My Enemies

It's a really really bad year for cutworms. I just hate these guys, how they mow down germinating seeds, young lily shoots, small sunflowers, anything green. So sneaky. So devastating. Sigh. I've been excavating for cutworms a couple of times a day for the last few days and hopefully I am making a difference. I can't believe how many there are this spring........... perhaps because it so very dry. Sure hope it rains soon. I am planting into dust and it is tough to water everything on an acreage.

Summer Issue of Canadian Scrapbooker

Here's one of my favourite layouts published in this issue. I love the photo of my mom and my son, and I love the way I managed to take some really old pieces of paper (5 years maybe?) I thought I would never use and made them look good. The trick seems to be cutting them into small pieces. :-) My frugal scrapbooker article this issue was about using up your stash and it was a fun project. I really enjoyed going through my old pieces of patterned paper and breathing new life into them. And every time I used a sheet up, I felt such a strong sense of satisfaction! I encourage you all to dig deep and blow the dust off the semi-gloss Keeping Memories Alive paper or whatever you've got buried.

This is really hard to take

I'm trying to be patient, and I am no stranger to Alberta weather, but still ........... This is what I woke up to this morning. The forecast had called for up to 15 cm of snow overnight, so I guess we were 'lucky'. And the snow has evolved into freezing drizzle this afternoon. Also pleasant. ;-) Forgive the whining.

I can't find my snow brush, my mittens have long been put away and my tomatoes are huddled together in my little greenhouse, with a tiny space heater going at full speed to keep the temperature above freezing. Sigh.

It won't be long

until the summer issue of Canadian Scrapbooker is out! I am always so excited to open this magazine and pore over every page! Keep your eyes open, it should be in your mailbox or scrapbook stores on or before June 1. I love the cover, so vivid and fun, so Canadian (check out the beavers)! :-)

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope you all had a wonderful day!!! I was spoiled with hugs and kisses and a new wheelbarrow! LOL Then my mom came over in the afternoon and we indulged in a little greenhouse shopping. We used to do a LOT of greenhouse shopping on Mother's Day but sadly my mom can't walk very far any more, so we keep it simple and just go across the road to my neighbor's greenhouse. Now that's handy!! I bring my purchases home in a wagon and run a tab throughout the planting season. When I'm putting together pots and need 'one more little thing', I just run across the road and pick another flower. Perfect!

A Little Slice of Paradise

I just got back from a fabulous long weekend at the Bull River Guest Ranch near Cranbrook, BC. The event was organized by Becky at Oasis Scrapbooking in Cranbrook, and it was spectacular. Great accomodations, fabulous scenery and ambience, food to die for, surrounded by the most amazing group of women full of fun and creativity! Not sure how much scrapbooking I actually got done, but I am filled with inspiration for the coming weeks! Although the drive is a bit long for me, 7 or 8 hours, depending on how fast I drive and how often I stop, it is always worth the trip. If you ever get a chance to go to an event here, or are looking for a fantastic place to get married or have a family reunion, the Bull River Guest Ranch is it. Go see Leica's blog for photos and details of how to keep bears away!!!