Sweet Up-North Mornings...

NOT COMPLAINING....but where do we store all these culinary gadgets?

2012-01-24T19:27:00.000-08:00

Trying to find space to store all the magic tools of the trade has been a challenge...

Endless boxes...brimming with cooking treasures....still to be unpacked.

I'm sure eventually we'll find a home for every important piece...

(so far they have all been important)...

I think we now have 7 or 8 wisks combined...I thought that should be plenty until I saw the Chef's big smile as he spotted a new one calling his name in the last cooking store ...

I have so much to learn!

smiling...Kathy and the Chef.

Remembering and dreaming...

2012-01-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

Dreams DO come true...

Dreaming and planning our way through January...

Hugs,

Kathy and the chef...

The FUN Factor...

2012-01-12T19:07:00.000-08:00

We've been doing a lot of baking lately ...everyone has something they want to try.
a few of my Christmas "Carb-queens..."...

Start them early!!!!....Granson Garrett's school project ...with a little help from his Dad.

A morning without the Chef's scones....well....might as well just go back to bed.

One of the greatest transformations involving old Bananas...black bananas...should I just throw these bananas out, bananas.

NEVER...!

Get out your apron and whip up a "Killer" loaf of Banana Nut Bread.

This loaf went to our friends....was toasted for breakfast ....lots of butter, coffee, laughter.

Yeah, I know......go make one.

Bake it up baby now, bake it up baby!

twist and shout, twist and shout,

come on, come on , come on, come on baby now, come on baby....

come on and BAKE it on out..........la- la- la.

Hugs, Kathy.

Structures....

2012-01-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

We have wonderful friends with great structures...

Thank You Langton's and McPherson's...

we LOVE you...Steven and Kathy.

A FAJITA KIND OF AFTERNOON...

2012-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

The Chef was hungry for Fajita's...I just smiled and went looking for my camera.
Watching him cook is a huge learning experience for me...when he says you should cut the flank steak on an angle...thin, to ensure even cooking....I listen.

perfectly sauteed and resting while the flank steak browns...

crazy amazing huh?....and this is just lunch!

Serve with fresh cilantro, guacamole, and salsa of choice.

"A nice "Cerveza" would go nicely with this" comments the Chef....

then he explains it's a Mexican beer....cause he thought I wouldn't know...I just smiled and pretended I did.

Chef did add a little "Chef Rick Bayless's Frontera Fajita Skillet Sauce."

No complaining from me....Mmmm....

Chef used a fajita wrap for his...I just ate mine naked...less carbs...resolutions and all.

We had the right lighting too... and to think I used to regularly skip lunch...

there will be no more skipping...

Bon-appetit...

Kathy and the Chef...

Here it comes...

2012-01-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

Better fasten your seatbelts.....

Kathy...

Sew Somerset....Love.

2011-12-27T15:36:00.000-08:00

Thank You Somerset....

It is always such a SURPRISE....

coming back from the mailbox....

realizing you've been published....

BIG smiles....

Thank You!

Smiling again....

2011-12-26T19:13:00.000-08:00

Please have a seat as I'd rather not be responsible when you fall over and hit your head on the floor...
Yes....I have been gone for a bit, but you cannot blame me ...for I have been about the business of falling in LOVE.
This past summer the Lord led me to a man I've known since High School.
He is a Pastry Chef....I know!....Diet will become my middle name!
We graduated together but barely knew each other during school.
There is an amazing story as to our meeting but that is for another time.
We have recently "Married"...three weeks ago...and pinch ourselves daily with huge smiles on our faces.
Neither of us saw this coming...but certainly rejoice as to the plans of the Lord...for He is amazing in His love for us and for the restoration of our hearts.

I am planning on featuring Steven's culinary skills on the blog often ...I'm so overcome with his talents so I figured you probably will be too.

Hugs to all of you who have stopped by during my "absence"...and for leaving your loving comments. It's nice to be missed.....and it goes without saying "YOU" were missed also.

I leave this post with a Tribute to my late Husband David.......many of you walked and prayed us through almost a year as we prepared for the Lord to take David home. Because of the extraordinary love and marriage we had....my heart has been prepared to willingly want that kind of love again. I never thought I could love again...ever. The Lord had other plans.

I am so Thankful....such a God we serve. Glad to be back....xo- Kathy Graul.

Transforming days.....

2011-09-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

Negligent Blogger...yes I am, I'll accept the title....
No apologies...just the way it is right now.
We all go through times of CHANGE, a metamorphosis so to speak.
Might say I'm smack dab in the middle of one....a growing experience for sure lightly salted with Joy and some frustration....
I'll be claiming the "Negligent Blogger" for a while longer.
When I do return I pray my new wings I will be worthy of...
Think of you all often and pray Gods richest blessings on all your precious lives... CHANGE....pretty much a given in life.....
xoxo~Kathy.

Pretty in PINK...

2011-08-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grace...hope you had fun!

Hugs...Cause I sure did!

xoxo~Mrs. Crawford.

Princess Locks...

2011-08-25T03:09:00.000-07:00

It IS GOOD to be QUEEN...

2011-08-25T02:42:00.000-07:00

A Young Ladies Birthday Tea...

2011-08-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

I seriously did take over 100 photos...May not show each single one but here are a few more...
As Grace opened her gifts...she just kept adding them to herself...Loved that.

Makes you want to go back to 9 yrs. old again...(for a bit!).

Some things are just too cute for words...

Later, Kathy.

A PINK celebration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

My little friend Grace celebrated her 9th birthday resently...
Guess where.....
In my PINK dining room!!!!
A PINK birthday party in the PINK dining room...what could be PINKER????

Some serious cuteness here...

Pink CROWNS.. and a magical stone necklace that allowed you entrance into the
"Magical Tea Party room"!!!!!

and these little princesses were delightful...

and so much fun!!!!

