Some Like It Hot!

Some Like It Hot!

But 107 degrees in the office is a little to much for me. I had to go outside to cool off, it was in the 80's. At the store (Water Wonders -Pools & Spas) we share the building with 3 other shops. Spots Grooming, air conditioner went out so they pipped over to her store from mine and shut off a few of my vents. Wednesday it was up to 93 in the store, so I opened some of the vents, but it didn't help. Friday it got up to 107 in the store and stopped working. Saturday I had Bob put in a window unit. We put it on the side of the building where that street is residential/business, hoping that the city won't have a fit about it. So far so good. :) And they have fixed the AC unit. It doesn't keep up but it is better then nothing.

Stitching

Finished "Take a Bath" by Calico Crossroads.

Also put a few more beads on EarthDancer, but not enough to post a progress picture.

Family Time

Friday after working in the sun all day, as soon as I was home I jumped in the shower. Found Bob, Kayden and Dara in the back yard putting up the trampoline. So, I walked out with the camera, chair and fresh lemonade to drink. They asked if I was going to help and I said that I am going to enjoy this family moment setting here taking pictures. (Wink-Wink)

Friday morning I was getting Kayden dressed and he wanted to ware his Mom's (Dara) t-shirt. I won't let him. Because he was going to the babysitters. So, I thought it was pretty funny when I got home and he had it on.
Dara & Kayden
Bob & Kayden

It was a busy week and weekend. Saturday was my niece's baby shower, Sunday was Bob's side of the family get together and a friend's daughter's open house. I managed to make it to all of them.

Dara's Awards & Kayden Turn Two

Dara's Awards

Friday was the Senior Awards at Dara's High School. She didn't know ahead of time that she was going to receive a scholarship. The school had called me earlier in the week to let me know.

I had to call Dylan in sick for the day to work for me in the store, (Friday was the start of our Grand Opening). He would of just been setting in the gym watching the awards.

Most people do not pronounce Dara's name right, but this was the first time they mess up her first and last name. When they announced her name they said "Darrell Scarberry" then restated the last name correctly "Scarborough". She said the girl next to her told her to go up. LOL!

I never heard how much the scholarship was for and when I met her in the hallway, the paper they gave her didn't state the amount either. She should find out today at school.

Yeah! My little brainieack!

She's such a proper lady. (wink-wink)

Friday after work Kayden and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up the ingredients I needed for his cake. There was a down pour of rain, just as we were getting out of the car. I am so glad that I had grabbed the umbrella. He loves "Very Cherry Cake". While we were in Wal-Mart getting the ingredients, Kayden would say "home" and I would ask him if he was ready to go home and he would either shake his head or say "Nooo". I think it was having fun. After we found everything for the cake I asked Kayden if he wanted to go look at toys. Of course he did and I let him walk on his own looking at all the toys. We went through every isle once in a while he would stop and play with something then move. A couple of ladies shopping commented on how well behaved Kayden is. And I have to say it myself he is a very good boy. We made it through all the toys and he hadn't picked anything out. As we walked around the last isle and there was no more toys he looked up at me with his big blue eyes and said "More". So, we turned around and we looked a little longer. He picked out a toddler t-ball set. Kayden played with his t-ball in the house because of the rain, until we had a close call. I was mixing up the cake and as I turned the ball went flying by my face. Needless to say he pick up on how to swing the bat correctly very quickly. LOL!

Saturday was Kayden's birthday he is TWO!

Friday night I mixed and baked the cake and mixed the frosting. Let it cool over night and then Saturday morning I frosted the cake then waited and waited for Kayden to get up. I thought I was going to have to leave for work before he got up, but he did get up and we sang happy birthday to him and had cake for breakfast. That night Bob and I took Kayden out for his birthday dinner.

Water Wonders-Pools & Spas

Grand Opening was Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I was happy with the turn out and Sunday at close Bob pulled the name of the winner (4 weekly cleaning), he was very happy to win. We got the credit card machine in earlier this week and had it ready for the grand opening. It is nice when people come in and they let us know how they found us. A few said the paper, one said from one of the cafes I post to in yahoo and the rest were either customers from last year or they heard about us from a friend.

Stitching

Progress picture of EarthDancer.

Last week I started the beading. The next picture is from last week. I was stitching beads on X and as you can see they are starting to looked smashed together, where there are more than 6 beads. When I started on the second bead color I was having a lot of problem getting the beads to fit. So, I cut out all the beads that were in the top of the dress and started over again. But this time I stitched them /. The beads are laying much better and there is room for each bead. I am leaving the others beads as they are "X". So far I think it looks nice. You might be able to tell the difference in the first picture of EarthDancer.

