Pat and Sharon traveling on

Well, Pat and Sharon have left to continue their road trip to the parks of the southwest. We had a great time with them here and were sorry to see them go. Can only hope they come back this winter to avoid the snow. 

Here is Pat and Sharon getting ready to go, cleaning the car windows from the rain run off.

Kelly looks like she is ready to go with them!

While Kelly  likes to be held Jazzy wants to walk around and explore, she is still learning her new home.

Now the house is quiet, for the first time we have no company and we slip back into our bad old habits!

We will get more energetic tomorrow, or not!

Arizona living

The reason we bought the house in Arizona was this lime tree in our yard. Not that Gin and Tonics rule me or anything like that! We are settling in at the new house and have Pat and Sharon here to help us! They were great to bring miss Kelly with them and now the whole family is getting settled. I am going to continue to post to the blog  so anyone who wants to know how we are doing can follow us. I know we will have to put in dog pictures since they are the true stars of the blog and have the following. If only they had thumbs they could do it all!

More soon, Gregg

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I Made It!

Yesterday was a really busy day and I didn't get a chance to post anything to the blog, but I've made it to Arizona.  But I'm getting ahead of myself so let's start at the beginning.  We left Albuquerque bright and early and headed for Arizona.  We stopped at Petrified Forest National Park so I could see some really old trees.

We drove through the Painted Desert and Sharon and Pat claimed that it was beautiful but I got tired of jumping up and down every time they stopped at an overlook.

From there we went through the Petrified Forest portion of the park.  Here I am next to a petrified log. It's hard to tell who was more petrified, it or me, because of the three large Ravens stalking me.

There were even petroglyphs on some of the rocks. This rock was called Newspaper Rock, and I'm glad they used pictures to communicate rather than words because I can't read.

                                                        Petrified Wood

After we left the park and headed for Goodyear, we made one more stop.  For anyone who's familiar with the Eagles' song "Take it Easy," this one's for you.  "Standing on a corner .........."

We finally reached Goodyear and there was a joyous reunion.  I was so surprised to see Mom and Dad step out of this house I'd never seen before, and I almost turned myself inside out.  Then they let Jazzy out and we both went crazy.  She was actually happy to see me and they said she'd missed me.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip.  Sharon and Pat said they wouldn't hesitate to do it again, but I really hope I don't have to.  I'm tired now but I'm happy to be here and this place smells like home.

Sharon and Pat are going to stay and visit for a few days and then they're heading off to Utah and Colorado to see the sights.  If anybody's interested in seeing some of their pictures and reading about their adventures, you can go on THEIR blog and read all about it.  The address is    patandsharon.blogspot.com.     There won't be anything there for a few days, but keep checking back.  Also, don't be surprised if Mom and Dad put things on the blog occasionally because I showed them how.  I want to make sure my picture is out there and I'm not forgotten.  For now though, I'll say goodbye and settle in here.     Kelly over and out.

Day 4

Kelly here.  I'm back and boy am I tired!  I had a busy day.  We drove a little bit of Route 66, but we were too close to the highway and it didn't have the right flavor.  Maybe another road trip in the future? As we drove through Amarillo, TX, there were signs that you could get a 72oz steak for free if you could eat it in an hour.  I wanted to try but they told me I wouldn't be allowed in.  I thought it was against he law to deny someone admittance based on the number of paws they have.  

Right past Amarillo, we stopped at the Cadillac Ranch.  Some eccentric old guy planted 10 Cadillacs front-down in the mud and people flock to see them and spray paint them with graffiti.  We didn't know about the paint part and didn't come prepared.

The next picture I took for Sydnie.  I thought she'd get a kick out of it.  This place wasn't far from the Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum.

We passed an exit today for the town of Hereford, but they said it would take us too far out of our way to go there.  😕

All in all, although it was a hot day, it was a good day (other than the little burrs I got stuck in my fur at a New Mexico rest area).  We're staying in Albuquerque tonight and I'm really getting good at this "ride all day then collapse in a motel" routine.  We have a long way to go tomorrow, but at the end of it I'll be home!

Oh, and I want to thank my Great Aunt Bertha and her friends for purchasing that giant catsup bottle for me.  It will look so nice in front of our house and I know Mom and Dad will love it.

Day 3

Yep. This is where we started. After passing 742 cornfields, 6,312 giant round bales of hay, too many RV's to count, and an awful lot of signs advertising for dentures (apparently no one has real teeth here.) or "Adult Book Stores" (Is there really nothing else to do here?), we finally got to Tulsa, Oklahoma.  While driving down a short stretch of Route 66, we spotted this handsome guy at a gas station called Kong's Korner in Foyil, OK.  Of course I had to have my picture taken with him.  

Soon afterwards we passed an exit for a town I'd like to visit someday.  Maybe they knew I was coming.  