AND....I have approx. 100 more photos!!!!!!

LOL....sharing soon!

Love...Kathy.

A PINK what!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

HELLO!!!!!!!!
Yes I'm alive and well...
Been very busy these days...but true to my style I just couldn't let this go without stopping the car and opening the trunk to grab my camera....
What's your guess...Painted this color on PURPOSE????

or Paint left over from the last paint job!!!!!
WHOA Baby! you know I'm all about the pink but....
Wellllll.......Just had to share this one!

Definitely stands out in a crowd...or a lake...
How's August going for you?
xoxo~Kathy

Rude Guests...

2011-07-19T09:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry to have been MIA the last few days...BUT
I've had the rudest guests to content with...You know the ones...
They show up without an invitation...and give NO indication when they plan to leave.
They suck the life out of you and drive you to taking drugs just to be rid of them.
I'm NOT sending them to your house cause I wouldn't wish them on anyone...
Slam the door in their face if they ring your doorbell...it's your only recourse.

Your thinking...wow , this is a side of her I've NOT seen before...
Well...If Walking Pneumonia...and Sinusitis come calling...
Yeah...now you get my drift...
and coughing,
runny eyes,
fever...

more hacking...

Rude,
They're just rude.

Impressions...

2011-07-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ever think about what kind of impression your leaving?...
After words are spoken....do you wonder how they were recieved?...

Actions can be misread or misunderstood...

I'm overly sensitive to what I leave behind now...especially with my grandchildren...

I am amazed how much they talk about their "papa"...

they manuver through that with much greater ease then I do...

No matter what the circumstances in our lives...

wherever we go...whoever we see or talk with ...

We leave a set of impressions...

I pray mine are acceptable....

Have a wonderful weekend...

~Kathy.

That PERFECT green...

2011-07-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

I sometimes call it that..."Martha Stewart Green"...the color of the old "Fire king" dishes and mugs.

I love that green and it's becoming harder to find these days....

I found this little compote in a Petoskey resale shop... Looks like I'm not the only one who likes it...

Seriously?????

everyone wants to get in on the act...

Not the same green but the theme....BEACH....a keeper!

Bunny and Sue at the beach...we're on the second chapter, the Grands and I.

Ahhh! the days when little boys wore "Maryjanes!"...can you imagine.

xoxo~Kathy.

Those BEACHY Blues...

2011-07-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

My eye is always drawn to the dreamy blues ....

the ones that remind you of water and beach days.
They make the room feel cooler...fresher...calm.

tranquil...

happy and even a little patriotic....maybe.

Got blue?

~Kathy.

Notice anything NEW?...

2011-07-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Notice the NEW kid on the block?

Yeah...

A lamp that holds dishes....a no brainer!

$14.00 ?...look again...

still $14.00...seriously?

What's wrong with it? N-O-T-H-I-N-G...!!!

Are there more?

I'm sorry ...that 's the last one.

I'll take it.

Happy...Light up my life Monday!!!

~Kathy

Some days it's all about the DRESS...

2011-07-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

Cracker...."wouldn't this material make a pretty dress?"..

That's all it took for me....

my girl wanted a new dress.

We were ooh-ing and ahh-ing over all the lovely fabrics at our local quilt shop when this one struck her fancy.

When your six...you have definate opinions about what's cool and what's NOT.

This fabric...VERY COOL...

Remember when you were six?

A sewing Saturday...

a privilage.

xoxo~Kathy.

Create like a child...

2011-07-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

Children have no problem creating...

they jump right in...

and just do it...not caring what anyone thinks...
little hands with big ideas...

So ...why can't I draw on my NEWLY painted pink walls...

With Magic Markers...

now that takes some creative license...

and a little nudging from creative little people.

The wall coming out of the "PINK DINING ROOM"...

now THAT was fun!

Go ahead....

you know you want to.

Wall by Kathy!!!!!!

The Balloon has landed...

2011-07-06T07:11:00.000-07:00

My daughter Rebecca took these hot -air balloon shots in Traverse City a couple weeks back at the "Open Space"...

beautiful...are they not?

After a whirlwind 4th of July weekend ...I'm feeling like these balloons...coming down to earth again.

back to routine...

cleaning...

responsibility...

WAIT A MINUTE!!!!

I don't have a routine...well, a NEW routine maybe...a "do whatever suites my fancy routine".

So, maybe coming back to reality isn't so bad after all...

Special thanks to some OLD and NEW friends this past weekend...

Mark and becky and Grands...

the Glen Arbor boating friends!!!

Shug & Steve

Donna & Nick...and Sue

Grammy Freshing

Geoff and Sandy and family and the "relaxation station!" woo-hoo!

Madonna

Ernesto...Green Brier Golf course.

Terry

Martha.

I could replay last weekend anytime!!!!

Have a great week everyone,

xoxo~Kathy.

STONE COLD PINK-NESS...

2011-07-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

Had to put the brakes on and pull the camera out for these shutters in Pentwater ...
My friend Linda ...no stranger to this blog...gave me this GORGEOUS purse for my birthday.

She knows my passion for the PINK...and she made every inch of this herself!!!!!!

gearing up for a little friends birthday party in August....in the PINK Dining room...

My favorite flowers...which I purchase every two weeks ...because they last that long...and she always has pinks on hand.

Just sharin the LOVE...

~Kathy.

Creating again...feels good.

2011-06-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Playing with one of my favorite mediums...Sterling Silver

and getting a little work done.

Feels good to accomplish things...

Happy creating,

~Kathy.

The Dove Says...

2011-06-28T05:56:00.000-07:00

The dove says, "Coo,coo, what shall I do"

I can scarce maintain two."

"Pooh! pooh! says the wren; "I've got ten,

And I keep them all like gentle-men."

