Ready for Clear and Blue Skies Again!

Hosted by "French Lique, Texas"
The Mountains of the Philippines... Today, Dixie wanted either an April Fool's or Still Life WW photos, so I think these qualify for the Stills...




Thanks Dixie! I can't wait to see what other fun pics are out there...

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Hosted by "A Southern Daydreamer"

For today's OW, I wanted to share a place I have yet to visit while here in North Texas. This area is very close to us, but we just haven't had the time to explore much, so this one is definitely on the list of "Places to visit" for us

Check out their claim to fame:

"When you visit the Vintage House, you’re likely to meet Nan Walvoord, proprietor. This out-going former music teacher turned shop owner, has been assisting grateful customers find the perfect gift and create beauty within their homes since the beginning days of the Vintage House. Having ‘never met a stranger,’ Nan delights in the many new friends she has welcomed into “her house” over the years—not to mention, the numerous children of loyal customers she has watched “grow up” since the Vintage House first opened in 1988.
Also, experience the friendly and helpful assistance of Fonda, Vintage House staff. Everyone loves to chat with Fonda. A former shop owner herself, this talented and authentically caring lady is eager to assist all who enter ‘our house.’ She also happens to be one of the best gift-basket-makers around!"

This is the City of Carrollton Rosemeade Rainforest and Recreation Center which is less than 5 minutes away from our place. It is THE favorite hangout during the hot, humid summer days and for the fun pool facilities! Don't get splashed! Actually, you have no choice, as there are tons of children to splash you as they go from one splash zone to the next. So... you might as well bring an extra towel with you if you're ever in our area and find yourself inside. Residents are $3 and visitors, $5. Not bad, huh?

I can't wait to see "where" everyone is today! Thanks again, Susan!

TABLESCAPING IDEA: ("Brain" loves being challenged!) The next time you are in a Home Depot or Lowe's, pick up some paint chips, some inexpensive drop cloth (enough to cover a table), paint brushes and "Ooops" paint cans or use fabric paints from craft stores, about three different vivid colors if available. At home, with the neighborhood kids or your own young kids, lay out the drop cloth and start handing out paint brushes to everyone. Ask them to swish, splash and smear paint all over the cloth. Tell them what you're going to use it for and tell them that they are invited to a fun patio or indoor lunch at your place either the next day or two. Take pictures of the activity, from start to finish. Use some of the paint chips as invitations for them to bring home or if your own children, to use as reminder cards. On the day of, use the drop cloth (or fabric you chose) as the tablecloth. Then, place the oops paint cans as stands for the fun menu you'll create as the main centerpiece. Use the rest of the paint chips as placecards and use colorful face towel as napkins looped through a small hanging paint brush! Even fill the table with different painting tools and enjoy reliving the fun idea you had! Add any other fun things to go with the theme. Take pictures of your gathering. After, get them all printed out and in a beautiful envelope tied with a colorful bow, give each child copies of the prints as mementos of your time together. Sometimes, quality time just means making time, so go have fun and be crazy with your children! I'll be doing this with my children this summer as every July, they create a new finger painting masterpiece for their bedrooms. I can't wait to see what they'll do with a paintbrush!

I can't wait!