tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10963870756769921842024-03-13T18:02:25.848-04:00Del's ShellsLiving in ParadiseDellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.comBlogger369125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-11348427808481550472015-07-26T01:00:00.000-04:002015-07-26T01:00:04.161-04:00Washington Oaks Gardens ~ A Little Piece of Paradise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I really enjoyed my walk through this park, but would recommend going in the spring, fall, or a nice winter day. NOT in the middle of a hot humid Florida summer! At least the gardens area...there was a nice breeze on the beach, and there's enough beach to set up a canopy. I will take one of my sun shades next time.<br />
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I'm only going to give you a glimpse of the gardens, as I didn't take photos of every copse of trees, or every grouping of plants....or the rose garden.<br />
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The entrance and property was once the private winter residence of The Young's, and was along the original A1A.<br />
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I love when natural elements are used in landscaping and building(s).<br />
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These came from the nearby beach.<br />
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Unfortunately I cut off some of the words.<br />
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One of my favorite things was this staghorn fern.<br />
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It was ENORMOUS!<br />
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There were several around the park just like this!<br />
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These are the feet. This plant propagates by growing a new one, called a <i>pup</i>. I would love to have a big staghorn!<br />
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Another thing that made me say WOW, was this palm growing in an old oak tree.<br />
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Nature!<br />
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The Koi Pond was another favorite~<br />
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These fish are big! There were a few big catfish in here, too.<br />
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Bamboo, many types of ferns & palms, tropical plants, and flowers are everywhere.<br />
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Bananas!<br />
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This is Plumbago in front, and some type of Ginger or Canna's behind. Guess I need to go back and see for sure lol.<br />
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When you reach the end of the pathway, you are at the river/inlet.<br />
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I wanted to get down there, but it was blocked off. There were rocks covered with shells!<br />
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Probably would have hurt myself anyway, rofl!<br />
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Down the other side, people were fishing, and boats would go by.<br />
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We left from here, and made a beeline to the beach!<br />
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-32206157507304153372015-07-23T11:48:00.000-04:002015-07-23T11:48:11.345-04:00Beach Days and Recovery Mode<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow, it's been a long time since I was here! I'm sorry. Sometimes, I have no control over my health, or lack of it. Lupus truly sucks. I'm still not 100%, but feeling a tad better most days. Blah! I would do so much better if I just stayed my ass home, and didn't go anywhere. But who can do that 24/7??? I do like to get out once in a while, lol.<br />
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I did have some fun beach days before I went into recovery mode ;) but I was gluten poisoned on a Gulf beach by a fake hamburger patty, and have been sick ever since. I won't be eating from the beach food trucks again. ugh! It's a good thing the Gulf was the last outing we did during that weekend, lol.<br />
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I didn't find great shells, but I did find some neat pieces and small shells, and regular ole clams, arks, a couple of augers, and ceriths and such.<br />
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We visited Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, but that's another post on it's own. Part of this park is across the road from the gardens, and is the Atlantic Ocean! Which is one of the reasons I chose this park to visit!<br />
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It was a beautiful day to be on the beach!<br />
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And this is what drew me to this park, besides that it has a beach. The Coquina rocks are amazing!<br />
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I'd like to go back in the fall when it's not quite so hot & humid. I want to explore some more, and this is where I found all the very smooth pieces of shell.<br />
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Our Goddaughter was visiting at this time with her father, who is a good friend of ours from Idaho.<br />
She turned 15 in Florida, and had the vacation of a lifetime. Her daddy spoils her big time ;)<br />
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She's such a cutie, and a sweetie too! Love this girl!<br />
She loved Florida, and will most definitely be back! This was her first time seeing the ocean, so we made sure she saw the Atlantic, and the Gulf! I just wish there had been better shells to find. There's always next time, right?!<br />
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We also visited the St. Augustine Lighthouse while on the east coast, and so close to it. I made a photo into a watercolor with my app.<br />
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One of these days I will find a perfect spot to stand to get the entire lighthouse. I wanted the top of it for sure, so cut the bottom off. I still love it though! I took a lot of pictures at the lighthouse, again, lol I always do. This is one of my favorite lighthouses! If you are in the area, you must visit!<br />
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There is so much to see and do in Florida, and I hope to cram in as much as I can! Even if it means days or weeks of recovery.<br />
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The actual gardens in the park (across the road from the beach) was a real delight. I did take several pictures, and could have taken more. There was so much beauty!<br />
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That is my next post...<br />
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and my raised garden beds, and sea themed gazing ball. That ball has been a long, slow process. I can't wait to move on to the next project!<br />
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I did make some Etsy purchases recently, and they are stellar! I also received a very cool & special gift, and I must share that with you too!<br />
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What are your must do's for this summer?<br />
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-7260079599712301462015-07-01T08:54:00.000-04:002015-07-01T08:54:46.375-04:00Returning to Paradise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This can actually be taken as a double entendre. Returning to Paradise...<br />
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My hubs David, and I, recently took a trip out west.<br />
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Was going out West <i>returning to paradise</i>? Or was coming Home<i> returning to paradise</i>?<br />
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We drove out West for a reason. We towed a cute charcoal grey 2006 VW Bug to our granddaughter, for her 16th birthday! We are so thankful we could do it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Ali Ann Teuscher</td></tr>
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I'm sure some people see that part of the country as their idea of Paradise. It is beautiful, at this time of year, from one side of our great country to the other. Everything is lush and green, where it is normally dry and brown for most of the year. Many places across the Mid West and Plains were at flood stage. Rivers were spilling over their banks, and at many bridges, were running close to the bridge. The construction zones were endless, as always. The price we pay for decent roads!<br />
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But as I watched the landscape pass by on that 5000 mile round trip, I knew it would be the last time I saw that part of the country from this perspective. Never again will I see the majestic beauty of the mountains, and enormous rock formations up close and personal. I will fly next time! We have made 12 trips from one side of the US to the other over the last 34 years. That doesn't include miles upon miles of vacations with the kids, or trips north to see my family.<br />
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We pushed too hard, drove too many miles a day, to get there in 3 days. The end of day 2, my Lupus was flaring. Running a fever, nauseous, throwing up, unable to eat, and in severe pain....and I was already in pain before setting out for this long journey. (but it was so worth it!)<br />
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It was a great trip aside from the fact that I didn't feel well, lol.<br />
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Three weeks into June, and there was STILL snow on the mountains!<br />
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So very beautiful!<br />
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But being out West, at a higher altitude, where the air is thin, and it's closer to the sun, is not my idea of Paradise. I NEED my humidity!<br />
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While we were out there, we also visited family in Idaho. While we were in Idaho, we bought more Idaho Flagstone, to finish my pathway. What I had, was what we brought with us when we first moved back to Florida.<br />
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Now my side yard project can be worked on/completed! I just wish I felt a wee bit better. I do have a few plants and flowers to replace after being gone, and after having the AC guys here...but that's another story.<br />
