Hello out there.....

....It has been days, since I have done any kind of creating or any blogging....!  Needless to say, Winter has not been kind to me and between the bitter cold, our major blizzard and the increased pain of dealing with a bad hip - I've been kind of down and out of the loop!   Of course, the Blizzard we really was something and despite being stuck in for 3 days, we really are very lucky, as compared to some of those who had terrible ocean damage.   We lucked out, never lost power or internet and had plenty of food on hand, and for all of that -- I am very grateful.   We ended up with just over 2 feet of snow and with the drifts, there are some places in our yard, where the snow is still 3-4' tall and we know it's going to last quite a week, with the bitter cold temps we've had.  We are also due for another storm on Monday with the potential for another 12"....UGH!   I so want SPRING!!

    This picture was taken Thursday....after we dug out when the sun was shining again....it's amazing at how deep the snow is on the ground, but thankfully we little built up on the roof, due to the high winds.   We are thankful for that, as we do NOT or want to worry about roof trouble....

 The dogs all did great and for the most part, spend a lot of time sleeping and staying warm and snuggly in their beds.  

Zeva, (taken the day of the storm), 

was very happy to say in bed all day!!

Scout was my "brave" boy and did venture out

quite a bit during the storm wearing a nice warm fleece.

Skye - maintained her favorite spot on the corner

of the couch, but kept a watchful on all the snow outside...!

   Thankfully, Hubby was home for two days and that was a life saver as far as all the shoveling that had to be done.  Even with the help of Alex, who arrived on Wednesday with a snow-blower, it still took hours to get the driveway and deck, cleared off.   We also have special paths that were dug for the dogs to easily get down the back stairs of the deck, to their fenced area in our yard.  

      Today, I thought I would PUSH myself to at least make one card for the awesome "Clean and Simple 4" Class that I've been taking all week at the Online Card Classroom.  As usual, it's been another fun-filled and jam packed class -- I only wish I was feeling better, so I could spend even more time participating.   

    This card was inspired by two different days in class, one being the day that everyone was working with "Die Cuts", Day 2, and the second being Day 4, where the focus was on adding "Texture" on our cards.  I really LOVE all the great new tips and hints I have learned, yet again, in this amazing class.  I am always so pleased with all the online classes and they've yet to ever disappoint.   Kristina, Jennifer, Julie and all the Guest Designers, always go over and above to make every class a JOY!!   I highly recommend these classes and LOVE that we have lifetime access.  

  This card, as I noted was inspired by Day 2 and Day 4 and was done in my "Signature" color of Purple, and also in a SPRING theme!  The perfect way to help me forget about all the snow outside.

In addition to adding this to the Class Gallery, I am also submitting it to these fun challenges.

• Simon Says Stamp - Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
• Di's Digital Designs - Include a Heart
• Graph it - Color Crazy - Amethyst 
• Die Cut Diva's - New Year - Anything Goes

  I am now heading into my new "upstairs den" to try and do some of my "pre-surgical" physical therapy exercises, which I might add, have been a LOT more difficult (painful) than I expected.   Even so I do hope by starting a bit now, it will help me be trger and make it easier for me after my surgery.

  This coming week, will be extra special, as my oldest son, (Brian) is coming HOME for a short visit and I just PRAY the weather does not affect his flights.  We have one more storm due Monday and he's due in Tuesday afternoon.  As long as I can make it to the airport on Tuesday to pick him up, I'll be one happy Mom, and so far, it kooks like it should be much better on Tuesday!  YAY!    I can't wait to see him and know that will be the medicine I need to make me smile,    WooHOO!  

  Hope YOU are ALL having a much better winter and good health too!  There is nothing better that good health and I am so looking forward to happier, healthier and warmer days --- Come on SPRING!!

  Oh, and one more thing --- I want to send out a BIG CHEER to my beloved "New England Patriots" who will be playing in the Superbowl tomorrow night.   I hope it's a super game and I truly hope they come back with another WIN for all their fans, here in New England!   GO PATS!!!!