Snow-time-fun

We don't see snow here in this area very often, and I am OK with that.  I'll admit, it is a pretty site to look at though.  Our pup Aeon had never seen snow before so we had a few minutes of fun with him out in it as it was coming down.  

Aeon having a fun time in his first snow!

Aeon likes this fun, cold, wet stuff coming down everywhere!  

"Snow" is a new word to remember as something fun!

It's fun to play in, and also to eat it too!

Snow scene out back just before sundown. 

Morning sunshine brightens up the view, and it will be melting the snow soon!
See those paw prints made by a happy dog running through the snow?  He definitely had a blast playing in the snow.

A Big Snow Surprise!

Well, here we are in January and no surprise it snowed!  It was only a couple of inches.  The big surprise is most of us were thinking it wouldn't be bad yesterday!  I usually say that our winter here in Georgia is January to March, and if we are going to get really extreme cold or snow weather it's then.  We quickly became under a state of emergency!  Snow and ice paralyzed the city in a short period of time!

There are some that laugh at the fact that this place [the South] becomes a crazy panic stricken area when we get a little snow here.  Well I grew-up for the most part in Indiana and I've seen my share of extreme cold and snow.  But what happens here is, it snows and the snow isn't sticking right away to the streets, it melts, then it freezes into black ice.  That ice gets covered by more snow and that then becomes the most dangerous part about it.  Along with the fact that we are not fully and adequately prepared with all the necessary trucks, salt, sand and equipment to help in making our roads a safer place during those critical times.  There are also many who may never have seen, let alone driven on snow or ice before, nor are snow tires common place here.  Even northerners have a difficult time driving on ice, if at all!  Throw in a mid-morning "Oh this really is going to get bad, send everyone home from school and work", and then total gridlocks ensues for many that then find themselves stuck in it.  There is a blame game going on now as to who is at fault for not alerting early enough that it would be worse then had originally been forecast.

I'm glad the Hubby came home early from work shortly after my recommending (insisting) he do so, and my sharing stories of the bad weather and snow coming in fast since our daughter had already sent photos of where she lives, about an hour from us.  She had called me around 11 a.m. and said that they were all sent home from her work with an almost white-out of snow there, I told her I hadn't even seen one snow flake yet!  It surely began snowing shortly thereafter at our place.

The stories soon started appearing on the news of hazardous roads and traffic situations.  I read many stories throughout the day of friends on social media that were stuck for hours!  One person we know, it took her eleven and half hours to drive 15 miles!  She left her work around 11:30 a.m. and got home at 11 p.m.!  She actually made it less than a mile from her home and was fortunate enough to have a person on a four wheeler take her to her house, although she ended up having to leave her car because her car slide off the road and then got stuck.(She and her car were unharmed)  Another person stopped to get gas, the police were there telling them they could not go back out on the roads, that they had to stay there and off the roads!  I was hoping as I said prayers for those who were out and a part of this, that they would make it safely home.  I felt relieved that my loved ones that were also experiencing this winter surprise were safe and sound, warm and comfy in their homes!

There was vast news footage today of the many cars and stories of people stranded from throughout the day and over night.  Folks sleeping at schools, stores or restaurants that were taking them in.  There was a delivery of a baby born in a car that was stuck it traffic.  Another person we know told of his leaving the airport at 7 p.m. and he didn't get home until 8 a.m. this morning!  I'm sure there will be more stories to come, and many will remember the day!

Weather!...

Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

~ Tammy ~

A Beautiful Color

Pantone Color of the Year for 2014:

PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid

You may have noticed this beautiful color popping up everywhere.  If you keep up with any of the design and printing industry you also may already know the color of the year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid.

*Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the global color authority and provider of professional color standards for the design industries.

"Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health"

“While the 2013 color of the year, PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society."  

