This week I had been having discussions with Trisa and Tina about shopping for the perfect outdoor wall decoration to hang under my porch between my long living room windows. They had a couple stores in mind that I just might find such a thing.
After attending a jewelry party, Trisa rode with me and we met Tina at an outdoor decorating store called Wild Birds Unlimited. Most of their items were bird baths, bird feeders, bird food and the like. But nothing that would work for my house.
On the way to another outdoor decorating store, we stopped at the Nebraska Furniture Mart. I have made several purchases here. It's so huge!! Anyway, we browsed the bedroom sets. I plan on getting a new set sometime in the future. I need to remove wall paper and paint my bedroom first.
From there we drove to Canoyer Garden Center. I was impressed at the vast selection of decor. Every little nook had something to see. I had to stop and just take it all in, no matter what area I was standing in. In the gift shop area were so many little items for shelf display but also a lot of large items. Bird baths and feeders, wall decor, garden stepping stones, knick knacks, flags. There were a couple of things I could possibly use to hang on the outside wall of my house. But a measurement of the space will be required to make sure it actually fits. So I haven't purchased anything yet. Then you enter another section of the Garden Center and find all the flowers for planting. Rows and rows of hanging baskets. Shelf after shelf of potted plants. It was a beautiful sight. I did see some different flowers that I may end up getting when it comes time to buy my stash for planting.
It was a fun day of shopping and planning for the spring display of flowers. When I find something, I'll be sure to snap some pictures. Stay tuned!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friends, Food and Friendship
Well, our grilling season is now in full swing. The get togethers at friends' houses is being planned a week ahead of time now.
Tonight we all were at Trisa and Jamie's house. They were going to grill hot dogs and brats. Anyone that was a guest was bringing a different dish to go with it. Yesterday, I myself made a huge pasta salad with Italian dressing smothering it. In a large bowl I had placed cut up cucumbers, yellow peppers and red peppers. I added sliced black olives and cooked small shell pasta. Then I grated an entire block of Parmesan cheese into it. I coated all of this with Italian dressing that I had added sugar to, for sweetness. (I love anything with a sweet flavor....blame my Mother!) I let this all chill overnight for maximum flavor. Apparently it was a hit. I didn't have a lot left so I gave some to Marsha and Duane to take home. He had really loved it and was glad to help eat it up. I had just enough for myself to eat up in a couple more meals. Perfect. There were several other salads, baked beans, chips and dips and pineapple upside down cake. Delicious!
Out on the driveway, one of the neighbors had brought over a grill pit and had a nice fire burning for a little warmth in the chilly evening air. There was an ample supply of marshmallows for roasting. I myself had a few "slightly charred to perfection" marshmallows. Others were adding them to crackers with a little chocolate candy bar to create the perfect s'more.
Trisa and Jamie had removed their vehicles from the garage in order to make space for tables and chairs. Some sat in there to visit. The kids were loving the cool evening for their games and riding scooters up and down the sidewalk. Other kids were in the backyard playing on the swings. It was a very relaxing night and it was fun to meet some of their other neighbors.
Inside at the table, others sat and visited. Madison (Scott and Lisa's daughter) sat next to me. I was showing her pictures of my cats on my cell phone. She learned very quickly how to get from the main screen into the gallery of photos and find my cats' pictures! Then I showed her how to take pictures with it. She was having a blast! See for yourself!
Madison and I taking a "self portrait"! (I had to help aim)
Tonight we all were at Trisa and Jamie's house. They were going to grill hot dogs and brats. Anyone that was a guest was bringing a different dish to go with it. Yesterday, I myself made a huge pasta salad with Italian dressing smothering it. In a large bowl I had placed cut up cucumbers, yellow peppers and red peppers. I added sliced black olives and cooked small shell pasta. Then I grated an entire block of Parmesan cheese into it. I coated all of this with Italian dressing that I had added sugar to, for sweetness. (I love anything with a sweet flavor....blame my Mother!) I let this all chill overnight for maximum flavor. Apparently it was a hit. I didn't have a lot left so I gave some to Marsha and Duane to take home. He had really loved it and was glad to help eat it up. I had just enough for myself to eat up in a couple more meals. Perfect. There were several other salads, baked beans, chips and dips and pineapple upside down cake. Delicious!
Out on the driveway, one of the neighbors had brought over a grill pit and had a nice fire burning for a little warmth in the chilly evening air. There was an ample supply of marshmallows for roasting. I myself had a few "slightly charred to perfection" marshmallows. Others were adding them to crackers with a little chocolate candy bar to create the perfect s'more.
Trisa and Jamie had removed their vehicles from the garage in order to make space for tables and chairs. Some sat in there to visit. The kids were loving the cool evening for their games and riding scooters up and down the sidewalk. Other kids were in the backyard playing on the swings. It was a very relaxing night and it was fun to meet some of their other neighbors.
Inside at the table, others sat and visited. Madison (Scott and Lisa's daughter) sat next to me. I was showing her pictures of my cats on my cell phone. She learned very quickly how to get from the main screen into the gallery of photos and find my cats' pictures! Then I showed her how to take pictures with it. She was having a blast! See for yourself!