Finished Brush Your Teeth by Calico Crossroads Started Take A Bath by Calico Crossroads

Other things...

Last week my shark died!!! It stop steaming. I bought it last year on my birthday, I was having problems sleeping so I got up and was watching paid programs and bought the shark. Anyway, I found all my paper work, called them and they said I could send it to them with a $9.95 check for them to ship it back. I did everything they said and had Bob (Poor Bob has been doing all my posting at the Post Office, because I am always in the store) take it in to mail it. He called me and said it was going to be $75.00 to ship. Needless to say I said "Forget It!". They have them at Wal-Mart now, so I bought me a new one. :) Going to try it out today.

Also bought a utility sink for the store. YEAH!!! Now when people bring in parts that need to be cleaned I will have the large sink to work in.

Swap Trade Sale Cross Stitch

I made an album for my cross stitch patterns and goodies that either I have two or more of the same patterns or patterns I'll never stitch. Most of them are new, some are used. They are on the right of the blog here. Click on the pictures and it will take you to the album. If you find something that you want, just let me know. I will swap also. I have a list of things I need to finish up other projects, I still need to add the list to the album.

Getting Back on Track

Getting Back on Track...

I need to lose a little weight and try to be fitter and eat healthy. So, this week I went back to eating fruits for breakfast (breakfast for me, is when I get hungry around 10ish), then veggies for lunch and a nice meal for supper. I also use portions so I don't over eat. Monday and Tuesday went well, but after that I was getting hungry or it could be boredom eating. But I am still working at it. I do have the "Gym" up, now that Bob's computer is in the store. But I still haven't had time to get a good workout. I am putting over 9-10 hours in the shop Mon-Sat then 6-5 hours on Sundays. So when I am home it is cleaning or cooking and getting things ready for the next day. I have walked home from work a couple of times.

FLOWERS

Flowers are blooming.Most of the week was cold and raining.

STITCHING

Finished "File This" by Calico Crossroads

Love her designs, they stitch up so quick. Started and finished "Clean Your Ears"
Also worked on my UFO, WIP, BAP, Challenge project. Yes, all of that wrapped up into one project.

This is what she looked like before I started stitching on her again.This is what she looks like today.A close up. I am using the recommend 28 count material and the beads the patterns says to use.

But as you can see the beads are going to look mashed together.

Can you see where there are 6 beads together. WATER WONDERS - POOLS & SPAS

We opened the shop May 1, 2010. Had several people stop in to see what was in here and a few other people looking for the pet store, by us. Monday that changed, we actually had our first customer! This week we had several sales.

May 21-23 is our Grand Opening, so I had also been working on that. I contacted all the local TV stations to put a free ad in their Community listings. So far WSBT and WSJV has it listed. Mailed fliers to all our local customers and made fliers to hand out next week. We also ran an ad in Saturday's Plymouth paper and another ad next Saturday. Been working on the wed site too and had a few emails from that. I really miss working outside.

Mother's Day

MOTHER'S DAY

My Mother's Day started Saturday night. Bob called me while I was at work and said Dara was cooking supper for me and wanted to know what kind of salad I wanted. Dara made a new shrimp recipe, it was good.

After supper Bob and I went out for dessert.

Sunday morning I started my usual house cleaning routine. Then everyone else started waking up and it seemed like everyone was grumpy. It soon made me a little grumpy too. So, I decided I needed to leave for a while. Walked out to the garage and Bob asked me where I was going. I said I don't know I just need to get out for a while, maybe Wal-Mart. Then he asked if he could go with me. I said sure. We ended up going to Diner and having breakfast.

I worked from 12-5 in the shop and when I returned home Kayden gave me this frame. Isn't it cute!

I think I will use his frame for the piece I just finished.

After work we (Bob, Kayden and I) met my Mom and my MIL at a restaurant and had a nice time talking and of course the food was good.

After returning home, I took some time for myself and give myself a manicure, pedicure and facial. I almost felt like a new person. Tee-Hee! Then I set down and watched TV, which doesn't happen all the often. So, over all my Mother's Day turned out nice.

The Beginning

STITCHING

Finished Waxing Moon Designs, "What Happens at Grandma's". I just need to get the buttons. Dara started this piece in 2007 and she said she wouldn't finish it, so I did. That is why there are two names and dates on this piece.

