I decided that if I waited until I got back from Maryland to take pictures of the blooms from our new Venus Dogwood (Cornus Kousa Venus), they might be gone. I really wasn't expecting any this year since we just planted it a month ago, but got a surprise when a...

I took the weekend off from work. That makes it sound like I took it easy -- people who know me well know that I rarely sit still. For example . . .Friday evening, Ryan's girlfriend came over to spend the evening. So I picked up some hamburger and an assortment of hot...

The last four months or so have been full of mileposts for my son, Ryan. Some of you know Ryan (or feel like you do) -- I have mentioned him often in my e-mails over the years, and for several years he traveled with me to shows (a lot more than he preferred).Ryan...

I am going to get spoiled -- two weeks ago, Donna Weibel sent me a detailed supply list and step-by-step instructions for her Make It/Take It in our store. This week, Connie Vogt sent me a detailed supply list, step-by-step instructions, AND pictures! So that will...

Last night I got to have an evening of pure fun (at least for me). Tuesday, the athletic director at Dayton Christian High School (he was an assistant football coach when Ryan went to school there) called me. DC's baseball team was scheduled to play Troy Christian on...

This was the Make It & Take It in our store last Wednesday morning, the day before I left for Akron for Adventures in Stamping. Donna Weibel created this impressive acrylic tag project. Karen knew it would be popular, so signups were required and it filled six...

I love to travel. I should rephrase that -- I LOVE to travel. I also love working in the yard in my spare time. But in the spring, the yard has a tendency to get away from me if I'm not out there every few days. I was in Akron last weekend and in the Grand Canyon the...

Saturday was a busy day -- before, during, and after Adventures in Stamping in Akron. I love to go out and greet the folks standing in line before the show opens -- I offer each of them one of our flyers and thank them for coming. And this was a long line -- I took...

Karen and I are in Akron, after a loooooooooooooong setup day. Adventures in Stamping runs Saturday and Sunday at the John S. Knight Center here. But the Spring Spectacular in our store in Dayton runs Saturday and Sunday as well. In between getting ready for the show...

I am back from the Grand Canyon -- got home about 12:30 this morning. The trip was everything I had hoped it would be -- a wonderful experience with my brother and our dad. I'm taking my first look through the pictures, and I wanted to post a few just to offer a...