A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

June 4, 2014

Baby Card and The Wild Kingdom

Greetings!

After a lovely visit, my sister has left. I'm back in the Playhouse and my first priority was to make a new baby card for an attorney friend I used to work for. She and her husband just welcomed twins, Jack and Abigail! They join their two big brothers, so my friend has her hands full. I'm delighted she has a little girl now, too!!

I made a simple white-on-white CAS card, punctuated with a single shiny bow I happened to have in my stash that cornveniently has threads of both pink and blue!

The onesie die is from Papertrey Ink, the swiss dots embossing folder is Cuttlebug, the flat sequints are from my stash, and the ribbon is by Darice. That sit. I decided against a congratulations tag or banner, choosing to let the bow take center stage all by itself. The inside will have the sediment with lots of exclamation points for this blessed event!

Can I just say that w-o-w cards are terribly hard to photograph?! I know the one I'm showing is too busy against the flowers and the sun washed it out too much, but I took several photos inside against several different colored backgrounds (even black) and in the end, these outside shots were the least washed out. Maybe w-o-w cards are the one type of card where using a flash is best? I didn't try that option. Any advice is most welcome. Thank you!

I am entering my card in the current:

CASology challenge where the cue card word is "shine," which my ribbon certainly does!
Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge where the theme is "simple." Here is the inspiration photo:
Please make sure you click on the links for the details regarding rules, sponsors, and prizes. You will also find exceptional ideas and inspiration from the talented Design Teams for creating your own work of art to enter!

The Wild Kingdom

I have a few photos to share, including one of the raccoon I mentioned in my last post. Diana is a very good amateur photographer and photography is an interest we both share, as well as a love of trees, birds, and, basically all things nature. Even though I live in a suburban area, a lot of you know that we are fortunate to have a variety of hawks living nearby. Not to mention Hitler, the hummer. 

Well, during my sister's visit, all things ornithological were about and providing us with tons of entertainment and photographic opportunities. Hitler alone entertained her for hours on his swing and she got some amazing shots. I put my watermark on the photos to protect them, but all the photographs were taken by Diana, cept the ones of the two of us, of course.

Kites
Cooper's Hawk
Hitler
Yet another winged critter happened by.

We had lunch at a local winery where we each enjoyed a few glasses.
Just kidding, we each had a "flight" which consists of three little tastes amounting to one glass of wine. It's a fun way to try different wines.

We also enjoyed a Farmer's Market. These photos were also all taken by Diana.
Here we are taking a rest after the exercise we got eating the world's largest cinnamon roll. Each. I cropped the photo so just our faces were visible.
Diana and Darnell
My sister asked me why I cropped it. I showed her the full shot.
She looked at it and then looked at me aquizzically. I said, "For crying out loud, Diana," pointing to the screen, "I just wore an old bra and look, my breastesses are down around my elbows!" From seeing the photo now, I can see how my sister (older and smarter) wore her jacket just so in order to stimulate perky boobs. Clever.

The full photo reminds me of this image, shown here on a card I entered in the "Ugliest Card Ever" contest.
We weren't even trying to look like that. It just happens. Oh Vanity. Thank goodness it ceases to exist as you get older (at least in our family) and becomes just plain funny!

~~~

So. The raccoon. This all started about three weeks ago with footprints across the deck leading from one of the birdbaths. I showed them to the Mister and commented that the squirrel had been by. He cocked his head and looked at me aquizzically (I get that a lot) and noted that it must be a pretty big squirrel.

Turns out it wasn't a squirrel as a few nights later at dusk, a big ol' coon sauntered across the deck and went under it. Mister was after it in a flash with the garden hose, but didn't see where it went. A few minutes later I walked across the deck and into the house and as I walked I heard some scratching noises. Still walking, I glanced over my shoulder and there was the raccoon staring at me from the tree I had just walked under! GASP!

For a couple of weeks we were trying to coexist with the darn thing. After dark, I began traver singing between the house and the Playhouse armed with a large flashlight and an umbrella. Then things turned ugly when it started using our backyard as it's bathroom. That is not cute!

We blocked any access to under the deck and emptied the birdbaths and that seemed to help. Then one evening while Diana was here, we were sitting in the deck chairs and suddenly the Cooper's Hawk started screeching to beat the band. Diana grabbed her camera and we dashed out front. Several of the neighbors were out there exclaiming that the coon had gone up our maple tree and the hawk wasn't the least bit happy about it. When the raccoon came down, Diana was able to get a photo when it climbed on top of the fence.
So that was our excitement during her visit. (It doesn't take much to get us becited!!) Any advice on getting rid of a raccoon would be appreciated. We have no pets and the garbage cans are impenetrable. Oh, wait, you'll love this. One of the helpful hints Mister found online was that coons don't like mothballs, so he liberally placed mothballs in the two potty places. The next morning we got up and the dirty rac had pooped right on TOP of the mothballs! I took a picture, but since you're having a snack, I won't share it.

I'll leave you with this timely cartoon I just saw on Facebook.

Thank you if you stuck it out through this post! Here is a reminder that I DID make a card!

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS!* 

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment and/or join as a follower! Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor! 
  
 
*Life Is Too Short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrolling:
Click CTL + Home.
Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post.
Click Page Down to reach the end of the post.
Click Comments and the pop-up box opens.
Click Jump to Comment Form; no more car pool tunnel!
Mwah!

82 comments:

scrappymo! said...

hahahahaha I love the mothball saga!

I don't know how to get rid of coons...they can be quite dangerous though so do be careful when you go to the playhouse!

Great card...lovin' that pretty ribbon too!

Sue said...

Oh I did laugh at the boobies going south:)

Looks like you had a fab time.

Lovely card.

We don't have Racoons in England. They are lovely looking animals, but I can understand it wasn't welcomed once it starting using your yard as it's toilet.



Loll said...

Hi Dolly. You and Diana look so happy in your pics ... looks like you had a fun time and lots of laughs! :)

Great wildlife photos too ... expert with the camera, I'd say!

And your onesie w-o-w card is so sweet, love that both pink and blue are in the ribbon. W-o-w cards are difficult to photo ... along with anything cards that are shiny - ugghhh! I've had lots of grief with both. I actually find that the lower the light, the better it works for me (especially for shiny cards). Lolly xx

Lisa Elton said...

CUTE little baby card Darnell, sounds like the new momma has her hands full! Ooooh the wildlife you have! My hubby would be in photography heaven, bless his heart. Thanks for all of the photos. I have to say I let out a BIG ol' laugh when I saw the photo of you with your sister and then the "ugly" card along with your commentary...laughing again as I type!!!

Suze Bain said...

Hee, hee, what a jolly post Darnell. Great pics of the swinging sisters and all the local wildlife and your baby card is so cute. Congrats on having 500 followers too! Xx

Eve said...

Hi Darnell,
sorry I haven't called by for a while :(
Gorgeous baby card - I think that baby cards are my favourite cards to make.
Haven't got any advice on photo'ing WOW or racoons I'm afraid. Now if it was a fox apparently the man of the house is supposed to wee around the garden to 'mark his territory' - I kid you not!!
Anyway I will leave it there before the men in white coats knock on my door!! LOL! xx

Melissa said...