"An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”
source

You can read more about Pantone here ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantone

This beautiful color is already a favorite for me.  It truly is captivating, I'll say.  I have long had a passion for purples!  I've noticed that the Internet and Pinterest have many ideas and inspirations blooming in Radiant Orchid already.  Perhaps Radiant Orchid will have an influence on you and your design or decorating too?  We will see what comes of it!  It is a very beautiful color!

source

A beautiful orchid color on these beads, and they sparkle!

I look forward to discovering new beads and other items to craft in this beautiful color!...

Hang a Pretty Display

Here's an interesting and pretty way to display art, pictures and photographs on a wall.   

Suspended from a bow and ribbon.  

Add a little something extra to artwork pieces, pictures and photographs using a pretty ribbon and bow.  This is so easy to do, just make a bow and cut a length of ribbon!

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Use a small thumb tack or nail hidden up under the bow to attach it and the ribbon to the wall, then place a nail for hanging the picture right through the ribbon at the height needed to hang each one.  

Using this bow and ribbon display can be done for only one picture, or for two or more if you like.  You could match the frame's mat to the ribbon, or look to pull some of the color from the artwork or photograph for even more interest.  Many possibilities for customizing your own look!  

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A sweet look for a little girls room!  Or to add a feminine touch to your artwork anywhere you like!

Hanging it pretty!...

Grand Celebration - Happy 7th Birthday!

A day of Grand celebrating!  

Adding some sparkle!

It's mid January and as things are about settled back to normal now, and the holidays are behind us, it's hard not to get the winter blahs. Especially when feeling ill. Yuk! (uh, sick of feeling sick, actually!).  And most especially when it's cold outside.  Our weather has been crazy to say the least!  Bitter cold, gloomy or rainy one day, and then warm and sunshiny the next.  I don't mind the latter, and actually prefer those days throughout the winter, ya know!  So upon feeling a little better and being up and around finally, I found myself wanting to be or needing to be productive, or more truthfully, just being creative!  Catching up on chores that have been neglected is always a necessity, but doing something that doesn't have to be done, well that turns into something of interest, enjoyable, or fun even!  I'm in, I'm in!  

Needing to get my craft on and itching to make something, I had an idea come to me as I looked at the faux candles my daughter had given me as a gift.  Four cream colored, battery operated, pillar candles.  I love them!  They have a nice realistic glow when they are on, and offer a safer alternative with not having a real flame.  They work well in any room too.  I have a shorter pair also, and recently purchased a few of the small votive sized for my porch lanterns.  

I transformed two of the tall faux candles by simply adding some pretty, sparkly, golden ribbon to them, and I love them all the more now.  I really do like things that sparkle!  I used double sided sticky tape to secure the ribbons, but you could use a more permanent method with hot glue.  Where I have placed the candles you can only see the front of them anyway.  I figure I can change them up quickly with different ribbon easily, if or when I change my mind, want a new look, or no longer want them decorated.  Hmm, I'm thinking some red ribbon for February.  See I'm getting ideas already! 

They look right at home next to my pretty, sparkly box.  

I always enjoy adding more sparkle to my life!...

Aeon @ 1 year old

-Happy 1st Birthday to Aeon-

Born January 14, 2013

I got this adorable photo frame because I think it's just the cutest, and it has my favorite phrase on it (well almost) live laugh love bark.  Too cute!  I used one of our recent favorite photos that I've taken of Aeon in it as a special gift to give to Hubby for Christmas.

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Wow, Aeon is a year old already, and now weighs a little over 80 pounds!  He has really gotten a lovely coat over the past few months, and it feels soft and powdery to the touch.  He seems to really enjoy having his bath, usually at least a once a week thing.  He acts quite excited when we remove his collar and tell him he's getting a bath.  I'm really liking a new shampoo we have been using on him, it smells like coconut!  He is so soft and he smells nice too!