Mother Goose...

Have a great one my fair feathered friends,

~Kathy...

Shabby French...

2011-06-27T01:13:00.000-07:00

Just found an exquisite store in Suttons Bay with "all things french"...sorry the name escapes me but I was imediately captivated upon entering...

by the petite baskets...(also in larger sizes).
Thought it's structure would compliment the laundrey basket table already in the living room...

Um-hum.....Nice marriage....

Good spot to place the coverless books....

A good start to a new week!

Happy Monday!

~Kathy.

Very French chic!...

2011-06-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

$3.00 at the G-Will...

I pulled the satin shade off thinking I'd find a steel frame...Whoa!

Already WHITE....You can imagine my surprised pleasure.
love the scalloped edge....

Perfect!

I AM LOVIN THIS!!!!!

Wouldn't a 15 watt PINK BULB really make a difference!!!!

Must keep my eyes pealed for different bulbs.

I'm calling this:..."Fleurs behind the Chair"...delicious!

Notice the chair to the far left in the photo above...I took this next shot through the chair back.

Have a great Sunday finding beauty in your surroundings,

~Kathy.

ps...I found another shade frame that has the steel showing...working on a little twist for that one...always fun to be surprised.

Does it say "Welcome"?...

2011-06-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

Here's the door color...wish I could tell you the name...had it mixed at H. Depot.

It is a porch paint...which I love and use on most things outdoors too.

There are FOUR doors in this entryway...I'm intertaining painting each one a different color...

I know...pretty gutsy.

I'm going for "Happy".

If your in the neighborhood....I'm the one with the Beachy Green door!

Stop in!

~Kathy.

Have you seen ?...

2011-06-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Peeks inside...

I know....

It's PURE SUMMER...

Thanks Matthew....

definately COOL...

Yesterdays project...amongst others...

Giving this new door some color.

You know how I lean... so figuring out which color shouldn't be too hard.

NOT PINK though.

See you tomorrow,

~Kathy.

COLORS OF MY LIFE...

2011-06-22T22:08:00.000-07:00

We all have colors that our spirits come along side of...

These are mine...any shade of white, pastel pink, beachy greens /blues.

even throwing in some black accent pieces now and then just for depth...

This cabinet has been with me for years...and painted more colors then I care to remember!

Remember "Something"s Gotta Give?"...

Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton...( who looks like that at her age!!!)

She collects the white shells...he the black.

The star origionally was dark red...

not any more...

Whatever your colors...

wave/display them proudly!

Lifes too short to live with colors your don't LOVE.

Color me OUT! ~Kathy~

Sweetness...

2011-06-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

Have a great SUMMER Day...

~Kathy.

Need a laugh ?....

2011-06-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Then you must spend the day with these four friends of mine...
These are my "Older then DIRT friends"...You know... the ones you've known forever and have got enough dirt on you to write a "Worst seller" about you.
We try and get together often and plan special trips...we call ourselves the "Sabines" and that's a WHOLE nother story...for another day.
Last Saturday we left early on a road trip to where-ever the road took us!!!!...only real destination was Interlochen for the Arts in the evening to see a live performance of the "Prairie Home Companion" with Garrison Keillor.
This was our first stop...Cherry Street Mkt. in Kalkaska Mich.
We did some major damage there....
the owner gave me the okay to shoot the place and I did just that...

The colors , displays, and variety are over the top...

Hard not to want a little of everything...

Michigans got the market on hydroponically grown "Golf Balls"...

Yeah ...we got it goin on in Michigan!!!!

They're even FRESH!

A great LAUGHING day...

More to come!

xoxo~Kathy.

CHANGE....a given.

2011-06-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Change...it's inevitable...learning to go with it can take some determination.
My entire life has changed this past 7 months with the absence of my Love...
I observe everything differently...
I've taken on a new identity while trying to make peace with the old.
Changing my profile photo only seems natural at this point...My former photo was from another time, a special time...things are changing now and so am I.
So when I pop up on your blog with my Camera in front of my face and the word "Smile" written across it...trust that is exactly what I'm trying to do. S-M-I-L-E
Change is everywhere...

There is a time and a season for everything...

a time to laugh ...a time to cry...

a time to live...a time to die...

Life is GOOD...

~Kathy.

Two Pots...and a Digit.

2011-06-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

There's always a project waiting in the wings...
grab the paintbrush and paint...

now that's better!

front porch "Splendour"...

painted a pot and added a little french twist...

the very popular digits.....everywhere in blogland.

add a little sand and citronella sticks...BAM....bye ,bye mosquitoes!

off to trim a few burning bushes the rabbits destroyed over winter...

Happy Wednesday,

~Kathy.

INTOXICATING...

2011-06-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Today as I drove through the countryside the lilacs were intoxicating....

A must have at the bedside...

The Monarchs are a little intoxicated too...

We've waited all winter for this...

A new candle lantern to hang under the Lilacs...

the Splendour of SUMMER SMELLS...

go ahead...walk out your door and BREATH...

~Kathy.

Nice to be thought of...

2011-06-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

A vintage Magazine Rack....

A gift from a sweet neighbor...

I did a little painting...

added a #...

Can always find room for something this cute...and useful!

I have the best neighbors...

EVER...

~Kathy.

Random Summer Splendour...

2011-06-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Random

ness...

~Kathy~

Summer Sundays...

2011-06-05T04:54:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the BACKPORCH...

The Best of SUMMER SUNDAYS...

~Kathy~.

BEEN HAVING TROUBLE LEAVING COMMENTS ON SOME OF YOUR BLOGS.

BLOGGER SAYS THEY ARE WORKING ON THIS...

XOXO.

Splendours of Summer...

