A Staycation Vacation

The "Will"of www.willborden.com is my husband.  His photographs and designs may be viewed at: Fine Art America. Many will be featured here to enhance my story.

Will has always been an avid photographer. I remember one of our sudden stops when we were traveling with our newborn daughter. "JUST NEED TO GET THIS SHOT, I WON'T BE A MINUTE," Will yelled as he dashed out of the car slamming the door!  Meanwhile, I was left with an awakened, crying baby.  She had just fallen asleep after miles of fussing and I had just become relaxed enough to enjoy the ride.  Such has been my life since living with Will.  I'm not complaining because, as you will see, he has been the creator of a gazillion beautiful photographs and many fabulous digital art designs and I am his biggest fan! 

What has this got to do with a "s-t-a-y-c-a-t-i-o-n?"  Perhaps you know!   Please scroll down to find the answer and to read more of my meanderings in "STAYCATION" PART II.

Will, an internationally known photographer, has teamed up with one of the fastest growing fine art sites on the internet. In Will's galleriy you will find over 3,000 high quality photographs and digital designs.

Will has kindly given me permission to use some of his photographs. For enlarged images of the pictures in this lens please view them in Will's online Gallery at: Will Borden.com

It is easy-breezy to see what a different frame or mat would look like on a photograph. Just choose the picture, then you will be given a large choice of frames and matting. Mix and match frames and mats until you have the effect you prefer.

Some of the photos featured on this lens were taken close to home. Because of Will's travels, he is able to offer you a wide variety of scenes. Will has often spent days and days on his digital art during our staycations. I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I do. They are available for purchase if you so choose.

A potpourri gallery aisle reserved for photos and designs that have a variety of themes.

* A photo of colorful Elks Horn growing in Gramma's yard. This photo will remain here and not be changed for obvious reasons when you read my musings in "Dear Diary."

Will made this "Special" Squidoo picture for me in gratitude for featuring his photographs and digital designs.

Now, I have my very own Squidoo family. "Thank you Will!"

ere is a little more detail about our life, before I get into the "why" and "what" of this word, "Staycation".

Will has been a hard worker all of his life. Upon retiring, Will decided he needed a hobby so that he would not become, yet another statistic one reads about in the local newspaper; "Dead, One Week After Retirement." What better hobby than the one thing always close to his heart, photography! So now, 5 years later, Will is still above the mound and happily doing what he loves to do. But, he has thousands, yes perhaps millions of photographs. What to do??? Share them!!!! No problem!!! There are terrific online stores allowing one, in a matter of minutes, to place photo & art designs on: attractive apparel, greeting cards, journals, calendars, mugs & steins, tile items, kids & baby products and giftware.

Will chose to use sites which cater to those who are seeking to decorate their homes: small bungalows to huge monster houses. Good Idea. Framed fine art. A different "theme" for every room!

WHOA!!!! "But, what about the "staycation"??? Okay, back to that in "Staycation" Part III after a few more pictures taken on our staycations.

W

ith all the on-going days, months, years of photographing and days and days of surfing the websites to see what others had already done (so as not to encroach on another's masterpiece), together with months and months of choosing just the right frame or product for the photo or design and uploading it, Will didn't have time to take a vacation. WHEW!! That was a long sentence!! It seems almost as long as the time we haven't had a vacation! So what to do? Go on a Staycation - Everyone should try one!

Staycation - what do I do?
~ A holiday at home.
~ Switch off the phones.
~ No going to malls.(You can still shop online!)
~ Use up food squirreled away.
~ Read the 3 foot stack of saved magazines.
~ Play cards
~ Watch Corner Gas & Maureen O'Hara movies.
~ Take a lot of pictures. (Sunrise, sunsets)
~ Read a good book.
~ Read all the new Squidoo lenses.
~ Invite friends to a home-grown film festival.

Try it! You'll like it!

"Staycation" was born at "Corner Gas." It's the funniest TV program I have ever watched!
For the Plot Summary of "Corner Gas" please scroll down.

Home Of The Word
"Staycation"

CORNER GAS focuses on the life (or lack thereof) of Brent Leroy, proprietor of a gas station that is the only stop for miles around and a hub of action on the Prairies.

Popular comedian Brent Butt returns to small town in Saskatchewan to portray the life he would have led had he held down a "real" job - pumping gas at CORNER GAS. Each episode of CORNER GAS delivers a half-hour of comedic voyeurism in a place where everyone knows everyone else's business. The series is set in the fictional town of Dog River, Saskatchewan, and focuses on the life of gas station owner Brent LeRoy, coffee shop proprietor Lacey Burrows and the folks who populate the area. Dog River is a nice town, but far from the quaint and idyllic little burgs we're used to seeing on TV.

CORNER GAS is produced in association with CTV by Prairie Pants Production, comprised of Virginia Thompson of Vérité Films (Incredible Story Studio) and Three Thirty-Five Productions Inc., a partnership of Brent Butt and David Storey.

As of September, 2008 CORNER GAS averaged 1.5 million viewers each week making it the hottest homegrown comedy on International television. The final episode of CORNER GAS, April 13, 2009, drew a record breaking 2.9 million Viewers, and 16,000 web site visits!

DETAILS: Brent is on a ... staycation ... sitting in front of CORNER GAS imagining he's somewhere else.

Lacey Burrows: "I need an explanation... Well, you, you at least need to talk to me, because it's just plain rude to just sit there and ..."

Brent LeRoy: Dear Lacey: I hope this post card finds you well.

Lacey Burrows: "What are you doing?"

Brent LeRoy: I've spent the last few days in Aruba.(see note at end)

Lacey Burrows: "What, you're a verbal post card now?"

