Ty and his team are in Toledo and I am honored to be a volunteer!!!  This Thursday, I will be among many volunteers helping to build a home for a deserving Toledo family.  I am so thrilled at the prospect!  I looked up the schedule and I am on Drywall day.  I don't know they first thing about drywall but I will be there at 6 am sharp (I haven't seen 6 am in a VERY LONG TIME!).

Unfortunately, we are not allowed cameras at the site or I would come back with some very cool pictures!  Maybe I will go back after my shift and see if I can get some.  From the talk around town, there are a lot of people who are planning on doing the same thing!!

As I was driving home today, I pulled in to my subdivision and I thought, "Wow, it is really pretty here!"  So I bypassed my home and drove around my neighborhood snapping some pictures.  It was a rainy day, but you get the point!

Apple Blossom Farms, in Holland, Ohio, is a neat subdivision and today the trees and homes just looked so welcoming.  I don't have a lot of pictures, but please join me as I take a little tour!!!

http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/24096/594047

This is oddly disgusting, yet so facinating!!!

So my friend and I are avid cake decorator's and I am always on the look out for a new cake to duplicate, whether it is the recipe or the design etc.  I came across this cake today and my jaw dropped.  Not because of the design.  It is very simple.  But check out the ingredients.  I have everything at home that I need already!!!  I seriously think I will be making this one very soon!

 Check it out, I love it!!! 

http://www.blackwidowbakery.com/demo/meatcake/index.html

Yes!!!  A Strawberry Festival.  In Holland, Ohio (Springfield Township)!  This year, the Festival will be held June 11th - 15th.  It is the 71st annual one.

I must admit, I have lived in Holland for over 10 years and I have never attended one.  I think I am oing to change that this year.  I was looking at the website for the festival and I noticed that there is a bake off!  I love to bake!!

I was thinking of a strawberry pie, but I am sure that there are tons on those in the bake off.  Does anyone have any good recipes that are sure to win???

I love to read, but sometimes, with all of the work that I should be doing, I feel guilty for taking time out for my guilty pleasure!

Currently, I am reading Coral Moon, Book 2 in the Kanner Lake Series by Brandilyn Collins - It's a pretty good read.

I am also trying to choose a few books from Jack Canfield's Reading List - http://www.jackcanfield.com/pdf/JackCanfieldsReadingList.pdf -

Has anyone read anything new and noteworthy lately?  I am trying to get my summer reading list ready!

Apple Blossom farms, in the Village of Holland, Ohio is a community of over 178 families.  The area, named for its proximity to area apple orchards, is located in an area known for its excellent schools, growing businesses, and community involvement. 

One of the orchards in the area is MacQueen's Apple Barn and Cider Mill.  Open year round, you can enoy fresh baked goods (the apple fritters are especially tasty!), the Christmas Barn, and Farm market.  In the Fall, you can pick your own apples.  Also, during the first weekend of October there is always the Apple Butter Stir and Craft Festival!

  If you are planning a trip to the area, don't miss a stop at MacQueen's.  And if you need someone to share an apple fritter, call me!

I was leaving my house for the office the other morning, after yet another night of SNOW!  Will winter ever end?  As I waited to turn, I looked across the street to a patch of trees.  I had to grab my camera!  The scene was too perfect!  The snow clung to the trees and they were beautiful!       

Don't get me wrong, I am ready for Spring, but I will take this scene as my last glimpse of Winter!