Something that made me happy this month

Hello all - It's nice to have a moment to reflect on happy things from March, and thankfully, I have a few to share!  Even though the video isn't from March, I hope you like the official Richmond Happy Video :)  I thought I'd include it here.

I am happiest that I got to travel to Las Vegas for a few days, to celebrate my aunt's birthday with her.  This is one amazing lady -- she's beaten cancer multiple times, deals with chronic health challenges and yet, she keeps living life!  She loves quilting and has created some amazing pieces on her new high-tech embroidery machine. I enjoyed seeing what she's working on now, and the finished pieces she's done - they are beautiful!  She didn't want her picture taken, but I took some in her sewing room and of the house - The weather was perfect while I was there.

Here are some pictures from my trip:

This is just a sample of all her supplies.

This is the embroidery machine.

Really pretty home in a quiet neighborhood.

Another reason to be happy in March was that SPRING has sprung!  I am not a fan of winter, and even though ours was incredibly mild this year, I was still happy to see it go.  I will share my photos on another swap, if you care to see them, but just know that I am a happy girl when I can open my windows and let in the fresh air!

And the last one I'll share here was that I got my taxes done without an extension this year....and my accountant has already filed them.  The best news?  We're getting money back this year - not a lot, but for the first time in 5 years, we don't owe.  Now THAT'S cause for a celebration!

Thanks for visiting my blog and hope to see you soon!

My favourite picture of the month-February

Hello swappers and friends!

February is such a short month, and ours was unseasonably mild - that makes me happier than you can ever know.  I don't know why I've never liked winter, but I've been this way all my life.  That said, this winter has been incredibly do-able for me!  My big hope and prayer is that we stay like this through March.  The optimist in me says "anything is possible" - the pessimist says "we are surely going to pay for this" and the realist says, "Lord - if we get snow in March, please don't interrupt my flights to and from Las Vegas"!  Seriously, I have the worst luck with travel, but I'm always up for an adventure and I'm excited about my upcoming trip.

So --- back to February!  Here are some of my favorite shots - Hope you enjoy!

I've been trying to step up my game when it comes to making Friendship Books.  Here are some I made that I was quite pleased with:

 So, as I mentioned, we have had a incredibly mild winter, and many trees are already in bloom.  We usually do get them popping out early, but then we get snow or freezing cold rain, and the flowers are history.  This year, we're actually able to enjoy them!  As I'm typing this, it's going to be 80° this afternoon - definitely warm for us, and I ❤️it!

While the weather has been so mild, we've also had some extreme conditions, including a brief hail shower this past weekend:

I'm very pleased that I've been able to take my dog out when I go to the mailbox or to take out the trash, and she's been really good about not taking off and running away.  She'll run laps around the perimeter and burn sone energy, but she comes right to the door when I go back inside.  I think we both are enjoying this very much.

And my final picture of the month is a quote from President Trump's speech last night.  Regardless of your political views, who you supported in the election, or even which country you may be from.... I believe it's time for us to work together towards making our world a better place for all people.  I am hopeful that our best days are yet to come.  Have a fantastic month everyone, and thanks for visiting my blog.  If we're partners on Swap-bot, thanks for posting a rating for me, and I'd love to see your swap too, if you care to share, even if we're not partnered.

Till next time,

Ilyse - Happy Mom