Jill of All Trades

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-15T05:06:00.000-06:00

2012-02-14T06:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Heart Day!!!!

Today's NaBloPoMo prompt is to tell about someone you love. That seems a little redundant to me because on this blog I'm always writing about someone I love, The Hubby, my girls, my Daddy, my friends, my life, Clayton. It would be just a repeat of my gushings here. ............

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It's funny, that I started this blog post with the idea of posting pictures of who I love and ended up spending an hour organizing my digital picture files. It's amazing how I get lost looking at pictures of my baby girls in days gone by and of The Hubby in our younger days.

I LOVE!!!!!

The Grammy's and MY Opinion!

2012-02-13T06:18:00.000-06:00

Watched the Grammy's last night and was more than pleased that Adele swept the thing. Her album(s) are AWESOME!

???????

Who or what in the heck is Deadmau5 ( Wikipedia says...)? At the end of the Grammy's there was a very strange final act including David Guetta (a DJ I think), Lil Wayne, Foo Fighters, and Chris Brown. I was not sure about that, really and was more than willing to change channels at that point. When did I become OLD! There used to be a day when I knew every artist and usually had all their CD's. I am so out of touch and I'm just not happy about that.

Now I'm going to have a few of MY own opinions so don't hollor at me please. Adele's performance and return to the stage was just wonderful. What a fabulous voice. It was simply music as was Jennifer Hudson's tribute to the Whitney Houston hit, I Will Always Love You. The key here is simply music, powerful music. Now we get to the fanciness and huge stage productions of Katy Perry, who I love. That was way over the top and kind of weird. Taylor Swift, well it was a good song, singing live for her, poor girl should not sing live and I'm really tired of her songs taking digs at all the people that done her wrong, but I guess that is country music and the perfect place for her stylings. She should not look so awed when people give her a standing ovation. She acts like "Wow, they really like me." Okay Sweetie, that is what you are going for. Now this brings me to Lady Gaga in the audience, who thankfully did not perform, although she is always on, so she did perform. In the audience, while Adele again picked up another award and Lady Gaga did not, this is the image that clicked on the screen, a bug-eyed hugely grinning face that was straining against the fish-net thingy on her face.

Nevermind, really nice cute show. I shouldn't have an opinion, should I.

Sunday Camera Play

2012-02-12T09:23:00.001-06:00

Playing around with the sunshine streaming through the window and stuff around the house. Trying to find something new to paint.

Friday I played around with some paint.

RIP Whitney Houston!

Pro-Active Social Life

2012-02-11T05:00:00.001-06:00

I have complained here often about my need to keep our social life intact. The cause being that my parents had completely shut theirs down and the results were absolutely no friends at Mom's funeral. I so hated that. I have found that you have to be a bit proactive in the endeavour to keep your social life ACTIVE! So for the past year I have pushed that to keep ours moving. In fact. the past couple of months I have really pushed it with constant emails and phone calls and keeping my calendar hopping. We've had people over for dinner, met for dinner, movies with friends, dinner with friends, whether it be just me and girl friends or us as a couple. It has been almost a full time job but I'm committed to this job of socializing with our friends. The past couple of months alone we have a small intimate cocktail party with the neighbors at our house, lunch with my friend Christine, birthday parties at the cabin, dinner with the people we traveled with, dinner with Sharon, lunch with...see I've kept our dance card full and will keep it up. You just can't sit around and wait for someone to call you have to work at it and that is what I have discovered!

Last night we had friends stop by for a glass of wine, tonight friends (at the last minute) are coming for pizza, Monday dance lesson at our house with a bit of socializing, next Thursday friends for dinner...it goes on and on and on! I'm having a blast!

Choice or Fate

2012-02-10T05:50:00.000-06:00

"Fate chooses your relations, you choose your friends." That statement was the question for Thursday on NaBloPoMo and really caught my attention because I disagree with it.

Yes, fate does choose your relations, to an extent. I firmly believe that The Hubby and I were destined to meet. There were too many instances of commonality that were aligned to force us to come in to each others orb of relativity. It was just meant to be! And yes, that is a different kind of family or relation because it is married in but it is a relative.

You choosing your friends, well, I have a problem with that. I think that the people that you meet in your life, any people, are an act of fate. I think that there are all kinds of circles of people that come in and out of your life and choice surely is a part of it, but I think fate puts them there for you to choose. The fates put The Hubby and I in the same circle at just the right time and 36 years later (actually 37), here we are.

My broken leg in the 6th grade set up the course of events of my life to meet my best friend then. It forced my "then" friends to abandon me, leaving me open for the new person, Sharon, to evolve into my orb of life. We chance met in the hallway of our junior high the first day of 7th grade and it was fate that led us to 6 wonderful years of intense friendship. It also forced us to spiral out of each others orbit to come back again with one simple email. My other best friend, Christine, well, we are different as night and day. The first time I met her I thought in my head, "wow, I will never be on her level." But as we were in the same women's group we were placed together projects that made us realize just how similar we were in different areas, thus a 26 year friendship that might never happened if the fates had not intervened.

I think so much of our lives is driven more by fate than anything, simple as that!

I Have A Headache

2012-02-09T04:41:00.001-06:00

There is a lot of thinking going on around in my noggin lately and I'm beginning to get a headache from all buzzing between my ears. There's just so much stuff that bounces around all the time that sometimes the thoughts just get in a jumble.

The mind has been on my recent decision to join the Walk Fit Program at Fleet Feet that starts February 27 here in Tulsa. It is a 10 week commitment of walking with their group Monday and Wednesday's and an additional day, usually Saturday. Unfortunately, we are most of the time at the cabin so that will have to be done there. Plus I'm still with my trainer 3 days a week and even though my sentence is up with the West Coast Swing dance class, I'm still dancing. We are, for the month only, taking Two-Step in preparation for the Bob Will's Birthday Celebration at Cain's Ballroom March 3. The Hubby wants to make sure he can dance a two-step, EGADS! So for the next 3-4 weeks that is still part of my exercise routine. You know something, you would think I would be pencil thin with all that I do and this tells me that I HAVE to get a handle on the food thing! I SHOULD be pencil thin or at least Laddie pencil thin. I've actually toyed around with the idea of doing Nurti-System or Jenny Craig so that I get out of the cooking thing but that is just not practical because of The Hubby, although it might be an option for both of us for awhile. Oh, I just don't know. I just get a weakness or depressed or mad and find myself in the fridge or pantry or WORSE through a drive-thru (which doesn't happen often). Oh woe is me!

See, lots and lots of junk rolling around up there. I do know that my exercising will be kicked up a few notches soon and with spring around the corner I will be gardening too. I haven't had a garden in years, an actual veggie garden and I looking forward of playing in the dirt.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-08T09:02:00.000-06:00

Good Reading Rack Service

2012-02-07T05:00:00.001-06:00

The Hubby and I purchased an investment house several months ago and are slowly fixing it up to either sell or rent. Imagine our surprise when he went in the attic of the house and found a box full of these handy-dandy pamplets called Good Reading Rack Service. I think they were in doctor offices or such and are from the early '50's. B has been having a hey-day (oh gosh I'm talking like the 50's) scanning them into the computer so she can do a year long thing on her blog, I think. Anyway, I wanted a shot at a few too.

Really, were they really honest 'cause look at the time period. Hmmm, will have to dig this one out to read I think. They really didn't know a thing back then did they.

Wonder what this was about. Love the art work.

Interesting!

I love this one!

I saw this and screamed, "I have several of these!" They were from the stash of music from my grandmother or mother's stuff and contained Christmas carols.

Oh, this was a funny one!

Reminds me of Lucille Ball for some reason.

Still kind of is depending on how I feel in the mornings!

Egads...that one is scary.

This would be from my granny for sure.

The scare tactic. I know I was in that era of fear.

Wow, I need to dig this one out too and check out what they say.

Grandparents

2012-02-06T06:34:00.000-06:00

There was a day when I knew nearly all of my great-grandparents and had all of my grandparents. Now a days that just doesn't happen because people start their families so much later in life. Grandparents are awesome and someday I hope to be an awesome granny!

Today's subject on NaBloPoMo is to tell about your grandparents! Here we go.

Grandma & Grandpa, my Daddy's parents

Grandpa, wasn't he a handsome dude. Grandpa was loved deeply by his kiddos and grandkiddos but he had a past we really didn't know anything about. In fact, I think this is the youngest picture I have of him. He kept his younger self pretty quiet. In fact, I didn't even realize that my Aunt Dea was Daddy's half-sister from a previous marriage(!!!) until I was senior in high school. Divorce was an unknown word for me.

Grandma...I know it's small but it was a very tiny picture. Grandma was an awesome grandma who ALWAYS had candy in the house. There were candy bowls everywhere and pop and ice cream. Kind of like the Hansel & Gretel witch who had the candy house! When she died and they cleaned out her bedroom drawers and closets she had secreted bags of candy, BAGS!

This was Grandpa's daddy, Joe Ben (feels like a Walton episode). He was gone well before I was born.

Now here was my greatgrandmother Hattie Jane. I do remember her but only from a wheelchair and a nursing home aspect. She passed in 1963 so I was only 7.

Now we get to my grandma's parents. The guy on the right is my grandpa with is father-in-law, Clyde. I didn't know Clyde, he was long gone when I arrived on the scene.

Now we have Grandmother was a bit intimidating. You always acted proper around her, she was the matriarch of the family. They also called her Little Grandma. (She's in the middle of her kiddos there.)

Now to my mother's side of the family.

Here are my mother's parents, Granny & Granddaddy holding my mother. She was an only child.

Granddaddy was AWESOME! What a great guy and he died way too early. In fact he died June 1979 just 3 months before his first great-grandchild, our girl B was born. So sad, because he was so happy about that. Granny was who we all three learned all of our etiquette from. She taught me how to sew, iron sheets, and manners, manners, manners. In fact, when I was born she gave me a book called "Manners for Moderns". She was a tyrant about that, as my mother knew all too well. Granny was a fantastic granny but as a mother she was extremely hard on my mother. Granny was also a bit on the OCD side and tried to make Momma tow that line too. It was very hard on Momma and the effects of her upbringing and the bad parts of it came back around when Momma was close to dying. It was not pretty. She still had so much anger towards her mother, even though she loved her dearly. Her love was intense for granddaddy though and they had a wonderful father-daughter bond. He was the softness between mother and daughter and when he died mother was forced to deal with her mother. It was very hard. I loved them both deeply.

Now here we have granddaddy's parents. I briefly remember her but not him. Sort of American Gothic, don't you think.

Now we come to my favorites! Here is my Greatgranny, my mother's mother. Greatgranny was my hero. I loved her intensely. She taught me so many things and it was pure joy to spend our week during the summer there. We learned how to milk cows and feed them; how to strain the milk to get the dirt and junk out so you can have cream and fresh milk. We learned about barn swallows and saw that lots of bird nests around the farm had Greatgranny's beautiful white hair in them. She would brush her hair then clean the brush and put the hair on fence posts and the birds loved to use the hair in their nests. She had bug and butterfly collections which inspired me to have them too, briefly. She would play with a tarantula, flipping him on his back to show us his mouth, ICK! She let us (us means all of the cousins and more that would often be around) ice store bought sugar cookies using her multitude of flavorings. When we ran out of cookies then we iced saltine crackers. The table was usually covered with iced things. She taught me the love of poetry reading out of my Aunt Margaret's high school literature book (I have). She was a GREATgranny for sure and I aspire to be like her someday.

This was GreatGranddaddy, yes we called him that! A handsome, quiet guy. He was very tall and I thought he was sort of a giant. In those days the men were taken care of and the women kept house, cooked and didn't rock the boat. I have a picture somewhere of GreatGranny standing at the table feeding all the men while she waited by the table.

GreatGrandaddy kept the garden, very large garden going. He would get out in the thing with his tiller and his overalls on and work it, producing what they lived on. They lived off the land only buying eggs and a few oddities. They had milk most of the time from Pet the cow and her one calf a year provided beef. Big Dan, their son, my great uncle, kept them in wild game of rabbit, squirrel, deer, fish, turtle, and snake. They also had their allotment of government cheese and peanut butter. They totally lived off the land. GreatGranny & GreatGranddaddy lived with Big Dan and Ree, as the house was theirs. I didn't even know that until I was married some 10-15 years. I always thought it was their house and was devastated when I learned that, thinking we might inherit the land. I love that place probably more for the memories than anything. It is empty now, the house falling in and the land overgrown, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Spring?

2012-02-05T20:45:00.000-06:00

At the cabin this weekend, this February weekend, I spied these...

OH MY GOSH, it is February 5 for goodness sake and there are jonquils blooming in Oklahoma! I then read in the newspaper (somewhere I can't find the paper now) that the growing seasons are changing. No kidding!

Weekend Happenins'

2012-02-04T09:22:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning! I'm just tapping away here on my keyboard because I committed to posting everyday and I HAVE TOO!

Friday was also a day of some nice rain that we have needed and still cloudy skies today.

