Blogger Uploaded Picture Correctly In Old Editor

Well...I went back to using old editor and I uploaded the same picture that was uploading sideways on Blogger new editor and the picture positioned correctly. At least now I know... that if my pictures aren't uploading correctly...I can go back and post in old editor and that should take care of the picture uploading sideways problem.

Blogger.....Pictures Uploading Sideways

I'm frustrated and I'm wondering is any one else having problems uploading their pictures to Blogger? Any suggestions or tricks that you have come up with to rectify this unfortunate dilemma? Help!

Oh....how I wanted to show you my elf tree! Just tilt your head sideways. Click on to it for a larger sideways image. ~amy

Christmas Evening Stillness

The family is in the den playing Dance Wii.  I'm about to bring dinner out to the table. 

Taking just a moment before Christmas dinner to reflect and being thankful for everything that I've been blessed with.  Wishing your heart the warmth of Christmas peace.  ~amy

This Christmas Eve...From My House To Yours

It's been said that until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas.  All else is outward display...so much tinsel and decorations.  For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow.  It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow. 

 

It's the warmth that comes to your heart.

Christmas began in the heart of God.  It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas.

Not Just For Display

It's been said that someone else's trash is another person's treasure.  I certainly find this to be true.

My eclectic vintage collection of Christmas plates, cups, crystal glasses and silver were enthusiastically and lovingly obtained from garage sales and thrift shops.  Between their age, history, detail and beauty they're fit for a King.  These vintage treasures aren't for eyes only but are actually used.  I'm honored to be able to use them each and every Christmastime for entertaining with family and friends. I hope you enjoy glancing at them.  

Somewhere Between Thanksgiving And Christmas

Thanksgiving day dinner is over and now anticipation for Christmas has begun.  I hope you had a lovely day yesterday and you were blessed to spend it with those that you love.  Our day with each other centered around preparing good food along with good conversation.  This year we ate dinner early in the afternoon and the rest of the day we simply relaxed, watched movies, ate and drank.  It was overcast, cold and windy outside.  The kind of day to cozy up around a blazing fire.  It was the perfect day!   

I have so much to thank God for...a wonderful family, friendships, a roof over our heads, good food, my continuous journey for a stronger faith, hope and love.  

While the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season has officially begun....let me always be aware that the decorating, baking, entertaining and gift giving is all done in anticipation for the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ.  Wishing you joy and peace in your preparations for this Christmas Season.  ~amy    

Happy Birthday Patty

I hope you like the music I accompanied with your birthday post.

It brings back memories...doesn't it?

It was wonderful seeing you this weekend.

I hope you have a lovely day

and

 a spectacular year!

I love you.

Your sister,

~amy

Dreamy Sunset In The Valley

Here in the valley the hues on the trees have all but faded but the sunsets are bursting with color.  The soft, warm and gentle light of Autumn evenings will give way shortly.  Here's a glimpse of our Autumn sunset.

Sweet Mommy ~ My Friend.

At best this last month has been challenging for myself and my family.  My sweet mom passed away after a ten day illness.   Her void is numbing to me and I'm thankful that with the grace of God my pain will ease as the days drift on. 

What I find difficult now though....is not being able to grieve with her as I always had when a loved one passed.  It was therapeutic for both of us.  Now I grieve without her.

I have observed her throughout my life and she had taught me well.  She was strong for my dad when he was ill and even stronger in rebuilding her life without him.  She was simple with her possessions but extravagant with her personal relationships which included her love for Our Lord, the Virgin Mary, her husband,  children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.  She went to church, studied the bible, belonged to a prayer group, volunteered, belonged to her seniors group and still lunched with her same bunch of friends that she knew as a child.  When my youngest daughter was 2 years old and choking on a piece of candy....while I was frazzeled...she calmly, quickly and meticulously picked her up, held her upside down by her feet and hit her on the back.  The candy came spewing out.  She saved my daughter's life.  I would say her life was full in every way.

I think my sister put it so lovely.  "Mom was our first love and it's hard to say goodbye".

As we sat with her as she was fading away like the morning dew from this life into the next....I couldn't help but think.  "Be not afraid.  You shall see the face of God and live".  Her spirit will live in my heart forever.   I love you mommy.  ~amy



If you don't vote....

then you can't complain.  We've been blessed to have the right to vote.  Embrace it!!

