I want my new camera!!!

I actually looked for something at Wal-Mart yesterday but there was nothing even remotely close to what I wanted. It's shame, though. I think the carpenter is coming on Thursday so that will spoil my plans to go shopping to Buffalo. :(

That darned egret was dining in our pond, again, at sunrise. Bill took Ivy and went out to take care of the situation. When Bill goes out the door and starts clapping his hands, Ivy is ready to go and help. She's not quite sure what she's going to do when she gets out there but she knows something is up. He has to walk her around the pond telling her, all the while, to get the birdie. She is either blind or stupid because she doesn't even see it until she's about 40 feet away. The bird, however, spots her immediately and is on guard. Once Ivy gets close enough to be a threat it takes off in flight..then Ivy runs...lol. I'm sure Ivy thinks it's all good fun!

I checked out his legs this morning and they are very dark so he must be an Egret. I know he won't stay long but he'll drive me crazy while he's here. They are so sneaky when they walk the shore line. They take one cautious step after another and are ready to spear their prey immediately upon seeing them. The poor frogs and fish don't have much of a chance, really. They are beautiful to watch, though. They are so graceful as they lift one leg completely out of the water before they step. I guess it's so there is no splash or water movement when they walk. It's a shame I have to scare them away. I just love to watch them. But, my koi budget can't sustain the big appetite of a Blue Heron or an Egret! At $100.00 a spear, it's way out of my budget! We have about 12 koi in the pond that have become our pets. It's upsetting to watch them become bird food!

I spent some of today catching up on all my household duties that I've neglected. As I said the church picnic will be here this year so I have to get the house cleaned beyond perfect for all those eagle eyes that will visit. If it rains, I'm sunk. I'll have a house full of people. We have a huge deck behind the house (about 50 x 30) so it's no problem if the weather is good. I don't have to do much except prepare the house. I'm going to make some bbq pork and probably some sort of salad, though. Everyone is to bring a dish to pass and the women's group will provide a meat platter. It should be fun. It will give me the opportunity to take lots of pictures, anyway.

Before we start, I must say that Blogger is having fun with my spacing tonight, so I don't know what will happen when I post. Please excuse the blog if it's a mess.

Several people have requested that I repost an article I wrote and posted on my blog last year. I didn't get a chance to go through all the posts to find it but, thankfully, Kathy found it where someone had quoted me on another blog and copied it and sent it to me. I hope those of you who haven't read it see yourselves in it and get a good chuckle. I hope those of you who read it when I first wrote it get another chuckle.

12 Step Program of Recovery for Freebie Hunting Addicts

1. I will eat a proper breakfast, seated at the table, before I boot up my computer in the morning.

2. I will get dressed before noon.

3. I will make an attempt to clean the house, wash the clothes, and plan dinner before even thinking about downloading freebies.

4. I will remember that I have a husband and/or family, and that I used to enjoy spending time with them.

5. I will remember I have a dog/cat and remember to feed and care for it, as I should.

6. I will not eat my meals, in front of a computer, while blog hopping.

7. I will try to get out of the house, at least once a week, if it is necessary or not.

8. I will talk about subjects other than scrapbooking, when I am with friends and family.

9. I will remember that my life used to be filled with other interests that I have given up, now that I am so busy freebie hunting.

10. I will not download items that I will never use, just because I can.

11. I will try to make time to scrap some pictures with all the beautiful kits I've collected.

Last, but not least.

12. I will remember that I must go to bed. Those freebies will still be there tomorrow.

Now, wipe all that guilt away and get those freebies!

***

The first layout I'd like to share with you tonight is one made by JudyR. She's scrapped a picture of her granddaughter, Amber, using Beth's Through the Year May Kit and my Double Frame. I'm glad to see that Double Frame getting lots of play.


