You Know You're Old When...

Hubby and I went to a concert last night! I mean a real good ole' rock and roll concert. What a hoot - poor hubby did not know any of the acts but was such a trooper and came along anyways (it's the little things that make me love him more). Well to make it even "worse" (depending on who you talk to) our tickets were for the Pit! If you know anything about concerts that means we were right up to the stage (AWESOME) but had to stand the whole time (MY ACHING BACK)...

The two opening acts were okay - the second band, Theory of a Deadman, is Canadian and you might recognize some of their songs...

But THE reason we were there was Daughtry (American Idol reject, World Class Rock Star). Love their music...but now to the "old" part. Yes we were in the Pit. No I was not the oldest person there (whew). Yes there was both Beer and Pot being indulged (oh my). And young ladies coming close to fist fights (oh my more). And young men who I wonder last had a decent bath. And some very colourful,permanent hair styles (yellow and red anyone?) It was some what hilarious to watch all of this but, frankly, I think I'll stay home and listen to the DVDs (better control of the volume too). AND (yes I'm old) I wore earplugs which hubby thought was very amusing. Oh well, you only live once and this will be another "remember when" stories for us. (Hope my nephews are not reading this - still would like to be the "cool" old Aunt, LOL)

Cheers, Jewels

Book Sale!

Don’t you just love this card! I found it at a bookstore on our mini vacation two weeks ago.


Which brings me to the topic of “book sales”. The local American Association of University Women (AAUW) holds a Spring and Fall book sale at the mall. I managed to get to the one this week and found a few “treasures”. Mind you, the professional “collectors” are there right at opening and pretty quickly sweep through grabbing the really good stuff (I heard one customer very loudly complaining about their tactics). I guess I can’t really blame them if it contributes to them making a living … but it does kinda spoil the “hunt” for the rest of us.



Anyway I did manage to snag all of this for less then $10.00.



The BHG Garden Book is from 1954 and has some lovely graphics.



These old Ideals magazines have some great pictures and poetry that can be used in projects.



I know I will enjoy looking at all the Movie Stars from the Golden Years.



But my favorite has to be this Build a Boat book from 1941.


Because now I can dream all winter about constructing…


…my own sweet Bicycle Boat for the cottage (LOVE that jaunty cap dude, hilarious!)

Cheers, Jewels

Has It Really Been A Week!

I can't believe only seven days ago I was on my friend's deck enjoying a glass of wine and celebrating all kinds of things - how the days fly by! Mind you, the fact that I sit in front of a computer all day at work makes it hard sometimes to get in the mood for blogging at night. Don't get me wrong, its just been one of those kinds of weeks. On my birthday we travelled up north. The day started with cards and a nice present from hubby ( a gift certificate to my favorite spa - when the going gets tough, the tough get a facial I always say!).

I really did not take as many photos as I thought I would - and honestly the weather was not the best (our first sprinkling of snow!) However, we really did have a lovely time. This was where we got to stay...

Friday, our first full day there, we went into Frankfort, MI and enjoyed all the Fall decorations - everyone was getting ready for the Fall Fair. We stopped in Crescent Bakery and got ourselves two pumpkin muffins "for the road" (but I don't think they made it to the car). Master Gryphon was very well behaved and even let a sweet old lady say hello without batting an eyelid.

We stopped in to see the Point Betsie Lighthouse. You can see how overcast it was.

This was taken looking in the opposite direction.


Saturday started out just beautiful - this is the view of Crystal Lake down the road from Anne's place. The leaves had not completely turned over yet.

Speaking of which, what a great deck she has overlooking the woods.

She also has a friend (or two) guarding her property.

We decided to make a trip to Glen Arbor where we stopped in at Cherry Republic (of course) and Leelanau Coffee (to name a few places). I even found a couple of old books at the Cottage Book Shop worth bringing back.

Isn't this a great poem! It was in one of the books I found - I know I will be using it...

Alas, by mid day we were experiencing snow squalls of the lake and decided to head back. But not after a really wonderful anniversary dinner at Coho Cafe (hubby had the Thai-Coconut Bouillabaisse and I'm still hearing about it!)

Anyway, both Master Gryphon and Miss Gwendoline had a swell time (and so did we). Thanks again Anne and Hal - we loved every minute of it!

What Sign Are You?

October's theme for our ATC swap is "groovy" - you know, the Age of Aquarius...as a side note my VERY FIRST record was the soundtrack to Hair (what were my parents thinking - do you remember your first album? but I digress). Anyway, I was spoilt for choice in creating my contribution this month.

This first ATC I made just for myself - I loved the old photo - I tried to find something similar for the other signs but could not. I played around a lot to get it the way I wanted to be and I think it turned out alright - don't you? Now the one I am exchanging with my ATC Peeps is very different.

I laughed so hard when I found this....especially the picture. Here is the original I downloaded...

And some (you know who you are) may be nodding in agreement as you read the descriptors (shame on you LOL). Just so you know - here is the "nice" Libra (especially like the very last line ;->).

Can't wait to see what everyone else came up with!

The Bride Wore...

My 17th wedding anniversary is coming up next weekend. Hubby and I (plus Master Gryphon and Miss Gwendoline) are planning a "romantic" (as romantic as it can get with two kids in tow) weekend away. Meanwhile, this past summer I was cleaning closets and pulled out my Mum's wedding dress.

Growing up I looked at that dress a lot - and said I was going to wear something similar. Now I never was (and never will be) the skinny minny my Mum was (she was beautiful then, and still is as far as I'm concerned) so I would never fit into that dress. Besides, it would never have stood the wear and tear.

So I hired a seamstress (this was a little beyond my basic skills) to make a copy.

And she did! Better yet, my Mum and I were able to share the moment (get out the kleenex) on the big day.

I was very happy to wear something I had always planned on my wedding day - even if it wasn't the original. Now isn't that a nice story! (p.s. Happy Anniversary to you to Sis)
Jewels