White and Black Halloween

The last couple of years I've opted for a black and white Halloween decorating scheme instead of the traditional orange.  I love the chic look and feel of this color scheme and it fits into my decor.  Here's some of this year's decor.  Gotta love Pinterest for always inspiring!

I hope everyone has prepared for the nasty weather coming to the North and Southeast.  Please stay safe and be well!
Jody and the crew

Meet Skinny Sal and some other Halloween Decor

I'd like to introduce you to Skinny Sal.  She's all settled in to read fortunes.

I've supplied her with a goblet and all the scary cider she needs to make it through Halloween!

No Halloween decor is complete without a cemetery and a scary tree hovering over it.

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I've always loved Halloween and all the trimmings!  I'm a little embarrassed to say that I have over 6 rubber maid totes full of Halloween decor!  I'll share more in future posts.

I'm Back and three cheers for Joanne Fabrics

I've been away from blogging for quite some time.  My last post was a very sad one and I do apologize but my heart just wasn't in it after losing my little soul mate.  The extreme heat we had in Western NY this past summer just took all the fun out of it along with the loss of Miss Fergie.

I'm ready for Fall and I've already started my Halloween decorating.  I'll share that in upcoming posts.  I love Halloween and Christmas because of the creativity and imagination those holidays inspire.  Remember those gorgeous velvet pumpkins we started seeing last Fall in Blog Land, magazines, and Esty?  Well, gotta love those trend watchers at Joanne Fabrics because they have them!!!!  I was so thrilled to find one and at 40% off that I almost jumped for joy!  Here's the one I picked (no pun intended) sitting on an old tobacco tin that I have.  I spent less then $8.00 on it!  What are your favorite Fall/Halloween finds you've snatched up so far this year? 

Sad News

Yesterday I had planned a post to celebrate the holiday but my world turned upside down in the early afternoon.  My sweet and devoted Miss Fergie was out of the fence and hit and killed by a car.  She was my soul mate and I was devoted to her as much as she was devoted to me.  I am heart broken.  Let this post express how much she meant to me.  Some day, when I can talk about her again, I will tell her life story. 

June, please don't go!!

It seems as if this month just flew by and It's my favorite month of the year.  This is when my garden comes alive and I can walk around and see the flowers of my labor (haha).  My favorite are the roses even though I lost one or two over the winter.  My favorite is the Eden rose.  Not much as far as scent and oh so beautiful to look at!

Here's my Jackmanii Clemtis.  My house sits back some from the road so this purple really shows up on the front of my house.

I don't remember the name of this little beauty, but it's a climber and it has a wonderful spicey smell to it!  It greets people at the back gate.

And when I'm all done making the rounds at the various flowers, I sit for a spell on my front porch and listen to the water fountain in my small pond.  Hope you had an enjoyable and restful June weekend!

Pond Progress (maybe yes, maybe no)

Mom's got her first guest post and it's by me!  I'm Miss Fergie the Doxie, mom's right-hand gal.  Not sure if mom's mentioned it but we have a small pond out front.  It's quite handy if you're outside and need a drink.  We don't care how "yucky" it is!  So mom's boyfriend weeded and mulched a couple of days ago.  He also set up that cute fence thinking it would keep us away from the pool.  Mom didn't really like having the pond fenced in but didn't want to hurt good intentions.

 Mom dressed it up some to distract from the silliness of having a garden bench to gaze into the water but hindered by a fence.

Mom thinks a solution may be found shortly.  Mom and boyfriend watched Franky jump the little fence and drink from the pond!  Here's the guilty party.  Mom didn't have time to run to get the camera when he jumped.  Really no sense in keeping up a fence that can be jumped!  Happy summer to you all!   Miss Fergie Lee.

Sunday Musings

Sundays are difficult for me especially in the summer late spring and summer months.  I look forward to the weekends but by Sunday afternoon, I'm dreading Monday already.  The constant rain today and chilly temps didn't  today.  Soooo, I thought I'd share some soothing spring pics. 

I've mentioned my love of peonies so this morning I decided to pick a small bouquet before some stems would be on the ground from the rain.  I didn't have the just right size vase and excuse the steam vac in the background!  Please remember, I'm still a very novice blogger!  Two of my other loves is mercury glass and crystal droplets of any kind.  You can't see it, but the table runner is linen with french lettering on it.  Which, reminds me, I haven't been to Hobby Lobby (where I got runner) in "ages."

More of the creamy, crystal dripping.

Finally, my camera is not great but I just really enjoyed taking this picture from my back patio.  So I hope I've made the Monday Morning Blues just a little less bluer!

Peonies in Bloom!

Late May and early June in Western NY is the peak time for peony blooms.  I travel alot for work and today I took note of the many yards that had peonies in bloom.  They are one of my favorite flowers.  I love the ragged, ruffled beauty of peonies and the scent is a bonus!  Here is a small bunch from my peony bed.  I also have white and blush colored peonies. 