OMW, Darnell! I am ROFL over this post! You never cease to entertain this girl!!! I am laughing so hard at that photo of you and your sis and the corresponding commentary. You really should write a book using these blog posts of yours! For serious. :)
As for your card, I think that bow deserves to be center stage! That is THE prettiest bow I've seen! I don't even TRY to tie bows anymore because mine always end up looking like a big ole knot of nothing and a awful distraction rather than a beautiful accessory. You win the bow tying award in my book! Gorgeous!!!
Thank you so much for joining us over at CASology for our SHINE challenge! My eyes are shining with tears of laughter! :)

Christine said...

Cute card, very beautiful!
Christine

Verna Angerhofer said...

What a great onesie card you created. I so enjoyed that writing too about all the wildlife and also happy you seemed to have fun with your sister. That took priority over any creativity and well it should as family is very important.

Redanne said...

Oh what a great post today Darnell! I love the Racoon story - we don't have them over here so, sorry, I can't help. Probably Mister with the hose pipe might be the best idea after all?

I love the onesie card and the bow is just stunning. I am not going to mention the boobies - cough, cough.

David loved the photos of Hitler. Hugs, Annie xx

Barb Ghig said...

OMGosh, Darnell...you are a HOOT!!! It's always so much fun to visit your blog...thank you!

Firstly, I love your baby card! I think all the 'white' is what's causing your photog problems (inside or out), but it's easy to see that it's very sweet, and I love, love the two-toned ribbon with your gorgeous bow!

The commentary you made about the photo of you and your sister had me 'screaming' with laughter! Thank you so much...I needed that today :-) I hope you can get the situation with the raccoon under control quickly! I wish I had a solution for you, but alas I am a 'city mouse'!

Thanks so much for another fun post! And, I'm with Melissa...you should write a book! I know many of us would LOVE to own a copy! Hugs ~ Barb

Nan G said...

ROFLOL 😂😂😂😂 An uncontrolled bout of hysterical laughter will cause leakage! You're not the only one getting older. Now back to normal commenting....the card pic is fine. The purple flowers in the background helped to accentuate the sparkly bow. Fab pics by your sister of the birds and little hitler! ......more ROFLOL'ing! The ugliest card is so.....perfect. LOL LOL Oh jeez, Darnell can't even get thru the whole post without a second potty break. phew. It's been years since I've had to deal with raccoons but the comment about, um, weeing might work. LOL Finished reading your post in the sshhh (privy). 😉

Pia S said...

I think this combined design for a baby girl and boy is just brilliant! It's almost like this ribbon was made for this occasion! Clever design indeed, and ah so cute!

Hettie said...

Haa Haa! I don't know which to laugh at first...your boobies going South or the Racoon having a poop on the mothballs - poor moth!!
Did you know that moths fly with their legs apart? That is cos of the size of their balls! LOL!
Great card! Will have to remember this idea next time...I am sure there will be a fresh one at our place pretty soon!
Hugs
xx

Mrs A. said...

Well at least on your card your holding your handbag in a strategic position !! So far this week I have had a lizard drop out of the tree I was siting under. Missed me with inches to spare. Like your baby card . Simples but cute. Hugs Mrs a.

Unknown said...

Hi Dippy - looks like you and Diana had a fabulously "swinging" time (!!!) but sensible to crop the photo......hehe! Amazing wildlife photos, especially love the ones of Hitler. What a pesky raccoon - not something we get over here but they always make me laugh (perhaps because we only see them in cartoons!) - hope you manage to persuade him to pay someone else a visit very soon. Oh, by the way, meant to say I love your WOW card for the twins......nearly forgot!

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

shirley-bee said...

Fab post, Darnell! Love the onesie card and dual-purpose bow and I think you've done really well photographing the w-o-w card.

I know they're troublemakers, but you've got to admit, that's a stunning raccoon - look at those markings!

Alanna said...

What a darling card. I'm sure your friend loved it. I love all the texture on the onesie and card.

And how wonderful that you could spend time with your sister. I loved both pictures of you together.

Carole said...

Nasty little bandits...raccoons, but such a cute wow onesie card. Great pics. I see you now have 500 fans...
You've rocked the blog-as-phere.

Viv said...

Great pics, a great post and a great card Darnell!x

Pat said...

When you and the Mister become the next Phyllis Diller and Fang I'll brag about how long I've known how funny you are! Love your posts. Your cards are always beautiful and your clever wordings keep my brain alert figuring out what it was you (meant to) say. Oh, but I understood fully why you cropped the pic! Because I live in an area with a large elderly population (I fit in very well here) it's been reported that the average bra size is 38Long. LOL!