Judy's turned the frame on edge and made a few alterations to it. For one thing, true to her form, she's recolored it. She's also set a frame into a frame for the larger photo, giving a picture mat effect. For this area, Judy's used a gradient on the paper to give it that multi-colored look. The second picture frame has been used as a journaling box. I think that's a great idea! Those cute little Ribbon Frames from Beth's kit make a great accent piece for the frames. Both Judy and Cra-Z-cat have used it in this manner. Judy's also used the Ribbon Frame as an embellishment for the cute Flower Brad.

JudyR has made a quickpage to share with you, too.


If you'd like JudyR's Through the Year May Quickpage #2, click here to download. It is a violation of my Terms of Use to hotlink to this file or upload it to a file sharing program. Please see the TOU included with each freebie. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here, to my blog. Thank you.

***

The next layout was sent in by Scrapcat. She's used the Cloud 9 Kit to scrap her "grandchild". She's used the ultrasound picture she received for her Valentine's gift.


Look how she has the little mouse holding the picture. Scrapcat has made her own journaling tag and embellished it with the bows. It's too cute, Sharon. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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I have another one of Genie's great Templates to share with you tonight. I love this one with its stitched picture mat. The stitching is on a separate layer so it can be colored to contrast against its background. I love the rectangular picture against the round mats. It's one of my favorite page layouts.


If you'd like Genie's Template #23, click here to download. It is a violation of my Terms of Use to hotlink to this file or upload it to a file sharing program. Please see the TOU included with each freebie. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here, to my blog. Thank you.

***

Christine has sent in this lovely layout that she made not long ago. The pictures are of her daughter, Aline, and were taken at her recent birthday.

Christine wrote: "I used your fabulous double frame for a layout of my daughter, Aline's, recent birthday. As you know she was 25 this year and that warranted an extra-special birthday present. The whole family (and I mean, the whole family, including aunts, uncles, cousins) clubbed together to give her a laptop computer, with a wifi internet connection. She was definitely NOT expecting it, as the photos show!"

For this layout, Christine has made her own paper and her own Lily of the Valley element. She's used my Double Frame for her pictures and the journaling tag, recolored, from the Passion for Purple Kit (I think). I love how Christine has made a collage of the photos in the top frame. It's a great idea! When I saw the layout, I asked if she would be so kind as to send a quickpage. Actually, I whined (on your behalf) until I got it. Christine is a soft touch when it comes to whining...lol.

So, here is Christine's Lily of the Valley Quickpage! Remember, Lily of the Valley is the flower for the month of May, so this page will be good for all your May pictures.


If you'd like Christine's Lily of the Valley Quickpage #3, click here to download. It is a violation of my Terms of Use to hotlink to this file or upload it to a file sharing program. Please see the TOU included with each freebie. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here, to my blog. Thank you.

***

Pearl has sent this sweet layout of her granddaughter, Abby. Pearl wrote: "My granddaughter Abby loves hats and sunglasses. She's the only little person I know that leaves on a hat or sunglasses very long. She will even sleep in them if you let her."

Pearl has made her own background paper and she's recolored and used elements from the Ribbons & Lace Kit. The swirl was designed by Athena. It's a fabulous page and I wrote and begged Pearl for the file to make a quickpage. It's a bit complicated because of all the interlocking pictures, but I am working on it. I have to make templates for all the pictures so you can cut yours before you insert them. I'll try to have it finished soon. I was almost finished it this afternoon and my Photoshop stopped responding and I had to shut down my computer to close it and I lost everything. :(

***

Guess what? Suhrfer has another new kit for you!!! This one is another beauty, too. She's named it Peaches 'n Cream and what a perfect name it is for her kit. The color pallet she's used is soft and inviting, just perfect for this time of the year.

Have a look at her gorgeous Papers. There are 10, in all...5 patterned and 5 plain. The have a subtle texture on them, too.


If you'd like Part 1 of Suhrfer's Peaches 'n Cream Kit, the Papers, click here to download. It is a violation of my Terms of Use to hotlink to this file or upload it to a file sharing program. Please see the TOU included with each freebie. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here, to my blog. Thank you.