We arrived at the cabin yesterday afternoon and almost immediatedly had a holler from Jimbo next door and shortly after the phone rang and Miss Harri called me over for our usual glass of wine+! It was a quiet Friday evening of visiting, pizza and wine. Nice evening last night.

Today The Hubby and I are taking a drive to Grand Lake to check out a friends cabin! Not much else happening except for the drive, making some deviled eggs, burgers at T&P's. Yup, an exciting weekend! No really it is for us. I'm looking forward to quiet and friends.

The Descendants

2012-02-03T05:48:00.000-06:00

I recently finished the book The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings. I thought it was a good book, sad and definitely a bit depressing but a good book. I really wanted to get it read so that I could see the movie, which I did yesterday. They stuck pretty close to the book, omitting stuff that would have been nonsense. I thought George did an excellent job in the movie, for a guy who has never been married or had children, he did a good job. What disturbed me most, on a personal level, was the wife, Liz that was in the hospital bed dying during the entire movie, deteriorating each and every time they showed her on the screen. It brought back flashbacks of my momma in her nursing home bed, whithering away day by day. Good job make-up guys. What surprised me most of the afternoon was the way the movie stayed with me and I'm not sure why. I don't think it is Oscar worthy as a best picture, although I think Clooney did an Oscar worthy performance, but it stayed with me.

It's All Relative

2012-02-02T08:41:00.002-06:00

Trying to come up with a post today so I headed to the February prompts on NaBloPoMo for an idea. The month of February inspiration is "Relative", that could mean a relative or "it's all relative" for example. Yesterday it was write about your momma and today your daddy. Hmmmm, I think I have written more than enough about my parents and siblings, don't you think. I'm kind of tired of the subjects so what now. I'm in a quandary of picking some subject matter here. The everyday thing is a bit of a challenge but I will do it.

I think I will go with the friend thing because this week I've had meet-ups with a couple of my dear friends. Tuesday was dinner with old friend Sharon and I keep meaning to take a camera and have a snapshot taken of us but keep forgetting. We have just got to get a current one since the last one was, well...

Can't believe we were so very young there and very NAIVE! I have felt so very blessed to have Sharon back in my life. It is amazing how much I missed her. We were best buds for a solid 6 years and then NOTHING...and now it is like we were never apart. I think my life path and her life path needed to go their separate ways to find each other again. My heart is full again everyone and if you read my blog at all these past 6 years you will know what I have been challenged with. Here's to friends!

Oh, I should probably see if I make this all "relative" and I will, Sharon may not be my blood sister but she is my friend sister and I couldn't love her any less. So, it's "all relative"!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T05:00:00.002-06:00

Work, Sick, and a Clorox Commercial

2012-01-31T08:55:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was work day for me. I finished typing tons of invoices, paid a few bills, took a few phone calls, wrote in my journal, and then waited till the end of the day. I'm so very caught up at work, which is a good thing. We also had a couple of old employees stop in to visit. One, Mr. Tom, his wife and mother stopped in to just say Hi. They live in Wisconsin now. Mr. Tom went to junior high with The Hubby so he's known him a very, very long time. The other visitor, another former employee wanted us to hire him again. Thank goodness we are not hiring and even if we were, it would not happen. We've rehired him twice and each time I've had to learn how to garnish wages and pay child support to another state. He informed me that he had a DUI and his boss now would not let him drive because of his insurance, you think! I told him the same thing. Good grief! Nice guy, really but much too much stress for me thank you, besides we aren't hiring!

I'm still sick but better. The throat thing is kind of weird. I thought I was going to get up and go work out this morning since I have not been there since last Tuesday but with the cold medicine last night, I slept in. I needed to stay in bed and sleep. The Hubby was up at 5, I slept till 8. So needed to sleep. I was just in need today.

OH MY GOODNESS---I just saw this Clorox commercial and had to share!

Abridged vs Unabridged

2012-01-30T05:00:00.002-06:00

As you know I've written a lot about my reading excursion lately and one reason I've got so many under my belt is that when I am in my car I listen to books. I use ALL of my time to my advantage. When the two Border's closed in our town I hit the sales with a vengeance finding tons of audio books, unabridged books. I prefer them because I want the whole book not a piece of a book or a book that has stuff left out, which is an abridged book. A friend also gave me a sack full of audio books that I have been going through and most of them are abridged but I still listen, not looking a gift horse in the mouth. I am going through these books like wildfire and the stash is whittling down so I thought I would check out my favorite website, Amazon to bulk up my stores. Every one I clicked on to purchase was abridged so I typed in "unabridged books" and was directed to Audible.com, which I did not want. I need CD's for my car. So I typed in "unabridged books on CD". I was taken to a list of books, mostly classics and very old books and self-help...NOT INTERESTED. I am very discouraged and may find myself having to go to Barnes & Noble, which I don't like. Don't get me wrong I LOVE a good bookstore, LOVE THEM, but I miss Border's which was a fun place to go to. But back to my problem. What do you think about the quandary I am in on the abridged vs unabridged. Should I just give in and join the Audible thing?

Rambling Sunday

2012-01-29T06:08:00.000-06:00

Good early Sunday morning to one and all. It is early here, 5:45 AM. Yes, I am up that early but when you are up at 5 AM five days a week your body just gets used to it. I was sleeping nicely but of course Clayton has to get up and eat and The Hubby was ready to oblige him this morning. When there is movement in the house my mind starts moving and going and then I can't sleep, so here I am. Besides I'm still hanging with this awesome weird cold thing although I "think" I feel better this morning.

Yesterday I was up early too but took the opportunity to finish my 7th book for the year. I can't believe I'm on this reading jag but it is all good. I finished The Descendants, like the movie with George Clooney. Sad book and a dysfunctional group of people. Fairly fast read and now I can see the movie, maybe next week. After finishing the book, reading the paper, taking my shower, etc., I got ready to go to the flea market and a small home show with my friend Sharon. She had never been to the flea market and I had great fun in sharing the experience with her. In fact she made a find for herself and had a great time. We dined at lunch on sandwiches and salad at McAllisters and then took a drive around my stomping grounds of our office and some of our properties. Chat, chat, chat, it was awesome to listen and have someone listening. It has been such a great thing that we have connected after so many years. As we were walking around the flea market she commented that we had such similar likes, I told her there was a reason we were friends so many years ago. I so missed her and had forgotten how much I loved her company. It was a great day, but it was not over.

Later that evening, since I was just doing the burger thing, by the request of The Hubby, I invited our friends Bev & Kelly. They came, we chatted, showed off the new addition, chatted, ate, chatted. It was a very relaxing and well, chatty evening.

I told The Hubby that this year we are going to entertain a lot. Last Thursday we had the couple (our insurance guy& wife) from our trip to New England for dinner, Bev & Kelly last night, and in a couple of weeks another couple for dinner. We are going to have a social life if it kills me. It's not to say we don't have a social life but I am determined that it won't be like my parents. When my brother, sister and I were young tykes our parents were all the time going to parties, movies, dances, bridge card playing, but later in life something happened and it stopped. Then they had nothing and when my momma died NOT one of her friends came to her funeral, sent flowers, cards, or called. I don't know what happened but it will not happen to me. I want my friends close, I want my friends. Now my sweet Daddy has nothing really to do. He thankfully has his childhood friend Jay that he goes to see and Jay was there for him when he was sick, even though he has had a stroke and can't get around that well. They are so close and it is darling. Jay tells Daddy, "I love you Bud," every time he leaves Daddy and gives him a big ole' kiss and hug. I love it.

Cough, Cough, Wheeze

2012-01-28T06:01:00.000-06:00

I'm sick. It is 5:52 am on Saturday morning. I actually was up at 5:30 to feed Clayton and the granddog, Mondo. We are granddog sitting for the night. He is a great do but, Wow, he was restless last night which put Clayton very restless and on top of that I'm still sick. I started with a sore throat on Tuesday which finally abated yesterday, now the crud is mainly in my throat area and ear canals. Needless to say I didn't sleep much last night and quite frankly, I don't feel all that bad, except when I wake up in the morning. I feel like I've been hit by a truck when I rise but as the day goes on I feel pretty good. So this morning, ICK! And I don't dare go to see my Daddy for fear of giving him something! I'm supposed to go to the flea market today and the local home show with my friend Sharon but I believe I'm going to have to beg off. I HATE that but I think I need some rest. Since it is only about 6 now I'm going to give it another hour and see how I feel. Advil here I come.

Day 27 of 366, A Day of Ramble

2012-01-27T06:03:00.001-06:00

So far so good with the daily posting but I have a lonnnnng way to go with the daily thing. Actually, it isn't so bad and a good exercise in writing.

I've been a bit sick this past week with a kind of sore throat thingy since Tuesday. Really don't feel bad but the mornings are nasty with not being able to really speak well, more like a frog for a few hours. Then it goes away. Not sure what is going on with it but don't have time to go to the doctor. I may visit a minor care facility tomorrow or Sunday if it persists.

Watching the early morning news on my usual channel at 5 AM and I am getting tired of them re-reading the same stories over and over and over and over and over again for days. Even some of the stories that are on the national news gets re-run. I watch about 10 minutes and then change channels to the other 3 stations to try and get different stories. Then I'm on to watching the usual re-runs of Angel, Charmed and Supernatural which I have done for probably 10 years now. It's kind of white noise and keeps me company. I'm just tired of politics, weather, and yadda-yadda!

This weekend I plan on going to the flea market and one of the small home and garden shows with my friend, Sharon, my best friend from high school. I can't wait to hang out with her. It has been way too many years ago since we have done something like that. Maybe will do a bit of painting too. I finished a painting in class Tuesday but I really, really don't like it and the instructor had more brush strokes on it than I like, to show me technique. It was a still life that I set up, took a picture of and started the painting over 2 years ago but I just could not finish, again goes back to the perfection thing. I messed up the placement on the canvas and Ross had me add some stuff to make it work but I just don't like it. I will take a picture of it sometime and share, maybe.

This weekend I will hopefully finish my 7th book of the month. I can't believe I've read so much this past month, but I have. I'm reading The Descendants and plan on seeing the movie after I finish. The book is really pretty good story wise, sad, and I can see George Clooney in the role. Tonight or today, not sure, I'm going to see the new movie, One For The Money, the Janet Evanovich one, with my friend Christine. Can't wait!!!!! Sunday is the musical The Addams Family at the PAC with The Hubby. We had friends for dinner last night and plan on burgers with The Hubby's best bud on Saturday. I think I have hugely full weekend and this sore throat needs to just go away. It's not in my plans to feel bad! I banish you sore throat!!!!!

Oh and the follower thing, wouldn't you know it I gained a new one...I know I shouldn't look but I do, can't help myself.

Perfectionism, Procrastination, Expectations...

2012-01-26T07:12:00.000-06:00

Eeee Gad...I lost a follower. I was so happy to have 75 now 74...oh well...

Been a bit sick this week with a throat infection or something. Wake up every morning with frogs croaking in my throat and feeling pretty rotten for a few hours then better. Think it is a viral thing as no fever just throat stuff.

The theme on NaBloPoMo the past month has been about starting and finishing "stuff". Actually, I have not liked any of the prompts to write about this month, but thought I would explore starting and finishing in general, when dealing with me. Another word I think I would associate with this is procrastination or procrastinator, ME. I have always had an issue with finishing something I start. That is a battle extraordinaire with me. When I was in high school I started a crocheted blanket but had to absolutely force myself to finish it. I even have quilt strips that I started when 17 that are still in strips, but I've made another quilt, that was more, perfect. Actually, on that front I have discovered that if I don't think I've been sort of perfect on a project, then it does not get finished, i.e. the quilt strips. I thought I might border a bit on perfectionism which came to light when I started the painting class. The painting has helped me deal with that little quirk and now I find that if I don't think my painting is perfect or near, then I can't finish it or I actually hate the painting. Hmmm, really never thought of myself as a perfectionist and always accused The Hubby of it and me not able to live up to the expectation but in reality it is my own expectations that I have a hard time living up to. Wow, insight at the age of 55. You actually still learn a lot about yourself, forever.

Enough Is Enough

2012-01-25T05:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I had a message on Facebook from a girl I went to high school with informing me that one of our former classmates, Mark, had passed away from colon cancer. It was a shock and I was saddened to hear the news. It had been over 40 years since we had set eyes on each other. When I started doing the class reunions several years ago I connected again with him over the reunion process and with Facebook. Then, in less than a couple of hours Sis called to tell me that one of my classmates lost her brother, Doug. Doug was the brother of a girl in my class and was in my brothers class. I knew him and his sister since the age of 5, and in fact they used to live next door to us for a bit. So sad, so very, very sad. They were very young, Mark, 55 (my age) and Doug, 53. That is scary too. I'm a bit that age!

Today, The Hubby and will also attend a funeral of a very sweet friend that lost her terrific battle with multiple challenges of cancer. Nancy was such a fabulous lady and will be missed by everyone whose life she touched. A forever smile on her face and her gentle laughter filling the air, the world has lost a treasure.

