Where have I been???

Wow I certainly haven't been here in a long time.  Summer has come to an end, Fall has arrived, school is in full swing, and I feel like I haven't accomplished much.  I have not taken many pictures over the last month that's for sure, and crafting and building projects haven't happened either.  I have organized, and I have cleaned and deep cleaned.  I have baked and baked and baked.  Camp has not been visited in a very long time, and I miss that more than I can express.  Hubby has been super busy lending himself out to anyone with a building, demolition, renovation type project there is.  I have acquired a wonderful collection of old doors, I love old doors, and free old doors is even a bigger love.  Pinterest has absorbed so much of my time lately that I am embarrassed to tell you just how much time I have spent searching and pinning so many different ideas, pictures, recipes and DIY things.  I have been working on a little something for myself.  A dream I have had for a couple of years now, and I just lack the courage and self confidence to make that dream happen, and yet I continue to work on it, in hopes that the moment will strike and I will follow thru with what I would love.........

The kids are busy that's for sure.  My oldest is 13 and she is fully involved in her cheer leading. Three times a week plus a tumbling class makes for a busy time, add a school sport or two in there and she really has no spare time to add another activity to.  My other two kids want to do an activity or two, but I'm holding off for a little while longer.  I feel a little guilty in doing so, but they haven't harassed me too much with the nice weather holding out so they can ride their bikes and  play outside with friends, so until the weather takes a turn I will be happy the way things are.  All of my kids are fish like, so swimming will be on the for sure list, plus maybe a trampoline class or hip hop adventure.

The fall is my favourite time of year, and my motivation usually kicks into high speed, but not so much this year.  I am enjoying and over indulging in staying home, I love the comfort and familiarity of my surroundings.  I have been working on a list of things to do in my home, and crafting and redecorating a little are written on said list.  I have made a few sweater pumpkins and love them.  They are easy to make and love how they look in my home.  Fall decor will break out in a full explosion this week when my kids are in school, after a volunteer day at school and another day at the soccer field cheering on my youngest two kids at the school tournament, plus a couple of appointments in there   OK, I am hoping praying that a fall explosion will happen this week.  I know baking will be happening.  My plan is for peach muffins with a streusel topping and lemon coconut oatmeal cookies.  Pictures to follow in my next post.  Maybe that will be motivation enough to get somethings done and share with you.

Happy Fall time everyone
Chat soon

End of Summer Chaos!

I don't know where to begin.  This summer has flown by, as it usually does every year, but this year has been busier than ever.  I haven't had as much time at my Happy Place :(  So that is my major bummer, I crave the peace and serenity.... The kids have actual schedules now.  Seriously, my oldest had babysitting jobs to get to, Cheerleading practice throughout the summer, Dentist appointments, what on earth???  Mom's taxi was busy this summer, and not in the way I wanted, geez!  The dentist appointments were my mistake, and I won't schedule such things during future summer vacation time, but having my iphone alert go off that something is scheduled on a day, just is not my idea of summer vacation.  I am a teeny, tiny bit eager for the kids to return to school now.  My son is very excited to return, the girls, well.... a little quieter in the excitement department...

I look forward to my creative juices being allowed to flow and craft ahead.  My 'studio' area is a complete disaster.  I have been stashing things in there throughout the summer, with anticipation that I will return and do something with it all.  That time is soon upon me, and I can't wait.  I have so many ideas in my head, and I have made many notes and sketches.  Pinterest is quite an addiction for me now, I started off slowly and now I waste  so much time dream about so many many things.  One thing I pinned many months ago was a rock collecting piece, that you make into feet.  Ok, I explained that poorly so let me show you what I/we, as in my family, collected and created;

