It's A Party !!!

Party Time...! Hop on your broom and fly on over here for all of the creepy details.

See you tomorrow..........

Happy Fall Y'All Bloggy Give Away

***WINNER UPDATE***With a little help from Random Number Generator, Jessie from The Lucas Zoo has been chose as the winner of Paula Deen's cookbook! I just know she's gonna be mixing up a big ol' batch of somethin' special...and she better get to the market, 'cause she's gonna need lot's of butter!! This has been such fun and I've gotten to "meet" so many new people....thanks ya'll....

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Here it is...this huge giveaway that anyone can be a part of and it's being hosted by Shannon over at Bloggy Giveaways. She had a summer one that had over 500 different giveaways, so get on over there and sign up for something! My gift is listed below... leave a post and keep your fingers crossed. And, be sure to visit Shannon at her regular site Rocks In My Dryer!



Anyway, I'm joining the list and my giveaway is a Paula Deen Cookbook!! This is "Paula Deen & Friends, Living It Up, Southern Style" The book is brand spankin' new and has beautiful photos inside. And, no, the vintage kitchen stuff in this picture is not part of the deal!!




Giveaway open to bloggers and non-bloggers who live anywhere! Please leave a comment on this post anytime through Saturday, November 3rd and a winner will be chosen on Sunday, November 4th.

Ya'll have fun...

Tons O' Fun On Sunday.....

In my real everyday life I am a Realtor. A few posts back, I was very open about the fact that I don't really enjoy it...it sucks, actually...but, it's what I am doing at the moment, so let's try and be all that we can be, shall we??

The small town that my office is located in had it's annual Craft Fair this weekend and it is a huge event. Streets blocked off for booths and school shuttle buses everywhere and lots of people walking around looking at the vintage cottages, oohhing and aahhing about how "cute" they are. What a great day for an OPEN HOUSE, right??

Really, the house I was in IS a very cute, totally re-done vintage cottage...I mean, cuteness all over the place.

It's only about 6 blocks from downtown and is in the historic section so we had quite a few lookers. I even had one couple ask if the house was open....what, are the OPEN flags not a giveaway? The front door is OPEN, there is an OPEN sign in the front yard and I'm handing out OPEN HOUSE flyers...are you kidding me?? This may be part of my problem...trying to talk to these people with a straight face. But, let's move on...

Built in 1955, 1 bedroom and 1 bath, completely re-done. New electric, new roof, new plumbing, new central air & heat...such a deal!

This is the view as you come in the front door... bedroom straight ahead, living room to the immediate right and kitchen just at the corner of that cool rocker...

Living Room has all new windows and looks out on the pretty street. Lots of big, old oak trees here ....



Very compact kitchen, but plenty of cupboard/counter space...more counter/cupboards, stove and fridge to the right...

Sweet little bathroom...love those vanity lights!

And, one of the neatest things is this detached workshop. I think it would be a FABULOUS studio for painting, sewing, crafting...whatever. But, it's pretty neat the way they made it look like the "big house'.

Anyway...met some interesting people and even had one lady visit a couple of times, followed by some pretty serious conversation. Possible buyer?? Oh please, please, pretty please!

The weather was nice and breezy and the rain stayed away until everyone was done, so there's not a whole lot more to ask for! Hope you all had a good weekend...talk soon...!

And...The Winner Is.....

Things have been added almost everyday to this Halloween Box...The Hub has been checking everything out since his pool table has become the staging area for sorting, preparing and packing. So...just for extra fun, there were 2 extra names drawn and they will receive their own Halloween Surprise!

Here's how it all went down.....first, "The List"....

Next, The Daughter agreed to do the choosing. The Hub feels like he is too connected, since he did post for me and since he checks in on everybody once in a while. He said, "Everybody wants to win and I don't want to disappoint anyone!". Nice guy...

She's got the winner ......

The very sweet Susie Q at Rabbit Run Cottage!!

And, now for the next 2.....

She's got 'em....

Two more great ladies....Janet from MA (she doesn't have her own blog yet...maybe this will get her started, huh Janet??) and Andi from Andi's Everyday Adventures!

So there you have it...and as soon as I get addresses from you 3 special ladies, I will get the packages out to you! Thanks so very, very much to all that entered 'cause it has been great fun getting everything ready. Now the only thing I will ask is that you post some pictures of your winnings so we can see everything!

Thanks to everyone that has stopped by for a visit this past week....ya'll come on back!

Halloween Giveaway...Last Chance!!

Here's a sneak peek at the Halloween Giveaway...you can still join in!

You've got until 10PM EST...so don't be late...

Good Luck!! Winner announced Friday, 10/26 ....

For Kari, Sandi & Joey...

We hold our hearts in sorrow today and send prayers of strength to our dear friends Kari and Sandi. Their cousin/nephew Joey was not able to recover from a very serious work related accident and he accepted his wings and headed home. Please take a minute to visit with them and, even if you don't really "know" them, let them know you are thinking of Joey's family, and of them and their own.