I put this small bunch in a vintage silver plated vase I have and set it on my bedroom dresser where I can enjoy them!  Mercury glass votive holders, vintage mirrored tray, and Simply Shabby Chic lantern complete the look. (I scored the SSC lantern at my local Goodwill store for $1.99!)  Happy Thursday!

Clinging Vines

Happy Wednesday!!! Two more days until the holiday weekend!  Things here in Western NY are a little ahead of schedule as far as growth so I thought I'd share one of my favorite flowers: Clematis.  This sweet vine comes in many different colors but this pale beauty is one of my favorites.  It was loaded this year and it greets me each time I pull into my driveway!  This "clinging vine" even wound it's self around the little bird on top of the trellis.  So cute!

Here's a close-up of one of the blossoms.  So pretty!  Happy Memorial Day!

My entryway

The gang and I have not really shared much about our actual home.  Since we will soon be revealing a name for the home, we thought we better share some of our living space.  We use the basket at the door as a drop-all.  The towel for wiping tiny muddy feet.

The metal flower bucket, I painted with chalkboard paint and added branches with tiny LED lights.

Every house with a cat needs a window seat.  No explanation needed!

Every house with a dachshund needs a plump chair to curl up on for naps.

The other corner is for humans to take off shoes and boots.  Every item in this room was purchased at yard sales, rummage sales, and thrift stores.  It's amazing what can be found that other people are parting with!  I know many of you also decorate your homes this way!

I can't believe I havent posted since March 3!!!!

I've really gotta get back into this.  Anywhoo, we recently went to Mrytle Beach, SC for a week.  This is my favorite place in the whole world and would like to relocate there in future.  We stay at a wonderful place called Ocean Lakes Family Campground.  The ocean and beach setting are so inspiring to me and get me motivated for the summer.  We missed the freaky snow storm in Western NY that week!  Here's a pic I took to hopefully motivate you all to get ready for summer!

The flowers were a reminder of the ocean for me because I purchased them at Wal-Mart on the morning we left.  Their tag read "ocean colors" or something like that.  I stuck a broken tea cup and wooden eggs in to "pretty it up."

I put some sea shells I collected on the beach into one of my little angel terra cotta pretties.  I just love walking the beach and finding shells!  Each one I pick, whether for color, pattern, or shape, tells a story of the ocean. 

I saw this yard/garden one of my many golfcart treks around the resort.  This woman's yard was amazing with such a small space.  Hint, hint, one of the items in the pic gave me project inspiration that I'll share soon!

I must say, being away from the dogs, or should I say, the dogs being away from us, there were a couple near tragedies, making me realize our next trip will have to be planned differently.

Do you have a special place you just love to go, whether for a day, a weekend, or a week?

I've been AWOL again.  Having some gastro issues and the dreaded colonoscopy is this coming Tues.  While I have been feeling sorry for myself (threw a dry piece of toast across the kitchen the other day due to frustration!), I found this pic this am and it put things into perspective for me.

I think you can probably tell by now I love animals.  My fur babies are just that, my kids.  Miss Fergie Lee, the mini dachshund is my soul-mate and we both suffer if we are apart.  This pic touched my soul and Miss Fergie's as well.

This gentleman and his dog are victims of the tornadoes that hit Alabama yesterday.  He was able to return and find his beloved Coco in his home.  Any animal lover knows the meaning of this picture; the emotions that both are feeling.  Coco's expression of emotion, yes, animals have emotions, says it all: love, devotion, relief, and "it's ok, now, he's here, and we're both ok."  God bless them both.   Please keep all living things effected by the tornadoes in your thoughts and prayers.  Also, if you don't have an emergency plan for your pets, now is the time to start one.  I'm going to do that.

Jody

Oops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are the photos that are supposed to go with Emme's story. Can't tell I'm a rookie blogger can ya? Soooo embarrassed right now!

On a Roll (a fur ball)

Due to being under the weather recently I haven't had the energy to put my creative juices to the test. Since my "staff" (pets) are also a huge part of my family and lifestyle. Each has a unique story and personality.

As far as felines go, Simon, and Emma Louise (Emme) are the exact opposite. Emme is female, of course, quite a bit younger (5 yrs. old) and still loves to play. Simon DETESTS the outdoors, Emma was nearly killed by it but still longs for it. We've had her since she was a small kitten, rescued from the neighbors neglect. She is very loving and becomes so involved in rolling around on a person's lap, she falls off occasionally. She is the feline version of our princess.


Three years ago, during the height of Emme's obsession with trying to go outside, she would make every attempt to escape during dog transfers, people going in and out (especially when it's not someone in the house everyday to remember the rule), etc. She was often easily caught, not so much soon thereafter. When she did get out and we couldn't immediately find her, we would get up in the morning to her on one of the porches wanting to come in. The always worried me; we live on a very busy state route which semis use all the time to connect to towns farther off the interstate. The last, time, she didn't come home for 3 days. My mother and kids had already walked up and down the road looking for her. We drove around.