The rocks were collected from Lake Superior on a couple of our boating excursions, so they are, for the most part smooth, the wood board is from an old pallet that was behind our shed.  It's one of the good ones with heavy oak boards.  Perfect for such a craft.  I sanded the board down, and with construction grade adhesive, glued the stones to the board.  One foot for each of us.  Just a cute memory from this summer.  I still haven't made or created very much this summer.  We have had some good times at camp, the lake is cooling off, but with our sauna fired up it makes it bearable, our pet chipmunk at camp is becoming even more friendly and not shy at all, he follows me around, hoping for a hand out of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or peanuts.  Apple slices or dog food will do as well.  T-Bone was having a snooze when the chipper lounged out in his food dish.  Poor T just wants to play and chipper wants nothing to do with him, lol, I know one day he will be on my heels as I go into the sauna too....And, summer just wouldn't be complete without an injured child in my house.  Honestly, my oldest just has some bad luck.  She is very active and I guess that's the problem.  When she tries something new she repeats it and repeats it until she gets it.  She can now do a back walk over, but, not for a little while, as her right arm is in a cast due to a broken wrist.  (opposite hand in which she broke her thumb 3 times) She is already planning, once healed of course, that she wants to learn to do back hand springs.  Geez, heal first child, before planning your next injury, please..... Good times, good times.

Family arrived from out West so we have this week to do some catching up, dinners, laughs, and reminising.  We all gathered today to lay to rest, the ashes of my hubby's 2 brothers that passed away last fall and this spring.  Seven siblings became five in such a short period of time, truly sad, but they are not forgotten, memories last a long time. 

I tested my baking skills this evening and surprise, I still remember how, muffins are made and the cookie jar is full.  Ok, yes, I have baked this summer, actually made some pretty yummy treats, but the cookie and muffin thing is a must during the school year, so it was a warm up of how the school year must continue.  The dreaded lunch making starts next week, my kids start school on the 5th, so I have those three days to ease myself back into things.  The real chaos actually begins the following week.  Sports will start, practices, birthday parties, homework, sign here, sign this, I need this, we forgot to buy me that, fundraisers, alarm clocks, running to the bus on time...blaaahh!  Fun times, fun times.  I will return soon with an update on the chaos of my family and hopefully some progress in the my craft, DIY, baking, sewing, painting obsessions.  Only three more appointments this week, two dinners, and camp day with our good friends.  Happy end of August to everyone, hope the fall starts off well for you all.

 

Cool winds are blowing...

I sit here in my cozies, with my Sherpa blanket and a warm cuppa decaf, the window open just a touch as a cool breeze blows in.  I am in denial that the end of August is fast approaching and the first day of school will be upon our family once again.  We have had some fun times at camp, swimming and fishing, laughs with family and friends, memories were made, and now, trying to fit in as much as we can during the last couple of weeks of the month.  I am finding it tough to fit in a family trip for our annual back to school shopping.  It may have to be in September with coordinating the kids schedules and appointments and fitting in a couple of more nights at camp.  The kids all figure that is just wrong and what's the point........*sigh* oh the joys.  Is it really so wrong to do back to school shopping once the kids are already back to school?  I think we may just squeak in a short over night (or two) adventure and purchase a few things, it always works out somehow.......

I 'm going to open up and tell you that this summer has not all been good, fun times.  To be honest, life has shot us some lemons this year and thank goodness lemonade is one of my favourite summer drinks.  (I even bought a couple of glasses from a couple of young entrepreneurs set up along the roadside on a warm summer day.)  I think we were given enough lemons to make lemon tarts, pie, lemon curd, lemon loaf and even lemon bars.  Yeesh........ we have survived and I thought maybe a few humorous pics would about cover my thoughts;

 

As my hubby and I celebrate 15 years married today, and we reminisce about all we have done together, and how much stronger our relationship has become, I realize that the lemons we have been handed really aren't as plentiful as I originally thought.  Life will always have it's ups and downs, and continue to challenge us.  We will survive :)