Brent LeRoy: As I'm not in Dog River right now, I can't speak to you directly. I know this must seem foolish to you, but I've never been one to bow to peer pressure... well, except for when I had that cigarette in high school... and wearing rugby pants in the eighties. I don't know... Anyway, I wish you were here in person so I could tell you this directly.

Lacey Burrows: "I am there. I mean, I'm here. You're here."

Brent LeRoy: I must sign off now. We're about to land in Madrid and Kyle, our flight attendant, has demanded I put my table tray in its upright position. He's a saucy one! See you soon. Hola! Brent.

(This is something I lifted from "IMDd - Memorable Quotes for "CORNER GAS.")

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GOOD SAVINGS, BRENT

BRENT BUTT as Brent Leroy
Creator, Writer,
Producer & Director
Brent Butt was born and raised in the small farming town of Tisdale, Saskatchewan. As the youngest of seven children, one does what one can to be noticed, and at an early age Brent discovered that being funny was a good way to get and hold people's attention. When he was 12 years old, he watched a stand-up comic on television. He immediately marched up to his mother and said "I'm going to be a comedian." She replied, "Fine, could you do it outside?"
Brent's Comment:
"I love what I do. It's just like having coffee only now it's with a thousand or so people at a time."

GABRIELLE MILLER as Lacey Burrows
The locals of Dog River, Saskatchewan instantly suspect the worst when big city girl Lacey, inherits her aunt's roadside coffee shop. Will the dark haired beauty turn the town hangout into a gentrified coffee cafe, or worse still, close it down? Lacey's move to Dog River brings her into a world far removed from downtown Toronto.

NANCY ROBERTSON as Wanda Dollard
Nancy Robertson always knew what she wanted to do with her life. From putting on plays in her neighbour's yard to getting kicked out of the school library for performing for the amusement of classmates, Nancy knew she wanted to act.

LORNE CARDINAL as Davis Quinton
Senior police officer Davis Quinton is no small town cop. He doesn't take his position in the community lightly and his civic duty often leads to drastic measures like the first Dog River Police ride-along. Keeping his rookie' cop in line can be trying at times, but luckily there's new equipment to try out and townspeople to protect.

JANET WRIGHT as Emma Leroy
Veteran Vancouver actress Janet Wright plays "Emma," the long-suffering wife of "Oscar" (Eric Peterson) and mother to Brent Butt's character "Brent Leroy." She is the glue that holds this unusual family together.

ERIC PETERSON as Oscar Leroy
Eric Peterson brings "Oscar Leroy" to life, the curmudgeon father of Brent Butt's "Brent Leroy." Oscar has decided he's earned a little down time and has passed the responsibility of running the family business on to his son, Brent. That leaves Oscar loads of time to drive his wife Emma (Janet Wright) to her wits end, while telling Brent how to run the gas station.

FRED EWANUICK as Hank Yarbo
Fred's character "Hank" is not dumb by any means, just a little different. A guy who thinks Pilates has something to do with the guy who killed Jesus, and suspects every big city person has an ulterior motive, "Hank" is not wrong all the time. He's "Brent Leroy's" best bud, and somewhat of a ladies man, in his own mind.

TARA SPENCER-NAIRN as Karen Pelly
Using your photo radar gun to check out how fast the birds are flying is just one of the ways to kill time while keeping the peace in Dog River. Tara Spencer-Nairn joins fellow actor Lorne Cardinal ("Davis") to make up Dog River's two-person police force. Television has not seen a team of peacekeepers like this since the days of Toody and Muldoone (Car 54 Where are You?)

There you have it, the Stars of CORNER GAS. What a fun bunch!

If you needed a cuppa coffee, or just needed to take a rest from all that gaming you'd been doing, it was time to enter the Ruby Cafe.

Non-members and members of cornergas.com alike could enjoy the stories, jokes, observations and whimsical conversations that happened at the Ruby Cafe every day.

We had fun here and explored new depths of discussion and made new friends.

Why not play your favorite tunes while you work on your lenses. It works! My hubby has it playing while creating digital designs on his computer. He says that he just loves it! I do too!!

pssst ... He has this lens on his desktop so that it is handy.

Take a moment.
Select your songs: Music At The Ruby Cafe

It's easy, legal, fun and free.

Following it's debut on Superstation WGN, CORNER GAS was widely praised by U.S. critics, with newspaper giant Gannett News Service calling it "one of the season's best new shows," while, in an odd turn of phrase, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called it the fall's "best, least objectionable comedy series." The San Jose Mercury News labeled it a "delightful Canadian comedy," while the McClatchy News Service wrote "the funniest show coming to television this fall is not The Big Bang Theory or Chuck... the knock-down winner is an obscure little show from Canada called Corner Gas."

Toronto -- North Vancouver-based musician Craig Northey gets giddy when he talks about the first time he watched the hit TV ensemble comedy series 'CORNER GAS.' That's because the former front man for the now-defunct alt-rock group, Odds co-wrote the theme song on star Brent Butt's request, without ever having seen the show. To Northey's pleasant surprise, the song actually meshed well with the overall prairie tone and humour. "It was fantastic and I was calling everyone in the family, 'Come here, quick! Come see Brent's show!'"

A lot of the times you do things for multimedia, it hinges on it being good, and it's not what you wanted it to be. But I love CORNER GAS.

Northey co-wrote the catchy jingle, called "Not a Lot Goin' On," with his musical partner Jesse Valenzuela of the Tempe, Arizona-based rock band Gin Blossoms, and then fleshed it out for the duo's self-titled debut, Northey Valenzuela.

Brent Butt, creator, writer, producer and director of CORNER GAS participated in a worldwide celebrity auction to raise funds for Parkinson's.

