My Son's Wedding

Stephen's Wedding to Lindsey - June 26, 2010
It was the most gorgeous wedding I have EVER been to.  Stephen takes after me, in being a gracious and elegant Host and his wedding was no different.  He spent a great deal of time planning EVERY detail of every aspect of the entire weekend...from where we would dine before our massages on Friday...to the Rehearsal Dinner...to the Wedding Cake...and the Place Cards for Dinner, he spared no time, hard work or CA$H.  Everyone was amazed at everything he thought of...he basically made Lindsey's Wedding Dreams come true.  I am sooooooooooo proud of him.  One other thing...
he prepared the entire Wedding Ceremony, including the readings, what the officiant would say...the music and singer...and the VOWS he said to Lindsey.

The weekend's events began with our arrival

at the INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL in downtown Milwaukee on Thursday.  We had a lovely King-size room overlooking downtown.  After unpacking and getting settled in, we went down to the Hotel Restaurant and had an awesome dinner.  We walked around the huge hotel complex and then went back to our room.  We fell asleep early that night.

Friday arrived (which was to be rainy)...and it was sunny and warm.  Our main things going on that day were lunch with Stephen, Lindsey and Lynda (Lindsey's mom).  We went to BRAVO for our lunch and then it was off to NEROLI'S for a massage, manicure and pedicure.  What a treat!!!

After going back to the Hotel and changing clothes, we went to the Wedding Rehearsal...at VILLA TERRACE, a lovely mansion on the lakefront.  Then...we all went to dinner...24 of us.  We ate at ZARLETTI...a northern Italian Restaurant.  The waiter and waitress brought out platter after platter of appetizers, antipasto, pasta, chicken, vegetables, salad and dessert.  The food was absolutely out-of-this-world fantastic!!  And the service matched.  They poured wine all through dinner.  Tom and I will definitely be going back there...the next time we're in Milwaukee!!

Saturday, when we awoke, we saw MORE sunshine ~ when rain had been predicted!  The entire day was sunny to party sunny.

The wedding was at 11:00AM. We arrived early, so that I could TIE the men's Raspberry Dotted Bow-Ties.  Nope, Stephen wanted bow-ties to match the girls dresses (imagine that) and there were no clip-ons in that color.  Lucky thing is I learned to tie bow-ties when I worked for a Formal Wear Shop years earlier.  A quick on-line refresher and I was good to go.  And...of course, I tied Stephen's Black Bow-Tie too.

As most weddings, this one began a little late...but it was well worth the wait.  A string quartet played before...and during the wedding, a woman sang the Wedding Song.  The Bride's Attendants were so pretty in their Raspberry colored dresses and silver, rhinstone studded shoes.

 And the BRIDE...

She was stunning!  Lindsey was the prettiest Bride ever.  As you can see in the picture above, she is a tall blonde...and wore a designed and made-for-her gown.  It was lovely.  She was lovely. They got married high on the Bluff overlooking Lake Michigan...

Mom, Bride, Groom & Tom

  The Bride & Groom right after the wedding - what a gorgeous couple!

Stephen was stunningly handsome, standing next to Lindsey in his tuxedo.   The Bride & Groom - and their Wedding Party went off to have photos taken and here are just a few of them.

Stephen selected the wedding cake, which had Raspberry filling (with actual whole raspberries in it)...and had it designed in layers to resemble Lindsey's Dress.  He definitely thought of everything!!

The wedding reception was a few hours later, back at our Hotel downtown.  The Reception room was gorgeous, as we got a quick peek.  There were bars and hors d'oeuvres in the area surrounding the Grand Salon, which was closed until just before dinner.

All in all...the Wedding and Reception went off without a "hitch"...and was so beautiful.

I couldn't be more proud of my son, who is 40 (now 42)...and all the hard work he put into this wedding...and how he LOVES Lindsey.

Stephen's father-in-law said to me at the end of the evening..."Our entire family is in love with your son.  He's wonderful!"  Now, to me...that is really something, coming from the Bride's dad. We wish them a long and happy life together.

Meet the 3 Pups

Photo Taken at Home on January 11, 2013

 BENNY is a Havanese - and he was 4 years old in March 2013.  He weighs 18# and when he came home with us at 12 weeks of age, he was a Fur Ball and weighed just 5#.   He is our protector and he senses when something is wrong with me.  He goes to the spot(s) on my neck or face that are particularly painful from the Bell's Palsy and licks them or lays his warm body against them.  He's a very special boy...very gifted.
*Sadly, Benny passed away of a neurological disorder on December 7, 2013.  We miss you Benny*....
These are Our ♥ Pups
ROSIE is a Toy Poodle - and she just turned 3 years old on Valentine's Day 2013.  She weighs 11# and she's tripled her weight since we brought her home at 12 weeks of age.  She is very shy around strangers.*********************

Taken at Home on January 11, 2013

JASPER is a Maltese - and he was 5 years old in July 2013.  He is the light-weight of the trio - coming in at just 8#.  When Jasper came here to live with us, he weighed 5# and was 9 months old.  He is our laid back boy and he loves his PJ's. 

