Del's Shells

A Little Beach Trip

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

I am so glad to be done with January. Seriously. January has winter written all over it. Even though we had an amazing January temperature wise, it's still all brown around here. All it takes is a freeze or two, and the flowers and grass are done for.

A quick cure for the January doldrums is a trip to the beach!

Looking off the balcony of our room at Clearwater Beach, we had quite a new experience this time. Usually we head down to Belleair Beach. It's very quiet and peaceful down there. Clearwater is different, at least it was where we stayed. We had wonderful tropical music coming from a live band down by the tiki bar.

About 8pm they switched over to an 80's cover band, and it just got better! They did play until 2am, and people lingered and talked until 4am. A few young stragglers were on the beach till the sun came up. I didn't get any sleep, and that's why you haven't heard from me! I've been resting!

On Sunday we drove over to Honeymoon Island, through Dunedin, and took the ferry (a big pontoon) over to Caladesi Island. You can only get to Caladesi by boat, and it's something I had been wanting to do for years.

I really just needed to get my toes in some beach sand.

I found some shells, but my best two were found around the rocks over at Clearwater while we were picking up cans and bottles that had been left, or washed into them. People were looking at us like we were nuts or something. One lady even put her book down to watch. Silly people.

My bags of shells are sitting in the screenroom waiting for me to recuperate enough to clean them. I've pretty much done nothing but sleep since we got home.....oh, and I slept all the way home, too.

We will definitely have to go over to Caladesi again. Next time we are taking backpacks, and walking to the far end of the island.

Valentine's Seashell Jewelry

2012-01-25T02:30:00.001-05:00

When I was sorting some shells into matching pairs, I came across 4 that were so close in color! Two that were the same size (for earrings) and 2 in perfect sizes for a necklace, and a bracelet. That, my dear friends, is what I have been working on. Some Valentine Seashell Jewelry!

And it just so happens that these Calico Scallop shells are reddish pink and white! They are the closest I've ever seen calico's to being red. Usually they are pink, purple, burgundy, or even orangey, or yellow.

When I saw they did match so well, and looked great with red beads, I knew I had my Valentine's Day shells for this year.

Valentine Seashell Necklace

I love these cultured freshwater heart shaped pearls! It makes a darling little charm for this sweetheart of a seashell necklace. The sterling silver looks fab with the red. LOVE!

Valentine Seashell Earrings

These sweet little shells are darling little dangles to match the necklace. You know I've hidden something behind those shells! That's why they aren't laying flat ;)

Valentine Seashell Bracelet

I have several of the heart shaped pearls in this bracelet, and it was actually the first piece I made. The clasp is magnetic, and has little hearts engraved/stamped into it.

Now...what to do with all of those leftover silver heart beads???
I better start brainstorming!

White Coral and Black Lava Stone Jewelry Set

2012-01-18T06:50:00.000-05:00

I have several pieces of coral...some I found on the beach, and some were given to me, and a few have been bought.

The other day, I was looking at some of these pieces, and that little light went off. You know, the one above my head, shaped like a light bulb?!

Some of my new supplies were these awesome black lava stone beads, and white South Sea shell pearls. I love the texture of the black lava stone beads! I'm also enthralled with the South Sea shell pearls! These are exquisite! Very large, smooth, perfectly round, and oh so white!

This is a short necklace, it falls into the choker category, but has some hang to it. It is quite dressy, and I thought it would make an amazing set. So I made a matching bracelet and earrings.

I totally and completely adore this Coral, Lava Stone, and South Sea Shell Pearl Jewelry Set!

For Etsy relevancy it is called Coral Choker Necklace Jewelry Set for now. As long as it stays on the first page or two I'll stick with that "name"....but in my mind it is called Kilauea Meets the Sea, or Kilauea's Destiny. I used to name all of my pieces, and I think it makes them just a little more special!

I was thinking of working on my Etsy description in the listing. If I'm not in the right mood, or frame of mind, my descriptions are down right b o r i n g. ZZZZZZZZ. I think I could jazz it up a tad, but I don't want it to lose it's place in the search!

I have a few new listings, and I'll showcase some here, and some on my other blog! I also have a few new pretties in the works. I've been feeling creative, and just letting the juices flow. My crafty space is an utter disaster! I've been working with various metals, and have findings of every kind laying about, and 4 bead boards.

Yesterday I had a case of the dropsies, and didn't get anything done (except a listing and errands). I have also broken 5 shells this past week while drilling :( Big time sad face, but I'm hoping for a great day with steady hands!

I still have several supplies I haven't even touched, so I'm off to play!

If you could pick a shell to have something made with it, what kind of shell, and what would it be???

:D
Del

One Word

2012-01-11T00:29:00.000-05:00

When Kim from Snug Harbor Bay posted about "one word", it really got me to thinking. I don't make New Year's resolutions. I gave it up long ago. I figure why bother making resolutions I won't stick to for more than a month....and then end up failing something I started. Nope, that's not for me!

But, I think I can handle ONE word.
But.....WHICH word?

Several came to mind. The one that stands out the most to me right now is CHERISH.

To CHERISH every second, every moment of every hour of every day of living, and life, and the people in my life. I take things for granted way too often. I want to live in the NOW, and appreciate all of the wonderful peeps in my life, and the beauty that surrounds me.

Sometimes life is a real bitch, but there is always something positive about each day. I choose to cherish that one positive thing, or people, who makes me smile, laugh, think, plan, love, and DO each day.

Apparently I live under a rock, or a seashell, LOL, cause I hadn't heard of the "one word" thing either!

The month isn't over, so you too can choose One Word for 2012!

Have you heard of One Word before?

Cherish the day!

Del

Anchored Together Forever

2012-01-10T11:58:00.001-05:00

I mentioned a while back that I was getting a new tattoo. I can't remember if I mentioned that my family was all getting tattooed together.

We have been planning this for several years, and knew that we all wanted anchor tattoos on our right hips. The time finally came when we made it a reality! This was a Christmas gift to our kids, and ourselves...and while we had all of us together we made the appointment and got inked.

We took our designs to Fat Kats on the square. Alex and Ron did an excellent job of giving us what we wanted.

Now the AFTER!

Kandi has a pretty filigree anchor

Kyle's 8 bit anchor

Shae has a big anchor


Hubby's anchor with a moray eel


Laci's crochet hooks anchor with yarn ball

My anchor with shells

Our tats are still in the healing process, and flaking skin at this point. That is normal! We follow our care instructions to a T! When mine is finished healing I'm having some gray added to my anchor, and eventually more shells around it.

It was terribly difficult to pick a photo of the whole family because they all turned out unflattering to at least one person in the pic, and it was usually me! Excuse our exposure, and yes I have gained 25 pounds since I last posted a pic of myself! It's the sweet tea!!! I'm horribly addicted!

Anchored at the Hip

The family that gets inked together is linked together forever! I am so honored that our kids love us so much that they would want to do this with us. I love each and every one of them, and I'm proud to be their mom!

I'm already planning my next tattoo, and I can't wait!

Do you have ink?

XO
Del

The Silence Is Deafening

2012-01-09T17:22:00.000-05:00

Oh yes, yes it is!

How I miss the chatter, laughter, and giggles of Kandi, Gwynie, and Brady. Our house just doesn't feel quite the same without them. I could be doing many things, but all I am doing is missing them. Bree and Zachy miss them too, and refused treats all day Sunday, and just moped around missing the kids.

We did have a blast while they were here!

The weather was wonderful the first few days they were here, and they were brave enough to swim in what I consider a cold pool!
And then the temps dropped and it was so cold in Florida.

But it warmed back up in time to go to LegoLand!

They really liked this Lego tourist outside of the Lego Store.

He was pretty cool!

They went to driving school, drove on the test track, and got their driver's licenses!

This is a full size car made with Lego's...very impressive!

This giant octo was pretty impressive, too!

This is one ride I didn't go on with them....but I did ride the others, and had a screaming good time!

Gwynie loves legos and has been building with them for a few years now.

She really enjoyed MiniTown.

She thought this ship wreck was awesome...

and the fisherman reeling in a mermaid! It really went up and down, too!

I don't know how you could see everything here in a day, even though it is smaller than Disney or Universal. When you wait in lines to go on rides the time goes by fast! They open at 10am and close at 5pm. Not quite enough time to squeeze it all in. We had characatures of them drawn, too, so that took some time.
They went roller skating with Aunt Shae, and sweet talked us into MyMochi 3 times. It really wasn't hard to talk us into Mochi...we love frozen yogurt!

On one of the cold days we went to see the new Chipmunks movie, Chpwrecked. It was fun, and I'm a fiend for movie theater popcorn.

Psssst....Gwynie is wearing my jacket. She's almost as tall as I am!

We also went to the mall. Brady really wasn't down with shopping for girl clothes, so I let him do the bounce thing.

He really loved this!!!!

They are so very precious! I just had to have a picture of them sleeping!

I'll be back soon with our family tattoos, and my one word for the year!

I sure did miss you all, and I'm trying to make my way around to your blogs!

XO
Del

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T05:16:00.000-05:00

It really is upon us, 2012 is here!
I said goodbye to the old year, with someone near and dear.
You see, New Year's Eve is special to me...
we celebrate with a birthday tree!

This is a tradition I started long ago,
to make a little girls birthday special
so she would always know
Just how much she meant to us
and so New Year's wouldn't steal her show.

My darling daughter Kandi turned 30 yesterday,
and it just wouldn't have been the same without her birthday tree!

Happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T06:02:00.000-05:00

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

East Meets West....A Coastal Tropical Christmas

2011-12-23T02:53:00.000-05:00

The task is complete, and it's really too bad that it all comes down next week! Maybe next year I'll start Christmas preparations on Halloween ;)

I found these coconuts washed up on the beach and thought they'd make a perfect addition to my Christmas decor.

The stockings are hung by the window with tacks.....hoping for Santa to fill them from his pack!
Can you guess which ones are mine and hubby's? It shouldn't be too hard!

Every pet has a stocking, too! Santa brings goodies for them...they were really good this year!

I hang my cards on my antique dolly. I love this look! I did this last year, too.

Our resident pelican, Percy, wanted to play Santa....

Blue and Silver is my indoor theme throughout this year...and East Coast meets West Coast.

My nutcrackers stay out year round. I adore my captain and first mate! They are not used to crack nuts!

I decided to go with traditional red and green for the Florida room.

Even my peppers are in with the theme!

When you exit the front door you are greeted by fake poinsettias.

and seashell lights on a fake pine garland.

