Winter pots and window boxes

Last Sunday, I worked (played) outside cutting greens and filling planters and window boxes.  I think I need a little more dogwood but they're pretty much done.   It's been a couple of years since I added white lights to the window box, maybe I will this year.    The doormat came from Home Depot.
In the picture below, I made a hanging winter basket, which is something I've never done before and  I think it will look pretty against all the white snow eventually.  You can see the new arbor in the background and I plan to wrap this with white lights and have the two deer in this area too.   I'm waiting for a warmer day....will that come???

Christmas Music

It's official, I began listening to Christmas music today...November 9, 2008.   I have close to 20 Christmas CD's so if I don't start now, I won't hear them all since I tend to use my favorites the most.   I  began too late last year and didn't get to most of them. When do you usually start?  

Doggy Bed

I don't remember if I've posted this before but I think it's a fun way to use an old suitcase.  I've noticed many stores using old suitcases which I've been using for a few years now.  I  use the large ones for seasonal clothing and the small ones work great for crafts, brochures and almost anything!    

Kraft Food Recipes

Here's a handy link to all the Kraft magazine recipes organized by every single back issue.  I have this page bookmarked in my food folder.  I also added a link to my blog list that will also be very handy.  I just made the cheesy taco bake from the current issue-yum!

RECIPES

Another fun sign!

I stole this picture from Danette's blog.  She snapped it at a winery.  It was too funny not to share.

I love work horses

On the way to vote in Ashby, I saw these horses in a cornfield where I have never seen them before.  I wonder what they use them for.  Jan, it's not far from your house.  Do you know anything about them?  Aren't they beautiful!  I actually did a U turn to take this photo as I knew it would be dark when I was done voting. 

My Favorite Campaign Sign

As I drove into town this morning, this sign made by one of my first graders, made my day!  I had to pull over and snap a picture. His mother told me that he was really getting into the election about a week ago.  He also made little Vote stickers for the entire class.    
Our school held a mock election and Obama got 104 votes, McCain got 98 so it was fairly tight.  Here our head custodian (who happens to be an amazing asset to our school) assists one of my students in her vote.  It was a fun day for the kids.   I had Tina Larson (Karla & Danny's daughter) in my classroom today as a job shadow and she will be back tomorrow.   She is a natural teacher from what I observed today.  It was wonderful having her, wish she could stay longer.  She snapped this picture for me.  I'll try to get one of her tomorrow.

Summer moonlight

A photo from this summer that I meant but neglected to post.   I used the nighttime setting and then adjusted the exposure to try to capture how beautiful it was.

laptop demo

Sophie models proper use of her mother's laptop.

Ta-dah!!

Future Viking

Coach says we have to wear our pants this way in warm weather.

Step right up!

Kids enjoying the Smartboard

Funny Face Pose

Fun game!!

Touchdown!

Saturday morning sunrise

On the way to the cities Saturday morning, an elevator silhouette somewhere near Sauk Centre.