Wednesday, August 5, 2015

A Quick CATCH YOU UP POST

Hi Everyone!

I didn't want you to think I had
DROPPED OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH
-or-
that I have given up blogging!

While I have not been very creative lately
my youngest son and his friend, Chris,
sure have been.
I wanted to show you some of their amazing signs.
 Here's a bunch hung on the outside of a garage.
Another close up
I love this beach one, too.
These sell as fast as they get them done.
They are all made out of  reclaimed wood that has
washed up on shore.
Pretty cool, huh?

I have been busy.
It has been a busy summer.
I have 3 grandgirls  that have been staying with us
off and on all summer long.
I love having them here and they are good kids.
Here they are hanging out with MyHero
on the beach at sunset.
My youngest daughter moved to
Indiana and I went down for a week to help her
set up her new home.
It's gorgeous and we got a lot done in a short
amount of time.


We are waiting for a late summer memorial service  for our friend, Tom, 
that passed away.
It is still hard to believe he is gone.
He and my hubby shared a July birth date
so he has been on our minds.
We are also missing our brother-in-law, Mike,
that passed away a few weeks ago..
My plan is to come back to blogging
the first of September when things,
hopefully, calm down a bit.

I am also getting ready to set up a
second Etsy shop to sell some
old crap vintage items and 
some handmade things that I need to get done.

My other Etsy shop is still open and I am
still offering my book at the same price.
The price includes my autograph
which is worth absolutely nothing 
and free shipping
.You can click HERE to get a copy.

So, that's about it for me.
I miss ALL of you and
THANK YOU  
for hanging in there with me .

Keep our family in your prayers
as we go through some 
life-altering changes.

Of course, I have to leave you with
ONE SMILE for the day!
MyHero took
MY SON'S TRACTOR
down to clean up our beach.
Ummmm...
Hello----the BEACH stops at
the edge of the water!
Nothing like a little excitement!
My son was on the golf course
when I sent him this picture 
of his Dad with HIS tractor.
Was he surprised?
NOPE!
He never missed a stroke!
Now you know why I don't like to let
MY HERO
drive MY CAR!

ps...No-the tractor does not start-
thanks for asking!


your photo name

104 comments:

Simply LKJ said...

Miss you sweet friend. Been a long summer here as well. Glad you are able to spend time with those precious girls. Your daughter's home looks lovely. Oh my...the tractor picture is priceless!!

Kathy said...

I've been missing your posts and even though I don't comment on all of them I READ all of them. Hope you are having a great summer and looking forward to hearing from you in September. Not that far away at all!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Hey D- nice to hear from you, you have been on my mind a lot lately!
Those signs your son made are amazing - I love them!!!!

OMG about the tractor in the water. That is, um, quite disturbing. Poor hero.

Big hugs - catch you soon. Enjoy the rest of your summer if you are able - it isn't while grieving strongly. ♥♥♥

Susan Freeman said...

I always have a big smile on my face when I visit you. I think we are all feeling the effects of a long hot summer and not in the mood to get down to serious business right now. So sorry for the loss of two important people in your life. So hard to say goodbye. That picture of your hubby on the tractor is hysterical!

Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Good to hear from you! Sounds like you're having a busy summer. Keeping you all in my prayers. Take care and we'll see you in September!

Beemie said...

So glad you are okay...I was worried about you. I read your book at the beach..bought the Kindle version. I loved it ...I was rooting for Lucy the whole time. I could actually picture all the places you wrote about...well done....I am inspired to finish the three books I have started.

Sorry about the tractor....I lived with my sister in Indiana for two summers just outside Muncie.

Susie said...

Diana, Those signs are great. What a wonderful way to recycle old wood. Your girls are growing up so much. Waaa.. I am missing your stories of them. Your daughter new home is beautiful. OMG...poor hero...what happened. Looks like he has made himself a project for fall. Blessings to all, miss you, love, Susie

Tessa~ Here there be musing said...

OK! I now fully appreciate, why none of you, want to ride with your husband. His driving skills do leave a whole lot, to be desired. LOL!!!!! But that is so, so, so funny!