I did manage to get some pics of my dining room wall....the living room will be soon. I just missed it taking pics of Christmas stuff. Ahhh Geez!

I really just wanted to keep it Simple. I have a birthday party to throw next week! A very important Birthday!!!

And yes, it really did take me all month to do this and make goodies!!!

Have a Very Merry Christmas!!!!

Del

A Tropical Christmas

2011-12-21T05:10:00.000-05:00

What is Christmas like in Florida?

A magical tropical place full of sunshine and blooms!

I'll be back soon with an inside tour!

Del

Seashell Saturday December Edition

2011-12-17T05:16:00.000-05:00

Hello! I've got a little something for today, this last weekend before the big holiday next weekend!

While perusing seashells on Youtube I stumbled across this back in September or October....
I've been wanting to share this ever since, but it's Christmas-y. The time has come, Christmas is near!

Beautiful lyrics, and beautiful music!

Happy Seashell Saturday!

Del

Memories Old and New

2011-12-15T06:27:00.000-05:00

Saturday we went to the Christmas Parade!

It has been many years since I have attended, due to illness or weather, but this year I finally made it.

The Ocala Christmas Parade is a long time tradition for many in the area, and has been going strong for 58 recorded years! The parade attracts 60,000 spectators who line up along a more than 2 mile stretch of East Silver Springs Blvd. People mark their spot for a week in advance with chairs, marking tape, trucks, trailers, and motor homes!

The parade starts with the Ocala Police Dept. Motorcycle Division.

Then followed by more of Ocala and Florida officers, fire dept, and EMT's.

I had totally forgotten about the vendors!

There are a variety of toys and noise makers for the children, (I can't believe they still have the blow up Santa's! When did Sponge Bob become associated with Christmas???) as well as cotton candy, hot dogs, cookies, and the many surrounding eateries getting a piece of the action.

For me, well....I HAD to have some Hot Boiled Peanuts!

It's a southern thing, and the very best way to eat peanuts. Did you know the process of boiling peanuts also draws antioxidants from the shells? The boiled peanuts have four times the antioxidants of raw or roasted peanuts. Yep! There was a study conducted by Alabama A & M University! It's true! And besides that, they are delicious!

I took a few pics of floats....

It really got dark quick after the parade started!

But the main reason I went to the parade was because my little girl was in it!

Now....where is she?

I see her....but just barely.

It's dark, and these girls are fast!

Ah! There she is!!! In the red skort with the red scarf! She skated with her team, the Ocala Cannibals Roller Derby! These ladies are awesome!

The high school bands were amazing, and there were several, as Marion County is the largest county in Florida! The parade kindled memories of parades long ago when I was just a little girl.

We didn't stay to see Santa go by. We headed for my Trail Blazer and blazed a trail out of the area before the other 59, 997 people did!

I'm excited for next year, too! Hubby just may have his own float in the 2012 parade!

And I'm taking an extra camera battery!

Does your town do a Christmas Parade?

I'm making holiday treats today! YUMM-O!

Have a scrumptious day!
Del

Merry Citrus

2011-12-14T04:00:00.001-05:00

We have been going out to the groves, specifically to Reynolds Grove, to get our fresh oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit for the past nine years. Reynolds Grove is the only grove I know of locally that has Satsumas.

Satsumas are very juicy! Some say they are oranges, and some say they are tangerines. I don't care what they are, they are good! Satsumas were my dads favorite "oranges". The peel practically falls off.

Hubby prefers Satsumas too, for their easy peel-ability, and sweet juiciness.

I love my navels! They have always, and will always be my favorite orange.

Navel oranges say "Christmas" to me. I always found one in the toe of my stocking on Christmas morning.

Picking is done the old fashioned way at Reynolds Grove.

With ladders, and a tractor to haul the crates of fruit. Then they are sorted into bags in the shed.

This is a pecan tree. And another tractor. Reynolds has pecans, too!
My son swears these pecans have a citrus taste to them, but they just taste like pecans to me.

Pecan Tree


Pecans

There's still a lot of picking to do. These trees are LOADED!

We were fortunate to buy some Ponderosa Lemons, too!

Ponderosa Lemons are HUGE!

Yes, that IS a lemon! I can make 4 lemon meringue pies with just one of these beauties!

Me and Mr. Reynolds

Don't ya hate it when people take your picture while you are talking and the pic is unflattering???

Not once, but TWICE! Showing off these giant lemons is worth a little humiliation on my part! :D

We thought we had bought enough to share.....

Yeah, I already got into a bag! After dividing these up, we may have to make another trip out there! If he still has some when the grandkids come to visit, it would be fun to take them to pick straight from the trees :D

I love Reynolds Grove, and as long as he's around, we will continue to visit him right before Christmas every year!

My pecans are on my kitchen counter...and are so fresh and delish! I love to just sit down with a bowl of them and start cracking, and eating!

I also like to peel my red grapefruit just like an orange, and eat nice big chunks of it!

Christmas time is citrus time around here!

Merry Citrus!

Del

Santas vs. Elves

2011-12-13T08:17:00.000-05:00

I had an amazing weekend!
We went to the groves to get our citrus, attended the Christmas Parade, and watched Shae's first scrimmage as an Ocala Cannibal... but she was skating as an elf due to it being a Christmas scrimmage.

The scrimmage was to collect for Toys for Tots, and I saw several boxes of toys. Another option was paying $5 to go towards buying toys for the kids. Gals from around the state were skating in this bout, and it was a close one.

Most of my pictures looked like this...

I need a new camera if I'm going to photo speeding skaters!

There's my ~~Shae~~...I mean Militant Bulstrode....in the silver shorts. Number 9 3/4

In the end the score was 188 to 190 with the elves in the lead!

I did get a pic of the OCRD afterwards....minus 2 skaters who were taken to the hospital for injuries. We wish Foxy and Lil Looney a speedy recovery! Broken bones take time to heal. As the MC pointed out...Roller Derby IS a contact sport, and injuries do happen.

and just in case I didn't get a good shot, or didn't get everyone in it....

Kyle took some great pics with Militant's camera. Every time he pressed the button one of the girls went flying....and he captured it on film.

You must be aware of flying skaters at all times!

It was awesome, and we can hardly wait for the season to begin next year!

I took a few pics of the girls during the parade, too.
I'll be back this week with parade, and orange grove pics!
It was a really fun weekend, and I spent yesterday napping, but it was so worth it!!! I had a blast this weekend!

Del

White Rainbow?

2011-12-09T06:27:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen a white rainbow?
That may somehow be an oxymoron.
White Rainbow???

I snapped these with my phone Wednesday morning. Kyle (my son) explained why we were seeing it white, and not in color....he's quite the savant....and he uses enormous words. Apparently if we were on the other side of it with the sun shining through it we would have seen the colors. But since the sun was behind us, and the "rainbow" in front of us...we saw it without the color. Another version, depending on other scientific things, is that it is a Fogbow. Now, that is my version of the scientific speak Kyle explained it in....It isn't a Moonbow, because the moon wasn't shining through it, as far as I could tell. But it was foggy, and it really did appear to be a concentration of fog in an arc. It was so cool!

I guess this is our version of a white Christmas! Instead of snow we get white rainbows!

Have you ever seen a white rainbow?

Have a Wonderful Weekend!
Del

It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas Until....

2011-12-08T09:37:00.000-05:00

THE GOODIE MAKING BEGINS!

I have been making goodies for Christmas since mine and David's first Christmas together. I really have no recollection of making treats as a kid with my mother. She wasn't much of a baker or candy maker. Dad was the candy maker....and I still make his Peanut Butter Candy, which his mother made, too!
I think it's really cool that I make the same candy that my namesake made...yes, I had a Grandma Della. I didn't get to meet her, she died over a year before I was born. But her candy recipe lives on to this day!

Peanut Butter Candy, an old family favorite.

Peanut Butter Candy (or fudge) is what we look forward to the most! Some other family faves include

Peppermint Patties

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Peanut Butter Bon Bons

Turtles

and I'm missing my picture of my almond joy like candy and reeses cups like candy! They ARE just LIKE the real thing! These pics are from 2009....I didn't make turtles last year, and didn't take pics of goodies last year.

On Monday I had an urge to make cookies, and I gave in. I have been wanting to try Sand Dollar Cookies! Everyone has a version them....I wanted Pacific Sand Dollars!

I think they turned out okay, but were kinda a pain in the butt. Not sure if I want to make more of these, but might after Christmas when my grandkids are here. I'm sure they would love to put the sliced almonds on the cookies!

YES! my daughter is visiting a few days after Christmas! I can't begin to tell you just how excited I am!!!
I do plan on getting in some cookie making time with my grands, and have some cool cookie cutters to use!

I think Brady will like the alligator cookie cutter! and of course Gwynie will think the seashorse and mermaid are awesomesauce!

I have started gathering my supplies....

our mermaids MUST have pearl necklaces!

and pink and purple sprinkles are a MUST too!

This year I pulled out my shell chocolate molds, and will be making some raspberry fondant filled chocolates!


I love these molds!

Just for FUNZIES....

I want to make some flip flop suckers! I think the kids will love these!!! How Florida is that??? VERY!
I wear flip flops year round!

Needless to say...I will be eating some of these chocolate delights, and my fair share of Grandma Della's Peanut Butter Candy! I didn't eat chocolates last year, and only ate 2 pieces of PB candy :(

It's a good day for baking here in Florida...it's COLD! It is 9:18 am right now, and 36 degrees!!! (it was 30 when I woke up) I'm freezin'! Might be a good day to make divinity for hubby, too. It's usually too warm and humid. I think I'll head to the kitchen, and get my goodies goin'!

Do you make goodies?

Happy Baking!

Del

All That Glitters is Not Gold

2011-12-07T05:00:00.001-05:00

It's Silver and Blue!

I've been crafting some new Christmas decor that suits my Christmas color scheme better than all of my old red and green items. Some of my old things have sentimental value, but I left them in their boxes this year.

When I say crafting I really mean putting together. There isn't anything extensive in my decor items, just simple and easy.

I subscribe online to Better Homes and Gardens, and after browsing some decor pages last week I knew I needed something twiggy. Twiggy is in!

East coast meets west coast. Shells and pinecones I have collected look very cool and Christmasy together.

Just for fun, lets see this shot at night, with my lights on...

The walls look very tangerine in different lighting!