PLATES FOR PARKINSON'S
Brent Butt joined 55 celebrities including Johnny Depp, Phil Collins, Anne Murray,Sarah the Duchess of York, Rob Lowe, Tom Hanks, Martha Stewart, Muhammad Ali, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Sarah McLaughlin, Martina McBride, Daughtry, Anjelica Huston, Harrison Ford and William Shatner who designed and autographed plates.

Each celebrity was asked to draw a tulip, the world-wide symbol of hope for Parkinson's.

These one-of-a-kind plates were recently auctioned on EBay as a fundraiser for the Parkinson Society, Maritime Region in Canada.

All the designs, how many $$ each plate raised and and who purchased them is posted at: www.auctionwire.com/plates

Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, John Beuhler found his calling early - he could make people laugh. Before picking up comedy he swears he had a lot of hobbies and interests but he doesn't know what happened to them all, well... with the exception of hockey and beer.

Vancouver's, John Buehler is the winner of the first-ever Corner Gas "Comic Genius" competition. After a close showdown with fellow finalists Darrell Bedford (Red Deer AB; 20), Mike Tod (Calgary, AB, 16), Sean Proudlove (Vancouver, BC; 37) and Toby Hargrave (Vancouver, BC; 31), the 28-year-old funnyman laughed his way to an impressive $10,000 cash prize and a guest appearance in Season Four of CORNER GAS.

"Comic Genius" is the world's first online comedy competition to spin into a live, television broadcast, "Corner Gas Comic Genius."

CORNER GAS is known for attracting notable Canadian actors and politicians, to appear either as guest stars or in gag cameos.

The series includes cameo appearances by a large number of Canadian celebrities, including two successive sitting prime ministers, Paul Martin and Stephen Harper, the only fictional sitcom (as opposed to sketch comedy series) in which sitting prime ministers have appeared. Two successive sitting premiers of Saskatchewan, Lorne Calvert and Brad Wall, also appeared in episodes, as has former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. Canadian television personality Ben Mulroney, son of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney has also appeared on CORNER GAS.

During the first season Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall plays Marvin Drey, a Revenue Canada agent in episode 1-02 The Taxman. The same episode films Dan Matheson, a news anchor for CTV, appears as himself. Julie Stewart, in the filming of the episode 1-05 Grad '68, plays a paint store clerk (parodying her role in Cold Squad). Comedian Mike Wilmot plays Carl Vawn, Brent's snobby cousin, and actor Dale Wilson appears dressed as in his well known "Glad Man" attire for the episode 1-08 Cousin Carl. Colin Mochrie, a prolific Canadian comedy actor best known for his work in Whose Line Is It Anyway?, makes a cameo appearance as part of a joke about how he seems to turn up on every Canadian TV show. Colin appeared in 1-10 Comedy Night. Pamela Wallin, former CBC newscaster, later Canadian Consul General and recently appointed senator, a native of Wadena, Saskatchewan, plays herself. Canadian Idol judges Sass Jordan, Zack Werner, Jake Gold, and Farley Flex appear as themselves rating Brent's rendition of "(There'd Be No Rain in Dog River) If I Could Squeegee the Sky" in the episode 1-11 Hook, Line and Sinker. TSN sportscaster (and U8TV: The Lofters alumnus) Jennifer Hedger and her SportsCentre colleague Darren Dutchyshen appear as themselves during the episode 1-12 Face Off.

The second season also attracted notable personalities. Episode 2-02 Wedding Card films Hockey star Darryl Sittler as himself. 2-06 Poor Brent has an appearance by Lloyd Robertson, long-time CTV National News anchor, playing himself. Canadian and world champion curlers Randy Ferbey and Dave Nedohin (both of whom curl for Alberta) appear as themselves, are looked to for advice during the hotly-contested Dog River curling championship, the Clavet Cup in episode 2-11 Hurry Hard. Episode 2-12 An American in Saskatchewan features Mark McKinney, a veteran of both Kids in the Hall and Saturday Night Live McKinney plays Bill, an American who came to Dog River by accident. Saskatchewan-born musician Colin James appears as a local musician (although it is implied that Colin James' character really is Colin James) who performs an audition in Brent's garage. The rock group The Tragically Hip appear as "local kids" who practise in Brent's garage. The Tragically Hip play a rough version of "It Can't Be Nashville Every Night" off their In Between Evolution album. Both The Tragically Hip and Colin James are filmed on episode 2-15 Rock On!

Ben Mulroney, host of TV shows Canadian Idol and eTalk Daily and the son of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, parodies himself during the third season episode 3-03 Dog River Vice. 3-07 Fun Run films then Prime Minister Paul Martin as himself. This is the first time a sitting Prime Minister has appeared on a sitcom (although sitting Prime Ministers have appeared on sketch comedy shows like Royal Canadian Air Farce, and other political satire programs like This Hour Has 22 Minutes). Singer Jann Arden appears as herself in 3-07 Fun Run. Noted actress Shirley Douglas (mother of Kiefer Sutherland, and daughter of Tommy Douglas former Premier of Saskatchewan) plays a woman with the hots for Oscar. Shirley Douglas is featured in 3-08 Trees a Crowd. Then-federal finance minister Ralph Goodale appears as a Ruby Café customer in 3-09 Picture Perfect. (The episode aired the same day Goodale filed a "mini-budget" in the House of Commons.) Lorne Calvert, premier of Saskatchewan, appears as himself. He appears three times-twice to poke fun at Sweden and once to almost get hit by a thrown newspaper during the appropriately named 3-12 Ruby Newsday. Vicki Gabereau appears as herself during a fantasy sequence in the same episode. Prior to the debut of Corner Gas, the cast had appeared on Gabereau's CTV talk show, during which Brent Butt promised to get the talk show host a guest appearance. 3-13 Merry Gasmas films This Hour has 22 Minutes anchor Gavin Crawford appears as a worker in the Calgary International Airport. He would always call cities their airport names (YYC, YEG) which confused Lacey horribly. In the same episode Dan Redican from The Frantics, and more recently Puppets Who Kill, makes an appearance as a worker in the Regina International Airport. He repeatedly says "made that call." Comedy Inc. star Roman Danylo makes a cameo as a passenger sitting next to Lacey on a plane from Alberta to Vancouver. He claims to be a "cat doctor," and not a veterinarian. He manages to out-chat Lacey while talking about cats during the same episode, 3-13 Merry Gasmas. Ken Read, also known as "The Crazy Canuck," is a champion alpine skier and member of the Canadian Olympic Committee. During episode 3-16 Physical Credit, Read receives a browbeating from Oscar (which first aired the day after closing ceremonies of the 2006 Winter Olympics).

