My Memories Cover to Cover 2013

 I am so excited! Last year I attempted the P52 project, but this year its going to be a monthly webinar where you do a project LIVE or afterwards with the project. Head on over to MyMemories Facebook page and ask to join the group! Here is the link to the group.

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Merry Christmas

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Version 4 Giveaway and the Winner Is ...

I used Random.org to generate the winner.  And the winner is ... Debbie Blanton McCoy! Congrats and I will be in touch with you as soon as I have your promo code and download instructions.

If you didn't win, stay tuned, as I will run another contest in a few months. If you don't want to wait that long, you can save $10 today on the program by using my code above the My Memories blinkie!


Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Giveaway - Day 20!

Today is the last day you can enter to win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get extra entries into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th (Tonight). Winner will be posted on December 21st.




Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Giveaway - Day 19

Remember, you can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get extra entries into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.


Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Giveaway - Day 18 - My Memories Blog

One of the best sites around is the My Memories Blog. They have a lot going on there that you should check out. Here you can find Challenges, Tutorials, Freebies, the Forum and a link to the shop. The tutorials tab is probably the most important link, since it is here where you can get a mini class on different features of My Memories Suite. Not that the other tabs are not important, but really, having that tutorials link is like having someone from My Memories Suite standing over your shoulder and giving you a private lesson.



Remember, you can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get extra entries into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.


Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Version 4 Giveaway - Day 17

Last week I told you about Speed Scraps. Sometimes I get a chance to do them live on MyMemories Facebook page, but if I don't, Jessica is kind enough to post the instructions at the end. 

Yesterday was one of those days. I came in halfway, and when I saw the cluster instruction I KNEW since I am cluster challenged that I would work on it later.

Here is what I came up with for my own.

Remember, you can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get extra entries into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Giveaway - Day 16

Remember, you can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get extra entries into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Giveaway - Day 15 - Mischief Maker

Our shelter cat, Mouse, is giving me plenty to do and scrap about. She is full of mischief and has her ears tuned to the sound of our closet door opening. Or planting herself under the Christmas tree out of reach. I'm afraid the gift wrappings are starting to get a little wet from me spraying her with the water bottle. And I swear she goes under there so I'll use the laser pointer to lure her out - which works every time!

I love this paper "Santa Paws and Santa Claws" by MagsGraphics from the My Memories store. It's so versatile. I kept this page simple, using curly bracket frames from 4 Seasons - Winter by MarieH. The smaller papers were added as photos and came from Give Thanks by Sweet Pea Designs and are embossed. I did a search for embossed papers and liked how well these played with the background paper. And this is how I generally work, mixing kits!

Remember, you can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get extra entries into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.


Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Giveaway-Day 15

You can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get extra entries into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st. Time is running out!



Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Giveaway - Day 13 - More on Templates

Sometimes, it is easier to use a template than to take the time to align elements yourself. I wanted a specific layout, so I went searching in the Designer Templates for a layout I liked.

What I will do when I find one, is to save it as a template album in this case I saved as Classic Template album and then I am able to just import one page from that album into my working album.

The photo layout I chose consisted of five photos. Where I inserted the word art, is actually a photo box, which I inserted with paper.  You can see our sweet little Mouse is full of mischief. It's all I can do to keep her from knocking all the ornaments off the tree. Some people count the days until Christmas, I am counting the days till the tree comes down! Hopefully by my hands and not her little paws!

Remember, you can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get extra entries into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.


Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite - Version 4 - Giveaway - Day 12

You can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get extra entries into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.



Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite V. 4 Giveaway - Day 11 - Templates

One of the great features of My Memories Suite is that of being able to use designer templates and there are some great ones that come with the program. Even better, if you have a selection of photos you want to use, you can have the photos autofill the templates or you can opt to pick and place them yourself.

This page was done with the Stocking Stuffers template by Snickerdoodle Designs. It's so cute. All I added was the cat in Santa hat from Santa Paws & Santa Claws kit by MagsGraphics that I bought last week. It seemed appropriate.

These templates are great if you are out of ideas and want to produce a book quickly for a gift. You can choose your layout and add pages at the time you opt for the templates. It also allows you to see what the other pages look like. If you would like to have a two page spread that the right page is the mirror image of the left page, you can do that. I just love the features of this program.

Remember, you can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get extra entries into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.


Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite V 4 Giveaway - Day 10 - Speed Scrap

One of the fun activities is "Speed Scrap" on Sundays at 8 pm Eastern/7 pm Central on the My Memories Facebook page. I hadn't done one in quite a while, so it was fun to do this as fast as possible. Sometimes it can be nerve-wracking. Here is my finished page.

In order to follow quickly it helps to pick out a kit and subject matter ahead of time. Sort of cheating ... or search while you are trying to scrap. Jessica always makes it challenging.


You can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get another entry into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.




Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Giveaway - Day 9

You can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get another entry into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.




Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Version 4 - Giveaway - Sampling Different Kits

If you are a paper scrapbooker, how often have you purchased a kit, but wished you could just take a couple elements out of another kit and plop it on your page? With My Memories Suite Version 4, it is so easy to do.

I rarely use one whole kit for a page. I usually search for elements that I want to add by doing a keyword search. In this instance, I searched for snow globes, and up popped the kit I bought that has five different snow globes in it. What it actually is, is an overlay. You get your image to approximately the same size as the globe using photo shapes and send it backward a step. Voila! I love this particular kit, as it is so much fun.

And of course, you determine the shape and size of your scrapbooking page. It doesn't have to be square. And custom sizes, as I showed in yesterday's blog, are so easy to do. It's no wonder I love this program so much.

You can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get another entry into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.


Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Give-away - Day 7 - Not Just for Scrapbooks

If you have been following along this week, you will see I have been scrapbooking pages of our new pet, Mouse. Mouse is a cat. She is a shelter cat and my organizational-minded hubby started a binder with all of the stuff the shelter and the Spay/neuter clinic sent home with us. He asked if I would make a cover and a title strip for the binder.

 I love a challenge and this is what I came up with. I used the sample page from "Rescue Me," on top of a paper background. I used the new "Rip" feature for the "Rescue Me" sample, ripping the left and right edges. I imported the background sample as a photo box, which is why I was able to size it, rip it and shadow it. I used the Word Art function for the title and added a few buttons and a postage stamp shape for the picture backer. I shared it as a .jpeg to print it on cardstock.

The spine insert was created by creating a custom page size. In this case 1.5 x 10.5 inches. This was also printed on cardstock, which made inserting it in the binder spine, so much easier.

You can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 - the latest version, which was released the day after Thanksgiving. All you have to do is visit My Memories, browse through the kits, come back and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite kit. It's that simple. If you'd like extra chances to win, visit them on their Facebook page, like their page and come back and tell me in the comments section; and/or follow them on Twitter, come back and leave me a message in the comments section and you will get another entry into the drawing.

The contest ends at Midnight CST on December 20th. Winner will be posted on December 21st.


Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Give-away - Day 6 - Quickpages

We were still anxiously awaiting Mouse, the shelter cat we adopted. To help pass the time I scrapped these two pages, using My Memories Suite v 4.

I used the Rescue Me Quick Pages. I don't normally use quick pages, but I really liked the colors of these. And the little paw prints.

At this point, the only pictures I had of her were the ones on Petfinder.com. So I got the "these might be pixelated" message. But I think they turned out fine!

You can win a copy of My Memories Suite version 4 just by going to My Memories and browsing through the kits. Come back here and tell me which kit is your favorite and that will enter you in the drawing which will be held on December 21st. All entries must be made by midnight CST, December 20th, 2012.

Visit My Memories Facebook Page, like their page and come back and leave a comment telling me you liked their page for an extra entry. And you can also get an extra entry by following them on Twitter and leaving a comment here. It's so easy to win! It's such a great program. All my December posts are about  My Memories Suite with the release of Version 4.
Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Version 4 Giveaway - Day 5

Today, I'd like to share with you the newest member of our family. Her name is Mouse and she is about one year old.

Our older daughter opened her apartment door very early one morning and this adorable cat walked in. Because our daughter already had two cats who didn't take this invasion nicely, she called the police and they took little cat to the Animal Shelter.

The funny thing is that my DH and I had just talked about adopting a cat in the new year. Well, sometimes things are just fated, so we went first thing when the Shelter opened on Monday and made her ours.

I made this page using a sample page from "Rescue Me." The title also comes from "Rescue Me."  I was able to add the embellishments easily using version 4 of My Memories Suite.

Would you like to win a copy of My Memories Suite v 4? It's simple. Simply visit the My Memories page and browse through all the great kits available. Then come back and visit me and tell me which kit you've picked out.  For extra entries, like them on Twitter and/or Facebook and come back and tell me that you've liked them. Contest ends on December 20th.

