CRONE:
Creative Researcher Of New Experiences

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I'm howling Mad

Hello evfurryone,

Man am I angry - Pellie never even turned the computer on Monday so I could post - yesterday she did her own post (and I was ok with that) - but today she went and infringes on my day to post.

Today should have been my Wordless Wednesday. (Even if it wouldn't have been entirely wordless - every cat should have his day to post.)

I have such cute pictures of the Easter Bunnies that cam to visit us on the Saturday before Easter.


Remember I told you our grass was getting pretty high and Sir Knight really needed to get out and mow. Well with all the rain we have been having that was kind of hard for him to do. So on the Sat before Easter we all went out to work - between the rain drops.

Look at these guys - aren't they cute - The Loud noisy thing that Sir Knight rides on to mow the grass - scared them out of their little nest.



Now I want you to know I went and checked each one of them out and didn't hiss, snarl or strike at any of them. I thought I was being a very good little cat - for not hunting them down. Don't you agree?

There, now I feel a lot better - I got to share my story.

Purrs,
Genghis

Happy Administrative Professionals Day

Here is the link to this clip art secretary on phone clip art 2

Hello Everyone,

Happy Administrative Assistants Day/ Secretary's Day to one and all.

Hugs,
Penny




Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Sticky note Tuesday


Hello everyone,

I hope everyone had a very good Easter and enjoyed all your blessing.

I enjoyed mine until I was informed by my youngest granddaughter that she needed me to make a George Washington costume for her and I only have a week to get it done. EAKKK!!!!

Needles to say that the computer didn't even get turned on yesterday (much to Genghis's dismay) as Sir Knight and I had to do some running around - one stop in particular being of great importance - a trip to the fabric store for a pattern , fabric, thread and extra needles.

My sewing skills are limited - and I usually require more time - to get things done - so I am feeling really stressed out at the moment.



We are hopeful that we will have time to visit with all of you even if our posting may be little or non-existent. Please bear with me.

Hugs,
Penny

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Easter Wishes


Bells of Easter
by Esther Cushman Randall

Can you hear the Easter bells
Ringing clear and true
Climbing notes of hope and faith
Deep in the heart of you?

Can you hear His still, small voice
Where lilies sway and nod
Keeping time to Easter bells
Ringing in the sod?

On this, His resurrection day
The bells sound everywhere...
In meadow, vale and hill-side,
In springtimes filtered air.

We hear them in a bird's gold throat;
A baby's eager cry,
And know their echoing tones ring PEACE
O"ER all the earth and sky.



Hello everyone,

The poem I am sharing above came from the 1949 Spring Issue of Ideals Magazine. I hope you enjoyed it's old time, heartfelt sentiments.

I always love reading that publication, especially the older issues; and am always on the lookout for ones I don't have. Haunting the Goodwills, Salvation Army stores, as well as Auctions and Estate sales.

Well I'm sure like most of you - I'll not be spending much time on the computer this weekend.
There is still some items that need to be done - before the family gathers to celebrate Easter.

So I wanted to take this moment to wish you all a very Blessed and Happy Easter.

Hugs,
Penny & Sir Knight

Warm Purrs,
Genghis

We should be back Monday bright and early "God willing and the Creek don't rise". In my case it's the Mississippi River. Truth is, She is already rising but we are hoping that all the precautions that were taken in preparation this year will help keep damage to a minimum.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Friday Fun

Hello everyone,

TGIF. Before you go getting all brain soft for the weekend - I wanted to share a few things with you.

When I was teaching I had a calendar that was nothing but these mind stretch puzzles and used them with my student to get them thinking each morning. I saved some of my favorites and I thought I'd share them with you. The one above is rather easy - but wait they get more difficult.

Also last weekend Sir Knight and I along with my roommate from college and her husband went on a road trip to Bishop Hill, Illinois. It was one of the first Swedish Settlements out this way. Although a bit early in the tourist season and not all the shops were open - we had a great time visiting the ones that were.

In the General Store I found this cute postcard and had such a good hearty laugh - I had to buy one so I could share it with you.

Now -I am of Norwegian ancestry - and really don't mind a bit of friendly poking fun of, as long as it is friendly - so I hope you don't think me rude for showing this on my blog.


You'll have to click on the picture to enlarge so you can read it.


Well I have a few last minute things I have to get done yet before the family comes for Easter - so I guess I better be running along.

Hugs,
Penny

PS. The answer to the Mind Stretch Puzzle is: Gridiron.



Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Thoughtful Thursday


"Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one". … Stella Adler



Hello Everyone,

Well here we are more than half way through another week.

I wanted to take a moment and show you the wonderful ATC I received from my partner for this month. My talented partner was Rose and her blog is: Plush Possum Studio. If you've never been to her blog you should really check it out - she is wonderfully generous at sharing pictures and photographs - that one can adapt to their art project without worrying about copyrights.

