Feedsack Fantasy

~ Scarecrow Feedsack & Memories ~

2011-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

When we found this seasonal vintage feedsack, it brought back memories of my youth. We would stuff our old clothes with straw or hay to make scare crows for Halloween. They would stand or sit on the front porch. Sometimes we even tried to draw scary faces on them. The most fun was standing behind our creations on Halloween night & jumping out to scare the Trick or Treaters.

What are your memories ...

Please join me for more memories with Donna @ brynwoodneedleworks.blogspot.com/

Pop over to blushingrosetoo for more fun memories.
We have 3,600 of these beauties you can view @ blushingroseboutique.com

~ Hop In ... ~

2011-10-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

Let's go for a ride in this beauty ...

Down our gorgeous country roads ...

On this lovely day ... I so love barns

& country scapes, don't you?

God gently bringing to close another day.

~ Dream-y Office Remodel ~

2011-03-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

My dainty wee fingers needed some exercise so I decided to go shopping. With a 'click' & a 'tab' I am at CSN ... giving us the opportunity to find nearly everything we need for our remodel of the office offering us some excellent styles & choices. Now to make a final decision ... hmmm!

That is going to be a tough but fun 'job'. You know me & redecorating. Since the office is so Civil War masculine I am thinking ... maybe a track lighting so Harold can direct lights onto his artwork throughout the room. Mercy! I saw so many other lighting fixtures that I need ...

Then I ran across this lovely desk lamp that will compliment the George Kovacs style lighting, I thought a bronze Kichler beauty would compliment his desk.

Finding this fabulous lamp made me wonder if it was time to get a new desk to really change the office appearance. I so fell in love with this awesome Hooker Furniture set, that I am sure he will be thrilled with.

Now you know once I get started shopping I have no good sense to stop ... soooo I continued browsing thru CSN stumbling upon this marvelous ship that will remind him of his US Navy days ... even tho it is an America's Cup sailing ship he would just love it.

To finish off his desk this wonderful group desk set from IMAX would be a fantastic compliment to the office.

Then BUT, I came across this awesome nautical carpet by Kathy Ireland that would tickle him to no end ... blending both his historical interests & military service.

I hope that you will skip over to CSN to visit the lovely selection of home goods, for every occasion, style & desire.

~ CSN GIVEAWAY ~

2011-01-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

Pop over to enter our generous $45 GIVEWAY from CSN Stores ... http://www.csnstores.com/

You must leave your comments ( 1 per person according to rules) @ http://blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com/

Happy New Year!

~ Beautiful Flower People ~

2010-10-03T13:49:00.001-07:00

Enjoy this unique art form, they are real people!

~ click on pics to enlarge

to view ... awesome! Have a beautiful week

~ Bless You Pizen, Czech Republic ~

2010-08-15T17:34:00.003-07:00

Have you ever wondered if anyone in Europe remembers America's sacrifice in World War II? There is an answer in a small town in the Czech Republic. The town called Pilsen (Plzen)Every five years Plzen conducts the Liberation Celebration of the City of Pilsen in the Czech Republic. May 6th, 2010 marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Pilsen by General George Patton's 3rd Army. Pilsen is the town that every American should visit. Because…..they love America and the American Soldier...even 65 years later.......by the thousandsthe citizens of Pilsen came to say thank you lining the streets of Pilsen for miles.

From large crowds … To quiet reflective moments…
Including this American family's private time to honor and remember their American hero.
This is the crash site of Lt. Virgil P. Kirkham, the last recorded AmericanUSAAF pilot killed in Europe during WWII. It was Lt. Kirkham's 82nd mission and one that he volunteered to go on.At the time this 20 year old pilot's P-47 Thunderbolt plane was shot down, a young 14 year old Czech girl, Zdenka Sladkova, was so moved by his sacrifice she made a vow to care for him and his memory.For 65 straight years , Zdenka, now 79 years old, took on the responsibility to care for Virgil'scrash site and memorial near her home. On May 4th she was recognized by the Mayor of Zdenka's home town of Trhanova, Czech Republic, for her sacrifice and extraordinary effort to honor this American hero.[Image]
Another chapter in this important story.....the Czech people are teaching their children about America's sacrifice for their freedom.

The Brian LaViolette Foundation will established The Scholarship of Honor in tribute to General George S. Patton and the American Soldier, past and present.
Each year, a different military hero will be honored in tribute to General Patton's memory and their mission to liberate Europe.This award will be presented to a graduating senior who will be entering the military or a form of community service such as fireman, policeman, teaching or nursing, a cause greater than self. The student will be from one of the five high schools in Pilsen, Czech Republic. The first award will be presented in May 2011 in honor of Lt. Virgil Kirkham, that young 20 year old P-47 pilot killed 65 years ago in the final days of WWII
Presenting Virgil's award will be someone who knows the true meaning of service and sacrifice... someone who looks a lot like Virgil…
Marion Kirkham, Virgil's brother, who himself served during WWII in the United States Army - Air Corps. !!! In closing... Here is what the city of Pilsen thinks of General Patton's grandson. George Patton Waters (another Rock Star!) we're proud to say, serves on Brian's Foundation board.
And it's front page news.. not buried in the middle of the social section..
Brigadier General Miroslav Zizka - 1st Deputy Chief of Staff - Ministry of Defense - Czech Armed Forces.
Come visit Pilsen in the Czech Republic during the first part of May 2011, it may also be a life changing experience for you.~

You may wish to visit our other blog ~
http://blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com/

~ A Field of Flowers ... Veterans ~

2010-07-09T15:14:00.000-07:00

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made
payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including My life.'

Between the fields where the flag is planted, there are 9+ miles of flower fields that go all the way to the ocean. The flowers are grown byseed companies. It's a beautiful place, close to Vandenberg AFB. Check out the dimensions of the flag. The Floral Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and maintains the proper Flag dimensions, as described in Executive Order #10834. This Flag is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to be planted with 5 pointed Stars, comprised of White Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in diameter; each Stripe is 30 feet wide. This Flag is estimated to contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants, with 4-5 flower stems each, for a total of more than 2 million flowers.

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~ God Is Watching Over Us ... Happy 4th ~

2010-06-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

~ AWESOME ~

The flag is said to have been hung between two cranes in the parking lot of Fry's grocery store in Yuma on September 2, 2001, the day after the Attack on America. According to the folks at the Yuma Elks Lodge the flag is 60 feet tall and 120 feet wide. The picture was taken by Janna Noe who snapped the photo with her digital camera and noticed the cross when she later looked at the pictures.

When light shines through translucent fabric, there is frequently a distribution of the light along the pattern of the weave of the fabric. This particular picture appears to have been taken when the sun was toward the upper portion of the blue section of the flag so the upper portion of the vertical line is shorter than the lower portion, resulting in a traditional looking cross. If the sun had been in the middle of the blue portion of the flag, the lines would have been more equal in each direction.

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HAPPY 4th ... may it be safe & enjoyable for you!

~ Powerful ~

2010-06-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

YOU TOOK MY PARKING SPACE AT CHURCH

This should wake us up.

One day, a Man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked His car and got out. Another car pulled up nearby, the driver got out and said, " I always park there! You took my place!" The Visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached Him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The Visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the Visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to Him and said, " That's where I always sit! You took my place!" The Visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the Visitor stood up, and His appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on His hands and on His sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed Him and called out, "What happened to You?" The Visitor replied, as His hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from His eye, "I took your place."

Too beautiful not to share ... comments can only be left on ~

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~ Feed Sack Fabric Story ~

2010-04-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

All these girls' dresses were made from flour sacks...

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1930 flour sacks

THE FLOUR SACK

BY COLLEEN B. HUBERT

IN THAT LONG AGO TIME WHEN THINGS WERE SAVED,

WHEN ROADS WERE GRAVELED AND BARRELS WERE STAVED,

WHEN WORN-OUT CLOTHING WAS USED AS RAGS,

AND THERE WERE NO PLASTIC WRAP OR BAGS,

AND THE WELL AND THE PUMP WERE WAY OUT BACK,

A VERSITILE ITEM, WAS THE FLOUR SACK.

PILLSBURY'S BEST, MOTHER'S AND GOLD MEDAL, TOO

STAMPED THEIR NAMES PROUDLY IN PURPLE AND BLUE.

THE STRING SEWN ON TOP WAS PULLED AND KEPT;

THE FLOUR EMPTIED AND SPILLS WERE SWEPT.

THE BAG WAS FOLDED AND STORED IN A SACK

THAT DURABLE, PRACTICAL FLOUR SACK.

THE SACK COULD BE FILLED WITH FEATHERS AND DOWN,

FOR A PILLOW, OR T'WOULD MAKE A NICE SLEEPING GOWN.

IT COULD CARRY A BOOK AND BE A SCHOOL BAG,

OR BECOME A MAIL SACK SLUNG OVER A NAG.

IT MADE A VERY CONVENIENT PACK,

THAT ADAPTABLE, COTTON FLOUR SACK.

BLEACHED AND SEWN, IT WAS DUTIFULLY WORN

AS BIBS, DIAPERS, OR KERCHIEF ADORNED.

IT WAS MADE INTO SKIRTS, BLOUSES AND SLIPS.

AND MOM BRAIDED RUGS FROM ONE HUNDRED STRIPS

SHE MADE RUFFLED CURTAINS FOR THE HOUSE OR SHACK,

FROM THAT HUMBLE BUT TREASURED FLOUR SACK!

AS A STRAINER FOR MILK OR APPLE JUICE,

TO WAVE MEN IN, IT WAS A VERY GOOD USE,

AS A SLING FOR A SPRAINED WRIST OR A BREAK,

TO HELP MOTHER ROLL UP A JELLY CAKE,

AS A WINDOW SHADE OR TO STUFF A CRACK,

WE USED A STURDY, COMMON FLOUR SACK!