Olympic medal winner Cindy Klassen makes a cameo appearance in the fourth season episode 4-02 Dog River Dave. The show 4-05 Demolition features Former Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson appears, taking a sledgehammer to an old barn. Mike Holmes, the star of Holmes on Homes, helps to fix Oscar's bathroom. Wanda states that she had formerly dated the Holmes character in the episode 4-06 Jail House. CTV CEO Ivan Fecan makes a cameo appearance during the episode 4-08 Blog River. 4-19 Gopher It featured Current Prime Minister Stephen Harper as himself. Canada AM co-anchors Seamus O'Regan and Beverly Thomson appear, playing themselves. Unlike most cameos, O'Regan and Thomson appear extensively in this episode to parody their on-screen image. CTV National News reporter Rosemary Thompson appears, playing herself in a scrum with the Prime Minister at the gas station.

The cameo appearance by the famous Canadian actor (pictured above) Keifer Sutherland, was the highlight of the fifth-season finale of Corner Gas, which aired on CTV. The voice of Sutherland's mom, actress Shirley Douglas, daughter of former Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas and former wife of Canadian actor, Donald Sutherland, Keifer's father, also was featured in the episode.

Who were the guest stars for Season 6 at Corner Gas?

TORONTO -- "Corner Gas" funnyman, Eric Peterson, was honored by Canada's actors union.

Peterson, whose extensive credits also include "This Is Wonderland" and "Street Legal," got an award of excellence from ACTRA's Toronto arm. The Alliance of Cinema, Television and Radio Artists held its annual Toronto awards bash hosted by comic Colin Mochrie.

The 61-year-old Peterson plays the curmudgeonly Oscar Leroy on CTV's "Corner Gas," about the kooky residents of a fictional Saskatchewan town.

Corner Gas creator and star Brent Butt, on behalf of Prairie Pants Productions, announced that the series will come to an end following the conclusion of its sixth season. Production on the final 19 new episodes, to be broadcast in 2008-2009 on CTV and The Comedy Network, is now complete. The series' finale will air sometime in Spring, 2009.
CORNER GAS, Canada's Number One comedy, enters the last year of production.

If you miss any of the series Brent has assured us that there will be reruns.

Comments from Brent Butt
"It's a very difficult decision, but the right decision, and one I felt I had to make," said Brent Butt, who is also a writer, director and executive producer of the series. "When I told CTV about my decision, they made it clear that they were keen to do more seasons. They didn't want it to end yet. But for the good of the show, I wanted to exit gracefully, on top of our game, when we're at our prime -- because that's how I want viewers to remember Corner Gas: at its very best."

"This is not goodbye, it's see you later. Brent and his team have accomplished something that has never been achieved before. They said it couldn't be done, but Corner Gas did it anyway. The series has paved the way for other Canadian productions by proving that if you make great TV, Canadians will watch.

Butt will continue to develop projects for CTV and The Comedy Network."

Be the owner of the CORNER GAS book entitled Tales From DOG RIVER! Written by Michele Sponagle with a foreward by Brent Butt and published by Penguin Books (Canada), Tales From DOG RIVER celebrates the little show that has become a national television phenomenon. Clocking in at over 200, jam-packed pages of exclusive CORNER GAS content, the book features interviews with the cast, producers and crew who reveal secrets about how the show is made, their own favourite moments, bloopers and inside jokes and behind-the-scenes trivia. Also featured is a look at Rouleau, Saskatchewan - the "real" DOG RIVER. (Available at the CORNER GAS Store.)

CORNER GAS Season 6 DVDs are available now.

Stay tuned in to find out what we did on our "Staycation."

Coming up next in: "Dear Diary"

This is without a doubt the best idea I've seen, for those on a staycation!!!

To order greeting cards go to:
Will Borden's Photography - Fine Art America

"Today I start my staycation!"

I

awoke to the sound of birds trilling out their early morning songs as they busily prepared nests for their soon-to-become families. On the other hand, "I," had nothing to do. "Nothing?" you ask. No, Nothing! Today I start my "Staycation."

Yawn .. stretch .. I smelled coffee. I was all set for a good cup of coffee! Obviously, Will had beat me to it. He had already set up the coffeemaker. He loves that Mr. Coffee DRX5 4-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker. This coffeemaker was an excellent purchase from Amazon.com - it came with a very "tight" warranty. But most importantly - It keeps the coffee hot!

The photographs featured in "DEAR DIARY" may also be purchased as greeting cards. They may be viewed at: Will Borden Photography - Fine Art America

For more: "DEAR DIARY" please scroll down to Part II

Why I chose: Mr. Coffee DRX5 4-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker (pictured above.)

Product Features:
~ Delay Brew allows you to program the clock up to 24 hours in advance to begin brewing at a specific time.
~ 1 Hour Auto Shut-Off keeps your coffee warm for 1 hour and then
automatically shuts off.

