Monday, December 20, 2010

Good news, and bad news.

Hello everyone.
I've  been away for a while.
Was in the hospital for a bit.
The news was both good and bad.
I am determined to enjoy this holiday season...no matter what!
Last week I woke up to some awful bleeding. Sixteen years ago I went into menopause..so the sudden loss of blood was a bit frightening.  Hubby was away, so I had to call 911. An ambulance took me to the hospital. An external, and internal ultra-sound was done, and an abnormality was discovered.
The good news....the ovaries are not involved. To slow down the bleeding, a D and C was done, and a biopsy was taken. Bad news...my heart was beating erratically during surgery, so they had to insert a tube to help me breath. A 20 minute procedure ended up taking over two hours. My poor hubby and three daughters were VERY  upset.
I won't get the biopsy results for almost two weeks!! The holiday will hold things up. The good news...whatever the results...I'll deal with it then, NOT until the reports come back!
I have a CT scan scheduled on my heart. The cardiologist is worried about blockage, and hardening of the arteries. I'm on Lipitor for high cholesterol now. Also, I was diagnosed with Diabetes. I prick my finger twice a day for now, and take meds twice a day. I can deal with that...AND the diet I am now on.
If the "abnormality" needs to be removed, a complete hysterectomy will be done, along with radiation if there is evidence of any surrounding tissue being involved.
The good news..if I hadn't bled so much, none of this would have been discovered...so I'm grateful for that.
The bad news..if this turns out to be the "C" word..my daughters won't do so well. They've already lost their Papa to cancer.
I will do whatever it takes to help them get through this.
So, that's where things are. I'm feeling okay, just very tired.
I'll be off from work at the pharmacy for a while. That's a good thing!!!
I plan to wrap gifts this afternoon, and just take it easy..cause I'm still bleeding, but not near as much.
Please keep my family in your prayers.
Love and hugs to you all.
Debbie

Monday, December 13, 2010

Baby it's cold outside.

Good Monday morning lovies.
It's a cold one here at the lakehouse!
We lost power yesterday. It got down to 10 degrees last night, and with the winds howling at 40mph, the temp inside the house was almost as cold as it was outside.
Hubby FINALLY fired up the generator this morning...ugh...why do men wait until the last minute to do something???!!!
The power returned around ten this morning. Boy do I appreciate Ben Franklin and his kite.
 We attended hubby's Christmas party for Home Depot last night. It was such a nice evening...especially since we won a couple of prizes *wink.
These pretty holiday dishes were chosen by me, of course. They are from Better Homes and Gardens.  It's a setting for four.

 After taking the pics, I realized the candle on the bottom tier tilted...argh!!
Oh well, just look at everything else, and try not to focus on the candle.

 The hubs won a nice camera! I was very excited about that!! *wink, again.

 I have today off from the pharmacy. Christmas music will play, tree lights will be on, candles will be glowing, and wrapping paper will be flying.
The weather outside may be frightful, but inside it's going to be delightful.
Enjoy your day.....

Friday, December 10, 2010

A Christmas surprise.

Ho, Ho, Ho.....Santa delivered a little something early.
Since we are going to Sanibel Island in March and April, someone thought I needed a little something to keep the anticipation fresh.
 It will be the first time for hubby and me....but my sweet sis and her hubby have been going to the Island for years. We will be staying at the same resort with Laurie and Rog from Heaven's Walk.  It will be wonderful to spend time at the ocean with our dearest friends.
Laurie sent some sea glass(the colors are perfect for the lakehouse!), and Sanibel beach sand, and shells!!!


I am soooooo blessed to have such a thoughtful person in my life.
Laurie is my soul sister....a kindred spirit.
I will cherish these reminders of our trip to come, and also of the person that sent me such treasures.
I love you sweet sis!!!!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Still decking the halls....

What a gorgeous morning here at the lakehouse!
Even though it's blustery, the sun is shining, making the snowflakes look like diamond crystals falling through the air.
 I decorated three more faux trees this morning.  We've got gingerbread, seahorses, and a little snowman light for the bathroom. Just one more to go, and our "forest" will be complete.

 I am soooo enjoying getting the halls decked for the season! The Christmas dishes are coming out of the crate today, and will show their holiday images as they sit in the hutch....looking pretty.

