Beads!

We've been wanting to get to our Toledo Museum of Art's exhibit of Manet and decided Sunday was the "now or never" day before the holiday rush started. Yes---it was an exceptional exhibit and we also took in a photography show featuring old promotional photography from the golden age of Hollywood. But sometimes it's the simple things that really catch my eye. Like these beaded curtains in the cafe. The public was invited to create beads---all different mediums---and they have been assembled to create these window coverings. Some are whimsical--like cupcakes and hamburgs---and some are small intricate treasures like hand blown Venetian glass. Together they make a beautiful work of art.

Turkey Trot!

I've ticked something off my "bucket list" I have always been in awe of runners---knowing that "I just can't run".My youngest son ran cross country and it was an incredible feeling to just be surrounded by runners at events and feed off their energy. This summer I asked myself why I couldn't run and I didn't have a good answer. So I started a walking/running program and felt proud, and yet----. My oldest son urged me to sign up for a 5K run and said that would show progress. Again, those old doubts came into play. But when he presented the opportunity for all of us to run in a 5K---and do it on Thanksgiving morning, I asked myself --"why not?" So we all signed up and on a beautiful sunny Ohio morning 2 days ago, we did it! It was an emotional moment to see the Welcome Runners sign but with the finish line in sight---and my whole family(who finished quite a bit in front of me) cheering me on--it was emotional beyond words. I am proud of all of us and never thought I would do this!!!! What next???

Handmade Christmas

I've been knitting away at these mini sweaters---to make ornaments and also to use up leftover yarn. They look cute hanging on a small tree and they are an easy project to take along when I'm on the go. It's very gratifying to use up my scraps of yarn. I noticed online that some knitters use them as gift card holders.

Honey!

We've been slowly bottling our honey. Slow for various reasons----not only are we busy and that is slowing us down and also because our honey this year is very, very thick---probably from the drought and lack of moisture. And it is also opaque from a lot of pollen. So we will just work away at bottling and be very, very patient.

Magglio

Our Bassett Hound has started having anxiety attacks at nite---shivering, quivering, teeth chattering episodes. It is sad to see--not to mention sleep disruptive. Friends have given lots of advice and it usually makes mention of a Thundercoat. To me, that sounded like quackery but we were desperate and finally bought one. And incredibly, it worked. No more shivering at night and his waking episodes are coming to an end. It is just a snug, soft body wrap---sometimes I wish they had them for humans!

House Divided

We were somewhat of a house divided in California---Giants fans, Tiger Fans and some that were a little of both! We did get a few puzzled looks as my brother's car was decorated for each team! All part of the fun though! But next year is---the Year of the Tiger!

I miss my little home here in the blogosphere. Being busy is no excuse to ignore my blog. Being across the country isn't an excuse either. I did something totally out of character for me---made a spur of the moment decision to visit family in San Francisco and go see the Tigers in the World Series. No stressing about packing--just threw some clothes in a suitcase(lots of tiger gear and orange colored sweaters) and went. We had so much fun-my brothers family love the Giants and our 2 teams share the color orange and that was our theme! Like these orange rimmed champagne glasses that awaited us when we arrived! Cheers to the Tigants!