OK, that's enough, on to smiles and happier thoughts.  I really don't wish for summer to end, but I gotta tell you that Fall is my favourite season.  I noticed a few days ago that the leaves on the maple trees at camp are beginning to change already due to our cool temperatures at night.  That got me thinking.....  I love to wear cardigans cover ups, sweaters and hoodies.  I love comfy cozy clothes and warm blankets, tea or coffee in the evening.  Making homemade soups and biscuits, cooking and baking.  Decorating for fall as the leaves begin to change colours, the smell of apples and cinnamon, pumpkins and basically, all things fall.  I have had too much time away from all things crafty and homemade.  I have collected some furniture treasures that need my attention, and a list of projects that need to be tackled.  So, that being said, once school starts in September I will have more time to myself and more time to get things completed.  Maybe I really do want summer to be over, shhhh, did I really say that?  Oh the fall breeze blowing the leaves and the sunsets at an earlier time, a crackling fire to stay warm with a hot cup of apple cider, mmmmm.  Apple cider, Apple pies, Apple crisp, Apple sauce, and Crab apple jelly.  That's a whole other post.

Stay warm and cozy my friends,

Smiling at the 'Simple Things'

I just have to start out with a 'simple thing' that made me smile and put my hands up as in praise to the lord.  I came home from grocery shopping and my oldest jumped right in and helped carry groceries and put them away, I never even asked.  That simple thing is what makes me smile.  I am not about the material things, bling, or luxury items.  Truly simple things are what make me happy and smile :)

Well, we had a great vacation back home, and extended our stay by one night.  We ALL had fun, and relaxed.  We swam daily, usually more than once.  Paul went fishing twice a day, and successfully even, lol.  We went boating, tubing, my oldest and youngest learnt how to water ski, picnicking on the beach, more swimming, some relaxing on the deck, and, on the dock, late nights and not too early mornings, made for some great memories.

A view from the deck of my kids tubing behind Papa's boat.

My bestest hairy buddy, T-Bone, watching from the lawn in a perfect spot to see the action at the lake and keep an eye out for the pesky squirrels and chipmunks that kept him busy during the day.  He isn't much of a swimmer this guy, but he loves to splash around in the lake, he cracks me up, it's a funny sight, as he paws the water and tries to catch the splashes with his mouth, again, and again. 

A little simple fun, the tube is tied to the dock and it's a floating raft to dive off of in the deep.

Some lunch time entertainment as we enjoy our picnic on the beach.

The peaceful view from the dock in the evening,   A little serenity right there!

Caught and released this dude, just not as many around anymore.  They were everywhere when I was a kid, bummer all the construction that goes on ruins their habitat and egg laying ground.

Just a little tasty treat made, post holiday, mango salsa, with a nectarine or two as well, yummy.

Mangoes chopped, nectarine chopped, red onion chopped, red pepper chopped, fresh cilantro chopped, a little salt and a whole lime squeezed of its juices.  All measurements are to your own taste, use as much of something as you prefer.  It tastes better once it sits for a little while in the refrigerator.  I used unsalted organic tortilla chips, but the Tostitos multigrain scoops are yummy as well. 

I am so enjoying the weather we are being blessed with, and not doing much else than having fun with the family, projects are building, but, are on hold for yukky days, and once school restarts in September.

Thanks for stopping by and will update with more family fun soon.

Hometown visit

The family is heading to my hometown for a little trip to relax, do some fishing, swimming, and have a great visit with my parents.  We haven't all gone to my hometown in a couple of years, so to pack us all up and head out is a bit of an effort.  Hubby's boat  has to come with us, as it's his new purchase this year, and he is more comfort table fishing out his own boat, then borrowing my Dad's.  The small Northwestern Ontario town is surrounded by lakes, with great fishing.

I do love my small hometown, and appreciate it when I finally get a chance to visit.  It was a great place to grow up as a kid, and my kids love to visit and take part in events there as well.

A girl friend's float plane.  My hubby, Dad, Uncle and cousin went on a fly in fishing trip some years ago and had an amazing time, successful fishing and many laughs.

 

 

Blueberries are plentiful in that area.  Filling the freezer is a must to get thru the winter, as store bought blueberries are just not the same.  Blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes, blueberry cheesecake, blueberry pie, blueberry jam, sheesh blueberry everything, yummmm....

