Blog candy: US residents & claimed within 3 days. If you ever have any questions please email at susanslomski@yahoo.com. Thank you for visiting

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

My Days Were Filled by Eugene

Unknown to me, Eugene Christmas was found as a chick along with another by someone in the neighborhood. They did their best to care for and feed them thinking once they grew strong enough they would fly off and return to the wild. However, they were very small and easily fit in the palm of your hand and the other smaller, weaker chick didn't 'make it'.

But you can imagine my surprise when I walked out my door one day and saw this.


Then came the day when I had my old kitchen table and chairs taken out of the house and the new ones brought in. I had the doors open as we walked in and out and the men put the new table together, collected the box it came in, and left. As I was closing my doors I hear a bunch of noise coming from the kitchen from things falling over the counter and some even hitting the floor. I know all the men left, my dogs are on the back porch, my cat is still hiding in the bedroom. I was alone! I run into the kitchen to see what is going on. Is the roof falling in? Nope!

There was a turkey on my stove!!! (Do you know how hard it is to get a turkey out of your house?)


From that day forward it was as if Eugene adopted me. From early morning to dusk we hung around together outside. Eugene was a curious creature and had a way of turning simple tasks such as painting a porch railing into an all day adventure which includes chasing him to get the brush back.

No one was spared from his curiosity. Not the mailman, UPS, or even the work crews installing solar panels. Eugene was there to investigate and supervise.



If I went into the house, I always had the feeling someone was watching me through the doors.


My grandson just loved his new playmate.


We totally enjoyed Eugene and looked forward to the visits everyday. I would spend hour after hour just reading my book on the porch and he would cuddle next to me and act like he was reading it also. That is when I realized he wanted to hear me talk so most times I read the book aloud.

But this was no life for a wild turkey who didn't even know it was a wild turkey. With winter fast approaching, neighbors being terrified of it, and animals that seem to be forever roaming the neighborhood, a safe place was needed for Eugene to live.

The search started and it wasn't that long until a place was found. Paperwork had to be done but in a week or so Eugene will be able to be moved to a new, safe home to live out all his life. He would be well cared for and best of all, we can visit! However, that never happened.

Eugene was 'missing' for three days and when he finally appeared on my porch again, something was terribly wrong. One leg was broken and the bone went through the skin, it was infected. Do you know how hard it is to find a veterinarian around here that will see a wild turkey? Didn't matter, someone was going to see him, help him, and someone was found.

Eugene (we still don't know if it is a male or female for certain) was very sick with infection. Then to top it off, if the leg didn't heal to the point where it can be used (doesn't have to be perfect but able to bear weight), by law they had to put him down. So, with antibiotics in hand, purple splint on his leg, it was off to a wildlife rescue where an experienced person can help Eugene to give him the best chance of getting better and healing.


After a week, I heard that the infection was under control but the waiting game continues to see if Eugene's bone will heal and whether Eugene will live or die.


I miss you, Eugene!

Update on 7/25/16: Eugene is renamed Genie since she is female. She finally made it to the Children's Museum and was kept in her own space until her leg gets stronger. There is a male there that they hope they can unite her with so both have company. I visited her there earlier in the year and I am about ready for another  visit. I am so happy she has a great home but I still miss her so.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

The Trip I Never Expected to Take So Soon

As you may have noticed I haven't kept up with my blog. Ever since the phone rang and I was told that my oldest brother (4 years older than me) passed away, I just haven't been doing my usual things so I want to catch up on all of that. I can honestly say I never expected to take a trip to see my brother for this reason and so soon. Although we were not close since he lived clear across the country, he lives in WA and I live in CT, I did speak to him on the phone and take a little comfort in knowing the very last thing I said to him is that I loved him.

Despite the reason for the trip, we did try to take in some sites since we most likely would never be driving across country again.


When we made it to Iowa and it was the night of the super moon and eclipse.




Going through Wyoming we detoured to Devil's Tower.