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We had a lot of fun, and a lot of laughs on our trip. But I am so glad to be home.</div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-51411735206578301982015-06-12T07:28:00.000-04:002015-06-12T07:30:33.948-04:00When it's Cold in Paradise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know it's June, and we've been in the 90's....but,<br />
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Donna was asking about where I live that we see frost. I hate to even think of winter, ever! I don't like it at all! But, on occasion, we have it, here in north central Florida.<br />
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This was November 20, 2014 at around 6am.<br />
I get shivers just looking at this!<br />
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Fortunately, it doesn't stay bitter cold for very long. We have little cold snaps, and then we have 80-90 degree days in the middle of winter. It's really a wonderful place to live!<br />
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I could do without the cold snaps.<br />
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I live for the warm sunny days!<br />
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My screen room plants made it quite well this past cold season. Hubby put them in the center of the room, under and around the table, with sheets and blankets surrounding them, hung from the ceiling fan...with the lights on to provide a little warmth.<br />
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I have had this plant for years. It froze really bad in 2009. I thought I was going to lose it. I'm so glad it recovered! It's a Money Tree (photo above), and started as just baby, under a foot tall. It has to be cut back every year, to keep it short enough to stay in this room.<br />
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This is one of my favorite rooms. I love the greenery!<br />
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I wouldn't say that I have a green thumb. I recently <strike>lost</strike> killed a beautiful topiary Gardenia. I may have over fertilized it? I will get another one, and I hope to keep the next one. I love the scent of them!<br />
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I'm also terrible with orchids :( I'm going to give it another shot! I've been watching YouTube videos on orchid care. There is hope ;)<br />
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Do you have any Gardenia or Orchid care tips for me?<br />
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-74201942971846587442015-06-10T18:53:00.000-04:002015-06-10T18:53:41.511-04:00Creating My Own Paradise, In Paradise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A direct quote from Wikipedia, "In paradise there is only peace, prosperity, and happiness. Paradise is a place of contentment, but is not necessarily a land of luxury and idleness." I really like this statement. I think it speaks volumes.<br />
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In my quest to create tropical surroundings, I feel as if we have finally developed our own little paradise. In my home, and on my grounds, I truly feel at peace, content, happy, and prosperous in many ways.<br />
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This area grows more beautiful every day! We are always adding little touches, like the pavers in the center under the table...done! Mulch around the bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes, and my how they have grown since I took this pic a couple of weeks or so ago! It has been a work in progress for years, but really started coming together when the chain link came down, and the white vinyl fence went up.<br />
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We are currently working on a pathway from the front gate, thru the side yard between 2 garden areas, with 3 raised beds that hubby made for me. It's not quite finished, but a far cry from where it was, and certainly far better than the blank slate of a yard we started with. We barely had grass, and zero plants.<br />
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This area has a looooooong way to go, but progress is being made. I'm guessing maybe a couple more years til it's finished to what we are planning? It's still my Paradise. I'm at peace here playing in my gardens.<br />
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This little picket fence area is where my blueberry shrubs are growing! This area is now mulched in also, and looks so cute. The little fence was intended to keeps my furkids out of here...but the mulch and stone pathway is doing it, lol they hate it...or consider it off limits. Which is fine by me :)<br />
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The fish pond was moved when the fence changed....It's bigger than it looks, and we've done a little more with it. This was on the other side of the yard, but I still have my pond with waterfall by the front door.<br />
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Changes have been made in the front yard, too.<br />
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You can tell by these two photos that this was done around the end of January/beginning of Feb. Well, I can lol hubs is wearing long sleeves. Here in Paradise, we enjoy the cooler days as well :)<br />
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Hubby does the heavy lifting, and big jobs. I'm the designer, creator of art, and supervisor. I do get my hands in the dirt, I love to plant, and weeding isn't even so bad now that we've about got them under control (a layer of cardboard under the mulch. We tried landscape fabric, and Florida grew right through it!)<br />
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I am currently working on garden art. One piece at a time. And you know it's all going to be beachy, tropical, coastal, nautical, with seashells included here and there.<br />
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The only change directly in front of the house, and the front door area, was replacing the plants that did freeze, or got frostbitten. They looked terrible!<br />
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So, I'm starting over again, and will try to better protect these the next cold season. The others had gotten so big, and were just beautiful. And yes, we did plant the same plants!<br />
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I added this beautiful hibiscus about a month ago.<br />
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Check out the size of these flowers! And ignore the dog pee by the plant. That's why it was still wrapped in plastic. I know my boys...it was something new, out of place in the screen room. Boys will be boys! Even in Paradise lol.<br />
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Now it has a spot to call it's own. and a prettier pot to boot! And....the boys will leave it alone.<br />
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Something I've been wanting to do for a long time, like over a year, was to get the Waterlogue app for my Iphone. A couple of months ago I did!<br />
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I've had some fun with this!<br />
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I took this at the beach last year, when we were glamping in Crystal River. I used this to make my blog header, using the Waterlogue app.<br />
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Unfortunately for me, this Kings Crown was alive, so back he went in the water.<br />
It was a really nice one too, look at the crown on it!!! One day I will find more :) I believe in good Karma. And it sure made a pretty blog header!<br />
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I'll try to keep a hold on my blogger cap this time. I have another laptop, so it should be better for me. I've been lost without my laptop, and the desktop computer just doesn't do it for me.<br />
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I do have a few choices, after all, and this is just a few of the hats I wear...errrr except the first one lol I left it there.<br />
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Welcome back to Paradise....</div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-84995217753659588922014-05-13T11:34:00.002-04:002014-05-13T11:34:25.458-04:00A Home Away From Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
First, I want to thank you all for stopping by! I meant to do it in my last post, but you know how absent minded I can be. Sorry, but I think it's getting worse lol. Old age I guess :)<br />
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Hubby and I have been talking about having a motor home for a few years. We always try to find a room with a kitchenette at the beach, so a motor home is perfect for us. We actually thought we wanted a Class C, but after looking at them, and the lack of space, we ended up getting a Class A Coach. It's not brand new, but is in great shape, with low miles. There's room for us, and our 3 fur kids! Which is one of the reasons we got it :)</div>
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Can ya tell I took these from Hubby's Facebook? LOL</div>
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It's 34 ft long, not too big, not too small.</div>
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Sometimes we have an amazing view of the ocean! This is just a little way above Flagler, in Beverly Beach. </div>
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This is a really nice spot in Crystal River. It's 4 miles to the beach from here. We will be using the canal that runs through the park to take us to the bay for scalloping this summer. We've reserved our spot for the entire season (for the weekends). We are so excited! </div>
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Of course, men LOVE gadgets, so hubby bought this fancy navigation, full color back up camera (besides the black & white it came with) radio, CD/DVD player. And whatever else it does. Oh yeah! It's blue tooth and plays our iPods and iPhones. Our son in law came over and installed it. </div>
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You know I had to put my personal beachy touch to it to make it really feel like home!<br />
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This comforter covered in coral and shells makes me very happy! And it's white! Which means when we have the fur kids with us, we keep the bedroom door closed to keep them off the bed. A set of Egyptian cotton sheets make us feel right at home :)<br />
I've already done away with the black pillows. They had some red on the other side. They did not make me happy. I'm looking for accent pillows, and I'm still looking for something to hang in the big blank space over the bed. Finding these will make me happy, too :)<br />
