Water for everyone

When it’s this hot and dry, the birds need fresh water too. Filling the bird baths is a daily activity that Archie loves. Yum! Bird-flavored water!

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SO…I’m in India

Yep.  I’m in India.  Last Thursday Archie the cat left with his uncle Gizmo and my mom and dad for Missouri, and soon after John and I headed to O’Hare International to catch a flight to Delhi, India via Newark, NJ.

Why India? (Why not!) Actually I’m here on a work assignment for four months. (I’m a Communications Manager for Aon. Not sure if I’ve ever mentioned that.) That said, my company flew us business class which turns out to be first class on United for these SUPER long flights (14.5 hours from NJ). I am now officially spoiled and am not certain that economy class will ever suffice again. Note: “No cow” is not recognized by the airline as an option for a dietary request–you have to go with vegetarian–BUT (mental head slap – duh!) flying to India…defaults to a no beef menu.

Uncle Gizmo

Archie chilling in Missouri

I have so much to say it’s almost stifling. Fortunately the heat has not been as so far I’ve spent the majority of my time in a hotel, air-conditioned car or the office. (The 10 day forecast starting today reads: 102, 103, 104, 105, 104, 103, 104, 106, 104 and topping off at 107!) That will become very real when John and I explore around Bharatpur, Ranthambore and Jaipur for the next five days.

Ok…so backing up. The flight was easy.  I had some concerns that I would be extremely anxious to be in the air for that long but the combination of excellent service, meals, drinks, movies, a little reading and sleeping made the time pass remarkably quickly.

Arrival at the airport and transport to the Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square went smoothly.  Passports and visas checked, customs, baggage claim, currency exchange…a random dog lying on the sidewalk on the way to the taxi…and then our India experience REALLY began!

An early morning smile

Super Bowl Flop

The game was definitely not captivating…

John Got a New Phone (with a fun camera)

Really John?

Snow Cat

I think it’s funny that this metal cat in the backyard has the same mask and jacket as Archie…

MeOW!

PLEEEEEEEEEEEZ Can I go outside today?  It’s above freezing.  Not that that matters to me…you know I wanted out when it was -20 degree something with wind chill…  PLEEEEEEEEEZ?!

Happy New Year 2014!!

Hello!  It’s been WAY too long.  But … at the least I’m back.  Most importantly I want to wish everyone (fan or foe) who is reading this a very Happy New Year!  It’s a time to forget the past (unless it propels you forward IN A GOOD WAY) and to realize that life is beyond too short to hold on to baggage.

I had intentions of posting a photo of my outdoor Christmas decor (that I received many compliments on this year) next to my New Year’s day transformation photo only to find when I went on my phone to transfer the pictures that I hadn’t taken any of the holiday porch!  Oh well.

In short, I still have things to do tonight before I rest for another day at my new job tomorrow.  So I’ll leave you with a photo of where I’m starting outside this year.  AND my thoughts that despite some great loss (my dear friend Lisa – and for John, his dear friend Austin), searching for a new job (SO glad that I found one where I think I can really contribute and thrive) and all the bumps in the road of life, I had a really pretty fantastic 2013.

Cheers friends!  Peace, love and happiness.

jen (Archie and John Cook)

There’s always more to do …

Well – I didn’t do too badly yesterday on the productivity front and considering I was up at 3:45 a.m. and stayed up until around midnight, I was able to relax and spend some quality time with my honey too.  I did the yard work I wanted for the most part although I have a few other things I want to do this morning before we head out with friends who are meeting here around 2 p.m.  I did the dishes, organized the kitchen a little, picked up all the clothes in my dressing room, the laundry is finished … still more to do so I’ve got to run.

It’s a BEAUtiful day!!  More tomorrow.

Cheers!

Elmhurst – woo hoo!

It’s hard to believe that a week ago I was doing my usual final push to paint for the Elmhurst Garden Faire and Walk on July 14, and that it’s already come and gone.  What a great day it was!  A beautiful setting and near perfect weather set the stage that morning and I sold the stool shown below before the faire even officially began.   THANK YOU to everyone who came by to check things out – particularly, of course, those of you who purchased some of my favorite things.  I love seeing items go to happy homes.  Although Archie the Cat was disappointed that the toolbox didn’t come back with me, he’s moved on already and found alternative places to nap.

I’ll keep you posted on my next stop.  Meanwhile, I’ll be playing with new color combinations and seeking out unique items.  Every watering can I painted sold this season, so I’ll be focusing on more of them.  Let me know what else you’d like to see!

Have a great weekend.

jen (by jennifer)

Day 5: Around the House

Hello all –

As well as highlighting items that will be at the show on Saturday, I also want to let you know that you can come there to check out my style and request custom work.  I’ve done armoire doors, a bedroom set, chairs and other items for people upon request.  Here is a look at some of the things around my house.

Archie’s friend

This is what got me started.

Door from my shop to my kitchen

Kitchen sink backsplash

 

Keep me in mind if you need a little somethin’ somethin’ to perk up a room.

See you soon.

jen (by jennifer)

Do you think he’s trying to hide something?

Hippo Birdies Dad!

Happy Birthday to my dad! Thanks for all the great conversations that no one would believe we’ve had. 😉

LOVE you –

jen (and the Arch)

A little late…but still fun

What?! I wasn’t supposed to open it?!

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I must admit I’m not a holiday person; I actually find the season a bit depressing. Nonetheless, it’s always nice and John, the Arch and I had a merry Christmas and are into a happy New Year with family and friends.

Part of my time out of the office was filled with our home office project. I decided I wanted to make one of the walls a magnetic chalkboard. Remember now, the house was built in 1860 and I’m not working with fresh drywall here. Well, John got two coats of magnetic primer on and when I came home we had to leave the house. We took Archie with. Word of caution – if you are going to do magnetic primer be prepared that the smell is outrageous! I applied a third coat while John was gone the next day and was able to keep a window cracked, air moving and candles burning, keeping the toxic fumes at bay.

After a break (and dry time per instructions) I decided it was time to start applying the tinted latex chalkboard paint. I opened the can to find what is supposed to be “garnet” looked like fuschia. Not wanting to make a mistake considering the cost and the time it took to do the magnetic primer, and not wanting to apply too many coats over it to render it magnetic-less, I headed to Home Depot. Well, the color is right and one coat is on the wall. Thankfully I didn’t select a lighter color because trying to cover black primer is difficult and I will have to visit the Depot for another quart of tinted chalkboard. I’ll keep you posted on the outcome.

Meanwhile, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

jen (by Jennifer)

Wall in progress

Hello! It’s been a while …

Checking in to let you know that we are still out here doing our thing and all is well.  Can’t believe it’s already the end of October!  Grrrrr.  Been super busy at work and it’s making it difficult to stop and look at the beautiful colors of the changing leaves (that have almost all fallen – eek!) Hope all is well with everyone.  See you back here soon with something more interesting to post …

Have a great day all!

jen (by jennifer) and the Arch too