Love of Reading (going to the dogs?)

I have always been an avid reader.  Now, I have the ideal job for me - working part time at the library.  There are so many books that cross my desk that I want to read I couldn't get to them all in my life time.  One really awesome program the library offers is Reading PAWS.  A highly trained dog (we have a lovely greyhound, Cory) comes to the library and children who are struggling with reading can read aloud to the dog for a period of time.  The dog is non-judgmental and offers a "good listener" for these kids.  How cool is that?
I believe the best thing parents can do for their children is read to them when they are young and, hopefully, install in them a love of books.  I didn't think this included dogs.   I always knew my dogs were smart fellows (while at least Sam) ,  apparently, my doggie boys are into reading, too! 

Sam is always trying to improve himself!

He is learning as much as he can about his arch enemy
in order to protect me!

According to Oliver,
"Reading is so hard!  And it makes me
really hungry!  Got any treats?"



This reading stuff is just too much work!
I would much rather nap!

Oh, well. 

He's Back!

We had a dry spell here in Georgia.  Over three weeks without any rain.  While I watered as much as I could, my plants were looking a little distressed.

Then over Labor Day weekend we finally got the rain we needed.  We also got tornado's in my county, but that is another story and I came out of it safe and sound and so were all of my friends. 

Along with the rain, out came the toads again.  I hadn't seen them in a while do to the lack of rain.  I assumed they were buried deep in their little toad holes, protected from the sun and heat during the day and eating bugs at night. 

The second day of rain I was getting ready for bed and I saw something on the threshold between my bedroom carpet going into my master bath.  Yup.  It was my friend, Mr. Toad.  (See previous post on toads.)

Now, think about this.  Mr. Toad hopped into the screened porch and across the kitchen, down a hallway, across the master bedroom and almost into the bathroom.  And, he avoided me and two dogs. 

Needless to say, after giving me a little chase (thank goodness he didn't hop under the bed) he was gently escorted back outside where he belongs.

If you believe in animal totems, this is what Lin's Domain (http://www.linsdomain.com/) has to say about the toad:

The appearance of a Toad heralds a successful time of drawing upon and using our inner resources.
Toads are associated with money and luck – especially changing your luck from bad to good.
People with a Toad totem can see things and people more clearly.
A Toad heralds the need for self-examination. Ask these questions:
Am I hesitating to act and missing opportunities?
Am I allowing fear to hinder progress?
Have I forgotten my inner strength?
A Toad totem is a representation of the Moon, and represents both Life and Death.
In alchemy, the Toad signifies the dark side of Nature.
In the ancient cultures of Mexico, the Toad symbolized the Earth.


Other websites suggest the toad symbolises inner strength and resources and time to take a "leap of faith."

Hmmm, something to think about, I guess.  I am beginning to think Mr. Toad does have a message for me.  And, he did make it into my bedroom - not the office area, quilting room or guest bedroom.  Or, maybe I'm making something out of nothing! 

In any event, I'm still not kissing a toad.  No matter where he shows up!

A Master Fit for a Queen (or Princess, whichever works!)

You may double click on each
picture to see it in a larger format

 Finally.  My master bedroom and attached bathroom are FINISHED!

My dragonfly themed quilt was truly a labor of love.  It turned out huge, but perfect.  I based everything around the room on this quilt.  It has special meaning to me and will always be one of my most treasured possessions. 

I thought the most difficult part of this room would be the quilt.  But, that proved to be the easiest.  The most difficult was painting the room.  While I love my tray ceiling with the crown molding, it was hard to paint around.  Thankfully, the best brother-in-law in the universe, Marlon, came to my rescue and painted the inner ceiling for me.  He and my nephew, Paul, painted the bathroom for me, too.  I tried to paint the ceiling and got some of it done, but it really caused havoc with my neck and shoulders.  But, the walls in the master were all painted by me.

If you look closely, you can see the two
different paint colors I used in the room. 
The color on the bed wall was also
used in the bathroom

Once I had the quilt pieced and it was sent up to Meandering Mary in Wisconsin (I knew she would do a fabulous job and she did) for quilting, it was time to pick out paint colors.  Seems like everyone who came over was asked their thoughts and all had a different opinion.  Even my dear friend, Shelley, who lives in North Canton, Ohio, had her thoughts.  And, since Shelley is great with decorating, I sent her fabric samples of the quilt.  Guess what?  She sent me color samples and I went with her suggestions for the walls.  And, she has never stepped foot in my house!  Go figure.  Anyway, the wall the bed is against along with the ceilings are painted one color (as is the bathroom) and the rest another color.  Two colors, although the light makes it feel like there are 3 or 4 different colors on the walls, depending on the time of day.