Madison and I taking a "self portrait"! (I had to help aim)
On the second try it turned out a little bit better....."Cheese!"
Some pictures were deleted as they were of the floor or the table or whatever happened to be in sight. Madison's hands are small and she had a hard time holding it just right while trying not to push the button that takes the pictures, until it was time to do so.
The next cook out is already being planned. Either at Steve and Tammy's or Scott and Lisa's. I'll find out this week. Gotta love Spring!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
New Spring, New Life
Today was this springs first day of yard work for me. I love this time of year, as I've mentioned before. But just seeing all the new growth of perennial plant life is so awesome to me. I have Day Lillies and Salvia's that have been sprouting up for about 1 week now. After a couple of rain showers this last week, they have really shot up.
I mowed my lawn and then set to raking up stray leaves from last fall that had gathered up against my house and my fence. Then I delved into the landscaped area in front of my porch. I needed to pull the dead vegetation from the plants that were showing new signs of life. Next, I resituated my little lights and pulled grass from where it started to grow inside the brick and up into the mulch. Amazing how much you see when you really get down and look! From there I used my little hand rake and "fluffed" the mulch. It makes it look fresh and almost new when I do that. I noticed that one of my Yew shrubs isn't looking so hot. I had made a trip to Mulhall's Nursery during the week and asked them what I should do. They told me to give it some time and that it may come back to life. After a very harsh winter with lots of snow piled on top of it, I'm skeptical. Time will tell.
I'm very anxious to buy flowers and get them planted. It's about that time. I've heard that if you wait till at least Tax Day, most of the frosty mornings should be behind us. I've been seeing them at the various stores I've visited this last week and one of these days, I'll pick up many bunches for planting.
The Korean Lilac that sits at the end of the porch, is flourishing once again. The leaves have grown so much that they are now actually spreading open. My Hosta has also come up. So all the signs of new life in my yard are quite evident. Isn't Spring the best?
I mowed my lawn and then set to raking up stray leaves from last fall that had gathered up against my house and my fence. Then I delved into the landscaped area in front of my porch. I needed to pull the dead vegetation from the plants that were showing new signs of life. Next, I resituated my little lights and pulled grass from where it started to grow inside the brick and up into the mulch. Amazing how much you see when you really get down and look! From there I used my little hand rake and "fluffed" the mulch. It makes it look fresh and almost new when I do that. I noticed that one of my Yew shrubs isn't looking so hot. I had made a trip to Mulhall's Nursery during the week and asked them what I should do. They told me to give it some time and that it may come back to life. After a very harsh winter with lots of snow piled on top of it, I'm skeptical. Time will tell.
I'm very anxious to buy flowers and get them planted. It's about that time. I've heard that if you wait till at least Tax Day, most of the frosty mornings should be behind us. I've been seeing them at the various stores I've visited this last week and one of these days, I'll pick up many bunches for planting.
The Korean Lilac that sits at the end of the porch, is flourishing once again. The leaves have grown so much that they are now actually spreading open. My Hosta has also come up. So all the signs of new life in my yard are quite evident. Isn't Spring the best?
Ozone Oozing with Fun!
I've always loved live music. I used to bar tend and there was a band every weekend. When I was growing up, on special occasions such as town reunions, school reunions, anniversary's; whatever the occasion, a band was usually present for entertainment. Music is in my blood. And the live music is the only way to go.
So once again, Tina, Trisa and I got together for an evening out with music. We went to The Ozone. We've been there in the past for other occasions and knew that it would be a fun spot to go. And once again, we were out to hear the band called Lemon Fresh Day. Remember from last weekend? We were able to find a table a little further away from the dance floor and the volume wasn't nearly as loud as it seemed to be last weekend! It was much easier to chat even while music was playing. Trisa brought her neighbor along with her. Her neighbor's sister was visiting so she came along as well. Tina brought her cousin's wife along with her. We had a bunch of girls out for the night! Woo hoo!
Here are some pictures of some of us.....
Me and Trisa
Tina and I
Tina's cousin's wife (sorry...forgot her name) and Tina
Trisa and her neighbor (forgot her name too)
Tina, Me and Trisa
The band was very lively. There was a 50Th birthday being celebrated so there was mention of that from the band. A small tribute was given to the celebrant on the dance floor. I noticed a bridesmaid from a wedding somewhere in town that was having her own little party, by herself mind you, on the dance floor quite often throughout the night. Rather entertaining to say the least!
