Snips and Snails

 I am using today to do a lot of different things before the dogs arrive for 4 days-which should be any time now-and so I thought I would catch you up on a few of those things as I go.

When I decorated my dining room, the console looked like this.

Honestly, every time I make a canvas I question myself as to why! I think I mainly do them so that I have something to craft when I feel the need and have no other ideas. And, sometimes a canvas on an easel will work just fine...and other times, not! This was one of those NOT times.

As it turned out, I had some different candle holders sitting out in my office because I was thinking of ways to change up some bottle brush trees for Christmas. One of the holders was the clear glass from $Tree that I have used for many things and always just seem to have a few in my stash. I have actually used them before to "elevate" a canvas. And so, before I even knew what I was doing I painted it burnt orange, "rusted" it up with some cinnamon, glued small dowels to the back of the canvas, filled the hole in the holder with floral foam and inserted the dowels and embellished with some leaves and acorns that I "stole" from my dough bowl. It isn't rocket science but I like it so much better now.

In between steps while those things were drying, I headed out back to check the fountains and once again hit on a conundrum. I have seen this a number of times and have NO clue what is happening around my pool. Near the steps I have often noticed a lot of water and I see some small foot prints so I'm guessing some raccoons are using the pool to wash their food and have an occasional swim. That seems likely. But, today I noticed lots of water all around the deep end of the pool as well.

The water near the deep end goes all the way around the edges. We have had NO rain and the irrigation system is off. I am completely at a loss for an explanation unless there is some kind of creature that can hop out without the benefit of help from steps...and continued to do so all the way around the pool. Thinking this might be a good time to get some cameras. Lol

While I was out there I found my Meyer lemon looking better than it has for awhile. This tree used to give me lemons but recently something has been eating off the lemons just as they start. I could not figure out what it was but I kept spraying with an organic spray to no avail. It made me so sad that I finally broke down and bought a systemic. I have applied it twice and I think I may finally have had some success. The tree is full of buds and looking good. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

And then I promised you I would share any treasures I found when out and about the other day. I ended up just going to Target before the grocery store and I think I was already late for the "good" stuff. I was astounded at how empty almost all of the shelves in the Hand & Hearth and Magnolia sections were. All of the things that everyone was posting about were gone. I could see the label on the shelves but that was it. And so, my pocketbook was happy but my Christmas loving self, not so much. I did pick up a pretty large candle ring, a set of 3 small bowls in deep Christmas colors that spoke to me and 2 sets of inexpensive lights to use on garlands over mirrors, doorways, etc. I'm just hedging my bet on the lights because it seems like every year as I am decorating at least one goes out. This way I have saved myself another trip...and, they were 40% off so, win-win.

That's all I've got. I'm off to fill up some water bowls and get things ready for the puppers. I got a nice surprise this morning when daughter #2 asked if I would like some company tomorrow so I am looking forward to spending the day with her but, I will be back soon to move along on our tour. Stay safe and stay tuned.