Babe in the Woods

Illustration Friday - Pretend

2008-11-16T19:35:00.001-06:00

Pretend
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Here he is, the little "king" just back from Burger King wearing his mom's faux fur throw and using a plunger for his scepter. Just like our children did except we had old blankets for capes. I wonder if the kids still do that today.

SC and I will be heading East to visit our son and daughter-in-law in South Carolina then south to Florida for Thanksgiving. I probably will not participate in Illustraion Friday till we get back, the first of December. For all that visit here, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Smiles
Babe

Wise

2008-11-13T07:38:00.001-06:00

Wise
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

The wise old owl.

Living here in our rural area we have the opportunity to observe these beautiful birds. At night we hear them calling to one another, then hear them fly through the trees, which is quite a feat, considering how close the trees are.

We haven't been lucky to find one in the barn, they eat mice and snakes, I guess that will still have to be our cat Misters job.

Smiles
Babe

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T09:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Repair

2008-10-30T08:01:00.001-05:00

Repair
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Over 30 years ago, one of our children gave SC a gift of a small ivory turtle. It was made into a necklace that he wore till the ring at the end of its nose broke. The other day, SC came to me with it in his hand and asked me if I could fix it using something from my horde of jewelry making treasures. I'm pretty good at fixing things but to repair this will be a challenge. Here's hoping I'm up to that challenge for a very special piece of ivory.

Smiles
Babe

I F - Late

2008-10-21T18:43:00.001-05:00

Late
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Last year around this time, SC and I took a long trip, stopping at Joy's first. While there we purchased ball hats and painted halloween designs on them. To my surprise Illustration Fridays topic was "hats". As soon as I finished painting my hat, I started drawing it, planning on entering it. Unfortunately I was late finishing it and there was a new topic.

How wonderful to see I have another chance to enter my hat, even though its a year late.

Smiles
Babe

On Watch

2008-10-17T22:09:00.001-05:00

On Watch
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Every year at this time we put out our fall and Halloween decorations. This year our Cat Mister took a liking to the display and has made it his own.

As our usual routine, we call him in when it turns dark but the other night he was no where to be found. It turns out, he was sitting on the hay bale watching us. SC thought it cute, so took this picture. In the lower right hand corner is SC's handy work. My favorite pumpkin ever!

Smiles
Babe

Mister

2007-11-25T12:50:00.001-06:00

Mister
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Back in July this little one came looking for comfort and something to eat, or maybe it was the otherway around, well he found it and we have been lucky to have him. He has been living in our barn sleeping on the hay and getting from us, two square meals a day. His hair has smooth out and gotten shiny and he how has "meat" on his bones, too much as a matter of fact. We believe he suppliments his diet on mice, snakes, etc. He's affectionate and just a great little cat.

The other day SC came in from feeding Mister to tell me we now have another cat/kitten in the barn. I took a look and OH MY GOSH! boney just doesn't describe it. Well, here we go again. If it's a girl, I'll name her Susie.

Smiles
Babe

Mister

2007-08-22T13:33:00.001-05:00

Mister
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

A while ago a black cat started sleeping on a front porch chair. It wasn't very friendly, when the door opened it would take off not to be seen again. Then one day this cat came up to SC and me meowing and curling around our legs. Being highly allergic to cats, I was cautious - I bent over and petted it. My heart broke, this poor cat was boney. It was apparent it hadn't eaten for some time. I immediately told SC I was getting it something to eat, dog food, and water. He said "you know what this means?" I said yes but I want to be able to look at myself in the mirror and like me. He was on board and the cat ate all the dog food given. Two days later we bought cat food. Unfortunately I can't have it in the house but there's this gorgeous barn in back with, I am sure, mice. A very nice home for it, indeed.

SC and I had many decisions to make about this black cat but one thing we needed to know ASAP was the sex. We can't have kittens! Now its not very easy trying to examine the back side of a suspicious cat and what the heck are we looking for. There aren't signs hanging off the tail!
SC - "We're going to have to get it fixed!!"
Babe - Huh? you know what it is - a girl?
SC - Yep, nothins hangin.
Babe - Okay, I'll call the vet and get some info.
A few days later and thinking we're going to have to spend $157, the puddy tat came up to me, curled around my legs and exposed its backside where I noticed two furry round "balls". I called SC over to show him what I discovered. Now we had to think of a name for HIM. At first it was blackie. Wasn't that original? It sort of fitted but still I just didn't like it. I didn't have a clue what would fit, then walking outside I notice he had something in his mouth. I asked "what ya doing Mister?" and it clicked. MISTER.

I had to take this picture of him. I guess he's going to try and worm his way in the house as a "draft dodger", it won't work - we have the Scotties doing it.

Smiles
Babe

Poem

2007-07-25T22:00:00.001-05:00

Poem
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Up in the attic
Hidden from view,
Are thousands of things
Not just a few

Things behind
Long in the past,
Buried and hidden
Thought never to last.

But now and then
Mind seems to stir,
On thoughts my mind
Seem to prefer.

Parents’ young
With songs unsung.
Children, grandkids
Yet unspun.

Years pass fast,
They simply fly.
Turning, winding
Spinning by.

We sang good songs
And spun strong kids.
More hidden treasures
Up for bids.

Memory treasures
Stored away.
All laid up
For another day.

This poem was written in 1994 by my mother-in-law. She's forgetful now but still writes wonderful poems. This is for you Mom:>

Geeky

2007-07-08T21:23:00.001-05:00

Geeky
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Description
Bad skin
Bad hair
Poor choice of clothes
Broken glasses
Leaky pen in pocket
Most sought after man in town
The computer repair guy

Sorry for the poor quality of color. I ran out of watercolor paper, so had to use card stock. Its okay for pens but not the color pencils. I am going to town so will stock up on artist supplies. Hopefully my next project will look better.