I must have deleted the other pics of this table due to bad picture quality....I'll take more and post with more decor because I made a cool candle with jewel box shells...and it sits in front of my mer-couple. You know...my mermaid and merman statue! The statue was actually a gift for hubby for our 27th anniversary a few years ago, so technically it's his statue!

Diane sent me a link a few days ago, and it had a twig centerpiece! It was a little different than mine, and had shells hanging from the branches. It was really pretty and beachy, too! If I had only taken my pics and posted sooner!!!

If the glittery balls weren't in there, I'd take the bow off and keep this out year round! This is my favorite project this season.

What is your favorite Christmas decoration?

See you tomorrow!
Del

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-06T12:09:00.001-05:00

Christmas really is right around the corner now, so I thought I'd start off by sharing some pics of my tree!

I've been doing my seashell tree for 9 years...the kids have been given nearly all of the "other" ornaments. Every year I gave them each a new ornament with the understanding that these would be theirs to take with them when they had their own family.

Kandi was a major contributor to my shell ornament collection. All of the shells tied with twine were given as a gift in 2002.

There are a LOT of them! She also made my tree skirt as a gift!

It's so pretty!

I can't even imagine how many hours went into making it!

Some of my ornaments are handmade, some were gifts, some are shells, and some are things like napkin rings that I bought just for ornaments...and lighthouse name card/place card holders made terrific ornaments.

This mermaid is my newest ornament. Shae bought it in Orlando when she went to Gaylord Palms for the Polar Bear Club run around in 9 degrees surrounded by ice sculptures in a swimsuit thing last weekend! The cool little beach sign with beach bag was a recent gift also....from Momma P!

This ball has some of my seaglass in it....

as does this cute vintage bell ornament that I washed all the paint off of....

This one has some English seaglass that I bought in it.

I made a few of these ball ornaments...watery white glue and sand on the inside, and rub on appliques on the outside.

napkin ring

I painted 3 of these...all different shades of browns

It's really difficult to take pics of ornaments on a rotating/revolving tree! They come out blurry sometimes. Especially at night.

I love how the lights shine through the capiz shells...

and the urchins!

I have a variety of starfish on my tree...and this is my favorite! (sorry for the blur)

I have 2 at the top...

one on each side, and they are different kinds. They are usually lined up better!

I like to tuck shells and coral in the branches, too!

Although it's not beachy, my tree just wouldn't be complete without a Boxer ornament.

There are so many cool things on this tree that I didn't even mention!

Did you spot any of them?

Did you see my son's bald head??? LOL! (he shaves it!)

Have a Beachy Day!

Del

I'm linking with Sally Lee By The Sea for a Coastal Christmas!

In the Spirit of Christmas

2011-12-04T05:00:00.001-05:00

Do you believe in angels? I do! Each and every one of us has our very own guardian angel(s).....which led me to creating this.

I think she is sweet!

and just what I need to remind me that my guardian angel is always there!

I was taking a break from working on my big jingle project (which is going to take forever) and just happened to have these wings....and my seashell angel was born.

I have been incredibly fatigued for the last couple of weeks, and trying my best to hide it. I thought it might be nicer if I shared with you the reason I am being so slow about getting things done. All I want to do is sleep! I'm normally quite an insomniac, but I have slept more the last 2 weeks than I have for the last 2 months! All of my decorating is going slow, but I am s l o w l y getting it done.

I have one curtain finished, and one to go! I'm hoping to get up the energy to make the other one today, and then move on so I can take some pics for you!

Since I'm feeling so very crappy, I really need my guardian angel.

Do you believe in angels?

Del

Caching With Kim

2011-12-01T05:24:00.002-05:00

Hello! I have a special guest today! I'd like you to meet an awesome blogger friend of mine, Kim from Snug Harbor Bay.

Kim is fun, sporty, and a geocacher! I've asked Kim to tell you about her caching experiences here in Florida...particularly Sanibel! You just might discover a new hobby!

I’ve been asked by my dear friend Della from Del’s Shells to do a guest post and explain a little bit about my favorite hobby, Geocaching. She thought her readers would enjoy hearing about my fun excursions while looking for hidden treasures.

Geocaching is quickly becoming a popular worldwide hobby. Here’s the basic premise: Geocachers hide objects, post the GPS co-ordinates on the geocaching website, and then other geocachers go find the object. It’s kind of like a modern game of hide and go-seek. Once you find the object, you don’t take it. You sign the logbook inside, replace the geocache where you found it so others can also find it and then record your find online at the geocaching website.

Here’s the official geocaching website: http://www.geocaching.com

. It’s free to sign up!

One of my favorite places to visit is Sanibel Island, Florida. Every time we vacation there, we make sure to find a couple of geocaches. All the caches I’m going to show you are hidden on Sanibel Island.

This cache was hidden under some exposed tree roots, near a beach….

This box was hidden on a gazebo, overlooking a nice stream….

Sanibel has an historic lighthouse and this cache was hidden close to the lighthouse. The lighthouse is located at the eastern end of the island and it’s an interesting place to discover and explore.

There’s an intriguing story behind this small cemetery and it’s a beautiful setting and its fun to walk around and look at all the headstones that are decorated with seashells. There’s no cache hidden here, but you do have to get some information off of a particular headstone and mail in the answer in order to get credit for the cache. This is the cache number GCD6EE (Near the Chapel). Click on the link to see what a cache page looks like. http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=4a626de4-4819-4bc1-9173-e39a242abb0c

This next cache was hidden almost in plain sight on the street, in front of someone’s house. I’ll bet a geocacher lives there…..

I really enjoyed this next cache. We had to walk about a mile down a beach in order to find this nicely hidden cache. We also looked for shells the entire time and then swam our way back afterwards.

This cache was hidden behind the island grocery store, and very near a small pond.

The location of this cache was outside a mobile home park, and inside the park is a small petting zoo for kids to visit. Check out that cool tree!

Another thing I really like about geocaching is that it takes me to places I would probably have never found otherwise. I’ve been going to Sanibel Island for years and never knew about this great lookout tower. Yep, a cache was hidden there and the view from the top was wonderful! Imagine looking all over this structure to find a hidden cache.

I’ve tried to show you several different types of hides and different kinds of cache containers. I can almost guarantee you that no matter where you go or where you live, there is probably a geocache hidden very close by. Geocaching is really lots of fun and kids in particular enjoy the thrill of the hunt.

I’d like to thank Della again for letting me share this with you. If anyone is interested in giving it a try, please feel free to visit my blog for lots more information on the topic.

Happy caching!

Thank you, Kim! That was a terrific post! I really enjoyed your pictures, and the caches that went along with them! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

Wasn't that fun?! Now hurry on over to Snug Harbor Bay, and I'll see ya back here real soon!

Del

Jingle Shell Rock

2011-11-29T09:01:00.000-05:00

Okay.....you HAD to know! You had to!

How could I NOT put jingle bells in jingle shells???

Jingle Shell, Jingle Shell, Jingle Shell Rock.....jingle around the block!

I bought several sizes of jingle bells in silver, and gold....

Aren't those pretty button pearls?!

The silver bell jingles have dark, dark cherry button pearls...and they are tiny!
The gold bell jingles have dark magenta button pearls, and they are a little bigger.
Perfect colors for Christmas, too!

All of you shellers out there know I took my nail file to these shells. They needed a little help being closer to the same shape! They didn't need much help...just a smidge here and there!

I'm still playing....or rather, I'm BACK to playing! or will be as soon as my tree is finished... I will be back in my crafty space! I have more jingle ideas floating around!

Yesterday was a total wash....well not totally...I did have a sale! WooHoo!
I didn't work on my tree yesterday, I went grocery shopping. UGH! NOT my favorite thing to do!
When I got home, I checked Etsy, and had to wrap up a package and head to the post office :D

It is a hot cocoa kind of day today. I may even have to turn on the heat! I am freezing! I'm going to go make another cup of cocoa, and try to warm up! I know it's not THAT cold, but it's cold to ME! I'm an orange juice drinking Florida wussie!

Is it cold or snowy where you are?

Stay warm!

Del

Goodbye Fall

2011-11-28T05:51:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and enjoyed the long weekend! It took the entire weekend for me to recuperate...how about you? And I didn't even go shopping for all those crazy Black Friday sales, either!

I wish I had taken the time to snap a few pics, but I failed to do so :(
Over the next month, my camera will be firmly attached to my hands!

The only pics I took were before the feast of ~~gluttony~~....I mean Thanks....

I continued my fall leaf and seashell theme....and wrapped the silverware in cream color napkins with a leaf and shell tied around them...with everyone's name written in Gold Paint Sharpie....and put them in this basket. I really like simple decor!

So now I am on to the next holiday! My tree is up, and almost finished....just a few sea urchins (okay, A LOT) of sea urchins to go...and a few more shells....and I still have not found my missing shells!

I'm seriously thinking about leaving my Christmas village in the box this year, and decorating around my regular oceany theme. SERIOUSLY! The older I get, the less I want to drag out....

So today I am working on Christmas decorations, and taking pics of my jingle shells!
I also have several new items for my Etsy shop, but that will have to wait for another day this week!

Are you getting Christmas decorations out and up yet?

Have a Wonderful Day!

Del

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T01:58:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving preparations are in full swing,
I'm running around doing all kinds of things!

Dishes and decorations are falling into place,
Pretty things and smells are filling the space!

Organizing and planning down to the last detail,
There isn't even time to sit for a spell!

Turkey and stuffing, cakes and pies,
A feast for the mouth, as well as the eyes!

A time to give thanks for all we hold dear,
I have a lot to be thankful for all year!

Sharing our bounty with family and friends,
I hope you enjoy this four day weekend!

Hello! I am hoping to squeeze in one more post before Thanksgiving...
I'd like to show you around my place, cause everything really is falling into place!
But in case I can't, I'll leave you with this.....
just know I'm thinking of you, and I surely wish.....
that you all have a Happy Thanksgiving,
and enjoy your favorite dish!

I'll be back, you can bet,
you haven't seen anything yet!
I'll have more crafty seashell style,
and I'll be back in a little while!

I didn't forget about the jingle shells,
I'm gazing upon them right now!
I really can't wait to share them with you,
I'll get a chance in a day or two!

If I don't see you before then....
Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving Weekend!

Del

Stuff Laci Made For Her Momma

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday Everyone! I'm so glad you stopped by today!

My post today has NOTHING to do with shells...SURPRISE!

At the beginning of the week I said I'd show you something Laci made for me, and today I finally remembered to do that.
Laci is very crafty, and is always making something for someone....and I am usually one of the someone's! She has made me so many thoughtful, and useful things....like a little pillow for my elbows to rest on...they get cranky sometimes.

