Father's Day at my Happy Place

We got to drive up to my happy place to spend time with my Father in Law.
It was so much fun, getting to see him, and relaxing in the Virginia Mountains.  I can't even began to explain how peaceful it is up there.  Everything is so beautiful and everyone is so nice.

My father in law is doing great with his recovery on his knee surgery.  He got around really good.  I see alot of my husband in him....they both don't like to be down.  Always gotta be doing something.  Ha!  But it was nice to hear his physical therapist say he was doing great and making improvements.

While we were there we got out and did a little site seeing.

                                       I love the Mountains.  And you see a lot of old barns.

            My father in law has 6 horses, and I think I counted 7 cats.  Lots of animals around to love on.

                                                               And they love the attention.

      Every time Shelby would walk out there, two of the horses would walk right up to her and just stand.

                While we were there we decided to walk on the New River Trail State Park.  It was nice.

                It was really nice and the trail was clean and wide.  We saw lots of people on bikes and
                                                                  a few where on horses.

                     We saw more old barns, bridges and we got to watch three deer run across the river.
                             (I wasn't able to get my camera fast enough to get a photo of them running.)

                           On the trial there were some cute little Mountain Cottages you could rent.
                                            And of course my two just had to get near the water.

           My mini me makes me laugh...she found ways to carry her water bottle.  Notice the second photo?
                                                 She has it stuck in the back of her tank top. Ha!

Over all we had a great weekend.  Now we are back home, I gotta say it was sad watching the Mountains get smaller and smaller in my rear view mirror.  Now it's back to work, and helping my daughter fill out applications for a summer job, maybe she will find one before the summer is over.

Raven Rock State Park, North Carolina (Part two)

After finishing the Campbell Creek Trail we sat down to eat lunch.  They have two large shaded picnic areas with plenty of tables, but we decided to sit in the car and run the AC. Ha!  Then we hit the Raven Rock Tail.
And wouldn't you know as soon as we started on this trial we see this....

 Yes that is a snake. It was a small one but to me a snake is a snake.   I could have gotten a great photo of it in plain view while it was going across the path but all three of us just stood there frozen while watching it.  SO, after seeing the snake I didn't get many "nature" shots because I didn't take my eyes off the walking path...haha!  But here is a few.

Raven Rock is a unique part of the park.  The rock is HUGE and I wasn't able to get the whole thing in a photo.

It was really nice to see.  It is amazing to me on how many places are just hidden that we will never get to see.  I told my daughter that I hope she will continue to find State Parks and enjoy it with her family.  She has never been one to sit and play video games, but that cell phone is always in her hand.  

I wasn't to sure about all the steps to get to the Rock but I got down them and back up them. I am guessing that they are the reason my legs are still hurting.  Ha!

My two favorite people in the world aren't afraid to get out there and explore.  My hubby is the leader and my mini me isn't to far behind him.  And me....well I sit back and enjoy watching them while wondering where that snake went too!

There was one trail we didn't do because of time, it has a overview looking over the river and a area for fishing.  I look forward to going back soon.  

Raven Rock State Park, North Carolina (Part 1)

As a family we love the outdoors.  So when I came across Raven Rock State Park I decided it was time for a day trip.  We put on our walking clothes, packed a cooler with lunch, packed a backpack with water and snacks and took off to hike and enjoy Gods beauty.  They had a small Museum with information, restrooms and gift shop. (Click on the photos to enlarge.)

Raven Rock State Park is in North Carolina.  It offers camping, Picnicking, Hiking, and Fishing.We decided to go hiking and enjoy some of Gods beautiful creations.  It is really great to just take a day and enjoy nature.

First we took off on the Campbell Creek Loop Trail.  It's 4.9 miles and one side of the loop travels beside the Creek.  It was really nice.  There were few bridges to cross, stairs to climb but so worth the view.

It wasn't long before my hubby and daughter were going down to a smaller creek to touch the water.  I love that my daughter was really enjoying it.

We stopped at a few points of the creek.  It was hot that day so it was nice to feel the cool water. It was a great day.

A small trail off the loop lead us to the Cape Fear River.  It was nice.

Half way in the hike we came up to the Lanier Falls.  It's a small falls, ok not much of a falls but it was so beautiful and peaceful.  I could have sat there for hours and just listen to the water.  

This photo sums it all up.  There is nothing better than getting away from cell phones, computers, work, and everyday stress and just relax and enjoy the outdoors. 

It's the simple things in life......

  

One Knee Surgery, Allergies, End of School and a Day-cation

Wow...I didn't know it's been so long since I last posted.  Sorry about that.
We have been busy around here.