Special Offers and Product Promotions
This item is eligible for a 4-for-3 promotion. Eligible products include select Books, DVDs, Single Copy Magazines, and Home & Garden items. Buy any 4 eligible items and get the lowest-priced item free.
Some restrictions.

O

ne of the World's Greatest Coffees! Handcrafted 100% Estate Kona Whole Bean GOLD by Aloha Island we had just purchased from Amazon.com "MMMMM" Modern Luxury! "It smells really good," I said to myself, as I followed the aroma outside to our new poolside patio. I was ready for that "Ah-ha" moment.

Please scroll down and join me for a cuppa on the Patio in DEAR DIARY Part III.

T

he patio was built from instructions given in the popular "How to Build Walks, Walls & Patio Floors" by Steve Cory and "How to Design & Build Decks & Patios" by Ortho Books. Will's brother-in-law had purchased these helpful books from Amazon.com. when he was building his patio and loaned them to us. The instructions were very easy to follow. And now, Dear Diary, as you know we have a very beautiful patio where we catch the morning rays.

You still with me? Well, what are you waiting for? Scroll down for DEAR DIARY Part IV.

T

he sun was just kissing the tip of our big King Canopy 1-Touch Patio umbrella. "What a beautiful morning," I thought, as I poured a cup of that mmmm coffee, sat down at our new patio Home Tropiji 4-pc. Conversation Set and started reading my new book,"The False-Hearted Teddy" written by John Lamb. That also came in our latest order from Amazon.com. Man! We sure have purchased a lot from the Amazon Store! It is a great place to shop!

"I JUST LOVE READING!!! I have read every one of Catherine Cookson's books. She was a great writer. I'll tell you about her some other time, Dear Diary."

I wondered, "Where is Will & what's he doing?"

Please scroll down to read DEAR DIARY Part V.

Grills & Smokers, Barbecue Tools, Fire Pits, Fireplaces, Heaters, Landscape Lighting, Lanterns & Torches, Hammocks, Chairs, Umbrellas,Tables, Patio Furniture Sets, Gazebos, Benches, Water Gardens, Fountains, Wind Chimes, Doormats, Birdbaths, Birdhouses,Hummingbird Feeders, Suet Feeders, Seed Feeders, Bird Seed

Here is picture of a stone stairway Will built to take us from one level of our garden to another.

T

he soft guitar music of "Stages" set the mood for a relaxing breakfast. A basket bearing"The Coffeehouse Gourmet Coffee Gift" had just arrived from some friends who knew we were having a "Staycation." It sat waiting on the coffee table. The basket held a nice selection of Biscotti, Croccante cookies, Java candies, Bonbon au Chocolate candies, two tins of Mocha Mints, Columbia Coffee, some dessert coffees. On the coffee table was also a Breakfast In Bed Gourmet Gift Basket. This was a special gift from our German Nanna. She knows we have these few weeks set aside and surprised us with this gift. In fact I see that Will has already sampled a tea bisquit.

The pancake and scone mixes are great and so easy to make that a 5 year old could manage it. (With a little help.)

Scroll down for a bit of romance: DEAR DIARY Part VI.

Y

ou know that box that came from Imagekind? In it was a surprise for Will. Will had told me a while ago that "Autumn Aura" was one of his favorite photographs. I wanted to surprise him. All I had to do was figure out what frame would look nice on it and then order it for him without him finding out.

I became very concerned when Will, having unwrapped his present, very seriously looked it up, down, and over. All of a sudden a big *grin* spread over his face. "Good workmanship went into the framing," Will said as he swooped me up and gave me a big kiss. From the look in his eyes at that moment, I wasn't sure if he meant mine or the picture's.

Will had "Autumn Aura" hanging up that very day I gave it to him! I was so pleased that he liked it!

(If you want to see what 'Autumn Aura' looks like framed it is the second photo from the top. You can go to the top of my lens by clicking on the following link. Just be sure that you come back for the rest of the story. I think you'll find it interesting.)
To The Top

You'll never guess what happened next!
Scroll down to see: DEAR DIARY Part VII - "Will's Surprise."

A

s you know, Dear Diary, Will quite often buys me presents. Usually he buys two, a big present and a little present. He usually says, "Guess what I bought you? It is bigger/smaller than a breadbox." (We used to have a breadbox but we don't use one any more.) When I absolutely can't guess what he has got me, he brings it out. Well, after making me guess this time, it turned out to be 'not' bigger than a breadbox. It was a lovely bunch of yellow roses! My favorite color of rose except for white, red, pink, etc., etc.

After I had put the roses in a vase he gave me my other present. You know, the "little" one. Ohhhh, how beautiful!!! (No, not a mug.)

Want to find out what the "little" present was?
Scroll down just a little bit more.

Don't you just hate it when someone doesn't finish their story! They leave the ending to your imagination. I think that the film makers were doing that for a while in the 1970's.(Oops, I'm giving away my age again.) I should have said, "Someone told me that in the 1970's......"

T

hanks for your patience, Dear Diary. We were having such a good time on our staycation that I couldn't get back to you until now. What was the last thing I wrote to you? Oh yes, I remember, about my presents from Will. As I told you, my big present was a bouquet of yellow roses. (Will knows how much I love roses.) My mum liked roses too, thus my name, not to mention that my grandmother was also named Rose. So my love of roses comes naturally to me.

After enjoying the roses for one week the petals started dropping. You know me though, I gathered them up as they fell and saved them for potpourri. I make up cute little lace bags every year for my friends and family. They really make linen and closets smell fresh and "rosieful." (My word.)

