New Family Craft Blog

I've started a new family craft brag site (OK, I'm also hoping to steal some of your creativity!) called Closet Crafter. Why that title? Cuz all my crafting has gotten so out of hand I took over a large walk in closet in our guest/sewing room. (Sorry in advance to guest who no longer can hang up their clothes!!) You can see the link to it here in my favs. To summit projects use the same password as we use for the family recipe blog and my email address. If you don't know them then let me know and I will give it to you. Don't feel limited to paper crafts. Any thing you craft or sew would be cool. Oh and try not to spoil anyone's surprise by posting a card or gift on the blog before you give it to the recipient!!! Hope this is fun for the family crafters. Diana

Italy

We were lucky enough to travel to Italy in Jan. Here we are in Pisa.

This is the Baptistry next to the Tower. The carving was amazing.

This is inside the Baptistry.

This is the font.

Think of all the people who have climbed these stairs through out history. A little spooky.

This is the Cathedral from behind while we were in the balcony of the Baptistry.

Ron climbed the Tower. It's purpose was as a bell tower-hence the bell.

No way was I climbing a tower that leaned. So this is me sitting on the steps on the left.

The ceiling inside the cathedral.

Our next excursion was to Rome. Here is a picture of inside St. Peter's Square across from St. Peter's Basilica.

I don't believe I had ever seen opulence until we were at Vatican City. This is just one of the alcoves.

A past pope's final resting place.

Scary, huh! They still have masses here and on Wednesday the Pope leads a mass and blesses tourists icons.

After all that we needed a pizza and some pasta. Now that's what Italy is all about. Food!

We then took a tour of the Colosseum. Talk about grusome. Over 700,000 people died in the "games" in it's hayday. They don't know how many animals. sorry Ron has his eyes closed but the photographer is an amateur. Shortly after this shot was taken we were on the streets of Rome when an anti-Israel protest was beginning. We should have hopped on the train right then but there was more we wanted to see. So we stayed and before long were in a crushing mob of people trying to get past the protests. Quite exciting. It was on the news that night!!! Another adventure!!!!

This is the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and Baptistry in Florence.

While in Florence we went to a number of museums. This is a view outside the Galleria degli Ultizi. This museum houses the Birth of Venus and more paintings from Catholic churches than one could have imagined existed. At another museum we saw the statue of David by Michelangelo.

Me again in front of a huge castle. I am on the Third of fourth story balcony of another building, so you can imagine how tall the castle is.

Ron and I are taking a break after hours of art appreciation. (Oh, look at that one, his nose is so big. Oh and this one needs a pair of pants! Another picture of the assention of Mary...enough already.)

This domed ceiling was in Santa Maria Cathedral in Florence.

Another view of the cathedral. I hope someday we can return.....

First Snow to Stick!!!

Taffy's first snow, doesn't she look thrilled?

I woke up on Monday to a winter picture postcard. What could be better than a dusting of snow on the yard when you don't have to go anywhere?

You can see the snowflakes still falling in this picture.

And this one.

This snow stuff is fun.
It's light and fluffy.

OK, that was enough. Please pick me up!!!!!

Our Grandfather's Clock has Arrived!

The big day finally arrived and the truck backed up our drive.

Here it comes. I'm glad I'm not carrying it.

We ,instead, sat on the couch and had them move it six inches, no wait, two more inches, til it was just right.



Time to put in all the innards.





And there it is. Thank you Grandma!!!

Latest on the backyard

We continue to do backyard landscaping. Here is a partial view of the sunken garden. Nature out shines anything we have done but try to ignore the color and... forget it.

Here is a shot going towards the sunken garden.

Same picture but something is different, can you spot what it is kids?

We spread more bark which really helps pull it together. But as you can imagine we keep Roundup in business! Someday we hope the plants fill it in a bit more.

This weekend at Rd 402

There were acreas to mow...

and it was especially hard because the brush was taller than I am. But it will make camping a lot easier as well as getting to the creek and spring.

Let's build a bridge!!! Good idea to do it while the creek is dry, much harder when it is running.

Really, this is going to work...

a little bit farther...

give a little push...

and the first log is across and sturdy.

Now lift this log like this..

and push a lot here.

First phase- completed. Now we can cross the creek without getting soaked.

It must be OK cuz I'm standing on it and you KNOW I am afraid of heights!

Look kids, there is a troll already moved in under the new bridge. You better watch out!

Sunrise at the camp. We spent the night under the stars (read that as no tent) and woke up early so Ron could go turkey hunting.

I know this is a little blurry but you get the idea. I pity the poor turkeys!!!