"When I Get Where I Am Going"

When I get where I'm going

On the far side of the sky

The first thing that I'm gonna do

Is spread my wings and fly

I'm gonna land beside a lion

And run my fingers through his mane

Or I might find out what it's like

To ride a drop of rain

Yeah when I get where I'm going

There'll be only happy tears

I will shed the sins and struggles

I have carried all these years

And I'll leave my heart wide open

I will love and have no fear

Yeah when I get where I'm going

Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy

And he'll match me step for step

And I'll tell him how I missed him

Every minute since he left

Then I'll hug his neck

So much pain and so much darkness

In this world we stumble through

All these questions I can't answer

So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going

And I see my maker's face

I'll stand forever in the light

Of his amazing grace

Yeah when I get where I'm going

There'll be only happy tears

Hallelujah

I will love and have no fear

When I get where I'm going

Yeah when I get where I'm going

Brad Paisley

New Stuff For THE HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY..and New Pictures!!

Just so you know, a couple of really cool things were added to the Giveaway Box today...I just know the winner will have some kinda fun checking it all out!!

To go back a couple of days...yes...the Zombie Walk was a success. No, we didn't get into the World Book of Records, but what a great time we had. My daughter decided to come along since The Hub couldn't make it and it was so very cool. I mean, really now, what warms your heart more than Mother & Daughter zombies?? We took some great pictures and met some great people...even had my picture, in zombie face, taken with one of the original guys from "Night Of The Living Dead". My zombie heart was singing... ;)

I've decide not to post the zombie pics...based on the number of responses I haven't had to the Halloween Giveaway, I'm guessing not many people are as jacked up about Halloween as I am...so we'll hold off on the photos, but for those that have signed up, I thank you. And, the winner will get the best dang Halloween Box ever!!

So, keeping in the spirit of all things Autumn, let me show you a couple things around our place:

This is our All Fall Season pumpkin...he stays with us all through Thanksgiving.

Meet the Halloween King & Halloween Queen. I know, not really Fall, but they stay out, too!

Look at these cutie pie faces....

And, my favorite Peppercorn Candle surrounded by sunflowers and such...you can also get a glimpse of my gourd Jack-O and the Basket O' Pumpkins on the fireplace hearth...

Hope everyone had a great weekend....talk soon!

HALLOWEEN GIVE AWAY!!!

I scream, You scream, We all scream for Halloween!! Okay, okay...so I changed the words just a bit...whatever. In honor of The Zombie Walk (see post below) and Halloween, I've put together a small giveaway for all of my new friends!

Leave a comment here and be sure to include your email address. All names will be thrown into....hmmm..something, and...hmmm...someone (not me) will draw the winning name! The winning name will be drawn next Thursday night, 10/25 and your Halloween goodies will be mailed on Friday, 10/26. Here's what I've gotten together for you:

These 3 little boxes, painted in Halloween colors and covered in cool paper made by Netty LaCroix! Netty who works along with Stacey are two of the most talented primitive artists I have ever seen! The boxes are filled with shredded paper from a 1930's dictionary. These little boxes were made by....uh...by me. :)

Each box has a surprise inside:

1. A SKELETON Key (yuk yuk) and a pair of old dice,

2. Vintage game pieces spell the word "Scary",

3. Really old Scrabble letters spelling out "Halloween".

Next, this cute mummy (if that's possible for a mummy) with a Jack bucket and a candy corn from my own Halloween Collection!

Next, this wacky Jack, star and candy corn garland...kind of funky and fun!

Next, B-O-O in sparkly silver glitter on black organza ribbon. This will travel to you wrapped in vintage sheet music.

I've got a couple other neat surprises...but if I show them to you, they won't be surprises! It's been so much fun getting this together...you've got 1 week...let the posts begin!!

Wanna Do The Zombie Walk??

Are you ready boys and ghouls?? Zombies will be out and about in Orlando tomorrow so keep your distance and wear a hat, 'cause brains are a Zombie's favorite snack!!

No...really...it is the Screamfest Zombie Walk and I am way beyond excited! Screamfest is a ginormous horror convention and people come from all over to attend. There are movie showings, classes on horror make-up and special effects, really cool stuff to buy and lots of autograph tables with actors from classic horror films! Freddy Kreuger, the guy from Friday the 13th and his Mom (Betsy Palmer)...oh, lots and lots. Of course...if you're not a horror movie fan this probably all seems very ....

This is an event being checked for entry into the Guinness Book Of World Records...for the most zombies, of course...and they are hoping for 800 + people. You can do your own makeup or get it done there...I am opting for letting the pro's do it! I've been trying to convince The Hub to be my partner in gore and I think it might actually be working. If nothing else, he will probably be there to take pictures so I can give a full report!

