Hello friends, I can't believe how quickly the days go by...I didn't realize that I hadn't posted anything since last Friday. Things have been pretty busy around our home. The carpenters are finishing up our siding and new windows. There is still a little painting to do and when that is all completed I will be sure and post pictures. My favorite window is the one above my kitchen sink. It's bigger than the previous one so now I can look out the window without standing on my tiptoes! Can't wait to show you that window.

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Our church is getting ready for their annual bazaar which is always held the first Saturday in June. Those who donate items or help with the set up are able to make purchases prior to the sale. I found this sweet Mother cup and knew that it had to come home with me. I also found a Pampered Chef stoneware baker. There were many other items that I could have purchased but I'm waiting until Saturday.

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Thank you all for your sweet comments about my dear Mom's Bible and my flea market freebies. I love being able to share these things with you!

Show and Tell

Once again I am happy to participate in Kelli's Show and Tell.

This precious Bible belonged to my dear Mom...I know this Bible was very special to my Mom because by looking at it, you can tell that it was well used...this Bible was not for display! Now that my dear Mom has gone home to be with the Lord I really treasure it. I love this Bible because my Mom believed all that was written in these pages and seeing her notes written in it in her own handwriting makes it even more special to me.

New Home Sales Surge in April

New Home Sales Surge in April

Sales of new single-family homes jumped 16.2 percent in April, the largest increase in 14 years, but the median price fell 11.1 percent, marking the largest one-month decline on record, according to the Commerce Department.

Analysts regarded the mixed signals cautiously, saying that troubles in the subprime market could further crimp demand in coming months.

''What you're seeing is the blue-light special,'' says Pat McPherron, an economist with Moody's Economy.com. ''The only way this market is going to move is by price cutting.''

The strength in new-home sales was led by a 27.8 percent increase in the South. Sales were also up in the West by 8.5 percent and in the Northeast by 3.8 percent. In the Midwest, sales fell 4 percent. Meanwhile, April's median new-home price of $229,100 made the record books as the largest-ever month-over-month decline, as well as the biggest year-over-year drop (10.9 percent) since 1970.

Source: The New York Times (05/25/07)

Flea Market Freebies!

First of all, I'd like to thank all of you who stopped by and left such nice comments about the pin my Great Aunt gave me. I really appreciate it that you took the time out of your busy day to come and visit me.

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Last Friday and Saturday my dd helped out at our local Relay for Life event held in our town. They had a flea market both days. I went to help them with clean up and was surprised when they told us that we could have anything we wanted for FREE! Here are the sweet treasures I was able to bring home with me...I'm so surprised some of these items did sell. You wouldn't believe the amount of items that were left.

A sweet homemade apron, a glass vanity tray, jello mold with cherries, a bird house, two small wooden houses, a biscuit cutter, and corn cob stripper, a sugar bowl, a fold up cookie/dessert holder (I honestly don't know what to call it...lol) and a wire urn.

Slugging the Slugs!

graphic by Forrest BrownPokey asked about slug problems in strawberries. I thought the topic should be discussed in greater detail. As many of you know, I garden as organically as possible with dish soap and vinegar being about as toxic as I will use. I also grow most of my vegetables in raised beds or containers. This makes slug control considerably easier. Most slug control involves

Show and Tell

My Great Aunt Sal traveled to many different countries. On one of her visits to the Netherlands, she bought this pin. I was delighted when she gave it to me (I was just a small child). I have always loved it because of the sweet wooden shoes! I wish I knew what it said on the pin...can anyone tell me?

Visit Kelli's blog There Is No Place Like Home for more Show and Tell!

UPDATE: Thank you to Mama Lieveheersbeestje for giving me some information on my pin...I really appreciate it!

Treasure Hunting

Here are a few of the treasures I found several weeks ago: These sweet flower prints were .99 cents each. The body powder container was only $1.49. These items were found at a thrift store. The bottle of Laura Ashley Perfume (found at a yard sale) was only .50 cents! I'm always happy when I find sweet things for a great price!

The Joys of Allen, Texas

Allen Texas is located in Collin County north of Plano off I-75. Allen was one of the first far-north cities heavily developed off 121 in the early 1990s. Today it is an established bustling city that continues to grow, thanks to its location, which allows for easy commutes to Plano, Richardson, Dallas or anywhere off I-75 in DFW.