Mmmmm, print it out and frame it and put it in some home bathroom, maybe?????

-ducking, running and hiding-

tessa

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

The signs are wonderful, Diana...I can see why they are selling so fast!
Sounds like you have been keeping very busy with family stuff...and I am so sorry to hear of your losses. We lost a very good friend here, too...so sad...and makes you re-think your life. xoxo

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Diana, I am laughing so hard WITH your Hero. I have been missing your little funnies so am making up for lost time. It's so good to have you back, but am so sorry for this sad time in your life. Take as much time as you need, we will be here. Your daughter's home is simply beautiful and the kids are really growing. I love those signs. I can imagine how many they sell. I can't believe you don't have them plastered all over your property. Take care and talk to you later..Happy Wednesday..Judy

Sonny G said...

miss ya bunches. keep smiling and we'll be here:: cough cough:: waiting patiently for your return. ok I lied , I have no patience lol

Anonymous said...

I have missed you! Thought of you, often,,
that tractor is sunk,, literally!!!!

Alex said...

Welcome back, thank you for sharing all the little bits of news...my goodness, the tractor...how on earth did he end up like that?!
X

20 North Ora said...

Welcome back - have missed you so much. Know you have a lot going on in your life. Prayers are with you.

Judy

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

ooooooh dear. That's a picture you oughta frame.

Lovely home, congrats to your daughter!

Pura Vida said...

this post was poignant and hilarious and those signs are remarkable...they look so good all together...what a statement!

Joy Junktion said...

The picture of YourHero needs to be a stand alone post entitled: "Caption This" ! Love it!! Have been thinking of you and your family this summer, I know it's been rough, busy and filled! Blessings, Cindy

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Awesome signs :) Too funny hubby, your daughter's home is lovely and hoping things do settle down for you. Can't wait to see what treasures you are going to sell!
warmly,
deb

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's so nice to hear from you. I'm sorry you've had so much sadness my friend. But I know life is filled with sad and happy times...all mixed together. Enjoy your summer! Wish you were sewing dollie clothes with us, too. You are the BEST! Sweet hugs, Diane

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Hello sweet friend, so nice to hear from you and you sound so much brighter! Your young ladies are prettier by the minute and your DD's house is beautiful. I'm happy you got to go help her move. Whenever I think of you, you surely show up. I've prayed for you and your DD and girls last Wednesday's rosary here. Aren't our hubby's the greatest heroes ever!
I'm glad you'll be working for your shop again and getting busy.
Big hugs,
FABBY

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Thanks for answering my second question...my first was: How in the beejesus did he do that!!!

LV said...

Thanks for dropping in today. Your daughter's home s breathtaking. What I would call a mansion on the hill. I would get lost in a house like that. I love the picture of the girls and your hubby. I cannot believe he went into the water. We all do things and cannot explain why. Take care. We are burning up in Texas. 107 with heat index 115.

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Those signs are awesome Diana. I can see them selling fast! Glad you are enjoying some quality time with the grandkids over the summer - the best way to spend any day of the year! And you know, stepping away from the blog for a bit is a very good thing. Happy Summer!

Chatty Crone said...

Gosh what a delightful post - I laughed almost all the way through it - have fun and don't worry - we miss you - but look forward to seeing you in September...

Linda said...

Good to hear from you in this post. And I know a Dutch dude who almost joined this "deep water" tractor event at least twice. At least he told me about two times ;) Linda@Wetcreek Blog

Kim said...

Great to hear from you Diana! Looks like you've been having a wonderful - if wet ;-) - summer! Those signs are beautiful. I bet they sell out quickly. Enjoy your free time and as the song goes...see you in September! xo

Adam said...

That tractor will probably be a little rusty

Terri Steffes said...

Those signs, absolutely gorgeous. I have had a summer of sadness, too, with the deaths of some classmates. See you when you make it back!

Vee said...

Ohhhh noooo... He'll never live that down. Your son is not concerned because he knows his dad will make it all right. What a busy summer you are having. No wonder you need more time! Enjoy it and may there be no more vehicles in the brink.