On the morning of the fourth day, I opened the front door to let the dogs out and Emme was laying on the porch. She was filthy, dried blood on her hind area, and she couldn't walk. She could only crawl. She had no control of her bladder and released it while I made a soft bed and we cleaned her up as best I could. Even in obvious great pain, she rubbed her head against me and meowed. At the vet, the news wasn't great. Both hips were broken and she was greatly dehydrated. One hip was broken in more then one piece. Our vet said she had probably gotten hit by a car and the dried blood and her condition told him she probably had crawled the entire way home, crawled through our picket fence and crawled up the large cement stairs to the front porch. Emme knows which door we use for the dogs:the front. The vet said she must really have wanted to get home.

After a few days she could come home, hydrated, with antibiotics, and complete crate rest for a couple of months. Emme healed and has no limp or indication she was injured. We spoil her rotten. She, respectfully, will edit and select all outdoor post photos and story lines.
Jody

MIA2 and Post Valentine's Day Cuties

I was under the weather again and wasn't up to blogging. Anyhoo... I'm a little late with Valentine's Day so please don't judge. lol! Here is one of the post-Valentine's Day cuties I wanted to share: The store with the big red circle has great holiday decor and party accessories. I'm always on the look out for cheap soft, fleecy blankets for my doxies. Doxies love to burrow under and we live in a big old farmhouse which can be chilly in the winter. I got this cute blanket for around $5.00! This will look perfect in "the girls'" crate! Right now I am also enjoying it!

The second but most important cutie is sitting on the first cutie! This is Lexi. I thought I would make her my "Valentine" and spotlight her sweet/tender heart. Lexi is a beautiful 3 yr.-old double dapple dachshund. Lexi is deaf and partially blind. This is genetic, the consequence of breeding for that coat color/pattern, eye color as well. On that same gene as the desired traits is the deafness and visual impairment traits.

Lexi was bought off the back of a pick-up truck on the side of the road near Oklahoma City. A buy bought her for his girlfriend, realized she was deaf, and didn't want her. She was surrendered to a shelter there, transferred to a Kansas City. Then flown to NYC. A volunteer private pilot organization then flew Lex from NYC to Ithaca. We drove the 4 hrs. to get her. She has to have periodic medication for eye issues and will could go completely blind.

Lexi loves everyone and everything except pavement. She hates pavement; will not walk on it. She is always cheerful and happy. Always eager to meet a new human or pet friend. She knows quite a bit of sign language words which we use close to her face. My ex-husband and current husband are deaf, my children sign fluently, and I was an interpreter for the deaf. Using sign with her is natural. She's got such a big, open heart and when she plays she puts her whole being into it. Lexi sensed immediately Mom had a new blankie and Lexi was in love, again.

Ruffled French Bloomers Publicist

Actually, this position was created to make sure sure HE was included in this endeavor. HE is Simon, my lynx point siamese. He is 13 years old and is the true monarch of RF Bloomers. He is the serious, stuffy, but regal overseer whose staunch decorum keeps the chaos in check. He acknowledges only one dog and DOES NOT GET DIRTY. Simon also DOES NOT engage in silly or questionable behavior, so who better for "publicist." We'll only do silly posts or posts on undergarments when Simon is napping. Have a restful Sunday! Respectfully yours, Jody and the crew.

Valentine's Day decor and Pinterest

I'm not really "into" Valentine's Day. I don't know why. I have always loved vintage and romantic things. I still give my children cards and a small gift/candy on Valentine's Day. They are ages 22 and very-near-to 17. This is a family tradition on my mother's side. My mother still gives me a card and small gift/candy on Valentine's Day.

This banner is really my only actual Valentine's Day decor. I bought it at Christmas Tree Shoppes several years ago on clearance for around .49. I had planned to use it as a pattern, but pulled it out recently and all it needed was a little hot glue! The window it hangs from was a yard sale bargain at $6.00. It's leaded glass. My son doesn't get the concept of hanging it in the "middle of a room". I love it.

I am addicted to Pinterest. I have so many recipes and ideas to try! Even the outfit combos displayed are great! Anyway, my daughter suggested I not just browse but share my own pictures I've taken or things I like. But........I have already forgotten most of the instructions she so patiently shared and visually showed me! I'll keep trying! Enjoy your weekend!

MIA and a sweet(s) vignette

It's probably not a good idea for a new blog to miss a few days posts, but when I'm sick, I'm sick.

I'm also trying to lose weight, but I just could not bring myself to put away my sweet(s) vignette prior to Valentine's Day. So far, so good, I haven't been tempted to cheat too much after looking at the vignette. Here's the display in question. Yum!