A good ole shore lunch of fresh caught pickerel, fried potatoes and beans are what everyone should have a chance to sample.  My parents live on the lake so coming home and having dinner of the same, is just as yummy.

Enjoying the sunset while relaxing in the evening is a great way to end the day.  Put your feet up and reminisce about what fun things we did and what we will do the next day.  Eye lids are heavy from all the fresh air and excitement, and a great sleep is a guarantee.

Hope everyone is enjoying summer and all it has to offer.

Chat soon

Summer is...

Well, we are finally having a wonderful weekend, as far as our weather goes, so we can finally venture to our camp.  I imagine we are over run by weeds, wild flowers, goose yukky, and hopefully not fallen trees and not too many branches.  My teenager wants to hang out with her friend, so that delays our departing somewhat, but we will get there at some point this afternoon.  I know I can expect that I will be working up a sweat as my other two splash and have fun in the water.  Every year I instruct them that our first trip to camp is about cleaning up and prepping for our summer time out there, and every year they end up in the lake before tackling any chores that are required.  I am not really angry about it as soon as I realize they are in the lake, I hear them laughing and splashing and getting along, and that is what it's all about.  Fun, fun, fun...
I was going thru my pictures of years past and decided to make a collage of all things summer for us, it brought back so many memories, and fun times, good weather and bad, we have done so many things, we truly are blessed.  It really brings a smile to my face!

I could have added so many more pics, choosing was tough, but you get the idea.  Most of the pics are from our camping spot.  We spend most of our time there in the summer.  We save up our holidays and spend as much time there as possible.  As simple as life is out there, with no hydro or real running water, we don't seem to suffer at all.  I ask the kids every year if they could live there and as they pause before they give me their answer is usually ends up as a "no".  They still want TV, computer and telephone.  Even though they have just had two months of practically none of that (except when we go home to do laundry and replenish the groceries) they insist they need to have it.  Luxuries like that are nice to have and I am thankful we can have those things, it is nice to see we really don't need those things to survive.   I also did up my own version of a word collage, as I have seen so many on line that I felt I should do one too, lol...

I will say that I love Picasa and play around making collages of photos and words all the time.  So creating these for summer was just fun to do.  I am sooo looking forward to the drive to camp today, I am not exactly excited to work up a sweat cutting the lawn weeds out there or all the work that needs to be done to open up, but the results after are heart warming, and worth it.  Everyone that ventures to our "Happy Place" can see why I call it that, and friends and family are always welcome, the sauna is fired up and ready, the lake is literally a hop, skip and a jump away, and we are almost always there during the summer months.  Wouldn't want it any other way.

Any special moments for you, any special places you like to be in the summer?  I would love to hear your stories, honestly I would.  My favourite season is the fall, but my most memorable times are during the summer.  Have fun everyone, play safe, use sunscreen (I fry if I don't)and smile, life is too short not to appreciate what you have.

TGIF...time for fun

Thank goodness it's Friday!!  The last two weeks have been on fast forward, I swear, yeesh.  It's the same thing every June around here.  School is crazy busy for the kids and myself, as I volunteer there quite a bit, and organize for the start of the next school year a little as well.  Fund raising ideas, hot lunch ideas, and our annual end of year June BBQ for the students and families.  I love our small rural school, such an awesome bunch of families.  My kids all did well at track and field this Tuesday past, and were rained out on Wednesday, post-poned for today, and a most sunny, beautiful day it looks to be.

