Breathtaking Sunset!

Last night the sunset was unbelievable! I had to take some pictures to post. I am not crazy about this camera yet, and messed around with the settings as I tried to capture the beauty of the sky. That is one of the things I love about living out here in the country, the skyline. You can see forever, and the sky is the most beautiful thing. Storms coming in, sunrise, sunset, the stars at night, all of it is amazing to behold.

Busy Day

Sitting here with my cup of coffee, cream and sugar thank you very much! Yesterday was crazy! We need new siding and windows, so I made an appointment for someone to come out and give us an estimate. He is coming Monday, and I am excited to see what he has to say! Now, what color siding? I am thinking a buttery yellow. What do you think for an old farmhouse?

Yesterday, I went back to the salon where I used to rent a room and run my hair salon. I miss it there so very much. The women where (are!) like a family to me, and the salon is in an old Victorian home turned salon. I had Joelle color and trim my hair, and it was so much fun visiting with her. Cindy even got to come up and visit for a bit! I was all ready to chop off my hair, and brought pictures of two actresses who have similar hair to mine. Luckily, Joelle knows me and my hair. We decided to just trim it up for now, and it looks fabulous! Thanks, Joelle!

I have several weddings to attend this year, and the first is this Friday. I was out until 9 p.m. last night trying on dresses and found NOTHING I liked. I hate shopping and trying on clothes as it is, but when I have to get something for a special event... grrr! I peeked in my closet when I got home, because quite frankly, I am sick of shopping. I found a long dress that I have had at least 10 years. It is beautiful, and I am going to wear it! Yes, I am. It is a timely classic style that is very flattering and feminine. Everything I tried on at the store was just ugly. Some felt like I was all poofy and little girly, or like I was trying to be a Cindy Lauper impersonator. Others where just so unflattering to a figure... unless you have huge fake boobs, then they would work! Yes, I am going with my old stand-by, the dress I feel beautiful in. I will have to take a picture of it and post it. Right now it is dusty, so later today I am dropping it off at the dry cleaners. For the wedding on Friday, I am going to go a bit more casual with dress slacks and top (which was also in my closet). That wedding is for the daughter of a good friend, and there is no time to get the dress cleaned by Friday. I am sure they won't mind me being dressed nice but not formal.

After the three hours of shopping, I was beat, and was in bed by 10!Erik and I set about getting the new air conditioner put into my computer/crafting studio window. The other died a few weeks ago. It was actually quite scary, because it made an awful noise and smelled bad. If I hadn't been home and able to unplug it I am worried it may have started on fire? Unnerving to me, that idea is.

It is going to be a hot one today, so I am happy to have air in this room! It was already in the 80's at 7 a.m. Well, I better get moving.

Thanks for visiting my blog & have a great day!
Lisa :)

Antique Permanent Wave Machine

My friend, Laurie, and I went to an antique show, and I was so excited when we came across this machine! I have never seen one in person, so it was really quite a find for me. What we women go through for beauty! I believe the machine was used until the 1950's when the cold-wave was developed. To achieve curl the clamps attached to rods in the ladies hair, then the machine was turned on and the rods where heated. Crazy huh?!!

Here is what the machine looked like in use.

Carthage College

Four weeks ago I started my first class at Carthage College. I am so excited to finally be able to get back to school and complete my Bachelor's degree! The campus is on Lake Michigan and is simply breathtaking. I find my drive to the college exhilarating, knowing I am back on track for my education and that the view I get to experience when I arrive on campus is waiting for me. 

Above Photo: This is a picture I took this past Tuesday when I arrived at school. The building featured is where my class is located. If you look closely to the left of the building, you can see Lake Michigan peaking through the trees. Isn't it fabulous!

Baby Robin Update

I am sorry to say that something killed our baby robins Wednesday. Because the parents built the nest in a bush that is surrounded by my flowers, I have not kept that area up because it was upsetting enough to them when I turned on the water. I saw that the babies were no longer in the nest, but there were several dead caterpillars in it that made me take pause and wonder if they had truly left the nest or if something went awry. Because the nest was empty, I set about weeding and trimming the wild mess that had grown about the bush, and much to my dismay, discovered bunches of baby bird feathers. They were so close to leaving the nest too; it broke my heart. I guess that is the circle of life, but so very sad when witnessed.

On a happy note, we have a Kildeer running around at the end of our driveway watching over her babies. It is so fun to see the tiny ones dashing about the yard in search of food. =D

Baby Dobby

This is Dobby when he was still an only "child". In the morning he never wants to get up and rolls over on is back like this as if to say, "let me stay in bed, pleeeaase!". I took this photo in January of 2001, so he still is not a year old yet. We adopted Precious March of '11, so three months from this photo Dob's would have a "sister". I know it may seem silly to take all these pictures of dogs, but now that my son is grown, they are my babies.

Christmas 2011

Erik with his gifts

I think this is something for his truck, but not sure. I had to post this picture even though it was blurry. My camera was new to me, and I was not very good at taking pictures with something so tiny! I prefer a beefy camera that has a lens I can look through instead of this big window displaying the image.Even so, I am getting used to it!

Dobby is the biggest goof. He takes really cute pictures or very silly ones. He is one of my favorite photography models. Here I captured him running around with Christmas paper. It is amazing I was able to get a clear shot. He runs around so quickly and usually I get motion blur!

Mike picked out this stuffed dog-toy for Dobby and Precious. They love to run around playing tug-of-war with it, and Precious has figured out how to make the stomach squeek. She puts it up against something and pushes hard with her nose. She is very smart! She discovered it makes a good pillow as well! Precious still lays on this stuffed toy like that, it is one of her favorites.

Here is Precious opening up one of her gifts.

Erik opening his punching bag (to be installed in the barn!)

I was going through my pictures this morning and realized I never put up anything from Christmas this past year. Show above are a few of my favorites.

It was such a great Christmas this year for me because Mike was actually home for it! It felt great to have our family together for the holiday, and was the best gift I have ever received.

Thank you for stopping by!
Sincerely,
Lisa :)