ELLEN RULO STUDIO

So, let's see, what's new and shaking?  Should be several things to mention since it's been a while.  Here goes.

My sister Jean is now officially "retired" and has moved into her new home -- lots of major changes in her life - wow!  I was finally able to spend a day a few weeks ago visiting.  Everything about her new home is awesome - all fresh and new and beautiful.  YEA, JEAN!!! 

My neice Amanda is now teaching grade school again after a few years staying home with her own little ones.  I'm sure Mrs. Wilson is already the most popular teacher at school - woo hoo! 

Those who know me also know that I have always wanted to take a class at Third Degree Glass Factory in St. Louis, MO - and guess what?!  I finally did!!  Just a short little half hour class where I made a glass pumpkin, about paperweight size. I'll try to remember to post a picture - it is SO cute!  Of course, they had to help me actually DO everything, but it was still a thrill and I had a fabulous time.  Thanks go to Carley for riding along and keeping me company and taking a few pix so I could memorialize my fun time in my scrapbook pages.

I also made popcorn balls with Carley once again this year.  HOWEVER, this is the first year we made them at Carley's new home, which was extra-special.  Jean also joined us (her first time with us; hopefully not her last!)  Each batch turned out just a little bit different but each was absolutely delicious.  It's a good thing we only make these once a year because they are so yummy and hard to resist. 

I've been spending as much time as possible at the torch - which is NEVER ENOUGH TIME.  LOL.  Check out a few new photos in my Fall 2009 album in the Photo Gallery.

And how could I forget to mention our recent fire drill at work?  I work on the 32nd floor of our building, so a full-building-evacuation fire drill means walking down 32 flights of stairs and then going to the park a few blocks away from the building to have your name checked off the list.  No problem.  That was Tuesday.  Wednesday I rolled over to get out of bed, still half asleep, and when my feet hit the floor and I went to stand up - SURPRISE!!! -  oh, the P-A-I-N - LOL.  It's now been over 48 hours since that fateful fire drill and my calves are still protesting.  Note to self:  START EXERCISING!!!

Terry and Ryan are getting ready for duck hunting/goose hunting seasons, which is coming up soon.  I'm glad this is something they're able to enjoy together (and as much as I hate to admit it, I really enjoy eating the fried duck breasts when Terry fixes them - delish!)  

Well, that's it for now.

Remember, each day is a blessing, so enjoy and thank God for it.

((Hugs)) and love to all my friends and family ... take care!!   e.

I apologize in advance for the lousy photography ... sure someone SOMEWHERE can teach even ME to take better pics!!!

Okay - here goes (OH MY GOSH - sorry for the size - LOL!):

Here's a few pics of the pups at three weeks old ... cuter and cuter every day!!

I'm waiting patiently for some temps back in the 70s again ... a little bit of summer goes a long way for me, especially if I'm sitting over a torch, with a hot kiln right next to me, in a not-oh-so-cool room - ha!  Kind of takes away some of the fun, if you know what I mean... 

The produce stand has been hopping this year and Terry is staying super crazy busy, which is a good thing.  I love to see him busy, don'tcha know.    It's been an amazing year for peaches and now apples are coming in as well.  The galas he had last week were sweet and crunchy - delicious! 

On the home-front, the pups are growing and so very precious.  Momma Dakota is not nursing as much, and the pups have begun eating some puppy food (and loving it!)  I need to get a few pics to update you on their progress.  They are becoming very social, loving it whenever one of us comes to visit them in their room and play a while.  They love to run up and sniff and lick ... a couple are toe-nibblers - LOL!  All enjoy being picked up and held and given that extra special bit of attention ... a few of them seem to just melt when you rub behind those ears, and all are quick to settle down in your arms for a little peaceful nap.  Can you say PRECIOUS?!!  Although they  have each other to play and wrestle with, Ryan bought them a few little balls to play with; he called to let me know they are having a blast with them.  
Although some have already been spoken for with new homes in their future, some are still patiently waiting for their new family-to-be.  But hey, they won't be leaving for another month at least so for now I'm enjoying every minute of having these little babies with us. 

Ryan and Carley both celebrated birthdays last week - yea!!  I don't want to start thinking about how quickly the years have flown by ... they're both so very special, awesome young adults if I do say so myself!!

As for BEADS - I'm definitely not getting enough torch time.  Best of intentions and all that ...  (sigh)  I just keep thinking and hoping that things will settle down and that I can get back into a routine soon.  I did sit down and made my first halloween witch of the 2009 season - a few little imperfections but hey, all in all she wasn't too bad.  A friend mentioned I should create a cauldron bead this year and I'm anxious to give that a try (thanks for the great idea, Janet!)  So watch for some fun Halloween beads in the weeks ahead.

Well, no more time right now so that's it for now folks; gott run...

Hope everyone is enjoying life to the fullest ... be blessed!   ((hugs))

Take care,

Ellen

Puppies finally made their appearance the evening of July 17th. 

Here is a group picture at one week old:

Another week (PLUS!) has flown by - wowzers...