I love this little light...he'll be filling the bathroom with his warm glow all the way through March.
How are you doing with decking your halls?
Seeing every one's homes all dressed for the holidays has been a real treat for me this year. Blogging is like a Christmas Walk...daily.
Have a wonderful day!
Debbie

Monday, December 6, 2010

Feather, and Bottle brush trees

Hello....
Yesterday was a wonderful day. The bottle brush trees and the feather trees came out of hiding.
They are happily sitting in their places to join in on the holiday fun.







I LOVE the flocking, and all the sparkle these guys have. They fill in the  spots that need an extra little "something".
It's a blustery day here at the lakehouse....but I don't mind.
It's that time of year that fills us with anticipation, and excitement.
I'm off to work......
Have a great start to your week everyone!
Debbie

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Oh Christmas Tree.....s.

Good Sunday morning to everyone!
It's cold, and snowing huge flakes. It's a very peaceful, and serene mood here at the lakehouse.
We cut one of the white spruce trees growing on our property yesterday, and brought it inside.
I used mostly vintage decorations on the big tree this year.

It smells wonderful in the house!

We had a fire going, Christmas music playing, and candles burning as the tree got all dressed up for the season.
 Of course I had to decorate all the faux trees too.  One is done in little angels and stars.




The kitchen tree is packed with tin cutters, little mason jar light covers, jingle bells, and lots of homespun decorations.

The snowman tree holds the rusted tin pieces I painted.
The white tree was put up last week. You can see pics of that one in previous posts.
I also brought out the bottle brush, and feather trees. I'll show those tomorrow.
There are a few other smaller trees here, but I'll save those for later.
So much for keeping things simple......once I got going, it was hard to stop. I cannot believe how much stuff I WON'T be bringing out this year!!
Time to put the turkey in the oven. We love hot turkey sandwiches on a cold day.
Have a merry day...whatever you choose to do.
Hugs to you all!
Debbie

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Just enjoying the season...

Hello blog people.
It stopped snowing last night..so it's been a quiet Saturday afternoon here at the lakehouse.
I'm unpacking more decorations today.
 In past years, I would decorate for two whole days, and be done with it. This year, I'm taking my time. Enjoying the sounds and scents of the holiday season. Bringing out a few things at a time. I find it more enjoyable taking it slow this year. Plus...I find myself wanting "less" than usual.
Have you found yourself slowing things down, and using less to decorate with this year?

The scent of balsam-cedar is drifting through the house from the candle warmer. The Christmas music is playing softly on the music channel. The fire is glowing under the mantle. There's a turkey thawing for our Sunday dinner...and I'm feeling blissful! is that a word?
I sincerely hope that you are enjoying your Saturday. Take a moment to soak up the wonders of the season.
Hugs to all!
Debbie

Monday, November 29, 2010

Ornament shopping...continued.

Hello bloggers.
It's Monday night, and I'm getting ready for bed..but first wanted to show you the neat ornaments I found yesterday. Remember, the day I was shopping for ornaments, and brought home a lamp?

The first thing I saw when I walked into the shop yesterday were these awesome mercury glass acorns. They were hung on a big tree right next to the door.
I ended up with two large ones, and three smaller ones.
I also bought a few other silver ornaments, but the acorns are my favorites.


I also LOVE these blue bulbs. They look really nice with all the white in the house.

There were these wonderful baubles too!  I wanted to hang them on the chandelier in the dining room.
You can't  have too much bling on a chandy, can you?!
I probably should have bought round ones, but I couldn't resist the square ones.
Little by little, the lakehouse is getting dressed for the holidays.  We'll be cutting a fresh tree for the living room this week sometime. I'll show you that when it's all prettied up.
Have a great night everyone!
Debbie

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Ornament shopping, and coming home with a lamp.

Hello chickies.
I went shopping for Christmas ornaments this afternoon, and came home with a lamp.
The last thing I needed was another lamp...but when I saw this ticking shade(you can't even tell it's ticking, can you), I fell in love. I also love the shape of the shade.

Most of the other pieces I have are white, but it seems I'm gradually bringing in a burlap color to decorate with.
The last lamp I bought has a burlap shade, which I REALLY like.

 The color, and the ticking match my newest pillows, which are burlap and ticking, of course.

I also love the fact that the base is actually a magazine rack.

