all that glitters....

Hey there, hope you enjoyed the weekend? I can't believe July is coming to an end this week ... already?!?

On Saturday, I attended a scrapbooking class at Cherry Blossom Studio. We made a cute "beach days" mini-album, using new goodies from Tattered Angels. Like their new Glimmer Glam paints ... glitter galore, I love 'em! And they blend nicely with their Glimmer Mists.

As usual, I didn't finish the project during class (but this time, it was because I was busy experimenting with all the new mediums!), but here are pics of the album cover and the first few pages:

We used beautiful beach-inspired shades of Glimmer Mist like "coral reef", "Caribbean blue" and "sand". Such a pretty color combo!

Have a great week ahead,

the joys of summer

Whew, I've had a busy week! But I also spent some time in one of my fave places ... my pool !! It's both relaxing and invigorating at the same time. To me, nothing says "summer" more than floating around in sparkling blue warm water under the bright sun while sipping on a grape slush from Sonic, LOL. (btw ~ did you know that Sonic has drinks (including slushes) at half-price every day from 2:00-4:00 pm?)

(I took this photo myself, using my iPhone, so the angle's a little weird!)

I had to be sure to get some pool time in before this weekend because we're now dealing with the effects of Tropical Storm Bonnie. Thankfully, so far, we're having just blustery weather, nothing extreme.

Hope you'll be savoring some joys of summer over the weekend.... enjoy! :-)

Buddy

Today I took Buddy for a visit to his "regular" vet, i.e., not to the cancer clinic.

He was due for some "routine" care, tests and such. I'm happy to report that he's doing well, except ... he is developing some cataracts. :-( Makes me sad.

And because he has a bit of a heart murmur, I asked them to check his blood pressure. Yes, they do this for dogs too! They have what they call a "critter cuff" (how cute is that???) that goes on the paw ... It was a little tough to get the readings because Buddy was moving around, he loves to get up and kiss everyone. He loves people! So we had to hold him still.

Next week he goes for his bi-monthly check-up with the oncologist, including lung X-rays. I'm already nervous....

Hope your week is going well ... smile, the weekend is almost here!

it's Leah's special day!

Happy 10th birthday today to our niece, Leah! She lives in Gulfport, Florida.

We wish you a FUN & SPECIAL day, Leah! :-)

Love,

Aunt Susan, Uncle Sal, Buddy & Aruba

it's Gina's special day!

Happy 11th birthday today to our niece Gina! She lives in Philadelphia, PA.

We hope you have a FUN & SPECIAL day, Gina! :-)

Love,

Aunt Susan, Uncle Sal, Buddy & Aruba

fourth fun

Hey there! Long time, no blog I know. Been busy, busy, busy!

Happy July ... hope you enjoyed the July 4th holiday weekend?

We spent ours visiting family in St. Petersburg. And the 5-hour road trip was even nicer in our new Mazda!

On Friday, despite gray skies and a slight drizzle (which actually made the July temps bearable!), we went out kayaking with my parents at picturesque Fort DeSoto Park. It was so peaceful out on the water, among the mangroves. Except when we played "bumper kayaks", which was hilarious and we almost managed to tip my Dad over, ha! My parents are getting ready to purchase their own kayaking gear and can set out exploring wherever they desire, taking in Florida's natural beauty ... how exciting!

Sal and I shared a double kayak, so I let him do most of the paddling, LOL. I took photos instead! (as best I could, that is... with my iPhone. In the rain. On a moving kayak.)

We wrapped-up our kayaking adventure with a yummy picnic lunch (thanks again, Mom!) and a long walk on the park's beach. A great day together!

Buddy & Aruba got in on the fun too, enjoying time with "Grandma & Grandpa". Aruba loves to cuddle-up with my Mom (somehow I actually got Aruba to LOOK into the camera, so rare!):
We spent most of the 4th of July with Sal's family...

...my MIL cooked up some homemade cavatelli pasta:

Enjoying time with Uncle Sal ... clockwise from upper left ... Tim, Angie, Rebecca, Sarah:

Sal and his sister Deborah:

Cousin fun! Leah & Marisa ...

Sal's sister Tricia, her husband Ralph, and their son Tim:

my MIL and her little pup, Noel:

And of course there was dessert.....

Thanks for stopping by! :-)

Have a great week ahead,