Smiles
Babe

Twist

2007-07-05T15:25:00.001-05:00

Twist
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Ah...the mind of a puzzle maker.

Oops, looks like a few pieces are missing!

Smiles
Babe

Camouflage

2007-06-25T16:22:00.001-05:00

Camouflage
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Two and two are four
Four and four are eight
Eight and eight are sixteen
Sixteen and sixteen are thirty-two

Poor little Blue bird, hungry as could be
If only he could see those little inchworms
In the tree.

Inchworm, inchworm measuring the marigolds
You and your arithmetic
You’ll probably go far

Inchworm, inchworm measuring the marigolds
Seems to me you'd stop and see
How beautiful they are

Inchworm, inchworm don’t stop to long
For Mr. bluebirds belly is empty
And you will be gone! Yummm

Smiles
Babe

Rejection

2007-06-20T16:41:00.001-05:00

Rejection
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

We are now in the final phase of our Gazebo. I was asked how I wanted to finish the uprights to hide the nails that keep the screening in place. I thought about it, looked at the arbor and said “lets put lattice on it like the arbor”. It sounded good; we thought it would look good, so off to the lumber store to get it. Well…wouldn’t you know they had two sizes of lattice to choose from? Now this is where I get into trouble. Way to many choices and now I’m thinking the one I chose, the small one, looks to busy with all the other designs going on. I also thought the larger one wouldn’t cover the nails well. Quite the dilemma since SC wants to get it done and I haven’t any idea how to finish it. But it’s safe to say that the original design of lattice has been rejected.

Smiles
Babe

Suit

2007-06-09T08:26:00.001-05:00

Suit
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Chelonia Suit

For the man about town, the perfect suit is: A fedora hat with Finch feather, wing tipped shoes and pinstriped jacket. Available at leading Chelonian stores.

Smiles
Babe

IF Paradise

2007-06-07T08:29:00.001-05:00

IF Paradise
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

Ah, PARADISE -
for Mr. Turtle life couldn't be any more ideal. He sits under the protection of Dahlia leaves in Babe's garden, refreshed with the breaze from either mother nature or Dahlia power. A cool drink and no worries. This is paradise.

I usually color my drawings but this time its a coloring book page. An unexpected need for surgery has left me unable to sit, oi! so this will have to do. I hope your paradise is as wonderful as Mr. Turtle's.

Smiles
Babe

Gazebo

2007-05-29T16:35:00.001-05:00

Gazebo
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

As you can see, there has been a lot of progress on the roof. Shingles are going on now as I type.

Even though its full of tools and debris, we have been sitting in it and enjoying the comfort. We even eat ice cream in there and it seems to taste better, I wonder if its the "pyramid" affect. The roof is sort of shaped like a pyramid right?

Smiles
Babe

Cars

2007-05-29T07:47:00.001-05:00

Cars
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe

“Carz”
Drive them here
Drive them there
Drive them everywhere.

Clean them day
Clean them night
Clean them till they’re shiny bright

Take a trip
Fill it up
Pay the bill
Take a pill
The price to high!
I think I’ll fly!!!

I used the word "carz" to make the body, can you tell?

Smiles
Babe

Gazebo

2007-05-23T09:32:00.001-05:00

P1010002
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

I am so excited!! About 20 years ago I had told SC "someday, I would like to have a gazebo". Well that time has come. It is fashioned from a picture I saw, a sort of Williamsburgy type. That's SC on the roof working on the cupola. That was his addition so we could our eagle on top.

I am very proud of SC, he's making this without plans. I'll post the progress as it happens.

Have a happy day!
Babe

Sign

2007-05-23T07:36:00.001-05:00

Sign
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

SC – looks like the deer are nibbling on our fruit trees again.
Babe – how can you tell?
SC – by the hoof prints in the dirt
Babe – oh, oh I’ll get on the web and search for ways to stop them
Hum, mothballs or human hair, we’ll use the mothballs
Babe – I found a site that said at the first sign of deer damage
use mothballs, since I’m going to town I’ll get some.
What are you going to do while I’m gone?
SC – I have to do some mowing
Babe – okay, see ya

Next day

Babe – can you tell if the mothballs are working yet?
SC – not sure, I think it’s too soon to tell, why?
Babe - Well, I was wondering if we should use them around my
flowers. That site explained that deer are very fond of
daylilies and they are right, the tops of my Stella d'oro lilies
are gone! See – They bit the tops off clean! Thank goodness
they don't like my Iris.
SC - oops

Smiles
Babe

Citrus

2007-05-17T13:09:00.001-05:00

Citrus
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Last year I had our garden club’s May meeting here. During that meeting we were all surprised to see several Orioles trying to feed from Hummingbird feeders. It was quite comical considering their size and the size of the feeder. When asked this year if I thought we would see them again, I replied I hoped so but need to get them their own feeder. Oriole feeders are sort of hard to find here, they are sold as soon as they come into the stores. One member told us to cut oranges in half then either hang them in the trees or place them on a table so we could watch them. I cut two oranges and placed them on a small table. Sure enough, they came and ate the oranges dry. I still want to get a feeder for them but this will do in the meantime.

Smiles
Babe

WHAT'S THAT?!

2007-04-14T13:22:00.001-05:00

WHAT'S THAT?!
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

“WHAT’S THAT?!”

Last night a storm system came through here giving us heavy rains, cool temps and plenty of lightning and thunder. What a good night to be cuddled up with our pups watching Casino Royale, drinking a warm cup of tea.

