I found this at Odat's and had to share.
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Lost Generation
I found this at Odat's and had to share.
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Azaleas!
Finally! The first Azaleas of Spring! I was just about to give up on them. Some of the dogwoods in town are also starting to bloom, but not yet in my neighborhood.
The guy I hired to replace and paint a few pieces of siding on the Yellow House and to do a few minor trim repairs called last night to tell me he is finished. I've got to take a ride over first thing this morning to check it out before I write him a check!
I am almost afraid to say it, but this has been a very good month for my business. I hope it's an indication that the economy is turning around! I certainly hope it continues, too!
Yesterday on the cat's blog I posted an update on Gracie, if you'd care to read it. My Vet Dr. Tad emailed me the X-ray my neighbor Peggy's Vet Dr. Delany took of Gracie's little leg back in November.
Peggy first noticed this tiny kitten was dragging her leg behind her, caught her and brought her in to Dr. Delany. At that time, Dr. Delany told Peggy the leg would have to be amputated as soon as Gracie was a little bigger and stronger, a month or so down the road. It was just a complete mess. I can't imagine the trauma that had to have caused so many breaks in such a tiny baby. You know, baby bones are very soft and flexible, so it must have been just awful for her.
Peggy started calling her 'Tripod', thinking she'd only have 3 legs. Well, once I took her I thought she needed a much prettier name, something more befitting her grace and beauty, and Gracie has always been my favorite girl's name anyway!
Well, I've rambled on long enough. I've got to get my behind in gear! It's the last day of the quarter already! Can you believe it?! Have a terrific day, y'all. Big hugs xo♥
The guy I hired to replace and paint a few pieces of siding on the Yellow House and to do a few minor trim repairs called last night to tell me he is finished. I've got to take a ride over first thing this morning to check it out before I write him a check!
I am almost afraid to say it, but this has been a very good month for my business. I hope it's an indication that the economy is turning around! I certainly hope it continues, too!
Yesterday on the cat's blog I posted an update on Gracie, if you'd care to read it. My Vet Dr. Tad emailed me the X-ray my neighbor Peggy's Vet Dr. Delany took of Gracie's little leg back in November.
Peggy first noticed this tiny kitten was dragging her leg behind her, caught her and brought her in to Dr. Delany. At that time, Dr. Delany told Peggy the leg would have to be amputated as soon as Gracie was a little bigger and stronger, a month or so down the road. It was just a complete mess. I can't imagine the trauma that had to have caused so many breaks in such a tiny baby. You know, baby bones are very soft and flexible, so it must have been just awful for her.
Peggy started calling her 'Tripod', thinking she'd only have 3 legs. Well, once I took her I thought she needed a much prettier name, something more befitting her grace and beauty, and Gracie has always been my favorite girl's name anyway!
Well, I've rambled on long enough. I've got to get my behind in gear! It's the last day of the quarter already! Can you believe it?! Have a terrific day, y'all. Big hugs xo♥
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Not Allowed
Grayson has been machine pawing and meowing at the guest room, my parent's bedroom and their TV room a lot lately. They are the 3 rooms in the house that the cats are Not Allowed. He is not amuzed.
Why is it when I get really into a good book something always gets in the way of my actually having time to read it?
I really should not complain though because yesterday I had a very busy day at the office and took lots of orders! Hooray! I tried to read a little before bed but all I could manage was a few pages before my eyelids weighed eleventy billion pounds and I was forced to set my book aside and go to sleep. I'll have to reread those pages because I really don't know what I read anyway.
I know there's a ton of rain all over, especially where my sisters live, so I am all the more grateful to be having yet another glorious day of sunshine and moderate temperatures. It's just the way I like it right now, too. Not cold and not hot. If only it would last! The 'hot and humids' will be upon us before I can blink.
Yesterday Al got a few little projects done for me, like the door handle on the patio and the shelves hung for canned goods in the pantry/laundry room. He also helped my Dad organize the garden shed so my Dad can actually find stuff! A few more To Dos moved over to the Ta Done column!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Why is it when I get really into a good book something always gets in the way of my actually having time to read it?
I really should not complain though because yesterday I had a very busy day at the office and took lots of orders! Hooray! I tried to read a little before bed but all I could manage was a few pages before my eyelids weighed eleventy billion pounds and I was forced to set my book aside and go to sleep. I'll have to reread those pages because I really don't know what I read anyway.
I know there's a ton of rain all over, especially where my sisters live, so I am all the more grateful to be having yet another glorious day of sunshine and moderate temperatures. It's just the way I like it right now, too. Not cold and not hot. If only it would last! The 'hot and humids' will be upon us before I can blink.
Yesterday Al got a few little projects done for me, like the door handle on the patio and the shelves hung for canned goods in the pantry/laundry room. He also helped my Dad organize the garden shed so my Dad can actually find stuff! A few more To Dos moved over to the Ta Done column!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Monday, March 29, 2010
Awww...Mondays
Bet you weren't expecting to see this little fella for Awww...Monday, were you?! Come on... He Is SO cute! He looks a bit like a science experiment gone badly awry, doesn't he? LOL. So. Is he a platypus? A frog? A cat? A lizard? Close. According to Wikipedia he's a gecko.