Tonight we're staying just outside of Oklahoma City at a motel that has turned out to be a little bit seedier than it appeared on the website.  Oh well, I've met lots of other dogs here on the somewhat small patch of grass they've got.  They tell me that after tonight, I only have to spend one more night on the road and I'll be home, wherever that is.  I can't wait to tell Jazzy about the places I've been.  Signing off until tomorrow,  Kelly.

Day 2

Kelly here:  It's really hard to contain my excitement, but I was privileged enough today to visit a world-famous site that I know you will want to put right at the top of your bucket list. I'm here in Collinsville, Illinois, site of the World's Largest Catsup Bottle."

The good news is that it's more than just a photo op, it's for sale!  Not only would owning such a landmark show good taste, but people would flock to it with relish.  I'd quit but I'm on a roll.

We're staying at a Drury Inn tonight in Colłinsville, right outside of St. Louis.  They have free breakfast AND free dinner.  I didn't want to be left alone in the room when they went to dinner, so I cried loudly enough to make them come back.  They realized they could go one at a time and bring their food back to the room.  I knew it would work.  The meatball I had was really good.

They tell me tomorrow we're driving to Oklahoma City.  I wish we could stay in Illinois because I'm going to miss the statue of Paul Bunyan holding a giant hot dog. Oh well, another time.

The Journey Begins

Day 1:   This is Kelly, and I have begun my journey west.  We left from Simsbury this morning, Saturday August 1, and after driving across CT, NY, and PA (and a little bit of WV) we've crossed into Ohio just west of Wheeling, West Virginia, into a town called St. Clairsville. 

I didn't find today terribly exciting.  I either sat on somebody's lap or slept on the back seat in my bed all day.  When we weren't moving, we were parked by signs that said "Pet Area".  I got out quite a few times but there were so many enticing smells and there just wasn't enough time to investigate.  There were also a lot of dogs everywhere I went but even though I cried every time I saw a dog, none of them wanted to play with me.  I did get to touch noses with a couple though and that was fun. (Almost as much fun as sniffing the butts of two plastic flamingos in Sharon and Pat's neighborhood, but that's another story.)  Tonight I'm sleeping in a big bed in a motel - another new experience for me.  They tell me tomorrow is going to be pretty much like today, but there are always new smells around every turn. For now I'm going to bed and I've put in for an early wake-up call.

Best Laid Plans

Well, Susan and Gregg are off, only things didn't go exactly as planned.  The plan was to fly out tomorrow (Tuesday) morning with Jazzy while Susan's son drove the 26' Penske rental truck with all their belongings and towed their car.  On Friday they packed the truck with the help of several hired moving-packer-type guys. Unfortunately, not everything fit in the truck, so after some deliberating and discussion of the merits of several alternative plans (Gregg's idea of throwing everything else away didn't go over too well.), they decided to rent a U-Haul truck, cancel their airline tickets, and drive with Jazzy, following the big truck. On Saturday, they got the U-Haul, got it packed and were ready to roll by late afternoon. I could mention how most of Susan's clothes were accidentally packed somewhere in the big truck, leaving her with little to wear, but that's another story. 

They did get off on Saturday and made it as far as Wilkes Barre, PA.  Last night, after driving through a horrendous rain storm, they made their second destination, and tonight they are hoping to stay in Tulsa, OK.  As long as Jazzy has enough happy pills, she has been an excellent rider and has surprised everyone.

Kelly has been practicing longer distances with Sharon and Pat and has been fine.  Yesterday she went to Petco and did well despite shaking like a leaf and insisting on being carried through the store.  Today, after saying hello to a bear and 2 cubs from the back deck, she rode for an hour or so while we ran errands. I asked her if she missed Jazzy and she said, "Jazzy who?"  Even though there's no one here to take her toys or push her out of a chair, I know they'll be happy to see each other.  We leave on Saturday bright and early.  Don't forget, I'll be doing all my posting from an I-Pad on the road, and I don't have the capability of sending out mass e-mails, so bookmark the blog and just check it every day beginning Saturday.

Getting Ready

We love to just hang out, but right now we don't have any furniture left to hang out on. We're spending the day at Sharon and Pat's house while all these strange men move our things into a big truck.  A few more days and Jazzy gets to go on an airplane for the first time while I get ready for my big road trip.  Right now Pat's practicing posting to the blog 

from the I-pad so she can send you pictures of our trip. I'm sure to be photogenic.          Kelly

DRIVING MISS KELLY

Kelly is getting excited about her trip to Arizona! Jazzy (who's not so excited) will be flying with Susan and Gregg, and Kelly (she of the long legs) will be driving with Sharon and Pat.  

Sharon and Pat will continue to post photos of Kelly's trip west from August 1 until she is safely delivered to her new home. Unfortunately, since they will be posting from an I-pad, they will not be able to send emails telling you that there's a new post.  If you would like to see her progress, tune in each day to the blog at:    stampandscrapnest.blogspot.com

After Kelly makes it to AZ, Sharon and Pat will be continuing on to the National Parks in Utah and Colorado.  We will be posting some photos to our blog if anyone is interested in seeing our travels.  I know it won't be as interesting because there will be no dogs in the photos, but you can follow us at:   patandsharon.blogspot.com

WE'VE LOWERED OUR PRICES!!!