AS DISH TOWELS, EMBROIDERED OR NOT,

THEY COVERED UP DOUGH, HELPED PASS PANS SO HOT,

TIED UP DISHES FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED,

AND FOR MEN OUT IN THE FIELD TO SEED.

THEY DRIED DISHES FROM PAN, NOT RACK

THAT ABSORBENT, HANDY FLOUR SACK!

WE POLISHED AND CLEANED STOVE AND TABLE,

SCOURED AND SCRUBBED FROM CELLAR TO GABLE,

WE DUSTED THE BUREAU AND OAK BED POST,

MADE COSTUMES FOR OCTOBER (A SCARY GHOST)

AND A PARACHUTE FOR A CAT NAMED JACK.

FROM THAT LOWLY, USEFUL OLD FLOUR SACK!

SO NOW MY FRIENDS, WHEN THEY ASK YOU

AS CURIOUS YOUNGSTERS OFTEN DO,

"BEFORE PLASTIC WRAP, ELMERS GLUE

AND PAPER TOWELS, WHAT DID YOU DO?"

TELL THEM LOUDLY AND WITH PRIDE DON'T LACK,

"GRANDMOTHER HAD THAT WONDERFUL FLOUR SACK!"

~ Tea Gathering Reminder ~

2010-04-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

Ladies ~

We have a very nice gathering of ladies joining us for our luncheon & hope you will be there ... or you may just POP in & surprise us! Your children may come with you.

April 17th

12:30PM

Mt. Airy Tavern Restaurant

Rt. 70W from Frederick, Rt 70E from Baltimore

to Rt. 27N ... about 1 mile plus on the right to the

stop light, Twin Ridge Shopping Center (in between

TJ Maxx & Weis Grocery)

my email ~ blushing_rose_boutique@yahoo.com

~ East Coast Ladies April Gathering ln Maryland ~

2010-03-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

April 17th, 12:30PM

Lunch ~ my gift to each of you

Followed by social gathering at my home

RSVP ~ March 28th

http://www.themtairytavern.com/

Mt. Airy Tavern Restaurant

1001 Twin Arch Road

Mt. Airy, MD 21771

Directions to restaurant ~ Rt. 70E from Frederick, Rt. 70W from Baltimore TO Rt. 27N ... approx. 1 1/2 miles north of Rt. 70, @ stop light turn right into the Twin Ridge Shopping Center (Weis grocery & TJ Maxx within)

Questions email me ~ blushing_rose_boutique@yahoo.com ~~~~~

Sherry & I so look forward to meeting each of you.

~and, The Party Begins ~

2010-03-10T11:45:00.000-08:00

G'day, Ladies ...

~Sherry's (countrywingsinphoenix.blog) arrival ~ April 16th ~ 12:30PM

~April 17th luncheon in Mt. Airy, MD. (Lunch is my gift to you each for attending.)

~We will gather after lunch at my home of good times, great chatter & enjoyment.

~Final details will follow.

~I/we so look forward to meeting each of you.

We (Mt. Airy) are located just off Rt. 70 half way between Frederick & Baltimore.

I will need to know 2 weeks in advance of your coming for the restaurant reservations I've made. Please let me know ... we are so looking forward to meeting you all.

TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

~ Maryland & Surrounding State Blogger Ladies ~

2010-03-04T08:58:00.000-08:00

Sherry ~ countrywingsinphoenix.blog ~ will be arriving in April. We are gathering all you ladies to come join us for our luncheon/chatting/fun/meeting one another.

IF you have not contacted me about this event around April 17th, please do so.

We are anxious to meet you all. Details will follow shortly ...

Thank you & have a lovely St. Patrick's month.

(Couldn't resist the red-haired gal decked in green! It was meant for me.)

~ Peek A Boo Pretty ~

2010-02-24T06:40:00.001-08:00

G'morn, Ladies ~

Please double check & make sure you are following us on the new blog ~

this one is slowly closing down. We'll miss you ....Thank you. Marydon

blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

~ You Are Cordially Invited, Ladies ... ~

2010-02-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

We are gathering our lady friends in April for a 'wee chat & bit of lunch' & meet one another.

A special lady, Sherry (countrywingsinphoenix.blogspot.com/), will be visiting Maryland. (If you haven't visited her blog, please do so, it is frolicking fantasy fun!)

If you are in the arena of Frederick/Baltimore, MD, region (or NY, OH, DE, WV, VA, PA, etc.) & would like to join us, please contact me at my email ..... blushing_rose_boutique@yahoo.com

More details as the date is closer.

Thank you & hope to hear from you all ~ Marydon

Happy Valentine's To One & All

2010-01-31T07:10:00.000-08:00

May your month be filled with blessings of LOVE & JOY ...

IF you have not changed your SETTINGS to follow us on our NEW BLOG, please do so ...

~~~~~ blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com ~~~~~

THANK YOU, Marydon

~ Come Sit By The Fire & Chat .... ~

2010-01-02T13:20:00.000-08:00

We are serving a spot of tea today on our new blog ...

Here we are ~ pop over & we'll continue our chats there ...

blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

Happy New Year! to you all. I have so enjoyed each of you.

Hugs, Marydon

~ Keep the True Meaning of Christmas Alive & In Your Hearts ...~

2009-12-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

~~ MERRY CHRISTMAS ~~

View/follow us @ http://blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

We are no longer on this blog. For those of you I missed, I apologize.

~ Feedsack Fantasy Cordially Invites You ... ~

2009-12-11T06:25:00.001-08:00

Join us at our new blog ~ http://blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com (We have MOVED)

May your holidays be merry & blessed

Merry Christmas & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

TTFN ~ Marydon

Our new blog ~ PSSSSST!

2009-12-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

You are cordially invited ~

NEW BLOG may be followed & viewed @ http://blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

(Joshua & Santa 1993)

Have a beautiful day ~ TTFN ~ Marydon

~ Dear Santa, I have a request ... (& GIVEAWAY WINNERS)!!

2009-12-08T16:36:00.001-08:00

Please tell all my 'Mini' Marydon's friends to come follow/join her on her NEW blog ... http://blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com/

Mini does not know how long this blog is going to be here. She misses hearing from you. Thank you.

(This photo was of Joshua in Dec. '93, he was 2 3/4 yrs old. Isn't he precious? He was sooo serious, as you can see. And he is using my PINK pen ... good boy!)

*****

***GIVEAWAY WINNERS ***~ Congratulations, ladies please send me your addresses to ~

blushing_rose_boutique@yahoo.com

1st place ~ Quilt Hollow

2nd place ~ Deb

3rd place ~ Carrie of Farming in Faith

4th place ~ Restyled World

5th place ~ Fancystitching

6th place ~ Happy Cottage Quilter

~ Remember When ... Charlie Brown ... '

2009-12-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

Remember sitting around glued with anticipation to that television to view this first program ... how that music echoes on ...

December 9, 1965
A Charlie Brown Christmas is the first of many prime-time animated TV specialsbased upon the comic stripPeanuts, by Charles M. Schulz aired for the first time.

~ WWll History Events & Memoir ~

2009-12-06T19:17:00.000-08:00

Thank God for these brave men who were caught off guard thru a sequence of events, rose to the attack without question to protect our great country!

We can never give enough honor to our troops who continue to fight our freedoms for this great nation.

The Arizona Memorial (above pictured) I have visited. It is solemn & heartbreaking to stand on her. (You may also enjoy my post of Dec.5)

~~~~~

Memoirs ~ John Joniec can never forget. He recalls 'Roosevelt called it a day that will live in infamy' ... I have never forgotten it. He & his buddies in Schofield Barracks had little money left in their paychecks after deductions so they hung out together. The next day before 8AM he & his buddies were sitting on the barracks porch when they heard a loud boom. Joniec thought it was the Navy on maneuvers.

