Hi Everyone. Happy Thursday.
I wanted to dedicate tonight's card to:
Colleen, Kelly W, Marina, Doris, Rach, Beth, Nancy, Brenda, Lynn, Marge and Kelly G for leaving birthday messages for Lou. He LOVED them and really appreciated that you took to the time to wish him a happy birthday. He also had great fun reading your funnies around buttons and washi tape :-) Lou appreciated it – and so did I. So, here's my card for you:
I had some fun with my Six Sided Sampler stamp set and new Hexagon Punch. I stamped the hatched hexagon onto Whisper White card stock and then punched it out with my new punch and mounted it using Stampin' Dimensionals.
I used Strawberry Slush as the base card stock and combined Daffodil Delight, Midnight Muse and Blushing Bride for the hexagon pattern. I know it's only the second time I have used this set, and am thinking that it's about time I gave it a little more love!
On a personal note:
Lou and I did have a very nice evening out last night. A 7 course vegetarian tasting menu and a bottle of wine. It was wonderful to actually take a break on a weekday night and enjoy a little alone time!
He did like his card and approved of the button! He does like the Gorgeous Grunge set and thinks its great for "guy cards". I think it's appropriate for both sexes, actually!
A couple of weeks ago we extended our patio underneath the deck. It just didn't have enough length, so we added about another 6 feet and that takes it up to 25 feet. That was enough for us to get the big chairs underneath and still have plenty of space for the dining table, the barbeque and still have enough room to get out of the patio doors!
With the planting and the Buddha fountain it is now starting to look the way I had originally imagined it. Our back yard has taken a little while to start to show the fruits of my original ideas, but it really is starting to look good. The black-eyed Susan's are still rampant – and we are thrilled. I can't wait to see what they look like next year!
Our seedlings that we planted in the wetland and woodland area are starting to come in. We have NO idea what is coming up… but it's starting to look green again!
Here's the photo I took today:
I'll try and get some better shots of the under-deck area, but wanted the longer shot showing the flowers, the gazebo and the wetlands behind. Oh.. and our new plantings next to the patio! They are REALLY coming in well.
Whilst I was out there, I managed to snap a couple of shots of Niles and Daphne!
They have been hanging around a fair bit recently and are obviously finding lots to eat in the woodland and wetland. Occasionally, Niles will call and she will join in. I can't help wondering whether they will actually produce off-spring this year. Lou and I never tire of seeing them both. It took him a long time to find a mate – I still have to tell you THAT story! But, he seems to have found himself a very beautiful specimen and we are thrilled that they chose to bless us with their presence. Oh dear. As I sit typing this in my craft room, Niles announced his presence just outside my window!
As always, thank you so much for spending time in my little neck of the stamping blogosphere. Your visits and comments are always greatly appreciated. Warm hugs and prayers for those of you who need a little lift tonight.
Hugs
Jaydee
9 Responses
Oh my, what a beautiful yard- and really, in a very short time. How fortunate you are to be sharing your space with the cranes!
I always look forward to your photos and stories – I check back almost everyday. Thanks for the daily dose of nature! And p.s., glad you had a lovely evening, few better ways to spend a b’day!
Jaydee!
What a blessing to be so close to nature! Congratulations on the surface addition.
Today I was browsing your back cards and found one for tea lovers, like me . . . the one which says “Tea for an strong woman” . . . what a beautiful sentiment . . . and so true!!
Let’s enjoy a delicious cup of tea.
Marina . . . from far Africa!
hey jaydee, love your back yard, are you still going to screen in the deck area ??? and how are the trees doing ? glad to hear lou had a nice birthday and he loved your card. todays card is awesome. gives me ideas for the punch . have a super weekend. my niece and nephew are flying in from minn today and cant wait to see them. take care
Beautiful pictures and a great card. Miss you tons. I’ll try to send some cards for your card drive soon!
Hugs,
Brenda
Love the card. You always have such great ideas. Sorry I missed Lou’s BD! Happy Belated Birthday!
Love the card! I need to get out my set and punch and get creative! Thank you for the inspiration! Love seeing the photo of Niles and Daphne. We, too, have a pair of cranes and have enjoyed watching them raise their young one this summer. I saw him/her in flight for the first time yesterday. Yea! Now I know he can escape danger. We have several new babies in the neighborhood this year, so great to be able to watch them grow up!
I’m chuckling because I’ve been playing with this same set today. I’m struggling, though and ready to toss the lot. You don’t seem to have had the problem of it running off your mojo like i do…:oP
Hooray for a happy birthday and delightful dinner!
I LOVE your yard! It’s so hard for me to be patient because I put in so much work I’m ready for it to be grown and wonderful, NOW!!! ;o)
Aw, look at the two of them! How wonderful you get to enjoy them daily. I’m still waiting for that story…!
Hugs!
P.S. Hi Lou! :o)
Jaydee; like you card. Love the hexagons. Such a going thing now days.
Your back yard is Absolutely Gorgeous.
Enjoyed seeing Niles and Daphne.
Sounds like you and Lou had a wonderful day yesterday.
Have a great evening along with a Fantastic and enjoyable weekend
ColleenB.
Isn’t it wonderful to be creating in your craft room to be joined by nature. God really blesses us every day.