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
UPDATE: I almost forgot... I finally got the paint matched and mixed just before Lowes closed last night. :0)
And... Y'all aren't going to believe this, but yesterday Al and Barbara were coming over to pick me up for our weekly Sam's run and the battery was dead on his car! Thankfully, Sam's Club Battery Warranty ROCKS and he got it replaced FREE!
However, I'm a little bit askeered to go out to start my car this morning in case we're on a car-problem roll, but I've got to do some banking. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Meet my new Alternator
I got that instead of my paint. My old alternator died just short of the OfficeMax parking lot, where I was stopping to have my ink cartridges refilled on my way to have the paint matched and mixed.
An hour and a half later the wrecker showed up. He fully charged my battery which allowed me to drive back home, which was only about 3-1/2 miles. The battery totally died and the car literally coasted into my drive way with no power steering. Talk about close!
Oh, what a fun afternoon I had. Thank goodness my best friend happens to be a retired grease monkey turned Service Manager, (now retired) who has yet to meet anything he can't fix or replace, unless he chooses NOT to do it himself. Al and I picked up a new alternator at the parts house and he installed it and a new serpentine belt, with some assistance from Mike, while I made us coffee and sammiches.
As the photo shows, many hands really do make light work. And good friends.
Then we hopped back into the car and drove it back out to get my paint matched and mixed, only to not get anyone to come to the paint counter after 3 pages. We were too tired and a bit short on patience by then and called it a day.
So I still don't have my paint, but at least my checkbook is a few hundred dollars lighter. hahahaha!
Guess what's on tap for Sunday?! mmm hmmm. Big hugs xo
An hour and a half later the wrecker showed up. He fully charged my battery which allowed me to drive back home, which was only about 3-1/2 miles. The battery totally died and the car literally coasted into my drive way with no power steering. Talk about close!
Oh, what a fun afternoon I had. Thank goodness my best friend happens to be a retired grease monkey turned Service Manager, (now retired) who has yet to meet anything he can't fix or replace, unless he chooses NOT to do it himself. Al and I picked up a new alternator at the parts house and he installed it and a new serpentine belt, with some assistance from Mike, while I made us coffee and sammiches.
As the photo shows, many hands really do make light work. And good friends.
Then we hopped back into the car and drove it back out to get my paint matched and mixed, only to not get anyone to come to the paint counter after 3 pages. We were too tired and a bit short on patience by then and called it a day.
So I still don't have my paint, but at least my checkbook is a few hundred dollars lighter. hahahaha!
Guess what's on tap for Sunday?! mmm hmmm. Big hugs xo
Painting the Garage Day
Gandalf makes a good pillow, originally uploaded by willthink4wine.
It's time to break out my paint brushes again!
I hired someone to replace some bad siding boards on the Yellow House. He is just about finished and ready to paint so this morning it's off to get the house paint matched and have the paint mixed for him.
I will be getting started in the garage, getting it painted a nice fresh and clean white. I may also paint the garage floor a gray to make it look nicer. Then I will be patching some holes left when I took out some shelves in the laundry room and re-painting it. All that will be left to do after that is some cleaning and shampooing the carpets and then I can hang out my For Sale sign and hopefully get it Sold quickly!
Gracie is doing OK, but I'm still giving her her pain meds and trying to keep her quiet. She is a real stinker about staying in her crate. She scratched up my arms real good yesterday trying to get her in there. For a little bitty kitty she sure can make herself W-I-D-E!
Yesterday and the day before were about as pretty a day as you could want. There's rain in our forecast today, but I'll be painting so it doesn't matter. At least it isn't freezing cold!
Have a wonderful day! Big Hugs xo
Friday, March 26, 2010
Gracie is much better today!
She and the crate did NOT get along.
She is not in nearly as much pain! Hooray! She is carrying her leg underneath her and slightly sticking out to opposite side. Although she has not tried to jump on the furniture, she has bumped it when walking under or past furniture legs and doorways. She's becoming more mindful of that and hopefully she'll quit doing that! Bless her heart.
I did an update post on the cat's blog, but basically, we are in a 'wait and see how it heals' mode. Depending on how it heals and whether or nor she starts to use it again will determine if she will keep her Special Leg. Obviously, I hope she gets to keep it, but I do know she manages quite nicely on 3 legs.
In other news, it is an absolutely spectacular day today! I have my office windows open and except for listening to my neighbor pressure wash his driveway, it's a perfect day!
Have a terrific day, ya'll! Big hugs xo
She is not in nearly as much pain! Hooray! She is carrying her leg underneath her and slightly sticking out to opposite side. Although she has not tried to jump on the furniture, she has bumped it when walking under or past furniture legs and doorways. She's becoming more mindful of that and hopefully she'll quit doing that! Bless her heart.