Within seconds of that loud boom a squadron swooped down through a mountain pass & over palm trees. Painted on the underside of the wings were red circles. 'Japs'! someone shouted.
Acting instinctively with rifles & ammo in hand they shot at the bombarding planes. As a Japanese fighter plane dived low & strafed the barracks, Joniec cocked his head close to the barrel of the machine gun to avoid whizzing bullets ..... while the sergeant blasted thru a full belt of ammo. This permanently damaged his eardrum nerves.
A scene from his boyhood in the early '30s flahsed to mind. He & his father are on the docks in Pt/ Richmond, watching scrap iron & steel being loaded onto ships bound for Japan. His father warns: "Someday they're going to use that stuff against you guys.'
More than 84,000 service personnel were within three miles of the island of Oahu that terror-filled day that propelled the US into WWll. The attack destroyed or grounded nearly 350 aircraft, 21 ships were sunk or badly damaged. More than 2,400 Americans were killed, including 68 civilians.
His son in 2006 saluted him in a poem titled 'The Pineapple Solder'. One verse reads ~
The day of infamy would sear
And forever ring in his ear
War is not a game or story
Men find death. There is no glory.
(Excerpt from the Frederick News Post)
~~~~~~~~~~

Sequence of Events

Saturday, December 6 - Washington D.C. - U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt makes a final appeal to the Emperor of Japan for peace. There is no reply. Late this same day, the U.S. code-breaking service begins intercepting a 14-part Japanese message and deciphers the first 13 parts, passing them on to the President and Secretary of State. The Americans believe a Japanese attack is imminent, most likely somewhere in Southeast Asia.

Sunday, December 7 - Washington D.C. - The last part of the Japanese message, stating that diplomatic relations with the U.S. are to be broken off, reaches Washington in the morning and is decoded at approximately 9 a.m. About an hour later, another Japanese message is intercepted. It instructs the Japanese embassy to deliver the main message to the Americans at 1 p.m. The Americans realize this time corresponds with early morning time in Pearl Harbor, which is several hours behind. The U.S. War Department then sends out an alert but uses a commercial telegraph because radio contact with Hawaii is temporarily broken. Delays prevent the alert from arriving at headquarters in Oahu until noontime (Hawaii time) four hours after the attack has already begun.

Sunday, December 7 - Islands of Hawaii, near Oahu - The Japanese attack force under the command of Admiral Nagumo, consisting of six carriers with 423 planes, is about to attack. At 6 a.m., the first attack wave of 183 Japanese planes takes off from the carriers located 230 miles north of Oahu and heads for the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor - At 7:02 a.m., two Army operators at Oahu's northern shore radar station detect the Japanese air attack approaching and contact a junior officer who disregards their reports, thinking they are American B-17 planes which are expected in from the U.S. west coast.

Near Oahu - At 7:15 a.m., a second attack wave of 167 planes takes off from the Japanese carriers and heads for Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor is not on a state on high alert. Senior commanders have concluded, based on available intelligence, there is no reason to believe an attack is imminent. Aircraft are therefore left parked wingtip to wingtip on airfields, anti-aircraft guns are unmanned with many ammunition boxes kept locked in accordance with peacetime regulations. There are also no torpedo nets protecting the fleet anchorage. And since it is Sunday morning, many officers and crewmen are leisurely ashore.

At 7:53 a.m., the first Japanese assault wave, with 51 'Val' dive bombers, 40 'Kate' torpedo bombers, 50 high level bombers and 43 'Zero' fighters, commences the attack with flight commander, Mitsuo Fuchida, sounding the battle cry: "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!).

The Americans are taken completely by surprise. The first attack wave targets airfields and battleships. The second wave targets other ships and shipyard facilities. The air raid lasts until 9:45 a.m. Eight battleships are damaged, with five sunk. Three light cruisers, three destroyers and three smaller vessels are lost along with 188 aircraft. The Japanese lose 27 planes and five midget submarines which attempted to penetrate the inner harbor and launch torpedoes.

Escaping damage from the attack are the prime targets, the three U.S. Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers, Lexington, Enterprise and Saratoga, which were not in the port. Also escaping damage are the base fuel tanks.

The casualty list includes 2,335 servicemen and 68 civilians killed, with 1,178 wounded. Included are 1,104 men aboard the Battleship USS Arizona killed after a 1,760-pound air bomb penetrated into the forward magazine causing catastrophic explosions.

In Washington, various delays prevent the Japanese diplomats from presenting their war message to Secretary of State, Cordell Hull, until 2:30 p.m. (Washington time) just as the first reports of the air raid at Pearl Harbor are being read by Hull.

News of the "sneak attack" is broadcast to the American public via radio bulletins, with many popular Sunday afternoon entertainment programs being interrupted. The news sends a shockwave across the nation and results in a tremendous influx of young volunteers into the U.S. armed forces. The attack also unites the nation behind the President and effectively ends isolationist sentiment in the country.

Monday, December 8 - The United States and Britain declare war on Japan with President Roosevelt calling December 7, "a date which will live in infamy..."

~~~~~~

2009-12-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

In memoriam for our WWII military men who fought courageously for our freedoms ... & our military men that continue this valiant effort for us ... be it not in vain.

May she continue to fly freely ...... (Our flag pole in the front yard in our snow storm today). I thought you might like to read about this gorgeous eagle, our national bird, that represents our country.

Trained Free-Flying Eagle

About "Challenger"
Challenger is a non-releasable Bald Eagle cared for by the non-profit American Eagle Foundation. Since 1991, this majestic bird has been a free-flying educational ambassador for his recovering species in the wild. He was blown from his Louisiana nest in a storm at five weeks of age — was rescued and hand-raised by well-meaning people. As a result, he became human-imprinted for life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOZF4vTAF2M&feature=channel

Members of the Texas Rangers line up on the first base line during introductions as Challenger, a bald eagle, flies down to his keeper on the mound prior to the Rangers home-opener.

Named in honor of the lost space shuttle crew, Challenger has performed free-flights during the USA's National Anthem at hundreds of events coast to coast — raising substantial public awareness for the Bald Eagle protection cause. He is the first Bald Eagle in American history trained to free-fly into stadiums and arenas during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. He has helped educate millions of people about the need to protect the USA's National Bird.

AEF President Al Louis Cecere and Challenger, traveling educational
ambassadors for 19 years

Once on the brink of extinction, the Bald Eagle has made a successful come-back to the USA's lands, waterways and skies. In June 2007, our nation's living symbol of freedom was removed from Endangered Species Act protection. Its dramatic recovery is an American success story attained by caring people working together. It will now be up to every United States citizen to keep this precious national treasure flying strong and free for future generations.

The words and music of the "When Challenger Flies" song (the video sound track) were composed and performed by James Rogers, entertainer and songwriter (www.jamesrogersmusic.com).

~ God Bless Our Troops, In Memoriam ... WWII ~

2009-12-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

Looking just above the tallest tree in center of picture you can see a Japanese plane approaching Hawaii, the day that we were attacked.

This is in memoriam for all those brave men that fought for our freedoms ... may their souls rest in peace. We are so grateful for all they have done & given to us. AND, for the men who continue to valiantly fight for our freedoms ..........

Land of the free ... let's keep her that way.

~~~~~~~~~~

Reports by Survivors of Pearl Harbor Attack

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY - NAVAL HISTORY & HERITAGE COMMAND

(These are copied in entirety so you will not miss any important info they recounted)

USS West Virginia

**Lieutenant Commander T. T. Beattie wrote as follows:

About five minutes to eight I was in the wardroom just finishing breakfast, when word came over the loud speaker from the officer-of-the-deck, "away fire and rescue party." This was followed immediately by a second announcement over the loud speaker, "Japanese are attacking, all hands General Quarters," and the general alarm was rung.

I heard several dull explosions coming from other battleships. Immediately I left the wardroom and ran up the starboard passageway to the bridge. The Captain was just ahead of me and proceeding in the same direction.

At this time the ship listed at least five or six degrees and was steadily listing more to port. The Captain and I went to the conning tower, our battle stations, and at this time dive bombing attacks started to take place and numerous explosions were felt throughout the ship. Upon testing our communications with central station and to the guns we found they were disrupted. I suggested to the Captain as long as no communications were in the battle conning tower that we leave there and attempt to establish messenger communication and try to save the ship. We went out on the starboard side of the bridge discussing what to do. During all this time extremely heavy bombing and strafing attacks occurred. The ship was constantly shaken by bomb hits.

The Captain doubled up with a groan and stated that he had been wounded. I saw that be had been hit in the stomach probably by a large piece of shrapnel and was very seriously wounded. He then sank to the deck and I loosened his collar. I then sent a messenger for a pharmacists mate to assist the Captain.

Just then the USS Arizona's forward magazines blew up with a tremendous explosion and large sheets of flame shot skyward, and I began to wonder about our own magazines and whether they were being flooded. I posted a man with the Captain and went down to the forecastle where a number of the crew and officers had gathered. I got hold of a chief turret captain to check immediately on the magazines and to flood them if they were not flooded at this time. Large sheets of flame and several fires started aft. Burning fuel oil from the USS Arizona floated down on the stern of the ship. Just then the gunnery officer, Lieutenant Commander Berthold, came aboard and I asked him to try to flood the forward magazines. Shortly thereafter I was informed that the after magazines were completely flooded but that they were unable to flood the forward magazines as the water was now almost to the main deck.

At about this time a large oil fire swept from the USS Arizona down the port side of the USS West Virginia. We had no water on board as the fire mains and machinery were out of commission and we were unable to do any fire fighting at all. I got into a motor launch to go to the stern of the ship to investigate the fire. The smoke was so heavy that I could not see aft of the bridge. As I got into the boat a sheet of flame swept on top of us and we barely managed to get free of the fire. I then had the boat take me aft. The burning oil on the water swept by the ship and I managed to return to the quarterdeck. I realized then that the ship was lost.

The attack lasted approximately thirty minutes. We were able to fire all our ready ammunition on the anti-aircraft batteries, but were unable to replenish it as the ship was flooded. I then told the men on the quarterdeck, with the exception of a small working party, to leave the ship. I believe at this time that all the wounded had been taken off the ship and it was extremely dangerous for anyone to remain aboard; that nothing could be done to save the ship and shells from the secondary batteries were constantly exploding due to the intensive heat of the fire midships.

The conduct of the crew and officers was outstanding. There was no confusion and every man and officer did his duty as well as he was able under the conditions.

**The story of D. Weissman, Seaman, First Class is as follows:

I was in the lower handling room of Turret IV. After the first hit, I went to the shell deck. The lights went out and the ship started to turn over. I went to the lower handling room and followed a man with a flash light. I entered the trunk just outside of handling room on the starboard side. The lower handling room flooded completely. Water entered the trunk. I dove and swam to the bottom of the trunk and left the ship through the hatch at the main deck and swam to the surface.

Eleven men in the lower handling room of turret IV escaped through the lucky bag. When the rescue party cut a hole in the lucky bag, the water rose rapidly but all men were removed before the water flooded the lucky bag completely.

Five men were in the five inch twenty-five caliber handling room preparatory to sending up anti-aircraft ammunition. They escaped to the five inch handling room and reduced flooding through ventilation ducts by stuffing rags in the lines. They were eventually saved by the rescue party by way of the shaft alley.

Eight men with water up to their necks were rescued from the steering compartment after these men, who had set condition "Z," were enabled to enter the steering room through the hole made for them. Three holes were made in all; pumps were in use constantly to keep the level of the water and oil below the danger point.

~ 1905 Vintage Film of Cable Car in San Francisco ~

2009-12-04T05:05:00.000-08:00

ABSOLUTELY A MUST TO VIEW THIS PIECE OF HISTORY~ Enjoy! This film is one of the most fantastic pieces of REAL documentation of a day in a cable car, going from Market St to the Embarcadero ... notice how few women (& their bustles & hats) are on the streets, the horse &carriage,covered wagons,..

http://www.wimp.com/sanfrancisco/

Early Cable Car History:

The driving force behind the San Francisco cable car system came from a man who witnessed a horrible accident on a typically damp summer day in 1869. Andrew Smith Hallidie saw the toll slippery grades could extract when a horse- drawn streetcar slid backwards under its heavy load. The steep slope with wet cobblestones and a heavily weighted vehicle combined to drag five horses to their deaths. Although such a sight would stun anyone, Hallidie and his partners had the know-how to do something about the problem.

Hallidie had been born in England and moved to the U.S. in 1852. His father filed the first patent in Great Britain for the manufacture of wire- rope. As a young man, Hallidie found uses for this technology in California's Gold Country. He used the wire-rope when designing and building a suspension bridge across Sacramento's American River. He also found another use for the wire-rope when pulling heavy ore cars out of the underground mines on tracks. The technology was in place for pulling cable cars.

The next step bringing Hallidie closer to his fate was moving his wire- rope manufacturing to San Francisco. All that was now needed was seeing the accident for the idea to become full blown-a cable car railway system to deal with San Francisco's fearsome hills.