2011-06-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

Just having the time to freshen things up a bit qualifies as a Summer Splendour in my book!...
Here's some of my Freshening via the paint brush lately....
Painted the body of my fireplace...pale pink of course.

and this charming little table found at a G-Sale...

That fun "Blackboard" paint on a kitchen cupboard...

Why hadn't I thought of this before?...

and painted the underside of the kitchen counter...It was butter yellow,

NOT NO MORE....

Have a few more painting projects planned today...

of course I'll show them to you!

Have fun getting your "Splendour" on,

xoxo~Kathy.

SPLENDOUR'S OF SUMMERTIME...

2011-05-31T08:32:00.000-07:00

Is it possible for a COMPUTER to be BORN AGAIN?...
I have been messing with this old girl...deleating, cleaning...adding new systems to try and save her. Finally I just shut her down and left her alone a bit.
The last two days she's running like she trying out for the "Fairest Computer in the Land contest!).
Wow! Wish I could tell you all I did to her , I figured she was on her way out so I just started trying everthing I could think of ...figuring, "what the heck!"..."what have I got to lose?"
Like my Dad used to say...."She's purring like a tom cat in a Creamery"...
Just like new!
Now lets just hope she stays that way...
SOOOOOOOO.....
I've decided to just do a series on the Splendour's of Summertime....RIGHT THROUGH TIL FALL....
(here in Cadillac...that could be next week!!!)
However long...
I've been enjoying capturing the things that make my heart sing in Summer...
so for the next few months ...I'll be sharing "splendour" to the best of my ability... The carrier's from Ikea...Thanks Rhonda!...and the glass bottle, G-Sale.

Throwing together a pot of mixed HERBS for the front porch is a favorite.

When I saw the color of the Adirondak rocker...love at first sight....and of course the matching flowers, a given!

Can you imagine a world without color?

Me neither....

Thank You all for weighing in on your Computer preferences...I found it all very helpful.

Now I need to bring all these flowers in....we're expecting some damaging hail shortly...such a crazy weather pattern.

Enjoy some splendour...

Kathy.

Things to see, experience and REMEMBER...

2011-05-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Which fun things did YOU PICK ?????
Happy MEMORIAL DAY...
remembering...
~Kathy~

COLORS OF OUR LIVES...

2011-05-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

My computer has NOT been putting it's best foot forward lately...
My computer GUY says ..."Time for a NEW one"...
Takes me FOREVER to manuver to your blog and comment...
Very frustrating...
PLEASE bear with my TARDINESS...
While I'm deciding on the NEXT computer purchase...
If you have a favorite to suggest....I'm ALL EARS.

This post took forever to complete...definately NOT MY SPEED!

I'll leave you with some pretty scarves...are you a scarf girl?
Great for kicking up an outfit to the next level...
Enjoy the day as I pump up my COMPUTER to the next level...soon I hope!...this one has definately given up the ghost. (and I've been so nice to her these past few years...Oh well.)
another day in the life....
~Kathy~

Anne?...is that you????

2011-05-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

This is how it went down.....
Sitting in the CHICAGO Sheds Aquarium on a class trip with my Grandaughter Noelle...
I look up and see this white hair on this gal and think...
the only person besides myself with this hair is Anne Burrell from HGTV's "Chopped".
Looking harder...starting to follow in a causual but NOT STALKING manner...Ha!
I saunter up to her and say..."Anne, Is that you?"
Anne says..."Oh!,(slightly startled)... You have my hair!"
I say..."No!...You have MY HAIR"...we laugh and she graciously lets my daughter take our picture.
Now how exciting was that!!!!!
especially for all you foodies out there!
She was delightful and fun ....
Thanks Anne for being such a good sport.
Just another day in the life~
~Kathy~
hoping some her devine cooking skills rub off on me....

The Tattered Book Project...the one you've been wanting to do.

2011-05-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

Vintage books...minus their jackets!

seam binding...prefered crinkled and tattered.

Stack em,

Wrap em,

You could go a little crazy with this project...

sky's the limit!

Embellishing could be the best part...

old keys,

dried roses....

get crackin!

Get your craft on...

~Kathy~

Lovin on the MUM Day...

2011-05-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

We LOVE you to the MOON and BACK!!!!!!!

Now....go call your Mum.

~Kathy~

How many little people fit into a MUSTANG?

