Sorry to have been MIA....

You know, busy, busy, busy.... everybody is busy during the summer months.  Even us old retired folks like summer.  I've been busy working on projects for Christmas and planning get aways in the coming months.  But the reason I'm posting is to show you our neighbors pine tree that was struck by lightening last night.  The tree was about 50 yards from our deck outback.  Our house is in the clear space at the right side behind the tree in the first photo, not sure if the blue from our deck cover shows here.

first photo

This second photo is of the same tree about 90 degrees east of the first photo.  The trunk is seen in the top center/right.  Closer to the camera is a root from that tree bottom/left.  The energy from the lightening blew the bark right off the root... 

second photo

This third photo is of the now debarked root section.  I am a true believer in Mother Nature's power!

third photo

Until next time....Stay safe Ev1.

Hugz,
Gramma

The Wedding was fabulous!

Megan and John had a beautiful wedding in the mountains of New Hampshire.  The day was overcast, but the absence of rain allowed a touching outdoor ceremony.  The groom started it off by posting a photo of his bride walking down the aisle in real-time.  Certainly a first for this Gramma.

At the reception we enjoyed a wonderful meal and entertainment.  It was an evening of celebration and fun with a "couple" of added bonus happenings (because this is a family blog, I will not go into detail.)  Overall a magnificent time was had by all.  Congrats again to Mr. & Mrs. K!

Hugz,

Gramma

Finally..... All we need is the wedding.

My dear Sister-in-law's son "John" is marrying his forever love "Megan" in the near future.  I wanted to make them a special card and this is what I came up with thanks to Elizabeth Crafts Designs. There are three panels to this card.  Google Elizabeth Crafts Design Oval Card for more info on the card design.  The trellis panels were cut on my Cricut using the "Artbooking" cartridge.  Sentiments were done on my Mac.  The assorting bling is from my large unmarked stash. (In other words, I can't tell you what belong to who).  The flowers are hand made with the assistance of the Sissix Susan's Garden die set and vellum.  The butterflies were die cut on vellum also.The back of the card is covered with "Wedding Sayings" vellum from The Robin's Nest.  We sincerely hope this wonderful young couple enjoys a very happy life together.  I hope you like this card.

Hugz,

Gramma

Party Time!

Party Central... A fence, a pool and party balloons...what more could our birthday pup ask for?

The party guests: (L-R) Nookie, Neeko and Maggie (the birthday pup).

Maggie all dressed up!
  That's Cristal trying to keep her still.

Nookie and Mike.
  Is that Maggie in that box?

Neeko and Maggie???

Neeko in the pool!

Maggie, or her clone from the box?

The birthday cake.

Maggie sharing her cake with....?
  We need to name the clone.
  Any suggestions are welcome.

I hope you enjoyed Maggie's party pics!

Hugz,
Gramma

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Maggie!!!

Our little girl turned one year old today.  How time flies.  July 5th of last year we bought a tiny 2 pound pup home and today she is a 12 (+ or -) pound tiny little pup. She is celebrating with her friends Nookie and Neeko next door.  The humans are BBQing and the pups are going to just have to sit there and drool, but not for long... the humans have chocolate cake and the pups have their own cake made with puppy goodies.  We are all sure to have a very good time.  Here are a few pictures of the birthday girl taken yesterday and today in her birthday finery.  Enjoy!

The birthday pup in her party dress

Running like a Westie!

So pretty!

Egad!  In the creek party dress and all!!

Can you tell she doesn't care for hats???

Many thanks to our great friend and neighbor Cristal for the outdoor photos.

Hugz,
Gramma

Moving on to Dublin......

The streets of Dublin were alive with artisans of all sort demonstrating their talents as we made our way from Trinity College in Dublin to our hotel on Drury Street.  Irish music could be heard from street bands, jugglers tossing their pins... an occasional singer of old Irish ballads.. it was magical!  We were in the city for one day only and we had to make the most of it.  We went to see the Book of Kells at Trinity College, Phoenix Park and Dublin Castle.  As a special request we asked to be taken to the Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow. These are some of the photographic memories of the day...

Phoenix Park, site of the Papal visit of  John Paul II in 1979.

The "Long Hall" in Trinity College library.

Powerscourt Estate... the outside patio work was formed into these intricate patterns with pebbles and 
moss.  The view isn't too shabby either!

Looking back at the manor house and the fountain at the bottom of the bilateral stairways to the gardens.  
The weather was iffy at the very least.

If you make a 180 degree turn from the previous photo you can feast your eyes on 
this gorgeous lake with twin winged horses.  
The estate is massive and threaded with walking trails.

Statuary is everywhere on the estate grounds.  I'm a sucker for a nice butt, 
so this was my favorite.

I hope you've enjoyed these brief overviews of our wonderful 
tour of the UK.

Hugz,
Gramma