Christmas Cards

This time of year most folks are in the holiday mood.  Making plans for Thanksgiving and counting down the days until Christmas.  I've been making Christmas cards for a challenge at 'Card a Day in November-Christmas Edition'  Each day is a different challenge and I'm having fun with the ideas. But I also make holiday cards year round.  I haven't rounded them all up but pretty soon I'll need to address them and make ready to mail.  There are 50 days til 25 December!

This card is all Stampin' Up!

Paper Rose is an Australian company and most everything I've seen from them is very vibrant!  Beautiful cardstock and images.  The matching ephemera and die cuts make card making quick and easy

Mintay Papers are located in Poland but can be purchased at various sites in the US

This card was made using Merry & Joy.  I love the old world look of Santa

We had a lovely lunch at Backwood Crossings yesterday.  More often than not we enjoy dinner for lunch.  The meals are usually less expensive and in some cases the portions are smaller.  Not having to plan and cook is a treat!

Jim bought a cane and it arrived yesterday.  He felt it was time and I must admit it should ease our minds if using it prevents a fall.  Although he bought hearing aids from Costco he'll be fitted for aids from the VA.  We'll see which it the best and he'll have a backup if needed

Sonsearae treats me to a pedicure every month or so and today is the day.  What color should I choose?  I'll be removing orange...

All is right in our world

 

Passing of Time

 It amazes me how fast our time here on earth moves!  Sometimes the days seem to drag, other days seem to fly by swiftly.

I offer no excuse for not posting.  I mostly have the time but lack subject matter

This is my bin of finished cards!  You do know I like to make cards.  I apparently need to mail them out more often!  Let me know if you would like some or would like to be added to my mailing list.

We have been out and about enjoying our wonderful fall weather

I've also discovered some new companies to get beautiful papers to make cards!

49 and Market Spectrum Gardenia. 

 

I had never heard of this company and when someone posted about a mystery box I just had to have it!  I think they're mostly for scrapbooking but I'll find uses for all of the products I received

Christmas challenge (although I make Christmas cards Year round)

This is the biggest Pony Tail Palm I've ever seen!  I must encourage my wee palm to grow...

Our day to day life is made up of medical visits, grocery runs and since Jim has a 'subscription' for a car washes he's often off getting the car spiffed up.  We see Sonsearae and Chris weekly and eat out often

All is right in our world

Another Part Missing

 It has been a roller coaster month since I last posted.  We are settled into our new home and just as we thought we'd be able to sit back and enjoy our new life, Jim was thrown a curveball.

While putting the new front license plate on the car

he somehow twisted his back and was in pain, so much so that he contacted his doctor to be examined.  With only Tylenol for pain relief he wasn't getting much rest, nor was I.  

Then the ice cream!

He had some ice cream...it made him uncomfortable and he was upset for a day or so.  Still suffering with this back /hip pain.  A few days later he tried some more ice cream....this time he spent about 36 hours throwing up.  This was a Friday night and I debated on taking him to the ER.  So now he's added to his pain level, very uncomfortable and playing musical beds trying to get some rest and healing.  Now he's beginning to worry me!  

Sunday morning I told him he needed to try and eat so he could get some sustenance...smoothies were his preferred food.  Another call on Monday to his Dr and made an appointment for Thursday regarding his hip/back pain.  Of course this was set aside once we related the other issues.  She made all the arrangements for him to go to the ER.

Once there he was seen quickly and had a slew of tests and they admitted him.  Pancreatitis infection related to his gallbladder.  Finally getting some answers does help along with the pain meds too.  They kept him all weekend and removed his gallbladder a week ago Monday.  He liked the bed he was in...said for a hospital bed it was the most comfortable he's ever had.  Seems it adjusted so you didn't get bed sores.  Pumping up in various spots.  Liquid diet mostly which was awful!  bad bad ingredients and I'm sure no nutrients.  We kept bringing him smoothies and treats.  

Sonsearae was a big help, she drove me to and from the hospital and bought some tasty foods for Jim to eat.  We even had a lunch at a great place and enjoyed some wine, much needed on my part!

I think he came home last Wednesday.  Still recovering but doing a lot better than a couple weeks ago.  Mostly sleeps but I do see some changes happening.  All the bed rest helped with the back/hip pain but he has to get an xray so they can find out what's up.

Now we are expecting a hurricane to inundate us with rain.  Hopefully that's all this area will get!

Earlier this month I got a haircut and I have made some cards

All is right (almost) in our world

It's a Done Deal

 We are fully installed in our new home!  The RV is empty of what we want to keep and it has been sold.  Truck has been sold and we bought a car!

Our humongous bed arrived and Jim is loving it.  My pretty green sofa is here and now we can get the living room set up.

Not sure if we'll put down a rug but that can be decided at a later date.  Might just need one to help dampen the noise.  Our end tables have charging stations plus storage

I bought this palm to help hide the air intake

Bedroom lamps have many functions!  Base lights up as does the top.

