Today is our 50th Wedding Anniversary!

I am so grateful for our years together. Dean is my rock and my soulmate.

I'm doing the HAPPY DANCE!!

PRECIOUS Carly Rose

Born Oct. 28th

7 pounds 12 oz.

My hubby & me, VERY BLESSED Grandparents!!

NOTHING fills your heart like a new grandbaby!!

One of my FAVORITE Stampin' Up! Cruise pictures!! 

Saturday, July 20, 2019 my Midwest North Star Stampers' Team gathered for swapping, sharing, learning and fellowship. These gals are best!! I sure appreciated their efforts to attend and "SHARE WHAT WE LOVE!" My Florida North Star Stampers will gather in early January 2020.

Join my Team & get $30 EXTRA product in your Starter Kit! 

The Starter Kit is $99 with free shipping. Select $155 of any products for your customized kit during this promo only. Offer expires August 31, 2019. I have 22+ years of experience to guide you. Create a small business or a BIG business, the choice is yours. Offer in USA only.

Email me questions: NancyFerb50@gmail.com

Details & Join HERE

If you love papercrafts,

JOIN my Team, North Star Stampers! 

Stampin' Up! is an awesome 30 year old company with lots of incentives just waiting for YOU! It's Rewarding! It's Fun! It's Flexible!

See Details & Join HERE

Ask questions here: NancyFerb50@gmail.com

My main Stamping Room is in Florida. This is my summer Stamping Room in Godfrey, IL which just got two new improvements. This double ten foot display wire with clips holds tons of cards!! I saw this idea used in the Jacoby Art Center's classroom where I occasionally teach. I found the hardware on Amazon under: Curtain Drape Wire Rod Set with 24 Clips Multi-purpose Set Hang Photos, Notes, Art - $15.99 per set.

This 20 feet of wire will suit my needs perfectly! Top fold cards go over the wire. Side fold cards attached with the sliding clips! Very pleased with the result!!

I also added punch storage with a Mini Cubby by Closetmaid, an online order thru Walmart.com that was $18.34. I just pulled retiring products so I'm low on punches...more are coming! My Stamping Room is always a work in progress! Try one of these ideas in your creative space!!

On July 30th my Team gathered in Oregon, Illinois to swap, share and learn! It was sooo great to see everyone and chat! Our Team members are in seven states so this is a partial group.

THANKS TEAM - you are the BEST!!

Back row: Barb Faulkner of South Beloit, IL; JoAnn Buffington of Roscoe, IL; Shari Ball of Mt. Morris, IL; SueAnn Bamberg of Freeport, IL; Nancy Ferb - team leader; Julie Aurand of Rockford, IL; Michelle Hoshaw of Byron, IL; Rachel Davis of Rockford, IL; Karen Kapfer of Rockford, IL; Lynda Huffman of Rockford, IL. Front row: Jackie Ray of Janesville, WI; Janell Lewellen of Byron, IL; Michelle Miller of Rockford, IL.

Would YOU like to join my Team??

Click here for details

Just one year ago, our family was blessed with a FIRST grandchild!!

Today, Lily is already ONE year old!! Happy Birthday, Sweet Lily!

We all love you BUNCHES!!

REMINDER:

SUBSCRIBE by APRIL 10th to receive this SPECIAL Paper Pumpkin Kit and GIFT!!! Paper Pumpkin is a subscription craft kit all prepped and ready to enjoy right from your mailbox. Start and stop your subscription anytime. 

Detail & Subscribe HERE

Did you take on my Random-Act-of-Kindness-Challenge to mail someone a handmade card who isn't expecting it?? Here are my RAKs! It's NEVER to late to send "a smile in the mail!"

In case you missed yesterday's Ultimate PINK Blog Hop, just scroll down.

A HUGE "thank you" to all my North Star Stamper team members that attended our CELEBRATION on Sunday, August 7, 2016 in Oregon, Illinois!! It was wonderful to share and chat with these talented gals!! Swaps and demonstrations were great!! I'm so blessed to have you all in my life!

This is what my Godfrey, Illinois home office looked like a month ago - very empty!

I like to set up my desk in an "L" or "U" configuration. I found the perfect white desk at Cymax.com. My hubby did a great job of assembling the parts!

I have a hanging file folder drawer for all my card stocks. There is a handy shallow drawer for paper punches and embellishments.

