And the winner is -----

THE HORSE!

For too many reasons to list here, hubby and I decided that this was the better choice. Maybe someday I'll get to Disney by myself, but in the meantime, we do have a reservation as a family for next Thanksgiving. I mean, you don't think I'd give that up entirely, do you?!...lol!!

The horse is just one of those "don't find this every day" deals. He'd be the proverbial one that got away if I let him go. So we are feverishly working to close in the empty shed, fix the hole in the fence, and get his space all ready for him. It'll probably be another 2-3 weeks before I bring him here, but you can bet I'll be taking pictures and posting them!

A proud momma's got to show off her new baby, after all!

.

The battle in my head rages on....!

So I posted recently about a horse for sale that I'd stumbled upon. For better or for worse, I went to see him yesterday. He's perfect for us in every sense of the word.

But, I have a long-weekend birthday trip to Disney booked for January. It's a solo trip, which I have always wanted. I can cancel without penalty. But I can't buy a horse and take a trip. The trip and the horse cost about the same up front. The horse is a long-term deal, but obviously will require ongoing upkeep in feed, vet, farrier, etc.. The trip is only 3 days, but financially, once it's over, it's over. The trip benefits only me; the horse would also benefit at least my youngest son (who's also horse-crazy...he got to ride the horse yesterday and was absolutely thrilled!).

I've been to Disney 5 times in the last 6 years. I haven't had a horse since before my oldest was born, and he turns 13 in a month. It seems like a no-brainer, I guess. I think I'm waging this war in my head because of the long-term aspect of having a horse. And because I have that solo trip to WDW in my grasp. If I keep the trip, I'll lose the chance at this particular horse. Not that there aren't others out there to choose from. But he's SO perfect....

Oh help.....


.

My new best friend....

....is a store.

LOL!...well, not really, but I've found a store that I absolutely LOVE!

Hobby Lobby!

Never heard of those back in New England! Can't say I ever really saw one in Florida, either, although that doesn't mean they aren't there. I just didn't see one where we were. But here in Texas, they have Hobby Lobby!

Best. Craft Store. EVER!

The scrapbooking section is to die for.... I saw it briefly while there with my kids the other day, but I must go back alone and really take it all in. I also like that on the entrance door they have posted this sign under the hours of operation:

"Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sundays so that our employees may have time for family and worship."

HOW cool is that??! Sure don't see that much anymore.

Eureka!...I've found it!

Some time ago I posted about my disappointment in lasagna noodles now being too short for my 9x13 pan. Once upon a time the noodles filled the pan, length-wise, from end to end. One day, they mysteriously came up short. Box after box, brand after brand. Hmph!....more sneaky food "downsizing."

Well last week while shopping at Super Walmart (the ultimate in one-stop shopping!), I picked up a box of their Great Value brand lasagna noodles. Last night, I made lasagna and LO AND BEHOLD!!....the noodles covered the 9x13 pan with NO gaps at the edges!! They were even wide enough that I had to overlap them a bit! I'm going to buy that brand again next time I need lasagna noodles, just to make sure I didn't get a freak box!..lol!

.

I am in love....

....with another man.

He's about 5' tall, jet black, and has long flowing hair. I found him on the Internet. After browsing quite a few other photos, I saw him and he fairly jumped off the page at me....Love at first sight, I'd say!

What does my husband have to say about all this? He said, and I quote: "Wow, you really want that guy, huh?"

Ok, ok, if you haven't caught on by now I'll fess up that my Romeo is a HORSE!!.....lol! And oh is he gorgeous. He's an 8-yr. old black Polish Arabian gelding. Maybe it's more common around here, but I know back in New England the Polish breeding was harder to find. Most breeders raised the Egyptian Arabians. I am SO not ready to have a horse out here yet, but this guy really got the spark ignited to get moving and fix up the barn, fences and sheds.

And by the time the next "Romeo" gallops across my computer screen, I'll be ready!

.

A day in the life....

Thought I'd share a few of the pictures I've taken recently....

Not sure what this is called but this vine suddenly started producing these pretty little purple "trumpet" flowers! I just love them...
























One of our gorgeous, gorgeous sunsets over the pond!...

















DS7 with the 4-foot Cottonmouth that DH shot in the pond!....nature comes in all shapes and sizes around here!!

















Another sunset.....I just never get tired of these....

I'm baaack!

Did you miss me?!!....

So I just figured that I spent all this time and effort importing this uber-cool template for this blog, then I walked away from it. That just won't do. And besides, Kim misses me....


But while I'm busy keeping my other blog up-to-date for family and friends far away, I just need someplace to come and be silly, and post about scrap booking and Disney and funny stuff on Fridays, y'know?

And , if all else fails, I can at least open my blog and listen to some Walt Disney World music.....just keeping the magic close, y'all!

.