Inspiring!

  I wanted to share also with you one of my favorite artists,,,this is Jon McNaughton's work...you can find him on Facebook...he's a talented artist as you can see. His work is very inspiring. This work is about the second coming....Every warrior from every time period kneels before Him.

 Jon also has many other subject matters, many political and he also does lovely landscapes.

 Here is the link to his website...McNaughton Fine Art....just looking at the art on his site is like walking through a fine art gallery.

A Wonderful Giveaway!

Brenda from the Rusty Thimble is hosting a wonderful giveaway and I wanted to share this with my readers. There will be 24 winners..yes, 24 winners as 24 different craftspeople have donated wonderful Christmas items for this giveaway....I will post a button on my side bar for this and hope you will sign up.
I can't post all the wonderful things but here are a few...

A Christmas Mouse from Buttermilk Creek Farm

A Rolling Pin Rack from the CrackerJack Kid

and a 

 Primitive Santa Hat from

My Stitches to Treasure..

Please sign up and also on Brenda's blog, The Rusty Thimble..there are links to many of the crafters blogs........

Saturday News

In spite of it being a little chaotic around here with our grandson being a active 14 month old, I got a little bit of fall decorating. I bought a primitive pumpkin from Brenda (the Rusty Thimble), you can see it above and I trimmed with some faux berries, leaves and flowers....the faithful crow keeps watch.

Jayden walks quite well now. He's talking more and more. He's just discovered books and loves them. His parents got him a set of 12 board books and they are quickly been well worn. He points to our book shelves and says "book, book" but we can't trust him yet with the real thing as he tends to chew the books as much as he loves to be read to!.

The other day, I tried to take some pictures but he was moving so much...this is the best I could do. At least his upper half is in focus.! They grow up so fast, don't they?

More Depression Glass and Thoughts

We were able to get a different device and get photos downloaded again...Yay!...I listed many more pieces of Depression glass into my Etsy shop...here is just a small sample.
I have four Cherry Blossom dinner plates...

I know its hard to see the pattern but they are in perfect condition. According to my book, these go normally for around $30.00 a piece but I'm selling them for much less.
I thought I had Cherry Blossom sugar and creamer, however, on checking, they turned out to be the pattern Poinsettia which I really like..

I not only have pink glass but also some pretty cut glass...

I inherited way too much and feel the compulsion to lighten up. Much of it was from my mothers second husbands estate. His children didn't want any of it so it fell to me. The proceeds will go to get a new computer.

Fall is starting here, cooler nights which are so welcome after our hot hot summer. September hasn't been a good month for our business. Very few calls. We do have one tomorrow but all in all a bad month. Our realtor friends tell us there is a light at the end of the tunnel so hopefully things will pick up soon.

We were supposed to get our solar panels in this week. However, a mistake was made and they have to go back to the drawing board. Evidently, they thought we had a smaller electrical box but on closer inspection, realized differently. Instead of 17 panels, we will be getting 30. Much better for us as most of our energy needs will be through solar and not the electric company. Our neighbor who already has his panels says its so cool to see the electric meter going backwards! It will be a few more weeks wait but well worth it.

I know you're probably getting tired of all the political stuff right now...rather a ugly campaign this time around. Alan and I just finished listening to a great book by Mark Levin called "Ameritopia" and we highly recommend it. It really goes into alot of detail and
history to explain how we've gotten to  the place we are right now as a country. A rather scary place actually. Many people don't realize how close we are to the brink of diaster.
Amazon has it, both in paper and hardback and also a Kindle version.

Pray! 2 Chronicles 7:13-15
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Saturday Funnies

Just had to share some funnies with you today. I collect these all over the internet and couldn't resist....

Wednesday Chat

My computer will not let me download any photos ...sadness as I was going to list more glass in my Etsy shop. I took photos of several more plates, a large vegetable bowl, sugar/creamer and a cute little pink ring holder but alas. Guess I will have to wait until we get the new computer. Evidently it would cost almost as much for a new one as getting this one fixed.
Amazing how dependent we are now on computers. I remember not so long ago, they were a novelty. We had a  Apple when the kids were small and I remember the cute little educational games we would play. Does anyone remember "Spelling Jungle?" and "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?" Now only did the boys enjoy the games but I did too. I played "Civilization" quite a bit and also "Oregon Trail".  Now everything seems to be online, although I do think you can still get some of those games in a new version.