Unfortunately it just didn’t work out like that. Maggie and Calle barely paid attention to the noise but little Duffy was a mess. We found out the hard way that he is petrified of storms. Even if they are miles away he knows it and can’t settle down. That’s what happened last night. I had gotten ProQuiet to help him but his fear is too strong. After squeezing behind an end table, chair and then of all places our big screen TV, he finally settled down next to me. As he looked up at me I saw the terror in his eyes and I could only reassure him that he was safe.

This morning it was snowing the biggest and prettiest flakes of snow. It was wonderful, snow doesn’t make any sounds and Duffy felt comfortable curled up on the new sofa. He’s safe for now until the next storm then we will go through this all over again.

Smiles
Babe

TOTAL

2007-03-21T20:55:00.000-05:00

TOTAL
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Poor Geoffrey, his momma told him not to exceed the speed limit and obey all the rules of the sky. He had just gotten his learners wings and couldn’t resist – faster, faster, faster – then suddenly out of nowhere an Archaeopteryx crossed his path! He swerved left then right - wobbling, foot over head. His mind racing – SLOW DOWN, SLOW DOWN!! It was to late as he lost control spiraling towards land. THUMP! - In a flash, it was all over. Geoffrey’s head was seeded at least 3’ in the ground and hurt real bad. He could hardly move. All he could think of was how mad his momma was going to be.

Momma - “How many times have I told you to not fly recklessly?!"
Goeffrey - "but momma..."
Momma - " You never pay attention!"
Goeffrey - "but momma..."
Momma - "you could have gotten hurt or worse, killed a peasant before we needed him!!"
Goeffrey - " but..."
Momma - "Until you can keep your mind on your flying YOU ARE GROUNDED! I have never seen anyone that is a TOTAL mess up as you!”
Goeffrey - "OH MOMMA!"

Smiles
Babe

Sprout

2007-02-06T07:48:00.000-06:00

Little Sprout
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

IF's assignment - sprout. Sprout? What do you do for sprout? I thought about it pretty hard, asked SC what he thought he would do for sprout and with our thoughts together I looked for a picture of Little Sprout. He used to be included in the Jolly Green Giant ads. I think he’s cute and wasn’t too hard to draw but as you can see, I still need to work on my water coloring techniques.

Now the question is, did you eat your vegetables? Look at that cute guy, how can you tell him no?

Well, I’m off to see what others thought to create for sprout. Bon Appetit!!

Smiles
Babe

RED

2007-01-29T07:55:00.000-06:00

RED
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

RED
Oh, how I love red! I wear red, I store money in red, I light up a room with red and decorate my dining room walls in red. I buy red Christmas flowers. I also have red window treatments, red walls and ceilings. I even drive a red car!

Do you love red?

Smiles
Babe

Super Hero

2007-01-21T11:30:00.000-06:00

Super Hero
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Super Dog: What can I do you for?

Babe: I need help with my new pups. They don’t understand English. I tell them they have to make potty “outside”, so we all go outside and all they will do is play. Three minutes in the house and there are puddles of piddle and sometimes a lot of poop. I feel like quasi moto from all the bending over to clean it up.

Super Dog: Do you praise them when they actually go “potty” outside?

Babe: OH YES, I am so excited I give them treats as rewards!

Super Dog: Ah! There’s the trouble, the treats. They realize that by not going “potty” outside all the time, and then actually doing it once outside, they will be rewarded with a treat. Do you see?

Babe: Uh, no. Aren’t they getting the picture, poop outside you get a treat, poop inside I turn red in the face, NO TREAT.

Super Dog: Well, if they start going potty all the time outside, they know the treats will stop. Very logical don’t you think?

Babe: So what shall I do?

Super Dog: Give them treats all the time when they go potty. Then, stop the treats when they go in the house but not outside. They will finally learn, treats outside not inside.

Babe: Well that sounds pretty logical, I’ll give it a try. Thank you Super Dog, I knew you’d help me. Now I wonder whom I can get help from to assemble the London Bridge I bought yesterday when it arrives.

Note:
I have been alone with 3 dogs for 4 days during a snowstorm. I am tired, dizzy and dopey. This actually made sense to me.

Buzz

2007-01-10T17:54:00.000-06:00

Buzz
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Duffy: I thought you said those bees would be sleeping!
What is going to happen when Mom finds out?

Calle: OH, don’t worry! She’ll never know.

Smiles
Babe

Sleepin

2007-01-04T11:56:00.000-06:00

Sleepin
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

OH MY GOSH, I am so tired!!!

After a great Christmas at Joy and Dan’s where we overate, took naps and went shopping. Then at night-watched movies and cuddled with the Grand pups and Grand kitties, we thought, “What could be better”?

The answer is our Christmas presents to each other.

We had lost our Max in October and the three of us were missing him real hard. So SC and I decided to adopt two rescued Scotties. It didn’t take us long to find two that we felt would fit in and can give plenty of love to. BUT – they are a handful! They need potty training, discouraging of chewing our afghans, bed sheets and bathroom rugs. Try getting them to go out the door for potty time then through the door back in. We know this is a long process and will be accomplished but in the meantime - I AM SO TIRED!!

Please meet Calle and Duffy.

Smiles
Babe

Phoenix

2007-01-04T10:22:00.000-06:00

Phoenix
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

SC - Hey what ya cookin?

Babe - Fried Chicken.

SC - Oh

Babe - Oh my gosh!! The fires too hot - get the lid!!

SC - Oh, that's to bad, you've burned the meat.
Well, don’t worry we can always go out for dinner.