2011-05-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

8 little people...
and 1 GramCracker...
Happy Sunday my peeps!
~~~Kathy~~~
there's actually 5 in the back and 3 in the front!
No-officer....I didn't know they all needed a seat belt of their own.....ugh.
You'll all visit me in the slammer won't you!
h~e~l~p !

Picnik...

2011-04-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Somedays are for tweeking...adjusting...
stretching your skills...

Enhancing...

experimenting...

trying new techniques...

taking some photo's

snaps

picks

making...

M E M O R I E S...

Picnik.com~ go have some fun!

~Kathy~

Starting a new running total of "HOLES GOLFED" on my sidebar for this year...
Don't know how many Golfers are out there in blogland but my Love was a huge golfer and just being out there ......well, it just works for me this year.
What's working for you this summer?

HOME FOR EASTER....

2011-04-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

There may be snow!!!!! outside, (seriously!!!!)
but Spring has sprung on the inside, just in time for Easter.
Looking forward to making Happy Easter memories with the family this weekend...
How about you?
We're trying new recipes...
coloring and hiding eggs...
and just looking forward to all the excitment Easter seems to bring to our home.

In case you blinked the first time!!!!!!...

here it is again!

May the Blessings of EASTER surround you and yours this season...

Easter always makes me thankful that HE has RISEN...and that HE is INCHARGE...NOT me.

Hugs, Kathy...

Meet my NEW Bestfriends...

2011-04-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to the guys at "Sweet Thunder"... Ridiculously talented and eager to transform any wimpy sounding car into the bad boy it was intended to be!!!!! Hit their web site and learn all about them....you can even HEAR some of their work on the site! (the best part!) Resently flew to Virginia Beach to drive back this mustang...an amazing story in itself which I'll save for a later date. This is what you do when the" Love of your life" checks into "Hotel Heaven"before you do... Let's just call this my "Therapy"... I'm a car girl...no surprise, (more of a truck girl really) but when I laid my eyes on this baby I new Dave was nudging me to it. Same "Grabber Blue" color Ford used in the 70's and stopped until 2010. Now their back again! This is the color of Daves first car he picked me up in on our first date...back in the dark ages...It was a no-brainer for me....I bought her. On the drive home from Virginia I told my son the next step was to put a dual exhaust in this baby cause......well, no use explaining it...you either get it or you don't. I needed to feel the car. AND HEAR IT! Meet my new PIPES!

Yeah! That's what I'm talkin bout!

Pipes!!!!!!! Custom built to fit the Mustang....What an exhaust system!

They did the most amazing job....and you should see this SHOP!

Hands down the most immaculate place I've ever been in.

I brought the Stang in on Wednesday and 48 hours later I'm riding down the road with the sweetest sounding thunder under my hood!

Not only are they top notch good ...but fast.

2011-04-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

The car came with a singel exhaust...and very little NOISE.... so NOT cool. The boys changed up the back to handle their custom dual exhaust.

All we need is a little nice weather!...

You'll definately HEAR me coming!!!!!

Va-R O O M........

Thanks "Sweet Thunder"....you guys got it goin on!

xoxo~Kathy.

FABULOUS...

2011-02-28T10:07:00.000-08:00

Looking for a quick read to heighten your expectations for the "Eternal"?
Let me know what you think of this one...
I treasured every word.
Thank You to the Burpo family for materializing these wonderful insights and sharing.

Didn't want this one to come to an end!
Come Lord Jesus!
Hugs, Kathy....
A MUST READ!

Reading, obsorbing, recieving, adding, missing...

2011-02-14T05:33:00.000-08:00

Valentines day...! Sending LOVE to my family and friends....AND to those who celebrate their Anniversaries on this sweetest of days!

Happy Valentines...

xoxo~Kathy.

TIME OUT...

2011-01-30T13:47:00.000-08:00

A photo of my Love and I a few months before we were married...over 40 years ago.
Thought I would share it with you as It still amazes me how young we were then and yet It feels as though it was just yesterday.
Many of you have asked how I'm doing since Dave's death almost three months ago now.
I really have nothing to compare it too to give you an honest answer...I've never lost someone I've loved so much.
There are days I think I'm doing well and then there are days when sadness becomes my closest friend.
Missing him is suffocating at times, we were so close...probably too close.
There is no place I can go...or anything I can do that doesn't remind me of him...we were too close.
My M/O is to keep busy when my heart is breaking and I've been doing that, maybe to a fault.
I think I need some time to just take some time out and climb up on the Lords lap and grieve.

I keep coming across things like this card that came with flowers years ago and find myself constantly fighting to not be sad and cry....
I've decided to give into it all and hopefully speed up the grieving process...(so typical of me).
Saddness is basically foreign to my personality...I'm always up...happy...smiling, that's just me.
I don't care for this new "Best Friend"...Sadness.
So...I'm going to take some time and see if I can't just dump it, with some help from the Lord.
I knew this retreating thing would happen...we all have our ways of dealing with grief,
this is mine.

Taking some time out to always be thinking of him now...and working things out.
Blessing to you all...be back soon,
xoxo~Kathy

Friendship...Food...Fabulous!

2011-01-29T12:52:00.000-08:00

Friends are angels in disquise sometimes...don't you think?

Tilapia in orange with Herbs de Provence,

Green Beans and fried potatoes with garlic and H.de Provence also...

with a little Mango Peach Salsa...

AND...Memosa's compliments of my friend...
Heavenly.... like summertime.

I know it's not Christmas but!....this is part of the cookie spread that my Memosa friend Shug was responsible for! Yeowzer!!!!!

A little encouragement from a special friend...

Girlfriends are Angels...

Hope your weekend is Rockin.

xoxo~Kathy

The End....yes, finally!

2011-01-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

Well...Here we go...The end...the Grand ending...the buck stops here...just ain't no more after this... the last of the Dining Room redo.

Think even my camera is tired...hope you enjoyed and maybe even a little inspired if your a pastel, pinky, dreamy kind of girl...
still need to make two more covers...maybe the next two out of a different textured fabric, we'll see.

