Thursday Thoughts ~The Days Seem Long ~The Weeks Go Fast

Every Day is the same, but my routine feels safe.

For that I am Thankful.

Hubby has mastered the art of preparing our Weekend Brunch...

Perfect Over Easy Egg on Toast, Hash Browns, and Bacon.

And it is now Peak Season for many types of Fresh Fruit.

These Cherries are juicy and delicious.

None of us know if our communities

will host a Winter Arts Festival, so

I have been busy taking photos and listing

our creations in my Tins and Treasures Etsy Shop. 

This week we enjoyed one of our Go-To meals...

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta.

It also involves mushrooms, red pepper, and green onions.

It fast and easy to prepare and so very tasty.

Hubby enjoys spending time in his wood shop after

a day at the office working with Unemployment.

This is just one of his hand turned bottle openers that is available

for purchase. It would be the perfect stocking stuffer

for your favorite bartender.

Remember if you are a local friend, you can contact me

to make arrangements and we can bypass the Shipping Charges on Etsy.

Stay Safe and Well.

Take care,

~Natalie

What’cha Workin’ on Wednesday ~My Mask Making Report ~Who Else Needs One?

This is a challenging time.

When going out and about, the CDC recommends

that you should wear a Fabric Face Mask.

Crafters across the country have put

their other projects aside to create masks

for their family, their friends, and their community.

The following was on my Newsfeed yesterday...

 I couldn’t agree more with these thoughts.

It’s why we all keep cutting, and stitching,

and folding, and  pressing.

I feel like I am doing something worthwhile, 

when I am helpless about everything that is going on around us.

I’ve been making the two different styles,

as some folks like elastic around their ears,

and some prefer the longer elastic around the back of their head.

Helper Cat provides good support.

Over the weekend we had requests for about two dozen masks.

So we stepped up our production...

We filled those orders and have about 30 more in our inventory.

Please let me know if you still need a mask.

I am not charging for them,

as my objective was to just create protection

for our family and friends.

I have received some very generous donations

of crafting supplies, delicious baked goods,

and cash for our elastic fund.

Thank you, everyone.

Stay safe and well.

~Natalie

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art ~A Delightful Day Trip

The Weekend brings time for Rest,

Relaxation, and Family Fun.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

is a museum devoted to the art of the picture book

and especially the children’s book.

After Mama purchased our admission tickets,

we made a beeline run for the Very Hungry Caterpillar.

“Hi, Bug...Hi, Bug”

And if you have been lucky enough to read the book to a child,

you know that the Hungry Caterpillar builds himself a cocoon

and later breaks out as this beautiful butterfly.

Next stop...the Children’s Library.

There were shelves and shelves of children’s books

by many different authors and in many different languages.

This is the entrance to the Art Gallery.

This story captured Jack’s attention.

The museum provides many opportunities

for children of all ages to participate in hands on activities.

Jack and Nana moved all the food into the dog’s tummy.

Jack and Mama were growling like this dragon.

Eric Carle’s books often feature endangered sea life,

encouraging us to think about

how we can protect ocean habitats.

A Vintage Dial Phone, is a conversation starter in itself...

...however this one was set up to listen

to a different ocean sound, as you dial each number.

Hey Jack, let’s have Mama take a picture of us

with this slice of Pizza.

Photo Op...Done!

Our last stop was in the Art Room.

There were stations designed for all ages...

...there were lots of supplies and something for everyone.

We all had a great time...

Come again soon!

Take care,

~Natalie

Things in Our House Thursday ~The Little Things that Make Me Smile ~Valentine Hearts

Last month I traded out my Santas for Snowmen.

Here in the Dakotas,

they can stay out on display until Spring Break.

Many of them are adorned with Hearts for Valentines Day.

This tree on my bathroom vanity,

that  lights the way when I get up in the night,

is also decked out for Valentines Day.

This alone makes me smile!

This is the box where I store my Sweet Valentine Stuff...

cards from my Hubby and our Daughters,

along with some little craft projects we created together.

My Valentines Mugs that were gifts from years ago.

Heart Shaped Crystal Candy Dishes...

... prompted a trip to Target to purchase

cute Heart Sharped Chocolates.

These angels have been on our work table...

Now ready for a new forever home.

Hello, Dolly.

Sending you love and smiles.

Give Thanks for all of life’s blessings.

Take care,

~Natalie