A Trip to Mark a Milestone

On Tuesday I celebrated a milestone~the big 40.  Dear hubby treated me to a weekend in New York to celebrate.  I haven't been to New York in years and was looking forward to going.  I love the city.  It is so vibrant and full of life.  I could sit and people watch for hours but there was so much I wanted to see.

This was our hotel.  

We were right in the heart of Times Square.

The hustle and bustle had not yet started.  It was quiet on this weekend morning.

The magnificent architecture in the city leaves me wanting to stare at each building for hours, trying to take it all in.

The New York Public Library is astounding.

Another example of the classic architecture on the Upper West Side.

Dear hubby treated me to my first Broadway show.  It was spectacular.  I love The Phantom.  It recently celebrated it's ten thousandth show, making it the longest running show on Broadway.

The Marriot Marquis has a restaurant called The View.  It is on the 48th floor and revolves giving you a complete view of the city.  We went up just as the sun was setting.

The Empire State Building~it had been cloudy and raining all day but cleared up just in time for the view.

Rockefeller Center early on Sunday morning.  This was our last stop before we headed home.  I enjoyed every moment in the city.  I could people watch all day.  It is a fascinating place.

On Wednesday our little guy had surgery.  Doesn't he look so precious.  He is usually a very active pup but was not himself.  

He has won our hearts with his spirited play and sweet moments when we can snuggle him. He is already feeling more like himself.  Running around and trying to get at his incision wound.  Our husky had major surgery in February.  She had a large cyst that spread almost completely around her neck.  The incision was so large and we were quite alarmed when we picked her up.  She looks so unlike herself because she had to be shaved quite a bit.  Half the trouble with the cyst was that it was hidden under all the husky fur.  It had spread quietly without detection.  Hopefully, this is the end of her health troubles.  She has had a tough year so far.  She is a good sport but gives us quite a bit a trouble staying away from her stitches.  

 Our husky had major surgery in February.  She had a large cyst that spread almost completely around her neck.  The incision was so large and we were quite alarmed when we picked her up.  She looks so unlike herself because she had to be shaved quite a bit.  Half the trouble with the cyst was that it was hidden under all the husky fur.  It had spread quietly without detection.  Hopefully, this is the end of her health troubles.  She has had a tough year so far.  She is a good sport but gives us quite a bit a trouble staying away from her stitches.  She has scratched the stitches and caused bleeding a couple of times.  We are trying to keep her from scratching and are quickly running out of ideas.  I promised her no pictures of her in her sad state.

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Burlap Mailbox

Since our kitchen remodel we have a small desk area.  Unfortunately, this area becomes easily cluttered with mail, receipts, etc.

We are taking a short break from homeschooling this week along with the local public schools.  This was the perfect time to work on a little project.

I picked up this box at the post office.

 I wanted it to be open at the top.  So I closed the two sides and cut off the top to make the opening.

 

I found this gorgeous burlap at Joann's and bought it with a 40% off coupon.

 I immediately knew I would use it to cover my new "mailbox".  I measured and cut the fabric to fit around the box.

 Applied a thick layer of Mod Podge on the first side and rubbed the fabric down.  Then I repeated it for each of the sides.

 I used binder clips to keep the fabric together while I let it dry for about an hour.

 I then applied a little more Mod Podge to the edges to make sure they aren't going to fray.

 I let it dry for a couple of hours and then started on the bottom.  I applied a generous amount of Mod Podge and rubbed the burlap down. 

  I wrapped the ends like gift wrap.

 For the top I used binder clips to hold it in place.  Then with more Mod Podge I tacked them down.  I used packing tape to hold it in place while it dried.  The tape came off easily without lifting the burlap.  Just remove it carefully.

 I let it dry for a couple of hours and then applied a coat of Mod Podge all over the box.  I let it dry completely overnight.

 This is our desk area.  The box we had did not fit well in the space and took up too much room.  It was better than leaving the mail all over the desk but not what I liked.

 Here is the completed box.  I worked on this in the basement and the red line did not show up as much in that light.  It was better than the previous box but I knew this would bother me.  If I make something like this again I will paint the box a neutral shade before I start applying the burlap.

 The desk area looks much better with the new "mailbox".  

 But the red line was bothering me.  I know you can't see it but I knew it was there.  I decided to add a black ribbon all around the top of the box.  This made me feel much better.

 The completed project.  Looks so much better.  

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Scrappy, Crafty, Happy Blog Anniversary Party

I am thrilled and honor to be co-hosting with Jaime from Crafty, Scrappy, Happy.  It is her one year blog anniversary.  Be sure to link up to this amazing party!!  You won't want to miss this one.

Feel free to link up anything and everything Crafty, Scrappy and/or Happy!  No giveaways or etsy shops please.Check out other links, be inspired and make some new friends!Grab a button if you would!And check Crafty Scrappy Happy for features all next week!!!! <center><a href="http://jaimelyn11.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j449/jaimelyn11/button4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></center>

Cable Scarf for Him

My hubby never asks me to make anything for him, but this year he had a request.  He asked for a scarf.  I wanted to find a yarn he would like and match it up with the perfect pattern.  I knew he didn't one a super chunky yarn and wool is too itchy for him.  So I chose this yarn and found this amazing pattern for free.  I am so thankful for all the amazing patterns that you can find on the web.

The completed scarf

The pattern was very easy to follow

I had learned this stitch previously from a book on baby afghans

The pattern and yarn are a good match

One day I will learn to knit cables but for now I am pleased with the outcome.

I am much more comfortable crocheting and reading crochet patterns.

I had not planned to start any new projects but hubby never makes requests.  I have a few projects to finish and a couple I planned some time ago.  Those will be next.  It may take some time with our new furry friend.    But I am trying to complete all my unfinished projects.

The last week and a half have been a blur.  

This little guy is so cute but quite the handful.  He is a terrier and has quickly earned the nickname terror.

We have to watch him every minute he is out of his crate.  But what a sweet little guy he is.  

Trying to keep him on schedule and homeschool has been quite a project. Our husky has also been sick and she has developed a cyst like last year.  I am not sure what causes this but we have to wait until she is better to address the cyst.  In the meantime she is determined to tear the cyst out herself.  She is currently wearing the "cone of shame" backwards to block her from that site.  It is quite a sight.

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