Her Royal Highness, Duchess of Daphna Creek

This beautiful girl is my companion, our family dog.  Her name is Goldie, but she rarely hears her name as such.  I have a hard time just calling her Goldie; so it's often "Piggy" or "Schlep" or "Chuckie" or even "Libby"...and I'm not sure why.  It just is.  Could be related to why I sometimes call my youngest son, "Bob", which incidentally is not his name. 

(Note:  inconsistent use of names is not recommended for training a dog.  However, as long as green beans are accompanied by any name, training is not needed.)

Really.  How could you resist this mug?

Since I work from home, I don't have a lot of human interaction during the day.  Who needs it, when you've got a loyal golden by your side?  A lot less complicated.  Unfortunately, along with the total package comes the hair.  Oh my word, the hair.  Yes, it is true....golden retrievers shed.  Sometimes, after brushing her, I could make a whole new dog with all the hair that comes off of her! 

A couple months ago, I was presented with a chance to return my loyalty to her.  She was laying in our family room, and I thought she looked strange with one of her legs bent at an odd angle.  I went over to her to make sure she was okay, and quickly realized she was not okay.   She started flopping around uncontrollably, and lost control of her bowels and bladder.  This went on for nearly 10 minutes.  I was crying and feared that she was dying.  Nearly the whole time she was doing this, I didn't leave her side (except to run for the phone to call my husband and the vet).  Goldie kept eye contact with me as best she could, as if to say, "please don't leave me."  It was terrifying. 

I began to make sense out of what had happened, when she slowly came out of the bizarre activity.  I realized that I had just witnessed a seizure.  She quickly rebounded and has been fine ever since.  After doing some research, I have learned that goldens are more prone to having seizures.  I upgraded her food, hoping that will make a difference.  And we keep a more watchful eye on her now.  We don't know if she'll have more seizures, but we'll hope for the best. 

Presenting... Her Royal Highness, Duchess of Daphna Creek

~Loves most dogs and humans (except for men in trucks)~

~Loved by most dogs and humans (except men in trucks)~

~Loves green beans and cheese~

A Few of My Favorite Things

In addition to raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, these are a few of my favorite things...



The color blue, any shade...

"Blue Swirl" by KellismCo

Flowers, any type...

Jewelry, with both blue AND flowers...

"Le Jardin"

I am in love with these petite lucite bell flowers that come in all colors!  But of course, the blue shades are my favorite.  Watch my Etsy shop for these earrings and more in a new line called "Le Jardin."  

Transformed

A friend of mine received a pair of earrings as a gift, a really special gift.  The only problem was that my friend does not have pierced ears!  So she brought these earrings to me and asked if I could make something out of them.  I instantly knew what had to be done!  The transformation appeared in my mind immediately. 

What started out as a pair of earrings, pretty for sure, but of no use...

...became transformed into a necklace of timeless beauty that can be worn for years to come. 

Debbie's Dream

Easter Day Hike

Sorry for the infrequent posts lately, haven't been feeling up to it.  Thankfully, I was feeling pretty good on Easter weekend...even went for an easy hike with my hubby and the boys. 

Here is the annual must take Easter Sunday picture...yes, that's my youngest son on the left!

He is one gigantic 9 year old, huh?

After lunch, we packed some snacks and water bottles and headed for the hills. Not too far away, there's a rustic little camp that has some easy hiking trails. The mission was to find the treehouse.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mission accomplished! 
 
Along the way, I noticed some pretty little wildflowers blooming.  It rained earlier, so they were still dotted with tiny perfect raindrops. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"These are the days you'll remember...
 
You’ll know it’s true
 
That you are blessed and lucky

It’s true that you

Are touched by something

That will grow and bloom in you."
10,000 Maniacs

A Rough Start

Despite a rough start, spring is arriving ever so slowly and haltingly. 

Last weekend, 2 inches of snow covered all the spring daffodils and forsythia blossoms. 
Today it could get up to 86 degrees!  Some of you know which kind of day I prefer! 

This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Raspberry Sorbet

If you are local and going to the "Springo Bingo" tonight at our local elementary school, then you won't want to miss the chance to bid on this Artful Accents piece that will be in the silent auction! 

"Raspberry Sorbet"
valued at $30
silver plated chain with wire wrapped ruby crazy lace agate stones

Hoops!

My youngest son (#33) has been playing on an AAU basketball team this year.  And he loves it!  While there's no denying that being on a sports team takes a lot of time and dedication, it certainly gives back in many ways.

Lessons in discipline...

Putting forth your best effort...

Importance of every person on a team, even if it means warming the bench...

 
Feeling the sting of a loss...

Feeling hope for the chance at a victory...

And mostly, just feeling good to be part of a team effort...

Congratulations to Broadway 10U on a great season!

Thank you to the coaches for all that you do!