So those are pics of my front driveway newly made pond, from the rain we had recently.  Yet again we were so very lucky here as that was the worst of it, for us anyway, Duluth, Minnesota got hit hard.  Our sister city to the south of us, received so very much rain in such a short time frame, their flooding was disaster like.  Roads, homes, businesses, destroyed.  The Zoo was flooded, and animals lost.  So sad, and my thoughts and prayers go out to all those that were affected in Northern Minnesota from all the rain.  Mother Nature can be cruel at times.   We did manage some sun here yesterday and a nice breeze to allow me to catch up on some laundry.  I am on the cheapo side and don't run my dryer if I don't need to, therefore sunny days are needed to dry my many loads of laundry that is a normal part of my life in this house.  You may also note in my pics the lack of real lawn in the front.  Well due to my hubby building his very manly garage man cave last fall, and digging trenches to run electrical from the house, the dirt/lawn/weeds/rocks is what I have to deal with at this time.  Boats and whatever else are a higher priority than the lawn kind of project I guess, lol....all in good time.  The sun is shining and I must get a move on to my kids Track and Field.  I will apply my sunscreen as I do not wish to fry myself into a Tomato like human form.  I may bring a blanket to sit on this time, as those bleachers are not most comfy, go figure that hours sitting on your butt on a flat piece of wood would not be comfortable, Ha!  Have my water bottle by my side and my voice tuned to cheer all the kids on from a distance, my fingers are limber so as to belt out a whistle or two and embarrass my own children as others think I'm cool that I can whistle so loudly like that, heehee.  I look forward to relaxing with my family this weekend, and may even venture out in hubby's boat for a cruise.
I am including a link to a favourite blogger of mine Diana at Our Vintage Home Love she inspires me and her ideas are amazing, a very warm welcoming home and she recently posted about a vintage window that she hung, I love the black and the size.  I too have an old window hung in my home.  Now I have to say, that took me some convincing my hubby that it would be a wonderful addition to our home, he always doubts my ideas, yeesh :)  So here is Diana's pic, followed by my pic.  I wish my window was the size of hers, but those are so very hard to find.  She really did score one there.

Happy Friday everyone, chat soon

June, going, going almost gone....

Well, this is where I haven't been in a while.  The month of June is going by a little too fast for my liking.  I've been having a roller coaster ride with my emotions lately, feeling a little overwhelmed to be honest.  And, with a few too hours in a day, and not being as organized as usual, I have been a little frustrated to say the least.  I don't even know where to begin.  My yard work has finally been completed, my parents returned from their UK adventure vacation with many great memories and new friends made, I am no longer dog sitting for them (and I'm a little sad about that) my kids activities and field trips, sports etc have increased for this month, as everything winds up until the next school year, my parents hit a deer and wrecked their vehicle on their drive home from here, so I ventured to go and retrieve them out the highway and they stayed one more night at my place while they picked up their rental vehicle and repacked it with their luggage, etc...(no one was hurt or injured, thank goodness) my hubby bought another new boat after selling his old/new boat which he bought only weeks ago. 

I guess that is where I will start.  On our adventure to pick up, yet another boat, we travelled to Northern Wisconsin.  The original plan was to leave after my husband finished work one day and stay overnight somewhere in the US to reduce how much we had to drive in one shot.  Well, who ever follows thru with the original plan, really?  I was packed and lunches and meals were arranged, things were organized, and my husband comes in the house, from doing what ever it was he was doing in his garage, around 8:00pm and says to me, because I'm looking anxious and ready to ride, you weren't thinking of leaving tonight were you?  Really?  Seriously?  What the...?!  Now here's the thing, when I travel anywhere, for any length of time, I organize over the top, I clean, and tidy up the house, so when I return I don't have to do any of that kind of thing.  My girls were staying home, and I gave my parents the run down, we were only going for one night, so they were good to look after themselves until we returned home.  Throw those plans out the window, sheesh.....He picked up the phone and called his sister to arrange for her to watch our girls overnight while we were away the next evening, and there I was left feeling frustrated, grrrr.  *breath*  The next morning after a quite evening at home, we were to set off on our adventure, the girls went off to school, we said good bye to my parents, yet again, as they drove off in their rental vehicle, and away we went.  Driving, driving, driving, my son was occupied with watching numerous episodes of the Amazing Race on the laptop,  I was busy noting places I wanted to stop at on our way home, and finished up reading the Fifty Shades Trilogy *sigh*.  My hubby was anxious to get to the boat.  We crossed Minnesota, Michigan and into  Wisconsin, finally our destination.  And it was not to disappoint.  The boat was great, the people were so very friendly, giving up a tour of their camp, offering us a beverage, and giving us more than just a boat, we got a tube, tow rope, water skis, and another pull behind inflatable.  What a deal :)  We then proceeded to drive a couple more hours back and find a hotel.  I was pooped, couldn't even add straight, I was having difficulty absorbing what the girl at the front desk was trying to tell me, yikes a tired blond moment, at least she laughed and didn't get angry with me, I could hardly see straight.  Anyway we got a room, the boys went for a quick swim and I crashed, can't even remember them coming back to the room.  I decided in the morning, that I quite liked Northern Wisconsin and would like to return soon and check it out further.  My breakfast was $1.99, and yummy, including Star Bucks Coffee, yum again.  We hit the road and stopped at a few of my noted stops, including a drive-in A&W, Yay!  My son thought it was quite cool