Anonymous said...

Nice to see an update. I love your daughter's new home. Your granddaughters are growing fast. Glad you all are enjoying summer. Too funny about your hero and the tractor! Praying for you and yours.

Nellie said...

Shucks, Diana! I ordered your book through Amazon! Thought about sending it to you for you to autograph! Perhaps you plan a book tour and will be in my town. Seems to me that one can find anything one needs/wants in that barn! Love the signs and the ingenuity of your son and his friend. xo Nellie

Anne's Attic - Design said...

You made my day sweetie, so glad that you are taking some time out for you and your family. Your Sons signs are amazing! Got to love the tractor pic! Your in my prayers. Jo

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

Glad to hear you are around and about. Your poor Hero.....hope he got out of there. Love the signs too. And look, surprise of surprises.....I can finally leave a comment and it does not have to be anonymous!!!!!

Anonymous said...

There you are! I'm so glad to hear from you. You have been the busiest of gals! Look at your Hero! That is a pretty funny snap. Sorry for your losses. Your daughter's new home is just gorgeous! Now those signs! Wow, those are just amazing and no wonder they sale so fast! You take all the time you need and we'll be here when you get back.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Junkchiccottage said...

The signs are great Diana and I can see why they sell so quickly. The picture of John with the girls is so cute. Have a great evening.
Kris

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Well I'm glad to know you're alive and well! Good to know you're having fun with the granddaughters! I'm not sure what to say about hubby and the tractor! Your daughter's home is gorgeous- how lucky! Love those signs! I think it's great that they're selling so quickly! Way to go!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Oh NO! How in the world did he end up in that situation?!? What a sight :)

Great signs and I can imagine they are so popular.

So good to hear from you!

Jill said...

Awesome job with the signs! I'm sorry to hear your brother in law passed away too... I knew it was close to his time and thankfully he will no longer be in pain. Thinking of your family. Love the tractor picture, lol ;-)

Blessings,
Jill

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

Good to hear from you, Diana! Those signs are fantastic! That tractor picture is too much! Enjoy the rest of the summer, and we'll be ready for you when you return!

Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer said...

Glad to see you posted and know everything is alright. Love the signs! sorry you brother in law passed. Take care!

Laurie said...

Well, you have been very busy. Love the signs! Love that they use reclaimed wood. But, I have to say......Hero on the tractor has me in stitches! LOL!!!!

Connie said...

And they have the nerve to talk about women drivers!

White Lace and Promises said...

Loss is hard and some days we feel it more painfully than others. Thinking of you during your time of grief. BTW, the signs. OMGoodness! They are great! Wish I could happen up on some of these! Great work!

Debby said...

The signs are great. They do really nice work. I like how they use the reclaimed wood. I'm glad the girls are spending time with you. Not fair that everyone is moving away. You have had some hard losses as well. So sorry. I hope we both are back in force here soon. That picture of your husband is hilarious. I bet he was glad you took a picture, hah. Bug Hugs

Red Rose Alley said...

It's good to see your post up again, Diana. I really like your daughter's house. So charming, and a lot of yard space. It sounds like you've been busy this summer. Enjoy the last of the summer days, dear friend.

love, ~Sheri

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Loved the post - I had to laugh out loud at the picture of Your Hero with the tractor in the water. How funny. Hope everything has settled down for you and glad to hear that you will be back at posting in September. Your daughters home is stunning.
Hugs to you dear friend.
Mary

Maryjane-The Beehive Cottage said...

Love the signs! That is a cute picture of your hubby and the tractor! Would have loved to see how that happened! LOL! Enjoy the rest of your summer! xox

Gypsy Heart said...

I've missed you but I haven't been a regular here in blog land either. You've certainly had a LOT going on...makes my head hurt! :) Again, I'm so very sorry for the losses you've endured. I so understand! I haven't been doing that well lately...sometimes it's just more difficult. Sadly, I'm sorry that you "get it".

