Saturday, January 19, 2013

SATURDAY RAMBLES


I hope all of you are off to a great weekend.  I'm going to get back to my laundry, make a simple and quick dinner, and then settle down with my book for the evening.  See you soon (I hope!). :)

64 comments:

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

That's horrible Jane, that someone would deliberately open the gate to let them out!! Maybe you can add a lock to the inside and have it locked when they're out!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Sounds like you had a productive shopping experience. Love stocking up on towels. Cannot believe they deliberately opened the gate! What are people thinking. Glad to hear the wedding plans are moving along.. hugs ~lynne ~

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... you have been busy again!... love all the wedding ideas you are planning... a tea sounds so nice... glad you were able to stock up at the white sales, I missed most of them when I was sick... I would definitely LOCK your gates!... and yes, they could be charged with trespassing... and if they are juveniles maybe even curfew depending on the time... I would sit up at night and wait for whoever it is, then turn on all the outside lights and call the cops... (us retired cops wives always have a plan!)... are they doing it to any of your neighbors as well?... also, make sure they have not put any food or such in your yard for your dogs... I really get riled up over animals being in danger as you know... I would LOVE to get my hands on whoever is doing this... I am a nice lady, but I would be their worst nightmare!!!... also, I suggest you call your local PD and tell them about it... you can request a "patrol check" on your property... they will drive by a number of times on their shift and check things and shine their spotlights in... maybe they will catch the little creeps in the act... ok, I have to settle down now!!!... love to you, xoxo Julie Marie

Lynne said...

Hi Jane!

Wow!

You are going to be a blast to follow for the next 111 days!

So far the details of the wedding are looking nostalgic and romantic. The tags with the keys are lovely.

It's always a sad day when something happens to make you feel that you or your pets are less safe in your neighborhood. We keep Gousse in the house as I am afraid that someone might take her. I hope that you catch the culprits.

I love that you want to go to a bar for your birthday! I knew we were kindred when you were talking about your kids walking home barefoot (in the summertime) from a neighborhood establishment. I am quite at home in
a Pub with Irish music. (Rock or Classic.)

Mr D and I going to be leaving to go shopping for tiny clothes with Chrislyn, Holland and Ben. Jason has a work engagement tonight, so we'll take the cuties out to dinner as well!
I wish you good health, and good healing to the husband!
~Lynne
w/L.

Barbara F. said...

I would do everything I could to solve the open gate mystery because that is just sick. The thought of a stranger on your property is scary, too. I'd get the surveillance camera set up. It may just be kids pranking you, but a nice chat with the parents might help. I haven't bought a thing in "no spend January" but it is wearing thin! I need to shop!! xo

Debbiedoos said...

Awww..Jane I sure hope no one would want your dogs to get lose. That is a horrid thing and a horrible feeling indeed. We thought we lost our Lucy last night. Long story short she snuck in the bed with Jack my youngest. So upsetting though when we could not find her. Have a great weekend. SOunds fun on the wedding plans.

Desire Empire said...

Wow lots going on here. Sorry to hear about the dogs. The lock is a good idea. Look forward to seeing all the pretties concerning the wedding.
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

your daughters comment touched my heart, i would feel the same, I hate crowds and big doo's, but if there are lots of family to invite I can see how you are stuck.I hoe who ever is opening your gate gets lost, thats just down right evil (if its intentional,) could it be something else I wonder, I love your Charlie Brown tree, I have never saw one!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
I can just imagine the excitement around your home anticipating the wedding and making plans.
My sister and I were at our booth today when a Mother and daughter came in and started buying things from our booth. We started talking to them and found out they were planning a June wedding to take place in a Barn and they wanted everything to be vintage and shabby chic. They were buying burlap pillows, burlap wreaths, chalkboards, garlands, tables and we were all running around like crazy! The bride to be even bought a pretty white lace formal dress that fit her to a tee! So, I feel your excitement and I think a tea would be so lovely for the shower.

Also, it goes without saying just how awful it is that someone could be so cruel to try and harm your babies. I hope you catch the culprit.

It's great to hear about your busy life, you know how I love it when you tell us what's going on with you and your family.

big hugs,
Sissie

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Sorry about the gate opener(s). Maybe kids?

I'll tell you what I use for rags -- cloth diapers! My kids wore cloth diapers and I still have them and use them as rags. The "baby" will be 21 in a couple of months. They last almost forever and are nice, soft cotton. Perfect for dusting.

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

I can't wait to see the shower pics. :) The wedding is getting close...
Looks like you have had a good Saturday, Jane.
xoxo

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Jane, hope you find the gate culprit, good grief, people can be dumb! The tea idea sounds beautiful, it would be so much fun to plan. Have a great weekend, and stay warm!

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Hi Jane, I just love reading your posts. Sounds like you will be busy preparing for the wedding shower which will be so much fun. Can't believe the gate issue, so weird. Can't wait to hear about your birthday plans too!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Theresa said...

Wow, I am exhausted after reading all of this and MAD as a wet hen that someone would open your gate for the pups to get out:( There are SO many idiots out there and good thing you are going to get a lock!

LOVE the little tags! SO MUCH work went into this! Can't wait to hear all of the wedding plans:)

I am excited for your house changes! It sounds like they are things you already wanted to do!

Have a blessed weekend, BIG HUGS!

Shirley said...

Hi Jane, Saturdays are always a busy morning with the afternoon, mass, and eating supper with him at the nursing home. It makes it good for them that they bring mass and communion to them. It is exciting with the wedding coming up and you want everything to be special. I would be like your hubby and get a camera to just see what they are doing when they open the gate. People unfortunately do strange things. We got up in the 50's again today, but back to the 20's on Monday. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Stacey said...

Two things:

1. Now I'm hungry for a BLT.

2. Can you possibly lock your gates? We've done that before.

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

I can't imagine it being so cold and dreary! The sunshine does look pretty shinning in that pic of the living room. I can feel the warmth. Hope you have a great week. Always a good feeling to have the laundry done at the beginning of the week~

wendy said...

wow...that is weird that "someone" is opening your gate. I'd be worried sick too. YES, padlock it...electrify it (tee,hee)
You have lots going on in your life right now.
It is always fun I think to get "house project's done". I love the feeling of updates and changes.

20 North Ora said...

I would put up a motion sensor light and also a BIG cowbell on the inside of the gate.

Sounds like wedding plans are progressing nicely. So much fun and excitement.

Enjoy this time.

Judy

Beth said...

I hope you catch the culprits opening the gate. I think the padlock and motion sensor is a good idea.

Kathleen said...

Weddings sure take a lot of time!
Then after that there are the Showers, Baptisms and First Communions. We go from one party plan to the next. BUT, they are all good things and wonderful to be able to celebrate. We will be having Eamon's First Bday here in June, our son and dil's 5th child in 11 yrs!
I have already started the lists!
How nice dh asks what you want to do for your bday! Mine waits till the day of! But I don't drink, so a Bar wouldn't work for me! :)
Some Sr discounts are available at 55, Jane...:)

Unknown said...

You are so busy! What a stack of towels.

Whoever is opening your gate needs a good old fashioned butt kicking! That is infuriating!!

Have fun with all the wedding plans!
Take care,
Kathy

Melanie said...

I went grocery shopping yesterday, too! It's been so windy here, hasn't it? In fact, I hear the wind howling out there right now. Getting ready for our cold snap. I keep our old towels in the garage...Brian and Tim use them if they're doing work on their cars and sometimes I even need one if I'm working in the yard. I've also donated them to an animal shelter for bedding. Otherwise, I use Brian's old undershirts (he has to wear one under his uniform shirt) for rags.

You crack me up...a bar for your birthday! I love it. Stay young, my friend!