Sharon Underwood said...

You are so funny! I love all the stories you shared. So glad you had a fun visit with your sister -- what a great pic! You'll have fun memories of that one for a long time! I had to call a trapper for my raccoon--she got into the walls & scratched all night long, then had babies! Just sayin...

Carole Pollard said...

First a brilliant baby card I just love this its so sweet. What a great day out with your sister such fun was had by all!! I've had those flights while on holiday in Florida and they are just a brilliant idea Love and Happy Crafting Hugs Carole x

Sue said...

You know you always cheer me up Darnell, thank you for that!
Your card is gorgeous, I love the design and such beautiful ribbon.
Thank you sharing your fabulous photos and I hope find a way to deter the raccoon from your garden.
hugs Sue xx

Aileen said...

Ohhh Darnell I do love your posts. Poop on the moth balls just cracked me up. So sorry no suggestions from here as we dont have these critters here in Australia. Love your (sisters) photos you shared and of course another beautiful card. Thanks for the giggle, its a great way to start the day!

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Loving the greeting card, very pretty.
You are so lucky to have wildlife like that but the coon using you yard as his bathroom, I wonder if cat repellent might put him off, we use the one with garlic in it, it's a bit smelly at first but must be better than what he leaves behind lol!
Happy crafting, Angela x @Felix the Crafty Cat #7

Sue said...

Oh my Darnell I have chuckled so much at your blog post hahaha! your card is gorgeous! huggles Sue xxx

Karen Petitt said...

Thank you and my thanks to your lovely sister Diana for sharing those beautiful photograph's with us. I too love nature, and birds so I love seeing those photo's. Been rabbiting on at DH about those birds too lol!
Your baby card is so pretty and so very elegant too - I bet they will love it. May the lord bless those bug ugly tops/bras that make it bearable to wear one at all - and I give thanks for the hoodie too! Karen xx

Sue - said...

Great post Darnell - think you should write a book! Lovely card for your friend and super wildlife photos too. Will try to remember to show them to my son when he visits this weekend. He's a keen photographer and bird enthusiast. Hugs Sue x

Bonnie said...

Love the card, Darnell! And WOW is almost impossible to get to look as good ARL!

We've had a big problem with squirrels at our house. We've greased up the poles to the bird feeders to keep them down but they were hanging out on our deck all the time. DH got a squirrel trap (I think it works for coons too.) He put some nuts in the trap and relocated 2 of the pesky buggers to a park a LONG way off.

I went to wash my hands yesterday morning and there was a little frog in my sink! It's a wonder I didn't wake up the whole neighborhood. We can't figure out how it came in but last night I closed the drain on the sink. Just in case! Isn't life full of surprises!

Carol L said...

Thanks for the reminder of your adorable card! I'd almost forgotten it in the midst of all the photos and funny stories and adventures! I haven't heard the term "breastesses" since the days of "In Living Color" with Damon Wayans! LOL That story/photo was too funny :) Good luck with your raccoon - we're dealing with a very aggressive red squirrel that chooses to run back & forth on our front porch while we're sitting there, barely missing our feet!!! It's freaking me out big-time!

Anonymous said...

Looks like a fabulous time! I had coons in my year when the stray cat was coming around, hes gone and so are the racoons. They are scavengers! Love the card!!!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

oh my gawd! That cartoon dog doing his business on the neighbor's lawn. What a hoot!!!! And raccoons... goodness they can be mean. I just ignored the one we had and he found better places to hang out... like the neighbor's who also left her trash by the door. That's it! Throw trash into your neighbor's yard and make the raccoon their problem!!! See, how helpful I can be when medicated to the gills. And breatseseessss... you imply they aren't supposed to be down around your elbows? Hmmm... Oh and look! You made a card. How sweet. That ribbon is fabulous!!!!! Simply fah-boo-lous!

Pat said...

Oh dear Darnell, the coon does look kinda big. The nearest we get to problem critters is a friend of ours had a problem with a squirrel which got in the loft/roof space and started trying to chew through cables and they were not amused. It looks like you and your sister had a great time, and I love the photos. My DH seems to revel in taking photos of me when I least expect it and mostly they are not particularly flattering, and on seeing I often insist he hits the delete button. Your friend must have been so pleased with that lovely WOW baby card and so pretty with the beautiful two toned ribbon, just right for twins. x