~~~~~~~~~

6 GIVEAWAYS ~ Enter on our Dec. 2 post @ blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

~ I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas ~ & GIVEAWAYS

2009-12-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

Bing Crosby (Harry Lillis Crosby) was nicknamed "Bing" after a character named "Bingo" in a comic strip titled "Bingville Bugle." Other nicknames were ~ Der Bingle & the old groaner. Bing was only 5' 7" tall.

His large ears were pinned back during his early films, until partway through She Loves Me Not (1934).

From the 1940s to the 1960s he owned 15% of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. His cameo in Angels in the Outfield (1951) was as part-owner of the team.

"White Christmas" became the bestselling single for more than 50 years

During the Vietnam War, a secret code was to have been broadcast informing all US personnel that an immediate evacuation had been ordered. The code was the playing of Crosby's "White Christmas" twice on the Armed Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN), followed by the announcement "The temperature in Hanoi is 105 and rising.".

Bing Crosby was the fourth of seven children of Tacoma, Washington, brewery bookkeeper Harry Lowe Crosby and Kate Harrigan Crosby. He studied law at Gonzaga University in Spokane but was more interested in playing the drums and singing with a local band. Bing and the band's piano player, Al Rinker, left Spokane for Los Angeles in 1925. In the early 1930s Bing's brother Everett sent a record of Bing singing "I Surrender, Dear" to the president of CBS. His live performances from New York were carried over the national radio network for 20 consecutive weeks in 1932. His radio success led Paramount Pictures to include him in The Big Broadcast (1932), a film featuring radio favorites. His songs about not needing a bundle of money to make life happy was the right message for the decade of the Great Depression. His relaxed, low-key style carried over into the series of "Road" comedies he made with pal Bob Hope. He won the best actor Oscar for playing an easygoing priest in Going My Way (1944). He showed that he was indeed an actor as well as a performer when he played an alcoholic actor down on his luck opposite Grace Kelly in The Country Girl (1954). Playing golf was what he liked to do best. He died at age 74 playing golf at a course outside Madrid, Spain, after completing a tour of England that had included a sold-out engagement at the London Palladium.

He fathered 3 children by his first wife, 4 by his second.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAYS ~ 6 Christmas giveaways gifts will be given away on Dec. 8th. Pop over to Dec. 2 blog post ~ blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

~ Historical Tidbits ... 6 GIVEAWAYS ~

2009-12-02T06:54:00.000-08:00

1804 ~ Napoleon crowned himself Emperor of the French

1859 ~ militant abolitionist John Brown was hanged for his raid on Harpers Ferry the previous October

1927 ~Ford Motor Co. formally unveiled its second Model A automobile, the successor to its Model T

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Giveaways below are featured on our new blog ~ blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

** IF I have missed contacting you to follow us over there, please accept my apology & c'mon over!

~ GIVEAWAY WINNERS ~

2009-12-01T06:44:00.001-08:00

blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

If I have missed contacting you, I hope you will pop on over & follow us there.

Hope you all had a lovely Tsgiving holiday.

~~~~~

NEW GIVEAWAY ~ will be posted tomorrow. This is the final HUGEgiveaway that will be drawn on Dec. 8th (rather than the 7th) ... again there will be several selections to choose from.

*****WINNERS*****

Julie Marie ~ Idyllhours ~ won #1 giveaway gift

Terry ~ TerryTreasures ~ won #2 giveaway gift

Patti Page ~ The Enchanted Realm ~ won #3 giveaway gift (Pop over &VISIT our new blogger friend)

Congratulations ladies.

Send me your address to ~ blushing _rose_boutique@yahoo.com

~ Oy! Bloomin' Roses ~ & GIVEAWAYS

2009-11-27T10:40:00.000-08:00

Please join us at our NEW blog (blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com) ... this old blog had too many issues to deal with & was collapsing. We hope to see you & that you each had a blessed & loving Thanksgiving holiday. Hugs to all ~ Marydon

GIVEAWAYS ~ I have posted our new delayed giveaway that will end Dec. lst. Please also visit our friends lovely giveaways ~

****Rebecca @ A Gathering Place has a giveaway ending Dec. 6th

**** Gail @ Shabby Cottage Shopped has a giveaway ending Nov. 30th

TA-DA!!! ... Memories & Exciting News To Share ...

2009-11-24T22:02:00.000-08:00

Memories of yore ~
I was probably a mere 9 or 10 years old. I went to St. Joseph's with Patsy Ann (a cousin) for Thanksgiving Bingo. Mother was so worried about not having money for food that year & as we played Bingo for my first time officially I got a BINGO but didn't know what to do so, I tapped Patsy Ann & said 'I have a Bingo, I think' ... she went bonkers yelling BINGO & embarrassed me to death ... I WON A HAM & we had meat for dinner ... Mother was so surprised, I got a hug. Patsy Ann won something, too, but I don't remember what.

Do pop over for a visit. Due to glitches on Feedsack Fantasy & Blushing Rose Boutique (this blog) we are now visible at this new blog. We invite you to 'follow us' once again ~ ~ we are now @ www.blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com ~ ~

~ HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL ... GIVEAWAY ~

2009-11-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

We had hoped to post the next giveaway today, but blog issues prevail so it won't be until we are able to correct this issues. Stay tuned, I apologize.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed, full of warm memories to be made ... watch out for the pecan pie!

Hugs to all ~
Marydon & Harold

~ GIVEAWAY WINNERS ... & Memories & More~

2009-11-23T05:57:00.000-08:00

*** Send the ACLU a nice CHRISTmas card to remind them CHRIST is the reason for ALL season's & that our country was founded with God included in all our principles & documents ... flood them with nice cards ... here is mine. Let them know we do NOT support the actions they are taking to remove HIM!

*** Xerox is helping say MERRY CHRISTMAS & THANK YOU to our TROOPS, for FREE, follow this link & let's have an overwhelming response for our 'protectors of our freedoms'.

http://www.letssaythanks.com/

*** Christmas Memories ~ as a child we went thru some really rough moments after Dad took off with his girl friend, leaving us in the dust. Julie Marie (idyllhours) & I have been sharing some moments & memories of the joy we each had as children. We were thrilled to have nuts & candy & our stockings filled with crayons or pencils. It didn't take much to make us happy. Mother would stay up into the wee hours of the morn sewing special dresses or pinafores or ribbons, sometime even coats ... but the memory that will stick with me forever was the year all we got were barettes for our hair ... I don't recall what my brother got. Mother took us to Berryhill's 5 & 10 store ... Mother had exactly $1 to spend on gifts. We oooooh'd & awwwww'd over the barettes & magically Santa delivered them to us on that crisp, cold exciting Christmas morn. We were tickled with these pretties for our hair. A neighbor girl across the street got everything money could buy ... when we shared our beautiful gifts with Helen Jean, she asked 'is that all you got?' I shall never forget that wonderful moment of pride & joy became instant pain that knifed thru forever ... it hurt to the quick.

Since that time it was one of the factors in changing my life forever in 'giving' to others. I love the warm radiant smiles when I give ... the appreciation that is extended ... a moment of happiness given to another, without strings ... just sheer love & fulfillment in my heart & soul.

***GIVEAWAY WINNERS*** (Thank you all for your entries)

1) winner ~ Garage Sale Gal selected gift #3

2) winner ~Gary & Elizabeth selected gift #1

3) winner ~ Jean Tuthill selected gift #2

4) winner ~ Kim selected #1 but will receive #4

(Send me your addresses ladies, to the ~ blushing_rose_boutique@yahoo.com

Tomorrow we will post the next giveaway, drawing will be Nov. 30

~ Milkweed Silk & WWII ... & Trivia ... GIVEAWAY ~

2009-11-22T11:38:00.001-08:00

GIVEAWAY ~Drawing tomorrow, enter on Nov. 16th post.
~~~~~~~~~~
Yesterday Lilly commented on my Antietam Illumination post about milkweed silk for parachutes. This hit a bell in memory so I decided to look up some data ….

Country school children were given gunny sacks to gather milkweed pods so they could dry. They were harvested for the kapok inner silk & used for filling life vests for bouyancy for our troops. They were also used in gloves & jackets to keep the troops warm.

This plant is highly toxic, but one child's mom said it was ok to eat before the sun rose & shone on it ... hmmmmm! I am not so sure.

While I was reading this data I ran across a couple of interesting notes & my personal memories ~

**People were asked to save old tin cans & old cooking fats ... the reason was make explosives. Fat contains something like 10% to 20% glycerine, which is vey useful in making things go 'BOOM'!

**Tin foil was saved by school children from gum wrappers & cigarettes.

**V mail ~ the sender would write the message on a special form which was then microfilmed to reduce space/weight & flown across the Atlantic ... at the other end the microfilm was photogrphcally enlarged, printed & mailed to the recipient.

**Stars were hung in home windows to indicate they had a family member in the military & a gold one for a soldier lost while serving.

**Margarine was white like lard with a packet of yellow (like food coloring) 'stuff'. We would squeeze it into the margarine & have a ball squeezing it until it was a bright buttery yellow. To this day I dislike margarine.

