Latest happenings at the Harris'

Last weekend I attended an estate sale that was just great.  I didn't go until the 2nd day which totally worked in my favor because it was 1/2 off day which is my favorite day!  This collector had a lot of crocks, quilts and lots of just cool items but since it was the 2nd day a lot of things were gone already like all the crocks, quilts and most furniture which was fine because I didn't need any of those things.  Notice I said "need" not "want" because I always want those things but look at what I did score:

Little cast iron sheep $4


Perfect condition coverlet in pumpkin gold $45

Well loved coverlet in taupe gold color $10

Bonnet needle keeper $1

Isn't it cute?

beautiful cross stitched pillow cover and the stitching is AMAZING for $4.  I plan on using it at the holidays because it reminds me of poinsettia flowers

Small piece of coverlet to use on a tabletop, dresser or in a bowl

And so much more sewing items like huge bags of lace, trim and buttons for $1, Shiny Brite box of ornaments for $1.50, wooden German bread plate for $2 and a couple of ironstone pieces.  I was so happy I dropped by it and now I just have to find homes for my newest treasures.

Also since we've had issues with bears knocking our trash cans over and down the mountain, we decided to build a Bear Proof Trash Containment System.  Well actually Mark built it while I was gone so all I had to do was help putting the finishing touches on it.  Lucky for me I found the cute PA Dutch sign at the estate sale for $1 and I knew it'd be a great addition.  I spent 2 days painting this huge monster but I think it was well worth the time.

 Top lifts up for daily use to access the cans and the door opens for them to be removed.  I finally finished painting the inside of it this afternoon and was so happy until I realized the dang clerk at Home Depot mixed interior flat paint not exterior paint like it should have been.  I have to go back in the morning to make the exchange with them and I guess paint it again this weekend.  I could have strangled her so it was best that I was just too tired to go argue with them. 

Summer 2016 so far

So Summer 2016 is shaping up to be a great one!  I've been home to see the people I love most in the world, been on vacation, hit a good estate sale and even managed to do a little inexpensive summer decorating...ok the décor is very minimal because I can't seem to locate my summer décor box in my storage area. 

I wrote about my wonderful trip home in the last post so let's move on to family vacation to celebrate Josi!  As readers of my blog you know already how much I love these kiddos and how proud they make me every day but also that my folks and I try very hard to build great memories for them and us every chance we get.  So when Rachel graduated we did a DC trip along with Virginia Beach and Josi decided that she wanted a Florida beach trip for hers.  Momma found a great condo for us to rent, we managed to squeeze in a quick stop in MS to see my Uncle Steve and a car trip from hell.  No seriously what is a family car trip without a little fighting and a trip to a dr or two?  Daddy had a sinus infection before I got to AR and he shared with Momma who in turn decide to share with me.  I didn't get sick until we were on the road which was miserable for everyone.   I was a real PITB and yelled at Rachel which I guess always makes for a fun trip but after a stop at the mediquick we kissed and made up.  Ok maybe not kissed because I didn't want to share my germs any more than I already had.  John and Kelton joined us the next day so there were 7 of us in this condo but we had plenty of room.  We ended up taking Rachel to the dr as well because she had an ear infection so we were a lively bunch.  I stayed sick and the meds did little to help me and in some cases made things worse....oh well I still enjoyed my time with everyone.  The kids and John stayed a few extra days in FL while my folks and I headed to Asheville to get me back home.  

And when we got to my house, Clarice was so happy to see me that she forgot to be mad about me being gone for so long.  She is still loving her porch time and I can hardly get her to come back in at dark.

While Momma and Daddy were here we saw 4 bears!  There was a mommy bear that was tagged so not the one I saw the first time, anyway she had her twin cubs with her and she sent them up a tree when she spotted us.  She watched us for a minute then called them down.....they did it without any fussing or back talk just got down and fell into line with her walking away.  It was amazing to see how they minded her right away and I had to giggle because at the pool in FL we heard a grandmother exclaim "When did we start negotiating with 7 year olds"  after dealing with her grandson and putting on sunscreen.  Anyway, we saw another bear the next day crossing the road so two different sightings with 4 bears in two days.....awesome!  And I squealed like a little girl both times.  I never even thought to grab my phone to take pictures so sorry you'll just have to take my word that we saw 4 bears.

Finally my cheap summer décor:

Easter markdown at JoAnne's for less than $1.  It's a soft blue which reminded me of the Ball Jars and it included the small fairy lights on the lid so all I added is a cardboard tag and fabric around the lid and turned the chick face backwards where you can't see it.    I just love it sitting on my cabinet on the front porch for the season.

 Then I ran across these wonderful pinwheels at WalMart for 97 cents each and they are just great! 

Just a simple touch of summer

Ok got to close it up for now because I've got a million and one errands that I must get done today.  Do something today that makes you smile 'cause life is too short to not smile and laugh every chance you get!

Hey y'all

I took some much needed time off from every day life and went to spend some time with family in Arkansas.   My Momma had hurt her knee so she was struggling with just every day life tasks, Daddy was dealing with his new infusions for his autoimmune issues and helping Momma, it was quickly approaching the 1 yr anniversary of us losing my FIL  and  finally, it was Zared and Athena's 1st anniversary along with Josi graduating from HS so her senior trip was planned.  In other words, I needed to go home to just be with my family not to mention that I desperately needed a Zeva fix!!!!! 

Momma's knee continues to plague her and the dr said the words she hated to hear "At your age , we can do a total knee replacement or maybe give you shots to see if you get any relief".  Now he could have gone on and on and on without saying "At your age" but oh no, he had to go there.  Anyway he said she's got a torn meniscus and deep arthritis in the joint so she started shot last week but not getting much relief yet.  Daddy's had a bad sinus infection for a few weeks now but good news it's his first one this year.  His infusions are going well but it is quite an ordeal on the infusion day...the needle/medicine are put into his abdomen and diffuse themselves into his body over time.  He said it's not painful but it takes a couple of hours of him sitting at the dining room table plus a couple of days for the medicine to move around.  He's sore and a little cranky for a couple of days afterwards but he said it's getting better with each infusion.  The bad news is that he'll have to take these guys for the rest of his life at a cost of $15,000 per treatment but thank goodness he has insurance to help with the cost. 

Zared and Athena went away for a romantic weekend in Hot Springs and I got to keep Zeva.  My folks keep her during the week while they are at work so along with the overnights I got to spend lots of quality time with my little Zeva Diva.  She learned to crawl, pull up and cruise along with lots of new sounds/faces while I was there.  I just adore this little one so much that  every minute was just a joy for me....even those minutes where we were having sleeping issues.  It's a good thing I don't live closer or I'd be broke not to mention that Z&A would never see their baby.  We learned a new song while I was there "Call me anytime of day,  Call me when you want to play"  which I can't stop singing even after being home a couple of weeks.

I also managed to not get any real stitching done while I was there but I did finish

Autumn Silhouette by BBD

And Spring Fling also by BBD

I have picked my new project but have only put 3 stitches in it so you'll have to wait to see a progress pic until later.

I'll post again later this week about our family trip to Florida to celebrate the last kiddo's HS graduation and how bittersweet this moment is for all of us.  Josi has grown into such an amazing lady and I'm so very proud to be her Auntie!

Josi with Ninny and Pappy

Josi with her very proud Daddy aka my brother John

Josi with Athena, Zeva and Rachel so all my Gay Girls together....love, love, love these gals