She has crocheted covers for my Swiffer, and made a scarf in tropical colors for me, too.

She always has a crochet hook in her hand and a skein of yarn by her side...and several in her craft bag when she comes to visit. Yesterday she made a hat for herself, Shae, and me! They are darling...with a flower on the side! It's the only hat I've ever looked good in!

One of the very cool and useful things she made me are tropical clips with magnets on them. I can clip coupons, or a menu, and anything else (paper) to the fridge.

And they also make great chip clips!

You cannot leave a chip bag open for any amount of time in the south. The chips (and crackers) absorb the moisture right out of the air. YUK! They go stale fast if not closed up securely. These cute clips, made with clothes pins, are a fun way to prevent that!
Aren't they adorable?!
To see more of Laci's oh so cool crocheted things you can visit her blog!

I have something really cute, and cool that I made with Jingle shells to show you all next week, as well as other jewelry I've been working on!

Have a beachy weekend!
Del

My First Guest Post

2011-11-17T01:00:00.001-05:00

Kim from Snug Harbor Bay asked me to do a guest post on her blog!
Today is the day!
Please check out my post on Kim's blog, and then stick around and check her out!
Kim is an awesome blogger, and shares her experiences in geocaching, hiking, shelling, hunting, fishing, and all kinds of fun outdoor things. Once she even went zip lining! I really enjoy Kim's blog, and I think you will, too!

So come on over to Snug Harbor Bay!

See you there!

Del

A Fall Seashell Garland

2011-11-15T05:48:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to make a banner, or a garland, for a looooong time. I see them everywhere, and they are usually made of fabric, or paper. My daughter Laci crocheted some banners! Well, I finally got around to making my own, and it was inspired by the lovely fall weather.

It was really easy, and I'm sure you are wondering what this has to do with seashells. Let me show you!

I started with this ball of hemp, and measured a length of it to my front window. I added 4 more lengths of hemp to the first measured strand. Take the 5 strands, and get them even. Tie a knot in the center, and then tie a knot every 6-8 inches, or where ever you'd like your pretties to be.

I bought 2 packages of plain fall leaves from Walmart for $1 each, one with glitter, and one without. I hot glued the top center of two leaves together, with the leaves slightly off center from each other, added a little hemp bow, and glued a periwinkle shell on top of the bow. I repeated this many times...with the glittered leaves, and attached them to the knots with hot glue.

It is exactly what I was dreaming of, and I love it! I did measure it for the front window, but haven't finished my window treatments YET.

Now for the leaves without glitter.... take one leaf, glue a hemp bow on, and a seashell. Hot glue this to a few pieces of hemp long enough to tie around a cloth napkin....see where I'm going with this?!

So simple, so pretty....and so ME! I think it's perfect for a Florida Thanksgiving!

I'm working on one for Christmas next!

Are you doing handmade crafts for the holidays?

Have fun, and have a beachy day!

Del

Beaded Pillows

2011-11-14T04:33:00.000-05:00

TGIM! Yes, Thank God it's MONDAY, because I have been wanting to do this post for days!

I'd like you to meet Karen, from The Beaded Pillow...Etsy shop, and blog! I've been following Karen's blog ever since I found her on one of my Etsy Teams (probably the Etsy blog team)

Karen does fabulous work doing beaded pillows! A couple of weeks ago she had a contest to name her newest pillow, and a name came to me....and she chose the name I came up with for her pillow!!!

This is Paradise Wild!

This gorgeous, and colorful hand beaded pillow is in Karen's Etsy shop, The Beaded Pillow! and I chose the name!

There is so much detail in her pillows, and so very many hours go into each one! Her handiwork is amazing, and I'm just in awe over her ability!

For naming this beauty, I received a set of beaded snowman coasters from her, and they are darling!

I almost don't want to use them...but maybe to set a cup of coffee or cocoa on...for a few minutes...and only for the holiday season, and then these lovelies will be wrapped in tissue paper and lovingly stored with the rest of the Christmas decorations.

Karen sold my favorite pillow a while ago, but I have to show it to you anyway.

I love this Orange Octopus pillow! I love the colors, and the print....and her work! You can check out Karen's beaded creations in her Etsy shop...The Beaded Pillow!

Thank you for the coasters Karen! I will cherish them forever, and I will always remember Paradise Wild!

My daughter Laci made something for me, and I will be sharing them this week, too!

See you soon!

Have a beachy day! (it's going to be 82 degrees here today!)
Del

Fancy Seashell Hair Pins

2011-11-10T06:29:00.001-05:00

I have been playing again, and just in time for summer beach weddings on the other side of the world!

These pretty seashell, pearl, and crystal hair pins would look oh so pretty in summer up do's! When hubby and I get around to renewing our vows on the beach, I'll make a set for myself.

The shell has been wire wrapped in sterling silver over copper wire, and dangles in the center of the fancy hair pin. Lovely little freshwater pearls are accented with tiny 3mm Swarovski Crystal Elements with shimmery aurora borealis finish. Pretty loops at the top of the hair pins make these extra feminine and oh so enchanting!

Can't you just imagine these sticking in the top of one of those fancy and feminine braids I rave about?!

They dangle beautifully placed upside down as well! Who wants to wait for a summer beach wedding? I want a pair of these now! I'd love to wear them for the Christmas season! The Florida version of icicles! Hahaa! I LOVE THEM!

Do you have special hair accessories that you wear for the holidays? I do now! Or will as as soon as I get back to my little studio to create a pair of these for myself!

Have a beachy day!
Del

Matching Seashells for Earrings

2011-11-09T07:45:00.000-05:00

Good morning!

I'm playing around with some shells this morning, and it occurred to me that everyone doesn't know how difficult it is to match shells for earrings. They need to be as close to the same size and shape as possible. They also need to be very similar in color...of course.

Take this pile of limpet shells for example....

They all look pretty similar don't they?

Now spread them out, and try to find two that are so nearly identical that they appear to be the same shell (except limpets are not bivalves). If they are even 1/16 of an inch different in size...they won't make a pair of earrings. One is deeper than the other...not good candidates. Some are more blue, and some are more green, and some barely have any color at all. Some have chipped edges, so are automatically out. It's just not as easy as it looks!

I'm trying to make a pair of limpet earrings in 14k gold just like the sterling silver pair I made. Wish me luck!

Have a beachy day!
Del

New Seashell Bookmarks

2011-11-08T05:00:00.002-05:00

A little something for all of the bookworms out there, I've made more seashell bookmarks!

Remember this?

I wasn't too very thrilled with it...it was okay, but it just needed a little something else.

I really like the additional shells!

So, I got busy, and made a few more seashell bookmarks!

All of them have freshwater pearls, and some Swarovski Crystal Elements bling! Pretty and feminine seashell bookmarks....for the beachy bookworm :D

So grab a good book, and head to the beach, or just grab a good book about the beach, and save your page with a feminine seashell bookmark!

Which one would you pick?

XO
Del

Seashore Sunday

2011-11-06T05:00:00.001-05:00

Hello Ocean Lovers!
I thought I'd share some more pics from fishing trips....cause my grandson is the cutest little fisherman out there, in my opinion ;)

I hope you enjoyed a quick trip to the Gulf, and thanks for hanging around!

I know we all have plenty to do in the coming weeks, so this will be my last Seashore Sunday post for a while. I'll still be around, and may slip in a Seashell Saturday post once in a while, too....but I'm going to concentrate on getting ready for the holidays, and posting during the week.

I hope you all will join me....who knows what I may post next???
I still have several shell projects in the works, and you will find some of them in my shop. I'm sure to want you opinion on somethings, too!

Aaaaand I have a couple of somethings saved for a Christmas time Seashell Saturday.

It's getting close to orange pickin' season around here, and I'll be going out to the groves real soon! MMMMM fresh Florida Citrus! I can't wait!

See you soon!

I hope you've had a wonderful weekend!

<3
Del

Seashell Saturday

2011-11-05T05:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome to one of my favorite days of the week...Seashell Saturday!

I wanted something totally lighthearted and FUN today, and I think I found just the right thing!

Ladies, get out your hula skirts!

Isn't that just the cutest video?!

I didn't know Minnie knew how to Hula!

Do you like to dance?

Thanks for joining me today, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Have a FUN day!

Del

Everything's Coming Up Roses... Seashell Rose Rings That Is!

2011-11-04T07:20:00.000-04:00

I had a eureka moment a few days ago, and I had to pull out my shells, and epoxy. This little light bulb lit up over my head, and I couldn't turn it off until I did what I needed to do!

Now don't go imagining that I glued shells together to resemble roses. I'm not that kind of shell crafter. I wish I was, but at this time, I'm not. Maybe someday!

Maybe I should just stop rambling and show you what I did. It was really simple. Too simple really.

Look very closely and you will see that those are 2 different rings, 2 different shells. The one above is slightly larger, and the one below the tip of the shell extends further down the stem. I didn't dare drill these. They are really thick for such a tiny shell, and I was afraid of breaking them. But I wanted to use them so very badly! So, now I have shell rose rings!

These turned out cute, too! You are going to start calling me the crazy shell lady for sure....if you don't already! LOL!

and since I had a couple more of those little calico scallops laying out....

I told you it was too simple! I do LOVE the results. Too cute! Now, I'm waaaaaay to old for these seashell hairpins, but I can see them in a younger woman's hair. Well....they might be cool in an older woman's up do hair do....I could do that! Like in a gorgeous up do braid. Those are so elegant!

I may just grow a tail and fins after all :D

I hope you have an AWESOME Friday!

Until next time....
Del

My Daughter is a Cannibal

2011-11-02T07:16:00.000-04:00

An Ocala Cannibal! WhooHooo! I'm a Roller Derby Mom!!!!

She received her Official Ocala Cannibals Necklace at the Don't Fall Ball! She wore her Ren Faire Garb with a very cool mask she bought at the Halloween costume store.

Congrats Shae! I can't wait for Roller Derby season to start!

I'm a derby mom!!!!

What sport season are you excited for?

Del

Golden Yellow Seashell Charm Bracelet

2011-11-01T05:00:00.001-04:00

I love love love to make charm bracelets....I must because I've made several of them!
Even though they are a LOT of work, I love to see them completed. From start to finish, this charm bracelet took me 2 days to complete. They are tedious, they are time consuming. And I love the results! This is my Seashell Charm Bracelet in Golden Yellow.