As of today, Tuesday July 14th, Copic Markers are 25% off and all other merchandise is 45% off!

If you pay using cash or a check, we will discount your purchases an 

additional 5%.

More Savings!

Retirement Sale!

Starting Monday, June 6th, Copic Markers will be 15% off and everything else will be 35% off!! Many items are going fast so come in now and stock up.

Holiday Hours

Please stop and see us before we go!!

The Stamp & Scrap Nest will be closed on Saturday, July 4th.  We will resume our normal hours from Monday July 6 through our last day, Saturday July 18th. 

Monday through Friday  10am - 6pm
Saturday  10am - 5pm
Closed Sundays

Have a happy 4th of July!

Retirement Sale

Jazzy's all ready for retirement!

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RETIREMENT SALE

This is your chance to come in and fill those "want lists".  Beginning Wednesday July 1st to Saturday July 18th, get 20% off your purchases.  Excluded in the sale are all adhesives and Copic products, as well as special order requests.  Shop now for the best selection.

There will also be a table of special sale items priced as marked.

All sales will be final.

NO REFUNDS.

NO EXCHANGES.

Mixed Media Musings

They wouldn't let me in at the Stamp and Scrapbook show over the weekend, but my people went and they brought back just a few things.  I had to check them all out.

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For those of you who are taking Jane's Mixed Media Class tomorrow (and in subsequent weeks), she has given us a list of things to bring.  Some of these items you may not have and, not to worry, she will have some available to use.  You will want to have your own supplies though if you want to continue doing pages on your own.  It's also much more convenient for you in class if you have some of your own materials and don't have to wait to share.

We will be using the following:

• Your normal class kit (including scissors, tape, etc.)
• Your palette knife
• Paint brushes in assorted sizes
• Baby wipes (You WILL be getting dirty.)
• White gesso
• Texture paste
• If you have any Gelatos, bring them along and you'll learn how to use them in your journal.

If you haven't had your dog fix yet today - - - - - 

 

Make 'N Take

AUCTION -  Don't forget the auction on Sunday, June 14th at 1:30.  We are anticipating quite a large turnout, so although we want to see all of you, our loyal customers, this is not the time to introduce all your friends and neighbors to the store.  In other words, come have a good time without bringing the kids, the refrigerator repairman, and Great Aunt Bertha. 


Make 'N Take - Here are the pictures of Saturday's Make 'N Take cards. Hope to see you between 10 and 4.

Some more oldies but goodies - 

News from the Nest

What were we looking for again?

We're ready to cut and score.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Good news, bad news: Susan and Gregg's house has sold (after only 10 days on the market), so everything is moving ahead more quickly than we ever would have imagined. We have a full schedule of classes for June, but the store will be closing in mid-July. 
• 
  
• If you would like us to order any dies, stamps, or stencils from Memory Box, we will be placing our final order with them. Please call the store and let us know what you want by Friday, June 5, at the latest. 
• 
  
• If you would like us to cut any book board for you, please call and let us know how many and what size.  We have ordered more book board and will be happy to cut it, but we are running out of time.
• 
  
• If there is ANYTHING you need, please call or stop in by Saturday, June 6th, and we'll let you know if it's something we can still get for you.  
• 
  
• Our merchandise is going fast, so make sure you come in and shop while the selection is still good. All gift certificates and tag sale vouchers will need to be redeemed before the store closes.
• 
  
• This Saturday, June 6th, is our last Make 'N Take.  Stop in and make a few cards. Only $2 each.

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AUCTION

Apparently I put a little statement on the calendar that you should check the blog for details on our auction, and then I forgot to put it on the blog. Oh well, you just can't get good help these days.  

On Sunday, June 14th, we will be holding our quasi-annual auction.  We receive a lot of sample items from many of our vendors throughout the year, many of which are not items we normally sell. We want to pass these things along to you, but we want to have fun doing it.  The auction will begin at 1:30, and when you come in you'll receive a quantity of "Nest Bucks" based on your spending during the past 6 months. (For example, if you have spent $700 during 2015, you will receive $700 in Nest Bucks. Everyone will receive at least $500.) You will use the bucks to bid on the items we have.  This is your chance to buy some new craft supplies without any real money ever changing hands. In the past we had new customers drop in to shop during an auction only to be shocked when they heard a stamp being sold for $150 or a pair of scissors going for $300.

I guarantee there will be something you'll want to bid on, a few snacks to go with it, and lots of fun.  This is it - our going away party to show you, our wonderful customers, how much you mean to us.

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Some new photos -   In the Flowerbarrow class on June 23rd, we will be making a die-cut wheelbarrow filled with flowers and then placing it in an explode box.  Below is the finished product.

And a rerun of a few old favorite pictures: