Catch up time

Power lines at sunset

And you thought I forgot how to write a blog, right?  It's been a long time, and I'm starting to wonder about that myself.  So bear with me as I play catch up...














Mike and I started a second jewelry class at the Indianapolis Art Center.  Since the class started about a month ago, I've finished several pairs of earrings and a necklace.

Silver sawed earrings

Brass lentil beads(textured and hollow inside) made into a necklace and earrings.  

Brass textured earrings with beads 

Our instructor encouraged us to enter the Annual Student Art Show.  I was shocked to find out that I won a $100 award for the spinner ring I made last semester!

Spinner ring

Spinner ring in display case and Rio Grande Award.

We received the Art Center Spring Catalog in the mail last week.  Since we were already taking a class, I almost tossed the catalog.  For some reason I decided to see what jewelry classes were offered, and I was quite surprised to find a picture of Mike in the catalog!

Mike sawing silver earrings.

And as you might expect, I've worked on a few craft projects.  I visited mom recently, and I came up with a project we could work on together: making wreaths out of fabric. So with a supply of Styrofoam wreaths, fabric, felt and pins in hand, we set out to make wreaths.  In a typical fashion, we got a bit carried away, and by the end of the weekend we were sick of wreaths!

Mom working on a wreath

Mom with finished wreath

Green version

Orange version

Gold and white version

Recently I got to babysit for my great nieces Alice and Violet while their mom went to a doctor appointment. They started the afternoon with naps, but of course that didn't last long.  We spent most of the time reading books and more books and...well, you get the idea.  It was a blast!

Me and Alice

Violet and Alice

After a long winter of being a slug, I started my walking routine again.  The first thing I noticed was that my feet hurt.  I researched how long you should keep a pair of walking shoes.  Using statistics from my Fitbit, I was able to determine I had walked about 500 miles on these shoes, and it was definitely time to replace them.  The recent warmer weather and new shoes that feel like I'm walking on clouds add up to steps, steps and more steps.  And it feels great!

Yesterday I found a crocus in bloom in my flower bed.  Today it's 70 degrees , and I was able to head out for a walk without a jacket.  It's amazing how much this nice weather just lifts your spirits...

Stormy sunset

Fluffy spring clouds

And last but not least, here are a few signs to ponder...

Not being familiar with men's haircuts, I was puzzled by this one...

Wish I was in this place!  Picture by Elena.

Joe Schmo.  Gotta love this humor!

 Take care and have a great week!
Diane

Day to day living

Happy cookie day

It's been a strange time.  With so much happening these past few months, it's been hard to get back into my own daily life.

So here is a glimpse of the past couple of weeks...

Sweetie with big heart

My sweetie surprised me with a Valentine's Day breakfast of crumpets (to go with my hot tea).  It took several hours to make them, but they were delicious.

Mikie making crumpets

Crumpets, blackberries and cheese

 Last weekend we were in St. Louis with Stan, Kevin, Kathy and Kristopher for a Blues-Blackhawks hockey game. Our friend Mary was supposed to be there with us.  We thought of her often during the game...

Blues vs. Blackhawks

Mike and I with Kathy and her son Kristopher

I visited mom last week, and we enjoyed getting together with family for dinner at our favorite BBQ place.

Enjoying food and laughter

Walking tall, that's me!

And I have been walking my little shoes into the ground.  Nothing like a Fitbit and my friends commandeering my device to set me up for weekly challenges.

Basically at any time during the week(or weekend) I can see how many steps each person in the challenge has taken.

I haven't won yet, but I was ahead for a short time last weekend.  And yes, the competition keeps me walking, and maybe I am a bit competitive...

Love that few minutes of being ahead...

And yes, it's been cold here in the Hoosier state.  Mike and I tried to warm up with some winter hats.  Lovely, don't you think?

For walking at night?  Hunting?  Scaring aliens?

Fashion statement for sure!

And because my eye is often drawn to the strange and unusual,  here is a picture I took at my mom's house.  Not sure there is an explanation...

Reaching for love or lemons?

Hope you are enjoying the week!
Diane

The week in photos...

It's been another interesting week.  I can't really find a common theme, so here are some random photos...

Fitbit dashboard on my phone

 I LOVE my Fitbit, an early Christmas present.  It tracks your steps, miles, calories, etc.  And most days I achieve my goal of 10,000 steps.

 Interesting how an electronic device can inspire you to get outside and walk and walk and walk...Hey, if it works, go for it!



















Mike and I both survived the flu.  I was down for a day, and it hit Mike for three days.  He slept and slept, and periodically I checked to make sure he was breathing...

Alive?

I had outpatient surgery on Friday, and it took me awhile to realize I was in a kid's room.  I know, what was the first clue?

t

Thanks Mike for this lovely photo...

And then there are a few random shots around town...

"Get a load of this"

"Just Drains" 

 I almost rear-ended the truck getting the picture of  "You just can't fix stupid". What can I say?

Angie and Adam with pillows

And of course I've been busy making a few Christmas gifts...

And I see some amazing views while walking...

Creek near my mom's house

Stay healthy and have a great week!
Diane