Next, have a look at the cute Peaches and Cream Elements she's made. There are tasseled cords and bows, plain cords and bows, cords with bows, flowers, frames, and ribbons and bows. There's something to meet all your scrapping needs with this kit.


If you'd like Part 2 of Suhrfer's Peaches 'n Cream Kit, the Elements, click here to download. It is a violation of my Terms of Use to hotlink to this file or upload it to a file sharing program. Please see the TOU included with each freebie. If you'd like to share it with your friends, please send them here, to my blog. Thank you.

***

Prayer Chain

Please take a few minutes to remember our friends who are in need of our intercessory prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool and it's such a comfort to those in need to know we have included them at this special time.

Jesus said: "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:24)

Almighty God, you have promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in your Son's Name. We ask you, mercifully, to hear us as we make our prayers and supplications to you. Grant that those things which we faithfully ask, according to your will, may effectually be obtained. Give us grateful hearts, O Father, and make us mindful of the needs of others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

We ask your blessing and healing for our friends we name: Pansynana, Irene, Rita, Mrs. C and family, Larry, James, Juliet, Ken, Logan, Rachel, Mags, Kim, Anne, shelbz, Kathy, Destiny, silverghost, Catt, Jamie, David, Ryan, Spencer, Claudia, Sandie, and Jane. Fill them with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and guard their hearts and minds with Your settling presence.

We ask you also, Heavenly Father to watch over those in the military who are serving their countries. We especially ask you to take Adam, Joe S., Devon, Bill, Mandy, shelbz's husband, and Jacob into Your keeping. Defend them with Your grace, strengthen them in their trials. Give them courage to face any peril they may face. Grant them a sense of Your abiding presence wherever they go. Give them an overwhelming awareness of Your love. Be with their families, especially Geralyn, Lizzie, and others, and give them strength to cope with all that they have to endure.

We know your power and we know your might. We ask that you deliver all who are battling drug addiction from their bondage. Give them peace and patience as they work through their issues. Set them free, Lord, so that they may resume their normal lives. Lead them not into temptation but deliver them from evil. Help their families to forgive them even though they have been badly hurt.

We ask you also, Heavenly Father, to guide and protect those people who are suffering with mental imbalances. Life, for them, is difficult. Fill them with your healing Spirit and help them to overcome their problems.

Lord, please Bless Linda S's son, and all who are incarcerated. Let Your Perfect Justice cut through and aid them now. Grant them Mercy so that they may be released at the earliest possible moment and go home to their families.

Defend us, deliver us, and in your compassion protect us, O Lord, by your grace. Amen.

Pansynana - Has just found out her cancer has returned
Irene - Louisiana Lady's husband's aunt - Blocked arteries
Rita - Bet's Mom - In hospital recovering from a stroke
Adult Children - battling drug addiction
Those suffering from mental imbalances
Linda S's son - currently incarcerated and hoping for parole.
Larry - grieving the loss of his wife and dealing with emotional difficulties
Mrs. C. and family - dealing with emotional and physical difficulties
James - Louisiana Lady's husband's uncle who is in the hospital
Juliet - recovering from surgery
Rachel - recovering from a stroke
Mags - living with debilitating arthritic pain
Kim - recently diagnosed with cancer
Anne - swelling issues with her legs
shelbz - fighting a courageous battle with cancer
Kathy - who is battling cancer
Destiny (Cra-Z-cat's great-niece) - Born at 27 weeks 4 days of pregnancy, weighing 1 pound 3 ounces.
silverghost - living with debilitating pain
Catt - living with MS
Jamie - living with MS
David - (my son) living with MS
Ryan - (Scrapee's son) living with leukemia
Spencer - (Kari's friend's son) living with leukemia
sandie - going through a difficult period.
Jane (Hayley's Mother) - Living with cancer

"May the graciousness of the Lord our God be upon us;
prosper the work of our hands;
prosper our handiwork." (Psalm 91:17)

***

Message Center

Lee in Fl. - I'm envious of your 94 degrees! Of course, it's much too hot to do anything outdoors, as Genie says, but it would be a change for us, for sure. Thank you for confirming that that bird is an egret. I thought so but they aren't all that common in this area so I was surprised. He was here last year for a few days, too. Our pond must be a stopover for them. The merganzers didn't come this year...or else they're just late. There was a small group of them about a month ago but last year we had about 50 of them for over a week...unless they came while we were in Vermont. They are beautiful to watch but they, too, eat all our small fish. (our pets!)