This view shows the entire "U," and our sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maxie!! This is definitely the nicest stamping office I've ever had!! There is a lovely view out the front of the house so I can see the US mail and UPS deliveries! There is a hanging wren house waiting for occupancy! I'm still stocking this office - I'm one of Nancy's best customers! LOL We will spend summers in this home near our family and new grandaughter - and winters in Punta Gorda, FL away from the snow and ice. I'm very grateful.

I'm back online after relocating to the small town of Godfrey, IL near our new grandbaby!! We will be snowbirds. We live in half of a duplex in a homeowner's association...that means NO LAWN MOWING for us!! I have a tiny bit of flower gardening space to dabble with if I choose.

This is the back of our home with a walk-out basement. We have a gorgeous view of a hilly, wooded golf course. I love all the birds! The neighbor has 3 VERY active hummingbird feeders which are quite entertaining! Hummers are tenacious and the only birds that can fly backwards!

We are beginning to feel settled with medicinal chocolate in the refrig!

Here is my bare, echoing office....impatiently waiting for my new U-shaped desk to arrive. My hubby will need to assemble it. He has been the "BESTEST" husband - hanging hooks, setting up and assembling a variety of necessities without a single complaint!!

Some of you have asked about Maxie. HE did so well on his 17 hour drive north and first motel stay!! Here he is in the motel, VERY HAPPY to find his precious "Mr. Squirrel" came along too!

AND here is the reason for our summer relocation - LILY, our first grandchild!! At 8 weeks she loves her bath time!! She has changed so much and is starting to coo and smile! She is such a JOY to us!!

My Little Maxie Boy is helping me change the sheets!

He is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Happy 44th Anniversary to my wonderful partner in life, Dean!!

Love him sooo much!!

Today I must share pictures of our sweet Lily, FIRST grandchild!! These are professional pictures from one week of age. SO PRECIOUS!!

Such a sleepy little peanut!!

Check out those soft little pink lips!

The new family - Katie, Tim & sweet Lily! We miss her so much. NEWS: we are purchasing a condo near them in Illinois and plan to be "snowbirds!" I cannot wait to rock this grandbaby again.

(Stampers: Never fear, I'll be having events in both locations!!)

I was thrilled to receive this very sweet Happy Grandparent Card from two Team members and good friends!! It was designed by Barb Faulkner of South Beloit and Michelle Miller of Rockford, IL.

They used "Something For Baby" stamp set & coordinating framelits!

It folds flat for mailing. It's magic!! Thanks, gals!! It's adorable!

 Lily Mae at two weeks old. Our family has been blessed!!

This is our first grandchild and sooo loved!!!

I had a very special weekend! My hubby and I spent two days with our oldest daughter, Kelly! Today would have been my mother's 90th birthday, so it was extra special spending it with our daughter who lives in Minnesota!!

Anna Mae Laaker Lillie

Happy Birthday, Mom! I miss you.

HURRAY team members

Barb Faulkner of South Beloit, IL

&

Michelle Miller of Rockford, IL

for attending Stampin' Up!'s OnStage

Salt Lake City, Utah!!!

SWEET Lily Mae arrived four days early and weighed in at a perfect 7 pounds!

Lily is soooo sweet none of us can take our eyes off of her.

She has a little dark hair at the moment.

Mom, Dad and Baby are doing well.

This has brought back so many precious memories of giving birth to our two girls!

Lily Mae DeMunbrun arrived today!!!!! She is sooooo sweet!!!! More pictures to come, but we all need sleep now.

THRILLED!!!

Did you know I grow orchids as a hobby? I have just over 50 orchids I grow outside under screening. I have always enjoyed gardening, but this is a new hobby for me - I've been doing it for about three years and am seeing amazing results this spring! This orchid "came with the home" we bought so I don't know it's name. I've divided it several times with great results. This plant has TWELVE blossoms and a division of it has TEN blossoms. I'm pretty darn proud of it!!

This is a newer orchid I've only had for one year. I belong to two orchid groups which have answered lots of my elementary questions and cheered me on! It's a fun hobby and I use it as a break from stamping when I get a creative block. I will not post orchids often because this is a stamping blog, but thought you might like to know about my other passion.

Recently, I flew to Illinois for a very special Baby Shower! It was a WONDERFUL celebration for our very first grandchild, due to Katie & Tim in April. Here is our group "baby hug," me, Katie and Aunt Kelly.