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Giveaway - Day 4 - Facebook Timeline Covers

One of the things I tried with the new version of My Memories Suite was to make a timeline cover. It was very simple and to do it I made a custom page size. This is how it turned out.

It was just as easy as making calendars. 

Remember it is so simple to enter this giveaway. Just leave a comment below telling me which of the wonderful kits at MyMemories.com is your favorite. For an extra entry like their Facebook page and then let me know here that you did. For another extra entry, follow them at Twitter, then come back here and let me know you followed them.

Remember, you have until Midnight CST time on December 20th to enter. The winner will be drawn on the 21st!

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite Version 4 Giveaway!

Are you getting excited? Have you popped over to My Memories Suite to see their great software and what is new in version 4?  If you haven't, I have a short video tutorial to show you about what is new in version 4. Just click on the image below and sit back and watch.


Don't forget to come back and enter to win a free copy of My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software.  All you have to do is go to My Memories and browse through the available kits, come back and comment below and tell me which is your favorite kit! If you want an extra entry, like their Facebook page, and comment below and tell me that you liked their page!

Remember, you only have until Midnight CST to enter.

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Day Two - My Memories Suite Give-away!

 Day Two! Have you entered yet? It's so simple and it will cost YOU nothing! Simply go to My Memories Suite and pick out your favorite scrapbook kit - there are hundreds to choose from - come back here and leave a message for me in the comment section. This will enter you once into the drawing.  Would you like an extra chance to win? It's easy, like their Facebook page and leave a comment here on my blog telling me. You will see that every Friday, they have a Fan Freebie! What a great way to add to your scrapbook kit collection!

One of the things I like best about My Memories Suite, is the ability to do calendars. Right now, I have it set up to do my calendars on 4 x 6 photo paper.  Not only do I print them out as calendar gifts, but I use them as my wallpaper on my computer!

This software is so versatile, and over the next few weeks, I will share with you some of my projects.

 Don't forget to enter!

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

My Memories Suite V 4 - Win a Free Copy!

I am excited! My favorite digital scrapbooking software, My Memories Suite has a new version. Those of you who own the software probably know what I am talking about! But for those of you new to digital scrapbooking, this is the best software out there. Believe me, I tried them. Not only is this software great, but the My Memories community is so helpful.

Here is a link to what is new in the software. I am so excited about the export to SVG feature because I am also a hybrid scrapbooker, and often combine my printed pages with pages cut with my electronic cutter.

Here is the exciting news. I am giving away a free copy of My Memories version 4 software. Yes, you heard correctly. All you need to do is visit the My Memories Suite site, browse through all the wonderful scrapbook kits, and leave me a comment on this blog telling me, which kit is your personal fave before Midnight Central time on Decemer 20th.

This is a $40 value, and believe me, the program is worth that and much more.

* This blog page header was made using My Memories!


Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Watch for a Chance to Win My Memories Suite Version 4

Starting tomorrow, I will be offering some lucky scrapbooker the chance to win the premiere scrapbooking software out there! My Memories Suite Version 4!

I have used this program since version 2 and it just keeps getting better! Here is a link to what is new in Version 4.

So stay tuned!

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Veteran's Day - Observed

We finally got our flagpole up just in time for Veteran's day.  In our last house in Michigan we just had the house bracket type, but many years ago, when we lived in Redford, we had one and were proud to fly the flag.

I've often said that I don't believe in a lot of holidays. The only legitimate legal holidays - other than Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's and Easter - are Memorial day, in which we remember those who have passed who served; Independence Day, for obvious reasons; Veteran's Day, in which we remember all the Veteran's, those living and those who served to protect our country.;

So here's to my dad, Frank, and my father-in-law, Ben, who both served in WWII. Here's to both my grandfather's, John and Charlie, who served in World War I. My great-grandfathers managed to miss the Spanish American War, but my great-great grandfathers, John Percival, John Bowman and John Webb (aka Garland Webb) who fought in the civil war. Garland Webb is the only one of them who survived.

Then there are my nephew's Steve and Patrick, both who served their country. Not to be forgotten also are Phil and Kevin.

I am grateful that all served.

