time I posted we, or maybe I should say I, was wondering how we were going to get my new fridge into the house.....and hoping it would fit in the opening. Well...if fit! I LOVE it! It is so much nicer than that old almond colored one we had and also love the french doors, bottom freezer and water and ice dispenser!

I have been busy (to some degree) on a few sewing projects. I didn't sell this rabbit with the carrots so.....added a youngin to her and named him Briar and listed today on ebay. I do like them in person but just seems like sales are so bad right now. I went down in my prices to see if that makes a difference, but who knows! I am sure I am not alone in this department.

We have had tons of rain the last couple weeks. Just got a call from Will that there is a warning of hail and thunder and lightning in the county north of us so am watching the sky to see if it gets dark here. If so...this computer is going off!! Don't want to take a chance in messing it up due to a power outage. Yesterday I got up to a hail storm and loud crack and the power went off for around an hour. We need the rain though since California is in a drought so they say. The water levels have gone up in reservors though, and if storms keep coming our way, maybe we can make up. So...on that note, I think I will end this and keep an eye out for changing conditions!!