The hostesses were Kelly Ferb, sister, and Melissa Masters, cousin of the mommy-to-be. The decorations were adorable following the black, white and yellow theme of rain clouds and "You are my Sunshine!"

There were yellow daisies in bowls of thickened jello - sooo unique!

Cute cupcakes and paper goods!

Lots of ADORABLE, much needed baby items!!

Katie loved the rag quilt I made for her nursery!

Truly a grand celebration of a new addition to our family!! Melissa was taking the picture.

And here is the nursery waiting for baby, Lily Mae!!

We spent Christmas Day at the Ft. Myers Beach with our two daughters and their hubbies!! This is a "Sand Frosty!"

Our daughter, Kelly and her hubby, Chris escaped Minnesota for a sandy Christmas with us!!

Hope your Christmas was special!

In Florida, we don't have snow for Christmas...but we DO have NOODLE TREES!!! LOL This is Max and my hubby, Dean, who recently had shoulder surgery.

Santa wears shorts in Florida! Wherever you live, enjoy all the HOLIDAY EVENTS with your family and friends!

We recently flew to Wichita, KS for our niece's wedding.

The newlyweds are Mr. & Mrs. Scott Glaser!

Our beautiful nieces: Samantha, Johnna, & Maggie, all daughters of David Ferb who is originally from Byron, IL.

A BIG highlight of the trip was the FERB BROTHERS all together, which rarely happens because they live in IL, KS & FL!! Gary Ferb; David Ferb, father of the bride; Dean Ferb, my hubby!

We picked up Max from boarding and he was THRILLED to see us!! He was a little tired, too. He loves to sleep in the car.

There is no place like HOME!!

Katie & Tim are

expecting a

BABY GIRL in April!!!

Dean & I will be GRANDPARENTS

for the FIRST TIME!!

Kelly & Chris will be Aunt & Uncle!

WE ARE ALL THRILLED!!

Watch for North Star Stampers on stage!!

Michelle Miller & Barb Faulkner 

Inspire. Create. Share. Convention

July 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Back row: Judy Trigg of Rockford, IL; Linda Niemeyer of Rochelle, IL; Pennie Johnson of Winnebago, IL; Barb Faulkner of South Beloit, IL; Michelle Miller of Rockford, IL; Melissa Hunting of Highlands Ranch, CO. Seated: Nancy Ferb of Punta Gorda, FL; Jennifer Lawyer of Rockton, IL.

A HUGE thanks to each of my North Stars that attended. It was a BLAST!! I returned home happily exhausted!! :-)

Max is our 5 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Max was NOT elated with his first time in the pool! We had him sit on the top step for 10 minutes in the warm water. We want him to learn where the steps are located and that's how to get out of the pool. Two minutes after he got out, Max was back on "lizard patrol!" He doesn't eat lizards, but can't resist catching them. Currently we have dwindling numbers of "dumb" baby lizards.

Max loves to nap in my stamping office! He ALWAYS make a nice "pillow" with his blanket! He is a very good boy. We enjoy him so much!

While on vacation, I had a gathering for my midwest demonstrators in Rockford, Illinois! I LOVED seeing everyone!! We had an outstanding swap! A BIG THANKS to all who attended!!

This is PART TWO.

See yesterday's post for part one.

Onto Spring Park, MN to visit our daughter Kelly & hubby, Chris.

This is LAKE country.

Weather was perfect for boating the many interlocking lakes of the Minnetonka Area! Fun looking at all the lake homes, including mansions like the Pillsbury Estate.

I ALWAYS think of my Dad when I see graceful sailboats!

This is Lord Fletcher's lakeside bar & restaurant - quite busy as summer just arrived in Minnesota!

Kelly and Chris took us to the TONKA TOY MUSEUM in Mound, MN. Saw some "antique metal trucks" my brothers had...deja vu!! Small but very interesting! 

"Driveway Dinner!"

Chris is a master of the grill!

It was great to see everyone, but ESPECIALLY our two daughters!!

Kelly and Chris' boat at sunset...so peaceful.

It was a wonderful 4,000+ mile trip, but there is no place like HOME!! MAX was very happy to have us home. He played in the dirty laundry and then settled in for a nap!

All is good.

Early June 2015, Dean and I headed north by car to visit family & friends.