I've been trying to contain all of my Halloween excitement, but it's been tough. (Have you found Frank and his Bride on the page yet?) We always have a HUGE Halloween Party, but with everything that's gone on the past few months, including our last minute Alaska trip, we decided to pass this year. It was a tough decision and all of our friends have asked us about it, but we just had to say no...and plan something really great for next year! It takes about a week to do everything...The Hub takes the time off work to help me get ready. We completely re-do the inside of the house...last year we hung almost 500 bats from the rafters in the living room...and we get cornstalks from Georgia (corn is scarce in F-L-A) to tie around the front porch and make a cornfield in the back yard. The Hub has commercial style fog machines and we have scary music outside and things that move and talk...oh yea, we really love Halloween!

Can't wait till tomorrow...but, just so you don't think I'm a couple sandwiches short of a picnic, there is a good deed going on tomorrow, too. A BLOOD drive will be set up and I intend to give whatever I can....SINCE I'LL BE REPLACING IT LATER!!! (mmwwwhhhaaaahhhhaaaa)

Details at 11.........

Enjoy Alaska With Us !!!

Finally! These are unedited, uncropped and just a smidgen of what we were able to do in our two week visit! The Hub will be putting together a DVD...yes, he's technically empowered like that...and I can't wait to see it. Since we couldn't take you all with us, I hope this will make you smile. ;)

I'm Really Trying, Honest I Am !!!!

I am trying to get the pictures posted...it's so hard to choose! We have taken over 1400 pictures using 3 cameras and several hours of video.

I have been trying to get some %@#$&^*()@!#$% slide show thing to work and just can't get it together. I will try later...ppffffttt!!!

I Know, I Know...Long Time, No Write...

HELLO FRIENDS (notice that I am yelling to try and get your attention)...I hope you haven't all deserted me yet!! What a month this has been and I have just scads of stuff to tell you, pictures to share, stuff to bitch about...yea, like, I've had NO ONE to talk to for a very long time! No way to do it all in one post, so I may seem a bit more scattered than normal for a few days, but I want to get it all in!

First...I must thank The Hub for filling in and making me feel oh so special! We did have an amazing Alsaka trip and, considering we only had a little over a week to pull it together, it was so much fun. Whatever Alaskan wildlife you can think of, we saw and we visited the winery, the brewery, the float plane lodge, the discovery centers, both of The Hubs played golf, the shops and the restaurants. No one would ever accuse me of missing a meal, but Holy Crap, we ate 3 (or 4) meals a day, each day. Every. Day. As we would be getting up from breakfast (normally non existent in our house) we would be trying to decide where to have lunch...it was like a sickness...and I have the added 6 pounds to prove it!

Three days after getting back from the Alaskan Food-A-Palooza, I had to accompany my Mom to her sister's in Virginia. Spent 5 days there seeing lots of historic stuff...and spent an incredible afternoon on the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. I even brought home some acorns that were just laying on the ground waiting for me (dork). Got home from Virginia Tuesday afternoon and left on Wednesday morning for Chicago to handle the final burial arrangements for The Hub's aunt. Services on Thursday and back home that afternoon. Back to real life...work, problems, laundry....ick. But, a great real life it is...so let's move on. Guess I will try and give you a trip overview and then add pictures over the next couple of days...I am at real life work NOW, so no picture access. Sorry.....

Those that have read previous posts may know that I am one of those chronically late people. Always 15 minutes late. Always. No matter when I get started or how much time I allow...always. Don't like that about myself, but it is what it is. And, I think I may speak for a few others here when I say that standing around telling us the time and saying "I'm ready" doesn't help. It would be a bit more helpful, if you care to know, to say..."Is there anything I can do to help you?" :)

Wednesday morning, 4:15AM. Time to get up. I really thought I was ahead of the game this time by having most of the packing done the night before. Too much confidence, should have known better. We have to meet our friends at the airport at 6AM and we live very close, so leaving at 5:40 was the plan. Without too many details, let's just say that The Hub was ready before me and quite happy to tell me about it. The pressure was on. Wanting to look nice for the trip, I was determined to put on all of my make up and do the many steps that project requires. "It's 6:25", he reminds me. The pressure mounts. I pull the eyeshadow tube from my make up bag, I open it and run it over my eyelid without a thought. Hmmm...must need a new one, this feels weird. Sticky? Need to rub it in. Are you kidding me??? Lip Gloss. I have put lip gloss on my eyes...and now, I have to start OVER AGAIN!!! You can imagine the rest...and we left at 5:55...ah, yes...15 minutes late. But, our friends did not get mad and cancel the trip, the plane didn't leave without us and all was right in our world. A word of advice...for those that may want a new experience, don't try lip gloss eye shadow. P.I.T.A.

Anyway...I will get the pictures together and show you how beautiful it was. There's stuff I need to tell you about. Halloween, Rick Springfield, The Guinness Book of Records Zombie Walk, Screamfest. No kidding. I've missed you *;)*