Celebration

2012-01-24T05:00:00.002-06:00

36 years....we celebrated at Flemings Steak House...yum I love steak.

36 Years

2012-01-23T05:00:00.003-06:00

36 years ago today The Hubby and I committed to each other a lifetime of wedded bliss. We have raised two beautiful girls, run a very successful business, and had the time of our lives. What a wonderful guy I married! 36 years of marriage and I can't wait for the next 36...soon I will also share here some other news that will totally change our lives for those next 36 years and beyond. Stay tuned.

I'm Here

2012-01-22T19:41:00.001-06:00

I'm here today, just here. It's been a quiet Sunday and I don't have much to say, actually I do but CAN'T. So I'll share some pictures from today.

The Hubby decided he wanted to boil the deer heads that he and his friend Steve had from hunting season. If you are squemish then DON'T LOOK!

Come Saturday Morning

2012-01-21T10:39:00.001-06:00

I'm sitting here at the cabin enjoying the conversation of The Hubby and a friend that stayed the night. Last night they drove to Fayetteville, Arkansas to see a concert, a Pancho Sanchez. It was the brain child of another friend, Bucky, who they met there. I think they had a good time. The Hubby wanted me to fix them breakfast which I didn't mind and I did this morning. It should be a lazy day around here. Abbott will go home in a bit and it will be quiet yet again. I love the peace and quiet here on the weekends. On to reading, journaling, napping and just being still...enjoy my friends.

Politics...??? Who Me!

2012-01-20T05:00:00.001-06:00

Two down and four to go. Do you think more will drop and we can start all over again! Here's to wishing! We need a whole new cast of characters please.

Mitt Romney
Ron Paul
Rick Santorum
~~Rick Perry~~
Newt Gingrich
~~Jon Huntsman~~

Question of the Day

2012-01-19T05:31:00.000-06:00

The question of the day at NaBloPoMo is "If you miss the first few minutes of a movie, do you still want to watch the rest of it?"

Well, of course I watch the rest of it. For one thing if you pay good money, which is a lot now-a-days, I'm not going to waste it by walking out of the movie, no way. Besides you could always stay for the next showing, if you really needed to. My favorite part of the movies is the previews. I absolutely love the previews and if I ride with someone who makes me late, let's just say this girl is not happy. I've seen people walk into the theatre 15-20 minutes past the "Official" time, just in time for the movie. How do they do that. And if it is a popular movie where the seats might be limited, more reason to be there early. I'm a bit anal about being somewhere early I must admit. I HATE being late for anything. I will arrive 30 minutes early if I have to. It's a flaw or a gift whichever you might look at it. All I can say is that if you are with me be prepared to be there early or ON TIME!

Wednesday Blah, Blah, Blah

2012-01-18T08:50:00.000-06:00

EGAD...It is Wednesday and I am out of ideas for a blog post. It is only the 18th of January and I have a very long way to go this YEAR! I could do Wordless Wednesday but I've just about shared all the pictures I can think of here already. The NaBloPoMo prompt was something about what was you favorite first line of a book. Really, I can't remember that, especially if I'm reading like there is no tomorrow, I don't have that kind of memory. I'm just going with here and just spill some junk out of my brain.

The schedule is set for work for me this semester. I speak in the words of "semester" because my working schedule is based on B's teaching schedule at the local community college. I will officially have Tuesday and Thursday's off this semester and work Monday and Wednesday's and every other Friday. In reality that is a bit bogus because if I am needed at the office by The Hubby I will be here every day if he thinks it is the end of the world. It is what I do. So as you may have guessed I am here at the office this fine Wednesday morning tapping out these words. I don't have anything really to do as the invoicing is done and all the bills have been paid for the month. I'm here paying anything that hap-hazardly comes in the mail and watch TV, take phone messages, blah, blah, blah.

Hopefully tomorrow I will have more to chat about to continue my quest of 366 Days of Blogging.

Oh, and I think I'm a bit surprised that yesterdays post didn't elicit any comments, AT ALL. Really! I would have thought pouring out my first love, first kiss story would get something. Oh well, I will continue on. Toodles all and a happy Wednesday.

The First Time I was In Love

2012-01-17T05:00:00.009-06:00

This is the prompt from Friday on the NaBloPoMo and I thought I would write about it today. The first time I was in love I was 14 years old. It also marked my first kiss. I was in the ninth grade and so very unsure of myself. I know I was cute and was developing in the body department very nicely but my self esteem was in the toilet.

His name was Carry and our whole going together was orchestrated by our mutual friends because I didn't even have a class with him. I knew him but not well. It was kind of suddenly we were going steady and I was wearing his ID bracelet. You know how it is that age at school, all the girls are in a group and awkward and the boys are tough and strutting and awkward. He was in FFA I was in FHA. We were a couple, at school. I remember one week we were all taking the national testing stuff and were outside taking a break, not really recess as we were "too old" for that, a break. He was leaning on a brick step by a bunch of people and pulled me against him sort of sitting/leaning on his lap. I was petrified and so nervous I could hardly be still, besides I was wearing a very, very short dress and it was the age of mini-dresses. He was touching me and I think my body was not only shaking from fear but I think it was humming! Carry was the nicest guy and so cute and I didn't feel worthy, my insecurity was showing. I used to remember how long we went steady but have long forgotten. It was probably only a month or less. Our youth group at church was going to see a movie one Sunday night, The Cross and The Switch Blade with Pat Boone and Erik Estrada and I wanted to ask Carry to go with me. I got my brave, big girl panties on and called him. That was going outside the box as back then girls NEVER called a boy. I called him and asked if he wanted to go and HE SAID YES! I was over the moon. My mom picked him up at his house and drove us to the church and we loaded on the church bus. I wore a coat that was like a parka, HUGE. I don't even remember the drive there or watching the movie, although I remember the movie, just not watching. I think he held my hand during the movie, I think. That ride home on the bus was dark and crowded. I knew my friends were watching and I was terrified. He put his arm around my shoulders trying to get closer around the huge coat and slowly he took his other hand and pulled my head around to face him and he kissed me!!!!!! OH MY GOSH, my first kiss, his lips were so soft. I was absolutely giddy. We arrived at the church shortly thereafter and all piled out of the bus and into the church basement to wait for our rides home. The girls dragged me into the bathroom giggling and squealing because they saw. I was so embarrassed but so excited at the same time.

Back at school a few days later I was walking around on cloud nine but so embarrassed to even look at him. So young. Then in a blink of an eye my joy turned to utter disaster. A guy in our class, Doug, walked up to me and said, "Carry wants his ID bracelet back." My friends were standing by me and it was like I had been slapped in the face. I didn't know what to say except to take it off and hand it over. I was devastated. I cried and cried and cried and was so distraught that I had to call my mother to come get me and take me home that afternoon. My world had crashed around me and my heart was shattered.

I have to say that when I think of that guy my heart still goes pitty-pat a bit. He's actually a friend now, married a grandfather but I won't forget that first love, that first kiss.

Sunday Walk

2012-01-16T08:27:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a beautiful, beautiful January 15 day. Actually, yesterday was my little Bro's birthday and I FORGOT to call him. Meant to many times but just kept getting side-tracked by the day. Anyway, back to the walk. I was all packed up from our weekend at the cabin. The trash was gathered, the beds made, the kitchen clean, I was ready to go but wanted to take a quick walk to the wigwam and beyond before we headed home to gather a few pictures.

The water over the dam was crystal clear and COLD...

It's beautiful but will prettier when spring comes and the green leaves start popping...

Walking further down to the swimming hole I spied turkey buzzards a circling.

Uh oh, I found their hangout. There were so many of them. Reminds me of the movie, The Red Pony based on the Steinbeck book of the same name. That movie scared the crap out of me with the buzzards munching on the little boy's red pony that wasn't even quite dead yet. ICK and creepy. I mentioned to one of the cabinites about my walk and sitting on a bench to watch. I told him that they started getting curious about me and really started flying closer to me overhead. He warned that it might not be a good idea to be too still around them....YIKES...hadn't thought of that.

The Weekend

2012-01-15T09:53:00.000-06:00

Yes, I spent a lot of time in front of this...

It was toasty and inviting and encouraged me to finish my 4th book of the year...

Clayton was pretty happy too...spotted dog on a spotted blanket...

Playing a bit with my camera because I didn't want to venture outside.

Shadows

Saturday's Goings On

2012-01-14T06:32:00.001-06:00

It is very quiet here at the cabin this morning. The fire is crackling and smells amazing as I sip my coffee and look out into the dark. Actually, there is a lot of moonlight or something because the gravel road outside of the our bedroom window is strangely lit and if it wasn't so bitterly cold I would take a walk. Brrrrr. I do hate winter but I know it is only a brief time till the sweet green tips of grass and leaves will make an appearance. I can't wait! We got here last evening at dinner time and The Hubby took Clayton for a short walk to get his giddiness of being here out of his system.

I had picked up a quick baked ziti from a local catering/sandwich store for dinner and popped it in the oven.

Dinner done we settled in for a bit of television and I knew The Hubby was to go to bed early as he is a hunting today. It is still bow season and he wanted to get one more hunt in on his lease. I headed to bed about 10:15 and was awakened about 11:30 by the sound of Clayton hitting the floor and his collar jingling as he ran to the front door and do a dance to go outside. He was quick and we raced back to bed and snuggled down under the covers. Then about 3 am The Hubby's cell phone went off, giving a signal that it was charged. That got Clayton excited, thinking it was time for his breakfast. Yet again, a trip to the great outdoors to tinkle and a rush back to bed, then The Hubby was up about 4:30 to shower in his descenting soap and breakfast. Clayton was right behind him. The bedroom door was shut but I could hear the goings-on in the living room and Clayton was at the door crying to see what some more of the commotion was. I could smell dirt, yes dirt. The Hubby has a huge bag that he keeps his hunting attire in and when he opens it up, WHOOSH, dirt smell. He actually puts this scent bag things in it to smell like dirt. Hmmm, take a shower to descent then put on clothes that smell like dirt. Oh, it's all about fooling those smart deer out there. Apparently they can smell the slightest scent of anything human and run. Now my living room smells like dirt, until he leaves and then it dissipates a bit. I hope he gets one???!!!

I'm up early as is to be expected as I can't get a break for sleeping lately but that is okay, I needed to blog to keep up my daily thoughts. I'll read today and pick up the house, for tonight we are to have a few of the cabinites over for chicken gumbo. I've only made it once but it was delicious so shouldn't have a problem. I will probably take a short nap later too. So that is my Saturday, how's yours going!

Oh, question, I've been checking out my "read" stats on blogger and the weirdest thing is one day is says I have 340 readers, 23 readers, 0 readers, ... yet my comments are so at a minimum. I have a weird feeling that it is just spam or what do they call them "lurkers". Whatever, it is a bit creepy and confusing. I wish I had that many readers.

Warrior

2012-01-13T05:00:00.001-06:00

Last night The Hubby and I watched a movie from NetFlix that he just had to see. "Yah, yah, yah, okay, I'll watch it with you." Warrior is about UFC fighting! Right, I really wanted to see that. The Hubby has been recording and watching that stuff like crazy and I'm not that much of a fan. I used to watch boxing with my granddaddy and The Hubby. The Hubby has been to some live boxing events with my Daddy and used to like boxing but not now. Anyway, last night he popped the movie in and I nestled down to give it a go. Some of the stars are Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy

and Nick Nolte. I recognized Joel, who is Australian, but didn't know his name and of course, Nick Nolte, but Mr. Tom Hardy....can we just say YUMMY! He is British and has been a few movies but in this he's a back east kind of fighter and the body!!!!! Whew, back to the movie. I have to tell you it is a bit brutal in the fighting but the story made me cry, cry, cry. It's not for everyone but I really, really liked the movie! Well worth a watch.

Saying Goodbye Yet Again

2012-01-12T05:00:00.001-06:00

Friday will be another day of saying goodbye. Goodbye to another soap opera, the fourth one in the past couple of years. It is not one I watch on a regular basis although I used to and am trying to catch every last episode this week. I really don't understand what is happening to daytime TV. OLTL will be replaced by yet another chitty-chat show that I don't care to watch. Here in the Tulsa area there will only be left General Hospital, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless. I've found that I pretty much live on The Food Channel most of the time now and that does not really help with the diet, I can tell ya! Now it is not that I watch daytime TV everyday but when I'm home and watching the boob tube I like to catch up on the soaps. It's weird to see television actually changing right before our very eyes. I'm not going to watch Dr. Oz or Dr. Phil or The Chew or The Talk or The View or the new one The Revolution. All chitty-chat shows that I will not support, sorry, even though I really like Carla Hall on The Chew I WON'T watch...You hear that powers that be, I WON'T watch your shows.

This Moment is Brought To You By...

2012-01-11T05:18:00.000-06:00

These beautiful flowers and sunshine is brought to you by

SPRING---It's only a few short months away...hang in there.

Reading Tidbits

2012-01-10T05:00:00.002-06:00

Hmmm, I started writing a slush of gibberish and it was HORRIBLE. I deleted it all! That doesn't happen often but I did not like the way it was going. This past weekend I finished two books in my quest to read 5 a month and 60 this entire year. I read Zero Day by David Baldacci which I like but was surprised a bit by the ending, not what I expected, or did I. Then I read Darrell Hammond's book God, If You're Not Up There, I'm F*cked: Tales of Stand-up, Saturday Night Live, and Other Mind-Altering Mayhem. I saw him on Dr. Phil (I don't watch him but was channel surfing and happened upon) the other day and was intrigued by his story. It was an interesting read but I did find it only touched in small little snippets of what his life as a child was and how it really messed him up. It was a lot about the workings of SNL which was interesting too. I think he has a lot more to write about concerning his "life" but probably this was all he could manage to divulge. I'm now reading Rose Marie's book Hold The Roses. I remember her on the Dick VanDyke show but she was around way before that and really had a more successful career when she was younger. Just started it but should be good.

With my challenge of reading so many books I have to be careful that reading is not ALL I do this year. I do have some painting to do with a possiblity of a show in the spring but I need to get cracking on that. Plus the blog post every single day...I have a lot of work to do!

Our Rides

2012-01-09T05:00:00.002-06:00

My wonderful car. My Granddaddy helped me get the loan to pay for this sweet thing, 1969 Chevy Malibu. I so loved this car. It ended up somewhere in Arkansas.

The Hubby's first truck. We had to park on the street by our apartment and one morning when The Hubby went outside to go to work someone crawled under the truck and unfastened his tool box with all of his tools and stole it. We were devastated but moved on.

First Digs

2012-01-08T05:00:00.002-06:00

You see me there, to the left, that was our first apartment.

The living room...

My 20th Birthday...

Mr. Handsome...

Me on the porch that is now enclosed...

Cleaning up from the first meal I cooked...that would be the day after our wedding...honeymoon was very short.

The bedroom...

the fireplace...I thought I was uptown with that...

more of the living room...

leftovers from the first meal...

Remember When

2012-01-07T05:00:00.003-06:00

This month The Hubby and I will celebrate 36 years of marriage and I am going to walk down memory lane. Come join me with some snapshots.

You see this young very cute guy...he is The Hubby, a scant 2 months before we met.

This young girl began dating that cute guy March 23, 1975 and we were inseparable from day one.

This is the day that The Hubby asked my father for my hand in marriage, June 1975.

I'm going to be sharing several photos that I have uncovered from a dusty box for a few days. Hope you enjoy!

What's Expected

2012-01-06T05:46:00.000-06:00

(Lathe-see I actually know what this is)

Do you do what is expected of you? Do you expect too much from your wife or husband or child? Sometimes I feel that I do what is expected of me too much, that I try to please to the detriment of myself. Maybe the word is pleasing someone. Oh it's such a muddle in my brain here. When I was a young girl just out of high school without a hint of opportunity or encouragement of college I was expected to get a job, get married, move out, grow up and move on. For awhile after high school you could not blast me out of bed and my Daddy tried I can tell you. He would call my Mother from work and ask if I was up and if not then "GET HER UP!" She has to get a job. If that didn't work he would call my phone. I was just enjoying time away from 12 years of solid school but he would have none of it. Finally, I did what he expected of me and got up and went to work, at his work. Daddy owned a machine shop and all three of us kids worked there at one time or another, brother following the career to this day. I got up and dressed in the nastiest clothes because a machine shop is dirty and greasy. I would pack a lunch and show up to do a little office work for Daddy and then he taught me to put gear boxes together. I would do that day in and day out and occasionally he would put me on a drill press or punch press and sometimes a lathe. It was really great fun, but, oh, my hands suffered. In the end, I did what was expected of me. I went to work. I have followed the guidelines that are expected of a woman of my era, at least in my world, in the Midwest, not California or New York. I am not saying that I'm unhappy with my life, NEVER, but I am just saying sometimes you wonder about the paths you have chosen in your life. I was expected to not go to college, which I later did. I was expected to get married and have children, which I did. [Hmmm, interesting turn of phrase here: - "Am I expected?" or "I am expected." One is a question and one is a statement of fact.]

Now, here I am in my 50's, yes 50's, (leaves a bad taste in my mouth), am I expected to act and assume the role of a 55 year old woman! I say NO, absolutely not. I color my hair, I listen to modern music (except Rap-Crap), I try to exercise to keep my joints a moving. I'm fighting off the unexpectedness of being 55 years old. I know it is a futile battle but hopefully it will be helpful when I hit the 70's and 80's and maybe 90's. I am expected to do stuff, to live, to honor and obey...hey wait...honor and be a partner and life long friend. I am expected to be ME!

(How's that for a ramble!)

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep

2012-01-05T05:35:00.000-06:00

Blue Boy and Me (I miss him)

B & Mackie (I miss him)

Yesterday I got up as usual at 5 am, fed Clayton, read emails and blogged. I then headed out for the usual workout with trainer Wade and had a pretty good workout. I was peppy and energetic, or so I thought. Back home I sat down with a good breakfast of 45 calorie bread, egg and juice and a lot of water. I thought I would paint or read or something but as I sat and caught up on some blog reading my eyes drooped. Hmmm, well I guess I was sleepy and since I had nothing to do, really I went back to bed. With a slight interuption by The Hubby stopping by to have a bite of lunch and making tons of noise I slept for nearly 2 hours. Again my thought process was that I would get up, take a shower, do some laundry and something. I did join The Hubby for a bite of lunch but when he left I again drooped. So, back to bed Clayton and I went for yet another 2 hours. I eventually got up and took my shower and did the laundry about 3 in the afternoon. I was a slug until The Hubby came home at 5 in time to feed Clayton. I heated some leftover New Year's Day dinner of ham and black-eye peas, cleaned the kitchen, sat down to watch TV before dance class (I've given him another month) and drifted off to sleep. I awoke at 7:20 to find The Hubby left for class and left me to sleep. Not too upset really as you know how I ~~"LOVE"~~ to dance. I trotted off to bed about 8:30 to finish watching Top Chef and was again asleep by 10:05. I guess my body was in great need of sleep yesterday. To B I'm always asleep but really I only nap about 15-20 when I get home in the afternoon, it's just always the time she or someone else calls. You need that power nap stuff, I certainly do at this stage in my life. For goodness sake I get up at 5 am every morning.

Struggling

2012-01-04T04:25:00.000-06:00

Today is Day 4 of my everyday blogging for 366 days and I'm hitting a wall of still fingers. Hmmm, well let's see, yesterday I finally got the Christmas all boxed and in the garage ready for the attic for yet another year. It felt good to get it done but I do look forward to next year already. Hopefully, if the rest of the work we want to do on the house is done we will have one hell of a Christmas party again. Every few years we host a HUGE gathering that is catered and possibly this time valet parked. I LOVE to do it and if I have a year to plan all the better. I even have a larger tree in the attic I haven't used in a couple of years so I may have two trees. Oh well, we will just see what happens.

This is also day four of my trying to regulate the intake of food through my pie hole. I'm doing okay, not great, but okay. I've joined a website called http://www.sparkpeople.com/ that has a wealth of info, food tracking, exercise tracking, blogging and support. I've done it a few years ago but I found that I can do the app on my phone and on my Kindle Fire! I opted to also use the treadmill yesterday that I haven't done for a bit. I've been mainly doing the stationary bike but I'm going to do a walking program that begins the end of February so I want to get my feet back in the game.

See I did have a bit to write about. I'm eating better, working out harder, reading a LOT, life is moving forward! Hope you stick with me.

A Horse Named Joey

2012-01-03T05:00:00.001-06:00

Yesterday The Hubby and I spent the day running errands, like taking his truck to the dealership to check out the issues we had New Years Day. After that he wanted to go to a movie, maybe two. One of the movies he wanted to see was not on anymore but the second was War Horse. I knew it would be a tear jerker but I had NO IDEA! Oh my gosh. A stunningly beautiful movie. Sad, beautiful, heart wrenching, elating, the list is endless. That movie has so much depth and the different characters and stories that happen with sweet Joey, well, the lady next to me sobbed, SOBBED during nearly the whole movie, as did I. I so recommend this movie but you have to be ready for it. I told The Hubby it was like Old Yeller or The Red Pony, movies I have seen once and NEVER again but something I had to see. War Horse is a movie that will totally affect me for a long time. (I love horses.)

New Years Day Happinin's

2012-01-02T06:54:00.000-06:00

For my 366 days of blogging challenge I am going to occassionally follow the NaBloPoM challenge and writing prompts so I don't run of stuff to say.

Today's prompt was "What did you do on New Years Day." That is quite easy, not much. We of course spent the weekend at the cabin with friends. There was a fabulous dinner of cornish hens, roasted fingerling potatoes and brussel sprouts and I made baked brie and fruit. Lots of drinking and dancing was involved and three people took a tumble around the rocky porch and yard, one with a knot on his head. Fun was had by all. The Hubby and I decided to head back to our little heaven on earth before the new year rang in. He had a bit more wine than usual and drifted to sleep on the couch about 11 pm. I was not the least bit tipsy but decided I had better give up the couch while he scrunched down lower and lower. Asleep I was by 11:45 and was awoken by the distant sound of fireworks at midnight.

Yesterday morning we both woke feeling just fine, no headache and no remorse! I was a good girl starting my eating off right. I had my oatmeal and coffee with no cream (ick) and rushed around to ready for the 55 minute drive home. I wanted to come home to fix our black-eye peas for good luck. It is a tradition in my family and in many to have the black-eye peas. I've never missed a year in my life. The drive home was a bit weird as The Hubby's truck decided to sound off alarm bells just as we ventured onto the highway! It said to stop engine NOW! It's funny that the check suspension light has been on his truck for months and he has not been too worried. We pulled over, stopped the truck and he checked the oil which read 2 quarts low. Luckily we were close to a truck stop kind of gas station and pulled in to add some oil. It was still weird going home but we made it home. Finally home, the black-eye peas on the fire, a shower, a nap, ah, bring on 2012!

366 Days

2012-01-01T09:07:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year to one and all. Welcome 2012 it has got to be better than 2011, at least for me.

This year I am going to "try" to blog every single day of the year, 366 days. It is a leap year. It is a huge task but I am going to do it. I've got big plans for me this year.

Blog every single day of 2012
Read as many books in 2012 that I did in 2011 (56 books)
Start the eating thing and tracking my food (smaller plate)
Ramp up exercise
Continue the painting and prepare for my own show this spring!!!!!

There that should do it. Now here are some pictures of the weekend.

The Hubby burning the massive amount of leaves that have fallen this fall.

He started the process early Saturday morning but the wind decided to kick up and he stopped. This morning he's back at it with the calm morning.

Clayton watching the process.

He really wanted to be with his daddy but didn't like the leaf blower.

Happy New Year!

Resolutions or Life Changes

2011-12-26T10:34:00.000-06:00

Now that Christmas is done it is of course time for the dreaded New Year's Resolutions. I can't help myself when it comes to making them. Seems like the new year rolling around makes a great time to start anew and I'm all about starting anew and sadly failing! I've already started by changing my computer habits, blocking my habitual playing of Farmville! I was spending hours on that stupid game and it was NOT healthy for me. I must admit that I am a gamer addict starting with Nintendo years ago. I may not drink or do drugs but I have food and games addictions. I WON'T give up blogging!

(Rats, The Hubby just came in and interrupted my train of thought ranting about clothes on his unused workout equipment...yah, yah, yah...)

Whew...

I am giving The Hubby one more month of dancing, if my knee can stand it as I have missed nearly a month, and I promised 12 months last year. So the month of January is still dancing, then NO MORE! That twisting and turning on the dreaded floor is killing me. I can walk and bike, but the dancing is ARGHHHH! I just signed up for the Fleet Feet Training Program for walking. It starts in February, twice a week. I did it a couple of years ago and had a great time. I'm hoping that giving up a bit of the computer stuff (sitting on my tail) will allow me the time. I will also have to forgo my TV addiction that has plagued me for years. I will be recording a lot and just have to play catch up if I really MUST see a program. The Hubby was just informed of my intentions, including that Wednesday night time slot that he dances in. "Hmmm," he says.

This year, since Daddy is finally well and not in need of my constant attention I will devote to me! Painting, reading, walking, exercise, eating better, spending time with friends*** and family. This past year has been all about Daddy and the construction and I'm so glad it is OVER! Life can hopefully get back on it's usual track and rock along for at least a year. The Hubby and I have made it a must to have dinner with a lot of friends every few weeks or so and will continue that practice. Have the neighbors over for drinks and show them what was happening in all the construction. Dinner with old and new friends. Family time and a trip to sunny California to see A, after I finish the walking program I think. Lots of stuff for the new year of 2012! Hope it all goes well for me and everyone else. Happy New Year to one and all. I will take a break here and not be back till 2012 to maybe start an everyday blogging fest for 2012.

Christmas, Family and Memories

2011-12-25T22:28:00.000-06:00

We gathered Christmas Eve, The Hubby's family at our home ready to laugh, eat and enjoy seeing everyone. B had this photo wall for the Alliday Show and brought it over thinking we could use it for pictures. I was not very happy about it being in the house, but I have to admit, yes admit it was a good idea. We all had such a great time posing behind the wall, our mugs in the frames!

Her we all are except little 2 year old AD who chose not to sit still.

Now to some memories.

Many, many years ago there was a little girl whose Daddy worked at Oertles. Oertles was a sporting goods and more store, very popular at the time in Tulsa. Her Daddy worked a lot of late nights, Christmas Eve being one of those late nights. This little girl was 8 years old and when her Daddy came in the door he told her that there was something on the front porch that he tripped over, for her to go check it out. She went out to the porch and there was a brand new Easy Bake Oven for her for Christmas! That story had been told many times to The Hubby by this little girl all grown up.

This picture is of my bicycle. Another story, but connected, trust me. Another Christmas my brother, sister and I saved up our money and went to the local Otasco store in town and put in layaway three bikes. It was 1966, and I was 10 years old. Imagine our surprise when on that snowy Christmas morning we three arose to find our bicycles sitting under the tree. Santa Claus went and got them out of layaway for us. Our parents were still in bed, as it was still dark and a light snow covered the ground outside. We knew that going outside to ride our new bikes was not allowed so we rode around our tiny house until Momma and Daddy got up to let us out. Those bikes got so much use, especially this one. We rode around the block for years on our special bicycles. When I married and moved out this bike came with me even though I never rode it again. It has moved every time for over 35 years.

Christmas Eve while entertaining The Hubby's clan he handed his cell phone to me and told me to talk to my Daddy. I took the phone and said, "Hi Daddy. What's up!" It was a horrible connection but I did get in the conversation, "Go look on the front porch." Confused I went out to the front porch. There, sitting in the porch light was this, my bicycle, all refurbished by The Hubby for Christmas. I was in shock and tears flowed as I was stunned and smiling and crying. So you see there is a connection because my Daddy was the one, once again to guide me to that front porch to find such a fabulous gift! Neat isn't it. Oh, I got diamond earrings too but they don't even compare to this gift. I married a fabulous, wonderful guy!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T06:32:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to one and all this Christmas Eve. I've baked and cleaned and shopped and wrapped. It's all ready except for some final touches today. Making the beds, making the dips, setting the table and dolling myself up, I'm ready for the family and friends to come and enjoy the time of the year I love most. I love spending time with the family, The Hubby, B&B2 and Sweet A. It is wonderful! I hope everyone has an awesome Christmas this year. Maybe next year I'll get some Christmas cards out. (Hey, I think I'll start writing them now!)

She's Home

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, I'm a happy momma, our youngest is home for the holidays. My family is in one state and one city, all together. It's like a part of my heart is missing when my girls are not close to me so it's hard with her living in California.

Today I will begin the task of Christmas baking, with her assistance. I'm excited for the season, spending time with family and friends and the happy feeling that this time of year holds.

Let's make the baking list:

White Fruitcake
Mushroom Turnover appetizers
Crab Wedgies
Cheeseball
Cookies

I need to soften some butter and cream cheese, chop onions, mushrooms, measure and weigh....later all, I have a lot to do!

Tragedy

2011-12-17T06:14:00.000-06:00

Do you see this face, this face was one of the sweetest faces you will ever kiss. His name was Johnny Angel, a Great Pyrenees, a pet and a friend, forever!

Johnny Angel was much loved by many of the children that come to visit and play at our community lake/cabin retreat compound. My friend P's cabin is down the road from Johnny Angel's cabin and when he sees her grandchildren arrive he would beat it to their door to get some lovin'. Johnny Angel was a groomed and tagged pet who would grin at you as he came upon you. Our little heaven on earth place is a lover of all animals, but especially dogs, of which nearly all of us have 1+ that are part of our families. Johnny Angel's adoptive parents, Paula & Paulla, have picked up many, many, many strays and dumped dogs along those country roads, taken them in, fed, nursed and found happy homes for them. Johnny Angel was one of those dumped dogs that happened into their lives.

On Monday, December 12, Johnny Angel wandered up the hill behind "our" property to a very unfriendly neighbor's land. He encountered "someone" on that hill, at least that is where the blood trail led to. Paula found Johnny Angel in the meadow where he dragged his maimed body that fateful Monday. He had been shot twice, his jaw gone. Loading the sweet gentle giant in her truck with help from sobbing friends he was rushed to the vet and helped to end his terrible suffering. So many tears have been shed and our hearts are just crushed by this tragedy.

The sheriff was called and several of our residents went to the property where the blood trail led to confront the alleged offenders. "We didn't shoot your white dog!" Uh, yeah right. Unfortunately, in the country, it is a practice that if a dog wanders onto your property you shoot it. I'm sorry but what about all the many other strays that the P's have taken in that have wandered but usually starve to death or are hit by vehicles and NOT SHOT. I know they can pack and all but this sweet little guy was groomed and tagged, obviously! I'm sorry but that practice is HORRIBLE! It is scary that one of our residents or children or other pets might accidentally wander on his property and one of his hired guns or himself might shoot and ask questions later!

Now we have to tell those precious grandchildren that their friend that always comes to watch TV and serve as their pillow is gone, forever. They will never be told how horribly Johnny Angel died as we adults know. My mind cannot get the image of how he was gunned down and suffered out of my mind. A great horror has happened and it will not leave my mind.

Remember Johnny Angel.

Done

2011-12-15T05:24:00.002-06:00

Here it is the girls fourth video.

Check out Sangster's Done!

Camera Play

2011-12-14T07:36:00.000-06:00

Confession

2011-12-13T05:30:00.000-06:00

I am making a confession here. I have to admit, hard as it is, that I am an addict and Sunday evening I went cold turkey. My addiction is known by many, many people and I've tried very hard to hide it but now it is time to confess. My addiction was playing Farmville! Yes, I am an addict, or former addict. I had all the different farms, the Home farm, Winter Wonderland, English Farm, Lighthouse Farm, yes I was addicted to harvesting cows, trees, hatching eggs, harvesting crops. It was very sad that I was spending more than an hour or two a day playing that stupid game. I even went so far as to constantly go to my personal profile and delete any kind of posts from my fellow Farmville users that my have appeared on my profile so people wouldn't suspect that I even played the game. I was sick with the addiction of playing the game. Sunday evening I just decided I was done and blocked it. Yes, I blocked that game. Here it is Tuesday morning and I do miss it but I don't miss the extra time I now have to other things in my life, like painting or crafting. I've picked up my counted cross-stitch ornaments again and now I'm making pot holders for the show on Saturday. Hopefully, I won't relapse and activate the thing again, I will be strong. I confess I am an addict and will always be but for now I'm in remission! Whew, I feel better!

Party, Party, Party

2011-12-12T05:36:00.000-06:00

This morning starts the week of endless parties and stuff to do. Last week was pretty calm but this week, wow, we are busy. Tonight is the huge cocktail party with our bank at Southern Hills Country Club! I get to get duded-up tonight. Spray that hair, rouge those cheeks and lips! Tomorrow night is dinner with my dear high school bud S and I'm so looking forward to that one. Wednesday is dance night. I HAVE to make that one as I've missed like four classes in a row. I may even stay for the whole two hours, maybe. Thursday night we are having one of our customers over to the house to have a look-see at the new bathroom then we are out to dinner at the Celebrity Club! Last time the guy spent a ton of money on us so of course The Hubby wants to pick up the tab on this one. I hope he succeeds. It's the power struggle over the bill between the guys! Then Friday is a big work day for me at the office and the set up for The Alliday Show. I will even have my own booth of art: note cards, prints, originals, and even some handmade potholders! If you are in the Tulsa area Saturday, come on by and see me and do some last minute Christmas shopping!

Christmas 2011 - The Decorating

2011-12-06T07:48:00.001-06:00

Christmas 2011 has begun and yesterday I was successful in tossing a bit of the holiday decor around our house. This is what my music/game/formal living room looked like before...

Sunday afternoon I climbed into the attic and chose only a few items or boxes that would be necessary in this decorating process.

I decided to only get a few things out and only use part of my ornaments this year. In fact I had almost decided not to have a tree this year but that was a scary thought. So I jumped in and offered our humble abode for The Hubby's family gathering Christmas Eve. We tried that a few years ago and had a huge snow storm. Hopefully that won't happen again!

Let us begin...

Ta-Da...Isn't it beautiful!

Now I have to finish the shopping, wrap and bake a bit and I'm ready! This morning I've already been on a couple of websites and purchased some stuff and checked on something I purchased two weeks ago to find it will not ship until January 12!!!!! YIKES! Not happy there!

Happy decorating everyone!

Silent

2011-12-05T07:35:00.001-06:00

Silent, yes I've been silent as of late. The blogging block still persists. In fact, I haven't even written in my hand written journal either. Feels strange that after over five years of blogging I'm at a loss. Have I written all I know, surely not! I guess it is the "just keeping typing words" post to see what spills out of this brain.

Today I'm staying put in my house. I told The Hubby and B that I was not budging until I had Christmas splashed all over this house today. I'm putting a big pot of brown beans on the stove to simmer all afternoon and I'm unpacking ornaments. I jumped in and put my bid in for Christmas eve with the in law side of the family this year because it forced me to get it all out again. I was in deep danger of not even putting anything out except a ceramic tree. I love Christmas and it would have made me sad so tinsel here I come.

What is your favorite thing about Christmas? Do you like to bake, shop, open presents, wrap or all of the above. My plan for this season is:

Finish shopping (almost done at this point)
Put up the tree and all the accouterments that are involved
Bake a little (mainly my fave White Fruitcake)
Wrap all the little goodies I've stashed away (my favorite being the little niece and nephews stuff)
Party, Party, Party

We've got a party this Wednesday night, Friday night, Saturday night, next Monday night...so far. Next year we will have a rip-roaring party here before Christmas. In fact it will be the first weekend of December! I'm planning that date now to ready myself. We've had them before and usually invite from 50-100 people! It's a blast and everyone loves it. It's catered and we have a bartender and everyone we know stopping in. I'm already gearing up for it so my decorating will be over the top next year.

Sniffles, Cricks, Food & Fun

2011-11-27T11:17:00.000-06:00

Yesterday The Hubby and I took a long drive to Ft. Smith, Arkansas to see a lady about some tin. It was a rainy day but a very pleasant drive over there.

The Hubby found her at the flea market several weeks ago and what she does he thought would be great for some architectural interest in our new bathroom. These are some of her work. They are mostly old ceiling tiles that she paints and then seals. Beautiful stuff.

This is what we bought. I love it and it does show something besides just painted walls here. I have got to see about some photos or painting something for the walls too.

Friday afternoon I looked out the window of our "old" laundry room and this is what I saw. Isn't that maple just stunning red. I love it.

That night we grilled a steak and I fried up some of Daddy's green tomatoes from his three plants in his yard.

Amazing that he was not home all summer long but his dear buddy Jay planted those three plants in Daddy's backyard and they were absolutely neglected. No water, no fertilizer, yet they were the most beautiful plants I have ever seen, and we had a drought! They didn't put many red tomatoes on but the darn things were loaded with enough green tomatoes...YUMMY!

Poor The Hubby has been battling a head cold for the past few days and this morning my nose is giving me fits. I hope to goodness I do NOT get his cold. I do NOT have time to get sick. I was up a bit before five to feed little Clayton and spent some time looking around the blog world when I got up for another cup of coffee. I stretched and WHAM!, my neck and shoulder blades spasmed and I had a crick. B has been battling one all week long and here I go. It happens to me when the cold weather hits and it was cold this morning. I've been back to bed with a good dose of Aleve and will probably lay down here again to hopefully let it release. ARGHHHH!

Thrillbillies

2011-11-26T07:13:00.000-06:00

I thought I had seen everything but I was wrong. The Hubby has found something else to catch his attention for a bit, Thrillbillies!

Trailer from YouTube...YIKES

Vomit II

2011-11-25T06:06:00.002-06:00

Here we go again vomiting on the page. I am trying to figure out why I don't feel like writing at all lately, not even in my handwritten journal. It's like I can't gather my thoughts and put them down in any kind of form. I also have felt like I've had a gag on my mind and that is not good. I haven't even wanted to take pictures to post here. My camera, my new camera has stayed snug in the backpack, untouched since our vacation last month. Really, don't know what is going on with me lately. So vomit I go again!

Yesterday was a nice Thanksgiving day with a mixture of family, The Hubby's middle brother, their enchanting mother, my Daddy, Sis and her Hubs and their youngest HB. The night before I wasn't feeling well at all and was concerned that pulling off the turkey day was not going to happen. The Hubby came down with a nasty head cold too so we were a pair. Thankfully, I awoke feeling much better and readied the 20 pound Tom Turkey to roast in the oven. I brined it this year, the first time and it paid off. The turkey was so moist and tasty! I was a bit apprehensive about Sis coming as I had only seen her twice since June and we live in the same area but as I have mentioned she has been a bit on the strange side towards me, and Daddy for that matter. It's very hard to love someone who is so difficult to love but I do love her, I may not like her right now, but I do love her. When they arrived I went straight to her and hugged her neck tightly to let her know I still love her. It was a restrained dinner, she was not as jovial or should I say "vocal" as usual. We had a nice dinner, pleasantries were exchanged and after about 2 hours they were on their merry way. Very difficult but manageable.

We are now to the countdown of Christmas and I put it out to the family that I wanted to do Christmas Eve again. For many, many years our house was the go to place for the Eve thing but when the nephews started their families and had the young ones they wanted to have it and I was very happy to let them. I miss it though and a couple of years ago we were to host again until the snowstorm hit. We were left with tons of food and Christmas Eve alone. So this year I will try again. I mainly wanted to host because my mind was threatening to not even put up a tree and I didn't want to give in to it. I think it would depress me.

Okay this has thought process has taken me somewhere else...

Yesterday I asked thirteen year old HB if he had his school pictures yet. He hem-hawed and Sis piped up to say, "Oh, we didn't buy them." Okay, well. Last year they didn't buy BB's senior pictures or even do graduation announcements either, waste of money. (How can you not be proud that your child FINALLY is to graduate from high school and move on with her life!) We were chatting about setting up for Christmas and Sis added to the conversation that they don't put up trees anymore and haven't for several years. She has a thirteen year old CHILD! Really! Oh and HB's birthday was the first of the month and I put his card in the mail on a Monday with money in it and by Saturday apparently it had not arrived. Sis called me to ask where his birthday card was because he was looking for his money! Really. Well, I told them that if it didn't come by T-Day I would GIVE him some money. (It is not a gift anymore.) She has NEVER given my girls a card or heaven forbid money but I am expected to give it to her kids and she told our father that she expects me to give her children money, because I can afford it. Wow, I'm ranting! I think I've bottled this up too long for sure.

I know, I know everyone will blame it on her meds and things going on with her but I've lived with her "health" issues all my life and frankly she is good and just because The Hubby and I have done well with our lives we should not be expected to supplement her children's finances and I will not fund BB's passion lately for tattoos. But you know if they could not come up with the money to buy the kids school pictures I would have. I would put up a tree for HB. (They both have great jobs and a nice house, no excuse!)

Another worry is her animals. I've blogged about her strange way with pet responsibility (dumping) and she has a cat and three dogs left. Her husband hates them all. Yesterday she was talking about one of her dogs nipping and biting some workmen at their house and it even brought blood. It has a problem with men and snaps at their heals. They've had it since it was a puppy and she can't figure out why it goes after men. I can tell you why, her hubs hates it and kicks at it so it goes after a "MAN". I'm very afraid that she will dump again or even worse foist one of the dogs on my Daddy. It would not be the first time, trust me.

Oh My Gosh...I am ranting. Is that what it takes to get me off this block thing. Maybe I need to get political too! Maybe not a good thing there. What do you think. Am I being a bitch, an unloving sister, unrealistic, uncaring, blah, blah, blah! I don't think so.

I'm Thankful

2011-11-24T06:35:00.000-06:00

Decided to to a list today.

I'm thankful for:

I'm thankful for my Daddy's health and that he is still here and that I'm so enjoying his company.

I'm thankful that 2011 is nearly over and we can move on to 2012.

I'm thankful for a fabulous husband and our wonderful beautiful girls.

I am thankful for my friends, my wonderful and loyal friends.

I'm thankful for my life. Who would have known I would follow this path my life has taken and how awesome it has been. I was a small town girl with very small dreams but no way to make them happen. I've been given a life that was even beyond where any dream I had could have taken me.

I am thankful!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2011-11-23T19:15:00.000-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ONE AN ALL!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Angry

2011-11-17T17:08:00.000-06:00

I am so angry right now and my Twitter was on fire with my anger until I could blog. Yesterday I took little Clayton to the vet to have his teeth cleaned like the vet advised. His breath has been YUCK so I was on board. It was an all day thing where they knock him out and they were to call if there were problems. No phone call and so I went to pick him up at 4 and took him home. He ate his dinner but I knew he was not feeling good. Last night while sleeping he woke me up crying and making a strange breathing sound. I got up and I took him outside and gave him a treat because I knew he missed one of his meals and thought he was just hungry. This afternoon while he was in my lap I wanted to look at his teeth and see how good they looked. Imagine my horrified surprise when I saw that one of his front teeth was MISSING! I got on the phone immediately and called the vet and ripped them. Why in heavens name did I not get a call or even when I picked him up that they did not tell me. No wonder he was in PAIN last night. My heart is just broken for the little guy. They said that sometimes there is so much disease that there is nothing left when they get the tartar off. Granted the little guy had horrible breath which was probably infection but my concern is they DID NOT CALL ME or TELL ME! I am taking him back to south Tulsa, to my old vet when we lived out there to someone I TRUST! Poor, poor little guy.

Five Things I Love

2011-11-12T10:02:00.000-06:00

My sweet friend Kay at Musings wrote about five things she loves and I thought I would try my hand at that too. Here goes!

Our sweet Clayton. Since he has come into our lives I can't imagine our life without him but I know that someday...sniff. He is our little joy.

My paints! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my paints. I love mixing and creating. It has given a new meaning to my life to experience this love of art.

My books! Books are so special to me and I shed tears when we were first married when The Hubby wanted me to scale down and GET RID OF THEM! It was as if I was stabbed in the heart. I especially love this set of Children's Hour books that were our childhood books. My mother read to us from these books and I cherish them completely, especially the one of Best Loved Poems!

Now, these are my journals and calenders. They are me. My secret thoughts and feelings and along with Clayton and our pictures would be the thing I would grab in case of a fire.

Last of all is my backpack. I bought this several years ago before we went to Paris and Normandy and along with Paris and Normandy has traveled to England, Ireland and our latest trip to New England. I carry it often and it still looks brand new. Love leather!

There you go, 5 things I love. How about you. Can we keep this going and be sure to go back to Kay at Musings and let her know!

Ribbons

2011-11-10T05:00:00.001-06:00

Last night was the TCC Alpha Rho Tau art show. I had three entries, the max, one photography and two oil on canvas. I arrived and was pleasantly surprised to receive three ribbons: 1st place, 2nd place and honorable mention! WOO HOO!!!!!

1st place

2nd place

honorable mention

Trinity

2011-11-08T20:15:00.000-06:00

Sadly my sweet Trinity passed away this morning. She was such a confused canary. Male canaries sing, yet Trinity was a singer. She laid eggs constantly, to the point that she lost most of her feathers and I didn't know how to stop her. I enjoyed her company for over 3 years and will miss her. Now I'm left with four (2 boys and 2 girls) zebra finches. Anyone want some finches. They are not my favorite but I will take care of them. I want another parakeet and canary but not until I find homes for the other guys.

Smile

2011-11-07T06:14:00.000-06:00

This past weekend we had it all planned to take Daddy to the cabin for the weekend. He's doing so much better and I knew that he would love the fall air and beauty of Oklahoma that surrounds our cabin, oh and the fishing. We began the preparation of a big brisket dinner on Saturday night to celebrate his being there and what we ended up with was a lot of smiling. Actually, on Friday night Harri had a crowd over to their cabin for an impromptu of pizza, wine and cigars (for the guys). Daddy bundled up and made his way next door (with the help of The Hubby) his walker, and I had his glass of sangria wine. Daddy had a hard time hearing but he was all smiles and laughing. He ate pizza and enjoyed several glasses of his wine and the next thing I saw he was enjoying a cigar! Wow, haven't seen that in a long time. We eventually ended up around a huge fire pit and his fear of being cold and wanting to go home early was quickly gone.

The next day he was up at 4 (doesn't sleep much) and we slept till about 7. I made him fried eggs and bacon and he wolfed down his chow. It was a beautiful day, crisp and sun shining. The Hubby asked Daddy if he wanted to go with him to get some shad (The Hubby catches it himself) for fishing and then cast a line or two. Well, let me tell you Daddy was moving fast with his walker heading for the door with his coat and hat ready to go. They fished and Daddy caught the one and only fish. Look at that smile! That is what it is all about isn't it.

Saturday B came to spend the night too and enjoy the brisket dinner. We had a houseful of people, good food, music and lots more smiling for Daddy. The unexpected surprise was that we had an earthquake. The Hubby was dozing on one of the couches, Daddy and I were sitting on the other one when it began to audibly rumble and shake, rattle and roll! B was standing with the granddog, Mondo and he kind of splayed out his legs and the eyes were huge. Daddy and I sat on the edge of the couch raising our voices, "IT'S AN EARTHQUAKE!" Our high pitch scared voices woke The Hubby who probably would not have felt or heard it. In mid rumble the phone started ringing and I thought it might be Harri but it was B2 in Tulsa and he was a rock-n-rolling there too. WOW, that was a first for me and I think all of us except B who experienced one in Mexico.

The earthquake will be the talk for a long time for sure. Sunday morning Daddy got up at what he thought was 5 but was in reality only 3 am! We let him drink his coffee and tend the dogs for a bit while catching a bit more shut eye. Sadly, once up and around we all started to load up to head home. I told him if he wanted to come back for the community turkey dinner in a couple of weeks he could. I'm not sure if he will because we wore him out or because it will be a bit colder and he was not on board for that. A good time he had for sure and the smile continued all weekend long.

I love this of B and Daddy!

Little Clayton was exhausted too. B brought Mondo and those two were a going constantly. Clayton made Daddy's lap his usual place all weekend. Daddy really enjoyed having a dog to pet.

Vomiting on the Page

2011-11-02T08:25:00.000-05:00

Not sure where I'm going with this today but decided to just start typing, "vomit" on the page, as one writing instructor told me.

It's Wednesday morning and from the view from my window right now, quite beautiful, windy. I got the day started with Wade and an excellent training day then home to find The Hubby grousing about the new audio system. He was trying to get it on to workout at home in the new home gym and it would not come on, the music part. He was ticked off, as was I because we spent a LOT of money on the darn thing and can't get it to work. In fact, we couldn't even get it to turn off once it was on. Never got the music to actually play, but the system was on saying it was playing! Frustrating. On the way back from my trainer I decided to spend time on the new bike but with The Hubby huffing and puffing around on his equipment and angry I was afraid it was not going to happen. Finally, I just ignored him and hopped on to begin the pedaling. About 35 minutes later and I was DONE! Adding this more and more to my workout should help me start really losing, I hope!

Yesterday in art class I was happy to finish yet another painting. It's of our nephew and his beautiful little girl, our great niece. I snagged the pic from her mommas Facebook page and just had to paint it. I love her little hand on her daddy's back, it spoke to me. I'm giving it to them.

Today is of course dance day so doing the bike thing was probably not good as I will be pooped tonight, but that may work out as sleeping has been tough. Last night I slept pretty well if you don't count the nasty dream about a HUGE snake! Then I wake up to the news and pictures of a huge python that swallowed an entire deer. ICK! Really don't mind snakes too much but spiders....EEK!!!

Well, that worked fairly well, vomiting on the page. At least I have some words to share. Later gator's!

Recent Stuff

2011-10-31T08:28:00.000-05:00

Workout equipment! Yes we have purchased the workout equipment and I GOT my exercise bike. I wanted a treadmill in the beginning but The Hubby said there was no room because of the stuff he wanted and since the bike is what I've been using lately, I gave in. I really should be on it this morning but I slept so badly the past few nights I have absolutely no energy. Nightmares, hot-cold-hot-cold, and just not being able to sleep. I do this occasionally and I guess it is the occasional time again.

I'm trying to get on the blogging band wagon again but the words are just not coming for some reason. I'm feeling kind of inhibited by all those around me and not being able to express myself. I love blogging and love for people to read my words but it seems that is a two-edged sword because people I KNOW read my blog. I have to edit and I don't like to edit myself. Oh well, just have to be peppy, non-threatening and have no opinion on anything. Yeah, that's healthy.

I've finished yet another painting. Check out the art blog listed at the side of this blog to see my most recent. There is another art show at TCC starting next Monday through Dec 2 and I'll have two paintings and a photography entry. Slowing down a bit in the art stuff, not feeling inspired lately. Maybe when I get my space kind of cleaned out again I can focus. Especially since Daddy is taking care of himself again. He's grocery shopping and paying his own bills! Almost don't know what to do with myself. This coming weekend we are taking him to the cabin and hosting a brisket dinner to celebrate his re-entry in to the world. He's excited and I can't wait to introduce him to my friends.

Chapter 3 - Travel

2011-10-28T05:22:00.002-05:00

USS Constitution

The Old North Church

Making Monterey Jack cheese at Pine Land Farms

So funny here with one of the older ladies on the bus tour. The Hubby came upon 80 year old Charlsie with her hands prying open one of the cows mouths to count how many teeth she had. The Hubby quickly whipped out his phone and Googled, "32 he told her." It was so funny!

Now for some beautiful color!

Albany Covered Bridge - I'm going to paint this.

Unfortunately there were several of the historic covered bridges that were washed away or severely damaged by Hurricane Irene in August!

Captured this fabulous rainbow over the Robert Lincoln family home, Hildene with my phone. Figures!

Chapter 2 - Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor

2011-10-26T08:46:00.001-05:00

Thunder Hole

Cadillac Mountain - Acadia National Park

This little guy was bugging people and waiting until he could sneak away their lunch.

Quite amazing that I was sitting up here as the drive was a bit tense. Mostly my head was down, eyes closed and by the time I got off the bus my legs were jelly and the emotions burst through with tears. But, I made it!

Bar Harbor

Yummy!

More Acadia NP...Sand Beach

Chapter 1 - Boston

2011-10-24T05:06:00.000-05:00

We were off on Friday, October 14 for our whirlwind 8 day trip to New England and the colors it held. We arrived at the airport about 7:30 for our 9am flight and as we walked through the airport I noticed the shoe shine stand and since I wore my boots, well, a shoe shine it was for our trip!

When we checked in our names popped up on the screen but a familar name appeared with ours, Bev and Rich. I just assumed that they were just on the same flight but was soon to find out they were also on our tour! It was wonderful to have friends along the journey. Rich is actually our insurance guy but we have known him for over 30 years and it was awesome to get to know them better and forge the friendship!

The bus...our mode of transportation for the next 8 days. I was soon going to hate this bus.

Sights around the town of Boston, MA

The sounds the dog tags made when the wind breezed through them was beautiful and rather sad.

The finish line of the Boston Marathon...unfortunately we were seldom off the bus so all I could capture was a blur as we went over the finish line.

Fenway Park - Home of the Boston Red Sox

One if by land, two if by sea!

...the stairs they climbed to ring that famous bell!

More to come...

Home Again

2011-10-22T11:19:00.000-05:00

We are finally home after a very long journey to New England and all it's colorful glory. I won't post pictures here yet as I have to glean through the over 450 pictures we took to post just the right ones. For now I will just share video number 3 from our wonderful girl, Sangster. Enjoy.

Vacation

2011-10-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to let you know we are away, away on our vacation. It will be short but much needed. We've left the business, Clayton and the house remodel in capable hands while we are away. We're touring Maine, Boston, Bar Harbor, Vermont, etc. Hope to have wonderful pictures to share and to paint soon. Later Gators....I mean lobsters!

Potato Corn Chowder with Turkey Sausage

2011-10-13T16:50:00.000-05:00

I made a successful recipe and thought I would share. There are not any exact amounts as it is a soup so just go with it.

Ingredients:

leeks
red potatoes (new potatoes)
fresh corn
chicken stock
salt and pepper
turkey sausage crumbles
water
milk
red pepper bruschetta
olive oil
cayenne pepper

Okay, this is how I did it - I chopped the leeks and then sauteed them in about a tablespoon or two of olive oil. While that was sauteing the leeks I took three ears of fresh corn and cut the kernels off and then took the knife and scraped the cream off the cob. Three ears made about 1/2 to 1 cup of corn. The leeks I salted a peppered as I did the corn and the potatoes. I tossed the corn on top of the translucent leeks and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper to taste. I then chopped the potatoes to bite size pieces and added to the pot with about 2 tablespoons of the red pepper bruschetta. That is a specialty item at the grocery store and is not necessary but it adds color. You could probably use jarred roasted red peppers. Then I added some chicken stock, because that is what I had on hand, and water to cover the potato mixture. When the potatoes were nearly tender I added the package of turkey sausage crumbles and about 1/2 to a 1 cup of milk. Taste and adjust the seasonings. This was so yummy you can not believe and it is even better the next day.

Ummmm, Now That's A Treat!

2011-10-12T05:00:00.003-05:00

Girls Are Grown And Gone

2011-10-10T07:59:00.000-05:00

She has released her second video!

Check it out here:

Girls Are Grown And Gone

If you missed the first one, here it is:

The Conversation

October And All It's Glory

2011-10-01T07:23:00.000-05:00

Good morning weekend, October, and fall...

October 1, where has the time gone this year. I really like the month of October when the air is crisp, the colors you see are stunning, and it is the beginning of my favorite time of food preparing and eating (not necessarily in that order)! Fire in the fireplace, a good book, bundle up with a hot toddy and a big pot of chili or stew. The downsides of cooler temperatures for me though are that the cold kills my joints and once my feet are cold I never warm up.

It's cold and flu season and I just can't seem to get enough sunshine. Plus it's Halloween my most unfavorite time of the year. I refuse to even go near that grocery aisle that contains the nasty candy (not really nasty). I won't have it in my house and I won't have my lights on either to distribute. I don't want the leftover candy around. My way of dieting. I always hated dressing up in costumes as a kid and still do. Instead I'll enjoy all the other things that fall has to over, as previously mentioned.

This glorious month we will be traveling to Maine, Boston and Bar Harbor and a few other areas for 8 wonderful days. We go on trips that are sponsored by our bank as that eases my mind since I'm a wary traveler. I hope to have some kick a__ pictures to share and to paint.

The bathroom is done and we can now relax a bit, take a breather and enjoy the rest of the year with that hot toddy and bowl of chili in front of a warm fire and a good book. So happy fall to all my friends.

Bathroom Addition - Finale

2011-09-30T05:00:00.002-05:00

The bathroom is done, well sort of. There is still a bit of tweeking to do but we've come so far.

Once was...

This used to be the end of the room...

we have this

The new bathroom...

The new bajillion people shower...

My sink, his is to the left

The laundry area...

more shower and sink and the reflection of the glass block window...

My closet...his is just to the right.

Painting

2011-09-29T08:26:00.000-05:00

I've finally finished a couple of paintings here and actually another one but I've not taken a snapshot yet, soon, I promise. The bathroom is SOOOO close to being done but not to the point that we can shower or fill the spaces, except my closet. Seems like I can't sit long enough to do anything or think lately. I haven't even been able to paint at home, 1-because the area was full of crap from all the other rooms, 2-because of time, and 3-because of people in my space. Hopefully I will be busy at it soon at home. At least the port-a-potty is gone!

Clematis

Star Light, Star Bright

Video Is Here!

2011-09-27T21:31:00.000-05:00

Her video is here...check out our girl. We are very, very proud...

Introducing...

Sangster

My Girls

2011-09-25T13:47:00.000-05:00

Tears For Fears - Badman - Live
http://youtu.be/9P9nd1Ayv2E

This is a much better video showing Afton singing with TFF on the California part of the tour. As of today they are I believe in Lima, Peru. Wow, what a whirlwind thing for her to do. The sound on the video is a bit messed up at the end of the video but he introduces her and it's closeup.

The oldest girly turned 32 yesterday. I can't believe that, I am NOT THAT OLD, am I. It's funny, today I fixed The Hubby and I a roast beef sandwich from the leftover roast form yesterday and as we were eating it I was taken back to just after she was born in our first home. I wasn't working anymore to be a stay at home Moma and The Hubby was working hard at his other job while trying to get our business off the ground. He was working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. I stayed home and cooked, cleaned, gardened and to take care of infant B. I was big into cooking a lot and it saved a lot of money. I remember fixing roast and making homemade honey whole wheat bread for The Hubby's lunch. I had fresh tomatoes, homemade bread and roast, what was I thinking. I almost spoiled that man. Just kidding, it was wonderful and I loved taking care of him and my baby. It's funny how a taste or smell can trigger a memory.

Good Fall Morning

2011-09-23T09:06:00.000-05:00

Good morning, good morning, good morning...oh good Fall morning! It is quite beautiful out there today and I'm almost giddy with the change of seasons. I love three season out of four and fall is one of them. Winter will bring out the crabbiness and complaining in me so beware. I HATE to be cold.

Afton is doing well on her tour with Tear For Fears with a post from Mexico City on Facebook about the altitude and how it has given her yet another first, supplemental oxygen. I also received a phone call when she first left the country from her cell phone by a bathroom attendant that was left in a bathroom in the Dallas airport bathroom. Oops! Kind of put a red alert in my heart but she got it back quickly and was fine. All the trials and tribulations of travel!

The bathroom remodel is almost complete and I promise, promise, promise that pictures will soon be here. Right now the painter is still strung out all over the place with touch-ups everywhere and we are slowly trying to load our closets up and clean out the other rooms of our mess. In fact, the whole house is in dire need of re-organization at this moment. It's amazing how one room add-on can impact every other room in the house. It's a domino effect and will probably take me a few weeks to get it all together. We still need the carpenter to come tweak the cabinet doors and drawers, the glass doors on the shower and the marble around the shower door installed and mirrors. Of course, the electrician (AKA The Hubby) has been lax in his job too. LOL!!!

Tears for Fears

2011-09-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

Check out our youngest that is on tour with Tears For Fears. They just finished 30 days touring around California and now are on to Mexico and South America. This song, Badman, she is singing back up vocals with Michael Wainright. Roland introduces her and it is awesome for me. I'm so proud. She is to the far left of the screen. Check it out. Hopefully, in a few days I will be able to post HER video of music!

http://youtu.be/M7F8VrMxjbQ

Friends

2011-09-19T05:00:00.001-05:00

I think this is year six of our annual Hanging of The Bras and unfortunately this is the only picture that I took. I don't know what happened except we laughed and giggled, ate, talked, played games, listened to music and danced the night away. The act of taking pictures just didn't fit into the plan. After chowing down on the tons of food everyone brought and testing a few bottles of wine we played a game called LRC. It's a dice game and we played it with dollar bills. Oh my goodness, that was so much fun and topped the night off.

Vera

2011-09-17T05:00:00.003-05:00

Awhile back I mentioned Vera, B's sweet kitty that was tapped for a national commercial. Now here it is. Check it out!

Vera

http://youtu.be/al8vpjc4Bvo

Words

2011-09-16T06:38:00.001-05:00

Words, they are not coming from me lately and I'm not too sure why. Really contemplating closing this blog down but it has been such a part of my life I can't seem to make that decision. For now, I'm choosing to only post when the feeling comes around and seems to be not often. That is fine.

I promise I will have pictures of the soon to be finished bathroom. They are in the final stages, they being the painters. They have been here for 2 weeks now and probably have part of next week to go. Plus The Hubby is having them fix a botched place in the dining room and when we finally move into the closets and out of the guest room, they will have to fix and paint the guest room wall that was damaged in the beginning of the project. The plumber is scheduled for Monday, the appliances will be delivered Monday, the wallpaper guy, I think comes Monday. Man, it is going to be busy around here on Monday but by the end of the week we may have a functioning bathroom. I would post some snapshots of it but everything is covered in paper, including the floor, back splash, countertops and any handle and since the color going on now is a cream color, it's pretty bland. Can't wait for the color on the wall which should happen today and the wallpaper. SO EXCITED!

Today I'm off to a girls weekend. It's the annual Hanging of the Bras Weekend but will only be a one night thing this time. Everyone had to go back to town Saturday, including me. It should be tons of fun and pictures will be here next week. In fact, with the wind down of the remodel and the weekend I should have a lot to share!

Toodles all and have a smashing good weekend, I plan on it!

Backyard Sitting

2011-09-11T12:58:00.000-05:00

Daddy finally getting to sit in his backyard. He's so happy.

Home Again

2011-09-09T06:40:00.000-05:00

Finally, FINALLY, Daddy is to go home today. After being in the nursing for nearly 2 months I am to pick him up with what little stuff he has and take him home. He is walking, aided with his new-fangled walker, but he is walking and healed! The Hubby, with the help of Bro, got Daddy's car this week, aired tires, put in a new battery, gased it up and cleaned the inside, not that he can drive. He probably won't be able to for at least 3 months, but he'll know it is ready when he needs it. The Hubby says it's a "man" thing. We took the car back yesterday and parked it in the drive and I got a few food supplies so he is ready. Oh, and on a thought I had The Hubby check his mailbox because I could not remember when his mail would start up again...well, it started up on Sept 1. Oops, there were a couple of bills in there, one being the car title/registration! Whew, got those paid and now have to remember to get his mail for him or have Bro pick it up. The walk to his mailbox I fear might be a bit too far right now. I have no idea when the paper starts up but won't worry until it starts appearing. I have to get a gift certificate for the neighbor who has mowed his yard all spring and summer. At least this summer the drought has kept that duty to a minimum. Funny thing is when I checked out his two tomato plants in the backyard that his friend planted for him, the ones that have not been watered all summer long, hummmm, loaded with little green tomatoes and healthy. Everything else in the yard is dried up but those tomato plants are beautiful. Who would have thunk it! May have fall tomatoes!

Construction update: They have all the carpentry work done, except for a few tweeks but it is all in. The painter started prepping for painting and that has taken 2 days of prep with three guys...EGAD...don't look forward to this bill. They will start the first coat of primer today! We actually have a door instead of a tarp over the opening to our bedroom. The marble is nearly all in except for a border. Backsplash is in and BEAUTIFUL. The mirrors are ordered and won't.....

(Geez...The Hubby is on a tear this morning...going to have a busy day I guess. I told him he sounded like a hysterical woman! It's too early to lose it! TeeHee...)

back to it...mirrors are ordered, waiting for paint to be done and then plumbing and we will have a finished, working bathroom!!!!! I would have pictures of stuff but right now it is all covered with paper as they get ready to paint!

Blue, Blue, My Love is Blue

2011-09-08T05:00:00.002-05:00

Not my favorite color but I so love the skies yesterday as I left my doc appointment. Blue, blue, blue...stunning...

Smash Your Boob Day

2011-09-07T06:59:00.002-05:00

Today may not be the National Smash Your Boob Day, but it's mine. I don't have to be at the office for a few hours so I decided to take a bit of time and do some beauty treatment before the smash part of my day. Lovely huh! I know that in a couple of weeks it is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure here in Tulsa so I'm right in line for my duty as a woman and getting my boobs smashed today as should everyone! So go, make your appointment now.

Weekend of Change

2011-09-06T06:15:00.001-05:00

This was a weekend of change, weather change. Saturday was hot but it was just a matter of hours before it changed.

Sunday night it cooled off and what a wonderful evening with friends.

We enjoyed a Mexican dinner night at C & L's then on Sunday it was burgers at our

cabin with the crew of many.

Sunday we even turned off the A/C and opend the windows to sleep.

Clayton upon arrival on Friday afternoon, in anticipation of his first run of the weekend in the meadow!

On my way out onto the main road I encountered these lovely beauties.

I almost forgot I have a new artist page on Facebook if you would like to like/follow me there! Thanks.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carla-Hefley-Artist/251226688250958#!/pages/Carla-Hefley-Artist/251226688250958

Apron Bag Giveaway

2011-09-03T10:18:00.000-05:00

I have been remiss in posting this Apron Bag giveaway. It comes from the lovely ladies of the online design magazine Prairie Hive. The giveaway comes courtesy of my oldest Briana from Bifftasticia. It is only open a few more days so go by and enter. Thank you.

Construction and Kissing

2011-09-02T07:09:00.000-05:00

Just to let everyone know I'm still hanging around. I've been busy with Daddy, working more and the remodel so my mind has been otherwise occupied, A LOT!
The remodel is going, just going. Although we do have the shower walls and ceiling done and the sink counter tops installed, the plumbing is at a standstill, the carpenter is at a standstill and the painter, hopefully will start SOON! The carpenter has had to wait for the doors that have been on order for weeks now, which has put a hold on the painter and the marble install guy. The Hubby also informed me that the painter may be here for at least 3 weeks. EGAD! I thought we would be through before October, before our trip to Maine/Bar Harbor, but that may not happen now. We've been dealing with this since February and I'm fast loosing my patience. We do have new sod and the flowerbed that was in shambles has been cleaned out from all the dirt work.

That little corner will soon be my garden!!!!! I'm pretty happy with that. It is shady here but has mostly sun and a sprinkler head, who could ask for more in a garden spot! Now if the sod would start perking up!

B started teaching this week so my time at the office will pick back up again which I'm fine with. Need to move my painting stuff there again, maybe.

Daddy is mending very well and this past week we saw Dr. Hippy again. The doc gave him the thumbs up that he can walk and when the infectious doc says and the rehab guy says, he can go home and they don't have to see him for 3 months!!!!! That is so encouraging and Daddy is so excited. He has done quite well this time around at the nursing home and has made a ton of friends. Tuesday a bunch of them got together and had a pizza party. One of the ladies, Myrna, who has since been released for home, came back to the party. Daddy is sweet on her and she on him. She is 80, only 4 years older than Daddy, but, "she's a good lookin' woman," Daddy says. He informed me on Wednesday at the doctor office that, "she planted one on me." I kind of smiled and gave a little gasp, "On the lips?!" "Yes", he said. I was happy for him and he was beaming. He's got a girlfriend and has had a kiss from a different woman for the first time in what, nearly 60 years! You go Daddy!

Well, hope I've updated enough and I promise everyone, I'll be back to reading your lovely blogs soon. Don't forget me please. I'm still here.

Projects, Projects Everywhere

2011-08-29T06:43:00.000-05:00

Good Morning All! It's Monday and I'm ready for the week. B starts teaching again which means more time at the office for me again. I guess I'm ready. I love having time off but with people in and around my house it is hard to find "quiet" time to read or paint so not much was accomplished in those departments. This week we should have the marble stuff complete and the painter will start applying color. I'm getting really excited to have it done. Nearly 8 months of constant traffic around the house is just too much. It's really a good thing I'm pretty patient. I guess all the waiting I do pays off. Construction coming to an end does not mean we're done. We just purchased a rent house to fix up. Actually, it might have been a flip house but that market is at a standstill in this economy so a rental it will be.

Sort of looks like our first home.

It was a one owner, lived in for about 50 years or so but not fixed up in many years.

First task, cleaning up the greenery around the house. The reason we found it in the first place was because we were called to put the electrical service back up after a tree limb tore it off the house after a recent storm. The guy we hired did an excellent job but WOW!

The hardwood floors are in excellent shape after the carpet was pulled up. They need a bit of cleaning up from the pad underneath that had deteriorated but should be great.

We got a bit of furniture in the deal, including this working Kimball organ. Not sure what to do with it but A in California wants it. Not too keen on shipping an organ to her. May have to store it for a bit. Thought about donating it to a small church somewhere.

This bathroom is not functioning right now and this one works but runs and runs and runs.

Kitchen cabinets are in great shape and the Formica too. The oven/stove is weird but cool. It's a Tappan with the ovens on top and on the bottom you push a button and pull out the burners, four I think. They are a bit rusted but it works great. A bit of cleanup and voila.

Yes, that is ICKY carpet in the kitchen. Not sure what is underneath but a bit of flooring and it should be good.

Hey, we love projects!

Bacon & Tomato Pasta

2011-08-27T06:47:00.000-05:00

I saw this on Giada's show a couple of weeks ago and have lusted for it since. I didn't copy the recipe from her show but thought it easy enough to recreate myself. Actually, I have changed it up by adding bacon to make:

Bacon & Tomato Pasta

Saute shallots in a bit of olive oil.

I added a couple cloves of chopped garlic and then cherry tomatoes cut in half.

Salt and lots of black pepper.

In a saucepan I cooked some pasta, I think fusilli here. I used a lot of salt in the water to cook the pasta. Really works well to cut down the salt I use at the table.

Chiffonade about 3 tablespoons of basil. I cooked bacon crisp in the microwave (about 3 minutes) and chffonade that too. Then I cut into cubes FRESH mozzarella cheese (YUM). I drained the pasta, tossed in the tomato mixture and tossed in the pasta/tomato mixture over the cheese mixture and tossed. The hot pasta and tomato sort of melts the cheese. It was so yummy and I was so anxious to dive into it I forgot to take a picture of the finished product. Tee-Hee! Enjoy.

Old Friends

2011-08-26T07:53:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had lunch with my dear friend C for her birthday. It was so nice to visit and be with my friend. We then came to the house so she could see the progress of the construction. Chat, chat, chat, my day was really nice but it wasn't over. As I have mentioned before my old high school best bud contacted me and over many long emails we made plans to meet. It had been 37 years or so since we have seen each other and in high school we were "thick as thieves." We just took different paths, even though she lives close we just never contacted each other, till now. Last night we met for dinner. I was anxious all day long, just couldn't wait for 5 o'clock to roll around. Finally, I walked into Abuelo's at about 4:45 to sit and wait. I sat and watched the door in anticipation and then right on the nose of 5 p.m., in the door S walked. I stood up and approached her as she took her sunglasses off, then we kind of ran into each other arms hugging each other tightly and crying. Why in the world did we wait so long to mend this falling out. Oh my goodness, we stepped back wiping tears and then embraced again and sobbed, tears of happiness and sadness that we were fools. Wiping the mascara and tears we were seated in a booth, ordered drinks and smiled as we looked at each other, a few more tears falling. Memories and stories were shared again with laughter and some sadness. I was very sad to know that all those years ago and she has and had to deal with some horrible health issues and family woes, I was not there to be her friend. Makes me mad that we parted that way but we both agree it was probably what we needed, our paths that were meant for each of us to walk. Although I don't think we could pinpoint what facilitated the breakup we agreed there were a few things that attributed to it. We are not blaming or angry about it, we are just glad we are talking now. A few hours later, 5 to be exact we finally decided that it was time to let them try and close the restaurant. I did not get to my car until 10:30 last night. We talked for 5 solid hours. Amazing. We can't wait until we see each other again, very, very soon.

Marble & Wood

2011-08-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

Life around here is busy, very busy. The cabinets and molding stuff is here and being installed! A few little kinks here and there but it is moving along. I think the painter should be here next week which means wallpaper too.

My closet, one side...those are pull down hanging bars...

cubbies, I like cubbies...

...the laundry area and the door that is opened will house The Hubby's folding ironing board. I was not too pleased that this cabinet monstrosity was so large and was the first thing you laid eyes on when you walked through the door but it is here and I'm not paying to have it remade.

Clayton doing a bit of inspection...

That shiny stuff by the red wall is the marble for the shower that is being installed as I tap-tap-tap.

More pictures will surely follow as we near the end finally.

My World

2011-08-18T09:47:00.000-05:00

I promise I'm still here but I've just had a HUGE case of writers block. A few good things have happened though:

They delivered the cabinets and woodwork stuff for the bathroom. These are the sides of a cabinet area that will house the washer and dryer. They are actually cabinets and one side will have a hidden ironing board.

This is one side of the sink area. The rest of the stuff will be delivered today. And as I type I hear the sweet sound of hammers! Finally! It starts getting depressing seeing a tarp over your bedroom door after nearly 4 months.

Last week I received an email from my old high school best buddy checking to see if my email was the same. I was so excited and since then we have been playing email tag back and forth. I can't wait till we get together and have lunch soon.

Daddy is doing very well now. The stitches are out and he's just waiting until The Hippy doctor feels it is time for him to put weight on the leg. He's still on IV antibiotics but when that stops he will go home! It's been 4 weeks since surgery and The Hippy doctor said 4-6 weeks so we are in that magic window I think. Sis finally went to see him again on Sunday. He gave her a hard time for not even calling on his birthday. She had no excuse. Poor guy. So that makes twice she has seen him since July 19, and she lives all of 5 or so miles away.

Just found out this morning that one of my oldest friends and neighbor has breast cancer and starts chemo this morning. Had no idea. It's funny that right after I heard that when on Good Morning America they showed the world premiere of Martina McBride's new video, "I'm Gonna Love You Through It". Perfect. Made me cry. Sending out a prayer for Susie!

Weekend of Errors

2011-08-14T10:12:00.000-05:00

This weekend we opted to stay in town and enjoy just being home. The weather has finally settled down to tolerable temperatures and made it a nice weekend to hang out in our backyard. The Hubby first had me take some snapshots of his hair that he has been growing to send to our girls. When I met him he had long beautiful hair I LOVED and for awhile he was having it buzz cut, like a Marine. I HATED it. So now he's growing it.

Wasn't he a cutie! Oh my bad, Isn't he a cutie!!!!!

Saturday morning we both got up with the thought of visiting the local flea market. Walking around I saw this little guy taking a nap in a box of scarves while his owner sold wares.

Back home, the weather good I was bound and determined to make use of the new air chairs that The Hubby got for me. I sat, drank a glass of iced tea and finished a book while The Hubby did a little cleanup. I LOVE to watch him piddle around and he does it so well. Keep it up my dear!

The book finished and getting a bit sleepy I didn't want to go inside so I got the in-town hammock (no picture) out. I'm not as fond of it as the one at the lake (see below). I just can't seem to break it in. The fabric is slick and has absolutely no give. That also explains my twittering yesterday.

I ended up on the ground not once but twice in that stupid hammock. Not the green one above but the orange one I hate. I actually slid off onto the ground and my glasses flew off in the yard which I didn't realize until I got situated back in the damn thing. I had to get up again which I slid out again and look around to find my glasses. Good grief, there is no give in the thing. I wiped off the mud from my backside and knees and finally got settled yet again to read and try and doze. All this probably explains the crick in my neck this morning.

Last night The Hubby took me to dinner at a place called Campus Grill across from the University of Tulsa. You know there will be students and there were. It was not busy at all so we sat in a booth by the window. Shortly after we sat down a couple of guys, students walked in. The first guy walked up the steps where we were sitting to the booth behind us. While he walked up he, very loudly, read the blackboard special of beer for $1.50. They sat down, my back to them and the loud guy just got louder. My first observation was he looked like "Where's Waldo. He had wild hair, very skinny and a strange striped t-shirt with black rimmed glasses. He was going on and on about his girlfriend, or ex-girlfriend. She apparently cheated on him. He couldn't understand why. I could, Mr. Waldo Loud-Mouth. This guy COULD NOT whisper or talk softly for nothing and everyone in the place could hear him. Then he started talking about some teacher and how weird the guy was with no social or people skills. Really. Must say his conversation was very interesting but obnoxious, and made my meal the fastest I've eaten because I couldn't wait to leave, as did a few others.