Washington, Mt. Rainier in the distance.
(You need to really look since it blends into the sky). 


At last we get there and see my sister-in-law and nephew.
(I see a lot of my brother in my nephew, Thomas. The last time I saw them, he was a tot.)


The last time I saw Chris she looked like this picture. 
Can you see the resemblance of my brother (Gary) and Thomas?
(Sorry this is not clear, it is a picture of a picture)


The Church (Korean)



The memorial


The service was full and said in Korean with some English since they know we don't speak Korean. Afterwards we were told to go in the basement of the church for some food. The amount of food was overwhelming. Everyone must have made and brought something and everything was delicious. We ate and heard stories of my brother and how others knew him. It was nice to see so many people know both him and Chris. We felt much better having to leave Chris alone when we all went home because she has so many people she can talk to and they can help her with things she may not understand. 

Just a quick background so you understand. My brother met Chris when he was stationed in Korea. They eventually married and when his tour there was finished, she came with him to the US. She knew no English or much about how things work here. Her family is not here and her son lives in NC now. When we left, we were leaving her alone so we were worried about her. 

While in Washington we took a day trip to Mount Saint Helens which was awesome to see. Did you know that on the way up the mountain they had a place that had the prints of Big Foot. Of course, Washington has lots of forests so it only stands to reason they'd have Big Foot as well. 


Speaking of big, I never saw cover this big. I put down a dime for comparison. 


We stopped at one house that was there when Mount Saint Helen's erupted and it is still buried but so interesting to see what happens years later when everything is covered in so much ash.



Nothing beats the beauty of the volcano even though it is not as grand as it was prior to the eruption. 



It is very much alive and is building a new dome right in the center. 
It looks small in comparison but it stands over 1,000' off the creator floor. 


Since I routed the trip, I couldn't resist taking a route through Yellowstone. Although we didn't stay or spend much time there, we did stop to see Old Faithful. My route took us in the west and out the east side of the park, we stopped at a few other 'sites' along our way. Neither of us seen anything like it. 



They may call them Bison but they are American Buffalo. 


It is sad to know they once roamed free across the US and now this is the only place they are free with such mere numbers.


So beautiful! 


I wanted to stop to take a photo and Jerry pulls over and lets me out here. I look down and see a baby bear. Where there is a baby, there is a mommy. Now I tell him he was just trying to collect on my insurance policy. (Joking of course) 


In South Dakota we also detoured a bit so we could see Mount Rushmore.


I doubt we'd ever get out this way again so I wanted to take advantage of any sites along our route to see. It was a long (and painful in more ways than one) ride and although I wished we could have really looked at Yellowstone instead of the few minute stops we made, I was glad to be home. 

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Quilt Top is Almost Done

I know I haven't updated the blog in awhile but I have been busy making a paper-piecing quilt and I am getting so excited as the top is almost done. I thought I would post a sneak peek of it.


Friday, May 1, 2015

May Day and Guess Who is Back???

Finally after a long, cold, and snowy winter the weather is starting to warm up. The trees are all getting their leaves and the early flowers are blooming (and killing me with my allergies) which is such a welcoming sight. Today, finally...our feathered friends have returned. I know there is at least two of them as I seen them both at the same time. One female,one male, and there can be some of the others that left last year.

Welcome Home!!!!



Sunday, April 19, 2015

The Buzz about Glad Odor Shield with Gain



Many of you already know I am a Bzz Agent but for those of you who don't know what it is, it is where I get free or reduced priced items to try and to give my opinion plus share the word. It doesn't matter if I 'like' the item, they want an honest opinion. If you think you may be interested in joining, you can find details at bzzagent.com or contact me.

My new campaign is Glad Odor Shield with Gain plus $25. 