The Theme for this month was Steampunk - in case you forgot - and in case you wanted to check out the card I sent Rose, again go here.

Here is the wonderful Digital Art Card I received from Rose. Isn't it great?

They say great minds think alike and I found it really uncanny that we both used the Number 17 in our Card. Weird.



This is the cute as a button envelope it was tucked in - along with the letter I received.


"When I give to you, what I make with my hands; I share with you, my heart.".. Anonymous

Rose, Thank you so very much for sending me what you've made with your hands but more importantly for sharing your heart.

Hugs,
Penny


Wordless Wednesday



Monday, April 18, 2011

Tuesday with Tea and Sticky Notes.

Hello everyone,

I decided to have a Pre- Easter Tea Party for just you and me - since Easter day will be reserved for Family. Join me for Teacup Tuesday with Terri and Martha



Please come in and make yourself at home. I've got the table set- I just need to get the water heating.

Click on pictures to make them larger

I know that my tea cups are really mugs - but the bunnies in this set just stole my heart and I had to have it.

This little set was made in China and has a mark on the bottom that reads WMG - but I was unable to find out any information on the company that made it.

I have my favorite Easter Storybook out so we can share the Sweetest Story of the first Easter Bunny.

This particular story was published in 1994 by Current, Inc and bears the trade mark Expressions of Faith. ( I have tried to find this book again to purchase more for family and friends - but I have had no luck what so ever - even Current doesn't have it any more.)

Titled The Very First Easter Bunny - written by Kari Dahlin and adapted by Nan Roloff; It is the story of a bunny who is around to witness the burial of Jesus and gives testimony to his Resurrection. He fills a garden basket with little things that remind him of new life coming from something that looks dead and still - a broken egg from which a bird had recently hatched and a chrysalis left by a newly emerged butterfly. The birds help him fill the basket with spring flowers that sing of the earths renewal after a long winter then he leaves the basket for the man who buried Jesus.

"And every year after that on Easter Day, the little bunny delivered his joyous message of rebirth to the world, so that all of us would remember Jesus' special message of Love, Hope, and New Life."

I am so glad you stopped by and shared tea and a story with me. Lets do this again sometime soon. I had such a good time and hope you did too.

Hugs,
Penny

Big Scary Monster on Mancat Monday

Hello evfurryone,

Here in the Midwest we had some very mixed up weather this weekend, starting on Friday; so I spent most of my time inside running from window to window and then to the doors to make sure everything was doing OK.

The winds blew and blew and blew really hard and then it rained - by Saturday it was really cold and we even saw some snow. Yesterday was chilly - but the sun was out for a little while in the afternoon - then it rained all night.


This is what Happened Friday when the wind was blowing so hard and furious. A piece of this Fir tree broke off last year - so I guess it was no surprise that the rest would fall this year. It only grazed the shed as it fell and there is some damage - but we are grateful that it's not as much as it could have been.


So there I was this morning - outside checking out my domain - when this big noisy and scary monster showed up. I ran for the door and thankfully Pellie let me in before it gobbled me up.
What the heck????????? Two men came with it - They talked to Sir Knight so it must have been alright for that monster to come to our house - but I still didn't feel safe around it.


He sure is big and just look at those teeth!


The men worked very hard cleaning up the broken part of the tree and then cut the rest of it down to the ground.

The big monster kept busy putting all the big logs into the truck so the guys could haul it away.

And now my backyard is all back to normal - minus the one tree and the long grass that Sir Knight said he has to get out and mow tomorrow.

While we are happy to have balance restored at our house we know that many people down south had things a lot rougher than us - and we pray for them and the long recovery process they will go through to return to normal.

Purrs,
Genghis

Thursday, April 14, 2011

“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”



Hello everyone,

The wind is cold and wild indicating a possible storm - hopefully - no Tornadoes this time.

As you know today is a very auspicious day.

First off today is Tax day- the last day to file for that refund the government owes you or worse the last day to pay any taxes you owe Uncle Sam, from the previous years withholdings.

“People want just taxes more than they want lower taxes. They want to know that everyman is paying his proportionate share according to his wealth.” . . . Will Rogers




Don‘t ask me why - but I was always one of those last minute folks - driving out to put my tax return in the hand of the post man, who used to stand outside the post office till the final stroke of midnight. (At least they did in Chicago and the suburbs.) No I didn‘t have to pay - so it wasn‘t that I wanted to keep earning interest till the last moment . - I think I just liked the slightly naughty feeling of waiting to do as I was commanded, till I had to.


“If Patrick Henry thought taxation without representation was bad, he should see how bad it is with representation“ . .. Old Farmers Almanac

Sir Knight likes things filed ahead of time and with all this E-filing - we already have our refund in the bank. So now in my old age tax day doesn’t mean as much as it used to- it's kind of anti climactic.



