Here's part of the timeline book I collaged for my Grandma's 100th Birthday. There's been a lot of major events that's happened since 1912. The timeline made a good conversation piece during the open house.

A Tribute

Today is my Grandmother's 100th Birthday. We celebrated her birthday in style yesterday with an open house celebration. Boy, am I glad that's over! For the last six months I've been planning and arranging. I think I need to take today off, just because I'm feeling so drained. I made a timeline book for her that I collaged to give her an idea of just all of the events that have happened in her lifetime. She's been through a lot in her lifetime. She's lost three of her children and has only one living. Just in the last six months she pulled out her yarn and crochet hooks and starting crocheting once again. The first scarves she made were a little crooked, but the more that she crochets, the more precise she is becoming. Simply amazing. Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

Putting on the Glitz

Well, our nice spring like temperatures plummeted overnight and today we're in a deep freeze. I am taking advantage of the frigid weather just piddling around the house today. I need to be cleaning, but once again find myself multi-tasking. I am adding the finishing touches to the decor for my Grandmother's 100th birthday celebration on Sunday. Do you like these chic candles? I painted and sparkled them to set on the punch table. I am saddened to hear about the death of one of my best friends that I had in grade school/ high school. I haven't seen her for a few years and am regretting not staying in touch throughout our adult life. Treasure those people that have been assigned into your lives. Life is too short. Cherish those around you. And also, make sure to send out encouraging words to others today. There are so many people that need to be picked up and comforted. I may not know you personally, but I do want to take this time and tell you that you are a very special person and whatever you're going through at this moment, I want you to know that God has a very special plan for your life. You are going to make it for tomorrow will be a better, brighter day.

I couldn't resist a snapshot of the moon in the western sky as I headed off to work this morning. Another beautiful day in the 50's. Sounds like a major cool down is on its way before the weekend. After this last week I am so ready for springtime. My gardening catalogs are arriving and I'm in the planning mode of what to order this year. I think I want to order a colorful selection this year. I like the red, purple and yellow carrots. Tomatoes too, are always fun. I usually end up planting around twelve varieties because I never can make up my mind.

Borkholder Dutch Village

While we were in Nappanee today, we stopped by the Borkholder Dutch Village. Wow! Wow! Wow! What an awesome place! Now I'm thinking that I may have to relocate the antique booth that I have. It's a little further to drive, but this place is awesome! Just had to share a few pictures that I snapped while inside.

I just love the store fronts on the front of every little booth.

I took advantage of another unusually mild day and headed north, to Amish country. I love visiting the town of Nappanee. It just has a feel about it that is quite unique. I love the Amish Community. They are a wonderful group of people. Today must have been wash day Monday, for just about every house we drove by, the women were hanging the laundry on the line. When I visit Nappanee, I always feel like I've stepped back in time.

I finally finished the screen door that I painted up for my booth in the antique mall. Hopefully I can work in my workshop a few days this week. I have lots to get caught up on. I need to stop multi-tasking because I find myself really going around in circles and not accomplishing much of anything.

It has been unseasonably mild for Indiana the last few days. I was out playing ball with our lab when I looked down to discover this lonely little dandelion looking back at me. This encouraged me to look further for more signs of life. Could this be a sign of an early spring? I really doubt it. I remember back in the early 80's, a winter similar to the mild winter we're having. It got up to 78 degrees that Christmas, but towards the end of January, temps took a major nose dive with highs in the sub-zero's. We also had one storm after another come through from January to March that year.

Wishing you ALL a VERY Blessed and Happy 2012! I was doing some research in my Bible study yesterday. I found out why I felt so unraveled and disorganized in 2011. For the number 11 in Hebrew means JUDGMENT and DISORDER. I'm very glad to put 2011 behind and press forward, working my way back into order and organization. I like to have all of my "ducks in a row" so to speak, and when things get disorganized I just feel like I can't function.