**Nylon was rationed for the war, so rayon stocking (nylons) were in vogue. Many women literally painted their legs with some coloring & took their eyebrow pencils & drew a line up the back of their legs. Or, they would paint their 'bobby socks/anklets' onto their legs ... that would 'wash' off in the rain.

**How children would play war killing their 'enemies'.
**I actually remember the black outs in the eves when lights went out, but we had heavy draperies on our windows that blocked out the light ... brown outs when power was dimmed by

the utility companies.

**War Bonds cost 10 cents a stamp, & when the book was filled ($17.50 value) we were issued by the bank a $25 savings bond that matured in 10 years.

~~~Awwww ... memories hopefully NEVER to return to this country.

Raise her high, protect her wide, she is our land, we hold in pride. (written by me)

Antietam Battlefield Illumination ... the Bloodiest Single Day Battle ~

2009-11-21T06:44:00.000-08:00

The first illumination was held in 1988, held every year on the first Saturday of December yearly.

It is the most emotional, moving, solemn event as you drive thru ... each candle will bring to mind a soldier lying in this field. It brings tears to eyes .....

We have volunteered working on this project from day one. Hence yearly tradition, we take out our bbq grill & I cook 100 hot dogs, a gigantic pot of homemade soup, all kinds of cakes & cookies, hot tea & chocolate ... Harold & I donate it to the other volunteers in appreciation of our joint efforts to make this event a success.

Our volunteers come from all over this great USA, & from overseas.

Around 2PM we start lighting the candles in the bags that we set out all morning, as dusk slowly ebbs. The fields are dimly becoming vibrant with 23,000 lights representing each soldier that was killed, wounded or missing after twelve hours of savage combat on September 17,1862. Sharpsburg was the first major battle in the American Civil War to take place on Northern soil. It was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history.

Marydon serving Don Beck a bite to eat.

Our 'troops' with their company flags.

A volunteer preparing a bag for lighting.

As dusk approaches, the night comes alive as we view the beauty of ...

the memoriam ...

for the souls of the brave soldiers that fought courageously ...

brother to brother to father to son to cousin ...

to defend what they believed in ...

taps can be heard in the distance, the carollers fill the air with blessed song.

Then the gates are opened to miles & miles of cars for the public to drive thru.

(If you should visit us this year we hope you will come say 'hi'. We are on Mansfield Ave. @ Clara Barton monument.)

~ Tidbits & Trivia *** FOUR GIVEAWAYS ~

2009-11-20T07:09:00.000-08:00

I cannot leave a post for any of you today, I cannot edit, I cannot post pictures, I have no functions on the posting page such as color, fonts, adding pictures, etc. If I want to leave a comment it asks for word verification, with no word no verify with ... OY! it is a mess ... Sorry all, as I am trying to write you ... have a wonderful day. It also dumped part of my post just now ...
~~~~~~~~~~

Enjoy these tidbits of trivia...

Dick Smothers is 71 today ... remember that dry humor of 'Mother liked you best'

******************************

1947 Princess Elizabeth (now queen) married Philip Mountbatten ... & the world was enthralled with the movie that came out of their wedding. Gosh! the lines at our theatre were sooooo long to get in to view

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY ~~~~~
RULES ARE SIMPLE & THE SAME ~ Drawing Nov. 23rd
1 ~ All who ENTERED GIVEAWAY #1 & #2 will be re-entered automatically into NEW GIVEAWAY #3 drawing

2 ~ ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY #3, by leaving a comment on THIS POST ONLY & you will be entered AGAIN

3 ~ State which giveaway you would prefer ... #1, #2, #3, #4 (#s in front of each giveaway)

Spread the word ... ~~~ GRAND PRIZE ~~~ in December we will be having one huge GIVEAWAY celebrating all you wonderful new friends & in celebration of Christmas

~ Lincoln Today In History ~ & FOUR GIVEAWAYS

2009-11-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

TODAY IN HISTORY ~ 1863 President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address as he dedicated a national cemetery at the site of the Civil War battlefield in Pennsylvania.
~~~~~~~~~~
Here we go with the next round of GIVEAWAYS, ladies. Go to Nov. 16th post to enter.

RULES ARE SIMPLE & THE SAME ~ Drawing Nov. 23rd
1 ~ All who ENTERED GIVEAWAY #1 & #2 will be re-entered automatically into NEW GIVEAWAY #3 drawing

2 ~ ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY #3, by leaving a comment on THIS POST ONLY & you will be entered AGAIN

3 ~ State which giveaway you would prefer ... #1, #2, #3, #4 (#s in front of each giveaway)

Spread the word ... ~~~ GRAND PRIZE ~~~ in December we will be having one huge GIVEAWAY celebrating all you wonderful new friends & in celebration of Christmas

Lovely Vintage Verse, Art & * FOUR GIVEAWAYS *

2009-11-18T05:45:00.000-08:00

Heart O'Gold
This is one of my very favorite verses that I found while collecting memory verses & silhouettes.
The graphics are what caught my eye ... I enjoy the beauty of the old art.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY ~ ends Nov. 23rd
Go to Nov. 16th post to enter

~ FOUR GIVEAWAY GIFTS ~

2009-11-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

#1 Giveaway ~ Mary Engelbreit fabric tea cozy (made by designer Vera in Canada), rose cup & saucer & vintage tea spoon, silver sugar, victorian silverware posey vase, 2 napkin/candle holders, bath salts, Vineyard Harvest soap (yum!), friendship spoon.
#2 Giveaway ~ Vintage bird saucer picture frame (created by us), bird stationary, bird vintage calling card note card, desk organizer, victorian lady tags, Greenleaf Flowering Orchids Savon Perlier soap, bath salts, heart sachet, gourmet coffee, Token of Affection book by Alda, keepsake bookmark
#3 Giveaway ~ Sweet white keepsake box with dividers inside, pillow sachets, tea wallet, teaspoon ornament, bath salts, designer soap, teaspoon magnet
#4 Giveaway ~ Blueberry Woodsong decorator candlestick, Wedgwood (old piece) dish/ashtray (great spoon rest), vintage tea infuser sachet, ice tea spoon magnet, lady slipper ornament/accessory, lovely sweet potholder, gourmet box of A Spot of Tea

~~~~~~~~~~~

Are we having fun yet?
Here we go with the next round of GIVEAWAYS, ladies.

RULES ARE SIMPLE & THE SAME ~ Drawing Nov. 23rd
1 ~ All who ENTERED GIVEAWAY #1 & #2 will be re-entered automatically into NEW GIVEAWAY #3 drawing

2 ~ ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY #3, by leaving a comment on THIS POST ONLY & you will be entered AGAIN

3 ~ State which giveaway you would prefer ... #1, #2, #3, #4 (#s in front of each giveaway)

Spread the word ... ~~~ GRAND PRIZE ~~~ in December we will be having one huge GIVEAWAY celebrating all you wonderful new friends & in celebration of Christmas

******************
Thank you ALL for your best wishes, notes & love ... today was a really good day, I almost sound like myself finally. I got a ton of cleaning & wash done ... it was driving me UP the wall but at the time who cared, not me! for sure. Hugs, Marydon

~ the WINNERS are .... & Ida approaching ~

2009-11-16T04:50:00.000-08:00

These are pictures as Hurricane Ida approached our area ... I was travelling about 25 miles SE from our home.

I am doing so much better today, TY each, for all your prayers, love & concerns. Truly I appreciate each of you ... the best medicine one can receive.
~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY WINNERS ARE ~ We will post another GIVEAWAY tomorrow

#1 ~ Connie ~ Living Beautifully (Tea cozy parcel)
#2 ~ Bennie & Patsy ~ The Smith's Bennie & Patsy (Tote parcel)
#3 ~ Missy Melissy @ Lilac Lane by Melissa Stramel (Scottie dog parcel & magazines)

THANK YOU ALL for participating. Your names all stay in the pot, you may up continue to post on each giveaway for another entry change.

~ May God Brighten Your Day, Leading the Blind ~

2009-11-15T05:12:00.000-08:00

Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown
For the world was intent on dragging me down
And if that weren't enough to ruin my day
A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play.

He stood right before me with his hand tilted down
And with great excitement, "Look what I found!"
In his hand was a rose, what a pitiful sight
With it's petals all worn - not enough rain or too little light.

Wanting him to take his dead rose and go off to play
I faked a small smile and then shifted away.
But instead of retreating he sat next to my side
And placed the rose to his nose and declared with surprise,

"It sure smells pretty
And it's beautiful too
That's why I picked it
Here, it's for you."

The weed before me was dying or dead
Not vibrant of colors, orange, yellow or red.
But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave
So I reached for the rose and replied, "Just what I need."

But instead of him placing the rose in my hand
He held it in mid-air without reason or plan.
It was then that I noticed for the very first time
That weed-toting boy could not see -- he was blind.

I heard my voice quiver, tears shone like the sun
As I thanked him for picking the very best one.
"You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play
Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day.

I sat there and wondered how he managed to see
A self-pitying woman beneath the old willow tree.
How did he know of my self-indulged plight?
Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight.

Through the eyes of a blind child at last I could see
The problem was not with the world -- the problem was me.
And for all of those times I myself had been blind
I vowed to see beauty in life and appreciate every second that's mine.