Babe - Great, how about Kentucky Fried Chicken?

SC - How about Jim’s Steak House

Babe – Oh

Now this isn't really about the Phoenix bird or the capital of Arizona. What it really is representing is the ruined dinner giving rise to a really good one. That's my story and I'm stickin to it.

Smiles
Babe

PEACE

2006-12-24T13:17:00.000-06:00

PEACE
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Have you ever walked through a forest in a falling snow? Have you ever stepped out your back door during a snow fall and listened? Did you hear anything? The most peaceful moment I have ever experienced was in a snowfall. There really isn't any sounds with snow falling, and the sight is so beautiful, its almost magical. I guess that is why I always want a white Christmas. It would add the magical silent of peace that should be with this special day.

May your Christmas be loving, with the magical silent of peace.

Love
Babe

The Reveal

2006-12-17T11:05:00.000-06:00

The Reveal
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

I had a hilarious time reading all the guesses commented on my Mask post for Illustration Friday. They were pretty good guesses but none were correct. As you can see, it is SANTA CLAUSE!!

Now we know how he knows if we have been bad or good. His disguise lets him get around town undetected.

I sure hope you’ve been good because he could have been standing right next to you and you wouldn’t have known.

Thanks for participating, your all gems in my book!

Smiles
Babe

HELP

2006-12-17T09:39:00.000-06:00

HELP
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

It was about 6:30am when I decided to finish my Christmas cards. I had been up all night with Maggie, she has a skin infection and since I was wide awake, what better than to do them. Since the cards were printed out complete with a letter, all I had to do was the labels. The night before I had checked the list of addresses on my diskette, made changes, saved them then decided to print out the next day.

I made coffee, strolled down the hall into the den, opened Microsoft windows, clicked on the open icon and clicked on the “xmas card list”. Grinding noises started. More noises. Then my worst nightmare, “your disk is corrupted” appeared. Worst because this was the ONLY list I had.

AREN’T THESE DAMN DISKS SUPPOSED TO BE RELIABLE?! I shouted in my brain. Didn’t want to wake SC. I think I muttered,
“shit”, then tried to retrieve my list. I went to “my computer”, clicked on “explore” then the floppy icon. I went to properties and saw the “fix” lists. I immediately clicked both (there were two) then waited. A little more grinding noises then a message, “your disk is not formatted, would you like to format now?” WHAT ?!?!

So I formatted the damn thing.

Smiles
Babe

Mask

2006-12-11T08:04:00.000-06:00

Mask
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Who is behind this mask? Three guesses and the first two don't count.

I drew this a few weeks ago planning on it being our Christmas card this year. In real its cute and the colors are really good. But scan or take a picture and the colors get faded or lost. All the adjusting doesn't do it justice. But for this assignment its okay and I have a wonderful card program on the computer. So next we will get our cards going.

Now...have you figured out who this masked person is?

Smiles
Babe

Let it Snow!!

2006-12-09T08:44:00.000-06:00

Let it Snow!!
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Joy tagged me to list 5 of my favorite Christmas songs. These are just SOME of them:

WHITE CHRISTMAS
TOY LAND
SILVER BELLS
SOMEWHERE IN MY MEMORY (Home Alone)
CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE (actually, I like the whole album, that goes for Home Alone too)

I took this picture during our recent snowstorm. We had 12” and some ice. We loved it, except for the ice and hope for more snowfalls.

I have to apologize to all for my absence of late. We had two Scotties, Max passed away last October and our Maggie is still with us. She had problems with one toe, so part of it was removed. It turned out she had a cancer that Scotties are prone to get. This took a lot of our time trying to help that toe get better, we've been back and forth to Tulsa (SC is there now) helping his parents. Then there’s Christmas shopping and I have to drive an hour one way to do it. Did I tell you about the problems with my computer? Turns out I have much spy ware and still trying to clean that mess up.

Please don’t give up on SC or me. We will get back into the swing soon.
Have you gotten your Christmas cards done yet? I’m working on it.

Smiles
Babe

Invention

2006-11-25T18:22:00.000-06:00

Invention
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Something I did not reveal about myself in my 5 meme’s was my invention of the “chocolate root beer smoothie”. I love ice cream, especially chocolate ice cream and root beer. I used to mix them together and have a root beer float with, of course, chocolate ice cream.

One day SC and I went to the local Braum’s in Texas, a newly renovated building with state of the art equipment. I ordered a root beer float with chocolate ice cream. When they handed it to me, the root beer was warm and the ice cream (1 scoop) had melted. I couldn’t believe they had the nerve to expect us to accept this mess. I was very disappointed and couldn’t drink it. My lower lip jutted forward and I pouted on the way home. SC felt so bad he said “lets stop at Kroger’s and get ice cream and root beer and make our own float”. We made two floats out of a half gallon of ice cream and 4 bottles of root beer. OH was that great! And it was cheaper than the mess at Braum’s.

The next time we went to Braum’s, yes we went back but to a different one, I asked what the smoothie on their menu was. They told me they make it with any drink and ice cream or sherbet. I thought a moment and said “okay, will you please make me a chocolate root beer smoothie, and make it cold”. I can’t explain the look on the gals face but it was priceless. I think she thought I was pregnant (the bulge is from my passion for ice cream). She asked me what she should put in it, never making one before. I explained she needed to use root beer and chocolate ice cream. BOY was that great!! They haven’t put it on their menu but they remembered us and started to make it when we walked in.

I realize this wasn’t earth shattering or will save the world from ruin, but I was the first one to come up with it at Braum’s and I think it falls under the heading of an invention. Tomorrow I will head home with Maggie and my first stop will be at the local Braum’s for my long over due “chocolate root beer smoothie”. If your game, give it a try, you might like it.