I did an update post on the cat's blog, but basically, we are in a 'wait and see how it heals' mode. Depending on how it heals and whether or nor she starts to use it again will determine if she will keep her Special Leg. Obviously, I hope she gets to keep it, but I do know she manages quite nicely on 3 legs.
In other news, it is an absolutely spectacular day today! I have my office windows open and except for listening to my neighbor pressure wash his driveway, it's a perfect day!
Have a terrific day, ya'll! Big hugs xo
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Gracie's X-ray
This is a cross-post from the cat's blog.
Dr. Tad says he's never seen anything like this. The Yellow Arrows are old breaks. Both femurs show old breaks as well as a lower break on her right rear leg. There is no right hip ball joint to speak of.
The Pink arrow is the area he suspects is hurting her. Dr. Tad says it is either a new injury or it's an old injury that doesn't show signs of healing and may have been re-injured, and he can't be sure. Momma suggested he call the Vet our neighbors first brought Gracie to when they caught her to compare X-rays. Dr. Tad was going to do that after Momma left.
She has swelling all around the Pink Arrow area. He aspirated the area while she was sedated and there is no fluid, so no infection, at least not yet.
She has to be confined to a crate for 2 weeks to keep her from jumping and to give it time to heal.
Dr. Tad gave Momma some Butorphanal which she can have up to 3 times a day, as needed for pain.
Poor baby girl.
Big Hugs ♥xo
Dr. Tad says he's never seen anything like this. The Yellow Arrows are old breaks. Both femurs show old breaks as well as a lower break on her right rear leg. There is no right hip ball joint to speak of.
The Pink arrow is the area he suspects is hurting her. Dr. Tad says it is either a new injury or it's an old injury that doesn't show signs of healing and may have been re-injured, and he can't be sure. Momma suggested he call the Vet our neighbors first brought Gracie to when they caught her to compare X-rays. Dr. Tad was going to do that after Momma left.
She has swelling all around the Pink Arrow area. He aspirated the area while she was sedated and there is no fluid, so no infection, at least not yet.
She has to be confined to a crate for 2 weeks to keep her from jumping and to give it time to heal.
Dr. Tad gave Momma some Butorphanal which she can have up to 3 times a day, as needed for pain.
Poor baby girl.
Big Hugs ♥xo
Bless her heart and Special Leg
Today's photo was taken April, 2008 in Savannah, GA
Today's news is that my poor Gracie has a hurty. I had to take her to the Vet yesterday. I don't know exactly how, but she hurt her Special Leg. All I do know is that I heard Gracie and Whitey in a hissy face-off. A few seconds later I realized that she was hurting. I checked her all over thinking Whitey may have bitten her, but could not find any scratches or blood. Off to the Vet we went.
The Vet could not find anything wrong with her and gave her an anti-inflammatory injection and he told me to keep an eye on her for a few days.
Well, let me tell you, that baby girl is just miserable. She's also holding her leg at a very unnatural angle, underneath her body going all the way across to the other side at an upwards angle. She screams and growls every time she moves and sometimes when she doesn't. Bless her heart.
I'm going to be there when the Vet opens this morning and ask him to X-ray it to see if she's dislocated it or broken something.
Poor baby girl.
I hope your day is much better! Big Hugs xo♥
Today's news is that my poor Gracie has a hurty. I had to take her to the Vet yesterday. I don't know exactly how, but she hurt her Special Leg. All I do know is that I heard Gracie and Whitey in a hissy face-off. A few seconds later I realized that she was hurting. I checked her all over thinking Whitey may have bitten her, but could not find any scratches or blood. Off to the Vet we went.
The Vet could not find anything wrong with her and gave her an anti-inflammatory injection and he told me to keep an eye on her for a few days.
Well, let me tell you, that baby girl is just miserable. She's also holding her leg at a very unnatural angle, underneath her body going all the way across to the other side at an upwards angle. She screams and growls every time she moves and sometimes when she doesn't. Bless her heart.
I'm going to be there when the Vet opens this morning and ask him to X-ray it to see if she's dislocated it or broken something.
Poor baby girl.
I hope your day is much better! Big Hugs xo♥
Bacon Salad
My SisterDear Lynda's recipe...
To taste - a head of lettuce, a pound of chopped up bacon, a med-lg red onion, shredded cheddar and mayo. Just add it to your liking!
Yummy!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will! Big Hugs ♥xo
To taste - a head of lettuce, a pound of chopped up bacon, a med-lg red onion, shredded cheddar and mayo. Just add it to your liking!
Yummy!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will! Big Hugs ♥xo
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Epic Fail
Remember that delicious-sounding Artisan Bread in 5-Minutes recipe that I saw on Lois' blog? Well, Rick and I had a go at it during Lynda and Rick's visit a few weeks ago.
We measured out all of the ingredients very carefully and made sure the water was the perfect temperature for dissolving the yeast.
Unfortunately, I was out of the room when Rick missed a key sentence related to the type of flour and how to adjust the measurment accordingly. I chose to use Bread Flour because I like crusty and chewy. When using Bread Flour the recipe says to decrease the flour from 6-1/2 cups by 1/4 cup to 6-1/4 cups. Rick, being the awesome cook that he is, increased the flour by about 3/4 cup because the dough seemed much too wet to him, based on all the breads he's ever made.