We've had more company than usual at our home lately, with the holidays and all, and he has been really enjoying all the extra attention!  He loves everybody and gets so excited when he sees them.  We are still working on his jumping up on people to greet them, he is getting better at not doing it, but he still tries to sometimes.  He really seems to like his daily routine, and acts as if he doesn't like any changes to it.  He lets you know it's time for his wants/needs and is persistent in his own way with getting your attention.  Whether it's ringing the bell or climbing half way into your lap, he will get your attention to go out, or to get him food or treats.  Aeon sure loves getting those treats, especially his favorite Greenies and special doggy cookies.

We recently started leaving Aeon out of his crate when we leave him home alone.  We've been very pleased so far that he has been a very good boy each time, and we feel he has really appreciated the freedom.  He is happy to just be where ever we are at home, often laying somewhere between the two of us.  Aeon is our loyal, loving companion and he adds great joy to our lives.  He brings a smile to our faces from the first kiss he gives in the morning, till the last one at night!

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-A look back over the first year of life with Aeon-

Meeting our little guy for the first time!  

He was 4 weeks old and would go home with us at 7 weeks, on March 1st.

April, 2013

All smiles!

August, 2013

Going bye-bye in the car!

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When we met him he was known as Mr. Orange.  

The breeder uses different colored ribbons to tell the puppies apart.  

I was in love the second I laid eyes on him, and even more so once I cuddled him!

He's big enough to cuddle me now!

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From a sweet little fur-ball full of cuteness...

...to a big fur-ball full of cuteness.

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A favorite puppy photo.  I love that sweet face!

Also a more recent favorite.   I love that sweet face too!

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The cute face when waiting for a treat.

This is the cute face I still see when he is waiting for a treat.

  

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Too funny!

It was funny the first time I captured it, even more so the second time!  And it looks like he is grinning in both.  Rabbit?  German Shepard?  It looks as if he still hasn't grown into those big ears!

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All comfy and ready for a nap.  

Yep, about to take a nap.

It truly is a dog's life!

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Handsome little fella.

Aeon as always the handsome fella looking like he is striking a pose for me to capture a photo of him.  From puppy, to year old pup.  He truly is a very handsome boy.

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Our sweet little guy.

Such a beautiful dog.  He is a real sweetheart.

And he's quite the character too!

Loving our precious boy!...

~ Tammy ~

Italian Sausage Hoagies

Since it's still cold outside, and also since we are into watching football around here, this seemed like a great time for some Italian sausage hoagies.  OK, this is in no way health food, but I do call it comfort food!  Our love of Italian sausage is enjoyed greatly when we put it on a big ol' hoagie roll.  The hubs likes his plain with a little mustard.  I prefer mine with some sliced, sauteed sweet onions and bell peppers mostly, and sometimes along with some added cooked mushrooms and maybe some provolone cheese too!  Mmmm, mmmm good!

Yeah it's what's for dinner when we start thinking Italian sausage, and it's quick, easy and just minutes away from comfort food happiness.  I'm all about that, and when time is short what could be better than these served up with some of your favorite chips on the side(mine are jalapeno kettle chips).  I add some hot Chinese style mustard to my hoagie roll first to spice mine up a bit, then add a sausage and pile on the peppers and onions!  I think this makes a good on-the-ready dish for the football watching crowd over the weekend.  Never mind those hot dogs!  Get your game on with an Italian sausage hoagie instead!

Italian Sausage Hoagies

Ingredients:

Italian Sausages-(sweet or hot) most packages come with 5 per pack-(or use turkey italian sausage)

Hoagie Rolls/Hot Dog Buns

4 Tbsp Olive Oil

Garlic Powder

1 or 2 Bell Peppers-(sliced into strips)

1/2 or 1 Sweet Onion-(sliced)

Mushrooms-(canned, sliced)

Provolone Cheese-(slices)

Directions:

Cook sausages in 1 tbsp of olive oil in pan/skillet over medium high heat, turning often until browned and thoroughly cooked, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.  Lower heat and cover.  (These can also be cooked on the BBQ grill.)  While sausages cook, slice onions and peppers.  Heat remaining olive oil in medium to large pan over medium heat, add onions and garlic powder.  Saute for about 5 minutes then add peppers, continue to cook over medium heat stirring periodically. Mushrooms can be added at this time.  Cook until vegetables are slightly softened or desired doneness.  Serve sausages on hoagie rolls, with cooked vegs and cheese-optional. 