This photo collage is of pictures of the 3 pups taken in 2012

Mr CSP and I can not imagine them not in our lives.  It seems like we've always had them and yet, we have only had them a few years.  They're all special to us...and they show love to us each and every day...and we LOVE them!

End of the Beginning

David Phelps - Signed by Ibfound93

[Lyrics below]...


(Intro Music)
I was takin a trip on a plane the other day
Just wishing that I could get out.
When the man next to me saw the book in my hand
And asked me what it was about.
So I settled back in my seat-
"A best seller," I said.
"A history, a mystery in one."
And then I opened up the book and began to read 
From Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Chorus:
He was born of a virgin one holy night
In the little town of Bethlehem.
Angels gathered round him underneath the stars
Singing praises to the great I Am.


He walked on the water, healed the lame and made the blind to see again.
And for the first time here on earth we learned that God could be a friend.
And though he never ever did a single thing wrong
The angry crowd chose him. And then he walked down the road
And died on the cross and that was the end of the beginning.
"that's not a new book that's a bible," he said, "and I've heard it all before.
I've tried religion- it's shame and guilt and I don't need it anymore.
It's superstition, made up tales and just to help the weak to survive."
"Let me read it again," I said, "listen closely, cuz this is gonna change your life.
(Chorus)
"The end of the beginning," he said with a smile.
"What more could there be? He's dead.
You said they hung him, put nails in His hands
And a crown of thorns on His head."
I said, "I'll read it again but this time there's more,
And I believe that this is true.
His death wasn't the end, the beginning of life
That's completed in you.
Don't you see he did all this for you!"
(Chorus)
He was born of a virgin one holy night 
In the little town of Bethlehem
All the angles singing praises to the great I AM
He walked on the water, healed the lame, 
And made the blind to see(eee)
(and for the first time here on earth)
Did you know that God could be a friend.
Tho He never ever did a single thing wrong,
He was the one the crowd chose.
Then he walked and he died but 
Three days later (3x) HE ROSE!!!!!!!!
Three days later he rose!
You see he came, he lived, and he died.
But that was the end of the beginning.

Invincibelle and Annabelle Hydrangeas 2013

I'm going to be adding 3 of these Invincebelle plants to my Hydrangea Wall Garden in the next few weeks.  I can't wait to have these "Pink Beauties" in my Garden!  I have had the Standard Annabelle Hydrangeas which are gorgeous - for over 3 years now and the plants are big and winter beautifully...with little special attention!  The blooms are bigger than my hand and we constantly...
have blooms until the last freeze.  I also have had Endless Summer Hydrangea plants for over 6 years and they do so well.

Here's a picture of our Annabelle Hydrangeas

Quick Facts about Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea

Bloom Color: Shades of pink ranging from baby pink to maroon
Exposure: Part Shade / Sun
Spread: 3' to 4'
Height: 3' to 4'
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Growth Habit: Deciduous large mounding shrub
Bloom Time: Large bloom flush in late May to early June and then Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea reblooms until late frost
Uses: Groupings or masses, perennial or shrub borders, specimen, winter gardens.
Attributes: Attracts Butterflies, Songbirds
Breeder: Spring Meadow Nursery
Botanical Nomenclature: Hydrangea: From the Greek hydro (water) and aggos (jar), referring to the shape of the fruit.  arborescens: tree like form.

INVINCIBELLE  Spirit Hydrangea is an exciting new hardy hydrangea that produces lush pink blooms that measure up to 8 inches in diameter. The first ever pink flowering mop-head hydrangea, Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea is a must-have new flowering shrub from Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs. A vigorous growing hardy hydrangea down to USDA Zone 3, Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea delivers big pink flowers on 

 new wood. For hardy gardeners in northern climates, this tough reblooming hydrangea will become a focal point of your garden. No need to worry ever again about frost damage to delicate buds, Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea can even be cut back to the ground and will regrow the next year with vigor.

Invincibelle  Hydrangea  Origins:
This hardy hydrangea was bred by Dr. Thomas Ranney, NCUS of Mountain Horticultural Crop Research and Extension Center, who developed this plant selection from its parent, Annabelle Hydrangea. Annabelle Hydrangea is a midsummer-blooming Hydrangea arborescens selection that blooms on new wood each year. Unlike Annabelle whose flowers are large, white attractive balls with stems that are not sturdy enough to support the flowers during a heavy rain, Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea like Incrediball Hydangea has strong, sturdy stems that resist flopping even under the weight of the massive flowers.

This new selection of Hydrangea arborescens from the Proven Winners^® Color Choice^® Shrub program has sturdier stems and up to 4 times more flowers that Hydrangea Annabelle and best of all they flowers are a lovely shade of pink.