So. Let's just say that it was really, really awful and leave it at that.... because seriously? We've all already made all the jokes you could squeeze out of that event.
I will revisit this recipe one day soon, because it sounds so easy to have fresh bread daily and I really want it to be awesome. And Lois made it and said it totally ROCKED so it must!
We are actually suppose to hit 79 degrees today with lots of sun! Woohoo! There's some rain in the forecast for tomorrow, but today will be spectacular!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
We measured out all of the ingredients very carefully and made sure the water was the perfect temperature for dissolving the yeast.
Unfortunately, I was out of the room when Rick missed a key sentence related to the type of flour and how to adjust the measurment accordingly. I chose to use Bread Flour because I like crusty and chewy. When using Bread Flour the recipe says to decrease the flour from 6-1/2 cups by 1/4 cup to 6-1/4 cups. Rick, being the awesome cook that he is, increased the flour by about 3/4 cup because the dough seemed much too wet to him, based on all the breads he's ever made.
So. Let's just say that it was really, really awful and leave it at that.... because seriously? We've all already made all the jokes you could squeeze out of that event.
I will revisit this recipe one day soon, because it sounds so easy to have fresh bread daily and I really want it to be awesome. And Lois made it and said it totally ROCKED so it must!
We are actually suppose to hit 79 degrees today with lots of sun! Woohoo! There's some rain in the forecast for tomorrow, but today will be spectacular!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Jury Duty, Day Two
Well...That never happened.
Believe it or not, EVERY juror was released yesterday morning within 20 minutes! They settled EVERY case on the court's docket for the week in Judge's Chambers. That must be a record or something!
I was not allowed to bring my coffee into the courtroom. I had to drink it in the hallway. No problem. So what do I see when I enter the courtroom and find a seat? The clerks and lawyers, drinking coffee. tsk. tsk. tsk.
The judge came up to the banister to make the announcement. He told us NOT to look at his shoes because he wore the wrong ones. Of course, everybody then HAD to look at his shoes! Brown. With a Gray suit. Not good. He also held eye contact with me for nearly the entire time he was speaking, as though he were speaking only to me. He seemed very nice, you know... for a lawyer! hahahaha!
I had mixed emotions about being called and then again for being released. On the one hand, I find the justice system fascinating. I've enjoyed serving Jury Duty in the past. On the other hand, I stood to lose lots of business. I own a small business and I am its only employee. When my customers call it's because their equipment is down for parts and not producing revenue. They can't wait for me; they have to call someone else and get the parts on the way.
I was amazed at how many people did not appear! I bet they get a little letter in the mail or something. But I did my civic duty and it all worked out. I was home by 10:00 AM AND I still get paid that big Juror's day pay - $25. Woohoo! The Juror Pay in Georgia is a bit behind the curve... the last time I served was quite a few years back in Tampa, FL and I got $30 a day. Gotta love Georgia!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Monday, March 22, 2010
Jury Duty, Day One
Gandalf and the Geese. He's watching his favorite network - CATV!
I nearly forgot about having Jury Today today! I've picked out 2 books to bring with me and I'm about to go strip down my bag to the bare essentials. I don't know what the security rules are down at the Courthouse, but I sure don't want any problems. Bu-bye handcream. So long, extra pens. See ya, emergency wine key.
What? Doesn't everyone keep a wine key in their bag?
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know mine will be interesting! Big Hugs ♥xo
I nearly forgot about having Jury Today today! I've picked out 2 books to bring with me and I'm about to go strip down my bag to the bare essentials. I don't know what the security rules are down at the Courthouse, but I sure don't want any problems. Bu-bye handcream. So long, extra pens. See ya, emergency wine key.
What? Doesn't everyone keep a wine key in their bag?
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know mine will be interesting! Big Hugs ♥xo
Awww...Mondays
Aren't these guys awww-dorable? They seem to grow them a bit chubbier in the northwest, where most of James Marvin Phelps' photography is! I found his Flickr photostream while photography surfing. He photographs all sorts of wildlife and landscapes. Simply gorgeous glimpses of our beautiful country to enjoy! Truly a feast for the eyes!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Morning at the Swamp
View On Black
This was my view yesterday as I had my coffee on the patio with the cats. The birds were serenading and all was peaceful and bright.
Yes, I am a total Morning Person!
Today is a bit of laundry, some more organizing of 'stuff' post-move, a little nap and Bingo with the Biddies.
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will! Big Hugs ♥xo
This was my view yesterday as I had my coffee on the patio with the cats. The birds were serenading and all was peaceful and bright.
Yes, I am a total Morning Person!
Today is a bit of laundry, some more organizing of 'stuff' post-move, a little nap and Bingo with the Biddies.
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will! Big Hugs ♥xo
Saturday, March 20, 2010
I hate it when that happens
Yesterday morning I was reading a blog post in my reader as I have done, oh, I don't know, eleventy billion times, when I hit 'Mark all as read' after commenting on Tisha's weight loss milestone.