The signs are wonderful! They both have a lot of talent and creativity. Have you or your son taken away your hero's driver's license? :) Your daughter's home is gorgeous! I'm not sure about the distance between you two now...is it convenient to visit?

Take good care my friend!
xo
Pat

tammy j said...

OHMYGOSH! i'd be afraid he'd get electrocuted or something... i don't know. do tractors have spark plugs and electric starters???
the girls are getting so big. they're all beautiful. such sweet smiles.
see you when you return.
try to rest some too! xoxo

Rose L said...

LOL He will probably delete that photo as soon as he can! Gotta hide the evidence!

Sarah said...

I've missed you, Diana. Thanks for the catch up. Oh, my! Now that is an interesting Hero photo. This may top them all! '-)

CanadianGardenJoy said...

Diana girl ... I am so sorry about the profound loses you have gone through this year ... so true about life altering impact.
I have to ask ... how did they get the tractor out of the water ? .. when I scrolled down to see the pictures I almost spit my coffee out on my monitor ! ... men tend to do silly, oops .... UNUSUAL ? things ? hehehe
I think we are all looking forward to a quiet cool Autumn now ... I hope things do slow down and calm down for you ,,,, and that only good things will happen next.
Take care !
Joy : )
PS ... love those signs that is a fantastic job they are doing and cultivating a great business !

Sylvia said...

Sure have missed your funny self, you always brighten up my day with your post! Enjoy the rest of the summer and hurry back!

Hugs, Sylvia

Pom Pom said...

That's a funny hero photo! See how much you'd miss the lake?
Oh, you busy nana! I hope you can catch a breath soon. You're missed!

Stephanie said...

Oh Diana, I am still giggling over the picture of your Hero :) How I have missed you! I look forward to September when you're back in the groove of blogging.

How wonderful that you will be opening up a second Etsy shop - yippee! And speaking of Etsy, I need to head over there and get your book... It will be perfect reading for the fall months.

Thinking of you, sweet friend, and sending love and hugs your way.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I have to show those signs to my DIL! She likes to make signs and I can just envision their shed decorated with motorcycle etc signs! :)

You have had your share of losses recently and it's good to take a break when needed. From blogging...doesn't sound like anything else in your life is taking one though your HERO got it all mixed up with BRAKE I see :)

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I have to show those signs to my DIL! She likes to make signs and I can just envision their shed decorated with motorcycle etc signs! :)

You have had your share of losses recently and it's good to take a break when needed. From blogging...doesn't sound like anything else in your life is taking one though your HERO got it all mixed up with BRAKE I see :)

Down On The Farm said...

Welcome back!!! I love the signs, those are amazing and I can sure see why they sell out fast. That tractor picture really made me laugh (although I understand the serious problem it is!). That looks like something that happens in our neck of the woods. Looking forward to more posts from you! Your daughter's house is beautiful. Enjoy those sweet grandbabies!!

Melanie said...

Those signs are awesome, especially made with reclaimed wood! Sounds like you've been very busy...so sorry to hear about the losses in your life. Last photo with your husband on the tractor in the water made me laugh! I'm sure he wasn't laughing though! Hope the rest of your summer goes well.

Carla from The River said...

Hi,
Thank you for the update. We have been praying for you and your family.
I love the signs!! WOW
Your daughters home is BEAUTIFUL!!
And you made me LOL with the last photo!!
Love, Carla

This N That said...

So glad you stopped back for a visit..I have really missed you sense of humor..Hope the tractor survives..Maybe after it dries out??We can only hope..Those signs are wonderful..Wish I were closer..Have a wonderful day Diana..... Hang in there!!

bj said...

Good to see your post...yes, sometimes life hands us things that we have to take care of before we can move on to other interests...
hugs..

Gert said...

As always it's wonderful to see you on your blog!! I have missed you...but...I totally understand. It takes some valuable time to write a post each day! Enjoy your time with your family.

Blessings,
Gert

Wanda said...

HaHa....You always leave us with a smile... Missed you.

Bethany Carson said...

Your daughter's home is beautiful! And I think your grandson does a great job on the signs. What happened with the tractor? That almost looks a little scary!

