MY LIFE - WHERE I'VE BEEN AND WHERE I'M GOING

WORLD O' ICE

2010-12-16T09:07:00.006-05:00

East TN is covered in ice!! The police scanner is busy with flipped cars, power poles on fire, trees falling........and it's not even winter yet - oh my!! Thought I would share a little of our ice world. Hope you are staying warm - wherever you are. It's finally starting to warm up and change to rain - however, it will be a couple of hours before Chaz ventures out to open the store. And by the looks of it - there's more on it's way - however, the good thing is we are finally going beyond teens and twenties for the high!!

2010 WINTER

2010-12-05T17:42:00.008-05:00

Well, I've got to say that winter, so far, has proven that it does what it wants. I mean, we are in East TN and usually it's very mild at this time of year. So far, this is about the 2nd or 3rd time that we've had snow flurries....I know, it's like my son tells me - IT'S WINTER......I guess after being back here now for over 26 years, I've become accustomed to the weather being mild in the winter, at least until January/February, most of the time. SO, you see, when you are used to that and you see flurries - well, we are part of the region of the country that panics and scurries to Wal Mart and Food City to buy everything you can think of in case you get "SNOWED IN" - even though the weatherman says we are ONLY going to get flurries. So, I thought I had better snap a couple of pictures so those of you - like John in Idaho - can see what it's like when it "just" flurries in East TN!!

And, let me add that the wind was blowing on the big pond and really making it cold looking (although at 29 degrees as the high - that is cold here - especially with a breeze!).........

But, the best part of the day is about Christmas lights. Yep, Christmas lights - I know my kids are shocked as they read this because we have NEVER put up Christmas lights on the outside of our house and/or property. Why? Because we live so far off of the road and it just didn't make sense. We don't go outside much here at night, other than to now walk the Brits....so, why put up Christmas lights when no one, and I mean no one, is going to see them!!

Well, my husband decided that enough is enough and bought a box of outdoor lights and strung them along the bottom branches of the crab apple tree - that was as far as could be reached without getting the ladder and it was TOO cold for that. You would think that he put up a gazillion lights - that's how excited we were to see them - it doesn't take much when you live WAY out in the country. At first I asked him why he didn't put them over on one of the other trees that might be seen from the road IF someone drives by and he said that his main purpose was for our emjoyment when we walk the dogs in the dark. And as the new chicken coop is in it's beginning stages (you can see the platform in the picture), there is a heavy duty electrical cord stretched down that way and voile' - a place to plug up the lights - ha ha. Are you ready? I took the dogs out just at about dusk and this is what it looked like. I had to about drag the dogs towards "their spot on the hill" because they couldn't take their eyes off of the lights in the tree.

And as if it couldn't get any better - they now look like a space ship in the complete dark - I can't wait now until the dogs have to "go" again!!!! It's like I've said for years - never a dull moment in the Blimline household - ha ha....

WEEKEND ACCOMPLISHMENT

2010-11-14T10:26:00.014-05:00

First let me remind you that it seems there is always something in a pot on our porch that awaits planting, somewhere. And, I'll share with you that it drives me crazy - mostly, because I don't want to chance losing whatever it is that needs planting....which brings me to another planting accomplishment this weekend.

Our nature loving son, Jacob, kindly started some Osage Orange trees: http://www.trees-online.com/types_of_trees/osage_orange.shtml in a pot and gave us three to plant somewhere on the farm. He advised not to plant them anywhere too close, as they grow large and have lots of sticker branches!!! He also advised me on how much to water, etc.......so, that's what I've been doing and wondering, where do you plant something like this? Solution, ask my husband - let him decide. I did that and he told me he would have to think about it. I know his thoughts lately are on the 8 X 12 Chicken Coop he is building - yep, we are going to have chickens again - but that's another post...stay tuned for that one!!

Anyway, it's supposed to rain the next few days or so and I really wanted to get these planted prior to that to give them a better chance of survival. So, I asked him again and he finally said that they would probably work good up at the fence line on the top of the ridge above the pond. O....K....., I guess I can do that.....now don't get me wrong, he wasn't telling me this so that I would go plant them up on that ridge (oh maybe he was).....but, that's all it took. My mind started clicking, thinking, ok - he's headed to the grocery store -wonder if I can lug these pots, a shovel, a gallon of water and myself up on that ridge. I think I can.........so, that's what I did. I put the three pots in a plastic crate and cradled that on one side with the shovel & gallon of water on the other and off I went. From the pictures, it doesn't look that far or that steep - but let me assure you - looks are sometimes deceiving.......

Off I went - it was clouding up a little, but I knew the rain wasn't supposed to head in until later in the evening - I was dressed appropriately, had a warm jacket on, grabbed my work gloves and lugged everything up in one trip. Whew - there is no easy way up to the top - the best way is to cross the dam of the large pond, go through the woods, following the deer path, trying NOT to slip down the slight slope into the pond, and then continue up through the high grasses to the top.

I get up there, look around and finally decide where I want to plant them........and start digging. Fortunately, the dirt up there is great and digging wasn't that bad - except I couldn't find my work gloves. I had thrown the jacket off - way too hot - and thought - well, it's too far down to go back and get the gloves, so just do it. Gee, I only got stuck once and actually avoided touching that slimy worm that was in one of the dug holes - really, I could have gone fishing with it!!! So, after getting all three planted, packed down and watered, I thought - darn, I didn't bring anything to put around them so that whoever is around won't run them over, cut them down, etc.

The only solution was to hike it back down and gather something to solve that problem. So, I pick up the jacket, tie it around my waste and what do I spot in the pocket - MY GLOVES - oh well........I finally make it back to the garage - put everything up - and then proceed to get bright yarn (a knitter at heart), scissors (yes, I walked back up that hill & made sure they were point down) and before heading back up - went into the field that has some larger fruit trees and proceeded to remove the plastic black pipe from the bottom of these trees - they are way past needed protection from the mower and started back across the dam....well, you know the way by now.

So, now there are three Osage Orange trees up on the top of the ridge - protected for when Chaz has the tractor up in that area and marked with bright flourescent yarn for identification. I feel pretty good!!! Thought I would take a picture while up there so you can get the feel of the view - would be a great place for a bench!

P.S. Check out our small bed of lettuce that we'll be harvesting today to accompany Chaz's Best In The World Meatballs and Spaghetti!!

IT NEVER ENDS

2010-11-06T09:35:00.011-04:00

Me again.....and yes, if you have glanced down, this involves Tide AGAIN. Actually, it was kind of unavoidable to write this post. Yesterday, after reading my post, my husband first commented, "Only you would get a box with a misspelling.....". Then he asked me if I had looked at the other boxes? You see, I always have extra Tide on hand because I kept hearing a rumor that Wal Mart was going to stop carrying powder detergent.......now there's a panic, because it's hard sometimes to find the Free & Clear Tide. Anyway, I went to look at the other boxes to see if they said "iine or line".

Sure enough - they both said "line". I mean, do I have a valuable box (iine), or what? Should I keep it - do you think there is a Tide museum just biting their nails wondering where the elusive "iine" box it? Maybe I'll hold on to it for awhile to increase the value - YEAH, RIGHT!!!!!

So, now you are wondering, was that all there was.......was that important enough to post, yet again, about Tide? Well, just sit back and keep reading......Usually on Friday, we have breakfast for dinner. Chaz is usually home, while I'm at the pawnshop and he usually makes an omelet - let me add, a wonderful omelet. Let me also say that I HATE cooking eggs. I don't know why, I just don't like doing it, so, since I was home, it was NOT going to be an omelet. I thought - why don't I make waffles? So, out comes the George Foreman - and in case you don't have one with the different inserts - you have to release the handles on each side and then place the appropriate plate on there that you want to use:

Since this really isn't about dinner, let me move right along - dinner was very good and then during clean up - what I do is then remove the plates on the grill and put the original ones back on, since that is what I use the most. Well, upon grabbing them (in fact I grabbed the wrong one for the bottom - not paying attention) I flipped it over, as I always do - to make sure I had the right one for the top and the right one for the bottom. You see, they say on the back "Upper" or "Lower":