Sue said...

Love your W O W card. So pretty and love the blue & pink ribbon...works perfectly for the twins.

I don't have any solutions about the raccoon. We had family friends that use to have a raccoon as a pet. They loved that coon. Not me, I wanted nothing to do with it. I hope he disappears soon.

Glad you had a great time with your sister, too.

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

Hi Darnell your onesie die cut looks fabulous with the embossing and ribbon, beautiful design. Looks like fun with your sister including the BIG glasses of wine. You are funny, great pose in the photo :) Goodluck with the Racoon. Take care, Shirleyx

Paper Creations by Shirley said...

ps.. congratulations on 500 followers !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bobby said...

The bird pictures are fabulous. I so adore watching them just like you. Diana is good with that camera of hers. As for the raccoon, how can something so "cute" be so destructive.

Speaking of cute. Your card is darling and so perfect for the occasion.

JD/ Jill said...

Your card is adorable...and again you gave me my laugh for today, and actually so did many of your followers...Your humor must rub off on them...

Happy Dance said...

Sweetie, call the 'critter gitters' and get rid of that raccoon. One pair gnawed the house next to our daughter's, and they had a whole family living in the attic before they knew what was going on! Not nice!! Card is perfect for twins. Love the wow, and it photographed just fine. You had me laughing at the boobs n elbows. Spit coke on the monitor... Glad you had a nice visit with your sister too! Bev

Sheila H said...

First, your baby card is so fun and classic. The bow is an eyeful! I'm glad you and you sister had a nice time. I enjoyed the picture story! I wish I could help you with the raccoon. Keep us posted.

dottielottie said...

Hey Darnell, I finally made it back to The Playhouse and what a treat. Lovely WOW Onesie card (very cute). Stunning photo's of birds of prey and little Hitler, a fantastic pic of a Dragonfly. A montage that reminded me of holidays in the South of France. Then the happy snap of you and your sis, but it was the next pic and your comments about breastesses and stimulated perky breasts that really cracked me up.You do a soul good. lol
As for the Raccoon I (think!) I would like to have him as a visitor, as long as it was for a short stay!! So thank you for your great post and making me laugh, after all LITS.
Hugs Lottie x

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...

Your card is so super sweet! Thanks for sharing such great pics and good luck getting rid of that raccoon!Carri~Abusybee
Skittles!

Diane Jaquay said...

Love the sweet polka dot baby outfit (and the white on white!) The ribbon you added to your card is PERFECT! Glad you had a nice visit with your sister :)

Jacquie Southas said...

First things first, the card is so sweet! Second, I laughed so hard at the wrong bra issue my 15 yr old said "wait, are you laughing at what I just said or something on the computer?" Oops, I guess I should have been paying attention to him, but I told him he wasn't ready yet to see what I was laughing at. We had major raccoon issues in WA - lots of hosing down to make them feel unwelcome and head to the neighbors. At one point we had a professional trap on the roof - they baited it with chocolate sauce & marshmallows. Hopefully the hawks will help you chase him away.

Susanne Vargas said...

Hahaha, how did you know that I was eating a snack? So I thank you for not sharing THAT photo! Oh my, another post from you that had me in stitches! Hope you get rid of that raccoon soon (sorry don't know how)! Glad to hear that you had a great time with you sister! She is an awesome photographer! If you hadn't pointed out that your boobies were down at your elbows I wouldn't have noticed!
Oh, and your w-o-w baby card is simply adorable!

Tracey McNeely said...

Darnell I love your shiny ribbon and take on Curtain Call. Thanks you so much for sharing with us at both CASology and the Curtain Call!

Kim Heggins said...

Darnell...what a fabulous post filled with so many gorgeous photos, your sister is amazing with the camera...I love them all. Your baby card is just too cute too. I love that you added "snaps" at the bottom, just to sweet. Sounds like you and your sister had a wonderful visit too and those wine glasses...hmmmm

Colleen said...

First the card is awesome, your story is over the top...are you sure you are not a famous ghost writer known by a different name? Fabulous pictures...wow, your sister is talented!

Patti said...

Wonderful stories!! Amazing pictures!!! Beautiful card! I just love how you used the pink and blue ribbon for the twins : )

Brace yourself the Raccoon adventures might get ugly. Those critters think they are boss! if you are lucky your local DNR will trap and remove it. : ( They will not leave willingly I'm afraid!

Patti

Gerrina said...