The bags are great! I love the smell of them and if you are like me with your garbage out in your kitchen so smells are a huge problem, these might be the bags for you too. The bags not only smell good with the Gain scent, they neutralize odors so it isn't a case of just putting the bag in the garbage can and it smells nice but in a day the scent wears off and the garbage stinks again. It isn't like that! I don't mean you should fill your garbage with dirty cat litter, soiled baby diapers, and onion peels then expect the bag to take care of the odors but with just my normal garbage, it does smell so much better than before I started using them. (I would know because my kitchen is extremely small so the garbage can is right by where I sit at the kitchen table. So any odors coming from the garbage does affect me especially when I am sitting down to eat.)

Not only do they smell great, neutralize odors, they are strong. I haven't had them break open yet and I love the reinforced top so I can just grab the handles and tie them together (as pictured on the box) to take outside. 

So next time you pick up garbage bags for your kitchen, why not try the Glad Odor Shield with Gain?



As for the $25, I am suppose to go to my local Target, Walmart, Dollar General or Family Dollar and treat myself. Hmmm......wonder what I should buy. Check back soon and I'll let you know.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Thank You Cards

My daughter needed some Thank You cards for the baby gifts and I made these for her. I used Fiskars, Stampin' Up, and Thinlets. It is hard to tell from the picture but the ink I trimmed it in is the same color (very close too) the color of the ink inside them glitter dots of the paper. For whatever reason they look black/dark in the photo. I was inspired by Liftateers.


Sunday, April 12, 2015

A Fun Stampin' Up Card

I made this card using Stampin' Up products. I just love the way it came out. Yeah, I know...I need to fix that banner (it is a little crooked) but that is a quick fix. (Pretend it is straight). This isn't my own design. I don't know where it came from, could have been Stampin' Up or Splitcoasterstampers, not sure now but I was inspired by Liftateers. I used it as a Birthday but would make a nice Thank You as well.


Saturday, April 4, 2015

Despite the Cold the Hummingbirds are Coming!!!

It is funny how Hummingbirds know when to leave their winter area and migrate north. They don't leave the same time every year, some years are early, some later. This year is about average time despite that the North East is still cold. I can't wait for them to get here but in reality, I am glad they are not here yet. It is still below freezing at nights and only a couple of days ago it snowed. There isn't much in the way of 'natural' food for them although I am starting to notice some bugs flying around outside. There are no flowers at all as 'green' is just popping through the soil which means Hummingbird Feeders are very important to sustain them until they can find their own food. I will be putting mine up mid-week since they are in VA as of yesterday. They were spotted in the Norfolk area and as far north as Temperanceville area. So it won't be long now until...



Monday, March 30, 2015

The Winner of the Your Story Photo is....

Remember, I choice on "semi-finalist" each day and out of the three of them the winner is choosen.



Semi-finalist from .....







a huge Congratulation to the winner.........









The Hop is Over, I am Pulling the Semi-finalist for Day 3 and then the winner.

Please give me a few minutes to announce the winner. I am working on it now. Good Luck to all!

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Fiskafriends - The Power of Community Blog Hop - Day 3

This hop is open to everyone! International visitors are included for a chance of winning the Grand Prize!


Welcome! If you came from Jean Bullock's blog then you are in the right place. 
If not, please go to the beginning at the Fiskafriends Blog.

March 27th-29th, we are celebrating our First Anniversary with a Fiskafriend Blog Hop. You do not have to be a Fiskafriend to visit and comment on our bloggers' posts. In addition to the Grand Prize, some of the blogs are offering prizes too but be sure to read each blog's rules and requirements as some may not provide international mailing.


It is the final day of the hop and I sure thought it was a fun hop. I loved all the projects the other bloggers did, they did such a great job. It wouldn't be a hop without hoppers so 'Thank You' all for being part of the hop....and a special "Thank you" to Jean Bullock for your hard work to put this hop together.

Day 3

I am not sure how many of you scrolled down to check some of the other posts on my blog but a month ago I offered a prize for anyone who guessed how long I had to get my blanket done before my grandson was born. Turns out no one guessed "1 day" but only 3 people answered by the time he was born so I told them all they will celebrate with me and I will sent them a prize. All three of them happen to be Fiskateers. (I bet they think I forgot). I wanted something special and personal so this is what I came up with. 