Over all, a great night. No pending plans as of now for another night out but I'm sure we'll be doing it again. Stay tuned.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter with Friends and their Families
Today I was invited to spend the afternoon with my friend Trisa and her hubby Jamie at his sisters house. Marsha and Duane were hosting the afternoon meal. I was told not to worry about bringing anything but if anyone knows a Moberg, they know that we do not arrive empty handed! I had cooked eggs the day before and then this morning I cooked potatoes and made potato salad. It's been a long time since I made it and I was very anxious to have some. The entire meal was delicious. Duane had smoked a pork tenderloin or two. It was very moist and tender. We also ate home cooked baked beans (sweet like I love them!), broccoli salad, cheesy potatoes, rolls, deviled eggs, veggies and dips, and various drinks to choose from. (I'm forgetting a side dish) Then a little later after our huge meal had a chance to settle and the guys got in a couple games of horseshoes, we were treated to home made carrot cake! It was still warm!
Needless to say everyone had plenty to eat and no one was left needing anything else to eat!
Sorry, I have no pictures of the short, quiet, relaxing visit and meal. But it was nice just the same.
Needless to say everyone had plenty to eat and no one was left needing anything else to eat!
Sorry, I have no pictures of the short, quiet, relaxing visit and meal. But it was nice just the same.
A Night of Music
Last night I was invited to hear a performance by one of the members of Mulberry Lane. Jaymie Jones was going to be singing and playing her guitar at a small local coffee shop called Crane Coffee.
I went with two of my friends Trisa and Tina. We walked in right at 7PM, the start time. There were only 2 other people in there: her husband and a supporter of 10 years of the group Mulberry Lane, Roy. We were a little surprised as we thought that there may be many people in the tiny little coffee shop. But we sat down and had conversation with Jaymie (J.J. is her name for the band) and her groupies. She told us that 2 of her sisters have recently had babies and she was going to try the solo act for awhile. Later in the year they will regroup to ready for themselves for the holidays.
She has booked herself at some local places in hopes of someone hearing her and wanting her to play at their establishment. Some of the songs that she sang were written by she herself. She mentioned that the record label that they had started with back in 1997, MCA, has gone out of business. So she is hoping that someone will pick her up either from her song writing talents or simply from her singing. I took video with my phone of one of her own songs but I'm unable to share it due to the size of the file of the video. Mulberry Lane has a My Space page.....but hasn't been updated recently from what I could tell. You may be familiar with a Christmas song that has been on the radio quite a bit during the season itself...."Christmas in Nebraska." Jaymie has an awesome voice by herself. I can't imagine that she won't make it as a soloist.
After visiting with she and her husband and exchanging emails and Face Book info, we all left and took Trisa to her car so she could go home. Tina and I decided to join a few other friends at another establishment that was having a live band and dancing. Kennedy's Irish Pub and Grille's music for the night was Lemon Fresh Day. They sang songs that ranged from Elvis Presley to songs by Johnny Cash. Everything you can imagine, they sang it. Rap, R& B, country, pop and rock just to name a few styles. Apparently they are pretty popular as the bar was full of people. The dance floor was always busy as well. My poor ears aren't used to having the volume of sound as high as it was though. They continued to ring even after I went to bed. It would have been just as good with it turned down a notch or 4. Now I know I'm aging! But I'm also used to wearing hearing protection at my job to keep the loudness out.
We decided that they are very good though, and would enjoy seeing them next weekend. I guess we're gluttons for punishment!
One can never have enough music!
I went with two of my friends Trisa and Tina. We walked in right at 7PM, the start time. There were only 2 other people in there: her husband and a supporter of 10 years of the group Mulberry Lane, Roy. We were a little surprised as we thought that there may be many people in the tiny little coffee shop. But we sat down and had conversation with Jaymie (J.J. is her name for the band) and her groupies. She told us that 2 of her sisters have recently had babies and she was going to try the solo act for awhile. Later in the year they will regroup to ready for themselves for the holidays.
She has booked herself at some local places in hopes of someone hearing her and wanting her to play at their establishment. Some of the songs that she sang were written by she herself. She mentioned that the record label that they had started with back in 1997, MCA, has gone out of business. So she is hoping that someone will pick her up either from her song writing talents or simply from her singing. I took video with my phone of one of her own songs but I'm unable to share it due to the size of the file of the video. Mulberry Lane has a My Space page.....but hasn't been updated recently from what I could tell. You may be familiar with a Christmas song that has been on the radio quite a bit during the season itself...."Christmas in Nebraska." Jaymie has an awesome voice by herself. I can't imagine that she won't make it as a soloist.
After visiting with she and her husband and exchanging emails and Face Book info, we all left and took Trisa to her car so she could go home. Tina and I decided to join a few other friends at another establishment that was having a live band and dancing. Kennedy's Irish Pub and Grille's music for the night was Lemon Fresh Day. They sang songs that ranged from Elvis Presley to songs by Johnny Cash. Everything you can imagine, they sang it. Rap, R& B, country, pop and rock just to name a few styles. Apparently they are pretty popular as the bar was full of people. The dance floor was always busy as well. My poor ears aren't used to having the volume of sound as high as it was though. They continued to ring even after I went to bed. It would have been just as good with it turned down a notch or 4. Now I know I'm aging! But I'm also used to wearing hearing protection at my job to keep the loudness out.
We decided that they are very good though, and would enjoy seeing them next weekend. I guess we're gluttons for punishment!
One can never have enough music!
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