Cra-Z-cat - Glad you enjoyed the closing joke. Bill is a bad one for ordering his meal without half of it. I can't get it through his noodle to just bring what he doesn't want home and I'll have it as a treat for my lunch. Oh well. I probably don't need all that restaurant food. I did my grocery shopping yesterday and came home with that delicious tilapia I was talking about, salmon steaks for bill, chicken breasts, 6 yogurt, 4 cottage cheese, 4 bags of salad...so, you see, it will be a healthy eating week for us! Oh yes..and 8 bags of frozen vegetables. I'm gradually winning him over and away from sugar. He's lost over 15 pounds just from cutting out his pop, which he loves, by the way. He's also cut way down on his snacking. I've lost my 15 pounds too although I can't image where. My clothes don't seem to fit all that much looser. I'm going to persevere, though. Maybe I'll notice a difference by the time it's warm enough to dress in summer clothes...if that will ever happen. I know you snore. Remember that time your skype was on automatic answer and I was listening to you snoring? That was too funny. I kept saying "Deb...hello..." and all I heard was zzzzzzzzzzzz. zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. :)

Remaway - I agree with Tom Cat. It's nice to know where everyone comes from so thank you for letting us know. I didn't know about the color of the egret's legs. I think this guy has dark legs. That's what it looks like in the picture. Thank you for that bit of information. I love to watch the different birds that visit the pond but I know very little about most of them. We had entirely different birds where I lived for most of my life so these birds are a novelty for me. I'm glad to hear your daughter's wedding went well. I hope you will scrap a few of the pictures to share with us.

Anne - Hey, girl...you can come to the blog and whine any time you like. You know, when I whine to Christine, I get a quickpage! How's that for results? I can't help you with your question about the saddle arrangement. My knowledge of flowers is about equal to my knowledge about birds...lol. My mom used to be the family cemetery caretaker, too. Every year she would buy her plants and spend the day at the cemetery planting flowers...mostly petunias, since they seemed to do the best with the natural care they got...and every weekend she'd go and water them. She doesn't do that anymore since she's now in her mid-80's. I guess I would have taken over if I was living there. You know, a couple of summers ago I was on a genealogy trip and visited the graves of my great grandparents and their children and I thought the stone was a mess so I paid to have it all pressure washed and cleaned up. I felt so much better when I left. It was just a small thing that I could do to preserve the memory of my family. Will you still have T on your regular days once school is out? I was worried that, perhaps, things might change. I'm mulling the idea of what to do during the summer over in my mind. It all depends how many people are visiting and downloading. If there is only a small handful, then I'll probably cut back on the days I post or the number of freebies. I just don't know yet. I guess it would give me more play time to get ready for the fall but I like to give things to people and I think that might spoil my pleasure. I have mixed feelings about it. I'm sure I'll receive the answer. I always do. Hope you had a great day today. I wish you could visit more but I'm happy you had a chance to yesterday. I miss your sweet comments in the morning but I know you're very busy. Perhaps, we'll chat one day soon. You just let me know when is convenient.