(I know the lighting is off but the ribbon does have a greenish color....have to have green & orange.)

Nancy, Jean, and Tona, these are for you!


These dish towels took me forever to make! I saw the tutorial and downloaded the pattern from  Kleiosbelly. I figured it only took her a little while to make one in no time flat so I figured I can make three in a couple of hours, right? Wrong! Whatever could go wrong, went wrong...

1. To embroider on towels, you can't hoop them (or risk breaking your hoop) so you need to hoop the stabilizer and glue the towel to the stabilizer.....off to the store for some quilting glue.
2. If you embroider on something like terrycloth you need to put a water soluble stabilizer on the front of it so the stitches don't sink in.......back to the store for water soluble stabilizer. 
3. When embroidering and using orange, make sure you have the correct orange thread to match....back to the store.
4. When choosing a button for your project when you are a beginner, pick a button that fits in the button foot.....tore the house apart looking for suitable buttons that fit.  

Oh yeah, these are not perfect by no means but those imperfections just make them unique. (At least that is what I tell myself.) But alas our hop is done and so are my towels so off they go into the mail.

Speaking of things to mail...

What's a blog hop without a blog prize? I have a Your Story Photo that I will be giving away. (US Only but those international skip to "*"). You may be wondering what is it. The best way to explain it is just have you watch this on YouTube. (I don't know her but she shows what it is and how to use it the best.)




*Just leave one comment on this post including International Visitors so you go into the drawing for the Grand Prize which is open Internationally. Those of you in the US, your comment will enter you in my giveaway drawing automatically. (You do not have to follow my blog but I would love it if you did.)


How it works:

I will be closing comments for my give-a-way tomorrow at 9:00PM EST and use 'Randy' (Random Generator) to pull one name from today's comments. I will add that to the other two names I have from the prior two days and again Randy will pick one of you as the Final Winner. I will announce the winner by midnight tomorrow. Remember, you will have three days to claim your prize once the hop ends. I will try and contact you if I can otherwise please check back by Thursday to see if you are the winner. (If left unclaimed, on Friday I will pick a new winner.) Good Luck to all!

*I am not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen prizes. I mail at the PO and will have proof of mailing it to you. However, whatever happens from that point is beyond my control.

Remember, if you would like to be eligible for the sponsor giveaway (Grand Prize) start at the Fiskafriends blog, follow the instructions there but be sure to leave one comment on this post. At the end of the hop I will use "Randy" to choose a name (international hoppers are included too) and turn it in. For details on how they pick the winners from the names all the blogs turn in, please see the Fiskafriends Blog for their details. 

Everyone (International visitors also), did you comment on the first and second day's post (Day 1 & 2)? If you did, do not comment again. If you didn't, although the comments are closed for my individual prize for that day, scroll down and leave one comment so you will be entered in for the Grand Prize. 

Thanks for hopping by but now it is time for you to hop on over to another wonderful Fiskafriend, Cindy deRosier, #4113.


Full Blog Hop List

Start here: Fiskafriends 

  1. Jean Bullock, #8889
  2. Susan Slomski, #6150    (You are here)
  3. Cindy deRosier, #4113
  4. Tifany DeGough, #5942
  5. Cheryl Waters, #002
  6. Jean Marmo, #7358
  7. Teresa Godines #6857
  8. Michelle O'Driscoll #7586 
  9. Nancy Carroll  #11488  
  10. Maya Oren-Dahan #351  
  11. Amy Martin Jones #8546
  12. Karen Poirier-Brode (Ladydoc) #2858 
  13. Tanya Napier #5407 
  14. Pamela Haskin #8040 
  15. Stasia Sloma #9314 
  16. Tracy Moloney  #6773
  17. Kim Chenez #5612

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Fiskafriends - The Power of Community Blog Hop - Day 2

This hop is open to everyone! International visitors are included for a chance of winning the Grand Prize!