Our first visit was daughter, Katie and her hubby, Tim. They took us to the CITY MUSEUM at 750 North 16th St., St. Louis, MO. In the background you see the old 10 story International Shoe Factory that houses City Museum. See the School Bus hanging over the top corner of the building? That's part of this gigantic interactive playground. A better name would be a "amusement park of unrelated recycled junk!" It's weird and fun!

On the City Museum roof, you climb UP a cage and then SLIDE DOWN right under the cage. This is Dean being a kid again! Too high for me!!!

 Katie and Dean climbing into a giant cage on the roof for this picture...

...say "CHEESE!"

A giant playground for kids of all ages! City kids can do what

country kids do - climb in barn, hop across creeks, explore caves.

Back in the building, I could not resist this silliness!

Dean had a FAT TIRE BEER to relax!

These TWIRLING, TIPPING chairs felt like you were falling over backward...then swiveled around!! GIGGLES!!!

This sign spoke to me!! We didn't have time to see everything - like the 7 story SLIDE! We highly recommend the CITY MUSEUM

for kids of all ages!!

Check back for my next post on

our vacation time in Minnesota!

This week

LINDA NIEMEYER,

our outstanding North Star Stamper,

is celebrating

15 years as a Demonstrator!!!

FUN demonstrator & great friend!!

So HAPPY for Linda!

Forgive me!! I'm soooo EXCITED I must share my news!! This happened today, on what would have been my Mom's 90th Birthday. WOW. Thank you to EVERYONE who has ordered thru me.

You are the BEST!!

How many UPS Trucks could you fill

with $500,000 in products????

Today I'm thinking about my Mom on what would have been her 90th Birthday. I was very blessed to have a wonderful Mother! I miss her everyday.

Anna Mae Laaker Lillie

Happiest Birthday Wishes

to our first daughter!

A few of you have asked how I organize my cardstock. I have a 36" wide hanging file cabinet perpendicular to my desk. Colors are arranged by family groups, with Whisper White & Very Vanilla on the very end closest to my desk. This set up works very well for me.

I store scraps with the full sheets of the same color. That way I never need to waste a full sheet if I just need a punched shape. If you have the room, having a dedicated crafting desk is really worth it!

I always look forward to Stampin' Up! events! This year we were at Orlando, FL so I could drive!

As you can see it was a FULL house! Lots of news, demonstrations and inspirations!! 

Here is some of my Stampin' Up! Family: Me, Tami Waddell who is my upline and head of Inkerbelles, Barb Faulkner, and Michelle Miller. Time with stampin' friends is the BEST!

Stampin' events usually include some CHOCOLATE!! This was my dessert at the Inkerbelle Directs' Dinner and Swap! YUMMMMM!!!

At Manager's Reception we had a private nightting showing of Fantasmic with pyrotechnics and water effects at Disney!! (My pictures of the show weren't good.) Then some roaming around with Michelle Miller & Barb Faulkner and Disney Desserts!!

We got a Sneak Peek at the next two monthly Paper Pumpkin subscription Kits! I LOVED them! Really cute stuff!!

I was on stage for the Senior Executive Recognition March and received a lovely little gift for "longevity!!" 18+ YEARS and still lovin' sharing!

Guess what was in this little gift box?

My gift was a pretty Brighton© Business Card Case!! LOVE IT!

And more dining...this time at the delish Ming Restaurant surrounded

by a Koi Pond and orchids!

And last but not least, CHOCOLATE UPRISING!! More dining fun and gabbing with good friends! Stampin' Up! has blessed my life with lots of great friendships far and wide!

Now I'm looking forward to Stampin' Up!'s summer convention!!!

Calories DO NOT count at Leadership!! Delish!!! And look at all those Blueberries for brain power!

Our two daughters and one S-I-L visited us for the Holidays. We drove to Key West for an adventure. 1700 islnads make up the Florida Keys - a gorgeous area! We had lunch in Marathon with my brother and his wife. They own Marathon BioDiesel, converting used restaurant cooking oil into fuel.

Seated: Jeff Lillie, ME (Nancy Lillie Ferb,) Nancy Lillie. Standing: Dean Ferb, Chris & Kelly, Katie Ferb DeMunbrun.

We enjoy staying at the Westwinds Inn ( circa 1900) walking distance to the infamous DUVAL STREET! This is me and our two beautiful daughters!

We lounged around the pool. There is Katie on the left, finishing up breakfast poolside.