Invincibell Spirit Hydrangea Garden Uses and Care:
Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea is wonderful for mass plantings, for a hedge, in garden or perennial borders or when incorporated into a woodland setting. This showy smooth hydrangea is generally trouble-free from pests or diseases, making it a joy to add to any garden. Invincibelle Hydrangea  blooms on new wood, so even if killed to the ground by extreme weather it will still produce summer flowers the next season. For a season filled with blooms, plant Invincibelle Hydrangea with Incrediball^TM Hydrangea and Quick Fire^®Hydrangea, another great plant from Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs. Quick Fire^® Hydrangea  is the first hardy hydrangea to bloom every year and compliments Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea's blooms and bright dark green foliage.

Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea  is very adaptable, but thrives in rich, well drained, moist soil. This smooth hydrangea blooms on new wood and will tolerate being cut back hard or even to the ground. If you plant this hardy hydrangea in full sun, sufficient moisture is required. During hot, dry summers additional watering will be required to keep Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangea flowering. 

The blooms are extremely attractive both in the landscape and as a cut flower. Invincibelle Spirit Hydrangeais a good choice for both fresh and dried flower arrangements. 

Chandelier Shades

I have found some beautiful and creative Tutorials around Blogland. I will be sharing them here for all to see!  Just click on the links with the name of the Tutorial and you will be directed to that particular Blog and Post with their informative and picture-filled Tutorial...Bling-ed Up Shades

French Linens

Beautiful Stamped Linens Tutorial Made by Confessions of a Plate Addict
French Linens Tutorial 

Mercury Glass

Make Your Own Votive Tutorial by Kate Pruitt

Mercury Glass Votive  

Antiquing

Since today is Saturday and hubby is off from work, AND it's a sunny and somewhat warmer day, I'm in the mood to do some Antiquing.  Want to know what's on my Shopping List?  

Johnson Brothers Olde Britain Castles

and then a Vintage Johnson Brothers China Over-sized Tea Cup...
& Saucer
Friendly Village, The Well. 

I LOVE Roses, so I'd LOVE to find a Rose Mirror

Syroco - and not White!

Wild Turkeys

Friendly Village

Silverplate Flatware - Vintage

Heritage (pierced handle)

Mixed Set

Eternally Yours

Carnival Glass - just love it and this color!

Vintage Oval Mirror Trays

Fenton Glass Hurricane Lamps

(This is Poppy)

Syroco

Roses Clock

That's some of what is on my list.  I have my walking shoes on and a Mall to Shop!!

Timber Frame Idaho

An Idaho log-and-timber beauty showcases an innovative design that blends seamlessly into the rugged mountain landscape.  As an architect, he finds ways to fit gloriously designed homes into spots where Mother Nature might have other ideas. Such was the case with a recent customer who wanted his 2,800-square-foot getaway home nestled into Idaho’s Tamarack ski area. The unique design of this log & timber hybrid home represents the classic, rugged...
beauty of the frontier with the integration of stone and customized timber frame trusses. Built at Tamarack Resort 

in Donnelly, Idaho, this home was designed as a year-round getaway retreat.

This home is based on our award-winning Eagle's Nest floor plan. This design reflects a growing trend in hybrid log and timber homes, showcasing timber trusses and accents in combination with square milled log walls.

"We were able to come up with a design without a lot of steps or level changes," says Tim, who works at M.T.N Design, the in-house design firm for PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes. "It’s kind of a long and narrow home because of the lot." But the house, known as Eagle’s Nest, works wonderfully and looks as if it’s been perched on this spot for more then a century.

Beau Value, owner and president of Everest Construction, says the owner of Eagle’s Nest wanted the place to look like no other. Judging by the unique log-and-timber stunner that resulted, it’s clear the customer got exactly what he wanted.

Working with a design and materials from PrecisionCraft, Beau and his team were able to complete the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bathroom home in just 14 months, despite heavy snow during a particularly severe winter.

The pre-construction design process, though, took a little longer than usual."It was a difficult site to fit," says Beau of the home’s sloping corner lot near a mountain switchback. "There’s a road that goes by the site to access several homes at higher elevations, so we wanted to set the house on the slope. But we also wanted to protect the place so it felt private and not exposed to the road."

The solution, explains Tim, was to work with the challenging landscape, not against it. By adopting such a practical approach, they succeeded in tweaking on of PrecisionCraft’s standard layouts, the Eagle’s Nest plan from their Western Log & Timber series, to accommodate the site. The home is equally striking inside, combining all the rustic beauty of heavily adzed square Douglas fir logs with the elegance of squared timbers. Adding to the eclectic look, the place also boasts natural stone inside and out, vertical board-and-batten exterior siding, plentiful Craftsman-style windows and inviting, guest-worthy porches.

This mélange of materials and styles is fairly typical in a PrecisionCraft home. "We try to incorporate a good mix of glass and stone and wood," says Tim. "And quite often, we’ll mix timber and logs, or do a mixture of round logs with square timber, or even square timbers with handcrafted, tapered posts."

And when they do, the results are nothing short of spectacular. "I haven’t seen another home in the Tamarack area like this,” says Beau. “It has such a nice, cozy feel."

Home Details:

Square footage: 2,800

Builder: Everest Construction

Log Provider: PrecisionCraft Log & Timber Homes

*written by Holly Smith | Photos by Roger Wade