And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose
And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose.
And smiled as I watched that young boy -- another weed in his hand
About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.
(Author unknown)
~~~~~

Thank you God for giving me the insight to know & see clearly all before me.

~Cleaning For A Reason ~ (Cancer Patients ~ Awesome Article of Giving)

2009-11-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

I just read a wonderful article about a fantastic service for cancer patients that I believe to be so warm & giving from the heart. Hopefully you will also enjoy this piece ~ Have a beautiful giving day. TTFN ~ Marydon

*** FREE HOUSECLEANINGS AVAILABLE TO WOMEN UNDERGOING CANCER TREATMENTS ***

ONE LESS THING TO WORRY ABOUT ...
Cleaning For A Reason offers four (4) FREE house cleanings to women who are undergoing treatment for any type of cancer. This service has been around for several years, but many women don't know about it.

All that is asked of the woman is that she get a doctor's note stating she is under going cancer treatment.

Cleaning For A Reason is a national organization that uses local housecleaning companies to provide the service. The local companies donate their time, & the client gets a clean house at a time when she may feel least like cleaning it.

It presently only offers this service to women but is thinking about adding men (my opinion ~ yes, this would be nice).

People are afraid it's only for people in a lower economic status but it is available to all women, no matter her income. It's to help a woman in need. After treatment it is nice to come home to a clean house.

More information may be found ~ www.cleaningforareason.org (It is a non-profit organization)
On this site you may also make contributions to this program. What a wonderful way to give from the heart.

~Japanese Antique Feedsack Shop ~ TRIPLE GIVEAWAY & Trivia

2009-11-13T05:42:00.000-08:00

Our dear friend, Mii, is the Japanese lady that I featured re the Relay for Life for Cancer Survivors last month. Mii is a survivor. She is very precious to us. Here is her shop that some of you requested viewing. TY Mii for sharing with us.

*** GIVEAWAY ***
Visit our November 10 post for our TRIPLE GIVEAWAY. Drawing on Nov. 16.
~~~~~
Kathleen "Memory Mittens inc" said...(Please visit her, info in yesterday's post)

Marydon ~
I want to personally thank you for posting my story!! I am sitting here w/ tears in my eyes reading all the beautiful comments people are leaving on you're site. God Bless you & Coralie and all you WONDERFUL women!! My work is heartfelt for certain;I am meeting such terrific people;I wasn't prepared for the out-pouring of love & support for my work..I truly am touched beyond words!; Kathleen
"Memory Mittens Inc."
~~~~~

** VISIT these lovely ladies for your Christmas & holiday gifts, they have wonderful creations **

Celestina Marie ~ http://larearose.blogspot.com

Rebecca ~ http://rebecca-gatheryeroses.blogspot.com

Gail ~ http://shabbycottageshoppe.blogspot.com
~~~~~

VOTE FOR ~ REBECCA @ Divine Caroline (link below) if you haven't yet, contest nearing end.
http://www.divinecaroline.com/awards/Aug-09/2032-a-gathering-of-thoughts

~~~~~
BARN RESTORATION VOTE
Our friend Jodie is (1) of (10) vintage barns nominated for restoration by the Campbell Soup company & raising money for FFA, a very worthy cause ... please VOTE @ link below ~
http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com/barn_waitsee.aspx

NOTE ~~~~~
TY for your sweet notes & well wishes. I am having a really rough time with this getting well & am still pretty sick going back in for more meds. I'll be back up in full swing as soon as I can. Sorry. TTFN ~Marydon

~Mitten Memories of Love ~ & GIVEAWAY

2009-11-11T18:19:00.000-08:00

Memories You Can Hold In The Palms Of Your Hands!

***Thank you, my friend Coralie, for bringing Kathleen to my attention. This is a wonderful story***

"Over the weekend, I picked up sweaters for "Memory Mitten" orders from persons who had recently lost loved ones...I walked away from each meeting with the "chills." After listening to each of their heartfelt stories, I felt completely overcome with God's hands on my work!"

(Kathleen King, Gladstone, Michigan)

I have never met Kathleen personally but I learned of her labors of love through my son Paul (Coralie's) who with his family has known Kathleen for many years. I was so stirred by her inspiring work that I wanted to share it with all of you!

This is Kathleen's story, in her own words:

"One day while at work, I overheard a co-worker talking about how her mother-in-law was busy making mittens out of old sweaters. My mother and I had just talked about what she should do with a box of my father's sweaters...he had passed away five years earlier and I had suggested she donate them to St. Vincent de Paul...winter was coming and someone in need could use them.

I was in an instant panic! Hopefully my mother still had the sweaters and had not followed my advice! I called her right away and, to my relief, she still had them!

Over the next month, I went on an emotional, heartfelt mitten-making journey. Everyone was coming to my house for Christmas and I was going to give them each a memorable gift of mittens made from our loving father's sweaters. The thought brought tears to my eyes. It would be a gift that I would put my heart into.

On Christmas day after a huge holiday feast and lots of goodies, we sat relaxing by the beautifully lit Christmas tree, music playing in the background and a feeling of contentment of being together. It was the perfect time to retrieve the basket full of wrapped gifts.

They slowly opened their gifts and, although I was tearful, I was also very excited! Tears, laughter, and awe were just some of the emotions I saw around the room. My mom put her mittens on and cupped her face with them—tears in her eyes, yet joy, too. I will never forget that look!

The making of Memory Mittens for my family sparked a passion in me to create custom mittens for others. If I could bring joy to someone else by creating Memory Mittens out of their loved one's sweaters, as I did for my family, what could be better?

I take creating these mittens very seriously. People are entrusting me with a prized possession from someone they have dearly loved. Each pair of mittens is made with tender love and care in hopes of giving them a heart and hand-warming keepsake."

(Please take time to visit Kathleen's Memory Mittens website! You can also click HERE to see more of her completed mittens!)

UPDATE 11/11/09:

Kathleen's website is currently under reconstruction but will be ready for viewing soon. In the meantime, you can contact her directly at email: memorymittens@gmail.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~

***Visit our Nov. 10th post for our TRIPLE GIVEAWAY***

An Honor To Thank You

2009-11-10T18:44:00.001-08:00

It is with profound gratitude we honor you. Today and every day ... Keep all of our brave men and women who are fighting for OUR FREEDOMS in your hearts and prayers every day ... Keep our FREEDOM ringing out, loud & clear!

Served proudly ~ My husband Harold 11 1/2 yrs. USN, my son Emery 4 yrs. USN, my brother Buck USA, my Uncle Bill USA, my dad Don USA, many cousins & nephews, great-uncle USN & uncles USA.

***I asked Lynn Cliburn to help set this up, as she was so impressed with the choral group, & I am not into all this computer jibberish. THANK YOU LYNN, it came out beautifully.***

A MUST TO VIEW ALSO ~ http://connie-livingbeautifully.blogspot.com/

Be sure to turn off my playlist volume before playing this magnificent performance.

~ Triple GIVEAWAY Triple ~

2009-11-10T05:21:00.000-08:00

Giveaway #2 ~ a pretty ragged tote 13 x 15, a hand created country bunny doll, (2) button cards, shea butter, a vintage tea strainer lavender sachet & a lovely handcreated heart.

****SORRY these got messed up somehow, they were fine originally ... they are titled correctly so when you select please note they may be out of order but the #s are correct.****
Giveaway #1 ~ Dog Tea Cozy (designed by Vera, a wonderful designer in Canada), English teacup & saucer, spoon, sachet, bath salts, saucer picture frame (created by us), victorian teaspoon posey vase, (2) napkin holders/candle rings (made by Gifco)

Giveaway #3 ~Scottie dog approx. 6" stuffed creation, (3) new issues of Country, Decorating & Quilting magazines, a hand created country heart, (2) vintage button cards, apple vintage teacup cup/saucer wall pocket (we created)

***********************************
THANK YOU all for the well wishes, I'll live, just waiting for the antibiotics to kick in full force. Love to all ~ Marydon

RULES (simple!) ~ DRAWING NOV. 16th ~

1 ~ All who ENTERED GIVEAWAY #1 will be re-entered automatically into NEW GIVEAWAY #2 drawing (read #2 ~ this will continue all the way thru all our drawings into mid-Dec., carrying you over into each new giveaway, increasing your chances as we go along)

2 ~ Now ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY #2, by leaving a comment on THIS POST ONLY & you will be entered AGAIN

3 ~ State which giveaway you would prefer ... #1, #2, #3

Spread the word ... ~~~ GRAND PRIZE ~~~ in December we will be having one huge GIVEAWAY celebrating all you wonderful new friends & in celebration of Christmas.

~ THE WINNERS OF GIVEAWAYS ARE .....

2009-11-09T12:02:00.000-08:00

NOTICE ~~~ Starting tomorrow we will have (3) TRIPLE GIVEAWAYS TRIPLE for the following week. I will post in the morning. I have pneumonia & strep throat so I am done for today. The above pink chintz teacup saucer picture frame will be offered in one of the upcoming GIVEAWAYS.

Thank you all for participating. Your names will **remain in the pot** but you may once again enter on the new Giveaways which will now give you (2) chances for this next set of Giveaways.
*********************************************

***FIRST GIVEAWAY Tea Cozy parcel drawn by random counter is ~
DEB @ Garage Sale Gal

***SECOND GIVEAWAY Stitchery parcel drawn by random counter is ~
Clare @ Clares Craftroom

Congrats, ladies. Send me your home addresses, please.
Hugs, TTFN ~ Marydon

~ A GIFT ~ GIVEAWAY ~ AUTUMN TRAILS #4

2009-11-08T04:20:00.001-08:00

THANK YOU CELESTE ~ This exquisite breathtaking gift creation I received from Celestina Marie, & about fell off my chair when I opened that box to find this ornament for me ... visit her shop @ http://larearose.blogspot.com

Autumn leaves gently flow nestling the earth,

Awaiting the soft snows,

That will nourish the seeds,

To bring forth floral beauty in the spring.

May your Sunday be filled with warmth & joy.

~Autumn Travels #3~ * GIVEAWAYS & GIFTS *

2009-11-07T06:10:00.001-08:00

For exquisite Christmas ornaments & gifts visit Rebecca @ A Gathering Place in Etsy or on her blog ... I have several which are to DIE for creations.

*** Our GIVEAWAY ends on Nov. 9, go to our Nov. 1st post to enter

***
As we travel today thru our local area near Mt. Airy we are visiting a wee bit of the country that brings such peace to view as one meanders down these country roads. The 'colors' this year were breathtakingly bright, which we haven't had for several years.

~ Autumn Travels #2 ~ * GIVEAWAY *

2009-11-06T06:29:00.000-08:00

These are a few pictures of our little tiny town nestled over a railroad tunnel. At one time it bustled, an active train station(pic. 6) is now local businesses & the hotel & grocery store are restaurants, shops, etc.

A couple years ago our town was horribly hit by another fire ... this time the fire took out 2 beautiful old buildings that just reopened a few months ago (pic. 3).

Pic.. 9 is the house that is supposedly haunted ... it is a lovely home but when we were offered to view it when housing haunting, oops! hunting ... I passed.

We are about 20 miles east of Frederick & 25+ miles west of Baltimore. We live 2.0 miles (TG no further) outside of the city. It is a growing community that is rampant in building homes & new businesses. Old saying ...... when the grocery stores, gas stations, liquor stores & restaurants start coming in ... we are going to be BIG.

*** GIVEAWAY *** Enter on our Nov. 1st post, ends Nov. 9th

~ Autumn Travels ~ * GIVEAWAY *

2009-11-05T06:39:00.000-08:00

The FROST took care of the gardens ... it is soooo sad to see our 'beauties' giving way to rest, as the seeds now mix with Mother Earth, nestled beneath the blanket of fallen leaves, awaiting the snows to nourish them for rebirth in the warmth of spring.

*** GIVEAWAY ***
Do pop over & enter our giveaway in our Nov. 1st post ... drawing Nov. 9th

~ GIVEAWAY ~ & * 600 BEAUTIES *

2009-11-04T05:29:00.000-08:00

***GIVEAWAYS ***
Go to Nov. 1st post for our DOUBLE GIVEAWAY's & enter

Go to http://myarizonaangels.blogspot.com for her DOUBLE GIVEAWAY's