Friday here at work - don't you just love Fridays?  They always have that different feel since we know the weekend is just around the corner. yea!

I will be spending my weekend beading, hoping to complete several orders, so I already know my weekend will be busy and FUN... I'm blessed.

Woke up this morning to such beautiful weather... clear skies and cool air.  And I think the weather is supposed to STAY lovely today.  Keeping my fingers crossed so Terry can enjoy great weather while working the produce stand. 

Speaking of produce, have you had any fresh peaches yet this year?  They're amazing, so sweet and juicy.  Lots of fresh peaches right now, as well as blackberries, blueberries, nectarines and super-sweet plums - mmmm.  Finally have begun picking fresh sweet corn, and tomatoes are starting to arrive, slow but sure.  Lots of cucumbers, squash and zucchini.  Last weekend I grated zucchini and made five loaves of zucchini nut bread, moist and sweet and cinnamony - it didn't last long - ha!  We also breaded and fried zucchini for dinner - a little time-consuming but well worth the effort.  It's so wonderful to be able to eat fresh from the garden!  But if you don't have a garden and you happen to be in the area of Grafton, Illinois, swing by and let Terry hook you up with some great fresh-from-the-garden produce to enjoy - tell him Ellen sent you. 

Dakota is still hanging in there, bless her heart.  She is so big now.  Last night she was really restless ... getting out of her bed, pawing at her bedding and rearranging, then plopping down with a huge sigh - she just could NOT get comfortable and settled.  I've been thinking of her all morning while I'm here at work, wondering how she's doing... I might have to call home, talk to Ryan, get the scoop. 

(BTW - For those of you who are new, Dakota is our 3-year-old chocolate lab!)

That's all for now...

I hope and pray that everyone is enjoying a fabulous Friday and looking forward to a glorious weekend. 

Take care and God bless!

Ellen

Still waiting for pups at home... guess Dakota is determined to surprise us.

Well, my daughter Carley is talking me into a trip to Ireland ... it IS an amazing deal ... and we DO have our passports ... I just need about $500 - LOL! I guess if we book it and put the deposit down then we'll manage to save for it, ya think? We just need to save $100 month between now and November and we'll be set. Watch out Dublin, here we come. We're thinking we'll do a Wickelow tour, see Glendalough, etc.... here's the info:

We offer you the opportunity to enjoy this land of mysterious mountains and spectacular valleys.

The tour starts over the Dublin mountains and into the picturesque Sally Gap. Experience breathtaking views with complimentary coffee! Wicklow is widely known as the "Garden of Ireland" Stop where you like and when you like along the route.

See the famous film locations for Braveheart and Ballykissangel. Visit hidden lakes and luscious waterfalls. Travel the by-roads to beautiful Glendalough and after a healthy walk, time for lunch* and a drop of the famous brew. Returning home via the depths of the Wicklow mountains passing the scenic lakes of Blessington.

Highlights

Sally Gap

film locations for Braveheart and Ballykissangel

hidden lakes and luscious waterfalls

Glendalough

scenic lakes of Blessington

Whatcha think - sounds like fun, hmm?

I'll let you know what we decide!

That's it for today... hope you are enjoying a blessed day!

Take care,

e.

Hi, want to give a shout-out to Ann Mills, Lampworker and Jewelry Designer, of Moonlight Inspirations.  Check out Ann's blog at http://moonlightinspirations.blogspot.com/

You can also find Ann on Twitter (glassgirl321) at http://twitter.com/glassgirl321

Stop by to say HI and let her know Ellen Rulo sent you!

The holiday weekend is officially over and most everyone is back to work this week.  I'm having a hard time staying focused in the office after all of the festivities and several days spent at the torch and selling produce, etc. 

I have to give a shout-out to my friend Lorraine, from Australia, also known as RainbowGemDesigns on Etsy.  She has the most stunningly gorgeous bracelet listed, I'm just in love with it.  Check it out:  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27194100

Isn't this a fun piece?  Wow, Lorraine - your work is just amazing; you ROCK girlfriend!

Update on Dakota - still no pups yet... waiting... waiting... waiting... patiently waiting...

Well, that's all for now, folks.  I'll be sure to update when I actually manage to get some new listings up on my OWN etsy - it's been a while, I know.  :o)

Take care, enjoy a blessed day!

((hugs)),

e.

The holiday weekend is officially over and most everyone is back to work this week.  I'm having a hard time staying focused in the office after all of the festivities and several days spent at the torch and selling produce, etc. 

I have to give a shout-out to my friend Lorraine, from Australia, also known as RainbowGemDesigns on Etsy.  She has the most stunningly gorgeous bracelet listed, I'm just in love with it.  Check it out:  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27194100

Isn't this a fun piece?  Wow, Lorraine - your work is just amazing; you ROCK girlfriend!

Update on Dakota - still no pups yet... waiting... waiting... waiting... patiently waiting...

Well, that's all for now, folks.  I'll be sure to update when I actually manage to get some new listings up on my OWN etsy - it's been a while, I know.  :o)

Take care, enjoy a blessed day!

((hugs)),

e.