This beauty matches my Summer Seashell Earrings!

but it doesn't have to be summer to enjoy them! I'm staying beachy year round ;)

I'm also loving these beautiful golden yellow orbs of stunning perfection in these plump, freshwater pearls! These pearls are utterly gorgeous! I could gaze at these pretties all day long :D

This charm bracelet is definitely one of my favorites!

Thanks for hanging out with me today :D

Love,
Del

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T06:47:00.000-04:00

Hahahahahaaa! Whaaahhaaaahaaaahahahahaaa!

Seashore Sunday

2011-10-30T05:00:00.004-04:00

Hello! A beautiful Seashore Sunday to you all!

Belleair Beach, FL

You know I love to be at the beach every chance I get...
but do you know what I want more than that?

I want my hubby to get out and go fishing in the Gulf!

Hubby and a black tip shark

He has only taken the boat out twice since Spring.

The Sea Road Yankeetown, FL

It has been way too hot to fish, but now that we have some cooler weather...maybe he will schedule himself some FUN time! The fishing poles have been gathering dust...the guys haven't done anything fun all summer. They always have a good time, even if they don't catch any keepers!

Nice Grouper Jake!

Nice "catch" Josh!

little crab on a sponge

kissy kissy (my brother)

Hubby, Brady, Jake, and Josh

Personally, I wish he would learn to catch shrimp! (now you know I'm going to have to Google that!)

I haven't had a fishing pole in my hands for 2 long years, and I would love to feel the tug of a fish on my line! ( but I always stay home and make jewelry :D ) Maybe NEXT time?

Did you go fishing today?

Have a Spectacular Seashore Sunday!

Love,
Del

Seashell Saturday

2011-10-29T05:00:00.015-04:00

I have something different today.

I came across an article from The New York Times about the over harvesting, or over fishing, of the Chambered Nautilus.

These creatures have incredibly beautiful shells, that is true...but to harvest them to extinction is very sad. The nautilus has been dwelling in the sea for half a billion years. They are called a Living Fossil. To think that there won't be any live specimens in their natural environment for future generations to enjoy isn't only sad, it's appalling.

Many chambered nautilus are harvested to create what is called an Osmena Pearl. It isn't really a pearl, but a jewelry product derived from the beautiful opalescent, iridescent layer inside the shell.

The United States imported 579,000 specimens between 2005-2008. That number is shocking to me.

Marine biologists are lobbying for protection of the nautilus under the same United Nations rules that protect other endangered species.

I have 2 nautilus shells. One was a gift from Grandma in 1984, and I have bought one myself....but after learning what I have, there won't be anymore nautilus bought around here.

Please be a good beachcomber, or diver....never take live shells!

Thanks for joining me today, and I hope you take this post to heart!

I hope to see you tomorrow for Seashore Sunday!

Have a super SAFE shelling Saturday!

Love,
Del

Blue Limpet Seashell Earrings in Sterling Silver

2011-10-27T04:54:00.000-04:00

A couple of months ago, I bought 100 blue limpet shells with the intention of encrusting a frame with them.
I've been itching to make a pair of seashell earrings with them ever since! They are such pretty shells!

These little lovelies are perfect for an excursion to the beach.

White baby pearls dangle inside the shells.

All sterling silver components sparkle like the sun glinting off the waves in the sea.

These are the very first pieces of seashell jewelry that I have made using bought shells. Of course, half the fun of making seashell earrings is finding the shells, and I prefer to do some beachcombing, but I haven't ever found blue limpet shells. This type of limpet shell isn't native to the Florida coastline. I have found a keyhole limpet, and I made a bracelet out of it.

You can find both of these in my Etsy shop!

I'm heading back to my sea of craft supplies! I'll be back soon with a new beachy creation for you!

Love,

Del

Olive Shell, Pearl, and Abalone Necklace

2011-10-25T04:12:00.000-04:00

You may remember a while back I posted a pic of some champagne colored stick pearls, some abalone beads, and an Olive shell...

After gathering additional supplies, I have been working on it...and it is finished!!!

I added some Swarovski Crystal bicones in Sand, some South Sea Shell Pearls, and a few copper beads.

It lays so nicely around the neck...MY neck :D
I'm sure it would lay just as beautifully around any shell lovers neck!

Now I need to take some pics of it on my bust. NOOOO not MY bust....my necklace display bust! HAHA!
Had you wondering, didn't I??? This pretty Olive Shell Necklace doesn't hang down THAT far! It rest perfectly on the.. ahem...upper chest ;)
I've been liking shorter necklaces like this lately. Do you?

Love,
Del

Seashell Jewelry

2011-10-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

You may have noticed that I've reopened my Etsy shop. I received a custom order for an awareness bracelet, so I started working on it in the middle of the night while Bree was hospitalized. This prompted me to open the shop back up. Laci is working on a shop of her own, so I am on my own now....seashell jewelry, and awareness jewelry.

When I began making seashell jewelry, I did everything the hard way, and I mean HARD. I hand drilled my shells. What do I mean by that? I mean hand drill, not a power drill...no batteries, no electricity. It takes forever and a day to drill through a shell by hand. I am not kidding!
This is what I used.

My brother was a sweetie and bought me a battery operated drill. He tried to find a purple one, but he could only find this...

It was better than what I had been using, but it eats batteries. Rechargeable batteries don't last very long either. I borrowed hubby's little old Black and Decker cordless, but it was angled and difficult to drill with. Last year for my birthday hubby bought me a nice Dremel with a drill press.

This is the best way I have found to drill so far. It is definitely faster!

Considering the time involved in drilling by hand, I was pricing my handmade jewelry accordingly, but it sure wasn't very cost effective to the buyer. Anything made pre-dremel is now in my own jewelry box. I cannot get what I want for them, so I'm keeping them for myself :) You try drilling a thick lucina or a jewel box shell by hand, lol! They are difficult enough, and still take plenty of time with a Dremel.

What's in my jewelry box? or BOXES? These are some pretties I've decided to keep.

and maybe this one too

It is one of my faves!

These are newer pieces, and were done with a Dremel, but I just love them.

and maybe, just maybe...this bracelet

I've been wearing this seashell and seaglass necklace a LOT!

I only choose to keep something if it matches an outfit, or I can't part with the shell. I don't have pics of all of my shell jewelry....some of them I did make just for myself :D

But...I did take pics of this Tulip Shell necklace. It is my best Tulip Shell, and I just can't let it go. I wear it often!

So that's just a few of my fave pieces...it would take a very long post to show everything!

I wish I still loved to sew as much as I love to make jewelry. Imagine the clothes I would have!

Do you have an abundance of your favorite crafty designs? Please do tell!!!

Love,

Del

Pssst...sorry for such a wordy post! I hope you got through it :D

Seashore Sunday

2011-10-23T04:20:00.000-04:00

Hey! It's Seashore Sunday!

It's amazing to me that one place can look so different from hour to hour, and day to day.

and even minute to minute...the ever changing seashore.

Hope your Sunday is as beautiful, and ever changing as the sea!

Love,
Del

Seashell Saturday

2011-10-22T12:15:00.000-04:00

Helloooooo! It's Seashell Saturday, and I have something a little different to share today!

I have a few tattoos that have special meaning to me, but I am still wanting a few more. Tattoos are like potato chips....you can't have just one!

I am going to get a seashell tattoo, and have browsed the internet for some inspiration. Here are a few of my finds!

from Sharptattoos on checkoutmyink.com

from Chris Reed on TattooSnob

from Google Images

I'm going to be working on my own seashell tattoo design over the next couple of months, and mine incorporates something else nautical.

You can find several shell tattoos on Google Images, but they are not to be shared....which is totally beside the point of taking a pic and putting it on the internet in the first place!

A few months ago I was exploring ocean themed tattoo's and found this one.

This is a clever tattoo! I wonder if he really lost his arm to a shark???? If so, it's an interesting way to commemorate it.

I have a few changes coming up, and I'll tell you about them next week!

Have a Fun Fall Saturday!

Love,
Del

Breathing a Sigh of Relief

2011-10-19T06:25:00.000-04:00

After 5 days in the hospital, Bree is home! I picked her up late yesterday afternoon! They still have no idea what caused her kidney failure. She has an appointment on Friday to get her lab work again, to make sure she is still stable. If she starts looking peaked before then, we are to bring her back ASAP. Zach was SO happy to see her, he was doing the happy dance all around her! You can tell she is thrilled to be back home. We are so thankful she is okay, and at this time is not on a special diet. She can still have chicken, beef, and pork from the table! What a relief! I'm sure we could cut her off if we had to, and Zach would have also been cut off of table food because it wouldn't have been "fair". They are so very spoiled! So spoiled in fact, they know how to eat from a fork. Yup! Zach can also eat from a spoon, Bree isn't very good at using a spoon.

Maybe now I can wrap my brain around doing something productive!

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments, and concern for our girl!

Love,
Del

Bree Update

2011-10-15T23:19:00.001-04:00

Thank you all so much for your outpouring of concern and well wishes for my girl!!!

She looks so much better! We even got a few smiles out of her :D It was wonderful to see the sparkle back in her eyes!!!

They let us take her outside a couple of times, too!

She was so happy to see us! They even let us get in the cage with her! It was big enough for Bree, hubby, Shae, and me to hang out in!!!

Her blood work results will be in tonight (Saturday) and the urine culture is still 2-3 days out. She was having an ultrasound sometime after we left. They plan to move her from ICU to Internal Medicine on Monday.

She does have kidney disease, and they are calling it acute for now, but it may be chronic. If it is chronic, or ever turns into chronic kidney disease, we can manage it with diet and medication. She was really anxious hearing the other dogs in there crying and whimpering in pain :(

I can't wait to bring her home! Zachy needs his momma dog! In the event that Bree needs a kidney transplant, they said he (Zach) would be a great candidate for a donor, since he is her son. That would be the best possible match. They really are searching all avenues, just in case.

She isn't eating well, but they have her on a low protein food, and it smells just awful. We tried to get her to eat, and she ate a very small amount. I think she will eat it when she gets hungry enough, she is a very spoiled girl and used to eating good food.

She has some arthritis along her spine, in her shoulders, and really bad hip displasia, especially in her left hip :( My lil' girl is turning into an ole' lady) If we thought we spoiled her before, just imagine how spoiled rotten she is going to be now!

My plans for Sunday are....make Creme Brulee for Shae's birthday, go visit Bree, and then have Shae's birthday dinner.

Happy Birthday Shae!

Gaaahhhh....what a weekend.