I liked reading your post so much, that I forgot wich card you made! Allways fun to have your sister come over! (Mine will be here in August) And the coon is a smart animal...
Love the white on white and the ribbon! Hugs, Gerrina

Manuela said...

super cute baby card,love the big bow on it,
also great photos, looks like a lot of fun :-))
Manuela

Hannelie said...

You have me chuckling now Darnell. THANKS for that! :) You are a lucky girl for more than one reason... you and your sis had a great time... you have so many lovely birds in your area ... and you made a card perfect for the challenges that inspired you!
Have a great day!

Jasleen Kaur said...

LOL......I don't remember the last time I laughed this much after reading a blogger's post. You have a terrific sense of humour(although I may be the zillionth one saying it).

Your shiny tied bow is fantastic. Cute card.

Marilyn said...

Glad you had a good time with your sister. Beautiful pictures

Brenda in IN said...

All I can say is WOW. Wow for the card you made. That ribbon is truly gorgeous and perfect for this occasion. It looks like you and your sister had a great time and laughed a lot. She has really captured some great photos. The dragonfly pix is outstanding. Your "pet" raccoon is so big! I laughed when he used the moth balls. The cartoon cracked me up. I'm sure you enjoyed your visit with her and it's great you could get together.

Kim M said...

Hey Darnell! Your card is so super sweet! Love that ribbon!! Sounds like you had a great visit with your sister. :-). Love all the animal pics! Sorry you are having trouble with the raccoon. They are nasty creatures despite looking rather cute. There was a family of them living in on of the old barns that's behind our house we noticed a couple of weeks ago. Not sure if they are still there or not. You reason for cropping your picture of you and your sister had me laughing so hard I almost choked! LOL! You are so funny! Well, have a lovely day! Hugs! :-)

Lynette said...

Love the white on white onesie. And I love reading your stories. Such an entertaining place to visit:) Here's to hoping you can stop in and visit us in Des Moines some time!

Ustvarjalni utrinki Tamara P. said...

Super cute card and amazing fotos
hugs Tamara

Chriss Blagrave said...

I love your card Darnell, the ribbon as the focal point is a stunner! I LOVE this post! You had me laughing all along with all of the adventures you and sis had. What a fun week. The photos you shared were so delightful!
Have a great rest of the week and Stay Calm and Carry an Umbrella. ;))

Robin said...

Hi Darnell! Its been a couple of weeks since I came by to visit you and the playhouse. I LOVE the card. Te pictures of the birds, you and your sister, and the even the masked bandit made me smile this morning! Have a great day. Hugs, Rasz

cm said...

Oh for gosh sakes, I've hurt body parts from rolling on the floor in hysterics over this post! From the dangling boobies to the raccoon's poopies, I'm close to bursting! You sure know how to add bedazzles to our day!! And yes, your card is absolutely adorable!! Sorry, have to flail around in giggles for a bit more...Hugs, dear friend ~ c

Geri said...

Lorne Green's Wild Kingdom best step aside cuz there's a new show in town!

Fabulous photos! Thanks so much for sharing them! Visiting your blog is the highlight of my day!

Great card! I LOVE that ribbon! I think the photo looks just fine. It is tough to capture 'depth' with a WOW card. Holding a light source to the side to create a shadow will work...sometimes!

Ardyth said...

Gorgeous ribbon (love the shine) but how many fingers did you have to use to make that fancy bow - it's so pretty! You'll need a box to deliver this one so that the recipient sees it in it's full glory! So glad you joined us at CASology my friend! (looks like fun with your sister, too!)

Brenda said...

Wow, you have been so busy Darnell! I love the card-especially with the blue and pink bow, that couldn't have worked out any better if you tried! WOW cards are hard to photograph, but I think you did a great job. I always have the problem with either to much sun or not enough sun. lol Wish I could help you, but I struggle myself. I loved your sisters wild life photos-they are amazing!!! I also love the picture of you and her have a few glasses, oh wait, tasting wine. Looks like fun, hubby and I like to go and taste wine at our local winery from time to time. You totally cracked me up with the bra pic and story-I can laugh because I'm huge busted and I have a problem finding bras in my size, have to order them. But I get bras that don't support me and I'm always looking too see where the girls are hanging. lol So I can relate!! Now about that coon! They can be nasty, so watch it!!! We trap them here on the farm because they get so bad and eat all the sweet corn. Do you have a wild life trapper you can call to come and set a trap. If I live in CA I'd send hubby over to trap it for ya. But like I said, you don't want to corner them cause they will turn nasty real quick so be careful!! He is really beautiful though. Hugs, Brenda

alexandra s.m. said...

