Cricket's Bait Shop ~ Krotz, Louisiana

Cricket's Bait Shop Photo by me.

We had such a wonderful vacation this past fall, we longed for home and yet we didn't want our trip to end.  So many beautiful places, so many fascinating people we met along the way.  We loved every minute of it.  This is one of those fascinating places.

And the Alligator.

And her dear deer.

A Special Request for Angelina

Painting of Max

Angelina received a custom order in November, to paint a portrait of Max.  A special dog that was very much loved and had passed away.  Angelina painted two portraits of him and let her customer choose the one she wanted to give to the family.  The customer wanted Angelina to incorporate a rainbow, three crosses and some bubbles.  That was one of Max's favorite things to do: chase bubbles.

She did such a good job, didn't she?  

Snow!

Our grandchildren's, Uncle Matt, drove all the way to Tahoe on Christmas day to shovel some snow into the bed of his truck and drove back to Fairfield to deliver it to their front porch. 

Isn't he a sweetheart?

Christmas Bright

Wishing you all a merry and shiny bright holiday season in peaceful and joyous company with family and friends close to your heart.

December Clean Up

Worked in the backyard today, trimming, pruning and raking up lots and lots and lots of leaves and decay. 

Tears From Heaven

 

Upon hearing of the sick and very sad news of today in Connecticut, I chose this picture that I took over the weekend at a beautiful and historical church graveyard in Jackson, Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church.  

I'm sure a lot of people are asking the question, "Why does God allow evil?" 

Baby It's Cold Outside

Love.

And this.

Herbert the Owl

Herbert enjoys comfy chairs.

I bought this print in San Francisco from Maggie Hurley on Sunday.  Isn't he adorable?  I'm going to crawl up in the attic to see if I can find my miniature easel to display it.  Maggie has the cutest artwork.  She's also written a couple of adorable children's books and she has another shop here. 
Here's some of her beautiful work:

Big Eyed Barn Owl: HERE

Goofy Ostrich: HERE

Pink Flamingo: HERE

Little Wren: HERE

Our Favorite Radio Station

The KOZT

Every time we drive to the coast, near Fort Bragg or Mendocino, we have to listen to our favorite radio station, The Kozt (the coast) 95.3.  The only way we get it to come in at home in Fairfield, 173 miles or a 3 hour drive away is to listen to it live streaming on our computer.  Well, not anymore thanks to our good friend, Mr. Don Harley!  He turned us on to a radio at C. Crane so we can listen to our favorite station on at home. 

It just came in today and I wanted to surprise Michael by getting it hooked up and going.  Sooo super easy to do!  Now we need (want) one for inside the house because this one is in the garage so we can listen to it while working.  Mike told me if he can listen to The Coast, he'd get more work done.  Ha, I don't see how he can go any faster than he already does!  The sound coming out of the speaker is so clear and has a great sound and it's so easy to work this thing.  I was afraid that it would be a pain in the butt to hook up.  Couldn't be happier!

Every Sunday morning, from 8 am to 10 am, The Coast features Breakfast with the Beatles, all Beatles trivia and music.  So, if you're a Beatles fan, this program is for you.

On Friday nights from 9 pm to 10 pm they have The House of Elwood Blues with Dan Aykroyd. 

For more of their scheduled programs:  Go Here.

A Christmas Mood

Felt Reindeer

Christmas Socks

Bookmark

Cup Cozy

Winter Wonderland Snow Globe

Vintage Soviet Boots

Birch Bark Candle Holders

Golden Amber Egg Nog Set

Vintage Print

Vintage Teddy Bear

Reindeer Cookies

Yummy Marshmallows

Merry Christmas Smooch!

Browsing Christmas on Etsy. 

Busy With Things

Since we got home last Monday, it's been non-stop work.  Every single day.  Today I painted and antiqued five Oak Tree Cabinets, three Wine Racks, two Railroad Shelves and two Rope Shelves.  And then I packed for shipment all of of those along with some we did left over from yesterday.  Michael has been going at it all day long working on some new orders and we're almost caught up from our vacation.  Right now, he's in the recliner resting after a hard day's work!  Going to hang out and relax tonight, watch a movie, have some popcorn.

These are the last of our pictures from Carmel.

If I can get to sewing, I'd like to make a pair of crisp white pajamas.

Salad forks with doggie handles.

We discovered a new shop in town: Trio` Carmel.  Sample some delicious balsamic and olive oils along with tasting from a local winery.  I bought three bottles of oil and three of the balsamic vinegars, various selections.

Sealing my bottles with the heat gun.

Pie Season

I'm taking a break from posting the rest of our vacation pictures to let you know about these pies.  I went to school with Dan 'The Produce Man' growing up in beautiful Alameda by the bay.  He sells these wonderful and delicious pies made by Charlie Frank.

Dan's Produce

2300 Central Avenue  Alameda, CA 94501

(510) 523-1777

Pacific Grove & Carmel

Michael trying to get in quickly.

Made it this time!

Cute ice-cream shop next to Toasties, where we had breakfast.

Toasties

Mine.

Michael's order.

The look on this boy's face reminds me of a Norman Rockwell.

Drooling over all the goodies in the window.

You gotta go here for pizza in Pacific Grove.