2011-01-27T19:36:00.000-08:00

2011-01-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

Chandy love...probably the most photographed chandy ever!

going a little crazy....

2011-01-27T19:04:00.000-08:00

Well...Hope you weathered that okay.

Thanks for staying with me through the plethera of dining love.

xoxo~Kathy

FOR THE LOVE OF DINING...

2011-01-26T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hello....Been gone for a couple days painting and papering at my sons house...

still in the dining room mode of sharing photos...here are a few more.
You'll be drooling over this little "Seaside Nest"...

Vicki Boster a fellow blogger sends her creations all over the world to those feeling they "Must Have" a little nest of their own to live in their home.

Perfect in the new Dining area...click on... Vicki @ http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com you'll be amazed at her knitting skills ...besides that , she's the sweetest person .

My grands are intrigued with all the little treasures Vicki incorporates into her work...

Perfect on a little cake stand...

so much talent out there in blogland...

2011-01-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

Be sure to visit my friend Vicki and her wonderful blog..

a little frame decor...with the organdy rose project.

The antique teapot and the Ikea cups go well in here.

textures...

should be able to wrap this up tomorrow...

do I hear applauding? ha!

Been busy redoing my sons basement the last couple days, talk about a transformation.

Will share just a couple shots soon, as we're not quite done yet.

til tomorrow, Kathy.

Dining Details...

2011-01-22T20:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your wonderful comments about the dining room...

Wish we all lived close enough to get together for a little girlfriend time in there...

would be fun.

Silverware...another obsession.

oops!...that would be monogramed...Well actually I am the mom...so maybe it works!

2011-01-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

Details are always the most fun...

I pick up books at the thrift shops just for the colors of the jackets...mostly white.

I know some of you do too...

Quite a few more to go... Have a glorious Sunday.

Hugs, Kathy

Yes...even more!

2011-01-19T19:46:00.000-08:00

More Chandy shots...

Still in the process if making two more chair back covers...

The hallways are in the process of being painted too...notice the drop cloth on the floor...

By now your probably hoping I'm winding down on the shots...

Sorry...

Have a few/many...details to share...

Til tomorrow...Kathy.

MORE.....

2011-01-19T19:28:00.000-08:00

We removed the closet bi-fold doors along with the track...

turned the closet space into a serving area.

The rolling cabinet was in the kitchen...now it serves as a storage cabinet for silverware, glasses and such.

The mirror was a previous find...repurposed the frame to match the room.

David had made the pine cupboard years ago when we were inspired by one we saw in a General Store in Petoskey Michigan. It's the only piece of furniture in the room that is natural.
The nitch above the opening is the perfect place for displaying my white pitchers...

Sigh.................................................................................................

Think I could leave a feather tree up all year long?????....

Spent quite some time painting and sanding frames and mirrors...

Still more to come....

Kathy.

DINING CHRONICALS CONTINUE...

2011-01-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

A great room for a girlfriends tea, luncheon or Birthday party....

The Grandaughtrs are all about the Pink Room !

The two big mirrors on either sides of the dining Room were a real find....they were $300.00 a piece marked down to $60.00 and the $27.00!!!!!!!!

I'll take two please!!!!!!!!!!

The frames were gold .... fixable!!!!

three coats of "Creamy White"

They give the room depth.

Anyway you slice it....I'm in love with this Chandy...

The Ceiling Medallion came from Home Depot...they have a pretty good selection.

I made the Chain Scrunchy from an all cotton and used my serger to make a quick work of it.

Used extra length to give a real full scrunch look.

Just cut the width big enough to fit over the chain easily.

More to come....

Hugs, Kathy.

CHRONICALS OF THE PINK DINING ROOM...

2011-01-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

Have been waiting for a sunny day to shoot the "Dining Room"....

since that may never happen anytime soon, (northern Michigan...) I've tried my best to shoot it up!

Have Mucho photos soooooo...as long as you can stand it I'll be sharing shots over the next few days, hopefully not weeks!
This room was previously a guest bedroom...time for a change.

Katrina my painter used a Sherwin Williams Satin finish called, "Southern Beauty" on all the walls, (10 ft. ceilings).

It is a soft pink....Yes, a PINK dining room.

Katrina said she's never painted a dining room pink before....well , I'd say it's about time she stuck that feather in her cap!

When I flipped the switch on the Chandy and the room lit up she smiled!....me too.

Would have been wonderful in all WHITE too...

The windows are perfect for a dining room...this room gets the afternoon sun, when it shines. So far the room is happy even through the gray days of winter.

Best thing about a new space...there are endless arrangment options...

Tweeking can become an artform...fun.

More to come...

Happy Afternoon,

Kathy.

Tattoos and timing...

2011-01-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

My tried and true recipe for sunshine and peeks of spring...

Wee ones with tattoos...

and a girlfriend with perfect timing...
Thought you could use these now...she said.

2011-01-17T16:12:00.000-08:00

Perfect timing....

Love Kathy...

Chandy, Chandy....finally the Chandy!!!

2011-01-10T20:13:00.000-08:00

I have spent hours putting these crystals on this Chandy....
(and I thought it would come assembled!)...silly me.
Thank You Doug for hanging it!!!!
Will shoot the room tomorrow...time for bed!
Sweet crystal dreams,
Kathy.

Q-TIP...of the day.

2011-01-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

If you've not thought of this already ....kind of fun in creating a totally different atmosphere...
Here's my Q-Tip of the day...
Take a night light which always comes with either clear or white bulbs....and change the bulb to pink...

Gives the room a yummy pinkish glow....

and that's my Q-Tip for the day!

Have a good one,

Kathy.

Frencherizing...

2011-01-07T15:57:00.000-08:00

Just fun to play around and create a little ....

Looks a little French...don't you think?

Weekends here...do you have some fun planned?

xoxo~Kathy

Patisseria Amie...two thumbs up!