Has two charging stations.  Don't think we'll ever use those

Using the Stampin' Up! Mix and Match Ephemera packs you can make quick cards.  Just adhere to a card base and viola! 

A new card formula from Club Scrap.  Though pink isn't a favorite of mine this was the kit offered for the class.  Now that I have the formula and know how to cut all the papers I can use it for other cards.

We also became Florida residents this week!  Quick and easy process.  Jim continues seeing the chiropractor twice a week.  For the past few weeks all we seem to do is go here, there and everywhere.  We still have things to do, like hang pictures and get a couple pieces of furniture, but it's all coming together

All is right in our world

No Longer Waiting!

 Jim finally had enough of waiting!  Last week we took advantage of a sale and bought a bed for the guest room/office.  We've been sleeping at our new home ever since.  Still no king size bed, sofa or recliner....

I think the older I get the less patience I have for simple things.  Like waiting for our bed and sofa to arrive and Jim's recliner.  We check daily on some things, more than once hoping the outcome will be different.  We stopped by Ashley and checked on the bed and sofa the news we got was early this week...No call yet and it's Tuesday.  The chair from Costco has been in limbo, order was turned over to FedEx in New Jersey and I expect Tropical Storm Debbie has had an effect on the area.  We need to call and get an update.

 We continue to have two dwellings.  One in Tallahassee (north) and one in Crawfordville (south).  I guess you could say we are blessed with a summer and winter home! 😄  Meanwhile we commute.  Jim has gone to the rig today because the exterior is being cleaned so we can proceed with selling it.  Just a few basics remain to be brought home. 

Now that I'm not so tired all the time I'm cooking meals at the apartment.  I also ordered meal kits so I don't have to plan so much.  The pantry is still a work in progress.  We need a bakers rack so I can get some excess off the floor.  I do need to organize my kitchen cabinets, rearranging pots and pans, cookie sheets and cutting boards...just takes time to figure out where is most convenient.

Jim has managed to hurt himself and is seeing a chiropractor for therapy.  Twice a week for awhile...Hopefully his pain will diminish and go away soon.  His posture has been getting worse over the years and the chiropractor is working on that also.  It's frustrating for both of us.  Part of his therapy includes the Cobra pose...I thought I'd give it a try, good for the back.  Consistency is the key!

During this transition all my craft supplies are being organized after boxing them up haphazardly.  Just easier to grab a kit and assemble.

From September 2023, this kit had 8 notecards and 8 treat bags.  I still need to finish the treat bags.

August 2023 Paper Pumpkin...these were super easy and quick to make

If you think you'd like to try cardmaking kits are an easy way to start.  Sign up for Paper Pumpkin here and I'd be honored if you chose me as your demonstrator.  Stampin' Up! also offers other kits, contact me if you're interested!

All is right in our world

A Lot Going On

 Changes are happening around here!

First let me say that Hurricane Debbie was a threat, but no longer.  We spent two nights with Sonsearae and Chris out of harms way.  The storm did bring rain and wind but we were on the north west side of where it made landfall. All those south of here had torrential rains, high winds and flooding.  Same in the  east and northeast.  The center of Florida was inundated because the storm was slow moving.  Not sure how many lost power. The campground did but not for long.

We’re moving! After 20 years we’re getting out of our fifth wheel and into an apartment.  We have been looking at retirement communities but they are very expensive and our budget just won’t allow it.  We found a two bedroom apartment at Lakeside in Southwood just a stones throw from Sonsearae and Chris.  At present we are commuting most days because our bed hasn’t arrived. Most of our belongings are there.  The rig and truck are for sale but for now we sleep in the trailer.  

I do have a few pictures I’ll share

This is our ‘back door’ patio.  To the left of the chair is the door into the living room. To the left of that is a shed

We found some lovely furniture at Pops Attic, this is my dresser

A chest of drawers for Jim

A wonderful, gorgeous, huge painting to hang over the sofa (waiting on delivery)

My chair with one of the floor lamps ( Costco has them)

There is a small room off the dining room that I think is for storage but I’m using it for my craft room.  Still needs organizing 

We bought this adjustable height table at Office Depot because I like to stand when I make my cards. We also bought another adjustable height desk for our computers. It’s in the second bedroom.

Bought this cube storage unit to help store my stuff

On August 2nd Jim and I celebrated our 50th anniversary.  Sometimes it doesn't seem like we've been together that long.  It sure has been an exciting adventure!  We met in Jacksonville Florida and the Navy moved us to Alabama, North Carolina, Scotland where he retired from military life.  We chose to move to New Orleans where we bought a house and Jim had another career. When hurricane Katrina came through we repaired the house and sold it after buying an RV to start the next phase of our lives together.  We traveled North South East and West.  Finally settling in Spring Branch Texas.  But a decision was made to move to Tallahassee to be closer to family. 

All is right in our world

Figured it Out

It was quite simple once I hurt my brain trying to figure it out.  I changed browsers, that didn't work.  Looked in my computer files...nope, no recent pictures...I got my new phone around Mothers' day so that had to be it.  Pictures didn't sync with it from Google!  Whew...