Now, Dear Diary, as for the little present Will gave to me. You will see it pictured here. It is beautiful! Remember, I was hinting for this very thing about three weeks ago. I said, "Quite possibly, my favorite flower of all is the 'Rose' and, wouldn't a picture of a white rose look lovely in my washroom." Will hadn't let on that he had caught the "suggestion!" and I quickly forgot about it . Will brought out a beautifully wrapped medium sized box. "It is quite heavy," I thought as I unwrapped layer after layer of beautiful pink wrapping tissue, "It couldn't be the small photo I wanted, I guess he didn't get the hint." After the last bit of tissue fell to the patio - there they were!! So very beautiful! Oooooh, I just love them!! Not one picture .. but three small rose pictures!! I'm going to take down the old pictures and hang these right away!" I said.

To see the three rose photos scroll down to my DEAR DIARY Finale - "A Wonderful Gift!"

R

ose photos! "Oooh, I do love them! Will couldn't have bought me anything that I would enjoy more. There are all sorts of designs and photos he could have picked out but, as you know, I really had my heart set on the white rose. Wink, Wink.

Well, that's all for now, Dear Diary. I just want to add that, I'm happy, relaxed and very much in love and now I'm going to get on with my staycation.

'Til next time. "Bye."

~LaraineRose

Photographs are a unique gift to give. Above is a close-up of the "White Rose" photograph. Below are the other two rose photographs Will gave me.
Will's photos make a lovely gift for mother, daughter or sweetheart. There are many designs and photos for men and children and the seascapes are very popular for office decor.

There's always that same question - what to give the person who has everything? ORIGINALS of course! Perhaps the one of your affections would like a framed photograph of her town, country or 'cloud' formation? In that case have a look at the thousands of original photographs, talented Will Borden has on line at willborden.com

This photo "A Drop In The Ocean" in Anne's "Miscellaneous Gallery," can be viewed at: AnneVis

Artist's Description
Sometimes what seems to be a drop in the ocean ... can create big waves!

Anne Vis is a self-taught, inspiring, talented artist and I love her work.

5 Star - Featured - Imagekind Artist

The Gardener
by Robert Eves

To view more of Robert's beautiful photos please go to: judo_dad 1953

'Equilibrium'
A colorful & dramatic abstract design representing balance and stability.

from $43.49
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Balance'
A colorful & dramatic abstract design representing physical steadiness and midpoint.

Grouped with his designs "Equilibrium" and "Security" this would look great in your office at home or workplace.

from $43.49 U.S.
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'Security'
A colorful & dramatic abstract design representing refuge and sanctuary.

from $43.49 U.S.
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A car is a car, right? Sure, today's vehicles are sleeker than their hundred-year-old predecessors, they may have more stuff on the inside to play with, they go faster and are more comfortable, but they still have four wheels and ....

As gas prices are climbing again some of us are still re-thinking summer vacation plans. Here are some comments offered by experts:

Robert Sinclair Jr., spokesman for AAA in New York.
"If a trend toward higher gas prices and fewer travelers were to continue, it could eventually impact travel-dependent companies that provide employment opportunities and tax revenues in almost every city and town in America."

MJ Ervin & Associates Inc.
"Gas prices in Canada averaged $1.294 for a litre of mid-grade gas this week of Sept. 15,2011." The highest price was in Montreal $1.422 per litre.

Alberta and Ontario have the best deals on gas right now and with the Canadian dollar high .... now may not be the best time for Americans to plan a trip to Canada.

If you wish to find out the current average gas price in a certain area in Canada click on the listed price above.

Some companies are responding with deals such as credit for gas and free rides for children.

Robert Sinclair Jr., AAA, New York
"Americans consider their vacations sacrosanct. People are being more discreet. They still want to take their holiday, but they're "planning more carefully."

Brian Hoyt, Orbitz Worldwide vice president of corporate communications
"Americans are tough and Americans are used to tough economic times and challenging environments in which to travel. They've become ever-increasingly resilient. Americans will continue to travel, they're just going to change the way they travel. On a road trip, maybe people are staying a little closer to home(italics ours). In booking a hotel room, maybe they'll stay at Holiday Inn Express, where they can get free breakfast, instead of staying at the InterContinental."

Dustin Clark, Greyhound spokesman
Was not shy when pitching special offers on the bus line's Web site.
"Greyhound is an affordable and safe alternative to filling up your car for driving on vacation. A lot of terminals across the country offer affordable food options, along with affordable fares. Travelling Greyhound prevents you from filling up your car several times during a vacation or a long trip. A lot of terminals across the country offer affordable food options, along with affordable fares. Travelling Greyhound prevents you from filling up your car several times during a vacation or a long trip." Greyhound Bus

Cliff Cole, Amtrak spokesman
"Train travel is more convenient and reliable than driving on congested highways or waiting in line for hours to check in at the nation's crowded airports. Amtrak's Kids Ride Free promotion allows two children to ride the train for free when accompanied by an adult paying full fare." Vacationers can check out other fares and deals on Amtrak.com.

Paul Brown, president of Expedia, a Travel site
"Vacation are an American institution, and we want to ensure that the price of gas doesn't come between travelers and precious time to get away. We're offering values that will allow all travelers to plan the adventure getaway that is right for them."

Ha, ha, ha .... whatever works!

Photo courtesy of Will Borden

Forget far-flung journeys to exotic locales. Many vacationers are taking "staycations," spending time in their homes and at local attractions. Have you ever taken a staycation, and what made you stay close to home?

Were you able to rediscover long-neglected hobbies? Did you find new treasures in your own backyard? Give us a tour of the special "vacation spots" at your home, beside the pool and in your town. Show us where you went and chronicle your not-so-distant getaway.

Here is what ten families reported they did to have their special holiday.