As part of the Collin County community, Allen offers a myriad facilities and attractions for your family. Allen has an established school district for your kids and is home to a thriving campus of the Collin County Community college. One of the most appealing features of the city, though, is its extensive sports activities and facilities for both youth and adults. You can join groups and clubs and become part of Allen's welcoming neighborhood.

Strawberries

Strawberry BloomsMay 15, 2007My experience with strawberries is they are very hardy. My June bearing strawberries are now in bloom so it won't be long. The majority of them are housed in a 8' x 10' raised bed. The bed originally was planted with strawberry plants I moved from our old house, planted in a temporary bed then moved to the new raised bed the following year. I do not know what

Show and Tell Friday...On Saturday!

Kelli at There Is No Place Like Home hosts this weekly event. Please visit her sweet blog if you've never been there before. Circumstances beyond my control didn't allow me time to post this on Friday.

I love bracelets even though I don't wear them. The first picture shows my collection. The second picture is of a bracelet given to me as a small child from a neighbor. The third picture is of a bracelet given to me by my dear Mom. She worked one day a week at a thrift store and got it there. The fourth picture is of a bracelet given to me by my dear Mom's best friend who is like a mother to me. June had this bracelet for many years and I always loved it. I was so touched when she gave it to me. There are two birthstone (June and August) charms on it for her and her husband...this is special to me since my dear Daughter's birthday is in June and my birthday is in August. The fifth picture shows a bracelet with bees on it...I thought it was sweet...my dear Mom got this at the thrift store she worked at as well. The sixth picture is of another bracelet but I have no idea where it came from. It's really heavy and has some interesting items on it. Click on the picture to enlarge it. I hope you have enjoyed my Show and Tell items!

A Girl With Roses

Remember this little thrift store find for .99 cents? Well, I thought the picture frame was way too dark for this sweet girl so I decided to give it a makeover!

I think the frame looks so much better in antique white. I gave it a crackle finish, but I'm not sure it shows up in the picture.

Attacting Birds to Your Garden

Ruby Throated HummingbirdMay 10, 2007Look at my new garden visitor! Isn't he just adorable? This picture was a real fluke as the feeder is hanging on the back porch so I can see any activity from the kitchen window. Well there he was flitting around so I had to grab the camera and take several shots. I should have taken a video clip as well but I was so excited, I didn't think about it.

I've Been Treasure Hunting

Here is what I found:

I just love this old picture frame...this is going to be used for my chalkboard...now if I can get my dear Husband to cut me a piece of wood to fit it! I also bought a birdhouse and a wonderful old black kitchen scale...I've always wanted one...it truly was my lucky day!

Dreamscape Condos

Luxurious Condominiums:
Located at the Southern tip of Ocean Shores, these units include two or three bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchens featuring maple cabinets, tile floors and granite counters; living rooms with a fireplace and separate dining area with private decks. Perfect for a company retreat or multi-family uses. Watch ships, whales, and fishing boats from the comforts of your own private getaway. Seconds from pristine beaches and beach combing. Prices range from $259,000 to $399,000. Don't wait until they're all sold out! These condos are being offered at these low prices from the builder direct! Isn't it time to "Live Your Dream?"

Spectacular Views:
The lights of Westport
Abundant Wildlife
Whale Watching from your deck
Storm watching from your Greatroom or from your large covered private deck
Ship traffic in the harbor
A variety of birds for the bird watchers

Extras:
Large covered private decks
Elevator Stack washer/dryer
Garages with automatic doors available first come basis ($25,000.00)
Large Storage Units for Condos on ground level w/access from elevator
Wired throughout for Cable TV and High Speed Internet
Central Hot Water System Glass railings on decks
And of course: VIEWS TO DIE FOR

Each Unit Offers:
Tile floors in entry, kitchen & baths
Carpeting in other areas
2 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
Master Bedroom
Master Bath with Jacuzzi jetted tub with granite tub surround
Both baths have granite countertops with undermounted sinks
A Greatroom with electric fireplace and unbelievable views
Dining area with water views
Deluxe Kitchen with stainless steel appliances & granite counters/island
Central constant hot water Stack washer/dryer

Kitchens Include:
Granite counter tops
Granite Island with eating bar
Stainless steel appliances
Garbage disposal
Side by side
Refrigerator with water & ice on door
Microwave Dishwasher Range/stove combo
Generous counterspace and storage cabinets.