When I know anything else, I'll let you know.

Love,
Del

It's a Sad Saturday

2011-10-15T00:31:00.000-04:00

Dear friends, with much regret I am not doing a Seashell Saturday post this week, and maybe nothing on Sunday either. I just cannot concentrate on it right now. You see, our sweet nearly 8 year old Boxer, Bree, is very very sick.

Thursday she became ill, and just wasn't our happy nub waggin' kidney beanin' Bree. (The link goes to Youtube showing another kidney beanin' boxer.)

Friday morning I took her to the vet, and after a day of blood work, x-rays, and barium contrast, they said we needed to take her to a specialist. Right now she is at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine getting the best care available in North Central Florida. She is having kidney issues, possibly kidney disease, and they haven't figured out why...yet. Had she not seen the vet Friday morning, she wouldn't be alive now.

I have put everything else on hold until our baby is better. She is the sweetest Boxer girl ever, and is super polite, loving, and one of our very best friends.

I will be going back to UF Saturday to visit her. She has made some progress with being on IV, and receiving fluids, as she was very dehydrated. She is able to stand up and walk, which is a far cry better than she was this morning...she had to be carried into the vets office.

We have her first born son, Zach, and he is beside himself with grief, longing for her to return home. I'm hoping to relieve his anxiety by bringing her home in a few days.

I'm trying to figure out what blogger has done to my font, also! When I signed in to do my post, my pretty cursive writing was gone. If you are reading this in a plain print...I didn't fix it! Oh, well.

I will keep you updated as to how my baby is doing. And she really is just like one of our kids!!! Right now I can't think of anything but Miss Bree, but I didn't want to leave you all hanging and thinking I forgot about you.

Take care, and I'll be back!

Love,
Del

Living in a Green World

2011-10-13T04:00:00.001-04:00

I love living in a green world, Oh yes I do! I also love living as eco friendly as possible, but that isn't what this post is about.

I was telling a blogging friend about a wicker chair I bought at the Salvation Army Thrift Store...
for $10! It was about 6 years ago, maybe even 7.

This is the chair

I had this gorgeous Pothos in it for several years, until we went to Vegas in 2009 and there was a freeze while we were gone (and no one thought to bring in my plants!)

This is the chair as it has sat for weeks on end because it was taking up space in the screen room just sitting there empty...I brought it in thinking I would do something "else" with it.

I have repainted it, and still haven't found a round cushion large enough for it....
soooooo

It is back out in the screen room, and I have another Pothos ready to vine all over it!

I love the Eastern exposure this room gets. By next summer I bet the pot doesn't even show! This pothos was started as a small piece of another plant...

After snapping this pic, I took a little tour around my yard.

I have volunteer ferns popping up between the rocks around the pond!

on both sides!!!

The Jasmine is also looking and smelling wonderful!

This is one of 5 of my Jasmine

I just love those little white flowers. This is one of my favorite outdoor plants.

Next month the Poinsettia will be getting its red brachts, and has almost grown up to the rain gutter on the house. Maybe this year I will get my family Christmas photo in front of my blooming Poinsettia!

We shall see!

I love this time of the year!

The Greenhouse at Epcot

2011-10-12T04:11:00.000-04:00

My daughter suggested we take this tour of Epcot's Greenhouse, knowing how we are about growing things. I'm sure she remembers pulling weeds in my 1/4 acre garden back in Idaho!

Epcot is practicing some very innovative growing techniques, of which I would love to try if I had the kind of money it takes to create some of these structures. Not all of them are over the top expensive to reproduce, and my garden next year just may implement some of these ideas!

One of these days I will have bananas that produce bananas! This stand of bananas is HUGE!

What a clever way to grow cucumbers! With some PVC pipe I think we can do this on a smaller scale.

This growing system produces 27 thousand heads of lettuce a year, which they use at the park.

What a great way to grow tomatoes!

How's that for growing a lot of product in a small space?

I love Rosemary, and this just about blew my mind!

No need to wash the dirt off your squash! See the roots of the plants hanging down?

I had no idea this would work for sweet potatoes, but it does.

Some beautiful Swiss Chard!

This is a small sample of what they are growing. I wish I had snapped a pic of everything they had!
There is even a tank of tilapia below a planting system, and the fish feed the plants, and the plants feed the fish. I plan on going back and getting more pics!

There are several techniques here that can be used in normal gardening. I really like the idea of hanging tomatoes, and other veggies.

Does this give you any ideas for your next garden?

Until I see ya'll again...

Love,
Del

Fun at Epcot

2011-10-11T08:41:00.000-04:00

Hello! Are you ready for another tour around Epcot?

Shae snapped a pic of us going into the park...we are excited!

Hubby played a racing game. It was something to do with being on a mission as a spy, and catching the bad guy. He did very well, and became a super spy... or something like that!

We do like to clown around a bit, as you will see.

Hubby would have been a fierce and handsome Viking! He does have some Norwegian blood flowing through his veins.

He's a bit too tall to pass for Chinese though!

Shae spotted a pay phone....check out that expression. LOL We had no idea these still existed!

I had her complete the pose!

Here we are in Italy...the sun was in my eyes even with my shades on...the reason for the crabby look.

The mosaics in Morocco are phenomenal!

Did you know they brought mosaic artist from Morocco to do the mosaic work at Epcot???
Heather enlightened us. She worked at Disney World/Epcot for 4 years, she also really knows her way around the parks!

There's a Cranberry Bog in Epcot right now...I guess for the fall and holiday season.

I love cranberries! Sauces, and Craisins, and anything you can put them in!

Hubby saw spotted this BIG toad, or frog. These lily pads are huge, too.

I'm kind of a nature nut! I see wildlife, or pretty plants and scenery and I have to take pics.

This was taken inside of Italy on our way to the Gondola ride.

Even the drinking fountains were dressed up.

I even got a couple of shots of Beast and Belle!

They look exactly the same to me. I don't think a single person moved between my shots!

More mosaics in another area...these were really amazing, and covered both side of an entrance about 25 ft long!

This was on our way out...I look beat! Didn't get a chance to paste a smile on :)

The end of the day...aaahhhhh. I am full! bloated! and tired!

Tomorrow I'll show you around inside the greenhouse at Epcot. It is truly amazing! I sure have been rethinking my gardening strategy!!!

Have a GREAT Day! See you tomorrow!

Love,
Del

Epcot Food and Wine Festival 2011

2011-10-10T04:05:00.000-04:00

I hope you all had an excellent weekend! I know I did, and it started on Friday!

Our youngest daughter, Shae, bought us tickets for the Food & Wine Festival for our birthdays :D
Her BFF Heather joined us, and we ate our way around the world!

I took enough pictures to do more than one post on Epcot...I'm thinking maybe even 3.

Lets start with the FOOD!

Dessert Trio: Lemon Chiffon, White Chocolate Macadamia Mousse with Dark Chocolate Pearls, Tres Leches Verrine

We had dessert first! Why not???

Grilled Lamb Chop with Potato Goat Cheese Salad and Shiraz Reduction from Australia!

MMMMM this was one of my favorites!

From Canada...

Oh! Canada!

Hubby had the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, and the Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta. I had the Maple and Moosehead Beer Glazed Salmon with Barley Salad...and it was to die for delish! So beautiful on the plate that I gobbled it down before I even remembered my camera hanging from wrist. OOPS!

Same thing happened in Greece!

Hubby and I both had the Chicken Souvlaki with Tzitiki, and Shae had the Grilled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey. Heather had the Souvlaki, too. I was going to borrow Shae's pics from Flickr, but she hasn't uploaded them :(

Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple and Spicy Mayonnaise

From Hawaii, and it was the only thing on the plate...don't know why it looks so messy. Anywho...
Kalua is the style of cooking and is spelled correctly....it doesn't have Kahlua in it. It was yummy! Shae and Heather had the Seven Tiki Mai Tai's...they also drank their way around the world!

Here's Shae with one of several drinks she had!

and Heather with another libation!

Scandinavian Rice Pudding with Driscoll's Only the Finest Berries. OMG! The Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries were amazing, too.

Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream and baguette, Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream, Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seahorse Truffles

I think I could live on the other side of the world with food like this!

On to Germany...

Nuernberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll

Apple Strudel Featuring Werther's Original Karamel and Vanilla Sauce

Cheese is not a country, but it had it's own booth!

Artisan Cheese Selection with Le Delice de Bourgogne Lincet, Thomasville Tomme Sweet Grass Dairy, and Chevre Affine Wyngaard Kaas

Cheese Fondue with Sourdough Bread

I must say the fondue was awful :( Someone messed this batch up...unless it was supposed to have a grainy texture. I'm used to smooth, creamy, delicious fondue...and this was not.

Linda Bean's Lobster Claw Cuddler with Drawn Butter

I had the Lobster Roll, too...but split it with hubby before I thought to take a pic.
They were excellent! I love lobster!

We totally gobbled down France!

Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Snails in Garlic and Parsley Brioche)

I wolfed down 1 and gave hubby 1 before I remembered a pic. I love Escargot! He had the Coq au Vin sur Gratin de Macaroni. Shae had the Chocolate Creme Brulee...and said my Creme Brulee is better. She always has it for her birthday! Her birthday is this coming weekend!!!

This one dish has me longing for a trip to Ireland!

Lobster and Scallop Fisherman's Pie, Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Baily's Ganache

The Lobster and Scallop Pie was better than I imagined...had I not been so full I would have had another. I skipped on the Chocolate Lava Cake. I could SMELL the alcohol in it...so I dipped my finger in just a tich and could taste it, too...as good as it looks it's not worth a trip to the hospital, and possibly the funeral home :( That's okay, I had several desserts throughout the day :)

I wish I had taken pics of everything the 4 of us ate. I challenge you to do it! Just try! The food is so scrumptious, and pretty, it is difficult not to just dig in!

The Seahorse Truffles were cute! I didn't want to eat them but I did. I gave one to hubby.

Seahorse Truffles

We had so much fun that we decided to make this a yearly tradition! I can't wait to see what they have next year!

I have been sleeping all weekend trying to recuperate LOL. and I may never eat again...at least not for the next week! Just kidding ;)

If you are in the area, have never been, and can get tickets, you should go! Especially if you are a FOODIE!

Which foods look good to you?

I'll be back tomorrow with some fun pics from Epcot!

Love,
Del

Seashore Sunday

2011-10-09T09:45:00.000-04:00

Let's take a trip!

Back through time...
when this part of our country looked different than this.

When the seashore touched where the mountains are, and the area was covered in seas.

The Western Interior Seaway covered a huge area of our continent.

Shell, palm tree, and crocodile fossils have been found all over the west.

It's hard to imagine this dry rocky area as being tropical at one time.

Is your home where the sea or shore used to be?

Enjoy your Sunday!

Love,
Del

Seashell Saturday

2011-10-08T07:33:00.000-04:00

Good morning beachy friends and seashell lovers!

It has been a beautiful week here in central Florida with plenty of sunshine, and lower humidity! This is perfect weather for me :)

It was definitely perfect weather for the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot! I didn't have a pair of earrings to match my outfit (can you believe that???) so I made a pair right before we left yesterday morning.

I am so glad I had the option, and the ability to do that on the spur of the moment! I'll tell ya about the festival next week ;D

I ordered a couple of styles of bookmarks, and had a chance to play around with one of the mermaid bookmarks-

I like this one, but I have another idea for the next one.

Back in August during my whirlwind redecorating fling, I had an idea to make a seashell mirror. I was actually contemplating surrounding my huge bathroom mirror with shells (I've changed my mind). I did order some shells I can't find here, but may make a smaller mirror instead, or use them for something else. I haven't decided yet, but thought I'd show you the shells I got for the project. I sure didn't want to use just my found shells, and I'm a little stingy about what I use them for. Bought shells are easier to use for just any ole' craft.

I love fan shells, they are big and take up some space...I have a few of these in my Christmas ornaments.

These were labeled "frog" shells.

and some nice spiral turitella shells.

When I was crafting my candle, and making some new beachy decorations, I remembered something I saw on HGTV or Crafters Coast to Coast ( which later became That's Clever). I have been wanting to make these for years!

I frosted the lampwork beads to make them look like sea glass. I'm lovin' these little tea lights!

Last week I was looking around for a dress made with seashell fabric, or fabric to make one. I stumbled upon this gorgeous dress on Ebay!

Isn't it lovely? and so ME?! Too bad the images were from 2008, and was sold :(
I would love to find some of this fabric!!!

While looking through my files, I ran across my birthday present from my son, and I have to share it with you. He's very talented using PAINT, the program.

I have a few ideas for this, and have played around with it a little.

I wish I could figure out the exact font and color he used! I guess I could ask him. I love this, and think he did a great job depicting me!

I have taken some time to start stringing that necklace with the Olive shell (finally) but haven't had as much time as I want to spend on it. It was a crazy week at my house to say the least!

I did get to check something off my Bucket List this week! Visit Epcot/Disney World.
(Thanks Shae!!!!!)
It was my 1st time yesterday! Crazy!...since I'm a native.... but Universal/Islands of Adventure is the place to go for the great rides. We used to have season passes!!! (Another gift from Shae!)

I am in a great mood, can't ya tell?!

It's going to be a great day!

YOU have a great Saturday too!

Love,
Del

Beachy-ness

2011-10-05T07:32:00.001-04:00

After spackling and painting I am having some trouble putting things back on the walls. Not only can I not decide where I want them to go, I don't want a bunch of holes in my beautiful Pink Grapefruit, and Pink Flamingo walls. I know I could use the 3M stickies to hang things, but I am a pound a nail into the wall kind of gal....or I used to be! I am down to just a few more pictures, and I have some blank spaces, and some items have been moved into another room. I'm hoping to begin sewing my window treatments for the living room soon!

I revamped a broken coral aquarium piece...

added turbo tacky glue

and sand

and a vase filled with small white rock, and the broken coral, with shells glued around the top

The peacock feathers are from hubby's grandma's farm back in the early 80's. We gathered them so long ago, and have so very few left. Over the years I've removed the broken feathers, and cut them down...some had to be thrown away...but they are very old, and have sentimental value to us.

I did a little change up on some old oil lamps, too! The metal has been sprayed with antique bronze paint, and I put some shells inside.

I absolutely hated these oil lamps...now I love them!

I also made a candle.

I'm working on the net over the aquarium...

and I made the cutest earring for my cartilage piercing!

I LLLLLOVE this earring!

I've done some sea life stencils...

Very simple chalk art. I really like these...they are plain...and well, simple!

This is a little of what I've been up to!

My bedroom curtains have been rehung, and my 2nd comforter came. When my walls are bedecked, I will take some pics :) Bear with me...good things come to those who wait. and wait. and wait.

I got the supplies I was waiting for :) I'm hoping to get to that today!
Can you believe I miss Etsy, and making jewelry everyday? I do. I really, really do!

Love,
Del

Seashore Sunday

2011-10-02T07:56:00.000-04:00

Even big kids can play in the sand!

Happy Seashore Sunday!

Seashell Saturday

2011-10-01T07:52:00.000-04:00

Happy October 1st! Thanks for joining me today :D

It's time to haul out the Halloween decorations for those who decorate, and I just happened to find some Halloween inspired seashell creations! On Etsy...of course.

Happy Halloween!

or Hello Frankie baby!

You can find these at beachseacrafts.

Or maybe you have a Halloween tree... these seashell hanging ornaments sure are fun.

Witching you a Happy Halloween!

Spooky!

Trick or Treat!

These cute ornaments are from Lore Art. Check out her shop!

From Islandjunkie09 these Pumpkin Magnets are cool! Put them on the fridge, or maybe a metal door!

For the coolest costume this Octopus Tentacle Hat is perfect for an "under the sea" theme.

It also comes in Orange.
Visit Apatico by orderabandon for more cute hats!

Okay, truth be told... I was expecting to show some of my new seashell creations this week :(

I'm still waiting for certain must have supplies! Once I get my mind set on something I just can't switch gears and make something else. I'm just that way!

I have done some other crafting, and will get pics soon...and my decorating is nearly finished :D

I'll be sharing some crafty goodness soon!

Are you getting ready for Halloween?

Happy Seashell Saturday!

Love,
Del

Sand

2011-09-28T03:35:00.000-04:00

I shake the sand from the bed
and then I sweep the floor
the dog comes in, and shakes his head
and slings sand on the door!

I've got sand between my toes
in my ears, and up my nose
in the bed, and on the floor
I sweep it out, the dogs bring in more!

I like sand on the beach
it feels so good beneath my feet
in the yard, or on the shore
Florida has sand galore!

Building castles made of sand
on the shore, or far inland
this childhood activity feels me with glee
won't you come play in the sand with me?
Della
9/2011

Driftwood Window Treatment

2011-09-26T15:21:00.000-04:00

I have had so much fun doing some rearranging, and decorating in my home! I have been wanting to do this for ages now, and yesterday was the day!

Depending on my lighting, the paint color looks different.

This piece of driftwood has traveled over 2000 miles with me, and was a garden accent until yesterday. I may add some shells and beachy elements to the net, but I really love it just as it is.

I am sooooo glad I kept my largest pieces of driftwood!

Do you like unusual window treatments?

Love,
Del

Seashore Sunday

2011-09-25T04:41:00.000-04:00

Hello! It's Seashore Sunday!
Sunday is one of my favorite days of the week. I'm *almost* guaranteed to have a day with hubby.
Sunday reminds me of Sunday morning breakfast, and big Sunday dinners with the family.

....and taking my kids to the beach when they were little.
A few years ago I clipped a cartoon from the Sunday comics. It's in a frame, and hangs on my bedroom wall. It reminded me of when the kids were little, at the beach.

click the pic to see the whole scene up close

How many times have you had to wave your kids to come back to "the spot" after the waves and current have sent them several feet down the shore unbeknownst to them?! Or did your kids think you "moved"?
Mine did...and I got a chuckle from this that one Sunday when this came out in the paper! I had to clip it...and frame it. This was published August 7th 2005...but I feel like I've had it forever.
This little cartoon evokes some very fond memories for me!

Happy Seashore Sunday!

Love,
Del

Seashell Saturday

2011-09-24T05:49:00.001-04:00

I am so glad it's the weekend! I sure would love to be at the beach :D but...I am lucky if my hubby takes one day off a week! If he does it's on Sunday, and if he's off...he is still working on something! I'm lucky that it's usually something for us, me, or our home :D

I have several projects in the works, but no big reveal today. I know...sad face :(
BUT...I have a little story, and a picture of bedding set number 1... which is actually my 2nd fave but came first in the mail....and this is why.

The girls and I went out and about town yesterday, our main motive for being about town was a trip to MyMochi. I LOVE this place! It's an amazing frozen yogurt shop. Forget that a side trip for groceries was in order, too. I know that's the part I'd like to forget every week. Hahahha!

Right before we got home, Lace mentions that even though she has said she has resigned/consigned herself to being childless, she really would love to have a baby. (awwww! ssshhhhhhh I did not tell you that!) But it ties in later on in the story!

Okay...anyway...we get back and there is a huge box on the bench by the pond. COOL!
Now, remember I ordered 2 bedding sets???
The "mail box mail" was on the table (Kyle brought it in) and there was another smaller (much smaller) package. It's mine? It's not one of the Etsy orders I was expecting? Hmmmm.

So I open this smallish package, and I pull out my other bedding set shipping label...
and a little tiny Baby Boy outfit!!! OMG! WTHeck?

Hello...customer service.... LOL

I get to keep the outfit??? I don't know anyone having a baby boy...or a baby at all for that matter.
AT LEAST I DON'T THINK SO.

Coincidence? Hmmm. I would love to have another grandson! It has been over 8 years since we had a baby in the family! My grandson is 8, and my granddaughter is 12!
I will not get my hopes up, though!

I just had to edit this in...it was worth sharing...and I had to show the bedding set. I guess my choice #1 bedding set will come on Monday, and I will get better pics when the lighting is better (and my room has things on the walls?)

I'm thinking of switching the seaglass (aquaish) colored curtains to the center.

I have more to share with you, but I don't want a never ending post!

I'll leave you with my intended post for today.
A poem I wrote a couple of weeks ago...

Shells, Sand and Sea

I found a seashell today
it was real like Earth and clay
I was interested in what I found
this shell had stories to expound
about adventures in the deep
amazing tales, now mine to keep

There's more to a shell than meets the eye
some have a critter living inside
these are the shells we do not keep
for they belong in the deep

Down below the dark dark sea
this is where a shell may be
or upon the sandy shore
I will look forevermore

They delight and amaze
all matter of folk
from young to old
the joy they evoke

So very many kinds of shells
all of their names
I cannot tell
so much knowledge
I cannot know
hundreds of thousands
of species I'm told

Some I will never see
hold touch or feel the glee
of finding a rare and beautiful shell
but they are all special to me as well

Just a piece or perfectly whole
pretty shells I love to hold
finding them makes me smile
walking the shore mile by mile

The salty sea and sandy shore
is a cure to me of this I'm sure
for whatever thing is ailing me
just give me sand, shells and sea

By Della
9/2011

You know I am fascinated by shells, sand, and the sea.
But did you know I really think it has contributed to my healing, and well being?
But that is a very long story...

Have a Happy Fall Saturday!

Love,
Del

From Coastal to Tropical Part 2

2011-09-20T08:44:00.000-04:00

Hello my beachy friends!
This post has been a loooooong time coming...at least it seems like it to me!

I'm not even sure where to start???

Hmmm...

How about the Heart of the Home?

The Kitchen!


before


during...laying tile

After!

and I took several AFTER pics.

oops...'scuse my dishes in the sink! I do live here...lol.

Bree loves it!

Ahhh... that's better!

Zach approves!

Did you notice I still need a threshold? Maybe by the end of the week???

so many DOORS!

Nothing is on it's proper shelf, or in it's proper place....yet.

CD shelf makes a great SHELL shelf

As you can see, I still need to do some decorating. LOTS of decorating. And window treatments.

My bedroom had a massive remodel too!

Buuuuut since I'm still looking for a bedding set, and curtains....this room will have to wait...for Coastal to Tropical Part 3!

But it is so pretty! and I'm oh sooooo Happy! Which means my hubby is oh so happy, too!!!

I did spend half of yesterday running all over town looking for the perfect bedding set,(cause I want it NOW!) and found several...but they also were not washable, and I will not compromise! I did find one online that I am ordering. It IS washable!

I will have some after decorating pics coming up. Just give me a little...okay maybe more than a little...time.

Right now my craft room is full of my wall hangings, pictures, and various decor items. It is a mess!

I took some pics of my mess, but I don't think you really want to see it!

I better get busy! It's time to hang some stuff!

Love,
Del

Seashore Sunday

2011-09-18T05:00:00.001-04:00

Hi! Welcome to Seashore Sunday! If you've never been here before, Sunday is the day of spotlighting a story or a picture of the seashore. I just love everything pertaining to the sea, the seashore, sea life, seashells, and all kinds of beachy goodness and beauty!

For the past few weeks, the focus has been on Lighthouses, and this week it's back to the east coast to check out the St. Augustine Lighthouse.

I took this photo in March of 2007. It was rainy, and dreary, and the lighthouse wasn't open that day. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is still at the top of my list for places to see (again) AND it's a lighthouse that can be visited inside!

I need to muster up the courage to go, because it is a Haunted Lighthouse. They even do night tours in the dark! Witnesses have reported hearing footsteps and voices, smelling cigar smoke, and seeing the ghost of a girl.

Having 219 steps makes it quite a daunting climb, and children under 44 inches aren't permitted inside. The lighthouse is open from 9am-6pm Monday through Friday, with Dark of the Moon tours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Times vary depending on the time of year.

The history of the St. Augustine Lighthouse goes clear back to the Spanish! The original lighthouse was built on the site of a Spanish watchtower, and another lighthouse was built when shoreline erosion threatened the lighthouse. The original lighthouse succumbed to storm and sea in 1780, just 6 years after the new lighthouse was finished.

Did you know St. Augustine is the oldest permanent settlement on the North American continent? The Spanish settled here 42 years before Jamestown was founded, and 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock! Of course, the Timucuam Indians watched the 1500 Spanish troops descend on the area.

You can delve deeper in the history of the lighthouse by checking out the links highlighted above, and there are many beautiful pictures of it here.

When I do take my tour of the St. Augustine Lighthouse, I will be sharing it here!

* Redecorating Update*
You know I have been busy painting (and it is taking forever!) I'm not sure if I mentioned that hubby is laying tile too? And laminate/hardwood in our bedroom? The bedroom and bathroom floors are done, and the kitchen will be grouted today!!! The main bathroom will be next....maybe next month. I think we need a break, and need to put together what we've torn apart before we take on anymore home projects!
And that will leave me to crafting, and doing the decor part. WooHoo!
I bought a bolt of muslin, and I can't wait to use it! Just wait till you see what comes next! I will be sharing pics this week, even if everything isn't back in place...and you can see my projects come together!

Have a Delllllightful Day!

Love,
Del

Seashell Saturday

2011-09-17T06:15:00.000-04:00

WooHoo! It's Seashell Saturday!

I'm so glad you could join me today!

The painting of my house is going very well, and I am almost done. I'll be finishing up this weekend with trim and touch ups...and then I can get back to playing with my shells. Yippeeeeee! I haven't played for a couple of weeks now, and I sure do miss it. Okay...I did make ONE thing! Or maybe THREE??? I'll share them next week!

Since I am supposed to be hard at work, and YouTube is full of awesomeness...
I have another video I found there to share with you!

This is so very interesting!

I knew they were poisonous, I just didn't realize HOW poisonous they were. I know from now on I will be careful picking up cone shells! I haven't ever found a LIVE cone snail before, but I have found other live shells.
What do we do with live shells?
Put Them Back In The Water!!!
Let them live to make some baby shells... so we, and future generations, can enjoy them as well.

A nice big warm WELCOME to my new followers! I'm so happy you are here, and I hope you have some fun with us!

I'll see you tomorrow with an interesting Seashore Sunday!

Have a Super Sunny Saturday!

Love,
Del

Seashore Sunday Remembering 9-11

2011-09-11T06:01:00.000-04:00

Today, we look back, and remember...

We will never, ever, forget.

Where were you 10 years ago when the Twin Towers, and Pentagon were attacked? What were you doing when you found out?

I was at my computer, chatting on Ivillage...in the foodies room. My aunt called and she was hysterical...rightly so.
"Turn on the TV! We've been attacked!"

I tuned in, and I spent the day watching news coverage...
I felt shocked, outraged, sympathetic, sad... and SCARED!

I remember feeling grateful that I didn't live in a large US city,
and feeling sorry for those who did.

We were all watching, and waiting to see if there would be anymore attacks.
and we watched rescue efforts...
prayed for them all.

We will always remember.
We will never forget.

We will enjoy our Freedom!

and everything about living in the USA!

Love,
Del

Seashell Saturday

2011-09-10T05:00:00.001-04:00

A big HELLO and a big WELCOME to
Seashell Saturday!
I am so glad you are here :D

I have something new today!

When I saw this I knew I had to share it with you. There are several that struck my fancy, and it was hard to choose... so stay away from YouTube! I have a few more up my sleeve ;) but this one just screamed "Me First!"

Now I just need to learn to edit, and put my beach videos on YouTube!

Have a Super Saturday!

Love,
Del

My Sentiments Exactly

2011-09-08T10:01:00.000-04:00

Credit to Oklahomastencil.etsy.com

Seashore Sunday

2011-09-04T07:02:00.000-04:00

Let's travel out west again, this time to my favorite Lighthouse so far.

North Head Lighthouse, in Ilwaco, Washington was my 1st Lighthouse!

I fell in love with lighthouses on my first visit here, in 1999. The construction of this maritime marvel was built in 1896, and was lit for the first time in 1898.

There are only 69 steps to reach the top of the tower, but unfortunately, the tower was closed to tours earlier this year. It was only $1 per person! I had to go up every time we went! I have some incredible views from the top of this lighthouse, but also unfortunately, can't locate them at this time. I was so sad when I heard you couldn't go inside anymore.... but you can still rent the lightkeepers cottage for an overnight stay!

This is the view looking over the edge of the cliff. The waves crash, surge, and spray up over these rocks making an incredible scene below. Don't bend over too far!

On the other side, this is what you see! Cape Disappointment is just around those trees, and I have a perfect shot of it....in my huge waterproof picture box....

The lighthouse sits 130 feet above the Pacific Ocean below.

This is one of the windiest places in the United States, with winds clocked up to 150 mph! They say maybe it was the howling winds that drove one keepers wife "over the edge". She committed suicide in 1923...by jumping from the cliffs, to the rocky and cold Pacific below.

Since Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is only 2 miles away, North Head needed a distinctive light to tell the two apart. The North Head light is a steady white light, and Cape Disappointment is a red and white flashing light.

All along the Pacific you will find fishing ports.

This is the Ilwaco marina.

We also passed by several packing houses, and I would have loved to have gotten into these oyster shell piles!

Just a couple of bucket fulls would make me as happy as a clam! Oh, the things I could make with these! I do have a few that we found on the beach. Some are in my wreath, some around my pond, and a couple on the fish net. My favorite ways to eat oysters are steamed, Rockefeller, and of course...RAW!

A trip to a lighthouse just wouldn't be the same without some good local seafood!

Have a Stupendous Seashore Sunday!
May your shores never be too distant...

Love,
Del

Seashell Saturday

2011-09-03T05:00:00.001-04:00

Hello! I'm so glad it's Seashell Saturday! Thank you for joining me!

And a big THANK YOU to everyone who has stuck with me through the last 2 weeks!

It has been a bit crazy in my world...let me tell ya. No. I better not! haha

Even though I am in the redecorating mood, I have had some time, or MADE some time, to play with my shells!

I have had this lovely combination on my bead tray for some time now.

A nice big shiny Olive Shell, stick pearls, and natural abalone beads. This will be so pretty!

I love love love copper with Olive shells! I haven't found another metal that sets them off quite the same way.

I recently saw a post on Completely Coastal about a driftwood and seaglass chime.

I have way more seashells than I do seaglass, so my take on it is this driftwood and olive shell wind chime, or wall hanging.

I love driftwood...

and SEASHELLS!

I still haven't decided where it's going yet. Hmmmm.

While I've been contemplating where to hang it, I played around some more!

I adore Spiny Oyster Shells, aka Jewel Box Shells! Especially the small ones!
And you know how I feel about PEARLS! I love these peach baroque pearls!

This was a fun little necklace to make!

I love Swarovski Crystal Elements, too...and this crystal fish is no exception!

A simple shell and sharks tooth made this cute necklace...

and everything just has to have at least one pearl!

I had to have some pink and purple, too!

Little lavender pearls just make me squeeeee!

I'm supposed to be 'taking a break' ..... HA!

I guess I'm just not one to be too idle.
You know what they say about Idle Hands....ooohhhhh.

And we all know I can't just stop making jewelry. I just don't have that kind of will power! I can turn down food, but give me a shell and some bling...and I'm hopeless!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Love,
Del