Smiles
Babe

Thanksgiving

2006-11-19T19:29:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Tom thought he was invited to their Thanksgiving dinner.

Sorry Tom, but you ARE the Thanksgiving dinner!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Gooble, Gooble

Smiles
Babe

Clear

2006-11-14T14:44:00.000-06:00

Clear
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

It was one of those days where the sky was so clear you could see to heaven. All the stars were out shining brightly, dancing in the sky. What happiness there must be up there, I thought. I looked closer and saw just one star shining brighter than the rest. "Is that you Puppyboy? Mommy misses you".

5 Things - about me

2006-11-10T11:35:00.000-06:00

I have been tagged to do a meme from Ces (her address is on the left of this page) for her writerly people's group for their database. They wanted either astonishing accounts of your life or just mundane accounts. Well I think I qualify for the mundane. It doesn't tell where my warts, freckles or birthmarks are but it does give some insight to what I like or have done.

1. In high school I wanted to major in Biology. I had high marks and was extremely interested in genetics and medicine. But my father said I needed to be a secretary so he filled out my schedule and my studies were in home economics and business. I did however discover I love office and art supplies. I guess I’ll have to save the world in my next life.

2. I like the music from my youth but really love classical music. Just don’t ask me to listen to opera.

3. I love decorating, gardening and baking desserts. I also like to sew, cross-stitch and my new “talent” of drawing. I guess I am pretty good at decorating, at least I have been told as much but I am really good at baking desserts. Not the real fancy kind with fondants and marzipan but more the kind you might see at Starbucks. Oh yes and then there’s Starbucks, but I am getting off track. Despite the fact of many killed plants, I have been able to grow a pretty garden. I have joined a garden club here hoping to learn more about gardening. Unfortunately all we do is socialize and eat desserts.

4. I belonged to a community service organization in Texas called The Greater Keller Women’s Club, where we donated time and money to charities and individuals with needs. During the 10 years as a club member I served on the board of directors as Historian (first job), assistant editor, Data Co-coordinator, assistant to the Meeting Co-coordinator and finally Editor. I also helped with their major fundraiser, The Garden of Roses Fashion Show and was given an award for my time, generosity and hard work. I cherish and miss all my wonderful friends there.

5. I am pretty outgoing but love my “me time”. When I am depressed I want to be left alone so I can cry or grieve then I want all the hugs I can get.

Smiles
Babe

Smoke

2006-11-05T12:39:00.000-06:00

Smoke
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Poor little Geoffrey, he just doesn't feel good. His mom took him to the doctor needing some advice on what to do.

Doctor: Yes Mrs. Dragon, he does look a little pale and his tongue doesn't look good either.

Mrs. Dragon: What should I do for him?

Doctor: Well, he'll have to ride this out I'm afraid. But in the meantime keep his diet simple. Give him a donkey a day for a week and then he can go back to his regular diet of peasants and make sure he drinks plenty of butane to keep him hydrated. He should perk up in no time.

Geoffrey: What did the doctor say momma?

Mrs. Dragon: Well your going to have to ride this out, I'm afraid and your going to have to eat donkey for a while, no peasants.

Geoffrey: Oh momma! you know I don't like donkey!

Mrs. Dragon: I'm sorry dear but its just like the saying goes, "a donkey a day keeps the doctor away".

Smiles
Babe

ILL WIND

2006-11-02T20:21:00.000-06:00

ILL WIND
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

As the seasons change, the weather becomes unpredictable. Leaf colors change and start to fall. Temperatures drop and with that the winds become stronger. Winter is setting in.

There is a saying about "ill winds" but I couldn't remember it. So I asked SC what it was. He is very knowledgeable and I just knew he would know it. Well he came up with "and ill wind gathers no moss". So much for my scholar. So I looked it up in Wikipedia and sure enough, there it was.

"An ill wind that bloweth no man to good".

I am not sure what it really means but I knew it didn't include moss.

Smiles
Babe

Trick or Treat

2006-10-31T19:20:00.000-06:00

Trick or Treat
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Look at the treats I am getting from my trick.......heheheheheheh

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Smiles
Babe

Candy Please

2006-10-22T07:05:00.000-05:00

Candy Please
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

All it wanted was some candy. The instructions for a successful bounty called for a costume and a plastic pumpkin.

Trick or treat night was finally here. After obtaining the items on the list - a costume and plastic pumpkin - it took off to get some CANDY!

"I wonder what plastic is, thought the little "ghost".

Smiles
Babe

Smittened Mittens

2006-10-16T10:39:00.000-05:00

Smittened Mittens
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Mitty saw him from across the room, how cute and strong he looked. It gave her tingles just thinking of the moment when they might touch. "Would he feel the same way about me?" she thought.

Mitt couldn't keep his eyes off her. She had the most beautiful smile he had ever seen. He thought, " What could she see in a guy like me? She would never be mine".

Then it happened, it snowed.

Smiles
Babe

Last Blooms

2006-10-12T09:47:00.000-05:00

Last Blooms
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Fall has started and flowers once vibrant start to fade and disappear. I look out my window and am amazed how wonderful my geraniums, snapdragons, dahlias, balloon flowers, begonias and mexican heather look. I must have done something right with their care, watching them defy their timely end. There is a record of what was planted so I can replace them next summer and hope, with the same care, they will be around long into the fall.

Smiles
Babe

Erase Away

2006-10-02T07:35:00.000-05:00

Erase Away
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

I am quite confused with Inspire Me Thursday. Current Challenge is - daily photo project - yet they have - a few of my favorite supplies - pictured. I thought about it and decided to do the supplies, I hope I haven't created a faux paux.