The wedding plans sound a little nerve-wracking. So many details! With Emily wanting more of a tea and finger sandwich shower...could you find a "high tea" restaurant in your area that would let you have a wedding shower there? Emily wouldn't have her garden, but it would be closer to what she wants. Just a thought.

If someone is opening your gate and leaving it open just for "kicks", they are a sick and cruel person. I would go with your husband's suggestion of a camera. Or some kind of alarm. The person could be arrested for trespassing, at least.

Lori said...

I hope you can find out who keeps opening the gate ~ the padlock should keep your furbabies safe in the meantime. 111 days ~ wow ~ it is coming up so fast! A garden party theme would be so much fun for Emily's shower. I did that for my girlfriend a few years back and used china teapots as vases ~ so many fun ideas on line. Hope you are having a great weekend ~ it is suppose to warm up a big here tomorrow and I am looking forward to the sunshine. xo

The Tablescaper said...

Sounds like we've all been out there gathering up the Christmas bargains. Hope you resolve the gate issue soon.

- The Tablescaper

Unknown said...

Hi Jane,

Glad to hear that everything is going well with the wedding planning. I went to a shower in a home where they had a tea that was catered right down to the vintage plates and tea cups. They served classic tea and it was great fun. I seem to remember that it was not very expensive. You might check if there is something like that in your area.
Scary news about someone letting your doggies out. Definitely padlock the gate and motion camera.

Lynn said...

Love your new little tree Jane-so cute! Sorry to hear about the gate, I hope that stops soon. Have a great Sunday:@)

awal.ny said...

Thank you for your kind comments. I am feeling much better and ready to start painting. How much fun you are having getting ready for a wedding. I am sure the showing will be just wonderful. As for the dog situation, I would also put a lock on it, but also watch to see if you can catch the person doing it, because they may not let a lock stop them, good luck.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

That would infuriate me. We caught vandals that were trashing our mailbox with a motion camera you can get at a hunting store... they are supposed to photograph wildlife.. we set ours up in a tree pointing at the mailbox where they couldn't see it. We gave it to the cops when it caught them (the very first night!) and they were charged. They had no idea where the camera was or how they got caught, so they stopped.

HOW AWFUL, JANE!! maybe even put a padlock on the fence for now. They'll get the hint. Pain in the rear for you to have to unlock it when you want to go out, but peace of mind!

Sarah said...

I'd set up a camera and find out who or what is unlatching the gate. Too upsetting to think your sweet dogs could escape the safety of your yard.
Enjoy your weekend. Wedding plans are sure to keep you busy with happy activities.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I think I am a lot like you ... no scary music in the shows I watch. :)

Fondly,
Glenda

Andrea said...

I can't believe someone is opening the gate-grrr, some people! Perhaps a little electric horse fence may give them a zap and fix them up. Kidding, sort of =)

Low Tide High Style said...

You always have so much great news in each post! I think going to a bar for your bday sounds like fun, I wish I could help you celebrate! And those tags will be perfect for the wedding. I hope you also figure out a way to make her tea shower dream come true. Can't the country clubs do a tea for you? And I'm so sorry to hear about your gate. I would buy a camera too, and the padlock and chain. Have a great week!

Kat

Debby said...

Busy time with a wedding coming soon. I helped with the showers but they were given by other people. I helped with the favors.
Are you sure the gate is being left open for the dogs to get out. Could someone be coming in snooping around. We put out dogs out on a lead that hooks right outside our back door. We don't go far from the door. One dog is 26 pounds but a Springer Spaniel and should weigh more the other one only 12 pounds. I worry about coyotes. A friend amost lost her dog this week-end by getting hit by a car (it wasn't). Her husband won't tie her up......and they don't have a fence. I would really watch them for awhile. And I would see about a camera. It could be a racoon or something else as well.

Marigene said...

That wedding is approaching fast! You are going to be taking pictures of the shower, I hope?
I hope you find out who is opening your gate...that is so sadistic.
Have a great week, Jane.