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I've hung some starfish, and put some shells and things on little shelves, but I'll have to show you the rest of the inside after I take more pictures. Hubby is getting ready to lay some cool wood looking flooring. It's what they are using in motor homes these days, and we do so hate carpet. It's on order and should be here any day. I know he's excited to play with that and get it done! I'm pretty excited to see it, too!<br />
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-63718749994475962262014-05-02T06:33:00.000-04:002014-05-02T06:33:02.673-04:00One Proud Momma<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am so sorry to leave ya'll hanging! It has been very busy around here!<br />
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My middle daughter Laci had her 30th birthday on the 30th :) I'm feeling quite old now lol</div>
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She wanted an ice cream cake, and this is it. It was really good! </div>
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You only turn 30 once, and it's an opportunity to go all out with a full blown birthday party! </div>
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The very next day, my baby girl Shae, graduated from UCF with her bachelors degree!!!</div>
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So very proud of this girl! She did it all on her own! WTG Shae!!!! xoxo</div>
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This was the day she introduced us to her boyfriend, at lunch before the graduation ceremony.</div>
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We like him! Aren't they cute?!?!</div>
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Hubby has more pics on his phone, like the one of both of us with her. I somehow didn't get one. That's ok I'll steal it later from his Facebook :P</div>
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So now that the important things are over and done with, I am free to blog away!</div>
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One of the first things on my crafting agenda is making new cushions for my wicker furniture. I ordered them last year, they were on back order so long that Home Depot cancelled the order :( which leaves me to taking mine apart, and making a pattern to make my own damn cushions! It may take awhile, but I'm determined. Even if I've never done this before. Wish me luck!</div>
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I'll see you soon with updates of some kind....you never know what I could be getting myself into lol!</div>
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Happy weekend!!!</div>
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XO</div>
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-43983478583632231952014-04-23T10:30:00.001-04:002014-04-23T10:34:37.329-04:00Breaking the Block<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">don't think it's a big secret that I've had severe Bloggers Block. I'm wanting to break that block! I miss my blog, and I miss you guys. </span></div>
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I've had a lot going on with my health, and because of that I've been eating much healthier. It has really made a difference in how I feel :)</div>
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Poached eggs on fresh baby spinach. This is to die for! </div>
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Egg Beaters, crimini mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. YUM! </div>
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Sockeye Salmon, asperagus oven roasted with garlic & olive oil, and acorn squash :P</div>
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Another version of my egg beater scramble but with more mushrooms. </div>
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Now I wish I had more pics of foods I've made! </div>
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I really blew it Easter weekend. I even had dessert. TWICE IN ONE DAY :(</div>
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Ah well, I'm back to saying no to processed foods, and sometimes you NEED a piece of pie! Or TWO! </div>
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Despite going rounds with my autoimmune stuff, I have a great life! I've been lounging around my own little Paradise Cove we're creating. I love my home :) </div>
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I have a new craft room! My youngest daughter (my derby girl) moved into her own place, so her room has been transformed! </div>
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I love, love, love, my purple craft room!!!</div>
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Laci came over and made some vinyl wall art for me with her Silouette Cameo!</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And she made some cute nail art vinyl stickers for me! </span></div>
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All sea and beach related of course ;)</div>
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We took a trip recently and saw SNOW! </div>
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But that's another post ;)</div>
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And we bought a motor home...so we can take our fur kids with us everywhere.</div>
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But that's another post, too! </div>
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I'm so glad it's spring, and I'm so looking forward to some beach and shelling time! </div>
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Is it spring for you? </div>
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-1689846237152918382013-10-02T14:04:00.002-04:002013-10-02T14:04:23.409-04:00Cranberry Cravings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello! Greetings from Paradise :)<br />
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I know I have been away for a while (like a month!) but we'll discuss that another time.<br />
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Today I want to share my recent adventure at Epcot<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">®</b>, and another Evening with Ocean Spray<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">®</b>!<br />
I was invited to an exclusive event, where I sampled some amazing food made with cranberries. Cranberry sauces, cranberry dips, glazes, chutneys, in everything from entrees, to side dishes, and desserts. Wow! The chefs at Epcot <b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">® </b>went all out for this one!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKlS0v1pYOU/UkmyTgI3aPI/AAAAAAAAKBI/Uk0oB3Rodl0/s1600/Around+the+World+with+Ocean+Spray+Menu.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKlS0v1pYOU/UkmyTgI3aPI/AAAAAAAAKBI/Uk0oB3Rodl0/s400/Around+the+World+with+Ocean+Spray+Menu.PNG" width="290" /></a></div>
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Everything was so very delicious!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kobe Beef and Craisin Vegetable Fried Rice</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8XazBumSLw/Ukn0Yem2NLI/AAAAAAAAKBg/yT8tWsg6888/s1600/photo+(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x8XazBumSLw/Ukn0Yem2NLI/AAAAAAAAKBg/yT8tWsg6888/s400/photo+(31).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craisin Glazed Pork Belly with White Cheddar Grits<br />Cranberry & Sea Salt Cured Wild Salmon with Maple Sugar Crystals</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Craisin Ketchup</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of the cranberry growers! Todd May & Peter Beaton</td></tr>
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I have mentioned before what a big fan of cranberries I am :) I love the juice straight with nothing added, and the sparkling cranberry is very refreshing too.<br />
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Did you know the cranberry is a super fruit? It sure is! They are loaded with antioxidants. Just 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, or 8oz of juice provide 1/4 of your daily fruit needs! Besides that, they are just dang good! And now Ocean Spray<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">®</b> makes Trail Mix, too!<br />
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I usually just eat Craisins<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">®</b> right out of the bag, or make my signature Cranberry Cookies. (My kids STILL ask for these, even though they are adults.) I came up with this recipe shortly after Craisins<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">®</b> debuted in the early 90's, because to tell the truth I'm not a fan of chocolate chip cookies. Gasp! I know, weird, huh? I'll share my recipe with you soon, as well as everything that's been going on around here. I have so much to tell you! A couple of years ago I stumbled onto a recipe for Cranberry Cheesecake Bars, and they really are to die for! I'll share that with you too! You can find many recipes at <a href="http://oceanspray.com/">OceanSpray.com</a> , and become a member of the cranberry club. I did! You can share your cranberry recipes with them too, on the <a href="http://www.oceanspray.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, their <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/oceanspray/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, and<a href="https://www.facebook.com/oceanspray" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/oceansprayinc" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. You can click on those and it will take you right to it :)<br />
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I really love the fact that many Ocean Spray growers are family, and have been doing this and passing it down for generations. Ocean Spray is one big happy family of 700 growers!<br />
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If you get a chance to go to Epcot<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">®</b> during the Food and Wine Festival this year, you too can eat your way around the world, and drink your way around it too! My daughter did just that, starting her day with a Scotch Flight, which was 3 shots of Scotch. She said the 18 year Scotch was the smoothest. I've never tried Scotch, and won't get the chance to, unfortunately. (Darn Lupus!) She also had the Tequila Flight (3 shots of Tequila's) and various other alcohol based concoctions. Her fave food at the Festival is always the grilled<br />
Greek cheese. She always gets this, and Friday she had it twice! I've been trying to pick a favorite, but I ate so many good things it's really hard to choose. I do have a way now to get my son Kyle to eat cooked spinach! Spanakopita!!!! Phyllo is on my grocery list :)<br />
