Surprise in my mailbox

When I got home from the team meeting on Sat. I had a surprise waiting for me in my mailbox. A small package from my cousin Debbie in Texas. Totally made my day and made up for not getting any prizes at the meeting! I received 2 decorated CD cases with embellishments inside. She made the beautiful flower embellishments. Can't wait to use my gifts. Here are some pictures of my gifts.

The front of the CD cases (The pumpkins are a pre-colored digi-image)

The inside with all the goodies. You can kinda' see the shimmer on the flowers!

Sr. Ctr. Cards

On Friday, I went to the Col. Beach Sr. Ctr. to make cards again. (I go every 3rd Friday of the month). We have a couple of new ladies attending, so starting them out slow, but I think they will be ready to do more next month.

These were by the newest lady. I was unable to assist her much as I was kept busy at the other end of the long table, but the lady that just started a few months ago, helped her.

These are by the lady that helped the newest one. The card on the left I had pre-cut and stamped everything for them for this one. It uses the Diamond Crimp technique on the layer of white.

More made by a couple of the ladies

These are the ones by BJ, my longest attending lady. She has been coming since I started going just over a year ago.

The following cards I made. I had to do them quickly, so they are simple cards. Lottie does not stamp due to her very poor eyesight, but she always has an occassion she would like a card for. The first is for a family member that has a birthday on Halloween. The second is for another male family member that had a birthday on Nov. 1st. I used the "thumping" technique on it for the leaves. Everyone liked it, so they want me to pre-stamp some of this one for them for next month. One less card design I need to come up with - LOL!

Scotchtown - Home of Patrick Henry

Last Thursday, my Sweet Magnolia Red Hat group got together and we went to Scotchtown for a tour and tea. They are normally only open on the weekends at this time, but one of the ladies was able to get them to open for us. They gave an excellent tour and then a wonderful tea with little finger sandwiches and 12th Day cookies and some pumkin bread and other munchies and several varieties of tea, including pumpkin spice tea. All was absolutely yummy! A big thanks to Sandy and Ann who gave the tour and made everything for the tea.

The front of the house

The back of the house (basically the same as the front)

One of two tables of goodies and tea

Sandy (our house tour guide and tea hostess)

Ann (our kitchen tour guide and tea hostess)

This was a tour I would definitely recommend to anyone. Affordable and very well done and very informative. I definitely plan to take hubby there. They are doing a murder reinactment there on Oct. 27th, may try to go then. In Nov. there will be a Harvest Festival and in Dec. they have a special event as well.

Halloween Treats

I have been busy the past week or so making treats for my red hat groups. Made some last week for the Busy Bees to give them at the luncheon and tomorrow I have a luncheon with my Sweet Magnolia group, so I finished theirs today. The details are on my Stampin' Dragon blog.

The ones made using the Candy Wrapper die is for the members and the one in front using the Fancy Favor die is for the Hostess.

Busy Bee Halloween Luncheon

Judy had us over to her house and she made all the food. It was delicious, sandwiches, sweet potatoe with apple casserole, stew and munchies and she finished us up with some delicious cupcakes. Those with black icing, left you with black lips, teeth and tongue - LOL!

Mary Ellen with our hostess, Judy

Sue modeling her witches hat, she was the caller for our Bingo games.

L-R: Mary Ellen, Sandy, someones daughter, Katrina

Monster sandwiches - aren't they adorable!

My plate of goodies and a piping hot bowl of stew - Super yummy!

Scarlet Sophisticates have a Potluck at Doris' home

Our September luncheon was hosted by Doris Harris at her house (picture below on left). It was warm, but not sweltering, so it was pleasant outside. We had a view of the river thru the trees in her backyard. She and one of her best friends modeled some of their silly outfits for us. Too cute!

Check out this spread - Yummy!

Trip with Jacob

Jacob finally returned from Iraq the first of August. He came home for his leave on the 20th, bought a car on the 21st and on the 22nd we left for our driving trip. Our first stop was overnight with Ken in IN, he just returned the day before and Roxie was in CO (our destination to surprise her and her sister, Risa for their birthday celebration). Our next stop was in KS to see George and his family and for Jacob to meet his new and first nephew and finally be able to meet George's new wife and step-daughter.

We got to Colorado Springs just a few hrs. before the celebrations began and surprised all of his cousins (Aunt Becky & Uncle Dave were the only ones that knew we were coming). We had a great time visiting and stayed there the longest to do some site seeing. We saw Seven Falls for the first time and since we went in the evening first, our ticket admitted us in again the next day, so we got to see it in the daylight as well. We also went to Garden of the Gods and drove thru it again and did some shopping. Our last day we went on the Cog Railway up to the top of Pikes Peak. Jacob had wanted to drive up, but the road was closed for a bike race (much to my delight as I hate that drive up - scares the bejibbers out of me).Afterwards, due to a wrong turn, happened on the Manitou Cliff Dwellings and stopped to see them (not as impressive as Mesa Verde, but nice). We drove by Cave of the Winds, but did not tour them, no time! We returned for a delicious meal with Becky and Dave and packed to leave for TX the next day.

We went thru Texas and visited both families and went to Delicias Brazil for dinner with Melanie, Jimmy, Brandon, Linda, David, Lindsey & Jay-Jay one evening. We had a nice time, but failed to take any pictures with my camera, I think we took some with his, so I need to get some of those.

Then we headed home with another stop thru KS to visit with George and family for a couple of days and then stopped again overnight with Roxie and Ken and then home....it was a busy 2 weeks, but I had the time of my life and will always treasure the memories of this time with Jacob.

Jacob & Brexton finally meet

Roxie & Risa celebrating their birthday (a little late)

Great-nephews modeling the soccer shirts Grandpa Richardson go them in Guatemala

Jacob and his cousins

Seven Falls (nightime)

Indian Dancer at Seven Falls

Seven Falls (daytime)

Jacob in front of the Balancing Rock in Garden of the Gods

Top of Pikes Peak

Manitou Cliff Dwellings

Think the trip is starting to wear Jacob out, too!

Brexton in his new Aggie shirt.