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

I love hearing about Emily's wedding plans and seeing how cute those tags are! I'm sure her bridal shower will be unforgettable and lovely.
Good luck with the gate mystery - I hope it gets solved & resolved soon. You don't need that stress.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

I like your new approach to getting in more blogging! I feel like I just sat in your kitchen with you! I always admired your blogging pace and figured that was the way to get more visiting in. You're so good at that! I use my old threadbare towels for the furniture the cats sit on and for the kids on the lawn in summer. Gotta have those old things!

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

Hi Jane,
So many things to comment on... yes, I do rip up old towels... they make the best rags, and I have bought the ones at Home Depot for painters too.

So exciting to hear about the wedding plans. Time flies when you have a "date" to get your house ready!

You are not old, and your bday plans sound like a lot of fun. Love a jukebox bar!

As for the culprit leaving the gate open, I might even post a little sign on it and I would add extra locks. Can you put a spring closure on it so it doesn't stay open even when unlocked?

Maybe I would try that!

Hope you get it figured out.
So awful to think that would be a deliberate act.

xoxox
Enjoy the long weekend,
Alison

Sweet Bee Cottage said...

Loved catching up with you and your family. Live's every day happenings have such a charm about them. Sure hope you catch that meanie who's opening your gate.

Maria Elena said...

Hi, Jane! I hate to hear that is happening to you with your gate. Something similar happened to us, so we had to put a padlock on it and everyone in the family carries a key in their key chain. I got so paranoid about it that I don't even let our little puppy go out there by herself. I sit on the porch for a few and just let her play while I watch her and we also live in a great neighborhood! Our dog is like yours, she is so sheltered, she would not survive out there for five minutes. By the way, love the wedding ideas! Have a great week!

SmilingSally said...

Hi Jane,

Times are exciting around your place, but the item that worries me is that open gate. The chain and lock should take care of it, but still I shudder.

Hope you have a great week.

Sally

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Nothing like company to get motivated to freshen up the house. I think I would definitely get a lock on the gate. Those dogs are too precious.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

PS. Have a great birthday and D.A.N.C.E!

Sue said...

I would be insane if I had to worry about Zoe like that. We don't have a fenced in yard, so we always put our old dog Nike on a tether until right before she died, to be outside. She grew up at our old house and was very used to it. Zoe, not only doesn't like the tether...it scares me that she might get off it and we live on a busy street. So, she goes out on a leash...rain, wind, cold and heat and I'm am attached to the other end. She has bolted out the door a few times and I literally have my heart in my throat until I find her. So far, she hasn't gone far...but, if she saw a rabbit, dog, person etc. she would run right into the street. For some reason, this pup has become like my child (no kids in the house this time) and I worry about her all the time! I've become a crazy dog lady!

Karen said...

Have a happy birthday, I hope your dogs stay safe, what kind of person would do something so terrible. I always hit the white sales at this time of the year and I recycle everything into cleaning rags LOL.

An Oasis in the Desert said...

Wow, sweet lady, you are about to get soooo busy! I think your daughter's idea for the shower was absolutely precious, but I know you will make it super-special for her.

I think if you captured your gate culprit on a camera, they might get charged with trespassing, maybe even criminal trespass because of the pups. I would for sure be padlocking that gate!

Carol

xinex said...

The wedding is approaching so fast. Have fun in the prep, Janie.I love doing all that but all my kids are married off now. Will have to wait for grandkids, lol....Christine

chateau chic said...

Jane, you are a busy woman, especially with all the shower and wedding plans going on! But I'm sure you're loving every minute of it.
Mary Alice

Susan Shull said...

Planning a girl wedding would just totally send me over the edge. Maybe that is why God gave us boys! Your shower and wedding will be lovely, I just know it! So sorry about your gate-opener. I think you should put your Unsolved Mystery lovers to work to crack the case before something happens to your little dogs. That would make me very nervous, too. Have a great day, Jane!

Sharon Lovejoy said...