It is also the anniversary of the Titanic tragedy. I’m sure you know her story - even if it is only what you saw in the Movie of the same name. She was the largest passenger steamship of her time and was on her maiden voyage from Southampton England, to New York City, NY when she hit an iceberg at 23:40 on her fourth day out ( April 14th) and sank at 2:20 am April 15, 1912. Though new and supposedly well equipped the Titanic carried far less lifeboats than needed and this resulted in the loss of 1,517 people - mostly men as the crews protocol loaded women and children first.




Last but certainly not least - Today in 1955 - the future was changed for good or bad - time is still to tell. The first franchised McDonald fast food restaurant was opened in Des Plains, Illinois using the business philosophy of the McDonald Brothers - who ran a small restaurant in California. Well I think we all know how that’s going - there are now McDonald all over the world.

“It's almost seems as though there's a battle going on between the public and all the fast-food establishments, and, believe me, I think it's very tasty food.” . . . Regis Philbin


Have a really great Friday and a wonderful weekend.

Hugs,
Penny

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Steampunk and Purses

Hello everyone,

My neck is still sore - but I'm not in my neck brace right now - so all is once again well with my little corner of the world.

The theme for this months ATC over at Blissfull ATC Swap was steampunk. - now being a member of the senior citizenry this was something really different to me. I mean I never heard about it much less figured I should be using it as an art theme. So I gave it a go and was really playing around in my photo software. The first card I created was the one above - of dear little Genghis and I really thought he was the cats meow - but I didn't figure my partner would be as thrilled as I about how handsome he is.

So I noodled my brain some more and created this one.

Drum roll please. . . .
I titled it Opening the door to Steampunk and you guessed - my little door really opens up to reveal a Victorian Lady and a few gears.

Now I am not sure if I hit my mark or missed the idea behind steampunk all together; But I did give it the good old fashion try. I kind of like it - but then again - I've already sent it on to my swap partner - so I hope she likes it.

Of course - I made a card to send along with My ATC on its journey across the country. Just trying to inject a little humor where ever possible - maybe she'll be so busy laughing at the card - she won't care if my card isn't true steampunk or not. Ha! Ha!

Next I have been participating in the purse Challenges over at Frosted Petunia and this month - we were to make an ATC.

I'm not really a shoe or purse type person - I own only three purses - so I really had to do some meditating to get in contact with my inner purse hound - so to speak.

So I drew a fairy and put a purse in her hand and figured she could be the purse fairy - but then I figured any self respecting fairy would have more than one purse for each outfit. So here is my finished ATC - even A Fairy has to decide which purse goes best with her outfit.

A Little corny maybe and probably not as sophisticated as many of the cards that will get traded; but hey it's the best a tomboy with a sore neck could come up with at the time.

Of course I made my card to accompany my ATC on it's journey to Australia and sent it on its way - hoping it would reach her by the deadline date. Not sure how fast mail delivery is when heading overseas. So I got my fingers and toes all crossed hoping it gets there on time.

Hey maybe all that concentrating on keeping my fingers and toes crossed is why - my neck feels better. To much concentrating overriding my pain center.

Or maybe it's the pineapple my sweet sister-in-law tells me to eat, because it helps get rid of pain.

I guess I'll just meditate on that for awhile.

Hugs,
Penny



Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Wordless Wednesday? - Nope not today.

Hi evfurryone,

I know it's suppose to be Wordless Wednesday - but I just didn't feel like being wordless today.

In fact today I wanted to do a little bragging about our very own and very cool Sir Knight.

Not only does he work long hours on his job - he comes home and works more. Pellie always has a job or two lined up for him. I know that sounds like we abuse the poor man - but if he wasn't so good at what he does - we wouldn't be asking him to do more; and I really think he likes working in the garage making things out of wood. Well most things - sometimes some of the stuff Pellie wants is really weird for him to design and make - but then thats a whole other story.

Any way - look at this really cool Dragon puzzle he made. Isn't it just the coolest thing? Well last month Pellie had mentioned to him that one of the ladies she spent Teacup Tuesdays with - had a husband who liked dragons - almost as much as he did. Never one to ignore a chance to make a new dragon loving friends - Sir Knight decided to send him this dragon. He had to do some pretty fancy packing since this guy was going all the way to Germany to make a new home.
Mail is pretty slow and it seemed like it took forever for him to get where he was going but he finally made it. Sir Knight was so proud that one of his dragons finally left the lair and headed out to a new home. (Even baby dragons have to leave the nest sometime.)
He is so pumped - that he is already planning on making a few more things when the weather is warn enough to work in the garage for more than 15-20 min.