This is my most favorite and necessary tool in my arsenal of supplies. Without it I would definitely look like the amateur that I am. As you can see, I have used it extensively and it has served me well.

Smiles
Babe

Birthday Card

2006-09-30T08:24:00.000-05:00

Birthday Card
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

This is my birthday card from Joy. We share the same love for the Halloween season so not only was this a card but a birthday present as well. I am so amazed at the details. This is a very small card, yet she managed to get the finest details on it. No smudges or eraser marks and she stayed in the lines with colors. I thought the raven card she sent me was my favorite, but this one is giving it a run for the money. Thank you sweetheart, I love you.

I have started a new decade yesterday. HOLY SMOKES!! "decade" the sixth one I might add. I don't feel any different, as a matter of fact, I feel better now than when I turned 50. I keep up as much as I have time for with the latest and greatest and have wonderful children to help me with it. So maybe that is why I don't feel or think of myself as "old".

The celebration started with many phone calls with congrats then SC took me out to lunch, we started Christmas shopping and had the neighbors over to share a Dairy Queen ice cream cake log (YUM!!) What a wonderful day.

If anyone had a recent birthday, many happy returns and I hope we have many many more.

Smiles
Babe

Black Cat!

2006-09-24T10:21:00.000-05:00

Black Cat!
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Jumpin' Gee Hos AFat!! A black cat!! Cess, does things gives me the willes!
I'm doomed, I'll lose my job, I'll be run over by a car, I'll lose all my money!
All because of that black cat!!

Smiles
Babe

CURIOUS

2006-09-22T19:57:00.000-05:00

CURIOUS
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Now that the season is changing it seems that there are more unusual bugs lurking around but I have no worries about being attacked. Our little Max is jolly on the spot making sure everyone is safe. Unfortunately his idea of getting rid of the offending culprit is to ----eat it.

I decided to try my hand at drawing Max. This isn't easy, he wouldn't sit still and if I came close with the camera he hightailed it the other way! This is the best I could do right now, I will continue to practice till its perfect.

Smiles
Babe

CHANGE

2006-09-16T18:05:00.000-05:00

CHANGE
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Every day something changes. Our hair color changes, we change our socks, we change our address and we change our minds. Thats us but there's one change we have no control over - weather. If left up to me we would have autumn all year long. I love the way the sun casts shadows through the trees and in my windows. I love the way the tree leaves turn to red, yellow and orange. Those wonderful cool nights and warm days. Even our pups come alive with autumn. Yep, give me an autumn day - and I'll give you pumpkin pie!

Smiles
Babe:>

FARM SILO

2006-09-10T21:21:00.000-05:00

FARM SILO
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

A week or so ago I told SC the next drawing I do would be a silo with a tree growing in it. So you can imagine how surprised I was to see the next assignment as "Farm".

The countryside here is dotted with silos. Since this area raises beef cows and horses I will assume the silos were holding hay for these animals. I don't know how the trees started inside the silos and survived with very little sunlight, but there they are. With amazement I watched one tree grow from a twig that now stands at least 6' over the top. Although the silos stand alone abandoned and in disrepair they have become a haven for trees.

Smiles
Babe

Cookies Anyone?

2006-09-07T19:45:00.000-05:00

Inspire Me Thursday challenged us to be inspired by looking. Looking at junk mail, catalogs, etc. and use that inspiration to produce something, not to necessarily duplicate it but put your own twist to it. Well, I am a very visual person and I duplicate what I see except for my witch stuff. So when I saw this ad for cookies I thought I had to use it because of the eyes on the ghost with peanut bodies.

Since it would have been boring to see a page with just two black circles and nothing else (at least to me anyway), I reproduced what I saw. In other words, I copied. And I am darn lucky to have this done with all the "stuff" I have been doing up till now.

Now, where's that milk?

Smiles
Babe

Happy Birthday!

2006-09-03T06:42:00.000-05:00

We're going to Kansas City, Kansas City here we come....going to Kansas City and find the Cheesecake factory for some fun, Yum!!!

There's a birthday happening here. A 61st one at that. Scarecrow and I have shared 62 together and each one gets better and better. I don't know what I would do without that man. So here's to you sweetheart

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Smiles
Babe

Sweet Revenge

2006-08-28T19:38:00.000-05:00

Sweet Revenge
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Ahhh...Sweet revenge!!

She thought

Smiles
Babe

RUN

2006-08-28T14:34:00.000-05:00

RUN
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Run... run... run...run as fast as you can. Nowadays it seems everywhere you look something is either running or has a run. People run, animals run, faucets run, hose run, clocks run even wallpaper has a run! Oh Oh, look out! Now even the paint has a run!

Look at the word run for a while.....it looks weird.

Smiles
Babe

PAINT

2006-08-26T16:01:00.000-05:00

PAINT3
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

This is a rendition of our "circle" driveway. At least it will be as soon as Scarecrow finishes his stonewall. I do have to admit that there are a lot more trees than painted, none are majestic and the scale is a little off but if you weren't here.....how would you know? There is however Coral Bells, Iris, Burning bushes and, oh yes, that magnificent stonewall.

All but the lantern's glow is watercolor. The "glow" is sparkly paint.

Smiles
Babe

PS
Wall is done!

MATCH

2006-08-19T19:17:00.000-05:00

Match
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

This is a replica of a wallpaper print (there are two - because they match) I used in our home in Texas to compliment the tomato red toile' paper hanging in the dining room. We loved the toile' so much that we decided to use it again. I had no trouble finding it but the complimentary basket weave is another story. I cannot find it or match it, so the only thing I can do is paint it on the walls.

