Happy New Year and a look back

I just decided to dress up my blog for the spring. Yes, a early spring but spring all the same. Here in southern California, winter is very mild and some of our flowers bloom year round. It has gotten colder but mild so far anyway.  No rain either which is disappointing but not unexpected.

2017 was a hard year for us, losing our house wasn't on the agenda when we started out the year but sadly it did  happen. The unsual thing that has happened is the second lein holder who evicted us now paid all the back payments to the first. Of course, when we were forced to leave, we didn't make any house payments but paid  our new rent. Hence there were back owned payments that the second. recently paid along with two months of additional payments. Very curious and never heard of if you believe our agent who has worked in real estate for many years.She is investigating to see if she can find out anything. She represents us to the mortage companies. A mystery for sure and only time will tell what the second has in mind. Frankly, I think they really don't know what they're doing. Its just a small company of 12 employees.

I am hoping and praying that 2018 will be a great year for not only us but my readers too.  wishing you health, joy and happiness!

Vintage Postcards for Christmas

I 'm sharing some darling vintage postcard graphics. I got these from some guys that I've known for some time when I had another blog and crafted with vintage graphics. I made some great memory jars using them.
They have a Facebook page, Vintage Image Craft

 Of course, as I love cats, I shared all the cat postcards!

Peanut butter, cookies and the Christmas house

I get Birds and Blooms magazine. When I read the latest issue, they suggested putting peanut butter on the bark of the tree for the birds. As we get alot of migrating birds here, I decided to try it. My! has it been successful or what? This morning I saw alot of birds feasting on the peanut butter so I recommend doing this as its so easy and the birds sure appreciate it. They were actually fighting for first place!

I'm in the middle of baking peanut butter cookies. Our oldest son just loves them and often asks me to make him some. This time of year seems like cooky baking time to me so there ya go! I always use real butter in my cookies. It really makes a difference.

Here is a photo of the 4 of us at the Christmas house I spoke of in my last post. I'm next to the big guy who looks like Santa. Our good friends and we had a wonderful time there.

here are a few photos...

 They have Christmas villages both inside and outside. Plus give out hot apple cider and food . They only ask for canned goods for our Community Cupboard to help low income people. Last year they were able to give the Cupboard 10,000 lbs of food.

Menifee Christmas House and a great loss.

Every year, a wonderful family here in Menifee, decoate the first floor of their home for their neighbors and friends. They estimate they have had 14,000 visitors last year. Its truly a wonderful thing and creates such a great spirit in the community. There is no charge and they only ask for people to bring canned goods for the Community Cupboard that helps low income people with food. Its all good will and good times.
There is a complete write up of it, much better than I've expressed. Just click on this link..

Menifee Christmas House 

and you can also view a terrific video here....Menifee Christmas house video

If you are in the area, please visit and you won't be disappointed. Its open every night until Christmas and starts at 5 every evening.

We are mourning the death of a wonderful friend. He was a great guy and was someone immediately became friends with everyone. Warm, generous, and caring man. He left this earth doing good all his life and will be greatly missed. Sadly, Agent Orange struck again as he was a veteran of Vietnam.
Rest in peace, dear brother and good friend, Joseph Balatoni. One of a kind and too good for this world
Here he is with his wife, Kay (of many years and my best friend). He leaves behind his wife and 4 children, one grandchild and other family members.

Cross Stitch Kits

I found some cute little ornament cross stitch kits so if you'd like one or more, let me know. I'll make you a good deal. I think the patterns would be great for card making too so if they don't sell, that's what I'm going to do with them. Cute!
They are all factory sealed and come with cloth, needle, directions and floss.  These are listed in my Etsy shop and you can find that on the left hand side of this blog.

sold!