It's hot here, as I type it's 93 and feels like 104 degrees.  1430 in the afternoon and the humidity is only 57%.  It's like being in south Texas!  Between 1100 and 1600 we aren't going outside, it's just to hot for us.

Yesterday we spent some time with Chris and Sonsearae.  It's a regular Sunday date.  They both spent time cooking and we had a fantastic meal of red beans and rice, BBQ shrimp, crab cakes, potato salad and slaw.  I also get my chocolate fix when I'm over there...dark chocolate!

Using up DSP from my stash, these cards were made using a OSW from Jessica.  She's my upline and when you join my team you'll have access to her OSW library!

Thoughtful Journeys DSP.  This 6x6 pack of paper packs a punch! One side has beautiful scenes and the flip side has a watercolor pallet

Paper Pumpkin July 2023 kit....I know, I'm a year late but they are perfect for summer cards! Made three of each

Many of you know we have white squirrels here...this one is two toned!

All is right in our world

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Linda Goudelock's Crafty Cards

 

Sunny Day

 Today is warming up nicely.  We have clear blue skies, the temperature is 84...Life is Good.

We have decided to become Florida residents.  This is a costly endeavor swapping over drivers licenses, registrations on the truck and rig and having the proper insurance for Florida.  In the long run this is a good thing.  Just tedious

Jim has become a Disabled Veteran.  We all knew he was a bit off but now it's official.  After two years of paperwork, medical tests (by independent doctors) and a lot of man hours the VA finally approved him for compensation.  Though he's always had free medical with his Tri Care for life he did have copay for his meds.  Now the VA will cover that expense.  

I continue to make cards, almost daily.  But I now have an I phone and haven't figured out how to share pictures 😇

All is right in our world

Spring in Our Neck of the Woods

 It has been so pleasant the past few days.  Balmy breezes, reaching into the 80's during the day and cooling off at night.  No Rain!  Won't last long but I'll enjoy it while I can.  Already the ground water is heating up and from the tap we get tepid water.  We're giving the ice maker a solid workout!

As part of the Golf Course improvements they've built a Pro Shop, very small but they don't have a lot of room to work with.  Paving of sidewalks has gone in, they've brought in a lot of fill and they spend hours each day moving dirt and smoothing it out in the parking lot area.  Work is being done around the restaurant operating hours.  

As an early Mother's day present I finally agreed to get on the Apple Watch bandwagon.  I like the idea of keeping track of my health and being challenged to move a bit more.  I haven't warn a watch in years and never cared for it.  But I must say it's a fun toy for keeping me moving!  I do not wear it to bed.

For some reason, as part of improvements I suppose, the RV park has been trimming all the trees!  They brought in a bucket and started sawing of limbs quite high up.  Not sure if we'll have much shade left when they're finished.

Here are a few of my recent cards

All is right in our world

Well, It's Been a Month of Sundays

 Since I've posted a blog!   I guess I should try a little harder.

We're just enjoying life in north Florida.  

Spring can be very interesting.  Several storm systems have plagued us the past few days.  The first one wreaked havoc in a wide swath (tornado)from Blountstown (where Christy and Rik live) all the way across to mid Tallahassee and eastward.  Sonsearae and Chris were in the path of what appears to have been two tornadoes that converged and made a mess!  Fortunately the trees down and damage at the Country Feed Store was minimal but the power was out and apparently Christy didn't have water for awhile.  Chris said it was nice that the tornado warning he received worked and he a Louie sheltered in place.  Their patio furniture was tossed around and their subdivision is a mess.  Trees down and debris everywhere.  

We are thankful our children are ok!  Now as for us, we lucked out being on the southern side of the system.  We were in storm, tornado and flood watches but it mainly rained a lot.  Across from us a  tree limb did fall on a car basically totaling it, but it saved the trailer from being hit. 

Two more systems rolled through back to back and we are are soggy.  Today we've had windows of sunshine and there's a balmy breeze blowing.  

A few of my most recent cards

Time to dry out!  As our friend Ed likes to remind us, 

Life is Good

Roller Coastal Temperatures

 It's spring time in North Florida. Our neck of the world has been enjoying pollen!  Pollen from Pine trees and perhaps the blooming trees and bushes.  So much pollen that cars are coated with it.  I even saw a picture that showed the tides of rising water, it made a rig of yellow around the piling.  

Another harbinger of spring is the Live Oaks.  They shed their leaves so new ones can appear.

As ya'll north of us get these fronts, we do too....and it gives us the illusion of warmer temperatures.  Then a cold front arrives and we get rain and colder temperatures!  Back and forth we go, but I'm not complaining, all to soon it will be hotter than hades

Jim is still seeing independent doctors to get his VA claim settled.  Two more scheduled appointments soon and it will be over.  Then we'll wait to see if he's entitled to any monetary payments.  He also has an ongoing GI problem that we'd both like to get resolved.  More tests to see if that can show anything.  I know he's quite tired of this 'problem' as am I.  

Of course I've been making cards, perhaps not daily but it does give me pleasure.

All is right in our world