Baby it's cold outside!!

Brrrrrrrrrr!

image source

Well after having a warmer than usual November and December, January really takes the grand prize for the coldest so far this winter!  Much of the country is cold right now too, even folks in Florida are having low temps.  So much for "global warming" eh?  As I write this the local Atlanta area weather says 12 degrees, feels like  -6 right now!  Crazy!...as the photo shows above, the forecast is a record low of 7, and we will be back at mid 60's this weekend! 

Family and friends up north in Indy have several inches of snow and a temperature of  -14 degrees, with a  -49 wind chill at the moment!  That is extremely cold!  This reminds me of the Blizzard of 1978.  Those of us who survived that blizzard still remember it well today!  Until this current storm I don't think there has been anything quite as bad as that one since!  

Here's a link with photos and info on the Blizzard of '78.

image source

"Lafayette Journal and Courier File Photo:  A person with two dogs walk up to the roof of a garage during the blizzard of 1978"

I remember this storm and being snowed-in for days.  We had to literally dig our way out the door of our house because we had huge snow drifts similar to the one above. It was like nothing I had ever seen before!

I spent some time earlier this evening being cozy by the fire enjoying hot cocoa and fresh baked chocolate-chip cookies!  Saying all the while, "I shall laugh at the weather ...for now!"

I do hope friends and family up north and all others elsewhere are staying safe and warm through this extreme and dangerous winter weather!

Thinking of everyone and I hope you're well!

Warm Hugs!...

~ Tammy ~

All good things must come to an end!

The holidays are over now and a new year has begun.

Time to un-decorate! 

Now that the holidays are over it's time to pack up all of the decor and put it away for another year.  I am so glad that the hubster is a huge help with this.  I really couldn't do it with out him!  It feels a little sad, but also at the same time it's nice to get the house back to normal, and it feels so clean and uncluttered afterwards.

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One last look at the decorated tree and stairs in the foyer.

  I noticed I had a little photo-bomber in the shot at the top of the stairs...do you see him?  

Aeon wanted to be part of the un-doing, but was made to stay behind the gates for now.  He could see it all from up there though. 

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I managed to capture myself while taking a close-up of some of the ornaments!

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I came across this funny photo... 

This had me thinking..."Hmmm, don't we all wish it was that simple?"

Family Christmas/New Year

It was so nice having everyone here for a couple of days.  We rang in the New Year and celebrated our "Family Christmas" all together on New Year's Eve.  We shared in lots of good eats and then enjoyed our traditional gift exchange.  The grands excitedly opened gifts first and then they quickly changed into their jammies, and were off to bed shortly there after.  We adults went later into the evening with opening our gifts and also stopping to ring in the new year along with having more eats and beverages, then continued on a bit into the morning hours.

The grands enjoyed their new toys and played non-stop the next morning on New Year's day.  After breakfast everyone lazied about for most the day, had some left-overs for munching throughout the afternoon, then I prepared a nice Italian dinner which was followed by more time to just enjoy being together.  

The next day, after organizing suitcases, gifts and such, and getting everyone packed up we all went out for some hot wings in late afternoon.  This just might have to be a new tradition since we went for hot wings on the day after New Year's last year too!  It was a nice finish to our holiday together before everyone had to leave to head back to their homes.

Happy New Year!  Cheers!

Doing it up at Taco Mac!

My chalkboard "Happy New Year!" greeting.

   (There were other photos taken, I'll share more photos here later, when I get them!)  

Bring on 2014!...

~ Tammy ~