My father in law had knee surgery about three weeks ago.  Everything was going great, he was home doing rehab. Then one day he started noticing his knee was feeling hot and the pain was getting worse.  So off back to the doctor and he came down with a staff infection called MRSA.  It was bad, they had to go back in and clean the infection out.  He is home now and still having to take strong antibiotics and keep an eye on his knee.  Fingers crossed he is on the road to a full recovery now.  My husband and Father in Law are very much alike....they don't like to stay down long. Always on the go so I know he is ready to be back to normal.

We normally have allergies when Spring rolls around but this Spring/Summer has been the worst at our house.  Hubby and I had it for about a week but our Daughter had it FOREVER.  And it seemed like nothing she took for it helped.  I even called the doctor and made an appointment  thinking she had a sinus infection.  But a few days before she had to go she got well.  No sneezing, running nose or watery eyes.  So far, she hasn't had anymore problems.

This is my daughters last week of school.  I can't believe she will be a High School Senior when school starts back.  Time really does fly by.  She had one exam last week and three this week.  I can tell she is burnt out of school...haha.  She is a great student and does really good with homework and studying.  But she just doesn't care to study for exams this time around.  I can understand, they push so much on students today.  It's easy to get overwhelmed.  Although I encourage her to study she has all A's in her classes so if she fails her exams she still passes the class.  The one she took last week she has a 98 in her class and she made a 95 on the exam without studying so I guess she does know it.  On top of exams she has had a DECA club end of the year party, they went bowling and out to eat.  And then she is a Marshall at this years Graduation so she has practice.  Also she is going around filling out applications  for a job.  AND for the parents they have already come up for their Senior Trip for next year, and of course that means for us....amount due! Thank the Lord, they broke up the amount due into payments.  They don't waist no time asking for money. Ha!

So with all this going on, we decided to take a Day-cation.  We love the outdoors and I came across a State Park that we hadn't been to.  We packed up our lunch and lots of water/snacks and went hiking.   I will post about our day tomorrow ( there will be part one/part two because I love taking photos. Ha!)

Mason Jars are so addictive

I had some mason jars sitting in a box that I carried out to my husbands barn.  And I forgot about them, but often my hubby would remind me about them mason "are you ever going to do anything with them" jars.  So the other day I grabbed two of them and carried them in the house with some paint.

I must say they are addictive.  I had so much fun doing them.  I have always wanted to paint some for cute decor.  I will be adding some to my Etsy shop next week.

Here's two I did:

So Shabby Chic Country!  This is two toned and tied with some burlap string.

This one is painted in a golden yellow and distressed.  So perfect for Summer.

( Notice the tiny roses, I cut some and placed in the jar...)

Happy Weekend!!

So we forgot about it.....

The other week the hubby and I were doing some yard work.  We trimmed back some bushes, trees and cleaned out flower beds.   Well the other day I was walking around to the other side of my hubby's barn and saw this....

Holy Moly.....that's an over grown rose bush.  We totally forgot about this one.  It came from my Grandmothers yard.  Sadly she never saw it this big, it was a little tiny thing and when my Uncle moved in her house he was redoing the yard.  And I went and got some of her flowers and bushes because she loved her yard and I didn't want to see them all pulled up. 

It was FULL of little rose buds.......

Well, look at it now.....WOW!!  I will not cut this back now.  It's way to pretty with all it's tiny roses.  Sure it's over grown but it's beautiful.

                                                 Look at all those tiny buds blooming.....

                                                                 Happy Wednesday!!

It's seen better days.....

A very close friend of our family passed away and when she did she left her belongings to my dad.  She didn't have any children and her husband had passed before her.  She was like a Grandma to me, she was a very sweet friend.  So one day my dad was cleaning out her house and shelter.  And he came across this old vintage metal glider.  It was in BAD shape.  And he was about to toss it into the trash.

Did I mention it was in BAD shape. (I know what you are probably thinking, and yes I could just go by a new one but it wouldn't be a Old/Vintage glider.  There is just something to the old and giving it new life ) My husband stopped him and took a look at it up close. The metal frame is still tight and he even sat on it.  It just needs the wood slates replaced and sanded and repainted.  I still look at it and shake my head but if anyone can "bring it back to life" then it would be my husband.  I hope one day to have this done and sitting on my front porch at my dream house.

THE PLANS:
I am leaning towards painting it a rustic red, and then have the wood slates stained a dark brown.  And then make some throw pillows to add to it.  

I have been searching the internet for more vintage metal gliders and I found a few....

I found this one over at Variation on Vintage , I love the long cushion.

Then I came across this one (I would like our wood redone in this dark shade) at Because I like to Decorate. 

This one is just like ours.  I love the throw pillows across the back.  Found it at The Dwelling Station.  So picture this one painted in a rustic red with wood slates like the one above this pic.
Then maybe some of theses old looking vintage/country burlap pillows across the back.

Well it's going to be a while before we get started on it, and I will make sure to update as we do!! 

Happy Monday.

A Before and After

Who's wanting to see a Before and After project?
I just finished with this piece today and really love it.

