I have persimmons for YOU.....

Seaside Bay.....

I posted a picture of 'my' stamp set on the 12th ~ SEASIDE BAY.  It is included in the next mini catalog (coming to you in December) and available to order in January.  And, it is part of a collection of products (thank you Stampin' Up!).  I have the stamp set but none of the other products and can't order until December 1 (top of my list for sure).  This picture was taken by my team member, Kathy Winter, who attended OnStage in Pennsylvania and shows the dies, ribbon and a little of the DSP in the collection.  I have found several other pictures online and will share with you soon.  In the meantime, my apologies for no recent posts ~ two events coincided ~ the arrival of my sister, Sarah, recovering from knee replacement surgery on Wednesday last week and a holiday event to raise money for CHKD on Sunday.  The third event will be Thanksgiving and all my family will be arriving soon.  I have a feeling that I will post again on Friday this week.  So, have a wonderful Thanksgiving ~ relax and make a Gratitude List ~ it's a blessing.  Hugs.

My stamp set.........

I thought I would introduce you to my stamp set, SEASIDE BAY.  Creation of the set was part of the ongoing event celebrating ONE MILLION in career sales.  It is on display now in the OnStage Pittsburgh demonstrator event and will be in the Jan/April 2023 mini catalog.

OCTOBERFEST

I am a member of the East Beach Circle of the King's Daughters, an organization committed to raising funds for Children's Hospital.  This coming Saturday we are sponsoring OCTOBERFEST ~ a fun family event at East Beach Pavilion Park.  Tickets are $20 (includes food ticket, drink ticket & entry in a fun Heads or Tails game) or $5 if you bring children 4 and under (includes food ticket & kids glow stick).  You can purchase your tickets online ~ www.kingsdaughters.ord/circle/east-beach/

All proceeds benefit the new Children's Mental Health Hospital.

Birthday Brownies

Today's my birthday and I wanted to share a Brownie recipe that I have been using for years and years.  Actually I should have done it earlier as I served the brownies in August and promised the recipe then ~ then, I forgot.  Marie reminded me last weekend so here it is ~ easy peasy and delicious ~ from James Beard!

Melt:      4 oz. sweetened chocolate

                1 1/2 sticks of butter (12 TBSP) OR 16 TBSP light

                    butter

Stir in:    2 cups sugar

                3 eggs, lightly beaten

                2 teaspoons vanilla

                1 cup walnuts (Alan loves the brownies without)

                1 cup flour, sifted

I make this recipe in a pan on the stove.  After I melt the chocolate and the butter I add everything else to the pan.  Pour into a 9" square pan, buttered and floured.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.  My birthday gift to you ~ enjoy!

            

NBG: Japanese Garden & Water Lilies

Yesterday at the Norfolk Botanical Garden the Water Lilies were huge!  Who knew that they could ever get that big!  

And, who knew that they had to be 'weeded' because they love the pond where they are planted.  That's what was going on yesterday when Alan and I stopped by the MARIGOLD & HONEY CAFE for lunch.

This young man told us all about the lilies ~ he has to weed them monthly from May to September.  He pulls them out by their roots, piles them up (below) and trashes them.  He let me have one from the trash pile!  What an amazing plant!

Some interesting WATER LILY facts ~ they are perennials and can live 15 to 20 years, the flowers display many different colors and last about 4 days.  There are 50 species of lilies that love shallow still water and full sun.  Norfolk Botanical Garden ~ a great place to visit!!!

 

Friday Fun from the Cat/Art Studio

Friday Fun from the Cat/Art Studio

Start August with a Smile............

TO MY WIFE:

She learned to stamp on Monday

Her embossing was quite fine.

She forgot to set out dinner,

So we went out to dine.

She brayered backgrounds Tuesday

She says they are a must.

They really were quite lovely

But she forgot to dust.

On Wednesday it was birthday cards

She says that chalking's fun.

Shading, blending, and watercoloring --

But the laundry wasn't done.

Her card swap was on Thursday

Using green and blue and red;

I guess she really was engrossed,

She never made the bed!

It was shaker cards on Friday

Using techniques she just adores,

But she never seemed to notice

The crumbs on all the floors.

I found a maid on Saturday!

My week is now complete

My wife can stamp the hours away;

The house will still be neat.

Well, it's already Sunday,

And my forehead's feeling damp.

I cursed, I raved, and I ranted --

The MAID has learned to stamp!

 

 

 

 

Stampin' Up!

 This is a post card that I got when I was at Stampin' Up's Headquarters several months ago.  I thought you might want to see what the building looks like.  It is in Riverton, UT ~ just outside of Salt Lake City.  Considering that Shelli and her sister started out in their living rooms thirty some years ago it is quite an accomplishment.

You can see both of these post cards on page 2 in Stampin' Up!'s annual catalog.  Shelli said it best ~ 'Stampin' Up! is a wonderful way to bring creativity and friendship together.'