Rainy Days & American Dolls

It's a rainy Saturday afternoon and I am home watching the Olympics and playing with dolls.....
and doll stuff.....let me explain....
Last week I got a call from the woman who coordinates the monthly display in the lobby display case at the Library. The person scheduled for next month canceled...and I was down as a back up. Would I like to put the American Doll collection back in the case...Would I???? But of course!!!!!
The first time I got to put the dolls and all their things on display was in December 2007. I had a lot of fun putting it together and then watching people enjoying it. Girls, Women , even men commented on how much they enjoyed the display...and I loved it.
Years ago on a visit to Williamsburg I saw an exhibit of all Tasha Tudor's dolls and accessories. It was spectacular...for a doll lover like myself. All sorts of little dioramas of tea parties and celebrations. (Like in her books) You would not believe the accessories...little leather gloves, shoes, hats, coats,,,,food, etc. I spent hours looking at everything and loving every minute of it! when I got the chance to put our doll collection on display...I tried to remember how the museum had set up their display...and I tried my best to do the same on a much smaller scale! It was great to be able to get the dolls out of the bins.....
the mini dolls....
and the big dolls...Brenna's dolls, cousin Anna's doll, Megan's dolls...and one I bought for myself!
and now I get to do it again....create my own little scenes....with assorted foods, furniture and clothing
so I have spent the afternoon ironing little dresses and going through the bins to remind myself what I have to work with and formulate a plan
I called Brenna and Megan to tell them...I was more excited than both of them I think hahahaha But Megan and I did have fun deciding what each of her dolls were going to wear

So...the things are out, ready for me to put them on display next week. I can't wait....I'll take pictures of it when I'm done.

Bowling Bash

The anniversary couple and the best man
Who needs a cup?????!!!!
Well...it's the day after the bash and I am feeling GREAT! I am sitting here listening to all the music we didn't get to last night and dancing around...we are going to have to have ANOTHER party!
Not everyone got dressed up...but those of us who did had FUN...so did the others actually.
After the bowling tournament...won by Jessalyn (she beat Arthur in the finals) we had a little dance competition. Jess and Amy were the top dancers...but Heather did pretty well too.

Chris and John danicing to "Eye of the Tiger" Oh Yeah!
I'm not sure what these two are up to. hahaha

The Champion with her prize money and her poster. John had her named spelled for different ways...he finally settled on Jess.


Linda bowling...she bowled really well for someone wearing high heeled sandals..haha

Ben with that good looking smile!
What form....check out my skull "Tatoo"
Heather, Chris, John
table shot



Chris, Heather & John

The anniversary couple

Check out the lighted lanesJohn and Charlie...who was our Best Man
Reid didn't dress up...so we put Chandler's hat on his head to fake it!
SO...when I proposed this party...JOhn thought I was crazy...he was pretty skeptical. He told me I had to make sure to tell people...I think he was embarrassed...hahaha....but then everyone got really excited about it and he changed his tune a little. We had our Wii and borrowed a second one from our neighbors...so we had two "alleys". We started with one group and then when the party was in full swing...we got two lanes going. I made it through the first round,,,but got eliminated by Heather in the second one. Top score was about 180. (Reid and Heather had the top scores I think). Arthur had some fancy moves...behind the back, through his legs...which got the whole crowd cheering...(he had to do something...since he knew he was out...Jess had already won....but his final moves were pretty impressive and he struck out!) Everybody had a lot of fun......I think Wii sales will be increasing this week. BY the way...did you notice how John lost his hair by the end of the night......hahha ENJOY!

28 Years

This is the gift(The mobile) Mrs. Van Dusen made for John and I for our wedding. She made it herself...with our names, the dates, etc. Notice John has his heart in his hand...and I have the birdcage...with the door open....



It's been 28 years today...and like everyone...we've had our share of ups and downs......but always plenty of love along the way and lots of laughs to keep us going. John has always worked hard and taken good care of me and Brenna and Megan....helping us be who we are. John likes to plan and make things happen...and he might drive us all crazy sometimes...but I appreciate all the things he does for me...helping me to be a better person. He even allows me to get a little crazy and have my goofy parties...that he really doesn't get...haha...but goes along with it anyway! I am lucky to have him in my life.

More on the robins....

So...according to an article in our local paper (Florida Today) the robins passing through town are stopping for a rest and feasting on fermented berries...resulting in a bunch of drunken birds! No wonder I usually hear them before I see them! hahaha I guess they're all out back having a big party!The birds feast on all kinds of fruit including palm berries and Brazilian Pepper Tree seeds. When the weather gets below freezing here....the berries left rotting on the trees begin to ferment.
Well...it's like Mardi Gras for the birds! They are having a good time...but apparently there is a danger of them flying into glass windows and car windshields. I am happy to report I haven't seen any accidents...just lots of happy, noisy birds. (and really not too much of a mess!) And it's just kind of fun to walk outside and see birds EVERYWHERE! Mostly robins...but assorted others in on the fun....eating, chirping and then moving on!

The Robins are Back!

It's that time of year again.....and the robins are moving through town. They usually stay a bit and then move on...sometimes longer (if a cold front holds them up)(two years ago there were thousands of birds in the neighborhood...bluebirds and Robins on every branch of every tree, all the wires...and when they all finally left....lots of messy bird #$@*. haha)
I noticed them on Saturday (13th) and then they were gone . This evening when I was taking Kiena out...I heard them before I saw them...wish I could get a closer view...they were on all the wires...and in all the trees...then a whole group takes off with one big swoop!....In the distance I can see groups of hundreds of them going by...I love it!
They seemed to be fond of this tree in one of my neighbor's back yard...however as I attempted to make MY way closer...Kiena spotted a cat and then the gig was up! haha...Maybe tomorrow I can get a good shot of them.