he had to have the tray on his window, in the back seat of the truck.  Probably his favourite part of the whole trip.  We carried on and stopped at some shops that I fell in love with.  Vintage, junky, antiquey, homemade goodness all in one.  One most awesome antique store outside some small town, that I didn't even attempt at haggling with his prices, I had a few moments that I thought I should pay him more money, but of course thought again, heehee.  I came away with a few great treasures and all for under $50.00.  Let's just say I plan on returning very soon, for some more. 

Just a sampling of some of my treasures I purchased.  Not my actual ones as they are already distributed in my home, and storage for future, so I clipped a few off Google just so you get the idea.  A few things are missing, and I can't believe I scored it all for such great price, my bestest trip in a long time. 

Hope everyone is doing great out there, and all are healthy.  Hope Father's day went well, I cooked our favourite, most yummy pasta dish and enjoyed cheesecake with the fam.  Another of hubby's faves.  Gotta get back on track and stop eating such yummy treats.

Will chat soon I promise.

Happy May Long Weekend

Well, Friday has arrived and I haven't done too much this week.  My rhubarb jam has not been made, but, hopefully today!! I have to get that large bag of sugar off my counter (I leave it there to annoy myself and that way I will get it done)(eventually)
My two youngest kids had their Jamboree, a collective dance and music routine put on thru the Public School Board here, consisting of 17 schools participating.  Our school practiced three times a week, during their lunch break and they were absolutely fantastic.  The kindergarten teacher (who happens to be my very good friend Cathleen) choreographed the routine and did a fantastic job, for her first time.  And she was worried, bah...it was awesome, the kids had a great time, all smiles and energy.

the start of my kids school routine, they are an awesome bunch of kids :)

All the schools participating were fantastic.  So nice to see all the kids coming together and each others interpretation of the theme.  Anyway that was a late night for the kids, and by that eve once we got home, all my kids were a little lacking in the immune system department.  boohoo...Medication all around and fingers crossed. 
My parents celebrated their 37th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday May 17th;

a beautiful day in 1975 ♥

I love them so much and so wish they lived here, I chatted with my Mom on the phone and so wished we were in my living room with a cup of tea.  They leave soon for an awesome and most deserved adventure to London, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, I'm so excited for them.  I will be taking care of their little dog Misu for the three weeks, and I'm excited about that too.  I absolutely love my dog, but Misu is a little dog and she loves to cuddle on my lap.  Now my dog T-Bone would like to do that as well, but he is a tad bit on the larger side for such a thing, lol.  I usually sit on the floor and allow him to climb all over me.  He is my bestest buddy.

T-Bone

Is he not the most handsome dog ever?  After having to put our old girl, 'Hunter', down a few years ago, we made a journey to our local Humane Society, to "look" at dogs, and most certainly not get a puppy, and "not" rush into things and leave with any animal what-so-ever!......well....we most certainly did leave with an animal, and this animal happened to be a puppy and we named him T-Bone.  Turns out it was a great decision and he is truly a terrific dog member of our family.  Just wouldn't be the same around here without a four legged creature to great you and stick by your side.