Next project...Calico Crossroads, "File This".

This is on white even weave.
FRAMED
These are now framed and hanging in the hallway to the store.
WATER WONDERS - POOLS & SPAS
We looked all over for curtains for the office in the store, but we never found anything that we both liked and to cover these windows, it was going to be over $300.00. We went to the dollar store and found these for a dollar each. The window covering cost us $7.00. Everyone likes it too. :)

Pictures of what the store looks like.

We still have a lot of things that need to come in.

I really liked the towels until I put them up. Thinking I might change them to all striped towels.A strange thing happen last week while I was in the store. I was working in the office and thought I heard something in the store (thought it might be a dog that escaped from the dog grooming shop). I walked out of the office and saw a young couple making out. I said "What are you two doing". Boy did that get there attention. LMBO! But the strange thing was that they didn't stop cuddling, they looked at me like I should leave the room!

Finally remembered to take Teamwork in and hang it in the office.

KAYDEN

So where is Kayden while (Brandon, Bob and I are working and Dara is in school). He started to go to day care. I never cared for day care, that is why I never sent my kids to day care, I went without in order to care for them. But I know that not everyone can do that and that there are wonderful day care providers out there. But all I have in my mind are all the bad stories you here on the news.
The first day went fine. Dropping him off he did great, but as time went on it was getting harder and harder for Brandon to drop him off. And every time Bob or I picked him up, he would start crying. They are suppose to check our ID if we picked Kayden up and they never said a word. Also one time when I picked him up there were two older kids setting at the kitchen table with out making any noise, just setting there. Thought that was a little strange. So, he has spent a lot of time with me or Bob at the store.
Monday a friend of Dara's is going to start watching him during the day. I think it will be better for him.

Bob and Kayden working hard in the office.

Back to Life, Back to Reality

The last 3 post have been about fun things that are going on it my life. So I thought I would use this post for the rest of the happenings in my life the last 4 weeks.

LILACS ARE IN BLOOM

After leaving a customers home we came across this Snapper Turtle. No I did not take him home. LOL! The picture doesn't really show how big his is. TURTLES & WORK

We have been keeping pretty busy this last 4 weeks. At one of the liner replacements we were doing in Plymouth, Bob saved this little Painted Turtle and I of course had to bring it home. We haven't name the turtle yet, because it has to grow before we can tell if it's a boy or girl turtle.

The day we brought it home I showed it to Kayden and he said "Moooore" and pointed at the turtle tank. Now every time Kayden sees the new turtle he said "Moooore".

The new turtle is just a little bit small than what Myrtle was when I brought him home, April 2008. Below it Myrtle 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Maggie and Myrtle 2009. Maggie and the new turtle 2010

Myrtle and the new turtle.

Myrtle and Maggie 2010

Picture of me working. Restoration of a pool and washed all the retaining walls, pavers and deck.
Bob made these limestone mantle supports with a hammer and chisel. Sometimes he even amazes me! He had to make 4 of them the same.

The Fireplace is finished!!!

The mantel and hearth are limestone. The hearth weighed over 500 pounds.

WATER WONDERS - POOLS & SPAS

We opened the retail shop Saturday May 1st. There is alot of things that still need to be done and I'll try to get some updated pictures up next week.

We had to go to the town meeting to try to get a dumpster for the business. There is no place to put it where the shop is at, we proposed a location that is in the towns parking area, out of the way from the main stream. Before the meeting we talked to a friend that works for the city and he said he didn't think they would give us the dumpster. We also were requesting a 15 min parking right in front of our shop, due to the heavy items that customers or I would be carrying out the door. When we arrived at the meeting we (Bob and I) were both surprised to see one of our customers on the board. They accepted both of our proposals. With the exception of the dumpster has to have fencing around it. This is a new law the old dumpsters were Grandfathered in so they don't have to have a fence.

STITCHING

I finished "All My Hearts" by Trail Creek Farm, just need to get the charms and frame. And I put a few more stitches in "What Happens At Grandmas" by Waxing Moon Designs. Last update I just had the words stitched.

SERENA'S GIFTS

Update picture of my booth spaces in Indianapolis at Serena's Gifts.

Several have asked how it is doing, well not to good yet. But the owner has had some personal things going on and has had to have the shop closed. But now she has someone at the shop until she can return. So, hope things will pick up there soon.

GIVEAWAY

The Loud and Wacky Street Team at Etsy are doing April Showers Giveaway. Be sure to check it out. That is where I am giving away my flower poncho that I showed a few weeks ago.