That's when it happened and this is what prompted this post AND this is how it's tied in with Tide - ha ha - get it? Anyway, having picked up the wrong bottom one - which I didn't realize at the time - I flipped it over and LOOK AT THIS:

And now you are wondering, WHAT THE HECK IS A LODER? Well, I'll tell you what a LODER is - IT IS ANOTHER MISTAKE!!!! That's right - another typo - it is supposed to say LOWER - I pulled all the other plates out and they are all correct, except for this one.....I mean COME ON - what does this mean???????? I'll tell you what it means......it means that someone is sleeping on the job - ha ha ha ha.

So, you see, HOW COULD I NOT POST THIS? Have a great day and thanks for laughing with me.

By the way - it's flurrying in East TN at this moment - never remember it snowing THIS early - hope this is not a sign of the winter!!

P.S. Actually, there was something else involving Tide, but I think I'll mull that one over and save it for yet, ANOTHER, Tide post - keep you guessing so you'll come back - like I could keep you away!! :-)

THE RESULTS ARE IN

2010-11-04T14:05:00.008-04:00

I am finally getting around to posting the final chapter in the Tide story...........the final total:

For those unfortunate few that missed the first two chapters:

Chapter One:
http://mhb-mylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/statistics.html

Chapter Two:
http://mhb-mylife.blogspot.com/2010/08/proof-is-in-pudding.html

TA DA:

That's right - 39 and ONE HALF - not 40!!!! Scoop shows what was left after measuring (carefully) for the last load.

How do they get away with it? Ha ha - it's a little symbol by the "40" possible loads....see it? Evidently, I, like most - probably, NEVER paid attention to it.

Now, if you paid any attention to how things are supposed to work, you'll know SOMEWHERE on that box, there is an explanatory legend. Here it is (although, as you can tell, not the best picture taking was accomplished - still, you get the point):

And, for those few curious souls out there that actually wonder what it says, I'll accomodate you:

* (I can't type the exact symbol) - Contains 40 loads as measured to lower line on scoop. This wording is on the end where it tells you about measuring (HOW DID I MISS THAT).

AND, to beat it all - on my new box of Tide (which is on my lap right now, so I could copy that statement above) - CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A TYPO? Can you believe it? They have "iine" instead of line. I can honestly say that I'm shocked and did not see this until this very moment. Now, do not go scouring through my blog, because I was not and am not a perfect proofreader. Just ask my husband - I think everytime I post, he says - "Hey, you need to go in and fix ............." - I attribute it to aging eyes - LOL!!

On the opposite end of the box the statement continues more in detail after that line (iine) I typed above. It says:

The precise number of loads from each package will vary slightly with the method of scooping and settling during shipment.

In conclusion, which I think you'll agree, the reason I'm short a half a load worth of detergent, is evidently from the "settling during shipment", because we ALL KNOW that during this experiment, I measured each and every load VERY CAREFULLY. SO, ok - if I lost a half a load during shipment, where did it go? There are no openings in the box - did it combine within itself? How did that happen?

Don't get me wrong - this was all in fun. I love my Tide Free & Gentle Detergent and I am a much better person, in the laundry room - at least, for completing this experiment. In fact, now when I do laundry, I have to STOP myself from grabbing that pen that is still in there and keep myself from marking ANOTHER LOAD.

MONDAY, MONDAY, SO GOOD TO ME!!

2010-10-04T09:09:00.010-04:00

OHHHHHH (sing along), "Monday, Monday - So Good To Me"...........oh wait.....

It's cold as anything outside (yeah, I know, seems like we were just complaining about the heat...) - it's just we haven't adjusted to this plunge into fall yet..........it's cloudy, VERY chilly and Monday........

At least I went outside late yesterday (in the cool, drizzly weather) and snipped the remaining roses just in case.........

Even with those beautiful roses blooming their little hearts out - they know it's almost winter........like I said, it's Monday and I have the "I don't wannas"............Hmmmm....sounds like a 2nd cup of coffee and a lemon filled donut (good grief I've fallen by the sugar wayside) should do the trick........