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We didn't get to visit The Land this time (where the amazing greenhouses of Epcot<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;">®</b> are) but we did get in to see The Sea, and Nemo and Friends. I got to ride in a seashell!!!!! I could live in that building. There are huge tanks, and small tanks, everything from coral growing, to many baby clown fish, seahorse, starfish, manatees, dolphin and rays, I even saw a shark. There's an elevator in the building for us disabled folks, too.<br />
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You've just got to go and see for yourself!<br />
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There's so much to see and do! And TASTE!<br />
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Make sure you check out the cranberry bog!</div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-56392900064397455712013-08-27T09:50:00.000-04:002013-08-27T09:50:02.852-04:00Elegant Shell Craft<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello! I'm so glad you could join me today! I have something FUN!<br />
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I thought of this last year, started playing around with it at the beginning of the year, and you know how my year has been going LOL. I finally got back to playing with this, and really like the results!<br />
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You know my <a href="http://kandiphillips.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">eldest daughter is an extraordinary paper crafter</a>. She makes beautiful cards and scrapbook pages, and has been published many times, and has some new cards being published in a few months. I'm so proud of her! She has been nagging me for years to scrapbook and make cards. I can't cut a straight line to save my life! BUT I needed to try this thing....on shells. So I actually have been delving into the arts of paper crafting, and EMBOSSING!!!<br />
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I love the way it looks! They turned out great! It WORKS!<br />
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You CAN emboss on seashells :)<br />
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So pretty! I used Stampin'Up! Embossing Powder on these. Love the colors! Wild Wasabi and Tempting Turquoise. (I did NOT get freebies to endorse them...but wouldn't mind if I did ;) Just sayin'! LOL)<br />
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All you need to do this: a heat embossing gun, Versamark stamp pad, stamps, and embossing powder. Oh, and shells. The more flat and smooth they are, the better.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELChJwl-XRs/UhyiMhlsY3I/AAAAAAAAKAc/vEmtrKwXLHI/s1600/embossed+shells+seahorse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELChJwl-XRs/UhyiMhlsY3I/AAAAAAAAKAc/vEmtrKwXLHI/s400/embossed+shells+seahorse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I do love this, even the imperfections, and the natural growth lines in the shell come through the embossing where the lines are more pronounced. I used a gold embossing powder that I bought at JoAnn in an assorted package. I think this looks like it has been gold leafed.<br />
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I used copper from the same package on this seashorse. You can see a few bubbles on the seahorse shells, from overheating. A word of CAUTION: The shells get VERY <span style="color: red;">HOT!</span> I lay mine on a ceramic tile that I also use for a paint pallet. Let it cool before you pick it up!<br />
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These would make nice ornaments, package tags, in shadow boxes, and I have a few more ideas.<br />
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This is one of the first that I played with. It is a single image, it shadowed in the photo for some reason. I took this one with my phone to text it to my daughter a few months ago. BUT. This is one that I used a different glue pad with. I wasn't happy with the miss spots. Versamark doesn't do this. How I wish I had known to use Versamark in the beginning! They didn't pay me either :P But you should know which is the best one to use, right?!<br />
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This is really FUN to do! When you see the embossing powder take on a shine, it just POPS! So pretty. So addictive!<br />
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No time for paper crafts today!<br />
This post is long enough :D<br />
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Have you ever done any embossing? Do you think you'll do some now?</div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-58032195796628208322013-08-22T04:44:00.000-04:002013-08-22T04:44:32.242-04:00More Ways to Display Shells<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In my last post I was showing you what I had done around the living room to display some of my shells. Moving on to the dining room now.<br />
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Tall vases, short vases, candle holders...any clear glass container makes a fine shell display.<br />
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The top of an oil lamp....<br />
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and the bottom as well, look really cool filled with shells.<br />
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The bottom of a butter dish I don't use anymore is perfect for these perfect fighting conchs!<br />
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The top of the dish has the shells that mom brought back from Mexico.<br />
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A repurposed candle jar is just the right size for my augers and ceriths.<br />
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A tall straight vase shows off the spiny oysters aka jewel box shells.<br />
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A tall not so straight vase is filled with my 'weathered shells'.<br />
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Another candle jar. Just the right size for the nutmegs.<br />
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Left side of the table...<br />
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Right side of the table. I have more olive shells than I know what to do with! That's just a portion of them.<br />
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I had to show you how big this shell is! I bought this in Daytona last year when we went over for a roller derby bout.<br />
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Have you ever seen a sand dollar this big? Same shop in Daytona. I had to have it!<br />
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Love this table! It adds such a nice beachy feel....just in case you didn't get it from anywhere else in the house hahahaha! This table gets a makeover during holidays, and it's so fun to change it up :)<br />
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This glass shelf has been with us for nearly 30 years! Through all of our moves back and forth across the U.S. Hubby is a very good packer!<br />
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This shelf is fun to arrange and play with!<br />
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The vase (which was my Beta home, it died) is full of fighting conchs. The rose is made from a conch shell, and was a gift from my hubby years ago. Pardon my dust, and remember I've been sick...too sick to dust lol.<br />
I can't remember exactly what the are called, but the purplish whispy thing is one I found in Clearwater. I love those things!!!<br />
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I'm still thinking about this one. It needs some work! (and boy do I need to dust!) I totally love that big cluster of barnacles!<br />
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Ah, my Tarpon Springs sponge, and whelks. You've seen the whelks in my Christmas decorations! Another purple whispy thing behind the sponge.<br />
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And this. THIS is one of my faves! I remember when my parents bought this pitcher and bowl set at an auction when I was a really little girl. I filled the bowl with coral that we have found, and I have some space in the back to add more.<br />
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Coming Soon:<br />
The grand kids visit and our trip to the lighthouses!<br />
A new craft I am doing!<br />
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I took LOTS of pics at the lighthouses! So may have to do the craft post first.<br />
We shall see!<br />
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Until then....<br />
Have fun playing with your seashell treasures!</div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-61790985760251529042013-08-20T08:18:00.000-04:002013-08-20T08:18:35.487-04:00Playing with Shell Displays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello! I'm so glad you could join me again :)<br />
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Yesterday I said that I had been rearranging and playing with my shells. Since I do have so many, and I get more inspiration from looking at them, I brought some out of the craft room, and into the rest of the house.<br />
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I filled a fish shaped glass platter (that <a href="http://lavenderdreamstoo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diane</a> gave to me) with some of my fighting conchs, and put a bowl filled with smaller ones in the middle of it.<br />
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They sit on this little 'lobster trap' table. The coconuts we found washed up on Daytona Beach after Sandy went by are beneath the table in the net.<br />
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I really love using natural things in my home decor.<br />
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Another simple thing I did, was wrap a couple of jars with rope, and fill them with shells.<br />
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Decorative vases make great shell containers for display. You can also rob your dishes for neat shaped bowls and platters! This clock was a gift from my daddy, and I love how my St.Augustine Lighthouse photo matches it. The faux coral is the one I won from<a href="http://www.loveofthesea.com/" target="_blank"> Deb at Love of the Sea</a>. Love that pop of red, and it draws out the red on the life preserver on the clock.<br />
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A little rearranging of the shells on this cool shelf that is above the TV in the entertainment center.<br />
(It's a CD shelf) I've shown this before. When I dust this (which isn't very often to be truthful, lol) I forget which shell was where, so they don't always go back where they were!<br />