The trellis "head board" was found at a junk store shortly after I moved down here.  I love them!  Each trellis was $20 - a great deal.  The cedar chest at the foot of the bed I had in Milwaukee, as well as the antique desk.  The bridal chest on one side of the bed was my mother's and the table on the other side I purchased a few years ago and had refinished.  The little love seat I also purchased a few years ago and had reupholstered down here.  The armoire was purchased at a consignment store here in Georgia.  It is really an old TV cabinet, but it works and Marlon built me additional shelves.  My valences were made from extra material from the quilt (I have tons of all of the fabric used in the quilt) and were made by Nancy, the same lady who did the love seat.  She also made all of the pillows.  Nancy does awesome work.

Tilt mirror  (with towel bar reflected in it) along
with a little picture that was painted by
one of my mother's friends

In the bathroom I removed the huge 4' mirror and replaced it with the two tilt mirrors.  I just love these mirrors. I purchased the mirrors online and got the great price of 2 for 1.  You can find them at Home Depot or Lowe's, but I have never seen them sold at such as great price as I found.  The two light fixtures were also purchased online, at a much lower price then I found them here.  Originally, there was only one light fixture in the bathroom, which didn't make any sense as there are two sinks. 

Picture above the tub I purchased
at one of my favorite consignment
stores here in Canton

Part of the reason it took so long to complete these rooms was financial.  I had to save up money for each item purchased, revamped or reused.  Mirror and light fixtures sat in their boxes for a few months until I could afford to pay the electrician.  Money was saved up for the paint and all of the items I had made, including the beautiful fabric on the love seat and the valences.  I looked for a while for the armoire and while shopping with my friend, Misti, walked into the consignment store and we both loved it.  It does fit in perfectly.

It is a good feeling to finally have this room completed!  I love it.

Dragonfly stained glass above the tub

Armoire, which was also purchased at
my favorite consignment store!

I've had this little desk for over 25 years.
Oliver enjoys his bed underneath it!

Love seat I had recovered with pillows
I had made.  I incorporated a little purple
into the room to add interest.  The artwork
above, while you really can't see it, is a vase
with very soft flowers in greens, golds and purple

Since I removed the big mirror
in the bathroom, I needed a full
length mirror.  I got this one for $65
at a local outlet store.  It is so pretty.

Another table at side of the bed.  Got this
table at a garage sale a few years ago and had
it refinished.  I also started a collection of
dragonfly perfume bottles. 

Other side of bed.  Chair has been in my
family for years.  I always have Kwan Yin
close to me.

KATE'S VISIT

Kate visited me in early June.  It was way too short of a visit. 

Kate was at a craft fair in Tennessee selling her new product.  After it was over, she drove an additional
3 1/2 hours down to spend time with me.  Now, that's a friend!  She was smart and left here mid morning and made the trip back to the Milwaukee area in two days.

Kate designs Practically Ribbons  Check out her website.  These pretty ribbons (wired ribbons) have grommets in them and can be used with clips and/or hooks, such as the hooks used to  place ornaments on the Christmas tree.  The ribbons, which come in a variety of colors and themes, can be used for ornaments, cards, scarfs, etc., - the uses are endless.  They can hang from almost anythings (such as a curtain rod) by using a shower curtain hook.

Below is a picture of one of the ribbons Kate gave me as a gift.  I have five total, all holiday ribbon,  and plan to use them to display my Christmas cards.  I think they will work perfect in my dining room window and make that area look festive during the holiday season.



I used one of the ribbons to display some
of my birthday cards in my front window

I think these ribbons have lots of uses, especially in places like assisted living facilities and health care centers.  They could make hospital rooms cheerful by easily displaying pictures, cards - you name it, while not taking up much space.

I loved having Kate here.  We had some great talks.  She has always been there for me, always supportive.  I miss you, Kate.  Wish we were closer logistically but, I am not moving back!.

Happy Birthday to ME!

One of the cards I received for my birthday.  How true!

I turned 56 on August 23.  I spent a lot of time during my birthday week thinking about the differences between my 55th and 56th birthdays.

Last year was such a turmoil for me.  Good things like retirement, purchasing my beautiful new home and moving to Georgia - while all good, were still stressful and took adjustment.  Then the bad things - the death of someone special to me during my move and the death of my beloved dogs within three weeks of each other.  I had to put my little Gracie down at what was suppose to be an early family birthday celebration last August 21.  Some 55th birthday celebration.  I cried the whole day of my birthday. I was drained, battered and emotionally and spiritually exhausted.  I remember thinking that I would never be happy again.