I proceeded to go back to the left column of unread posts to read the next blog and discovered that ALL the unread posts in my reader dissappeared... not just Tisha's post. And no... it's not even the first time I've done that. I think I may need to start taking Miss Bee's fish oil.
This is my Cherokee Brave Dogwood, which my Dad transplanted when we moved to the Swamp last month.
He planted it last year in the front yard of the Pecan Orchard almost exactly a year ago. It looked much better then. The grass was also green then. And it was warm... lots more warmth than now.
We've had an extremely cold winter, the coldest I've seen since I first moved to the deep south in 1975. When you couple the cold winter with transplanting it... well, I'm just hoping it hasn't suffered too much shock. Poor baby. I sure hope it makes it. They're very expensive but I must have at least one because they look like this in late spring!
Big Hugs ♥xo
I proceeded to go back to the left column of unread posts to read the next blog and discovered that ALL the unread posts in my reader dissappeared... not just Tisha's post. And no... it's not even the first time I've done that. I think I may need to start taking Miss Bee's fish oil.
This is my Cherokee Brave Dogwood, which my Dad transplanted when we moved to the Swamp last month.
He planted it last year in the front yard of the Pecan Orchard almost exactly a year ago. It looked much better then. The grass was also green then. And it was warm... lots more warmth than now.
We've had an extremely cold winter, the coldest I've seen since I first moved to the deep south in 1975. When you couple the cold winter with transplanting it... well, I'm just hoping it hasn't suffered too much shock. Poor baby. I sure hope it makes it. They're very expensive but I must have at least one because they look like this in late spring!
The pink dogwood on the left is the cultivar 'Cherokee Brave' while the one on the right is a seedling "pink" dogwood.Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Friday, March 19, 2010
It's a Guy thing
What is it about men and cigars? Can't you just hear the Tim the Toolman Taylor grunting going on here?
And you won't believe this but yesterday afternoon I got a call from one of my Florida business associates. He just called to say hi, catch up and ask for my address... because he wants to send my Dad a few very nice cigars that he just picked up in Nassau on his latest cruise. He and his wife cruise about 6 times a year. When I lived in Florida he'd often stop by my office and drop off a few cigars for my Dad... whom he's never met.
It's a Guy thing. I just don't get it. But Dad's already looking forward to those cigars.
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
And you won't believe this but yesterday afternoon I got a call from one of my Florida business associates. He just called to say hi, catch up and ask for my address... because he wants to send my Dad a few very nice cigars that he just picked up in Nassau on his latest cruise. He and his wife cruise about 6 times a year. When I lived in Florida he'd often stop by my office and drop off a few cigars for my Dad... whom he's never met.
It's a Guy thing. I just don't get it. But Dad's already looking forward to those cigars.
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Fossils Schmossils
My nephew Kevin took 3rd Place in a school-wide Science Fair! Woot!
Kevin is in the 4th grade and he is currently writing his first novel. It's a Fantasy about a Barbarian and his Magic Sword. Don't steal the idea just because you happened to read that here. Kevin will find out about it, and let me tell ya, this kid can make a lot of noise, and that's before he asks his twin Tommy to help him out. You've been forewarned.
I don't know who Curtis is. A friend of Holly's, I think.
My sister Janice, Kevin's Mom, teeters equally between Proud Mom and OMG, thank God that's done! Well, maybe not equally. I think the OMG, thank God that's done is winning out.
My niece Holly, Kevin's sister, just happened to be home from her Junior year in college for Spring break and she clearly agrees that Kevin's project Totally ROCKS, dude! That's some bad hat, Holly. Just saying.
And my bil Jim, Kevin's Dad, is also very proud of Kevin! Now move that project, which took months to put together, into Kevin's room where he will admire it for, oh, I don't know, another 15 minutes before his Mom picks up the pieces and tosses it into the trash. Coz that's what Dads do. Move it. Well, in the Science Fair Department anyway. Thanks, Jim.
Once tossed, will the Fossils Project disintegrate and itself become a fossil? I don't know. I'll ask Kevin.
Way to go, Kevin! I love you!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Kevin is in the 4th grade and he is currently writing his first novel. It's a Fantasy about a Barbarian and his Magic Sword. Don't steal the idea just because you happened to read that here. Kevin will find out about it, and let me tell ya, this kid can make a lot of noise, and that's before he asks his twin Tommy to help him out. You've been forewarned.
I don't know who Curtis is. A friend of Holly's, I think.
My sister Janice, Kevin's Mom, teeters equally between Proud Mom and OMG, thank God that's done! Well, maybe not equally. I think the OMG, thank God that's done is winning out.
My niece Holly, Kevin's sister, just happened to be home from her Junior year in college for Spring break and she clearly agrees that Kevin's project Totally ROCKS, dude! That's some bad hat, Holly. Just saying.
And my bil Jim, Kevin's Dad, is also very proud of Kevin! Now move that project, which took months to put together, into Kevin's room where he will admire it for, oh, I don't know, another 15 minutes before his Mom picks up the pieces and tosses it into the trash. Coz that's what Dads do. Move it. Well, in the Science Fair Department anyway. Thanks, Jim.