Rue said...

Holy smokes! How in the world did that happen?!

I'm glad you're okay and not leaving us, but I'm sorry that you've had so much sadness to deal with.

I have your book in my shopping cart ready to be bought soon ;)

xo,
rue

Lisa Mangold Kosmoski said...

Hearing the stories about the tractor were funny but then seeing the picture gives the stories a whole new life! The signs are really cool too. Blessings ~ Lisa

Debbie said...

Great signs!! I can see why they sell so quickly.
Nice photo of the girls and their/your Hero.
Oh my.....John on the tractor....what can I say? lol
Love to you.
Debbie
xo

Kelly said...

OMG! what a picture! I'm sorry that you have had so many funerals to attend lately. i know that gets depressing after a while. Your daughter's house is very pretty! I hope that they'll like living in Indiana. My neighbor is from there. I'm sure your granddaughters have been a source of great happiness in your life while you've been dealing with some changes going on. Kids have a way of lifting you up and reminding you to live in the present don't they?

Lucille said...

Hi dear Diana! it's so nice to hear from you. I often think of you and always hope that you're okay. I will get your book in September. I will have to get it from Amazon.ca because I'm in Canada. Enjoyed looking at your pics. The girls look so cute. I see your hero keeps on having adventures. Never a boring moment, eh, Diana!

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Sounds like you are having a wonderful summer! Spending time with family is what it should be about. I have not posted or read much myself. But certainly missed seeing your posts!

Maria Elena said...

Good to hear from you, Diana! Enjoy the rest of your Summer and please, keep an eye on your husband... :) xoxo Maria

Ricki Treleaven said...

I figured you were either traveling or playing with the grands….
Your daughter's house is so pretty! And I hope you bought one of those cute signs…. ;P
Great hearing from you!

Renee said...

Oh my, he was seriously trying to clean the beach. I love the signs. Your daughter's new home is beautiful.

camp and cottage living said...

A priceless photo! Glad for the update, Diana, I've missed seeing you about.
It sounds like you are enjoying your break.

Pam Kessler said...

Enjoy your time away! The tractor photo is a hoot! He was just getting a bit too enthusiastic and decided to clean the whole lake.

Ron said...

I hope you enjoy and savor every moment with family. I love the signs. The photo of your hubby on the tractor is too funny!!!!!

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your losses Diana - I know how deeply you love.
Your son ( and his buddy ) 's signs are fabulous - I'm not surprised they sell so quickly !
I want to see the inside of that gorgeous home!
And lastly - that photo of John?
Absolutely priceless LMHO
Talk soon ♥
XOXO

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Diana I'm so glad your enjoying your summer with your grandgirls! Those signs your son made are AWESOME and your daughters new home is absolutely beautiful!! Oh and that last photo...PRICELESS!! I put blogging on the back burner too...enjoying family time this summer:-)

Donna said...

Those signs are amazing, Diana! I do believe your son has inherited your creative gene! I just love them, and also love the fact that they've made them from reclaimed wood from the beach. Are they just selling them locally? I also love the pic of the girls with your Hero. Speaking of, it that really him on the tractor? Or is that one of your crazy jokes??! I sure hope it's the latter!! I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers for sure. The blogging world just isn't the same without our daily dose of Diana:) Oh, I am SO excited that you will be opening up a second Etsy shop! That is awesome! I loved your novel, and I can't wait to read more of your work!!

Donna said...

PS: I am also sorry that you have endured the losses of so many loved ones. Prayers headed your way, my friend.

Art and Sand said...

You told me that your son was making some signs. Well, I am embarrassed to have shown my signs after seeing his.

WOW!

Tete said...

I love the signs...the girls, the house! But John needs monitored. A beeper that goes off right before he does something stupid...I know, you would need earplugs. Poor tractor.

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I love the sign's as art, inspiration and just plain fun.

C u in September.

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Great signs. They do good work. Know you've enjoyed having the girls.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Take your time Diana, we will all be here when you are ready! It hasn't been a healthy summer for me and life has been crazy around here too!
What a beautiful home your daughter has!
Rondell♥

RURAL said...

