I don’t think I mentioned the Tree That Landed On Our Van. The day of the big storm last month found us driving down the street and getting nailed by a grumpy old tree. Happily, Earl and I are fine, but the van had over $8,000 damage! Thank goodness for insurance! Of course, the $500 deductible hurt a bit and it seems to have triggered a little landslide of unexpected expenses. Do you know the feeling? So…I’ve been focusing (okay, hyper-focusing) on the budget lately. It is a good and neccessary thing to do, but not neccesarily a “fun” thing.

I apologize for being MIA and I promise to get back to more regular posting. I’ve also been very neglectful of my favorite blogs, but I’m going to try to catch up this weekend.

Thank you to everyone who offered a name for my dolly. She is now officially “Millie Blossom”. You couldn’t see in the photos, but her dress is covered with pretty apple blossoms. I wish I had been with it enough to list her for Valentine’s Day, but I wasn’t so I didn’t! That’s okay- I’m sure the right home is out there waiting for her.

My little girl, Carmen (who I am sure I just gave birth to last week!), is turning eighteen in May AND graduating high school!!! I’m so excited about throwing a party for her! It will be an Old Fashioned Picnic and Ice Cream Social. I plan to have plenty of activities for all ages. I’m picturing Pink, Aqua, Black, White with a few Marachino Cherries thrown in for pop! As usual, I will be on a tight budget, so if you have some ideas for decor and favors, etc., I welcome them! The apron pics might give you an idea of the Aunt Bea/Mayberry kind of feel I am going for.