Thursday, July 28, 2011

July Flowers

In spite of the high temperatures this summer, the flowers are just as beautiful as ever. I've taken so many photographs of flowers this summer ~ some are on my computer ~ some are on memory cards ~ some I've printed. This post is just some of them. How wonderful to have photos to look back on when the beauty is gone.































Wednesday, July 27, 2011





HAPPY BIRTHDAY, John !!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011



EACH DAY COMES BEARING ITS OWN GIFTS.

UNTIE THE RIBBONS.

~Ruth Ann Schabacker

Monday, July 25, 2011




HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Samuel !!

Saturday, July 23, 2011





HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sharon !!



Thursday, July 21, 2011

Missing Patrick

Patrick____________Audrey____________Patty



I Miss You

It's been a while

since I've heard your voice ~

that warm comforting voice,

always offering

helpful words of wisdom.

You always seem to know

so much more about life than I ~

and just what to say

to make the world seem like

it's on our side.

I miss you

when something really good happens,

because you're the one

I want to share it with.

I miss you

when something is troubling me,

because you're the one

who understands me so well.

I miss you

when I laugh and when I cry,

because you're the one

who makes the laughter grow

and the tears disappear.

I can't believe

how much I miss you.



To our dear brother, Patrick.

With all of our love.

Patty and Audrey



~Catherine Starr ~ Chicken Soup for the Soul~

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

A Cool Semi

This semi is setting in the high weeds along the side of the road in Narrows, Virginia. I love it ~ A nice thing to see instead of things like old garage sale signs tacked to poles or graffiti painted on sides of buildings.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Animals in Ohio

This fabulous rhino is made out of old tires and is standing on a corner in downtown Canton, Ohio. I think he is a great piece of art and I love that the artist recycled materials to create him.

As I was looking through my photos tonight deciding what to post about my trip, I was surprised by how many animals (and birds) I had encountered in the past week. We stopped for a bite to eat on our trip back to VA and decided to eat outside to enjoy the beauty of the afternoon. This starling decided to join us. Looking at his head, I couldn't help but think of Donald Trump. Anyone else see what I mean?

This wonderful turtle, made out of some type of metal, is gracing the lawn in downtown Canton, Ohio.

As is this camel. How appropriate that he is sitting outside a restaurant called The Desert Inn.

These are only a few of the geese I found wandering everywhere in Monument Park in Canton. Each time I visit back home, I always drive through the park. I spent many days there growing up and I took Casey there to fish in the creek when he was just a little guy. I love this park and miss it a lot.

I also had to visit KSU while in Ohio. I have many wonderful memories of the years I lived in Kent while attending the University. On our way, we saw this cute little guy in a field. A pygmy goat, perhaps?

And a sweet little donkey.

I passed these beautiful horses on my way to Akron to visit the Donald Drumm Studio. I will post photos about that another day ~ one of my favorite places.



This camel just happened to be in Alliance, Ohio, while I was there visiting. It's not too often you see a camel just standing around in a parking lot. I had to go near and take photos, of course.

While staying with good friends, I couldn't help but notice a loud shrieking every day. I had to investigate as I knew it was some kind of bird. I found him ~ a hawk. He often perched in the tree directly across the street from their house. Maybe it's a she. I haven't a clue. I do know it was large and I was lucky it stayed in the tree long enough for me to capture this photo.

Our friends have been having trouble with creatures living under their screened-in porch. This cage did the trick and a baby opossum was captured. He was taken to the woods and set free.

The next day, Momma decided to check out the cage. Now Momma and baby are united in the woods and hopefully won't send any relatives to live under the porch.

Monday, July 18, 2011

"Stuff"

So, we made it back to Virginia in our "stuffed" vehicle. It is difficult to see how packed full we really were. I'm not sure how I could accumulate SO much "stuff" in just one week. I have been trying very hard to cleanse my house of "stuff" and keeping only necessary things and a few special items. Having these consignment spaces is causing me to bring in more and more things. I realize these items will all be leaving here eventually, but in the meantime it makes me crazy. (:
I have a very full Monday. Laundry, groceries, mail to sort, and tonight is vendor night at the consignment shop so I must get things ready for that.
When we arrived home last evening, I watered for almost 2 hours. The trees, plants, and flowers were very unhappy. We had high temps the entire week we were gone with no rain. They are looking much happier this morning. But, since I spent all that time tending to the yard, I didn't get much done inside.
Also, I'm having computer issues and before I can spend time posting photos, etc., from my Ohio trip, I need to get these issues resolved. I'm using DH's computer to post this ~ my computer won't let me post anything on my Blog. Wouldn't life be dull if we didn't have glitches along the way?
I hope everyone survived the heat wave that was riding across a large portion of the country. We need to enjoy the remaining days of Summer whether they be warm, cool, rainy or dry. Those "back to school" supplies are already finding their way into the stores reminding us that Fall will be here too soon.
I better get started on my list of "to do's" for the day when all I really want to do is PAINT!!! ):

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Packing Is A Chore

Well, it is that dreaded day before the morning you leave to go back home. Time to stuff everything back into the suitcases and get them back into the car. Small dilemma! I have filled our vehicle with items I purchased for my consignment spaces. One look the other day and I knew I needed to do some serious arranging or there would be no suitcases returning with us. I went out Thursday morning ~ removed everything from the back of the SUV and stacked and sorted. I was successful ~ quite enough room for suitcases and such. Well, I've been driving around for two days now and everytime I came to a stop, something moved back there. Now everything has shifted and fallen and I am going to have to go back out tonight and redo the entire mess. That will teach me to try to fix things early ~ I should have waited!!

It has been an enjoyable week visiting friends and family. I will post photos and more as soon as time allows.

Friday, July 15, 2011




HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Remi !!

Monday, July 11, 2011





HAPPY BIRTHDAY, John !!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

A Little Trip

Just letting you know, my friends, that I will be off Blog for a week or so. I am taking a trip to Ohio to visit family and friends.
I hope you are enjoying these warm summer days and able to spend some time making art!
See you when I get back!
♥ audrey