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An old candle jar filled with volute shells is a nice accent to this shelf of treasures.<br />
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A vase, a wine carafe, and a re-purposed candle jar are perfect for this shelf with a photo of hubs and I on Belleair Beach.<br />
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These are the scallops <a href="http://shelllady.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cheri</a> (shell lady) sent to me. I thought the scallop platter was the perfect touch for these.<br />
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They are next to my small horseshoe crab....<br />
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in front of this shell lamp....<br />
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on this dolphin table in the corner. I still love my coral walls, too!<br />
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More scallops on a nautical plate. I think the last time I found a bunch of calico scallops was 2 years ago. They've been kind of scarce the last couple of years. I haven't found more than a handful of them over the last 2 summers, or jingles either!<br />
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I have had this bowl forever! The pretty blue really shows off the white thick lucinas. Love this!<br />
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Our Washington sand dollars, with the fossil Josh (our son in law) found in the Gulf while swimming and diving. I did a post on it,<a href="http://delsshells.blogspot.com/2010/07/eupatagus-antillarium.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. The urchins are here until I find a better place for them ;)<br />
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Cone shells in a starfish bowl that I picked up at the thrift store.<br />
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The matching starfish has my pieces of junonia, and my whole little junonia is buried under there, and my almost a whole junonia is under there, too. I have a couple more pieces to add to this. Maybe one day I'll have enough to glue them all together and make one BIG junonia! LOL!<br />
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These are all on my boat table, which was a gift from my dad :)<br />
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The coral bowl and the blue dish need to be swapped! Okay, I see another rearrangement coming up lol.<br />
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And of course I messed around with the dolphin table and my glass shelf in the dining room!<br />
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I'll save that for next time:)<br />
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I still have TONS of shells in the craft room, too. My mind is constantly conjuring up uses for them. I'm sure I have many years of projects to play with!<br />
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The highlight of my summer was a visit from my daughters family! And we got to keep the grand kids for a month!!! We visited a couple of lighthouses, went to the beach, out on the boat, and the kids spent a LOT of time in the pool! More pics to come, and I'll eventually get to the charm bracelet I made for my grand daughter.<br />
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What was the highlight of your summer?<br />
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-31210544042235605422013-08-19T10:53:00.000-04:002013-08-19T10:53:02.530-04:00Whiling Away in Paradise<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
And that is exactly what I have been doing! Whiling Away in my own little tropical paradise : )<br />
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Welcome to several new followers! I apologize for my absence. The truth is that I have been sick...AGAIN lol. But such is the life of someone with Lupus :) Be Strong and Carry On!<br />
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Thanks so much to my dear blog buddies who have sent emails, cards, and have connected with me on Facebook :) Ya'll mean the world to me!!!<br />
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You really can't keep a good girl down, so no matter my ills and pains... I still manage to putter around, have fun, play, joke, and laugh, and mess around with Facebook. ( well, except when I had pneumonia, pleurisy, and costochondritis all at the same time! eeek!) I just didn't feel like blogging or anything :(<br />
BUT when I felt mediocre I was puttering around and workin' on Paradise, and I was of course taking pictures. ( well, except when I had pneu...oh, see above lol)<br />
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I knew I wanted to share this when I felt better, and that day is here!<br />
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I have had a LOT of fun playing with the shell arrangement! This big Murex is the one I got last year for my birthday from Momma P. This is a mixture of bought and found shells, with dried orchid blooms.<br />
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There was one person in particular I thought of, and think of when I play with/look at this.</div>
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So pretty with all the purples and whites.</div>
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The Scotch Bonnet was a Gulf find. I have found a few now, to date...but my hubby has found more than I have. He's a Scotch Bonnet Magnet!</div>
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Love that little white sharks eye with the purple spiraled center! See it? It's to the right of the orchid.</div>
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Yeah, those are hubby's worm shells! :P He's a magnet for those, too! I'm sure glad he's on My Team :)</div>
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It's a fair trade :) He gets to be on my team when it's Fend for Yourself night. hehehe</div>
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I 'borrowed' the urchins from my Christmas decorations.</div>
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Love this angle, too! That is an awesome wormey!</div>
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I've done quite a bit of rearranging my shells around the house. Project Paradise is a work in progress, but we are certainly getting there!</div>
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I'm looking forward to sharing it with you!</div>
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I have been playing with another craft, and can't wait to share that, too!</div>
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Oh, it's SO good to be back! I've missed ya's so much!</div>
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-77499875657111724472013-04-09T12:10:00.002-04:002013-04-09T12:10:59.805-04:00Paradise Cove<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Welcome to Paradise Cove, my little inland hide away :)<br />
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We got rid of the azaleas and replaced them with tropical plants. We have Red Sister Tai Marginella's, Crotons, and Umbrella plants. That tomato plant is still going nuts around the mermaid by the front door!<br />
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My asparagus ferns made it through the winter! Sorry for the blur..don't know what's up with this pic.<br />
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I cut down this side of it...it was spilling all over the walkway, and this thing has thorns!<br />
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That rusty thing is part of an old torpedo from the Navy in Washington DC. I had a friend whose dad worked there. I've been packing this thing around for nearly 30 years! I love it!<br />
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Hubby built this lighthouse many years ago out of buckets, chicken wire, and concrete mix. It could use a new paint job.<br />
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This mixture of variegated and colorful plants has made such a nice change!<br />
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We had to buy a new Palm to replace the one by the pond. Notice how much smaller it is?<br />
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I have my 'children playing & shelling' statues around the palm and pond.<br />
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Love his little dive mask and bucket of shells at his feet! Sweet!<br />
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Here they are together playing on an innertube...you can barely see it for all my shells lol.<br />
These were a Mother's Day gift years ago.<br />
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The more weathered this gets the more I like it :)<br />
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If I don't like you, I'll tie this anchor to your ankle and toss you in the sea! LOL just kidding...<br />
but if I like you I'll toss you a life preserver! hahahaha Not that it would help hehehehe it's wood.<br />
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You've seen this area from a close up view. Remember the gargoyle around Halloween?<br />
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I really like pretty things, and especially tropical blooming plants. This pink Mandevilla is going to be gorgeous climbing up the rope ladder I'm hanging here! This driftwood log came from Daytona after Sandy went by last year. I found a bunch of coconuts, too. They're in the house :)<br />
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One more thing we added to the front yard!<br />
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I have been trying to grow a palm tree in this spot for 10 years :(<br />
This year I went with a beautiful Peach Hibiscus Twisted Topiary :D<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fudC4TnVLE/UWQ4OTSA8zI/AAAAAAAAJuM/j2Nnt8sUIOE/s1600/peach+hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fudC4TnVLE/UWQ4OTSA8zI/AAAAAAAAJuM/j2Nnt8sUIOE/s400/peach+hibiscus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a better picture of it.<br />
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It is LOADED with buds!!!!!!!<br />
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The grass will be green soon :) I can't wait!<br />
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And that is just the front yard. We worked on three sides of the house, and I did a little out back....and did some new stuff out in the screenroom (All of that in 2 days!) And I did do SOME playing will shells while I was sick....I just didn't make <i>jewelry</i> with them!<br />
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So, I still have pics of our new tomato garden, and Fern Gully. When everything is all filled in and growing well in a couple of months we will do the tour again....if it's as lovely as I am dreaming of, then I will have to share it :D<br />