Genie - Hey...9 degrees is pretty cold for you...lol. Probably a 3 poncho day! You'll have to move your computer outdoors and enjoy the sunshine of the day. It's hard to type with cold fingers. You are right about the "old broad" thing...lol. I took some pictures before we went out for dinner because I had some time to kill. I was really just fooling around but most of them turned out pretty good. I really hate my picture being taken so there are not many around. Although I didn't scrap it, I did extract it and put a background behind it. I'm anxious for your templates. After tonight, I'm out again! I love your templates. They're so clearly marked and easy for even beginners to use. You're very good at it, too. We are all better at some things than others so I'm glad you found your "market". I appreciate all of the lovely templates you make to share. You probably notice that I snuck into your 4 shared account and snagged the two new ones you had waiting for me. :)

Christine - The second I saw Tia I saw Franck! There is not doubt about it. The facial features are identical. Of course, I've only seen a few pictures of him so I only know facial features. You might not see it the same way because you know him in a different way. I was daring to put my picture on the blog. I see your picture, now, too. What a beautiful shot of you. I think it's time everyone knew each other a bit better, don't you? We've all been chatting for quite some time and it's nice to be able to put a face to a name. It, somehow, takes things to another level. I think the idea of a monthly page, (you're right...after the daily pages...lol) would be a fabulous record of Tia's growth and accomplishments. I remember when my first daughter, Christi, was small. I took lots of pictures. I had a picture of her on the baby scale with a date, a picture of her first "tooth day", first bath, etc. etc. It's nice to look back and see them. My daughter, Courtney, stole her picture albums so I can't enjoy them....Right Courtney...if you're looking! She keeps promising I'll get them back but it seems I never do!

Scrapcat4914 - Glad to hear you got out into your garden for a bit, anyway. It's been terribly cold and wet here, too. Don't you just hate those weeds? They are the one thing I can grow well. I think we all can! I haven't planted anything yet but I have to get busy. My lilac bushes are just about in bloom. I seem to be way behind everyone else. I think it's because they're in the cold wind. Do you recognize yourself in the 12 step? I thought since I saw everyone else's picture I should put mine up. Glad your computer is still working after my blog opened.

Lee in Fl. - Thank you for your info about the egret and heron. I think, because it's legs are dark it must be an egret. How's your cleaning lady working out? I hope you are accomplishing things and you can get back to your scrapping soon.

JudyR - Did you try your tilapia tonight? If so...how did you like it? That's what we had for dinner tonight. It tasted like more. I cooked potatoes and stir fried veggies and Bill ate every bit! I think I've found a meal he likes. The next time we go out for dinner and he doesn't want something, I'll suggest we take it home in it's frozen state...lol. How are you feeling today? Is your back feeling any better? Have you finished your planting? I must tell you that I got a couple loads of laundry done today .. just in case you need to catch up.

Claudia Anne - Thank you for stopping in on the blog and telling us a bit about yourself. I checked out your blog and it looks great. I hope you have as much fun giving out freebies and making new friends as I have.

Silverghost - Glad you could stop in to say hello. I'm glad everything is okay with you. You are still in our thoughts and prayers.

***

It's posting time and I must say goodnight. I still have to go and post to DigiScrapDepot before 11, so I'd best be on my way. It's been fun, again. I really look forward to writing my blog every day, even though it does use up most of my spare time. I don't know what I'd do without it now, or without all of you, who have become my friends. I think my days would be pretty lonely. Probably filled with work, but not much pleasure.

Thanks for visiting the blog today. I hope you found something that interested you. Thanks, also, for the lovely comments you leave both here on the blog and in my 4 shared. I look forward to reading them and responding to them. I'm glad you take the time to leave them.

Tonight, I'm going to show you some more fabulous pictures. Some of you may have already seen them, or others like them, but I think they are awesome and worthy of showing you. Christine sent them to me a while ago, and my friend sent me another bunch, similar. I'll try to show you the best of them over the next couple of days.

First, I'd like to introduce the artist. His name is Julian Beever and he draws these lovely 3D pictures on sidewalks.


I've found an awesome 3D chalk picture of a Raft and it came, complete with pictures of Julian actually drawing it. It was created for the Charleston Festival in the UK. Have a look at the first 3 pictures and then the final, completed work, where he's shown riding his chalk raft down his chalk rapids.




Hope you enjoyed yourself today.

See you all tomorrow.

Hugs.