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Yet Another Washer Post! Sears and Mr. Appliance Fail

On June 25th, the day after I returned home from the hospital after having a total right knee replacement, our washer leaked. Several repairs later, the damn thing is leaking again. Monday, my wonderful DH, called Sears to talk to someone about getting some satisfaction on this machine. On reading our contract, one of the options was a refund of the Master Protection Agreement. Or at their discretion a replacement - which could ultimately be a rebuilt machine. Now why would we want to replace a defective machine with the same thing? Not an option for us. Neither is having the same company come out and repair it. If they haven't fixed it yet, why try again. And apparently Mr. Appliance, the contract repair company, has not reported all the service calls and parts replaced. So Sears is saying we've only had repair three times. Not so. They also told DH that if we haven't heard from them in 48 hours, we should call them back. I don't know why, since no one from Sears ever returns our calls. They just pass it on to the repair company.

This is a washer that is four and a half years old. We bought it because we were so happy with our previous Kenmore washer. Sorry to say that this one did not live up to its predecessor.

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Good Days vs Bad Days

I think I've finally turned the corner on my right knee rehab. I've noticed over the last week that I've had more good days than bad! I've been able to sit in the car longer and not cringe with pain on getting out. Part of that is that I can and do move my right leg a lot in the car to keep from getting stiff. I've been able to work on cards and genealogy although it is still easier to get up from the office desk chair than the craft desk chair - mainly due to the presence of arms on the office chair! With the exception of my sometimes wonky blood sugar I feel almost back to my normal self. One of these days I'll be glad I had this done. 

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

DE-Construction

DH and I had talked about expanding our deck before we got our spa. The bad thing was the timeline. Instead, we went with a cement slab - and sidewalk - and additional slab (future fire pit.)


Since then, our favorite builder (Turner Homes of Tennessee) had some time to spare ... the upshot is that our deck is growing about 3+ feet on one side and 2 feet all across the front. So we are going from 12 x 16'7" to 14 x 20.  Here are before and during shots.  I remember how big our deck looked when we first moved in.

Everything off but the grill!

Gotta watch your step!

 And here we are down to just an egress route - which enables us to still use the spa in the interim. The front will extend to the edge of the concrete and 3+ feet on the right. That is the guest room on the right.

It's being replaced with Timbertech in our ongoing effort to become maintenance free. Now if the weather cooperates!

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Countdown ...

I have two more scheduled visits for physical therapy and then I am done. At the end of last week, I had reached 105 degrees of flexion and on Wednesday was able to achieve flexion of 110. Today? 112. The goal is 115 by the end of next week. Oh my!

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Crafting Fool

I love pressure, just not on my right knee. Yesterday, I sat down and made two cards - a baby card and an anniversary card AND a gift box. The cards were Iris Fold cards from SVG Cuts Iris Fold collection. Those are always a little time consuming, so I was surprised that I sat as long as I did. Until I tried to get up. That right knee isn't always cooperative.

Anyway, here are pictures of my projects. The anniversary card is for my husband. We celebrated 33 years today (September 28th.)

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

The Hot Tub

Well, it is finally in, electrified, passed inspection and tested and approved. On Monday, the electrician followed by the inspector, made a visit to our house and got us up and running. After a couple minor glitches  - a couple of loose fittings - DH and I decided to test out our tub. OMG! Nirvana! Heaven! Whatever you want to call it, we are there!

Wow! The Light is Bright!

DH looks like he's being attacked by the Vashta Nerada!

The only thing I noticed is that my built in buoyancy compensators cause me to float a bit. I have a hard time not floating when on the lounge part. 

For you Dr. Who fans out there, in the lower picture, Hubby looks like he's being attached by the Vashta Nerada! Who turned out the lights?

My replaced right knee is loving the spa treatment!

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

A Nutty Project

I love this card from SVG Cuts Caramel Apple Pie collection, and thought I would make it is a birthday card. I opted not to do an interior cut, and am happy with the way it turned out. I used my Sizzix Texture Boutique to emboss the dots.

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

You Never Know What You'll See ...

This photo was taken the weekend of the Fall Fun Fest here in town. I took it with my camera phone at a small grocery store.  Yeah, barbecue cook-offs are hot here!

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

The Fire Pit

A couple of years ago, DH and I bought a fire pit. The metal wood-burning kind. We never used it. Younger daughter, after her move to Nashville asked to borrow it. So it resides there. We talked about borrowing our fire pit back, but finally decided what we really wanted was a propane powered one, so that we can turn it off and feel a lot safer about using it.

So, earlier this week we went to Lowes and bought one. This is what it looks like. Nice looking, eh? Except when we went to remove the side panel where the propane tank goes, it started crumbling. Back to Lowes where we exchanged it.