Lovely to hear that you are still planning on blogging, we would have a hole in our hearts if you stopped. Those signs are gorgeous!! They are very talented guys.

Looking forward to cooler days...

Jen

Jen Kershner said...

Your summer sounds just this side of crazy! Hoping for a calmer autumn for you. Those signs are amazing!!

HIBISCUS HOUSE said...

Wonderful to hear from you girl! You put so much in such small spaces what a great writer you are! Love you glad you're doing ok!

Candy S said...

Diana, I do hope you are enjoying your summer break with your family. It is good to see your hero out enjoying time with the grand daughters. I really like the tractor in the lake photo, I don't like my hubby to drive my car either (same reason). I think of you often and am keeping you and your family in my prayers.

If you have time I do hope you can stop by to visit my blog in the next day or so and leave a comment, I am celebrating my second blog anniversary with a fall table linens give-away and the winner will be announced Thursday on my August 20th tablescape post. You have been a wonderful blogging friend these past two years, not to mention a major source of entertainment with your witty writing and delightful pictures. Have a wonderful week.... Candy

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Glad you are enjoying your summer with your grands and family and I am so sorry that you have experienced such great losses too...Thoughts and prayers are sent your way!....

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

The signs are fabulous Diana! Love the fact that it's wood washed up on the beach. You have been busy! Summer has flown by and I need to get my keister moving. lol! The tractor photo made my day!
hugs,
Jann

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Oh that's FUNNY! I'd have a hissy fit and fall in it if someone drove my tractor into the ocean -grin-. Fabulous signs...very nicely done!

Nancy's Notes said...

That is just hilarious! Oh Diana, those signs are just amazing and wood is awesome too! Sorry for the sadness you've had lately, it's tough, for sure. Love the time you are having with your grands, too cute! Miss you, my friend.
Nancy

Katie Mansfield said...

I'm glad you have had some good time with your granddaughters. I will be thinking about you and saying a prayer for your tough times.
I look forward to having you back in blog land.

Boopnut said...

Glad to see you back. Love the signs! So sorry for your losses! How heartbreaking! Glad the girls have been there with you. I want to visit both of your Etsy shops but not sure how.
Deb

Cranberry Morning said...

The tractor photo with YOUR HERO is priceless!!!! And I love those signs. I keep meaning to make a sign or two but wow, now there's a higher standard to achieve. Those are so cool!! We all miss you. Glad September is right around the corner.

Patty Antle said...

Where in Indiana, did your daughter move to? I wonder how close to me she is...I love those signs too. I can see why they sell so fast!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Hello there dear NanaDiana! I've been missing you... We just got through a big move, and I had left off blogging for a bit myself... and I see that life has dealt you a lot to deal with in the past months as well... will certainly be praying for you, as these changes are not always easy for sure! The picture of your husband and the tractor was just crazy... oh my! Will look forward to your wonderful posts as soon as you have time to post again... I certainly understand where you are at with all that is going on in your life, and will be praying for you! Many hugs dear friend!

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

Hi Diana! Just popping in to check on you and hope you are doing well. Looking forward to hearing from your sunny self soon (wasn't that cute, lol?)! Jane

Sweet Tea said...

That picture of your Hero on the tractor is GREAT!! What a hoot!! Poor guy. Poor tractor.
So sorry that you have lost friend and family this summer. We are of an age where that
happens more often now and I don't like it one bit! I've had a lot of heartache this summer
nd a lot of joy. Will be glad to welcome you back to blogging soon!

Becca Bertotti said...

Love the picture of your sweet "Hero" on the tractor! LOL And, the signs are absolutely awesome ... wish he lived nearby, I scoop one up!! Glad you're having a busy summer, enjoying family (and the success of your book)! I look forward to your new posts, friend!

Pura Vida said...

Happy September Nana!

Stephanie said...

Sweet friend! I have been thinking of you....I hope you are well. Please know that you are in my prayers. Sending love and hugs across the miles!