A year has passed.  Things change, time moves on and so did I.



At my family birthday celebraion.  I'm smiling this year!

This year I had a great birthday.  I am in a much better place in my life. 
I've made friends here in Georgia and enjoy spending time with them.  My book club got together for lunch and to see the movie "The Help" and the day we could all get together happened to be right on my birthday.  My sister joined us and I had a great day with them.   

I've become active in my subdivision, starting a yahoo group for community communication,  serving on both the pool and grounds committees and I've made friends that way.  There are great people living here!

I have a great part time job at the local library.  I enjoy going into work and time flies by while I am there (well, usually!).  I am learning so much and work with good people. 

MeetUp has introduced me to new people.  While I have slowed down on participating with one of the social activites groups, I plan to start attending the events again.  It is a good way to get out and meet people and learn the area.

My finances are slowly getting into shape.  I'm taking a 13-week financial class, which is really helping me not only budget better, but save more money and plan more aggressively for the future. 

My friends in Wisconsin and other parts of the US and beyond continue to be the "wind beneath my wings" and I am so thankful for the calls, cards, emails, etc., that keep us linked.  My family here in Georgia are so supportive and I don't know what I would do without them.  I am so blessed with love and support.  Two friends will be coming down to visit me within the next few months and I look forward to their visits.

I started to date again.  While my first attempt didn't work out, it was good to realize that there are good men out there.  It was a positive experience for me. (He also made my birthday very special even though it ended right afterwards.)   I realize I have a lot to give to a relationship.  Hopefully, next time I venture to date again it will work out to be a lasting relationship.  And, in the meantime, I am OK by myself.  I'll take a break before dating again.  But, I won't wait too long.  I enjoyed his company and our time together showed me I want a man in my life.

Little things mean so much.  I enjoy the birds at my feeders, delighting in the hummingbirds and butterflies at my plants.  My early morning walks with Sam and Oliver, while the day is cool or later in the evenings when the neighbors are out and we stop to chat.  Having the community pool all to my self and floating on my back, watching the clouds.  Sitting in my porch for a few minutes each evening before bed, listening to the creatures of the night.  These "little things" add to my appreciation of life.

I made it one year without anything traumatic happening to me.  I hope I have been supportive of my friends and family who have had some difficulties this year, as they were to me in 2010. 

I know good and bad things happen to everyone.  I know things will change.  But, it is good and a relief to say that that I am happy.  I am at peace.  I'm moving forward.  Life is good.

Happy birthday, Julie Ann!  

Thank you - it was a good one! 

HOME FOR TOADS IN MY LITTLE TOAD GARDEN

Living in Milwaukee all my life I must say I never saw a toad in my house or yard.  Over the years I had a few run ins with mice, which was pretty creepy, but never toads. 

Basil growing in my toad garden.  I guess that
doesn't sound too appealing, but it works!

Here in Georgia, my house backs up to a greenbelt. There is a creek further down.  And, I have toads.  In my yard.  Now, they don't really bother me.  Sam likes to chase them, but he doesn't try to eat them - a good thing for both Sam and the toads. 


Geraniums don't do too well down here, but this pot
is in a shaded area of the toad garden and seems to be thriving.

The other night I was in my kitchen and something on the floor jumped.  I screamed.  Well, it was more like a "YEEEEK!"  I did a funky little foot dance, too.  There was a tiny toad in my kitchen (much better than a mouse any day).  When I realized it wasn't a snake or a mouse, I grabbed the dust pan and got the toad to hop on to it.  Needless to say, Sam was of no help - thinking he had another new playmate in the house.  But, once in the dust pan the toad was gently placed back in the grass where it belongs.  This little guy had hopped his way into my screen porch and into the kitchen.  I keep the kitchen door open when it is cool so the dogs can go onto the porch and use the porch doggie door to get outside.  So, this little toad hopped quite a bit to make it into my kitchen.  I'm sure he was exhausted.  Lucky for him, he got a free ride back out.



Grandpa Toad lives under the drainage diverter.

Under the drain spout diverter near my porch lives Grandpa Toad.  He is pretty big.  He is pretty ugly.  He and I have a pretty good understanding.  I don't lift up the diverter, he stays there and leaves me alone.  I think he is the reason for all of the little toads in my yard.  That's OK.  Toads eat bugs.  They are good to have around and don't cause any harm.  I have dug out a little flower bed where Grandpa Toad lives and have been playing around with plants, containers and even a small solar powered fountain.  He has a nice backyard for himself and his kin.


Gnome toad house with an herb  pot in my little "toad" garden

 Then I remembered that there are such things as Toad Houses.  Who thinks of these things?  So I checked them out.  And, of course, I had to purchase a couple.  Well, I thought a little whimsy in this little corner of my yard might be fun.  And, goofy as it is, it is fun.  It makes me laugh.  And, that is always a good thing!



"Prince" toad house and bird solar fountain with my beautiful lantana.

 Will Grandpa Toad move into a house?  Probably not.  He has a nice little place burrowed in the dirt under the diverter.  But, maybe one of the youngin's will move in.  Maybe not.  Who cares?  It is silly.  It is fun.  And, sometimes I need a little fun and silliness.  Toads and all.



I brought this little bird with me from Milwaukee.  I'm glad I did.
It works well with the toads.

P.S.  Don't even think of asking me if I will or have ever kissed a toad.  NO WAY!  I don't need a prince that bad!

FABULOUS CONTAINER GARDENS

So, I noticed my favorite southern gardening book, Easy Gardens for the South, sitting on my supervisor's desk at the library.  I mentioned that my sister gave me the book and she gives it to everyone who moves to Georgia.  It is a great book.  Cheryl told me that as a fund raiser for the Cherokee County Historical Society, the author, who just happens to live in Canton, was hosting a tour of her container gardens.  Besides the Easy Gardens book, she has written several books on container gardens.

Walking up to the house and gardens

Several phone calls later I went on the tour with my sister, Suzanne, and friends Nancy and Phyllis.  Several members of Suzanne's garden club attended, also. 

Pamela Crawford lives on over 40 acres of wooded property.  It is really pretty.  Most of her gardens are in containers, but she also has beautiful flower beds, too.  (Although in after thought I wonder how she keeps the deer away.)  The evening of the tour the weather was not great, but fortunately we were able to view and study the containers before the rain.  Her watering system is unbelievable, too!  When asked where she purchases most of her plants she stated one local nursery, but also said she purchases most from Lowe's and Home Depot. She starts buying flowers as soon as they appear at the garden centers and arranges the pots in her yard by color and then starts planting the containers. She keeps planting over a couple of months time. I must say she has a great eye for color and texture. The containers are fabulous.

Enjoy the pictures!




Hanging baskets and ground plants



Close up of plants



Huge pots on the driveway.  Love the colors!

 

Sitting area on driveway



She grows not only flowers in her containers, but veggies, too!



Looking down to the lower porch from the upper porch



One of the smaller water containers - rain water


 

Phyllis is having a great time!



Eggplant growing in a container



Another area of large containers holding both flowers and veggies



Herbs that go well with chicken!  What a great idea! (I'm stealing it next year!)

 


Herbs for beef and pork!  Love it!



Huge water tank

 

Pretty close up - love the blue, yellow and green



Nancy was in awe, like all of us!  That container behind her
was loaded with cherry tomatoes, herbs and flowers.



HI HO, HI HO - IT'S BACK TO WORK I GO!

Yup.  After not working for 11 months, I now have a fantastic part time job!

I knew when I retired that I would need to work part time for a few  years.  First, to build up my liquid cash reserves and have money to travel and secondly to get me out of the house and around people.  However, I didn't think it would be so long.

It's not like I haven't enjoyed my retirement.  I have.  And, it would be great not to need this job.  But, I do need it on so many different levels besides what I mentioned above.

It took longer to get a job because I needed the time to heal from the turmoil of 2010.  Emotionally, I wasn't ready to work, although the last couple of months my bank account was starting to look scary. 

I had applied back in February with Kelly Temp Services.  Although I did extremely well on both the interview and skill tests, the only two jobs offered me were long term and a long way from my house - equivalent to at least an hour drive to and from work.  No thank you.  This spring I started applying to local collages.  Nada.  But, I had a list of websites I checked weekly and bi-weekly and planned to keep trying.  I was getting a little concerned, though.  I needed a part time job.

I had applied on and off to be a Library Assistant with the Sequoyah Regional Library System, which serves three counties here in Georgia - Cherokee, Pickins and Gilmore.  Never got called for an interview.  Then, in February they experienced huge budget cuts and lay offs.  Oh, well . . .

I still checked out the library website for job openings.  And, in late May they had openings for both a Research Assistant and a Library Assistant at a library in my area.  I applied for both.  I was called to interview for the Research Assistant on Monday, interviewed on Tuesday and was offered the job on Friday!  Yippee!

It is the perfect job for me.  I work 16-17 hours a week, the pay is more than minimum wage, I work only every 4th Saturday, I never work later than 6pm and I GET TO WORK IN A LIBRARY!  I'm learning so much, too.  The people I work with are great and I am working with the public, which is fun.  Yes, parts of my job are rather tedious, but overall it is a perfect fit.  If I wasn't in a library I would be whistling while I work! 

I got my first paycheck.  hehehehehe  It was only for 27 hours, but I was as thrilled as if I made my first million!  LOL  Another thing I find so rewarding is seeing so many books come across my path that I have read.  And, I am starting a list of books/authors I want to read.  Plus, learning the ins and outs of helping people do research is very interesting. 

I am so fortunate!  I'm happy and so is my bank account.  Now, I better start researching English gardens, or maybe Tuscany or possibly Paris.  Where's my passport?

A PLATONIC VISIT

My good friend, David, came for a visit in May for five nights.    We went up to Helen, GA and then to Anna Ruby Falls.  We went to the Aquarium and saw the dolphin show (very cool) .  We visited with my sister and brother-in-law and went to a couple of MeetUp functions.  We also just hung out and talked. 

Me and David at Anna Ruby Falls

I've known David for about eight years.  He has been a very good friend to me and I hope he feels the same about me.  When Phil died over a year ago now, David was the first one at my side and shared his stories of depression and suicidal thoughts.  His insights were extremely helpful to me.  In fact, David's insights on life are always interesting! 

We've had a lot of fun over the years and helped each other over some very rough times.  Our friendship is just that - friendship.  We do not cross the line.  And, that is just fine.  I've met most of his family and his awesome daughter.  It's been fun watching Nicole grow up and David is a great dad to her.  I really admire his parenting skills.

I have always had friendships with men.  And, once the "line" is drawn, for me it doesn't change.  I can somewhat understand that some people don't understand friendship between a woman and a man and I can understand how a man I am romantically involved with might feel threatened by such a friendship.  Everyone is different and I do understand that a man/woman friendship can cross the lines and become sexual.  It takes respect, understanding and trust to maintain such friendships on every ones part.  And, I have learned that if I am romantically involved with someone and he really gives me a difficult time about any "man" friendships I might have, he is totally insecure within himself and I need to leave. 



Pondering relationships at Anna Ruby Falls

 Were there awkward moments between David and me when he was here?  Maybe when I walked out of my bedroom in my robe and jammies the first morning, but we actually had a good laugh about how stupid I looked and moved on.  I know David would like to come again in the next year or so and I hope it works out.  I would love it if he brought his daughter along, but either way, he is always welcome!

WESTWARD HO

Over Easter I spent a week in Mesa, AZ visiting my gal pal Nancy and sister, Linda.  I had a great time. I enjoy visiting this area and love the mountains, but sure was glad to be back in Georgia where it is GREEN! 


Nate and me

 A highlight of the trip was meeting my second cousin, Nathan, son of my cousin, Scott. The last time I saw Nate he was six weeks old. Now he has hair, teeth and is no longer in diapers (joking here) and is all grown up into a very nice and handsome young man. He is attending the University of Arizona on a full scholarship and going into enginering.  Linda and I had dinner with Nathan and his mom, Kaye and had a great time. It was so good to make this connection and next time I am in Arizona I hope we can get together again.



Sister Linda, me, Nate and Kaye, Nate's mom

 Nancy and I went to the Desert Botanical Gardens.  I took a ton of pictures, a few of which are shown below.  It was spring time in the desert and so many plants were in bloom.  It was a lovely day there.
Nancy and I always have fun together and this trip was no exception.  We ate laughed a lot, shopped a little, shared secrets and ate great food (YUM to the Thai and East Indian place, and Agritopia).  The best part is that Nancy is purchasing her very first house in Gilbert, AZ!  I got to tour the house three times and it is just charming.  She closes in a few weeks and I hope to return soon so I can see it all decorated and really made into "Nancy's home."

Alice rocks!

I also stopped at Coopertown - Alice Cooper's bar/restaurant so I could pick up a birthday present and tee shirt for my nephew, Paul.  That was fun.

This was the first time in almost a year I ventured more than 100 miles from my new home here in Georgia.  It felt good!  I'll be back soon, Nancy!



Feeding a squirrel noodle salad!



The three Chichuly glass sculptures at the entrance to the gardens. Fabulous!
If you EVER get a change to see his art, GO!  I have seen his art in various locations
in the United States and it is always wonderful