Once tossed, will the Fossils Project disintegrate and itself become a fossil? I don't know. I'll ask Kevin.
Way to go, Kevin! I love you!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
2 for $5
Last Saturday was our Annual Azalea Festival. We had a perfectly perfect day. Not hot, not cold and Lots O'Sun. And as everybody knows, the Azalea Festival is all about the FOOD!
My Dad and Rick simply can not pass by a hot dog!
My sister and I took a pass on the Fried Everything...
No we did not! We had to have a Funnel Cake, liberally dusted with confectioners sugar, of course. I think that's a rule, isn't it? Sorry, no photos of the Funnel Cake... Ya gotta eat 'em while they're hot!
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
My Dad and Rick simply can not pass by a hot dog!
My sister and I took a pass on the Fried Everything...
No we did not! We had to have a Funnel Cake, liberally dusted with confectioners sugar, of course. I think that's a rule, isn't it? Sorry, no photos of the Funnel Cake... Ya gotta eat 'em while they're hot!
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monkey Lovie, Part Deux
Some of you may recall a certain Monkey Lovie that I ordered last year for my Grandniece, Aria.
Since Aria loved it so much, I ordered a second Lovie 'just in case'. One Lovie stays at home and the other stays at Nana's (aka Lynda, SisterDear2). Lovie's name is Peter Tork, after one of The Monkees!
As you can see, Aria still loves her Lovie!
The Lovies are made by Nancy, one of my cat-blogging friends. Nancy makes them in all sorts of animals. If you have an event coming up which requires a baby gift, I can tell you that her Lovies certainly get Aria's Seal of Approval!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Monday, March 15, 2010
Awww...Mondays
Today's Awww...Mondays comes to you courtesy of the Flickr photostream of cjfoeckler. Isn't this Pug Awww-dorable? I certainly think so!
Of course, I am a sucker for big eyes and a smooshed face. Since 1973 I had always had Pekes. I've often said my next dog would be a Pug or a Lab, or both. After losing my last 2 Pekes, I got Gandalf and Grayson. I got 2 black lab puppies not long after I moved to Georgia. It was then that I discovered that Gandalf will have no part of dogs, thankyouverymuch, or ME if I had said dogs in the same house as him. I acquiesced and took the puppies back after just one week. It broke my heart, on several levels.
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Sunday, March 14, 2010
SisterDear has left the Swamp
And I miss both her and my brother-in-law already. It goes by much too fast. They're probably waiting to board their first plane right about now. They're booked in 1st class for the first flight, but it wasn't available for the 2nd. They'll have to tough it out, eh? One of the perks for all the business travel Rick has to do is the free miles and free upgrades to 1st class.
Today is a bit of laundry and not much else. I'm worn out from all that good eatin' and staying up past my bedtime. I fell asleep on the couch again last night. We were all relaxing and watching a movie. I think it was nearly 8:00pm! LOL!
I'll be taking my mother to Bingo this afternoon, of course. That's her idea of relaxing. Then early to bed for this girl!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Yes and No
Last night we all went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse.
Today is their last full day and we are all going to the Azalea Festival. They are leaving early in the morning. My goodness, how quickly the time has flown by!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Yes, they still have the good rolls, Miss Bee!
No, Dad vehemently refused to sit on the birthday saddle.
Yes, they still have peanuts. No, we did not throw them on the floor.
Yes, I remembered to have someone else take a photo so I might actually be in one with SisterDear2.
And Yes, my steak was cooked to perfection and melt-in-your-mouth yummy!
Today is their last full day and we are all going to the Azalea Festival. They are leaving early in the morning. My goodness, how quickly the time has flown by!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Friday, March 12, 2010
Once Upon a Naughty School Girl's Dream
While us gals went to Bingo with the Biddies last night, the menfolk went to Hooters. As luck would have it, it was Naughty School Girl Night!
My Dad is so funny! He does however like to keep a low profile on my blog so in the interest of his privacy and anonymity for all these shy, young girls, I won't tell you which one is him.
And my mother won a game at Bingo! Woohoo!
Yesterday we had a steady, light rain all day so we decided to watch 2012. We had to shut it off when Al and Barbara stopped by, so we'll probably finish watching that today. I have no idea what else is on the agenda for today but I do know we'll have fun! Tonight we are all going out to eat at Texas Roadhouse because Rick wants to throw peanuts on the floor.
Gosh, the time is just flying by!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
My Dad is so funny! He does however like to keep a low profile on my blog so in the interest of his privacy and anonymity for all these shy, young girls, I won't tell you which one is him.
And my mother won a game at Bingo! Woohoo!
Yesterday we had a steady, light rain all day so we decided to watch 2012. We had to shut it off when Al and Barbara stopped by, so we'll probably finish watching that today. I have no idea what else is on the agenda for today but I do know we'll have fun! Tonight we are all going out to eat at Texas Roadhouse because Rick wants to throw peanuts on the floor.