~~~~~~~~

OH! LAWDY!!! I AM IN HEAVEN ONCE AGAIN ~
600 of these GORGEOUS beauties arrived yesterday & the day before ... I am surrendering to them! See ya' later ..................

Have a beautiful warm autumn day.

~ MY MASTER ~ .... Double GIVEAWAY

2009-11-03T04:35:00.000-08:00

A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to
Leave the examination room his patient asked, 'Doctor, I am afraid to die.
Tell me what lies on the other side.'
Very quietly, the doctor said, 'I don't know.'
'You don't know? You're, a Christian man,
and don't know what's on the other side?'
The doctor was holding the handle of the door;
On the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,
And as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room
And leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said,
'Did you notice my dog?
He's never been in this room before.
He didn't know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here,
And when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.
I know little of what is on the other side of death,
But I do know one thing...
I know my Master is there and that is enough.'
~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

GIVEAWAY ~ Entry on Nov. 1st post, drawing Nov. 9th

~GIVEAWAY, TIDBITS, TRIVIA & A GREAT STORY ~

2009-11-02T05:32:00.000-08:00

Our son ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 3:25 ... not bad for an old 'kid'. We are so proud of Emery. Congrats, son!

***~~~*** GIVEAWAYS!!! Go to our Nov. 1st post & enter our giveaways there for Nov. 9th. We will be having several giveaways between now & Christmas, stay tuned. ***~~~*** Happy November!

~~~~~~
***Several asked about the PURPLE scarves worn in Japan re Cancer by my Japanese friends. The PURPLE SCARVES represent the Relay For Life for cancer survivors.
~~~~~~
***You may enjoy visiting: http://asamom.ning.com
~~~~~~

AND ... Beautiful story..... makes you understand that things happen for a reason

The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned
to their first ministry, to reopen a church
in suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October
excited about their opportunities When they saw
their church, it was very run down and needed
much work. They set a goal to have everything
done in time to have their first service
on Christmas Eve.
They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls,
painting, etc, and on December 18
were ahead of schedule and just about finished.
On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving
rainstorm - hit the area and lasted for two days.
On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church.
His heart sank when he saw that the roof had
leaked, causing a large area of plaster about

20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just
behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.

The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor,
and, not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.

On the way, he noticed that a local business was
having a flea market type sale for charity so he
stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful,
handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth
with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross
embroidered right in the center. It was just
the right size to cover up the hole in the front
wall. He bought it and headed back to the church..
By this time it had started to snow. An older
woman running from the opposite direction was
trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor
invited her to wait in the warm church for
the next bus 45 minutes later.
She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor
while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put
up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor
could hardly believe how beautiful it looked, and
it covered up the entire problem area.
Then he noticed the woman walking down the center
aisle. Her face was like a sheet.. "Pastor,"
she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"
The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check
the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into
it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had
made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria
The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor
told how he had just gotten the tablecloth. The
woman explained that before the war she and
her husband were well-to-do people in Austria .

When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.
Her husband was going to follow her the next week.
He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her
husband or her home again.
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth;
but she made the pastor keep it for the church.
The pastor insisted on driving her home; that
was the least he could do.. She lived on the other
side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn
for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas
Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the
spirit were great. At the end of the service, the
pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door,
and many said that they would return.
One older man, whom the pastor recognized
from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the
pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he
wasn't leaving.
The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on
the front wall because it was identical to one
that his wife had made years ago when
they lived in Austria before the war ... and how
could there be two tablecloths so much alike.
He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he
forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was
supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and
put in a prison.. He never saw his wife or his home
again all the 35 years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to
take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten
Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.
He helped the man climb the three flights of
stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on
the door, and he saw the greatest Christmas
reunion he could ever imagine...
True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid Who says God does not work in mysterious ways.?..

I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for
you today, to guide you and protect you as you go
along your way. His love is always with you, His
promises are true, and when we give Him all our
cares you know He'll see us through.
So when the road you're traveling seems
difficult at best, just remember I'm here
praying, and God will do the rest.
When there is nothing left but God, that is when
you find out that God is all you need..
Father God, bless all my friends, family, and even those who don’t like me very much, in whatever it is that You know they may be in need this day! May their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

~ Double GIVEAWAYS Double ~

2009-11-01T04:38:00.000-08:00

GIVEAWAY #1

GIVEAWAY #2 A vintage stitchery, a pincushion, sewing items, (9) ornaments (handcreated by Dorothy B.)

*** DRAWING NOV. 9th *** MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A WAY FOR CONTACTING YOU
This week is (1) of many GIVEAWAYS over the next 6 weeks in celebration of our 200th post & over 300 followers ..... & Christmas! THANK YOU for all the friendships that have been made. You are truly appreciated.

SIMPLE RULES ~ just leave a message & pass the word along to your friends/followers.
NOTE which giveaway you are interested in, type #1 or #2 at the beginning of your entry
DECEMBER we will have a huge Christmas giveaway

~~~~~
Giveaway #1 is a pretty dragonfly & ladybug yellow lined Tea Cozy handcreated by Vera in Canada, 2 kinds of tea, 2 napkin rings, a lovely MYOTT English cup & saucer, & a copy of Rebecca Tanqueray's decorating book Small Spaces.

GIVEAWAY #2 A vintage stitchery, a pincushion, sewing items, (9) ornaments (handcreated by Dorothy B. ~ she is well known in the craft world & sells to many retailers)

~ How To Create A Pumpkin & A Ghost Story ~

2009-10-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

Joshua 15 years ago ... where did the time go.

Happy FALL To You All, My Friends ~
From one PUMPKIN to another .......................
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*******************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A woman asked a co-worker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'

The co-worker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, & washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top & scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate & greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face & puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
********************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*********************

**And, A GHOST STORY**
Louisiana Ghost Story

This happened about 6 months ago on Louisiana Hwy 57, just outside of Dulac, a little town in the bayou country of Louisiana, and while it sounds like an Alfred Hitchcock tale, it's real.

An Ohio businessman, Saul Rubins, abandoned his disabled vehicle on the side of the road, and attempted to hitchhike. The night was pitch dark in the middle of a thunderstorm. Time passed slowly and no cars went by. It was raining so hard he could hardly see his hand in front of his face.

Suddenly, through the sheets of rain, he saw a car moving slowly, approaching and appearing ghostlike in the rain. It slowly and silently crept toward him and stopped. Desperately needing a ride, Saul jumped in the car and closed the door. Only then did he realize that there was no one behind the wheel and no sound of an engine to be heard over the rain.

Again the car crept silently forward and Saul was terrified, too scared to think of jumping out and running. He saw that the car was approaching a sharp curve and, still too scared to jump out, he started to pray and beg for his life; he was sure the ghost car would go off the road and into the bayou and he would then drown!

But just before the curve, a shadowy hand appeared at the driver's window, reached in and turned the steering wheel, guiding the car safely around the bend. Then, just as silently, the hand disappeared through the window and Saul was alone again.

Paralyzed with fear, Saul watched the hand reappear every time they reached a curve. Finally, scared nearly to death, Saul had all he could take, jumped out of the car, and ran to town. Wet and in shock, he went into Schmoopy's. Voice quavering, he ordered two cups of coffee, black, and then told everybody about his supernatural experience.

The room became silent and everybody got goose bumps when they realized Saul was telling the truth (and not just some drunk).

About 30 minutes later two Cajuns, dripping wet, walked into Schmoopy's and one says to the other, "Look, Boudreaux, ders dat idiot what rode in our car when we wuz pushin' it in the rain.

~A Pumpkin & A Punkin~

2009-10-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

This exquisite pumpkin was created for me by Celestina Marie @ http://larearose.blogspot.com/. Celeste also designed (3) adorable darling chic pumpkins for Julie Marie @ idyllhours.blogspot.com. This beauty can be used all year round in our home.
~~~~~~~~
**If you have not read the post prior to this, I hope you will take an extra minute to do so**
~~~~~~~~
My daughter, Cari & I had more fun with Halloween than Joshua ever did. The first pics is Joshua picking his first home grown pumpkin in 1996. He was so good about watering & weeding back then; not so much now.

In 1991 Joshua was 6 mns. & we dressed him up like a Leopard & in 1992 he was a politician. He won lst place in the Mt. Airy Halloween costume contest both years. Isn't he cute?

The following pics are 1993, 1994, 1995 .

Have a safe & sound Halloween holiday.

~Love, Life, Forgiveness, America~

2009-10-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday on our way to & from breakfast after Mass, we pass this pretty little spot up on a small knoll. We had heard that this family had lost a child in the 'war'. It is a large hand created silhouette figure bowing over the cross with that gorgeous American flag towering above. Very solemn ... I have occasionally shed a tear, it is that moving.

Now, on the curve in the road prior to this spot Mrs. Mcle who worked at this restaurant was killed & there is a huge painted heart in the roadway that covers both lanes with a memorial for her. Reality is smack dab in your face ...

There is not a Sunday that we are not reminded how short life is, there are no guarantees in life & to live life as if there is no tomorrow ... hug your loved ones, tell them you love them, forgive those that have hurt your heart ...

... & pray for all those that fight for our freedom to live in a country that is still free, stand proud & tall, look to the Heavens above & seek protection for us all, we need to keep it this way. Enjoy this beautiful rendition (turn down my music) ...

And this my friends is the way it should be sung.........http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE

~Traveling Trails * #4 ~

2009-10-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

The last of our late summer drive thru the countryside. Next week we will start our autumn rides thru the countryside.

* Next week ~ We will start of celebration of our giveaways over several weeks

~ Little Red Riding Hood Once Met A BIG Bad Wolf .......~

2009-10-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Holy Tamoly!!! How big you are, Grandmother! Ack!!

This Wolf was shot recently in Drayton Valley, Alberta ….which is near Edmonton about 3 hours North of Calgary. The wolf weighs over 230lbs smashing the previous record of 175lbs. Wouldn’t want to run into this puppy in the woods. Apparently a bear hunter witnessed this wolf chase off a big black bear at his baiting station. (TY for sharing Buck!)

(PS This is not intended to be more than educational & informative ~ he was 'eating' something for sure. I am not an advocate of hunting one bit. )

~ Heart Gifts ~

2009-10-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

At the dawn of each new day, we are blessed once again with life. What we do with this gift, is our choice.

http://61226.com/share/hk.swf
(move your mouse from top to bottom, do not click on the picture)

~ Heart Gifts ~
It's not the things that can be bought
That are life's richest treasures,
It's just the little 'heart gifts'
That money cannot measure ~
A cheerful smile, a friendly word
A sympathetic nod
All priceless little treasures
From the storehouse of our God
There are the things that can't be bought
With silver or with gold
For thoughtfulness & kindness
And love are never sold ~
They are the priceless things in life
For which no one can pay
And the giver finds rich recompense
In giving them away.
(~ Helen Steiner Rice ~)

~ I Went To Church To Find Out What Happened To God.....'

2009-10-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Two little boys, ages 8 & 10, were excessively mischievous. They were always getting into trouble & their parents knew all about it.

If any mischief occurred in their town, the two boys were probably involved.

The boy's mother heard that a preacher in town had been successful in disciplining children so she asked if he would speak with her boys.

The preacher agreed, but he asked to see the individually. So the mother sent the 8 year old first, in the morning, with the older boy to see the preacher in the afternoon.

The preacher, a huge man with a booming voice sat the younger boy down & asked him sternly, 'Do you know where God is, son?'

The boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there, wide-eyed, with his mouth hanging open.

So the preacher repeated the question in an even sterner tone, 'Where is God?'

Again, the boy made no attempt to answer.

The preacher raised his voice even more & shook his finger in the boy's face & bellowed, 'Where's God?'

The boy screamed & bolted from the room, ran directly home & dove into his closet, slamming the door behind him.

When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, 'What happened?' The younger brother, gasping for breath, replied, 'We are in BIG trouble this time!'

(I love this line, over & over again)

'God is missing & they think we did it!'
~~~~

NOW... tell me this didn't give you a chuckle. I think today we need a smile ...

~ Travelling Trails * Part 4 * AMY IS IN THE ARMS OF JESUS *

2009-10-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

*Amy's wings set flight, she is in the arms of Jesus, please pray for her family. All my love to your family, Sherry & Debbie.*
~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~
~Today was a whopping day for feedsacks ... another 300+ are enroute plus a few I brought home with me. Ya-hoo-DEE!!!

Our little tour of countryside was a 4 hr. drive, each day for 2 days, the rooftop open, the soft breeze kissing our cheeks, gently warmed by the sun ... to treasure the beauty of this earth that we have been so blessed with. You are hopefully enjoying this relaxing exquisite countryside that surrounds us in MD.

Today I got some exquisite autumn pics as I drove thru PA that I will share with you later on.

*** NEW BLOG FRIEND, pop over & say HI to Ginger ~ http://glitterandroses.blogspot.com/

EXCITING GIVEAWAY UPCOMING ~ Starting in November we are going to have several wonderful holiday giveaways of some really nice gifts for you.

THANK YOU to all you ladies that have shared such sweet AWARDS with me. I am honored that you think so highly of me. You are all wonderful friends.

~ Travelling Trails ... Part 3 ~

2009-10-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

The history is (2) posts back of the areas we are visiting. Enjoy!
~~~~~
VOTE ~ http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com/barn_waitsee.aspx
~~~~~
VISIT ~ shabbycottageshoppe.blogspot.com

VISIT ~ rebecca-gatheryeroses.blogspot.com

Feedsack Fantasy

~ Scarecrow Feedsack & Memories ~

~ Hop In ... ~

~ Dream-y Office Remodel ~

~ CSN GIVEAWAY ~

~ Beautiful Flower People ~

~ Bless You Pizen, Czech Republic ~

~ A Field of Flowers ... Veterans ~

~ God Is Watching Over Us ... Happy 4th ~

~ Powerful ~

~ Feed Sack Fabric Story ~

~ Tea Gathering Reminder ~

~ East Coast Ladies April Gathering ln Maryland ~

~and, The Party Begins ~

~ Maryland & Surrounding State Blogger Ladies ~

~ Peek A Boo Pretty ~

~ You Are Cordially Invited, Ladies ... ~

~~ Happy Valentine's To One & All ~~

~ Come Sit By The Fire & Chat .... ~

~ Keep the True Meaning of Christmas Alive & In Your Hearts ...~

~ Feedsack Fantasy Cordially Invites You ... ~

Our new blog ~ PSSSSST!

~ Dear Santa, I have a request ... (& GIVEAWAY WINNERS)!!

~ Remember When ... Charlie Brown ... '

~ WWll History Events & Memoir ~

~ God Bless Our Troops, In Memoriam ... WWII ~

Reports by Survivors of Pearl Harbor Attack

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY - NAVAL HISTORY & HERITAGE COMMAND

(These are copied in entirety so you will not miss any important info they recounted)

~ 1905 Vintage Film of Cable Car in San Francisco ~

~ I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas ~ & GIVEAWAYS

~ Historical Tidbits ... 6 GIVEAWAYS ~

~ GIVEAWAY WINNERS ~

~ Oy! Bloomin' Roses ~ & GIVEAWAYS

TA-DA!!! ... Memories & Exciting News To Share ...

~ HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL ... GIVEAWAY ~

~ GIVEAWAY WINNERS ... & Memories & More~

~ Milkweed Silk & WWII ... & Trivia ... GIVEAWAY ~

Antietam Battlefield Illumination ... the Bloodiest Single Day Battle ~

~ Tidbits & Trivia *** FOUR GIVEAWAYS ~

~ Lincoln Today In History ~ & ***FOUR GIVEAWAYS ***

Lovely Vintage Verse, Art & *** FOUR GIVEAWAYS ***

~ FOUR GIVEAWAY GIFTS ~

~ the WINNERS are .... & Ida approaching ~

~ May God Brighten Your Day, Leading the Blind ~

~Cleaning For A Reason ~ (Cancer Patients ~ Awesome Article of Giving)

~Japanese Antique Feedsack Shop ~ TRIPLE GIVEAWAY & Trivia

~Mitten Memories of Love ~ & *GIVEAWAY*

Memories You Can Hold In The Palms Of Your Hands!

~~ An Honor To Thank You ~~

~ Triple GIVEAWAY Triple ~

~ THE WINNERS OF GIVEAWAYS ARE .....

~ A GIFT ~ GIVEAWAY ~ AUTUMN TRAILS #4

~Autumn Travels #3~ *** GIVEAWAYS & GIFTS ***

~ Autumn Travels #2 ~ *** GIVEAWAY ***

~ Autumn Travels ~ *** GIVEAWAY ***

~ GIVEAWAY ~ & *** 600 BEAUTIES ***

~ MY MASTER ~ .... ** Double GIVEAWAY**

~GIVEAWAY, TIDBITS, TRIVIA & A GREAT STORY ~

~ Double GIVEAWAYS Double ~

~ How To Create A Pumpkin & A Ghost Story ~

~A Pumpkin & A Punkin~

~Love, Life, Forgiveness, America~

~Traveling Trails * #4 ~

~ Little Red Riding Hood Once Met A BIG Bad Wolf .......~

~ Heart Gifts ~

~ I Went To Church To Find Out What Happened To God.....'

~ Travelling Trails * Part 4 *** AMY IS IN THE ARMS OF JESUS ***

~ Travelling Trails ... Part 3 ~

Happy Valentine's To One & All

~ Lincoln Today In History ~ & FOUR GIVEAWAYS

Lovely Vintage Verse, Art & * FOUR GIVEAWAYS *

~Mitten Memories of Love ~ & GIVEAWAY

An Honor To Thank You

~Autumn Travels #3~ * GIVEAWAYS & GIFTS *

~ Autumn Travels #2 ~ * GIVEAWAY *

~ Autumn Travels ~ * GIVEAWAY *

~ GIVEAWAY ~ & * 600 BEAUTIES *

~ MY MASTER ~ .... Double GIVEAWAY

~ Travelling Trails * Part 4 * AMY IS IN THE ARMS OF JESUS *