You are so funny and talented Darnell!
Thank You for the pictures and the anecdotes with Mr Raccoon! Your card is beautiful, very "pure" looking!

Gillian R said...

Darnell, yours posts always make me smile. What a wonderful attribute to have! Your baby card is adorable too. thank you so much for joining us this week at CASology

Cindy H. said...

What a sweet little card! Love the shiny bow! My DH and I laughed and laughed over your episodes with the raccoon. I have no advice as to how to keep them away as it sounds like you've done all the things I'd do already. Looks like you and your sister had a wonderful time.

Michelle said...

OMG! I was already giggling, but the mothball story tipped me over the edge! Raccoons look so cute, what do they do that people don't want them in their yards? We have possums all over the place here, but the worst they do is get inside the roof space and keep us awake at night (oh, and use the ceiling as a toilet...)

Greta said...

Oh dear--you've got me in stitches, Darnell! Think I'll leave it at that, except to say that this is one of the cutest baby cards I've ever seen! That ribbon is amazing & you were right to leave the words all for the inside! Your sister is an amazing photographer! For the life of me I can't get a decent shot & we're having a wonderful bird year!

wienerhoneymooners said...

WOW, what a shiny spectacle-Yar Card.... No one is as good at word play as you dearie, no-one!!!! LOVE it.... sitting here with the hubby laughing over your LIttle Miss Elaine E ..Uss!!!! And the dog Business!! ...We just giggled..

Oh, thanks so ever much for your continued support of CASology!!!

Congrats on a Linky Party, what FUN!!!

-Kimberly

Anita in France said...

Well, Darnell, where to start?? Your card ... so beautiful, I love white on white so this is perfect ... especially with that stunning ribbon! Your sister's visit looks and sounds so much fun ... and so yummy ... amazing photo's! The raccoon ... looks gorgeous but his habits ... yuk! Could you call in the grand-dog to do a little scaring? Hugs, Anita :)

Viv said...

What a corker of a card Dee ! I just adore it, WOW , a baby card and lots of scrummy coloured ribbon too. It's a masterpiece!So funny hearing all about your activities.I do hope the raccoon takes a holiday somewhere very far away very soon. Try showing him a few postcards of nice places.... he may get the hint :) hugs Vee xx

Ros Crawford said...

What a laugh you gave me ... I'm a BIG fan of editing!! Great photos and your sweet card has the 'aww' factor big time!

Joyce said...

Super sweet baby card. And, that ribbon is just perfect (and shiny, too). As usual, you post was just filled with fun chatter and photos. I always feel like we've had a nice visit whenever I stop by. Thanks so much for playing along at CASology this week.

okienurse said...

awesome post and I love all the pictures! I haven't been able to post on Wednesdays for a while and I have missed it! Sorry I am so late getting around! Thanks for sharing. Vickie #62

Nonni said...

Your onesie card with that gorgeous ribbon is brilliant and you really made me laugh with the bra story... You are too funny! xxx

Nonni said...

Your onesie card with that gorgeous ribbon is brilliant and you really made me laugh with the bra story... You are too funny! xxx

Mau xx said...

What a fun baby card Darnell, I love the onesie.
What a fun post too, you never cease to make me smile and brighten my day. have you tried wearing Big Bloomers for those Breastestes....lol it works honest! and keeps them warm.....lol
Huge hugs Mau xx

Jeanne said...

Hello! My friend, Kay Miller, just posted today about the NBUS challenge and linked your blog and shared that she really enjoyed reading your posts because you were delightful and fun to read. Of course, I had to stop by!And I quite agree with her! *Ü* As I told her, if my garage craft area looked like your playhouse, I would never have moved my schtuff back into the house! I have added your blog to my Feedly and look forward to more entertaining posts such as this one! Great fun! Wonderful humor and some really neat photos! Have a happy day and thanks for sharing!

OH Babs said...

Hi, I am responding about the birds and the raccoon and your sister. Wow you take great photos. The raccoon story had me cracking up. But my favorite was the photo op you cropped to hide the "girls," but I would have cropped to hide the thighs. You are so funny may I call you "Irma?" (Bombeck)

Petra Swart said...

Oh, Darnell, such an enjoyable post from you, again!!!
Your baby card is so lovely - and what a lovely ribbon to use for the boy and girl twins - beautiful bow you've made!!!
Love your beautiful wildlife photos and the lovely one (cropped and uncropped!! LOL!!) of you and your sister!!!
Oh, and I would love to enter some of my 'early day' cards for the 'ugliest card ever' contest!!!! (hope it's still running!!! LOL!!!)
The story of the raccoon is hilarious - enjoyed it so much!!! (doing his business right onto the mothballs!!!!! Cheeky little guy - needs to be taught a lesson or two!!!!)