We fed this little bird (maybe a warbler) egg leftovers. It was quite tame...and hungry!

I little "crab spider" was watching us so Kelly fed him egg, also.

Our first stop was Ernest Hemingway's Home....because the three of us are cat-lovers!

Hemingway loved cats also. His cats were polydactyl - meaning extra toed. All his cats were named after Hollywood actors.

Here is a good shots of a polydactyl cat!! Many descendants of the original cats roam the property today. They have freedom to go anywhere and still sometimes sleep on Hemingway's bed.

 Old cement.

Cats were everywhere! This fellow liked the hum of the A/C!

Hemingway's Home is LOVELY and well worth the tour to hear about his "colorful" life!

Then we headed to BLUE HEAVEN for lunch! It was very eclectic - with a shower barside! Live music, too.

There were hens and chick running around the outside restaurant! We saw two huge iuguanas in the tree top, too. Lots going on!

I highly recommend Blue Heaven's mile high Key Lime Pie! YUM!!! Just HOW do they cut this pie????

An interesting restaruant! Our server was a gal from Russia.

The kids and I visited John Fogerty's Bar. Remember the song: "put me in coach?"

The kids found SANTA!!!! He was drinking a beer at the beach while getting a thorough tan!!! The taxi driver told the kids, "That guy has an "OUTFIT" for every holiday!!

A BIG photo op is the "Southern Most Point" sign! Kelly and hubby, Chris.

I visited the Key West Garden Club in an "old fort." This huge banyan tree has engulfed an old archway and turned it into a work of art! I went to see the orchid arbor and there was not a single orchid in bloom which great disappointed me.

I walked over to the Butterfly Conservatory and passed this breath taking Bougainvillea! WOW!

The butterfly "greenhouse" was AMAZING. It's a lush tropical garden and stream with butterflies everywhere...and tiny tropical birds, a pair of Flamingos and koi fish! So tranquil!

So brilliant!

This butterfly was about 5-6" across!

I had no idea they could live sooo long!

As I existed the Butterfly Conservatory, there was a lovely orchid display!!

I was VERY tired so I took a "PEDI-CAB" back to the inn. My cyclist was a young gal from the Ukraine!

The girls are always ready for a new adventure!!

We FOUND "Dorothy" of Kansas fame!! She grew up and hangs out at the Bourbon Street Pub in Key West. DID NOT SEE "Todo."

This sign took Kelly's eye!

There are street performers...some have two legs, some have four! This is "Cocoa," and she is 2 years old.

Dominique Lefort is a long-time French sidewalk performer at sunset on Mallory Square! He acts very "CRAZY" and has somehow (????) trained cats!!! AMAZING!

Heading home we had to "play tourist" at this giant lobster! Key West is a very interesting, unique place. We always find something new each time we visit! I've included several hot links if you want more info. Visit soon and make some memories!

Recently we headed north on the west coast of Florida to visit Tarpon Springs. First stop was Long Boat Key for lunch on the beach. October in SW Florida is still around 90 degrees for highs.

This is the working seaport and shopping district of historic Tarpon Springs on the Anclote River. It's locally referred to as the "Sponge Docks."

Florida west coast sponge beds were accidentally discovered in 1873 by Key West turtle fishermen. Diving as the primary method of sponge harvesting was introduced by John Cocoris, the first Greek to arrive in Tarpon Spring in 1896. In 1905, he and 5 other Greeks started a prosperous sponge diving business that triggered a migration of Greeks. Today, Tarpon Springs has the largest Greek population outside of Greece!

We took a charter 3 miles out from the coast to Anclote Key Beach and Lighthouse State Park. On the way, three dophins (one a baby!) played in our boat's wake. LOVE seeing the dolphins in their NATURAL habitat!!

This is an aerial view of Anclote Key State Park of 403 acre. This picture was not taken by me.

Saw a lovely sunset at Sunset Beach! We really enjoy exploring Florida!

Happy 28th Birthday to our daughter,

Katie DeMunbrun!

As you can see, I've been to TONS of Stampin' Up! Events: annual conventions, regional seminars, achievement cruises, and sr. executive meetings!! I'm publicly validating my 2014-15 Stampin' Up! GOALS because they are SUPER IMPORTANT to me this year!