Pellie's teacup friend is Johanna over at Silber-Rosen Blog and Pellie is very glad that not only did they become friends but the two husband can share their love of dragons and other wild creatures of the mythical sort.

I guess that is why we blog - the fun of blogging and making new friends. Yep making new friends sure feels good, inside and out.

So my friends, I hope you all have a purr- fect day.

Purrs,
Genghis


Monday, April 11, 2011

Sticky Note Tuesday

Hello everyone,

Hope you all are doing good or at least fairing better than I am

I've been in a neck brace and taking Muscle relaxants for the last couple days -due to a big muscle knot on the back of my neck - making head movement next to impossible or at least pain free head movement. And the worse part of the whole thing is that I don't even know what I did to cause everything to tighten up so bad. I am hopeful that I will be back to normal by the end of the week - if I just take it a bit easy for the next couple days.

This month sure seems like it's been moving on by pretty darn fast. Here it is the 12th and I'm just getting around to sharing my self-help card for this month.


The back of the card reads - Decide for yourself. Exercise your right to choose.

A Few Words to Ponder:

To think freely
In an automated world.
To simply be
In a world that says "be something".
To dream
In a world of cold reality.


To know someone
Here or there
With whom you can feel there is understanding...
In spite of distances
or thought unexpressed.

Well it's time to rest for me to awhile, so I guess I'll bid you a very good day.

Hugs,
Penny








National Pet Day on Mancat Monday

Hello Evfurryone,

Just wanted to drop in an post a little on a subject rather dear to my heart.
Today, April 11th is National Pet Day.


'National Pet Day was created by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert & Animal AdvocateColleen Paige, who also founded National Dog Day and National Cat Day {among others} to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and to create public awareness about the plight of many different kinds of animals awaiting a forever home in shelters all across the nation."

"It's estimated that approximately 16,000 pets die in U.S. shelters every single day. This means that roughly every single hour of the day, 667 sweet furry babies are taking their last breath. This is just cats and dogs and does not include the thousands of other unwanted animals that people consider pets. Right now, while you're reading this, hundreds of animals are dying. It's a painful reality but we must not give up hope to change it. "

The above quotes are taken from the National Pet Day Website. Please go visit them if you have a few minutes.



I am a rescue Kitty and was so happy when Pellie & Sir Knight adopted me a little over two years ago. So today I'm purring extra hard for all the others who need furever home.

In case you wondering - YES I do snuggle down with Bugs Bunny when the need arises; and the need arose on Sunday with all the nasty weather we were having and the sirens going off announcing Tornado warnings. (So you want to make something of it????
No I didn't think so)

Purrs,
Genghis

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Not so Wordless Wednesday

Hello evfurryone,

Well it's been awhile since either of us posted last - How rude of us.

I have to admit that with the massive change in temperatures we've been having - we haven't felt like doing much of anything.

But I knew I just had to crawl out of my new favorite box and tell you all about our new giveaway.

Congratulate us as we have stuck with this blogging stuff for two years now. Yep yesterday was officially 2 years. Pellie was suppose to blog about it - but she just sat around and didn't do much of anything yesterday.

Well, she was goofing around finishing up the little cross stitch piece she made for our giveaway.

The one she had hoped to finish for this auspicious occasion isn't even 1/4 ways done - so she hurried up and made a simpler one. But I want you to know that just 'cuz this one was easier for Pellie to see and/or do does not mean it isn't pretty- it is. It just isn't the cool one I picked out.
Of course I didn't have to do the work, so I really didn't care if it was difficult and Pellie didn't get started on it till the 26th of March. Oh well we will just give that one away later when she finishes it.
Any way, enough said about this.




Here are just a few of the neat things we want to share with one special someone. With Easter coming later this year - we decided we could work with that as our theme. The tall bunny like object is a Dee Foust Collectibles for Bethany Lowe Designs. Personally I could take it or leave it - it don't look like any rabbit I know - but Pellie says a lot of humans really like these Bethany Lowe seasonal items - so I'll take her word on it.

Then there is the cute little bunny Pellie cross stitched and framed in an embroidery hoop. This rabbit isn't much more believable as a rabbit - but I thing he is kind of cute in a rather offbeat way.

Then she has included a tiny little basket a friend of her's made just for our giveaway.

And last but most important - that heart shaped container is for treats. Can not forget the treats. Treats of course will be appropriate for whoever wins. - so we won't be sending woofie treats if a kitty wins and kitty treats to a woofie. (You get the picture I'm sure.) I understand that there will also be human treats.

Well I've pretty much wore myself out with all this talking. So leave us a comment saying you want to be included in our giveaway. We will keep this open till midnight April 15th - when we will draw our winner and get the package ready to mail out on the 18th and hopefully you will receive it in time for Easter.

Purrs,
Genghis