For more information including pricing, floor plans, furniture options, etc., call Jeff Daniel at 360.581.9020 or send an email by clicking HERE. Don't wait too long, the owners are talking about raising prices this summer!

Goldfinches

GoldfinchesMay 3, 2007Gardening is more than just growing things. For years I have tried to attract beneficial wildlife especially birds and butterflies. This is always a pleasant time of the year when the goldfinches return. They like niger seed as does the house finches. Their bright yellow colour is sure to bring a smile as they flit around the garden!Yesterday I did a little garden

I've Been Tagged!

Manuela from The Feathered Nest and Kellie from Acorn Cottage tagged me to list 7 random or weird things about me. Here they are:

1. I am an only child raising an only child.
2. I didn't get my driver's license until I had graduated high school, turned 18 and had my first full-time job.
3. I took banjo lessons for 3 years in my late teens.
4. I have a weakness for buttercream icing...forget the cake...give me icing!
5. I am deathly afraid of heights.
6. I do not like dirty shoes. I thoroughly clean all of our shoes before they are put back in our closets...they tend to last longer this way (I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing since I love shoes)!
7. I like to have everything neat and orderly (some would say I'm a neat freak). I admit that at times I may be a little obssessive, but it could be worse right??? My dh always jokes about this and says, "Do you think someone will break into our home and say, Oh my goodness, they didn't push their chairs in at the table!"

I'd like to tag the following friends: Kelli at There Is No Place Like Home , Anita at Cottage Affairs , Lynda at Hedgerow Hollow , Nancy Jo , Andrea at Southern Heart , Allie at My Cozy Home , Mindy at Peaceful Corner

Rhubarb

RhubarbMay 2, 2007It has been a great pleasure to see the newly planted last year rhubarb come up. My husband is so excited and is patiently awaiting the first rhubarb pie. I will can up some as well for use as a sauce in the winter. My pie and canning recipes are on my cooking blog, Mom's Cafe Home Cooking if you are interested. The rhubarb should be ready for first cutting later this

Goodwill Hunting...

With all of the activity of the new windows and siding being installed I decided to take a day to run some errands. While out I stopped at the local Goodwill. Here is what I found:

In picture 1 I found a sweet picture for .99 cents (discounted to .49 cents) and two bunny figurines for .69 cents each. In picture 2 I found the black iron tree stand for $2.49 (also discounted down to $1.25). In picture 3 I found these three sweet bird prints with matted frames for .99 cents each!

Gram's Cookie Cutters

Here is a picture of the cookie cutters I'm planning on hanging in my kitchen. I remember my dear Gram making many delicious raisin filled cookies and yummy doughtnuts with the round cookie cutter. I don't really remember her using the other cookie cutters, but they're special just the same!

Spring!

Spring has finally arrived here in Soutwestern Pennsylvania. The first picture is a field near our home. It is covered in dandelions...I know they are a weed but they're just beautiful with their little yellow faces shining brightly in the green grass! The second picture is the view that we have from our home....I don't think that pictures even really do it justice...we never tire of this view!

Click on the picture to enlarge it so you can get a better look!

Land is the Basis of all Wealth

Purchasing land can be one of the most sound investment real estate strategies available today and is a viable opportunity for both large and small real estate buyers.

Some of possible benefits that can be obtained with Tenants-in-Common (TIC) ownership in undeveloped land include:
* A chance to own land for smaller investment amounts - as low as $22,000
* Strong appreciation potential
* Opportunity for better overall yield
* Ground floor opportunity
* Portfolio diversification
* Simple management
* Pride of ownership in a tangible asset

The Ocean Shores and North Beach areas are blossoming into one of the finest areas in all of the Northwest. Property values have quadrupled in the past 4 years out here on the beach and prices are still going up. Don't wait until properties are unattainable. Buy now!

Jeff Daniel/Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
360.581.9020 (cell)
1.888.469.3100 (toll free)