I kind of liked this, and since it wasn't resin stone, I thought, no problems.  Well, when we took it out of the package, one whole side was caved in. Back to Lowes. Back to square one.

Right now we have a bench sitting out on the fire pit pad looking at nothing! The original fire pit? Well, we generously gave it to younger daughter. Not that I want to haul a smoky smelling fire pit from Nashville to home!


Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas -- in My Craft Room!

You can tell I am thinking about Christmas as I start working on my Christmas cards. This will be the first year that I will be making them and I've already gotten started.  Here is a peek at them. All of them were made with the "Christmas Cheer" kit from SVG Cuts.

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Diary of a New Knee - Part 23

Eight weeks ago today I had my right knee replaced. I can't tell you how much I would love for it to work properly and to stop waking me up at night. I am making progress, slowly. Next week I visit the doctor again.

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Busy, Busy!

 DH, older daughter and I have gotten quite the workout in the last few days. 

First, Monday evening hubby and daughter moved out our old love seat (a hand-me-down from his dad) and our recliners. I rolled up the carpet.

Tuesday afternoon, the new stuff was delivered. Hubby always has doubts about how things will fit and how they will look. The pictures do not really depict the true color of the walls, which are green. There is a green in the chairs which really is almost the exact color.


The sofa is marine blue and the legs are dark cherry. As are the end tables, which also have a copper inset. I can't tell you how much I love the drawers.

Even though our windows face south, there is a 6 foot roof over part of our deck, so the room is never really bright unless the blinds are opened all the way and the front door too.

Then while searching for the little cube ottomans, I found the cabinet behind the sofa. It is just deep enough to store DVDs. Win!

I have plans for the back wall where the bookcases are ...

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Two Birds

Happy Birthday, Mary Percival Wyatt.

Happy Anniversary, Mary & Jim Wyatt!



Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Diary of a New Knee - Part 22 - Healing Nicely

Since my surgery 7 weeks ago today, this is the first time I've felt like I am making real progress. I attended my usual Wednesday therapy session and left with a smile on my face. I think that is the first time that has happened. Bless Stephanie for putting me on a leg bend weight machine last, where I stretched both legs with 30 lbs of weight on each leg and then slowly released the stretch without clanking the weights. It felt so good. I left therapy with a knee that had not fallen asleep during the icing/electrode session.  I can straighten and bend my leg better than before. Still not totally healed, but I feel like I am going to achieve that goal someday.

I wish the same could be said of my Kenmore washer. It had another part replaced yesterday. Today, I started my laundry and wham! The noise is awful. Hoping this can be diagnosed and fixed in a timely manner because it dumped at least a quarter inch of water in the pan underneath. 

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Diary of a New Knee - Part 21

I feel like I made some real progress last week. My knee is getting stronger enabling me to feel a little bit more "normal." In the meantime, I continue to work hard at therapy and at home. I find my bed time is a little earlier than I am accustomed to, and that if if I can make it up to 11 p.m., well that is outstanding. Now if the late night wrong-number texters would lay off ...

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Diary of a New Knee - Part 20 - 6 Weeks Out

Okay, so maybe I was naive, but I had hoped to be in much better condition after 6 weeks. Right now, I have a long haul yet  to get better flexibility. It's coming, but it is really slow.

Things I can do that I wasn't doing just 3 weeks ago: Mopping floors. This became a necessity this morning after dumping a full cup of coffee on the floor. While I was at it, got the rest of the hardwoods done! Was I sore afterwards? Oh yeah. Pedaling the folding bike. I am getting full range on this. At therapy on the BIG bike, it is more difficult. Walking unaided. Around the house at least. It is easiest after I do the knee stretch with the band. That's about the only time my knee feels "normal." Or at least as close to normal as I can feel these days.



Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational

Diary of a New Knee - Part 19

Marsh, my PT, devised a new instrument of evil for me today, the stationary bike. OMG! You don't even realize how weak you are until you see that you can't push in a complete circle. And when your knee starts twitching uncontrollably? And you are still encouraged to go as far as possible before the pain gets unbearable? I did ten minutes of this at PT this morning. On 4 hours sleep.

I napped afterwards.

Then this evening, hubby dragged out his little portable stationary bike for me to try. The image is similar to the one we have. Lo and behold, I could actually push the pedals in a complete circle, frontwards and backwards. I'm sure it is because of the angle and such. We'll see again on Wednesday at my next PT session!

Copyright 2008-2012, ACK, for Generational