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So stay tuned! I have a few more things to plant, and I'll finish knocking my photos down to size and be back as soon as I can!<br />
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Today I'm going to continue my search for replacement cushions for my wicker set. I have looked nearly everywhere...I just may be making them :( but I don't want to. I have a bone to pick with Martha Stewart for not continuing her line of cushions that go with her line of wicker furniture....unless I am mistaken and you know where I can get them????!!!!<br />
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It's so good to be back :) I missed ya'll!!!</div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-67242634061902717142013-04-08T07:26:00.000-04:002013-04-08T07:26:57.118-04:00A Long Journey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey there! I'm so sorry I sailed off without a word, but I was swept away on a long journey to the Isle of Ill. Oh my, and how ILL! So very ill in fact that I spent a few days in the hospital!!! A triple combo of maladies besieged me, and I seriously felt as if I may not ever return from my journey. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_pneumonia" target="_blank">Viral Pneumonia</a>,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurisy" target="_blank"> pleurisy</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costochondritis" target="_blank">costochondritis</a> laid a whoopin' on me. I was engulfed in misery and so much pain :( I would have rather walked the plank than deal with all of that! One doctor at the hospital said to me: "you have more autoimmune diseases than I've ever heard of." hahahaha! That's what they all say when they meet me! But I am so much better now :D I'm still not quite up to full speed, but I will be soon! I've been on 2 antibiotics and lots of corticosteroids (Prednisone and Solu-medrol)<br />
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Of course, as soon as I did feel decent, Spring decided to finally stick around, and it was time for some yard work. I may have over done it just a tad (but hubby did all the heavy stuff!) My thumb has been killing me ever since....a little arthritis flare has it red, swollen, angry, and painful....but as soon as it feels better I will be making things again. My ribs hurt a little this morning, so not too much stretching for me right now.<br />
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I know I have missed so much, and I will get around to some blog hopping and answering some emails. I couldn't even bear to sit at my computer these last few weeks, and it wouldn't have done any good as my mind was consumed with the pain in my body. I've also missed the last 2 Harvest Village shows :( and you may have noticed I closed my Etsy shop for a while. I opened back up this morning! I can package orders again :)<br />
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I ummmm have been on Facebook, and playing games....thanks to my new iphone :) I did read some blogs posted there, but couldn't post for incoming calls and texts! This morning I downloaded the Blogger App and I can't wait to try it out, but I so did want to lay my fingers on this computer keyboard and say HI! and touch base with all my blogger friends!!!<br />
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Thank you so much for the emails and well wishes!!! They have been so appreciated!!! I'm sorry it takes me so long to get back to you (I have answered a few from my phone!) I am so loving the iphone technology :) So much in fact that it is on the charger almost as much as it is off hahahaha. I got hooked on Angry Birds, and played some Bejeweled Blitz. Then I found Tap! Paradise Cove and have been hooked on this game ever since. OMG! It's fun! I have ships, houses, and merchants out on islands, and battle and defeat pirates (okay, I have lost 2 times!) You can talk to a mermaid and gamble with her slot machine, but I have seen her cavorting with the pirates and she will rip you off more times than give you good winnings. You have to be careful when dealing with the mermaids! Ya, so this is what I have been doing lately. Just playing :)<br />
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Annnnnd I've always wanted to name my home, and after this past weekends yard work and new plants, (and all of the indoor decor) I've decided to name my tropical beachy abode...Paradise Cove!<br />
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I'll show ya'll what we did tomorrow! As soon as it's lighter outside I'll make the rounds with my camera. I also see a beach weekend in my near future ;)<br />
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Oh yeah! I feel MUCH better now :D<br />
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-91339300095209814032013-02-21T10:21:00.000-05:002013-02-21T10:21:16.189-05:00Come On Summer Time!Okay, I know I can't complain about the weather. We have had a really nice winter, with very few actual freezes. It does get chilly at night, and we do have the occasional cold day....but all in all our winters are mild compared to elsewhere in the States.<br />
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I do prefer spring and summer, though :) aaaannnnnnnddddd I always go barefoot, or wear flip flops or sandals. I have always wanted to make a pair of Barefoot Sandals. Really! And when Courtney aka Bonesaw Betty (from the Ocala Cannibals Roller Derby!!!) pinned a pair on Pinterest and added a tag that said " Della Merritt could make these- she's crafty!" I knew the time had come, and I better get on the ball and make some.<br />
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Of course, for my 1st pair, I'm all thinking seashells and beach weddings, right....<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BU3kDE0XTQ/USY0cqVLIMI/AAAAAAAAJpw/0lt7_SAJh2s/s1600/Seashell+Barefoot+Sandal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8BU3kDE0XTQ/USY0cqVLIMI/AAAAAAAAJpw/0lt7_SAJh2s/s1600/Seashell+Barefoot+Sandal.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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so this past Tuesday I gave it go! I didn't have anything else to do.... I'm kinda laid up ;)<br />
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Very elegant, and so beach wedding-y!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkpx59n0IZM/USY0x8WpwkI/AAAAAAAAJqA/kVIxO39Yaxk/s1600/Seashell+Barefoot+Sandal4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkpx59n0IZM/USY0x8WpwkI/AAAAAAAAJqA/kVIxO39Yaxk/s1600/Seashell+Barefoot+Sandal4.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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These will fit an 8.5 to 9 US womens size. I wear an 8 and they are just a lil bit loose on me, but I could wear them without them falling off or anything.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12wGcVWCTEw/USY2KY67NoI/AAAAAAAAJqI/THvGgTC9wK0/s1600/Seashell+Barefoot+Sandal6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12wGcVWCTEw/USY2KY67NoI/AAAAAAAAJqI/THvGgTC9wK0/s1600/Seashell+Barefoot+Sandal6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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See? Loose, but not falling off loose...an 8 could wear them.<br />
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See my boo boo by my big toe joint? A bottle of body wash fell on my foot in the shower :(<br />
I was bleeding! I'm accident prone, to say the least LOL!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSFukJY8Ee0/USY2-GlOcFI/AAAAAAAAJqg/bCfngCUgABI/s1600/Seashell+Barefoot+Sandal9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSFukJY8Ee0/USY2-GlOcFI/AAAAAAAAJqg/bCfngCUgABI/s1600/Seashell+Barefoot+Sandal9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Enough side views, huh?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynyROVztPXs/USY3KneKd_I/AAAAAAAAJqo/6goLtT5PL9w/s1600/Seashell+Barefoot+Sandal10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynyROVztPXs/USY3KneKd_I/AAAAAAAAJqo/6goLtT5PL9w/s1600/Seashell+Barefoot+Sandal10.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
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And on the other toe.... ant bite. I told you I run around barefoot.... and ants don't die in the winter where there is no snow!<br />
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I must say I DO Love them!!! I want to make a less 'dressy' pair, too. I think they are so fun! And mine are so totally different than any I've ever seen. Have you ever seen any like these? I think a Bohemian style with leather would be cool, too! I almost don't want to put this pair in my shop hmmmmm. And, can I say OUCH for standing on these shells?! It's the mass assortment by my pond out front, and they are not foot traffic friendly! Which is why my toes aren't in an elegant pose hehehehe!<br />
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<br />Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-34408130259019624242013-02-20T14:03:00.002-05:002013-02-20T14:03:51.789-05:00The Elegant MurexI made something cool and fun yesterday, but it requires a pedicure for me to do a post on it. Since that is not happening at the moment (maybe later today) I thought I would dig out a couple of necklaces that I made a little while ago, and still haven't put them in my shop ....cuz I didn't have pics yet.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg1FXVrpBEc/USTHk4JG6zI/AAAAAAAAJnM/yYAJx5kJgsM/s1600/Murex+shell+copper+necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg1FXVrpBEc/USTHk4JG6zI/AAAAAAAAJnM/yYAJx5kJgsM/s1600/Murex+shell+copper+necklace.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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An elegant and so pretty Murex shell dangles from a copper bail, on a solid copper chain, with a peach pearl drop.<br />
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This chain is very fine looking, delicate, and dainty, but every little link is soldered closed.<br />
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The Murex has a dainty and delicate look about it, too... but make no mistake, this is a sturdy shell. I sure wouldn't want to step on one.<br />
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A simple lobster clasp completes this necklace.<br />
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Not everyone likes copper the way I do, and most people actually like silver the most.<br />
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This lovely Murex is on a silver plated chain, and has a pretty pinkish purplish freshwater pearl drop.<br />
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The Murex is like the Beauty Queen of the sea :)<br />