I should get on with things I guess, my to-do list is getting longer, and the days keep whizzing by.  I managed to come into a heck of a deal, a free pedestal table, that needs some TLC, which I am willing to give it, I have wood to be made into more signs and trays, already have a few people to give them to, my yard has been neglected, weeds to pull, flowers to plant, a small veggie garden bed to build, as my son is itching to get his veggies planted, and many more to-do things as well as have some good times, good laughs and good food this weekend with friends and family.  Gah!!! Rhubarb jam to make, yeesh, OK, I'm heading out to my patch to pick some now.  In closing I came across this pic that actually made me laugh out loud, sorry I can't remember if it was from facebook or another blog, but either way it was funny to me and about sums up how my mind has been functioning lately, I just had to share.

Have a super fantabulous weekend everyone, will post if I ever get my jam made and let you know how it went.  Hugs to all.

Another Rainy Day, hmmm what to do...

Well, here I am finally, it's been a while, I know.  I had my parents come to visit (I sure do miss them) and my son Ethan turned 10, so now all my kids are double digits, and very soon (like 6 days) we will have a teenager in our home!  Yikes!!  So if you do the math that's 3 kids in three years, yuppers, chaos has been here for many years now :)  Don't know how to live without it honestly.  If it's too quiet I get a little goofy.  OK goofier than normal.  I'm used to my kids calling me weird so I can admit it.  We had a great weekend with family, some laughs and of course cake.  I did manage to get some things accomplished, and didn't go online a whole lot.
Sooo here I sit and it's raining outside (we do need it so forest fire season doesn't get out of control) so I really don't want to complain.  It just looks so darn gloomy out there.  I guess I will go to my 'studio' hahaha and hopefully, my sewing machine and create.....

I showed my Dad my new old Honda Trail dirt bike, yes the same one I was complaining about a couple of posts back, but I gotta say, that I LOVE it. 

I have claimed it as mine and my children think I'm weird when I ride it, but OMG it brings me back to my 'kid' days.  I attempted to ride to a girlfriends place but my hands got too cold, lol, so I will try again another day.  My Dad thought it was kinda cool too, hope he doesn't mind that I'm posting a pic of him, heehee.  I made a yummy treat for my Dad too while they were here.  He was looking for some yummy cinnamon buns at the Market and they just didn't look yummy enough, so I made some.  Now the temps here have not exactly been scorching so the dough didn't rise to my liking overnight, but they still tasted pretty good, may have to make them sooner than later.

Not a one left when my Mom, and I, and my youngest daughter Larissa returned from a fund raising girl guide breakfast.  So I guess they tasted alright.

Now I had been nagging my hubby to make me a serving tray (most likely never to be used as such) and he finally did.  I rounded up left over pine boards, snagged some free handles off of tossed out cabinets (yet another moment my kids thought I was weird, I grabbed a screw driver and scooted on over to the pile of smashed wood left by who knows who outside of a school and proceeded to save the handles from a trip to the landfill) a quick coat of paint and glaze and they looked 'vintage', then I distressed the whole thing, stained, waxed and voila;

Once completed he thought it looked so much better than the wood box he built just a half an hour before.  I now have it on my coffee table with a few treasures inside on display.  If only he trusted my visions, yeesh....
I have worked on a few other projects over the last few days as well and will post pics soon, but on a vintage note, a friend stopped over to give my Dad and hubby a ride in his cool vintage car.  My Dad is a huge, huge, car enthusiast.  It definitely put a smile on his face, my hubby has already been for ride in the car, but gladly went for another.  This pic I believe has the hydraulics totally lowered to the ground., the entire trunk is loaded with batteries to operate the hydraulic lift system and oh ya a huge stereo system too.

Happy Thursday everyone, will return soon, I promise.
Sharon