    * Reach Half Million $ Career Sales

    * Achieve the Mediterranean Cruise Trip - Spain, France, Italy

These are HUGE goals for me at 64 years old and new to Florida 3 years ago!! When my hubby and I were newlyweds, we lived in SPAIN for 2-1/2 years while he was station at the US Naval Base in Rota, Spain! We have never returned to Spain, but this is our chance!!! I want to take my hubby back to where we started our life together over 42 years ago! I'm very willing to work hard to do it!

Can YOU help me?

    *Give or request a gift certificate from me for special ocassions

    *Book a home party

    *Join my classes, clubs, and online clubs

    *Bring friends to my events

    *Give me referrals of friends who would make good demonstrators OR enjoy "discount purchasing"

    *Share my BLOG with your friends

    *If you are in my North Star Stamper family, your title promotions will be       especially appreciated this year

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped STAMP FOR THE TROOPS on Saturday!! From left: Karen, Aubrey, Diane, me (Nancy,) Shari (Stampin' Up! Demonstrator,) Carol, and taking the picture is Helen. This is my annual service project with the help of Linda Keller, Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

We blew 2013's total "out of the water!"

 2013 card total 353

2014 card total 785!

A SPECIAL thanks to Carol who brought 500+ finished punch cards for kids - DARLING!! Below are a few of Carol's creations:

And a big THANKS to Helen Rivera, our "military Mom," for mailing three FULL boxes to Operation Write Home!!

This is a VERY worthwhile project for all you stampers out there!! For more info on Operation Write Home

Click HERE

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Cards for Troops 2013

Can you see WHY Stampin' Up! Convention is always the highlight of my summer!! SOOO many good friends getting together to celebrate our accomplishments and get inspired for next year!! For details on joining this amazing company with me click HERE!!

My wonderful North Star Stampers! Back row: Mary Elliott, Shari Ball, Judy Trigg, Barb Faulkner, Audra Moncur. Front row: Christine Lewis (in grey,) Linda Niemeyer, Michelle Scott, Michelle Miller, me - Nancy Ferb.

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My FIRST Convention in 1997

Stampin' Up! Convention Swapping

North Stars in Texas

Outstanding Demonstrators

Celebrating Together

Just look at my WONDERFUL Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Family!! On June 28th, we gathered in Rockford, IL to celebrate achievements, share ideas and swap! It was so GREAT to see you all!! I have demonstrators in15 states so this is just part of our family. It all started with just ONE recruit!

Top Achievers in my Level One: #3 Janell Lewellen on right, #2 Mary Elliott in center, #1 Linda Niemeyer (not pictured.) CONGRATS on a great year!

Top Achievers in my Levels Two thru Five: #3 Barb Faulkner on right, #2 Audra Moncur / Grand Vacation Achiever (not pictured), #1 Michelle Miller with EIGHT recruits on left. Congrats on your teriffic year!

I wish all my North Star Stampers

a successful, FUN New Year!!

Related articles

North Stars in Texas

Clay by Janell

Demonstrator Awards Day!

42 years ago today, I married my sweetie!

The BEST decision of my life!

Kelly meeting Katie, my favorite picture of our daughters!

Motherhood, my most important job!

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Illinois Trip

For my birthday we visited the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, FL just 30 minutes south of our home. An IMPRESSIVE Banyon Tree greets visitors! In 1925, Harvey Firestone gave a 4 foot Banyon Tree to Edison in their search to find a domestic source of rubber. The milky sap can be used to create rubber. Now this tree covers an acre and is the largest of it's kind in the continental US.

This is Thomas Alva Edison's (1847-1931) lab where he experimented with 1700 plants for latex to make rubber. His friend, Henry Ford also own a winter home on the property. They winter here with their families for over 60 years!

Edison had only 3 months of formal schooling, because he was too "restless." His Mother, a teacher, taught him at home. Edison was 80% deaf in both ears, probably from a childhood illness. Nevertheless, he was a prolific inventor, named the 20th Century "MAN OF THE MILLENNIUM" by LIFE Magazine. He is the ONLY person to be granted a patent every year for 65 consecutive years! He was awarded a total of 1,093 US Patents.

I was extremely impressed by the giant collection of tropical plants from all over the world. Here I am in front of a huge Staghorn Fern, just one of three hanging from this Virginia Live Oak! And I love all the ferns growing on the branches at the top right corner of this picture. A very interesting day!

Click HERE for more info and pictures