I DID find some mercury glass balls to decorate with for the holidays..but that's for another post.
I was pleasantly surprised to find some mercury glass acorns today...they look great on the white tree(one of many we have here at the lakehouse.)
Soooo...that's my new lamp.  I think I'll go and turn it on, and sit on the sofa and look at it for awhile.
Hhhhhmmmmm.....
See ya!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

The weather outside is frightful

Good Saturday morning to everyone in Blogville.
It's snowy, blowy, and cold here at the lakehouse.
I really don't mind though...it gets me in the mood for Christmas music, and decorating.
 This year  I'll be using some mercury glass pieces to decorate with. I also love the metallic aqua color I've been seeing in the shops, and on some of the other blogs. Donna, at My Shabby Chateau, shared her glittered shells recently, and those will definitely be seen here at the lakehouse!

 Target has some pretty faux mercury glass pieces. Theses candle sticks were on sale last week, so I just had to put them in my cart.
Since hubby is still working on Man's Town, decorating will be slow around here. He has "stuff" everywhere! Hopefully he will finish up soon, and I will be able to go through and transform the lakehouse into a Christmas wonderland.

Enjoy your Saturday.
Put on your happy feet, and get something done that will get you in the Christmas spirit!
Hugs to all!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Holiday kick-off

Hello everyone.
I trust your holiday weekend is going well.
We returned home early because hubby had to work today..but our Thanksgiving was wonderful!
I want to share a couple of pics from our evening at the theater.
Every year we try to see a live production around the holidays.  This year we chose "Mary Poppins".
It was a delight!
 Kelly and Kayla, and Melissa and Maddie went with me this year. Zoey went last week with my daughter Erin.
We usually try to have a nice dinner before the show. Tomato Brothers was our choice of eateries this time around. It's a great Italian place we love to dine at for special occasions.

 The girls get new dresses, and LOVE the whole evening spent together.

I cherish these special times we share.
This marks the official start to the holidays for our family.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend everyone!
Hugs.
Debbie

Monday, November 15, 2010

A wonderful surprise

It's Monday evening here at the lakehouse.
It was a beautiful day, even with the cold temps.
I spent the weekend with my girls and their families.
It was a busy time...Christmas shopping, a soccer game, and a birthday party.
After driving home, a three hour tour, I was whipped...and still am.
I worked today, so I am ready to get cozy on the sofa with hubby in front of the fire.

When I got home last night, a package was waiting for me. Everything was wrapped, and there was a homemade card tucked inside.
What a wonderful surprise!
Donna, from My Shabby Chateau, sent some of her beautiful handmade "pretties" for me to enjoy.

The fragrance of lavender permeated every item!
Donna made a heart sachet from the vintage fabric I had sent to her..with a vintage button,and she filled it with lavender that she bought in Paris last May!!!
Also the romantic Victorian lady ornament that is now hanging on the white crackled cupboard.
 Donna also sent one of the French tags that I love so much!!!  That is hanging on the vintage pie safe I found at the market this past summer. When I saw the tags on Donna's blog, I fell in love with them..and was soooo excited to receive one as a surprise!!! She also sent pages from a book written in French, music sheets, and pressed ferns from her trip to the Upper Peninsula.
I feel very blessed to have met such a sweet, and thoughtful person here in blogland.

Thank you Donna! I absolutely LOVE all of the "pretties"  you made, and sent to me. I will take pictures of everything displayed in their new home, and post them very soon. 
You are a gem.
Merci

Thursday, November 11, 2010

A pendant and some wire

Happy Thursday morning to everyone.
I've been away from the computer for a few days.
No reason...just took a break.
While I was away, I received this beautiful pendant from a special friend from Germany.
Johanna Gehrlein from Silber-Rosen sent it to me.
Isn't it pretty?
Thank you so much sweet Johanna!
 While shopping at a favorite vintage shop, I found this wire basket. I love that it hangs!! Added some linens and lavender...and poof...LOVE it!!
 The rust adds to its charm.

 This wire cloche was another find.  Anything with a screen dome catches my eye these days. The lumpiness is evidence of continued use by someone...makes me wonder what it was used for...and what the owner was like...hmmm.

It's time to shower for work.
I hope you have a wonderful day!
Hugs to you all.
Debbie