Welcome! If you came from Jean Bullock's blog then you are in the right place. 
If not, please go to the beginning at the Fiskafriends Blog.

March 27th-29th, we are celebrating our First Anniversary with a Fiskafriend Blog Hop. You do not have to be a Fiskafriend to visit and comment on our bloggers' posts. In addition to the Grand Prize, some of the blogs are offering prizes too but be sure to read each blog's rules and requirements as some may not provide international mailing.



Day 2

Continuing on with Birthday Cards which I never seem to have enough of, I wanted to share the one I made on Tuesday. 



(I used Stampin' Up products.)


Note:
1. Even a couple of the same item (balloons) can be used together.
2. One word repeatedly stamped works for a different effect.
3. If you repeat that word elsewhere, stamp off first (when you ink your stamp, stamp it on scrap     paper first then use it to stamp on your card) so it is lighter, it won't take away from the card and will fill that 'white' area giving it a more 'finished' look.
4. Instead of cutting your card to size, cut it 1/4" narrow so your embellishments can hang over the sides and your card will still fit in the standard envelope. 


What's a blog hop without a blog prize? I have a Your Story Photo that I will be giving away. (US Only but those international skip to "*"). You may be wondering what is it. The best way to explain it is just have you watch this on YouTube. (I don't know her but she shows what it is and how to use it the best.)




Hint: When you run out of covers, you can make your own. To see how watch this YouTube Video.
(I do not know her, nor promoting her. I just found she explains it best as I don't make videos).

*Just leave one comment on this post including International Visitors so you go into the drawing for the Grand Prize which is open Internationally. Those of you in the US, your comment will enter you in my giveaway drawing automatically. (You do not have to follow my blog but I would love it if you did.)

Remember to come back tomorrow for Day 3 and your final chance to be entered.

How it works:

I will be closing comments for my give-a-way each day at 9:00PM EST (with the arrival of the new post) and use 'Randy' (Random Generator) to pull one name from today's comments. You still can leave comments after 9, you just won't be included in that day's pick for my drawing. (However, you will  still be entered for the Grand Prize drawing.)  I will be doing the same for the tomorrow's post also. At the end of the hop, these semi-finalist names will then be put in (so there will be three of you, one from each day) and again Randy will pick one of you as the Final Winner. Remember, you will have three days to claim your prize once the hop ends. I will try and contact you if I can otherwise please check back by Thursday to see if you are the winner. (If left unclaimed, on Friday I will pick a new winner.) Good Luck to all!

*I am not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen prizes. I mail at the PO and will have proof of mailing it to you. However, whatever happens from that point is beyond my control.

Remember, if you would like to be eligible for the sponsor giveaway (Grand Prize) start at the Fiskafriends blog, follow the instructions there but be sure to leave one comment on this post. At the end of the hop I will use "Randy" to choose a name (international hoppers are included too) and turn it in. For details on how they pick the winners from the names all the blogs turn in, please see the Fiskafriends Blog for their details. 

Everyone (International visitors also), did you comment on yesterday's post (Day 1)? If you did, do not comment again. If you didn't, although the comments are closed for my individual prize for that day, scroll down and leave one comment so you will be entered in for the Grand Prize. 

Thanks for hopping by but now it is time for you to hop on over to another wonderful Fiskafriend, Cindy deRosier, #4113.