This wonderful image of a vintage voting machine was taken from dreamstime.com.  Thank you!

Pennsylvania Rt. 655

  Riding down Rt. 655 this afternoon was a lovely way to spend one of the last fleeting weekends of summer.   It's starting to look like Autumn for sure but the warmth of the sunshine still echoes of summer.

Our first stop was at Natural Designs ~ Floral Studio and Gardens...a little gem tucked away up a winding country road.  Owner Sally Yoder was gracious and her unique floral arrangements are really lovely.  If you're interested... she offers workshops in floral  arrangements.  Visit her at Natural Designs Studio for directions and more information.   

Some more of her pretties.

Rt. 665 is a thoroughfare for the Amish and Mennonite communities.

I consider myself privileged to be able to witness snippets of their daily life.

Working the fields.

Amazing!

We ended up at the charming Brookmere Winery where we participated in a wine tasting.  We visited with the owners who generously explained to us their experiences of owning a vineyard and winery. 

It was a perfect afternoon to spend with my husband as sultry summer days come to an end and gives way to cooler days bursting with color.   ~amy

Taking Notice

When I'm driving I usually take notice of the lovely architecture of the homes in my small town of Pennsylvania.  While strolling through town today not only did I marvel at the pretty homes and the beautiful historic buildings but I took notice of those architectural elements that are part of one's landscaping.  Those details that some how go unnoticed.  Please stroll along with me and let me show you what I mean.  

My Vermont Find

While we were on vacation...we visited a wonderful antique shop in Stowe, Vermont.  I saw this old bucket that once was used to collect tree sap for maple syrup and I knew I was in love.  Someone had painted a quaint winter scene on the face of it.  Immediately I thought...this would be great on the front porch in the winter stuffed with pine boughs and cones.  I hope you like it as much as I do!  ~amy

I'll be linking to Vintage Thingy Thursday hosted by Suzanne at Colorado Lady. Go over... visit and see every one's vintage treasures.

We're back from vacationing up in the Adirondack's....

 and we had a wonderful time!   The first night we went to a community play that took place in the local upholstery shop by day and the 'Recovery Lounge' by night.  The name of the play was called 'The Real West' and it kept our attention for sure.  It was a fun night.

The next day we headed out for a hike up Whiteface Mountain.  It was a glorious day and the top of the mountain was a comfortable 66 degrees while at the base it was in the sweltering 90's.  It felt so good up there and the views were clear and grand!

Here we are making our way up.

Tah Dah!!!  We made it to the peak!

The girls posing at the base of the mountain.

On Wednesday we hiked in Keene, NY.  It was a shorter hike but this time there weren't any railings to help us up.  I thought this hike was more difficult even though it was far shorter in distance.  Here's a picture of the girl's after our hike.

On Thursday we took a ferry to Vermont and enjoyed a day of sightseeing and shopping.  Definitely a must for us girls.  We started off at the local country store.

It was cute as a button on the outside

and inside.  We picked up some local maple syrup.

We dropped the girls off at the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream factory (that's B & G's sign in the distance) and my husband and I went to the antique store across the street!  A good trade off for me.  I picked up some treasures that I can't wait to show you!!  One of my fav finds was an old vintage maple sap bucket that someone had painted a Vermont winter scene on the front of it.  I'm picturing it on my front porch this winter stuffed with boughs!

Then we headed up the street to The Trapp Family Lodge.  You remember The Sound of Music Trapp Family?  This is where they moved to when they left Austria.

The Trapp Family Lodge

and one of the many paintings inside the lodge.

A picture I took while heading back to New York State via ferry.

I can't go on any vacation without taking pictures of lovely cottages.

Not only did I think this porch was charming but I love the idea of the ski's hanging on the ski rack.  Another idea I hope to steal and use on our cabin's porch some day.

I have a soft spot for window boxes.  So pretty!

I hope you're enjoying your summer.  I can't believe how hot it's been!  I hate to mention it....but I'm seeing leaves changing color and starting to fall already.  I think the change of seasons is bitter sweet.  ~amy