2011-01-05T16:12:00.000-08:00

MOM...You've got to try this place....(I always listen to my daughter!)...

Becky and I decided to do it up right and have lunch at Patisseria Amie...

in Traverse city...Oh my! a delightful FRENCH surprise ...

Becky's hot Chocolate!...

A delicious apple crepe with REAL whipped cream...MMmmmmm.

A gorgeous omelette with NO...{not white chocolate shavings}, although that was my first guess!...Gruyere Cheese....just as good.

NO photos of the Beignets....we ate them before we remembered to shoot.

Do we feel QUILTY ?

Not one lip-smackin bit!

All photos per Becky's phone!... need to remember my camera wherever I roam .

Will be coming back soon...for the menu and to brush up on our French for Paris !

Have fun and eat well ...
Burp....oops.
Kathy.

Fondly...

2010-12-30T22:26:00.000-08:00

Guess who's coming to dinner?...

2010-12-28T20:05:00.000-08:00

Some things are worth waiting for...like.
the perfect color of Pink paint...
the perfect CRYSTAL CHANDY...
your favorite painter...
the perfect time to pull off a transformation...
the time was definately right... changing a "Guest Room" into a "Dining Room" has been on the agenda for quite sometime...
Like most projects...there always seems to be some WAITING involved.
The center of attention has been on backorder for the last 6 weeks...the CHANDY!
Due to arrive around the 9th of January...
I'm thrilled with the results so far...the Chandy should be the icing on the cake.
Til then I'll keep tweeking the room and exercising my photo finger!

Happy New Year....
Kathy.

Joyeux Noel...

2010-12-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

May you experience the joy...of the one who's birthday we celebrate...

Merry Christmas to all...and to all a Good Night.

Kathy...

I DO feel better NOAH...

2010-12-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas EVERYONE...are you tieing up all the loose ends? This morning in Church I recieved this sweet star from a friend...
she and her son Noah had made it complete with sparkles...

Sometimes LOVE...takes you by surprise...from the youngest of hearts...

A treasure...

to keep forever...

Thank You Noah...today you were my "Jesus with skin on".

this was JUST want I NEEDED.

xoxo~Kathy.

Some Days are the color of SORBET...

2010-12-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

I believe Sorbet is FRENCH for Sherbet...maybe not...not sure.

either way...

Sorbet is definately colorful don't you think?

We do eat with our eyes....

My sweet friend Rhonda gifted me these colorful ornaments with..."Are these sparkely enough?"...my girl knows I LOVE the sparkely!...

Isn't he the cutest?...and the tree!!!

Love her colors and sparkle...

Sometimes things are just NOT as HAPPY in black and white...

Hope your day was as colorful as mine...

Thanks Lynn, Rhonda, Barb and Katrina...a fun Christmassy Day!

Girlfriends ARE a good thing...

xoxo~Kathy.

Finishing the Christmas Projects...

2010-12-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

Found these tin..."thingies" at a resale shop.

instantly knew what I'd do with them.....
No surprise here...painted them white

and attached these crystal knobs I've been sitting on waiting for just the right thing to put them on.....(well...not sitting on LITERALLY!)...

Sanded them up a bit...."Shabbyfied"

First thing you see when you walk in the front door...

Not a bad outcome...worth the effort..

2010-12-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Projects...

Kathy.

Baby, It's cold outside!!!!

2010-12-12T07:39:00.000-08:00

Good Winter ,White, Morning!....

You know it's a little crazy out when even Church is cancelled...

It's a STAY IN...and get those Christmas projects done kinda day...

Think I'll work on the rest of these shabby hangers .

Saw these on a blog...sorry can't remember where... they are so easy.

Just rip strips of your fav. fabric...fray the edges and wrap around the hanger.

Use doubled edged tape to secure or sew the different fabrics together before hand.

Try and end up around the neck to tie a "Shabby bow".

So Easy and cute.

I'm in the process of painting my walk-in closet in the bedroom PINK ...wouldn't an entire closet of these hangers be ....I better get crackin!

Merry Christmas...Kathy.

Romantic Shabby Necklace...

2010-12-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Finally carved out enough time to create this soft...

romantic...

organdy necklace...
First saw these at Moniques...then viewed the tutorial ...@

http://www.lamarieeauxpiedsnus.com/ Click here.

I was inspired...you will be too!

The perfect gift for my daughters and sweet friends...

This is my first one...

I've purchased enough organdy in various colors to make MANY...

Such a rewarding project...hope your inspired .

Love bloggers!

Hugs, Kathy...

Nothing says CHRISTMAS...Likes ART'S TAVERN!...

2010-12-09T02:15:00.000-08:00

My Daughter and I went on a little photo shoot through Glen Arbor the other night....
Yes this is a lovely Gate all decked out for the Season ....
But our real purpose ....was to...capture....

ART'S TAVERN....in ALL of it's Christmas KITCHY Glory...

WOW!...

Complete with the Traditional Christmas PEACE SIGN?....

The folks at Art's really get into it!...

for an EXTRA treat....go inside and have a bite !...even more amazing!

Like my daughter says...

"Nothing say's Christmas Like Art's"!!!

Go ahead ...string those lights....more is IN...!

God Yule....Kathy!.

Capturing Christmas and a little FRENCH...

2010-12-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

Have been enjoying getting to know my new Camera...Canon Powershot SX20 IS. It was a gift.
So far...I think we'll get along just fine.
Christmas ...My father used this photo to paint the origional...eons ago.
You may remember it hanging in my guest room.
I have always loved it...after my father passed my mom gave it to me.
Some things just speak to you...

My sisters and I lived on a canal when we were kids and spent many winter evenings ice skating with the neighbors...wonderful memories.

Christmas whiteness...

I've decided to attempt a Little French....just because I can...and finding it fascinating.

I took a year of it in High School...I wish I would have paid more attention.

I wonder how far Ooh-la-la will get me?

Have a sweet one,

xoxo~Kathy.

EASY is Good....

2010-12-02T19:26:00.000-08:00

This time of year we welcome EASY ...

Christmas projects.

A board painted white...

Background...scrapbooking paper of your choice...

Some stick on Merry Christmas Lettering...

A little glue and sparkle for snow...

EASY.
My friend Linda Willy made these ADORABLE pink wool mittens last year...

complete with hearts...

maybe NOT so EASY...

but worth it...

Snowflakes on the CHIPPY window in the living room...

EASY.