I found out from a friend that Facebook tracts your activity and even when you are not on FB. To stop that from happening, is rather easy if you use FireFox...just go up to Tools, click on options, click on privacy..you will see a box that says "tell websites I don't want to be tracked," click the box, then click on the box so that Firefox won't save your history...there, you've done it.

We're planning on going up to Apple Country soon, Oak Glen. Here are a few photos of the last time we were up there, which was last October....it has snowed and we had a wonderful day.

Oak Glen and Los Rios Ranch is only about 45 minute drive from here, and yet, you feel like you've been on vacation. The mountain air is crisp and clean, no crowds, and very peaceful. They do get busy on the weekends though but we like to go during the week.

Los Rios Ranch has some of the best pulled pork sandwiches I've ever tasted too. They grill the meat outside and the scent is wonderful. The store photos above are from Los Rios Ranch.

Huggins Haven

Nancy Huggings has opened up her own Etsy shop...its called Huggins Haven and is busy listing many of her nice creations and vintage items...hope you will visit and give her a warm welcome...she will really be surprised if she gets more followers there today and what a blessing that would be for her and an encouragement!

I snagged a few of the items she has listed....this little fall pillow is so colorful. its still hot here, today is supposed to be 100 degrees...but I'm dreaming of fall and can't come fast enough,

This Halloween Trick or Treat bag is such a good idea..we do love the little ones at Halloween with their cute princess and warrior costumes...little bags like these would be wonderful for them to carry, something they would use time and time again...much better than a plastic bag. It  even has a inner pocket for the needed light stick..

So please check her things out and I know she's planning on listing more in the coming days so check back. So check out Huggins Haven

Depression Glass, Computers and Fall

wow, hard to believe but I haven't posted in quite a while.....I've had computer problems and also a terrible cold that has lasted far longer than I would have thought.

 My computer is a dinosaur and has zero memory...plus lots of problems. We've been looking at new ones and I am saving up for one we picked out. I have about half the money right now which is good....We don't use credit cards any more and buy things the old fashioned way like my parents (and probably yours) did...by saving. Its kinda fun!

I'm selling some of my Depression glass that I've collected for years and years. Its all packed up in boxes and not doing me any good...time for it to move on.....I know the kids don't appreciate it so it should go to someone who  enjoys vintage....

This pretty bowl looks so nice filled with  cranberry salad for the holidays....

Sold! Thank you!

I've also listed this wonderful platter,..this is Cherry Blossom from Jeannette Glass made in the 1930s....I don't have them listed yet but do have a Cherry Blossom sugar and creamer, plus a cake plate.
You can find these in my Etsy shop, Inspiration Memories. More photos too. All proceeds go to for the new computer. Because of a comment, I'm now taking credit cards in my shop...will make it easier for my shoppers.

Our weather here in inland Southern California is still hot...but we can tell the season is changing. The sun is setting earlier and the nights are cooler. We've had some unusual rain storms several times in the last few weeks. It showered yesterday quite hard and its predicted it will rain again today. Our rainy season is in the winter, December through May usually.I love fall and am looking forward to going again to Oak Glen and apples! As you know, I love to bake and am looking forward to that again. I haven't baked much this summer as its been just too hot.

Our neighbor got his solar panels up this last week. He's the one who told us about the great solar plan...ours will come around the first of October or so. It was fun watching the workers on his roof, a preview of what is to come. It took them two days to install them. If you live in Southern California and are reading this....look at my previous post about solar panels and how you can get them without spending a penny. Its a great program!

Solar Panels, and Toys

This month is really going by..can hardly believe its almost over soon. Been a very hot one for us and we are SO looking forward to cooler weather...this morning, I woke up early and saw the sky was covered with gray clouds....and a little cooler.