And if you think I am going to paint a basket weave that is one inch square on two walls that are 4'x15'........

Smiles
Babe

FINAL BLOW

2006-08-17T16:11:00.000-05:00

S.C. - Hey! Come see what your dog is doing. B. - MY dog? All of a sudden he's MY dog. So I look out the window just in time to see roots hanging out of our Scottie - Max's mouth. Gosh darn it!! Drop it, drop it right now!! But of course it's too late. One of two flowering plants are gone. Well at least I have one plant left.

S.C. - Hey! Look at your plant! B. - Not again! NO wait, it's a darn squirrel! Oh no, look at that plant! It used to look so pretty. Where is that ____ squirrel? S.C. - In the tree, there. B. - Lousy rat!

B. - Well it's not too bad, still has leaves and a few flower heads. I think it has a chance.

HOLY COW!! That's it, where is the mothballs?

S.C. - Don't you think it's a little late for that?

Smiles
Babe

Damn Pranksters

2006-08-14T20:29:00.000-05:00

Damn Pranksters
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Every year, it's the same shit. If I ever get my hands on those kids, I'll cook 'em!!

Apparently not everyone likes to have their portrait done.

Smiles
Babe

Play

2006-08-13T09:22:00.000-05:00

Play
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

It was the mid 80's to the early 90's when I played tennis. There were 8 of us that would venture every summer till early fall and play our hearts out. At the end, we would have a party and I would write up a summary of the years play. This one is vintage 1991 titled.....

WILSON-PENN-SPAULDING

When someone decides to take up tennis they go through the ritural of buying the best or affordable racket they can find. They take up tennis lessons and purchase those cute tennis outfits. Everything to make them feel like tennis players. Bags, wrist-sweat bands, wraps for their racket handles, shock absorbing do-dads and last but not least, the BALLS. I can't speak for anyone else but I do know that I never realized there was a special ball for every type of play. You have the PRACTICE balls and the HARD COURT balls. There are SOFT COURT balls and MATCHPOINT balls and there are the balls for the CASUAL PLAYER.

But the tennis balls our group purchased had qualities that WILSON-PENN-SPAULDING never dreamed of. For instance, the balls Sue had. As I put it, those balls were from Hell! So powerful they returned with the speed of light and out of sight. I believe they were good for many games. Then there were the balls that had minds of their own or was it just Maxine's aim that got that ball stuck in the pine tree? Remember Pat's high balls that few could return? Did you ever see balls bounce so high? Dirty trick Pat! and what about the $16.00 tennis balls Maxine brought. Did they bounce better? And of course I had to purchase balls with slits in them, but they bounced just the same. Proving technology has hit the tennis ball.

But as we go out next year and purchase our balls, maybe we should look for a tennis ball designed more for us. The SOFT BALL for the CASUAL PLAYER on HARD COURT cause we aren't CHAMPIONS going for the MATCHPOINT. Do you think WILSON-PENN-SPAULDING would be interested?

Smiles
Babe

My apologies for the lengthy post and poor coloring on the players arm and hand..... I am still in training.

Capture

2006-08-08T13:27:00.000-05:00

Capture
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

I kind of based this from a situation many many years ago with our son.
He had a gerbil and we kept it the basement of a raised ranch. It hadn't been finished yet, so it was a very good place to keep it, I thought. Well the little stinker, living in an aquarium, learned how to get out. Many a time we had to catch it and put it back in, then it would get out, etc. Well, one morning our son, Dale, came to us and asked if we found his gerbil. He had looked all over for it but nothing. So he thought it came upstairs. We looked and looked and discovered the back door had been opened just a little. Plenty of room for a wee gerbil to escape. Many tears later we convinced Dale that if his gerbil got out it probably found another gerbil and started a new life running around and being happy. Satisfied with that, Dale and the rest of us went back to a normal life. Well now you would think this story has a happy ending, huh? Nope.
While cleaning out the sump pump in that basement, guess what Scarecrow found. Yep.

Smiles
Babe

Black & White

2006-08-06T19:42:00.000-05:00

Black & White
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

As you can tell, I love flowers and everything associated with them. I was inspired by a note pad with this bird house on it. Then in my Country Garden magazine the Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan) was featured in the most beautiful garden. Apparently the pictures were taken BEFORE the heat wave.

I must admit I wanted so hard to color this. But had to stick with the rules, so its all black and white, pen and pencil.

Smiles
Babe

MUSIC

2006-08-01T13:03:00.000-05:00

MUSIC
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

It's hot, windy and hot! But our backyard is full of birds and if you can whistle, you can "talk" to them, they whistle back to you. I love hearing these beautiful birds and add a melodious windchime and you get quite a concert.

Stay cool
Babe

CLEAN

2006-07-30T09:29:00.000-05:00

Clean
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Oh how I love to clean. NOT!!!!! I've got better things to do.
I have flowers to water and friends to call,
Hubby & Puppies - attention to all.
Pick up a mop, I think not!
Pencils & crayons
Paper & pens
Playing till the day ends!

AVIARY

2006-07-28T21:35:00.000-05:00

Aviary...a place where many birds are kept. I fell in love with this antique crow statue that is part of a collection dating back 20 years, featured in a Country Gardens magazine. The article warns of keeping any cement yard ornament indoors during the winter months to prevent them from cracking.

+

I painted the crow, fence and sky on green card stock using acrylic paints then transfered the trees using a page from a magazine.

Smiles
Babe

Mystery Cup

2006-07-28T07:58:00.000-05:00

Mystery Cup
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

“Well you might come across some plywood pieces, maybe some steel roofing, who knows. There was a tornado here about maybe 20 years ago. Debris was everywhere. You’ll never know what you’ll find.” That’s what we heard while walking the property we purchased.

As we cleared the fallen trees and mowed down the wild gooseberry bushes we did come across some wine, beer, whiskey and pop bottles and the plywood and steel mentioned. But we never would have imagined this cute cup. Not a scratch on it. The markings say Hall, made in USA, 351 ½. We wonder if it came from the tornado or if the neighbor lady threw it at her husband in a love quarrel. No matter how it got here, it’s a mystery.

Smiles
Babe

Childs Play

2006-07-24T12:39:00.000-05:00

Childs Play
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

My two little loves, Joy & Dale, at play.

It wasn’t hard to get Dale out of the house: biking, playing ball, swimming, riding his big wheel, sledding, helping Dad in the garage with the car, etc. He was always on the go. But Joy was another story. She liked to read and draw (three years old in picture), help in the kitchen, try on Mom’s makeup, a little lady right from the start. Still she had fun when she did go out. She fished, made snow angels, floated in the pool, went sledding, etc.

They were hardly in the house, our terrific kids.

Smiles
Babe

Childs Play

2006-07-24T10:32:00.000-05:00

Childs Play
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Opposites

2006-07-23T15:22:00.000-05:00

Opposites
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

This was suppose to be just a watercolored picture of my Calla Lily picture. But ever since the cat was let out of the bag that Joy and I are Gypsy's, the Gypsy God's went into a rage and have cursed everything from the weather to this _ _ _ n scanner of mine. The colored picture is quite good, even tho I say so. But the scanner has made it look ucky - part of the curse. After many failed attemps ( the G. God's snickering) I tried B&W.
But not all was lost. Illustration Friday's topic was Opposites.
Here is my picture in color and B&W. The Gypsy God's have allowed this posting because they know the colored one came out poorly, but I will have to appease them later for the nice black and white.

Smiles
Babe

TIME

2006-07-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

TIME
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

AM
5:15 - let dog out
5:30 - let dog in
5:45 - dogs need meds
6:00 - make coffee
6:10 - check Blogs
7:00 - I get up
7:10 - have coffee
7:15 - water/plant flowers

Well, as you see by the time schedule this is how our days start. Then in a blink of an eye its;

PM
10:15 - watch the weather
10:18 - turn off TV
10:20 - wash face, brush teeth, shower and slip into bed
10:45 - say goodnight
10:45:01 - sound asleep

Where did the day go? Does anyone ever have enough time? When you're on vacation or have retired do you live by the clock? Most do. Why?

Smiles
Babe

Sacrifice

2006-07-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

Sacrifice
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

I found these recipes on my favorite website, Very Best Baking. I thought I would bake one of them for an after dinner treat, after planting flowers treat, after mowing the lawn treat or after anything treat.
I read the ingredients and noticed the nutritional information box so I clicked on it. The following information appeared;

Mom's Special Ice Cream Cookie Dessert
Calories - slice - 370
whole cake - 5920
Fat Calories - slice - 200
whole cake - 3200
Carbs - slice - 40
whole cake - 640

I then decided to only make the other one

Mini Morsel Shortbread Squares
Calories - slice - 100
whole cake - 4800
Fat Calories - slice - 50
whole cake - 2400
Carbs - slice - 12
whole cake - 576

Since we never eat only one slice of anything and we have put on at least 10lbs. since retirement, the best I could come up with was to just forget the whole thing!

Smiles

Babe

Spooky Skyline Transfer

2006-07-12T14:58:00.000-05:00

Spooky
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

Well here I go again. Apparently I can't read, so the top part of the sky, the moon and ground are Acrylic paints, the trees are markers and the middle of the picture is watercolor. I couldn't draw a bat to save my soul, so Scarecrow suggested transfering the bats to the page and voile' I had my skyline and transfer all in one.

Ya gotta love that guy!

Smiles
Babe

Cone Flowers

2006-07-06T20:08:00.000-05:00

This was the first draft in pencil. I copied it from a black and white article about a new variety of Cone flowers.

Since it was in black and white, I took artistic license with the coloring. I have discovered and fallen in love with brush tip markers. They are easier to use and doesn't make my left eye twitch as when I tried coloring with watercolors. Couldn't get the dang colors to blend right, couldn't find white, then they would run all over cause of to much water.... you get the picture.

Anyway will have to find another project to do so I can play with my new toys.

Smiles
Babe

4th

2006-07-04T14:49:00.000-05:00

4th
Originally uploaded by Woods Babe.

This was suppose to be watercolored. I sat opposite Scarecrow, borrowed his paint tubes dipped my brush in water and started to paint. "What the heck?" This isn't blending right. Its thick. Look what's happening to the paper! WHAT? WHAT? WHAT?

Scarecrow, my paints are not working right. Whats wrong. He answered, "your using acrylics".

WHAT?!!?

Oh, great. Wait a minute, this is starting to look pretty good. Joy, have you any sparkly stuff? "Sure and some paint pens of silver and gold".

I hope your 4th turned out as great as mine with silver, gold and sparklies.

Happy 4th!
Smiles
Babe

The nose knows

2006-07-03T10:53:00.000-05:00

This is my puppyboy's nose. He is a Brindle colored Scottie that turned 12 years old in May. Nothing gets past him and when it comes to odors, he's the man. He can smell out junebugs, deer, food and anything that smells retched or dead. The worse it smells, the better. Unfortunately if the object of his attention stinks, it usually follows him.

Smiles
Babe