Full Blog Hop List

Start here: Fiskafriends 

  1. Jean Bullock, #8889
  2. Susan Slomski, #6150    (You are here)
  3. Cindy deRosier, #4113
  4. Tifany DeGough, #5942
  5. Cheryl Waters, #002
  6. Jean Marmo, #7358
  7. Teresa Godines #6857
  8. Michelle O'Driscoll #7586 
  9. Nancy Carroll  #11488  
  10. Maya Oren-Dahan #351  
  11. Amy Martin Jones #8546
  12. Karen Poirier-Brode (Ladydoc) #2858 
  13. Tanya Napier #5407 
  14. Pamela Haskin #8040 
  15. Stasia Sloma #9314 
  16. Tracy Moloney  #6773
  17. Kim Chenez #5612

Friday, March 27, 2015

Fiskafriends - The Power of Community Blog Hop - Day 1

This hop is open to everyone! International visitors are included for a chance of winning the Grand Prize!


Welcome! If you came from Jean Bullock's blog then you are in the right place. 
If not, please go to the beginning at the Fiskafriends Blog.

March 27th-29th, we are celebrating our First Anniversary with a Fiskafriend Blog Hop. You do not have to be a Fiskafriend to visit and comment on our bloggers' posts. In addition to the Grand Prize, some of the blogs are offering prizes too but be sure to read each blog's rules and requirements as some may not provide international mailing.



Day 1


Happy Birthday Fiskafriends!!!  We are a year old!


Here is a better look at it.


I must admit it! I ate the cake and ice cream but I hope you like the birthday card. 

Note: 
Boarder punches are not just for scrapbook pages.
Use half of a punch to give your page or card feet or fancy tops/bottoms as well.
Just a splash of color goes a long way. 
Not every card has to have one fold.


What's a blog hop without a blog prize? I have a Your Story Photo that I will be giving away. (US Only but those international skip to "*"). You may be wondering what is it. The best way to explain it is just have you watch this on YouTube. (I don't know her but she shows what it is and how to use it the best.)






*Just leave one comment on this post including International Visitors so you go into the drawing for the Grand Prize which is open Internationally. Those of you in the US, your comment will enter you in my giveaway drawing automatically. (You do not have to follow my blog but I would love it if you did.)

Remember to come back tomorrow for Day 2. I have a new post and another chance for you to win a giveaway. 

How it works:

I will be closing comments for my give-a-way each day at 9:00PM EST (with the arrival of the new post) and use 'Randy' (Random Generator) to pull one name from that day's comments. You still can leave comments, you just won't be included in that day's pick for my drawing. (However, you will still be entered for the Grand Prize drawing.)  I will be doing the same for the following two days. At the end, these semi-finalist names will then be put in (so there will be three of you, one from each day) and again Randy will pick one of you as the Final Winner. Remember, you will have three days to claim your prize. I will try and contact you but if I can't please check back by Thursday to see if you are the winner. (If left unclaimed, on Friday I will pick a new winner.) Good Luck to all!

~I am not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen prizes. I mail at the PO and will have proof of mailing it to you. However, whatever happens from that point is beyond my control.

Remember, if you would like to be eligible for the sponsor giveaway (Grand Prize) start at the Fiskafriends blog, follow the instructions there but be sure to leave one comment on this post. At the end of the hop I will use "Randy" to choose a name (international hoppers are included too) and turn it in. For details on how they pick the winners from the names all the blogs turn in, please see the Fiskafriends Blog for their details. 

Thanks for hopping by but now it is time for you to hop on over to another wonderful Fiskafriend, Cindy deRosier, #4113.


Full Blog Hop List

Start here: Fiskafriends 

  1. Jean Bullock, #8889
  2. Susan Slomski, #6150    (You are here)
  3. Cindy deRosier, #4113
  4. Tifany DeGough, #5942
  5. Cheryl Waters, #002
  6. Jean Marmo, #7358
  7. Teresa Godines #6857
  8. Michelle O'Driscoll #7586 
  9. Nancy Carroll  #11488  
  10. Maya Oren-Dahan #351  
  11. Amy Martin Jones #8546
  12. Karen Poirier-Brode (Ladydoc) #2858 
  13. Tanya Napier #5407 
  14. Pamela Haskin #8040 
  15. Stasia Sloma #9314 
  16. Tracy Moloney  #6773
  17. Kim Chenez #5612