My husband and I love to travel, but we can kiss good bye the days where we could once just jump into the car and drive to no where. Now we're learning to enjoy a new kind of hobby: "A Staycation".

Our annual Memorial Day Weekend tradition usually involves camping and fishing. Well, due to the continual rise in gas, we felt our only recourse was to nix the idea this year and stay home.
Needless to say we were very bummed about the idea. Even the dog looked sad! So, being the creative (maybe even a bit annoying) wive that I am, I decided to camp out in the backyard. We set the tent up, just finished installing our above ground pool, and cleaned up the grill, and got our "John Boat" up and runnin'. Wala! We have ourselves a campsite! It's been a blast!

My husband groaned about the idea, but even he was all smiles when we were done. We might just make this our new tradition. It was a lot easier than packing to go camping, we had a pool to ourselves (wink,wink) and we didn't have to buy any additional supplies except 5 gallons of gas for the boat. Mon, we'll head to Lake Palestine and go fishing. I believe this was by far the cheapest "vacation" we've ever had! I'm lovin' it!

For the last several years we've made a habit of renting a cottage at one of the regional state parks and making a mini-break out of 3 day vacations including the Memorial, Independence and Labor day holidays. This year when my wife asked about our plans I said "if it has anything to do with traffic, crowds or gasoline count me out". We decided to make a go of temporarily treating our own home like a resort. We avoided all the pain at the pump (though we use findfueldeals.com). When we loaded up with groceries for grilling and patio dining, we certainly noticed inflation in the aisles but we're eating healthy and at home. The kids are happy around the pool, we moved some fitness equipment outside to exercise in the fresh air, and we're less stressed with all mod cons at our disposal - making use of things we worked hard for. It certainly doesn't hurt that we are having absolutely fabulous 75-80 degree sunny weather in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania.

This is where my summer vacation will be spent, in my backyard. With soaring diesel prices and a truck that gets only 11 mpg pulling our camper, we decided to cancel our vacation to the Smoky Mountains. It usually takes us 11 to 12 hrs to drive from South Louisiana to Townsend Tennessee where we usually stay. This summer would have been our seventh year in a row to the Smokies, thats how much we love it there. I pray that we won't have to cancel for next year.

Two years ago we decided to spend less money running up and down the congested highway to the beach. Instead, we put in a swimming pool with a water fall, plenty of patio space, a hot tub, and since we wanted it to feel like a resort, we put in shrubs, trees, etc. to complete the package. When we entertain we have enough space for everyone, the food, the entertainment, etc. It has definitely been worth the investment.

I also was sick of packing, airports, gas prices, traffic, bad food & service and cost while vacationing. My weekend starts Thursday after work and in lieu of a 7 day vacation a couple of times a year, I have 3 day weekends - 4 day workweeks for the summer!

I made my backyard a place to camp, swim, hoops, horseshoes, gardening, crafts, volleyball, etc. and so much more to list. I take the $ I would have spent on bad vacations and instead invest it into my favorite daycation spot!!

Are you not sick and tired of working twice as hard before you go on vacation and then again work twice as hard when you return, just to take that small vacation time off? Believe me, it makes the summer go by so much slower and more relaxed!!! If you hear the weekend is going to be a rainout, skip the plans for this weekend and do it next weekend. You can't get a guaranteed rain free prepaid vacation any other way. So how about it America, everyone on board with me for 3 day weekends?

We've created a "staycation" destination for all our friends and neighbors...a 16' x 9' movie screen, surround sound and projector in our backyard. On most summer weekends our backyard becomes a mini drive-in theater...complete with candy, soft drinks and official theater popcorn machine. Just bring your own lawn chair! For Memorial Day weekend we showed "Ratatouille" and for the 4th of July weekend we will be showing "Independence Day" of course. There is even an official website for folks to check for the schedule and latest weather report...since high winds and/or rain is a bummer.

Little Face at Autism bubble Factory

Once again Wonder Works in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, proved to be a fantastic fun filled day, not far from home.

Our little six year old grandson has Asperger's Syndrome, a milder form of autism. He usually does not do well in crowds or activities that will send him into sensory over ride. We were pleasantly surprised with how he participated in many of the activities at Wonder Works.

The Bubble Factory was one of his favorites. We feel very fortunate to have this great attraction so close to our home.

A virtual smoke wall dances and moves with human touch and motion. Another neat hands on experiment at Wonder Works, Pigeon Forge Tennessee.

This tourist attraction presents itself as an upside down museum. It caters to the science, arts, sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers in all of us. A must see for Smokey Mountain Visitors. Especially nice for staycationers in East Tennessee.

"Staycation": Good for All Abilities Kids
This Memorial Day due to high medical bills, increasing gas and food prices, an ominous economy, and the challenges of traveling as a single mom with multiple children with various issues, we had a vacation mainly at home with friends and family. We alternated between swimming, playing video games on Nintendo's Wii like, "Mario Kart", "Super Shash Brothers Melee", and the new "Wii Fit", playing board games and guitar, and eating out. Everyone had a great time and formed lasting memories with little stress or expense.

Call it staycation,call it vacation,and I will call it laycation. Making the most of the economy going down and money being tight. The reality is weather the kids will be outside I will be soaking up skin cancer in the rays of the sun and trying to eliminate debt as we speak. Writing letters for my son everyday and night trying to put life together. Trying to twist and bend back our mistakes and trying to enjoy my childrens child hood. I am learning everyday. I have learned how to grow Herbs for Autism and I have learned how to make fingerpaints out of salt and flour. My laycation is mainly being at home with the ones I love the most. No going to the mall or helping the economy . Saving gas as much as I can and surviving. Living differently and frugal. Gardening will replace grocery shopping and sewing anew fun time. I am the least domesticated ever and I am learning I have to be. I used to kid my husband and tell him I am ment to be rich and I needed a maid to help.I hated to cook and we were always out of the house. We have no choice now. A laycation it is for us. Domestic living for me.