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Her details are stunning, and so very elegant!<br />
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Also finished with a simple lobster clasp, this necklace is ready to wear!<br />
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As soon as I get them listed in my shop, hehehehee!<br />
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I know I am still being a slow poke about listings right now, but I do have my reasons :P<br />
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<br />Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-44037274760918700362013-02-19T07:39:00.000-05:002013-02-19T07:39:05.122-05:00Seashell Crowns for Mermaids<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Do you remember a few months ago, I was working on a custom order? I wouldn't tell what it was, and didn't give anything away as to what I was working on...not even a hint.<br />
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Well, I can tell now!<br />
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I was asked to make a Mermaid Seashell Crown with pink shells, that looked like the crown Alana, Ariel's sister is wearing in the movie the Little Mermaid. My customer is playing the part in an upcoming play!<br />
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The criteria for the shell crown, besides being pink, was that it has to stay on her head while she is wearing a wig.<br />
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This is an 'in progress photo', and you can see that I used a long toothed comb style headband.<br />
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I also left long streamers of ribbon at the ends to be tied underneath/behind her head. She can trim them if she needs to :)<br />
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This was a super cool project to take on, and I am completely happy with the results! I am thrilled to finally be sharing it with you all :) And my customer is just as thrilled with the finished piece!!!!<br />
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I do have more shell crown ideas that don't involve paint....just shells and pearls, and ribbon. Now that I've sold this one, I can start working on the others. I'll just add it to my looooooong To Do list!<br />
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Can you think of anything I should add to my To Do list?<br />
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-27379641450701370462013-02-18T08:53:00.000-05:002013-02-18T08:53:04.509-05:00Nautically Correct<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello my dears!<br />
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I am on the mend! FINALLY! I went to the doc on Friday, and I am on medication. YAY! I should be well in just a few more days :) but at least I am starting to feel somewhat human again :D<br />
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A while back I ordered some really cool solid brass pendants. It took me a long time to find the perfect chain to match them. I did find two the right color, but the way the links were, made them hang funny. So that was a no go. When I saw this chain, I knew it was my winner!<br />
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Isn't this Life Preserver neat? Solid Brass and Copper, this pendant has some weight to it. You can tell it's solid, not hollow.<br />
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I could add a shell, but I'm not going to....not unless one is requested.<br />
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I'm just gonna do a little Nautical Series and see how it goes.<br />
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This would make a great guy necklace ;) but a woman could wear it, too.<br />
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This Port Hole Necklace is very cool!Also Solid Brass, and it really opens! I kid you not. I opened it. I thought it looked like it would, so I unscrewed the "lock" and opened it right up. The mirror is removable. You could put a photo in it, and maybe get a little circle of glass to cover it...and take up the missing space of the mirror :) I did put it back together :D<br />
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Also weighty, and perfect for your man....but you could wear it, too.<br />
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The chains measure about 21 inches, and the pendants about 1 1/2 inches across and 2 inches long with the bail/ring.<br />
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And because I was on a real brass kick, I fell for this awesome 40 year perpetual calendar.<br />
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To this I did add a shell. One of my Belleair shells....a Florida Cone. Not to be confused with an alphabet cone....this is our more conch like cone. I did the research....I'm still trying to learn all the shells. But, as you know, there are literally hundreds of thousands of types of shells, and I will never learn them all. As long as I learn all of our local shells, and maybe all of our US shells, then I think that's pretty good. I do know some of the foreign shells off hand, too.<br />
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Anyway....<br />
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This calendar really works! For 40 years!....you just set the month to the year, and it gives you that months calendar.....for 40 years!!!!! It's so cool! This too...is solid brass....but it's thin, so not heavy at all. I had no idea these things even existed until I found this one. How many times have you flipped to your checkbook register front for the date, only to discover the little calendars are outdated....like last years, or previous years. ARGH....that's aggravating :P and you don't have your cell phone on you either! But, you do have your car keys :D It's a fun item anyway, and would make a clever gift.<br />
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So, I didn't get to go to the beach for Valentine's weekend :(<br />
I'm just too sick.....but I am mending now. So in a few weeks we will go, but these next few weekends, we have prior commitments. Sometimes it sucks being an adult and having to do the 'right thing'. But, we do what we must :)<br />
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I plan on being back....SOON! I mean it for real this time. I have to get better now, I'm taking meds :)<br />
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Have a great Monday!</div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-90249742206383985022013-02-13T09:29:00.000-05:002013-02-13T09:29:20.713-05:00Surf & Turf Seashell and Wood BraceletsA couple of years ago I made some jewelry that I called 'The Surf & Turf Collection'. The surf being seashells, of course, and the turf being wood. I love things made of wood, and beads are no exception. Wooden beads can be very pretty.<br />
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Yesterday I got busy and put together a couple of seashell and wood bracelets....a new selection of surf and turf is coming! (surf and turf also happens to be one of my favorite dinners...YUM steak and lobster!)<br />
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When I saw these beads come up on Etsy, I had to buy them. They are shell beads, and I think they are mini mussel shells....I've eaten lots of mussels, and that's what they look like.<br />
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They are highly polished, and resemble polished tortoise shell.<br />
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The wood beads are coconut, and I used glass button pearls to accent the purple in the shell beads.<br />
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For my next surf and turf bracelet, I used one of mom's Mexico shells. An olive shell.<br />
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Coconut beads in the shape of lets say railroad ties...that's what they remind me of. Small white glass pearls separate each coconut bead.<br />
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I love shells that are drilled by nature....it saves me so much time :)<br />
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I used large lobster clasps on these bracelets for ease of fastening for those who don't trust a toggle...and there are many of you out there. I can of course change to a toggle at your request...no extra charge :)<br />
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This bracelet is so cute around the wrist!<br />
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I'm really glad I got a chance to play, I mean WORK yesterday! And I actually did get some real work done and listed several new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DelsShells?section_id=10623563" target="_blank">bookmarks</a> in my shop. I also listed the necklace I showed you yesterday, and my starfish headbands. I'm having to get into my stuff that is packed for shows, take photos, and then blog/do listings. I prefer to make the item, then take my pics...before it gets put away....but I was in a mad rush to get things done a few months ago, and things did not go as per normal. I'm going back and doing it now ;)<br />
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I have many items you haven't even seen, and it's my goal to get them in the shop...and the blog!<br />
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So, I'll see ya soon with something new!<br />
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<br />Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-13376022251981825732013-02-12T10:41:00.000-05:002013-02-12T10:41:09.552-05:00Off Center Seashell Necklace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I may be a little late, but I made it! I was waiting for my camera battery to charge. Isn't that the way it goes sometimes? You take one picture, and "battery is exhausted". Oh I hate it when that happens :(<br />
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So, I played around with another shell while I was waiting, and did a couple of Etsy listings :)<br />
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I have made a few asymmetrical necklaces, but never just an off center necklace, and when this shell spoke to me and said that's what it wanted to be, well, I had to listen.<br />
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This is one of mom's shells from Mexico!<br />
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The simplistic gal in me came out on this one. No sparkle, no shine (except the beads!) and no bling.<br />
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The larger beads are milky white, and the smaller beads are a beautiful Mediterranean blue dyed jade.<br />
The one wood bead acts as an accent to the shell.<br />
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To mimic the natural coloration in the shell. The shell is old, worn, and has been tumbled by the surf... making it so smooth.<br />
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I carved out the center of the wood bead facing the shell, and added a drop of glue to keep it right there. No twisting and turning. I also left all the little beach pebbles lining the opening of the shell to keep the wire hidden inside.<br />
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This was a fun shell to play with, and I learned something. Sometimes it's best to leave nature alone, and just go with it. It sure was the thing to do with this one!<br />
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Have you ever worn an off center style necklace?</div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-91343014961844346162013-02-11T09:47:00.002-05:002013-02-11T09:47:17.520-05:00The Great Volunteer TomatoI have a tomato update!<br />
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I didn't get tomatoes for Thanksgiving or even Christmas. Maybe I would have if I had fertilized and watered that poor lil volunteer plant. But seeing as how it was a total volunteer....I just let it do it's thing.<br />
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The tomatoes are small, and look like habanero peppers.<br />
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It is so loaded with blossoms!<br />
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and lots of lil tomatoes!<br />
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Since it is doing so well, and spring is just around the next couple of corners.....<br />
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I think I'm gonna start watering it, and give it some food :)<br />
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It would be fun to see if this plant can vine all over the front flower bed...<br />
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and around the pond with some larger, juicier tomatoes! And since the front of the house seems quite suitable for tomatoes, why not plant more in between the azaleas? Or maybe even instead of the azaleas? They haven't ever looked really good anyway....<br />
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I guess I better put my gardening hat back on! But until I get my seeds and plants, I'll keep making jewelry ;)<br />
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I am feeling a little better, at least enough to have some hopes and dreams again! Thank you all so much for your well wishes! I do appreciate it so much! I should be well mended by next weekend, but that was the roughest week I've had in a long, long time.<br />
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I played with mom shells a little, and I have something to show you!<br />
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Tomorrow!<br />
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<br />Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-91882804011109435962013-02-08T11:30:00.001-05:002013-02-08T11:30:34.701-05:00Valentine Wreath<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Danni from<a href="http://silohillfarm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Silo Hill Farm</a> has been prodding me to do a project, especially a Valentine's Day project that includes my cute heart shells.<br />
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OK Danni, here ya go! We all know how much you are into repurposing things, and reusing craft supplies over and over.<br />
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I used the wreath that I made for a <a href="http://delsshells.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-simple-wreath.html" target="_blank">simple coastal Christmas wreath</a> and stripped off the rope and starfish.<br />
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The only thing I bought for this was the sparkly heart wand, which was $1 but at 40% off only 60 cents! I had everything else!<br />
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Simple, so easy, and took me less than 10 minutes to put it together.<br />
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I attached the heart shell to the sparkly heart with hot glue, after cutting the stick down.<br />
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Some Valentine's ribbon from a few years ago.....<br />
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and some sweet little lace hearts that Shae made for me on her embroidery machine a few years ago. I've made a few pairs of earrings with these hearts.<br />
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A sweet little project that didn't even come close to breaking the bank!<br />
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I better be feeling better by Valentine's Day!<br />
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Have a great weekend!</div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-47359101241212818652013-02-07T03:27:00.000-05:002013-02-07T03:27:49.340-05:00Craft Fair Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Did you think I forgot about you? I didn't! I've been a little (actually a LOT) under the weather. I've caught that nasty flu that's going around :(<br />
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It was dang cold Saturday morning as we headed to Harvest Village! We wore 2 jackets most of the day, with hats and gloves til it warmed up.<br />
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There were baby animals this time!<br />
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How cute is this lamb?! OMG so adorable!<br />
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She was such a little sweetie, too! (She was my favorite baby of the day!)<br />
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This was my next favorite....a cute lil goat kid.<br />
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He liked to cuddle with his mom :)<br />
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This baby goat was a favorite, too. It wanted out of the cage.<br />
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There were quite a few animals....this Billy goat...<br />
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chickens<br />
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doves<br />
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ducks<br />
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fluffy headed ducks????<br />
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more chickens<br />
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more fluffy headed ducks....are they molting or what? I don't remember my ducks doing this as a kid.<br />
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a piggy!<br />
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and more goats.<br />
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We had a pretty good vendor turnout....it gets better all the time :)<br />
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<br />
We had a pretty good day....well, fun wise, lol. Laci sold a couple of finger puppets, and a couple of cat toys.<br />
I sold a hair barrette and a key chain....and Miss Anna sold a couple things. I didn't keep tabs on everyone.<br />
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About an hour after I got home Saturday, I was hit with the flu. Full on fever and chills, in the bed with my clothes and jacket on.<br />
To make matters worse, I have coughed so hard, I have cracked my ribs. It is so painful, I can barely stand to move, or even breathe.....and coughing is excruciatingly painful.<br />
I have no appetite whatsoever, and the last thing I ate was a bowl of soup Monday night. Just the thought of food makes me nauseous.<br />
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I better be on the mend soon! I'm planning a trip to the beach in a week, and I can't go shelling with cracked ribs....OR Can I?</div>
Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1096387075676992184.post-62772614527669478022013-02-01T11:40:00.000-05:002013-02-01T11:40:43.497-05:00The Friday Post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Friday, and Yay the weekend is here!<br />
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But first....ummmm yesterdays post...let me clarify that I do NOT hate mustaches on MEN. My husband has one, as well as a beard ;) I like them just fine on him! My son has facial hair, too....and both my son-in-laws!<br />
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It's mustaches on everything not breathing that I find silly, lol. There are even<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=mustache&hl=en&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=4NULUeOLH4X49gSA0YHIBw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAA&biw=1366&bih=643#hl=en&tbo=d&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=mustache+party+supplies&oq=mustache+party+&gs_l=img.1.2.0l4j0i24l6.57690.59511.0.61810.7.7.0.0.0.0.153.576.6j1.7.0...0.0...1c.1.2.img.VbL3hbcg0k8&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.41867550,d.eWU&fp=a6a9e8062d722b9f&biw=1366&bih=643" target="_blank"> mustache party supplies</a> for heavens sake :P<br />
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Okay, this weekend is a FUN one!<br />
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Harvest Village tomorrow!<br />
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Kim gave me some cool acrylic sign frames a while back, and I have been trying to come up with what to put in them.<br />
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I know, bad pictures! Lighting really IS everything<br />
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These are just about 81/2 x 11 and I think you can read them at a glance from a short distance away. Except the last one. It's in a 4 x 6 frame. It's still quite noticeable. I'm hoping that by seeing in print what I actually HAVE maybe will make a big difference :) if anyone comes out in this frigid weather, lol.<br />
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On Sunday we will be going to the 1st Cannibals bout of the season!!!!!! Yay Roller Derby!<br />
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And you already know who my favorites are ;)<br />
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But really, all the ladies are GREAT and it takes a TEAM not just one or two people!<br />
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And next week I will get some work done! And I do have a Valentine craft.....<br />
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Have a great weekend, and stay warm!<br />
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Dellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07826435478377353342noreply@blogger.com8