As I posted in one of my earlier post we do furniture and home decor, and sometimes companies will contact us and ask if we would like to receive samples of paint to try.  General Finishes contacted me and asked if they could send us some samples.  I am so glad they did.  It was Milk Paint and I have never used their products.  They sent a Somerset Gold, Antique White and a clear top coat. 

I had a old green plastic candle holder but I didn't like the green but loved the style and size. I wanted to give it a new look. So when I got the paint I knew I wanted to use it on the candle holder.  I first painted it in the Antique White, doing a few thin coats, then I distressed the edges and did a overlay with a golden oak stain, after a few minutes I wiped it off to give it a aged look.

I thought I would add this cutie to our Etsy shop, but the more I look at it I WANT it! Haha!!

I love the new look! Very Country Shabby Chic
Have a great weekend everyone.

A field of Wheat Straw

I live on family land in NC, and as long as I can remember it has always had something growing on it.  When I was very young my Great Grandfather lived here and I remember coming to see him and running around a big old tree and playing on the old porch.  He would always be sitting on the porch when we pulled up.  He had corn, tobacco and turnips growing in the fields.  Today my dad has someone farm the land.  Sometimes they plant soy beans, corn ( I didn't like corn, my hubby would always tease me about the movie 'Children of the Corn' so I wouldn't look out the window or go outside after dark. Ha!)  or straw.  My favorite is the wheat straw, and that's whats out there now. I am surrounded by it and right now it's green, and about knee high.  It's so pretty when there is a breeze and it blows, it looks like a wave going across the field.

Up close

Behind my house

Another up close

Well, I see I am not alone out there....I saw a few Ladybugs.

Eat your Veggies - Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

I am always trying to get my family to eat more veggies.  They love the common veggies like corn, beans, potatoes...  But veggies like asparagus, cauliflower, beets they are like "UM...no!"  Well thanks to Pinterest I have been able to come across recipes that have helped them venture out and try something new.

Last night I decided to try Buffalo Cauliflower.(They love hot wings so why not cauliflower?)  I found it on Pinterest and it lead me to the blog Gal on a Mission.  She had a post of the Buffalo Cauliflower recipe. So I tried it and it was a big hit.  We will be having Buffalo Cauliflower more often....

Ingredients:

Spray Oil  

Pepper and Salt

Ranch Flavored powder (the recipe called for garlic but since I didn't have it, I used Ranch)

Hot Sauce and 1 tsp butter (melted)

Pre heat oven at 450. Using the spray oil, spray the cookie sheet,  cut up the cauliflower, and sprinkle with pepper, salt, and ranch powder.  ( I find this flavor in the popcorn section, but you can use garlic instead)

Bake for 20 minutes. Some edges may turn brown but it's okay.  Mix 1 tsp. melted butter  with hot sauce in small bowl.  I really didn't measure the hot sauce, just added enough to lightly coat the cauliflower. Stir to make sure it is coated well, you can always add more.  Place on plate with some ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing or more hot sauce in dipping bowls. Enjoy!!

My hubby and daughter loved them. I loved them.  

Growth

For a few years we haven't had a garden.  But this year, on a last minute decision we went for it and now we have a small garden.  We planted some Zucchini, Squash, Green Beans, Okra, Tomatoes and different peppers.

This southern girl can't wait to have herself a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich.

A girl can dream....right?

Wonder why my blog title is 'Living in Galax........ but I don't?

That's because my Father in law does and I love that place.  I live in NC, in the country but is flat land.  It's not that I dislike NC, I don't.  But there is something about Galax.  Everytime I have gone there the stress leaves my body.  I have often told my hubby and daughter that one day I would love to live there.  You can give everyone the beach but I will take the mountains.   (I love the beach too, but as a vacation.) It's just so laid back, everyone seems so nice and friendly.  And the scenery is breathtaking, and each season has it's own look.

I hope that one day I and my family can move to Galax.....or at least visit more often.

Some of my Father in Laws horses.

Welcome to my blog

Hi, I'm Debbie.
I am a wife to a wonderful husband that has always been there for me and has supported all my crazy thinking, doing and sayings.  I love him!  I am also a mother....the best job in the world.  Now don't get me wrong, it can cause heartbreaks, tears and a little loud talking but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I love my crazy teenage daughter.  I love the outdoors, take me camping any day but just not during stormy weather. I am a DIYer that has a love for old things, vintage, shabby chic and a little country.  I stay busy by repurposing furniture, crafting, sewing, cooking and some serious day dreaming. I run an online shop at Etsy and I'm a Ebay seller.  And on top of all that, I am a diabetic with an Autoimmune disease called Graves Disease. 

Welcome to my blog! I hope to blog about my crafting, share furniture re-dos and pass along some favorite recipes. I hope you stop by and read my blog and please leave comments so I can visit your blog.