I got an email from United Airlines this morning stating that their policies are changing now that there is an extra fee for any checked baggage. $15 for your first bag and $25 for your second.

WHAT'S NEXT? A CHARGE FOR THE SEAT CUSHION? COIN OPERATED TOILETS? NEXT THING YOU KNOW, I'LL BE LUGGING ALL THE STUFF I CRAMMED INTO A CARRY-ON ALONG WITH MY SEAT CUSHION, FOOD, AND COINS FOR THE WASHROOM. THIS AFTER I'VE ALREADY PAID A TON JUST TO GET ON THE PLANE!

Whew, now that I got that off my chest ... I think I'll just stay home and get on with my staycation.

thought that the word "Staycation" would die a natural death and another catchy word would take over. Don't look now but ......

With gas prices rising and the poor economy, people are still opting for a go-nowhere eco-vacation. It sure is easier on the pursestrings. (Now there is a word which has all but lost it's meaning.)

I have had many artists thank me for the work I do for them in this lens. This was such a gracious comment, I decided to include it here.

Dear LaraineRose,
I couldn't sleep last night, so I came to my computer and logged on to your lens to read about your "staycation". I found it amusing, entertaining, educational, funny, sweet, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable! I had never heard of Corner Gas, and now will contact my cable provider to see if and when it will be on here in Dallas. And I am thinking that I should plan a staycation in the very near future.

I didn't realize how many images Will had on Imagekind until I read about his work in your lens. I'm in awe! He has really wonderful fine art photos as well as his original digital artwork.And I see that he is a fellow "stop the car" person!! My husband is used to my shouting that out often! I'm relatively new to Imagekind, and though I have loved photography for a very long time I just recently decided to post on line and to try to sell some of my work. I'm currently teaching myself to digitally edit and enhance my images, like Wet Feet, which began life as a dark, mundane photo on film. I started to experiment with it in photoshop, and liked the result, though I'm not entirely sure I could repeat the process! Thank you again for honoring me by choosing that image to feature. You cannot know how much that means to me to be recognized in that way.

In July we will be driving out to our log cabin in the Arizona mountains for a month of relaxation. OOOOO...what a great place to plan our staycation! When it reaches the century mark in Dallas it is time to "get out of Dodge" and go to a cooler climate! The cabin is at about 8600 ft. elevation, in the woods, with lots of elk and deer around, and the occasional wolf or black bear. I love to sit on my front porch and watch the hummers chase each other, and listen to the wind in the trees, which always sounds like waves crashing upon the shores to me. The hammock stretched between two trees in the back is calling my name! I guess you can tell how much I love it out there.

Well, thank you again, and I look forward to reading more of your lens. How often do you write new material?

Take care, and best wishes,
Jacque

Dear Jacque,,
To answer your question - I try to write a little every day. I guess, you might say, I'm addicted to Squidooing.
Thank you again for the compliments and keep up the good work you are doing!
Sincerely,
LaraineRose

PS You can view Jacque's, "Wet Feet" at: Jacque A.

Spring is in the air. Can you guess why the season following Winter is named Spring? What kind of things happen in Spring? What happens in nature? Plants begin growing quickly once the cold of winter has ended. One might say the new growing is practically springing up. And that is why we call this season Spring!

A colorful, orchard collection of Spring blossoms and delicious produce photographed by well known photographer, Will Borden, can be viewed along with this photo "Apple Blossoms" at: Imagekind

Summer is an important season for the social agenda of individuals. Generally, the summer season in most regions of the world has an evident increase in tourism. Outdoor activity is also taken by many people during this season, due to the favorable conditions. Leisure is also associated with summer, due to the number of people on vacation or staycation.

The glow of the setting sun on Haystack Rock, the clouds and sand, creates a heavenly atmosphere at beautiful Cannon Beach, Oregon, U.S.A.

"Haystack Heaven" by Will Borden, along with hundreds of other 'heavenly' photographs, is yours to view at: Imagekind

Autumn begins with a subtle change in the light, with skies a deeper blue, and nights that become suddenly clear and chilled. The first frost brings brighter foliage, the disappearance of migrant birds, and the harvesting of the season's last crops.

'Autumn Spendor' along with other beautiful autumn scenes can be viewed at: Imagekind

Laden Autumn here I stand
Worn of heart, and weak of hand:
Nought but rest seems good to me,
Speak the word that sets me free.

This poem of Autumn reminds me of my story of the Two Leaves

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

by Robert Frost (1923)

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

As a North Bay trucker stops for a red light on Hwy.11, a blonde catches up. She jumps out of her car, runs up to his truck, and knocks on the door. The trucker lowers the window, and she says, "Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"

The trucker ignores her and proceeds down the street.

When the truck stops for another red light, the girl catches up again. She jumps out of her car runs up and knocks on the door. Again, the trucker lowers the window. As if they've never spoken, the blonde says brightly, "Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"

Shaking his head, the trucker ignores her again and
continues down the street.

At the third red light, the same thing happens again. All out of breath, the blonde gets out of her car, runs up, knocks on the truck door. The trucker lowers the window. Again she says, "Hi, my name is Heather, and you are losing some of your load!"

When the light turns green the trucker revs up and races to the next light. When he stops this time, he hurriedly gets out of the truck, and runs back to the blonde. He knocks on her window, and as she lowers it, he says,............

"Hi, my name is Kevin, it's winter in CANADA , and
I'm driving the SALT TRUCK......."

Thank you for sticking with me right to the end. I hope that you enjoyed coming on the staycation with me. ~Laraine Rose

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