A Week of Celebrating

I have had 10 days of celebrating my birthday.  Who said getting older isn't fun?  This is a picture of the 35 foot blue spruce that is the Christmas tree at the State Capital in Pierre.   There are over 90 decorated Christmas trees in the building.   What a wonderful way to get instilled with the Christmas spirit by looking at all these fabulous trees.  This picture is taken from the second floor.  All the trees were gorgeous.  It's fun to see all the lights and different ways of decorating.  There is also a beautiful Nativity scene.

I attended the State Oral Interpretation contest in Pierre.  Nephew Kyle and his friend, Dade qualified for the state competition by winning local, district and regional contests.   Kyle performed in original prose and serious drama.  Dade competed in the serious poetry division.   Kyle was awarded a gold medal and superior rating for his presentation of War-A Matter of Life and Death.  He and Dade received excellent rating on their other pieces.  I enjoyed time with my 3 SILs, Sharon, Judy and Leasa and nephew, Carson.   On Friday night we had supper at an Italian restaurant to celebrate my birthday.   DD 1 joined us too.  She gave me a Kindle Fire for my birthday!!!  We stayed overnight, so I had a slumber party for my birthday.   Lots of laughs!!  The competition was all day Saturday.  After the awards ceremony, we toured the tree display at the Capital.

 This beautiful flocked tree was decorated with these cute little owls.

I thought this one decorated with elves was adorable.

Last week-end--another party!!   Members from both families and a few friends gathered  at a local steakhouse to help me celebrate again.  DD 1 made sure I had plenty of candles to blow out.   I wish I was heading some where to wear those flip flops.  lol

This last Wednesday my two good friends, Peggy, Sandi and I spent the day together.  We enjoyed a Mexican lunch, shopping and a trip to see the trees.   DH asked me if I was done celebrating now.   I think the partying is over. 

I am so bless to have a wonderful family and special friends who felt I needed extra celebrations for my 60th year.   Thank you to all my blogging friends, who took the time to post their wishes.  I didn't get you answered, but I really enjoyed hearing from each of you!! 

Thank you all for a memorable bithday.

Word Play Winner

The winner of the Word Play Quilts book, as chosen by Mr. Random Generator is Number 6.

Cyndi said...

 Congratulations to Teresa - hope she enjoys her gift! And I'm in the same boat with you, Janet. Looking for a new camera...mine has been dropped so many times it amazes me that it even still takes photos. But I keep getting all types of crazy stuff on my view screen and every time I take a photo it sends me a message that my "card can't be read"! I know absolutely nothing about cameras, so I can't give a recommendation....don't have any idea what type I'm going to get, either! Good luck, my friend.

Cyndi is an old hand at sewing, but a new quilter.  She makes fabulous bags.  Congratulations, Cyndi!  I hope you have fun looking at this book and possibly a word quilt is in your future.   Good luck with buying a new camera too.

I love Mr Random.  He takes the hard part out of the give away, so quick, easy and impartial.  Thank you for all the camera advice.  I haven't had time to look on line yet.  I may have to go to Pierre tomorrow for the Rhino's windshield.  I'll check at Walmart and see what they have available there. 

I have been a cleaning demon this morning.  I really need a couple weeks of that fervor.  Cleaning is not one of my favorite things to do.  It just needs to be done again the next day or the next week.  I have two very clean bathrooms right at this very moment.   They smell wonderful and everything is clean and shiny from ceiling to floor.  I really need some sunshine to get in the real Spring cleaning mode.  I have some painting I want to do too.

The Yukon is fixed and has new tires.  We'll need to go get it later today.  I am so thankful that the Rhino and the Yukon are in good working order for their busy season ahead.  It is cold (28 F) and gloomy today again and no promises in the future. 

The Camera is Kapoot!

This give away is closed.

I grabbed my camera this morning to take a picture and no "action".  Ahhhh---must be the batteries.  Quick change!  Still no functioning.  I plug it into my computer and see if the software comes up. Yes! Ok,  I just used it yesterday to take and download those pictures for the blog.  Now the camera turns on, but does not take pictures.  Some of you may remember I dropped it and the viewing screen no longer worked, but at least I could still take pictures and download them.  I guess I need a new camera.  I've been looking at them, but not seriously.  I'll be looking seriously now.

Thank you "everyone" for the well wishes and praise.  I'm looking forward to another year of blogging fun.

The winner of yesterday's give away is---TA--DAAAA 

Number 23 

Teresa said...

Well you know I am a fan...if you get tired of all that snow, just come on to South Carolina. I have a guest room and you are welcome to it.

I used the Random Number Generator, but some of you may think that the guest room was a little "extra incentive" to choose Teresa.  I wish I could do that, but DH says he will come and track me down if I leave during calving season. 

We got a couple more inches of snow last night.  It was a least 28 F this morning, so not quite so cold.  DH keeps checking the weather channel and looking for those 50 degree temperatures they keep promising us.  The poor geese and ducks are flying around in circles wondering what the heck happened to spring.

Today's "one day" is Word Play Quilts by Tonya Ricucci.  I don't have a picture for you, but you can check out the book on this Amazon link.  I accidently ordered two when I ordered mine from Connecting Threads.  When I got it in the mail, I knew it would be just right for this give away.  I  haven't tried doing letters like this, but there are some reallly cute ideas for quilts that people have done.  My So Scrappy Friend is such an inspiration to me.  This post shows some of the  "talking quilts" she has made.  She gets so much done!  I love her blog and if you haven't check it out--you need to.  I love the idea of creating a totally unique quilt.

This give away is open to everyone who would like to win this book.  I'll choose a winner tomorrow.  Just leave me a comment.  I'll be looking for a new camera, so if you have a recommendation let me know.

Blog Birthday/Anniversary

This giveaway is CLOSED.  : )

Does this look like Spring to you?  The temperature isn't Spring-like either.  I'm certainly thankful that we let "the boys" out 10 days later than we usually do.  The girls are still holding on to those babies in this cold weather.  We are anxiously waiting for the first one to come.  I can't imagine trying to keep everyone warm and dry, although we have done it other years. 

I think the cows are even tired of the cold and snow.  They are wondering when is it ever going to get nice.  They walk slower and slower as they head for water.  The snow is really coming down today.  We are suppose to get 3-6 inches.

The Rhino got fixed and had maintenance last week, so it's ready to start the busy work ahead.  It is also sporting a new top and DH ordered a windshield too.  The top and windshield will be very nice for those April rains we hope to get.  The GMC Yukon we use for the calving vehicle broke down last week and is in the shop.  I'm praying for a quick repair job for it this week.

As the title states I'm having a blog birthday or blogiversary today.  One year ago today I jumped into blogging with no skills.  I've learned many things, met many people and had a lot of blog fun this year.  It's fun to look back at the pictures and see what the weather was and what I was working on.  I want to thank everyone for the "blog encouragement" on my boring post.  Sometimes my life seems pretty boring, but I know I enjoy every post I read of other bloggers.  It is fun to travel to other states and countries.  Thanks so much to all of you for being my friends.  I can't believe I have over a 150 followers.  I really appreciate all my regular commentors. 

I'm going to being doing some one day give aways like my friend, Cindy does to celebrate.

My first prize is a 1 year subscription to McCall's Quick Quilts.  If you would like to win, please leave a comment today.  The winner will be drawn tomorrow.  This will only be for friends in the USA.   Some of my other prizes will be for everyone. 

I'm off to start lunch and continue doing laundry.