Labels: "hull pottery", antiques "Roseville Pottery", collections, hull, pottery, shells

We are in the midst of a new project- replacing our kitchen and hallway floor with hardwood. Last night I emptied the china cabinet out and today we move it and the appliances out so we could get at the underlayment. It was glued down so it took a chisel and a lot of man power (my man K) to get it off the floor. The hallway is carpeted so it shouldn't be a problem to remove. We really want to do more renovations in the kitchen but we have several projects on the go at the moment and the rest of it will have to wait until the others are finished.

Off to clean some walls for painting. Have a great holiday weekend!

Labels: "hardwood floor", "Labor Day Project", kitchen, renovation

While on vacation visiting my brother and sister (IL) every day was packed with fun and relaxation. We spent time at the ocean, frolicking in the waves and enjoyed the warm sun and sand. We ate at an oceanside restaurant that served scruptious seafood. Oysters on the half shell, smoked fish dip, crab cakes, shrimp, scallops - you name it. Yum!

My brother B taught my husband (above) and I the art of catching fish from shore. We had a blast catching fish and a few other sea creatures. B, with a background in DNR and wildlife conservation, was ever so careful to let the creatures go, administering as little contact and trauma to them as possible.

We caught whiting and pompano fish, a sting ray and this fellow, an electric torpedo ray. At first, we thought it was a version of a sting ray, however my brother, while trying to remove the hook, was stunned by a good dose of electric current. Torpedo rays have electric organs in their wings that generate electric current they use as a defense mechanism and to stun their prey. After the initial jolt, B cautiously pushed this fellow back out to sea.


This man brought his pet goose teathered on a leash to the ocean for a swim. It was quite evident that the goose loved the ocean, as he swam and paddled along, bobbing and riding the waves, oblivious of the fact that there weren't any other geese enjoying the same. He'd wade onto the beach, only to go back for more.

Offshore the shrimp boats had their nets strung out and we enjoyed watching them move back and forth across the ocean gathering their haul for the day.

The waves were incredible and the surfer's were enjoying a perfectly beautiful day. Now if you could do this every day, or every weekend, why would you want to live anywhere else?

Labels: "Great Outdoors Restaurant", Best Friend, family, florida, goose, Maggie Summers, ocean, shrimp boats, surfing, torpedo ray

Labels: "carpal tunnel", "Maggie Summers", family, grasshopper, injury, ocean, recovery, vacation

Reluctantly, we are home from our trip to Florida, but only reluctant because we had such a hugely (can I say that?) fabulous time with my brother and sister (IL). I can't begin to tell you what that trip meant to me and to my husband, life just doesn't get any better than when I spend it with my family. Being such a geographically diverse family, it only draws me closer to them, as I am sure many of you can relate. I will be posting a few photos soon-took almost 1800, but I will only post a few here. :)

On another note, I'd like to say thank you to Pam for this great award; it's meant to be shared and I am a bit behind on my postings, please understand!

The rules for accepting the award are as follows:

1. Add the logo of the award to your site.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Leave a message for your nominees on their blog.

Awarding: Laurelines, Maria, Sherry, Michelle, Kim, Holly, Carol

Please understand, this is not a "have to," I just want you to know that what you bring to me through your own blogs and your friendships fills my cup each day and I'd like to thank you. :)

Labels: "Sunday Sites", award