Felt Garland with Jingle Bells...

Last years project ...

EASY.

The inspiration in blogland for Christmas is remarkable...

What did we ever do before blogging?

Hugs, Kathy.

Are you preparing?...

2010-12-01T22:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas...coming so soon...

are you in high gear...getting ready?

I'm finding comfort in keeping my hands busy...creating...remembering...

Believing...in all things heavenly.

Wishing you all the very best pre- Holiday Joy possible..

Your loving visits have not gone unnoticed...Thank You from the bottom of my heart.

Life is different now...how could it not be.

Missing him is the hardest...He was everything and in everything of everyday.

We were blessed to have him for 40 years...

I'm convinced Eternity will prove to be the sweetest GIFT of all.

xoxo~Kathy.

My Love Transformed...

2010-11-13T22:41:00.000-08:00

Born October 31, 1947...

Transformed November 13, 2010

Living for ETERNITY since 1:40 pm. today.

2010-11-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

Love to you all...

Kathy.

The Wound Healer...

2010-11-04T04:08:00.000-07:00

What is it about autumn images that stirs the soul?...

the colors?...the culmination of a seasons glory...

Today I thought...autumn is like our lives when we're nearing our completion on this earth.

We are our most colorful when we aproach the end of our life here...simply a changing of the season ...heading for the eternal season, the everlasting.

Surely the King of all the seasons..the only one that can be counted on as the BEST, the FINEST...

Life is a GIFT...like flowers offered from a tender heart...freely given.

The seasons change...

and wounds heal...

Like a tree that loses it's FINEST limb....

It cries for the loss...losing it's lifes energy for a season....all the while the HEALING is silently, miraculously happening.

Our Family is preparing to offer up our FINEST...

My Love...

My Childrens Father ...

My Grandchildrens Papa...

the man Loved by many...
Such a God we serve...the Wound Healer.

Your prayers...a pricless gift .

with endless love, Kathy.

Forgive my absence as my family and I attempt to surround my "Love " with as much support and time together as we can these last days .

I knew you would understand...you always have.

I know you will be holding us all up in prayer....

He Reigns !

Happy Birthday My Love....

2010-10-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween Weekend everyone!....and a sweet, quiet Birthday wish to my Love...

We are blessed to share this birthday together...

I shall remember it always.

Hugs, Kathy.

ARE YOU GOING ?...

2010-10-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again.....

Are you going?
To the parade...

On THANKSGIVING DAY! ?...

In the Big Apple....

It's always been on my Bucket List....

Are you going?

Ever been?

I think about it every year this time....maybe next year.

Happy week!

xoxo~Kathy.

A RED SKY AND A RECIPE...

2010-10-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

My Sailor Husband always says..."Red sky at morning, Sailor take warning"...he's right, we've a Rainy Saturday here in Michigan....

A cozy, INSIDE ...stay in your Jammies and BAKE day...

APPLE GLAZED COOKIES...

I'd be happy to share my recipe...

1/2 cup softened butter,

1 egg,

1 tesp. baking soda,

1/2 tesp. salt,

1 1/3 cup brown sugar,

2 cups flour,

1 tesp. cinnamon,

1/2 tesp. cloves,

1/4 tesp. nutmeg,

1 cup finely chopped and peeled apples,

1 cup raisens,

1 cup chopped walnuts,(optional),

1/4 cup milk.

Mix altogether...may need a little additional flour.

Bake @ 375 for approx. 10 min. til nicely browned.

COOL...then

GLAZE with :

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar,

1 Tabsp. softened butter,

1/2 tesp. vanilla,

2 1/2 Tabsp. milk, ............ I add a little cinnamon to my glaze too.

whip by hand and drizzel over cookies...

MMMMmmmmm...hard NOT to EAT the whole batch!

especially on a RAINY SATURDAY!

Let me know how you like em!

hugs, Kathy.

QUEEN...

2010-10-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

Some days it's just good to be QUEEN !

Sparkly Tuesday to you ....

xoxo~Kathy.

Year of the Digits...

2010-10-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

Jeanne d' Arc Living claimed 2010 the Year of the "Digit"....
Certainly have seen the numbers everywhere this year....
Painted my gourd and printed a Digit.

This candle pumpkin WAS orange....

Took my pumpkins to the "Pastel" beauty parlor this year...

very French...don't you think?

Let's hear it for the Fall Decorating!!!!!!
xoxo~Kathy.

AUTUMN LOVE AND LIFE...

2010-10-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

Autumn love...

Some Basement love....Yes, I made the quilt a while back...fun.

LIFE is happening in our family for the next few days...

We're going to SHOW UP.

See you in a couple...

xoxo~Kathy

MUSINGS...

2010-10-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

Summers last bloom...

A time when nature shares her gifts...

Finally being able to reach the leaves...

Blazing trees...

Leaves...bonfires...marshmallows...pumpkins...apples...cider...donuts...hayrides...crisp air...

AUTUMN... this one has been a charmer ...

xoxo~Kathy

A BOUNTIFUL DAY...

2010-10-10T14:20:00.000-07:00

You've met my Fall Decorating helper...Autumn Annie.

Seems she's gotten herself all tied up over all this work I've loaded on her..( her words...)

So in the spirit of Fall and because I'm such a NICE person to work for....I put her in the car and took her for a ride to visit the "Farmers Market" in downtown Cadillac.

Give her a well deserved break ...as she put it.
I'm sure you all have a local Market loaded with the Earths Bounty...just waiting to be whipped up into the most delectable entrees ...and served on your beautiful fall tablescapes.

Our Market is held on Tuesdays and Fridays...until "Old Man Winter ' nudges his way in.

Sorry...didn't mean to say the W. word....ick.

2010-10-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hope your weekend was FULL of FALL....

xoxo~Kathy.

BREAKING THE RULES...

2010-10-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

I found this sweet lamp stand at a Garage sale this summer and just never could decide on the right shade for it...Then I remembered picking up this shade skeleton for another project and sat that on top....of course one thing leads to another....
This little pink hat was just perfect.....
Who says you can't have two lamps on a table?...

The trick is to use PINK lightbulbs....

Gives a dreamy glow to the room....I'm all about the dreamy.

Fun to think outside the box...and break a few rules!

Happy Friday sweeties!

AUTUMN...

2010-10-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

A little fall in the house...