About 10 days ago, we signed the paperwork for our solar panels. It will be about 6 weeks for them to begin construction. There are 45 people ahead of us so we are on the waiting list.  When they go on, our house  will be  65% solar and 45% electricity until we can upgrade our electrical panel which we fully intend on doing ASAP. Our electric panel is on the small side. When we get the larger panel, our usage will be 90% solar and only 10% from the electric company. If you are reading this, and live in Southern California, you too can go solar with no cost to you. The solar company puts in the panels, takes care of all the city and state paperwork, also maintains the panels. You just pay them a set rate for your power, at a much lower rate than the electric company. Our bill will go from around $225 to $125 and that is a set rate no matter how much you use. California Edison is set to increase rates next year and again in 2014..up to 28%. The solar company has a A+ rating with  Better Business. I couldn't find any online complaints either.

Our little Jayden (our grandson) is now taking his first steps...I don't have a photo yet of him standing on his own but last night he walked about 5 ft all by himself. He had a nice birthday, actually two little parties...with lots of gifts which he is enjoying..the kids took photos and I will try to get some to post later. He really likes balls, and has all different types from large beach type balls to  smaller ones...we got him a Ball Popper for his birthday which he loves.....

Alan ordered it on Amazon....its so cute, plays different tunes, the balls go around and pop out the top, then roll down the shoot to start over again...he loves it.

 I also ordered him a nice little handmade wooden car to play with from a Etsy seller.....and plan on ordered several more when he's older...Wisconsin Wood Chuck...this gentleman has so many wonderful handmade wooden toys...hope you check out his shop when you get the chance. His shipping is fast also...
That is about all for today.....I am still doing embroidery and working on several things but that will be for another day. Keep cool everyone!

Tuesday Chat about a number of things

;

sorry I haven't posted very much...hot days of summer and not much going on. Except of course, for canning tomatoes and tomato soup. Constant cleaning up with the baby learning to eat on his own....we're all trying to teach him not to put everything he finds in his mouth but hand it to whatever grownup is around...he remembers about half the time which I think is good for a one year old. He's also talking somewhat, says mama and da da, bye bye, dog, and ka which is for cat. He also waves bye bye and understand alot more words now. The doctor thinks he is a little advanced probably because he gets much attention with so many in the house. His uncles (our younger son and our boarder) play with him and their girlfriends (his "aunts") give him alot of attention too. Plus us doting grandparents and his parents of course.
He's taken a few steps on his own and will be walking soon...then the fun begins trying to keep up with him (as we all well know.)

 

I've been trading with Nancy Huggins and she sent me this wonderful raggedy runner which is on our dining room table...I am giving her some of my embroidered towels and a stitchery or two in exchange...

Plus I've started cross stitching again and am making a wedding announcement stitchery for Nancy's granddaughter who is getting married. Cross stitching is my first love..its hard now to have time or space to do more than stitch here or there with the baby but I'm slowly getting it done.
I had a subscription to Cross Stitch Country  magazine and have kept every one plus Nancy sent me more she found at a thrift shop...I just love the darling country designs. Back in the 80s counted cross stitch was very popular and I hope it comes back into favor again...

Lastly...we are getting solar panels! and for free...(no, its not a government handout ) we can hardly believe it as we'd tried before and the cost was too high. I will tell you more about it later as we find out more but it looks good so far. California Edison is going to be raising their rates next year and again in 2014 to over 28% more per month...we will be able to save quite a bit of money by doing this and will be on a set rate...somewhere around $130 a month, winter and summer. Plus for a little extra on our part, we can put a switch in that will allow us to  use the solar energy directly in case of a power outage.

The world is getting to be a rather scary place so we're trying to prepare our family..both physically with growing our own food, getting solar power, etc. but spiritually as well. I think our country needs a new president but even if that happens, times will be tough for some time...there are no quick fixes as the country's problems are deep and wide. Christians are becoming increasingly marginalized and ridiculed for the media but the  people are fighting back which is evidenced by the whole Chic-Fil-A controversy.
This gives me hope that we will be alright.  Please vote this election, its so important!