You KNOW that you'll make it memorable for your sweet girl. Whatever you do, it will be so special.

Love this!

S

Ricki Treleaven said...

Linus' tree has melted my heart. SO cute, just like the tags for the wedding! I think your girl likes the same things I like. The tea idea is wonderful, but it wouldn't work with a large crowd.

I love the colors of your new towels! SO pretty....we are so dirty around here ours are all white so I can Clorox them! :/

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hope you figure out what is going on with the gate situation. Could just be a curious kid ... who knows. I needed to buy towels recently and when I saw the price, I freaked. Who buys bath towels that cost $35 each? I'm sorry, but I think that is totally outrageous! I finally found some for 1/4 the price. I much prefer intimate gatherings so I can certainly understand Emily's desire to have a lovely little tea party. So we are both February babies. My birthday is a month from now. Hopefully we will be travelling as it is always a holiday in Kuwait (National/Liberation Days). Have a great week. Tammy

Natalie @ Blossoming Visions said...

Oh even for a cold winter day you are as busy as a bee. I'm so interested in every detail of your posts (and now you have me craving a BLT lol). I really hope you find the culprit of the open gate mystery. That is really a senseless, heartless thing to do. Enjoy your week!
xoxo Natalie

TheMoonAndMe said...

I love your idea of just hanging out and being silly for your birthday. Cocktails and shenanigans. :) Sounds like a good time.
Kelly

RURAL said...

Put a nice note on the gate, and a good solid lock...maybe you can somehow appeal to their kinder side. I'd include a photo of your two babies...it's harder to hurt something that has a name, and a face. Ask around, maybe someone else is having problems also.

Sounds like a huge wedding, and lots of fun prep...love the little tags, so cute.

Jen

Deserae said...

Wow, what a deal you got on those towels! You are going to be so very busy for the next 111 days!!!! LOL
We had to padlock the gate at our last house. People are so creepy....
~Des

Unknown said...

G'eve Jane ~ Popping in to see how hubby is coming along! I hope that he is doing better & this year will bring him great health.

Looks like you've been really busy. Isn't it such fun planning weddings.
Will be fun to follow with you as the wedding unflolds.

Have a beautiful new year.
TTFN ~
Marydon

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Those gate openers should be strung up. That sort of thing just makes my blood boil. I hope the chain and lock do the trick!

Valerie@chateaualamode.typepad.com said...

So sorry about the gate problem. As a dog owner/lover I get being sick over it. What is wrong with people? Maybe have your neighbors keep an eye out for who it might be. Score for the new towels, I would have stocked up too. I try to use only white ones and they get stained so easily so I'm always buying new ones and yes, I too rip the old ones to use as cleaning towels and my hubby uses old towels to wash the cars with. Have a great week Miss Blondie ;)

Rose Broadway said...

Blondie, I love your blog. Just wanted to say something about the open-gate situation. It could be anyone; kids, service people, demented neighbor, a jealous person, etc..Don't even bother with a camera. If you did discover who it was, it would only cause more problems. What we do, in the winter when we hardly ever use our gates: we put a couple of big, heavy, black zip-lock ties on the gates toward the bottom where they are almost impossible to see. This fixes the problem for a few cents.

Kristi said...

That is terrible about the gate and I hope you figure out who or what is doing it!!! And good for you for going to a bar! You need to bring your camera that night!! lol :)
Kristi

Vee said...

Criminal trespassing and malicious intent is what I would charge them with. How mean! My dog is never out unless I am because of the pit bulls across the street.

I am sure that you will come in for a landing on the wedding. Your daughter's idea sounds so charming and lovely.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Jane! I hope you've found out who's opening the gate! I know the preps that have to be made for a wedding. My daughter's wedding, or the before stuff, wore me out!
Thanks for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
shelia :)

Tammy @ A Walk in the Countryside said...

Hi Jane, You've been busy! I love the little Charlie Brown Christmas tree! I seen them on clearance at Home Depot but talked myself out o it! Blessings, Tammy