Gosh, the time is just flying by!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Three Words: Chocolate.Covered.Strawberries
Yesterday's Foodgasm
Mmmmm.... I can not tell you how yummy these are! Rick made them for us for an afternoon snack. Right after he made us his Famous Chicken Salad. Oh, yes. Life is good!
The time is going by so quickly! Yesterday was relaxing and then some more relaxing. SisterDear has a terrible cold which started the night before they came, but she is loading up with OTC meds to mask the symptoms. Poor baby.
I hesitate to mention it for fear of jinxing it, but Gandalf and Whitey have been very good kitties for 5 days in a row! No marking at all! I'm still keeping them in my office at night, which I think is actually helping them feel safe and calm... along with the Prozac and Feliway diffusers! LOL!
Today is more relaxing and tonight us girls are taking MotherDear to Bingo while Rick takes Dad to Hooters! It's a long-standing tradition for them. Rick always tells the server that it's Dad's Birthday and that he's 103 and that he'd just love his photo taken with all the Hooter Girls. And of course, they all oblige and sing to him. What a HOOT! Sorry. I couldn't resist that one. LOL!
We had leftover Italian last night and I forgot to take a photo again. It was not nearly as pretty last night in leftover containers so that's OK, right? ;0)
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
I'm a bad blogger
Last night was the Italian Feast! Oh, and it was divine! But do you see a photo of Italian food for today's post? No. Because none of us could think of anything other than eating. I'm a bad blogger! hahahaha! But it's such good food, who can blame me? Maybe I'll take a photo when we have leftovers!
We had some good friends over, Allen and Barbara, Mike and Peggy and their 16 year old daughter, who is constantly informing me that she wants to catnap Whitey! As you can see from today's photo, just about everybody adores Whitey once he purrs, meows and gives them that look! Whitey and SisterDear hit it off famously!
I have no idea what's on tap today other than relaxing on the patio! That's my kind of plans! Of course, I also have to work, but it doesn't seem that much like working!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Da Boyz
My SisterDear and BIL arrived safely yesterday! Can you believe BOTH of their flights got in early? Since I work from home now, I'll get to enjoy their company all day, except when I have a call or an order. Hooray! Oh. And we were all in bed long before 8:00pm. Yup. We're maniacs. bwahahahaha!
We spent the afternoon on the patio catching up and reveling in the warmth! We got into the 70's yesterday! Woot! And it should stay there all week! It may be Springtime in the south, y'all! And the Chicken pie was yummy! Of course, tonight is the Italian Feast. Mmmmmm....
This photo of da boyz cracks me up. Some of you may know that I've had to put Gandalf and Whitey on Prozac as well as having Feliway diffusers in the rooms they have access to in order to try to calm them down. Moving and having a new feline family member has been very stressful for them and they started spraying. No Fun. I've also had to confine them to my office for several days. They do not spray in my office. I don't quite understand it, but I won't argue with what works! Anyway, all that is to explain that what's funny is that Grayson ASKS to join them! Either he misses their company, or he's trying to get away from that rambunctious kitten, Gracie! It's a good thing I have an L-shaped desk or I could never get anything done!
And in case you were wondering, this photo is not an optical illusion... Whitey really IS that much bigger!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Monday, March 8, 2010
Home Security, or Two heads really are better than one
And as I sit here this morning to type this post, they are in a not too dissimilar pose... except that Whitey is using Gandalf's butt for a pillow.
I've already spoken with my sister. They had already checked their bags and were going to grab coffee and something to eat. They have 2 First Class flights from there to here, thanks to Rick's frequent business miles, so I think they will be fine and dandy. They should arrive late morning so I've got to get crackin' this morning! My taxes are ready to be picked up, I've got to run by the bank and stop and get a few last second things. And I'm working today.
Oh, and I've got an alarm system dude coming by to give me an estimate. I'd really love it if any of you with experience and opinions on Home Security Systems would chime in today. I want the Good, the Bad and the Ugly on the subject.
Can you believe that neither my mother nor I went to the Wine Store yet? Yikes!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Spring - On this day last year
This was the view last year on this day at the Swamp. The azaleas were blooming. No sign of that yet this year. This is the coldest winter I can remember since moving to the south in 1975. Obviously, the azaleas agree!
So. Today's plans include making up the bed for my sister and bil Rick, running to the store to pick up a few things (which I did not get to yesterday) and then Bingo with the Biddies.
My mother has been talking about Bingo for days. It's the only thing she really looks forward to doing every week. I'm hoping that having some neighbors that are my parents age here at the Swamp she'll start filling her week with getting to know them and perhaps having them over for dinner and BBQs and such. The sweet couple next door share some common interests with my parents such as cards, music and dancing. I'm hoping they will really hit it off.
Well, I'm off. Much to do today! Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Friday, March 5, 2010
Finally Friday
The past few nights, this has been my view of Gracie. She gets up on the bed, lays down near me and looks at me upside down. She's so funny.
And she's so busy! The past few mornings I have awakened to find all sorts of toys that she has carried up to the bed and brought under the covers; mostly various colored mousies and this one favorite piece of plastic string she found somewhere.
I took her to the vet yesterday. She's doing great, although I think she is too thin, but Dr. Tad disagrees with me. He says she's healthy and happy and not to worry. OK, I won't. She weighed 4.8 pounds. She's had a recent growth spurt and she's in that long, tubular stage. She needs a booster in 3 weeks and can be spayed in 2 months and then she's done for a year as far as her shots go.
TGIF, that's all I can say today.
My sister and bil arrive Monday afternoon. I've got some stuff to do this weekend to get ready for them. I'm making a couple of Chicken Pies for them Monday and I need to pick up some ingredients for an awesome-looking Artisan Bread in 5-Minutes recipe that I saw on Lois' blog. Rick and I will make that one day next week. I'll need to dust off my KitchenAid and figure out where my dough hook is hiding after the move! My mother does most of the cooking around here now... She's Queen of the Kitchen as long as she wants to hold that title... and she's already made a Deep Dish Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, 2 different red sauces, meatballs and Italian Sausage for an Italian Feed on Tuesday night. Sorry, Miss Bee, we can't wait until Wednesday! mmmmm...
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
And she's so busy! The past few mornings I have awakened to find all sorts of toys that she has carried up to the bed and brought under the covers; mostly various colored mousies and this one favorite piece of plastic string she found somewhere.
I took her to the vet yesterday. She's doing great, although I think she is too thin, but Dr. Tad disagrees with me. He says she's healthy and happy and not to worry. OK, I won't. She weighed 4.8 pounds. She's had a recent growth spurt and she's in that long, tubular stage. She needs a booster in 3 weeks and can be spayed in 2 months and then she's done for a year as far as her shots go.
TGIF, that's all I can say today.
My sister and bil arrive Monday afternoon. I've got some stuff to do this weekend to get ready for them. I'm making a couple of Chicken Pies for them Monday and I need to pick up some ingredients for an awesome-looking Artisan Bread in 5-Minutes recipe that I saw on Lois' blog. Rick and I will make that one day next week. I'll need to dust off my KitchenAid and figure out where my dough hook is hiding after the move! My mother does most of the cooking around here now... She's Queen of the Kitchen as long as she wants to hold that title... and she's already made a Deep Dish Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, 2 different red sauces, meatballs and Italian Sausage for an Italian Feed on Tuesday night. Sorry, Miss Bee, we can't wait until Wednesday! mmmmm...
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Hairsday
My hairdresser talked me out of highlights until the summer. Actually, she just said, "No, you don't want to do that now. You'll like it much better in the summer and it will make you feel really good." So, I agreed. What do I know?
I like highlights to help soften my face and help hide the gray... not that any of you see any gray. Right?
I didn't think so.
I also don't think any of you see crows feet or any other sort of wrinkles either, because I use the really expensive Oil of Olay stuff... you know, the Industrial Strength stuff, and everybody knows you won't wrinkle if you pay all that money and use that stuff faithfully. Right?
Yeah, that's what I thought.
This is a "grow out" haircut towards the longer short cut I think I want. You know, the one that looks cute while you wait for what you think you want. I hate making hairstyle decisions. Seriously. I just want something quick and easy to fix and something that isn't in my face and eyes or on my neck, because Lord knows, it's plenty hot here most of the year and who needs that?
Well, it's certainly not hot now, but you know what I mean. Right?
My goodness, my ears are tall.
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Happy Hump Day!
The babies sure are enjoying their screened patio, as are we 2 legged creatures! Except it's still too cold, but weather dude promises 70's by Sunday. That is just in time for my sister Lynda and bil Rick's visit on Monday! Woo Hoo! It would really stink if they flew all the way here from New England only to find the same kind of weather, wouldn't it? Yes, it would. So bring on the warmth, please!
SisterDear, only 5 more night naps!
This morning I have a hair appointment. I still haven't decided what to tell her to do yet. Isn't that awful? I've been growing it out since late October (I think) when a different hairdresser cut it way too short. It was the worst haircut ever! But now I've reached the I just can't stand it any longer stage. I bet I will probably just get my usual short cut and be done with it. Maybe highlights. I haven't done that in years. But it's a work day so I really can't afford to take that much time off today. Oh, decisions, decisions...
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I know I will!
Big Hugs ♥xo
Monday, March 1, 2010
Awww...Mondays
How many can you eat?
Look what I found at the store! It's Peep Season! I love peeps, but I can only eat a few. Too much pure, unadulterated sugar. But right next door to those pastel peeps is my favorite... Chocolate!
Seriously, I just would not want to live without Chocolate in the world, would you? I didn't buy any Chocolate though. My Dad always has an assortment of mini-chocolates in the house and it is much easier for me to limit how much Chocolate I eat when it's my Dad's and not mine! No willpower, you say? Yup, that would be correct.
So. It's Monday. A new day, a new week and a new month. Hope it's a good one!
Enjoy today's trip around the sun! I'm sure gonna try!
Big Hugs ♥xo
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