But what to do about the ever growing list (I believe it's up to #14 and that's just for today - ha ha - I did eliminate several by putting them on Chaz's list)..........

AND, it just hit me that we just passed the end of the month as well as the end of the quarter.......so there are a multitude of business reports to do.....

But, you know, one of the advantages of working at home is making your own schedule........and I do believe my comfy chair, with the ever scrumptious lemon filled donut and the hot, steamy aroma of the Chickory Coffee in the yellow Fiesta mug (to match the roses - LOL) is calling my name..............

Those suit pants that I need to hem for Jacob....well they really need to be finished because he needs them by the end of the week - well, maybe this afternoon - surely they won't take that long.......

So, sit back little doggies while I chair surf, partake in "donutery" indulgence and prepare to take on MONDAY!!!!!!

Have a good week, everyone!!!!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY

2010-10-02T15:22:00.007-04:00

I missed this for Thursday, but better late than never (gee, I think I've said that before). Anywayyyyyyyyyyyyyy....

Happy 50th Birthday to the Flintstones. The first airing of the Flintstones was September 30, 1960 on ABC. I was six - loved them then and love them now - yep, if I see them on, I still watch them.

In fact, one of my favorite movies is The Flintstones!! If you haven't seen it and you got a kick out of the cartoon, watch it - you won't regret it. Good wholesome fun!! You sure can't say that about too many things these days.

Before I go, how about some fun Flintstone Facts:

"The Flintstones" was a Hanna-Barbera Production that originally aired on ABC-TV in prime time from 1960-1966. It was network television's first animated series to which there were 166 original episodes.

The original name of the series in which a pilot was even made, was "The Flagstones". When it was realized that the "Hi and Lois" characters' surname was Flagston, the name was changed. The name "Gladstones" was considered and actually appeared on a number of sketches before the final change to "Flintstones".

The original opening sequence features Fred driving home from work, racing through the streets of Bedrock. Upon arriving home he runs his car into the garage, then goes in the house to sit down and watch TV (Not too dissimilar than the opening of "the Simpsons").

In the original closing sequence, Fred turns off the TV set, covers the bird cage, and attempts to put the cat out, which puts Fred out instead. These sequences were only used for the first two seasons and many people have never seen them, because the later, more familiar opening and closing themes were usually used for all episodes during syndication.

It wasn't until the third season when the opening and closing sequences had the "Meet the Flintstones" theme song. This opening shows Fred sliding down the tail of his dino-crane at the quarry, then Wilma, Dino and the cat pile in the car where they drive to the movies. The closing sequence shows them driving from the movies to a drive-in restaurant where Fred orders ribs which tip over the car, and then drive home, and Fred still attempts to put the cat out.

These sequences were changed slightly throughout the seasons to include the Rubbles and then again to include Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm.

The very first episode aired on September 30, 1960. Titled "The Flintstone Flyer" (P-2), it was actually the second Flintstones episode produced (after The Swimming Pool, P-1), but the first to air. Fred and Barney want to go bowling instead of being dragged to the opera by Wilma and Betty. Fred fakes being sick and Barney flies them to the bowling alley in his hand-cranked helicopter!

"The Flintstones" was nominated for an Emmy in 1961 for "Outstanding Program Achievement in the Field of Humor". They lost to "The Jack Benny Show".

The show was a model for many other animated TV series and had a major impact on the world of animation. Many cartoons, even today, show obvious influences from "the Flintstones".

BACK TO BASICS

2010-09-23T10:58:00.015-04:00

Fall - doesn't feel quite like fall, but it will - and soon. You can tell there is less humidity, which is a VERY good thing.........we took a quick trip to NC last weekend and you could see some color starting. I will be watching.....as it is my favorite season. I love something about every season, yes - even winter!!! But there's just something about fall - the scents, the falling leaves, the colors, you can feel anticipation in the air. For what, you ask? For many things - local festivals.........Halloween excitement..........pumpkin pies..........wondering what kind of winter it will be.....many things to think about and ponder upon - how could the year have gone by so quick? See what I mean? Also, a time of harvest.

The growing season has been successful this year. We have gotten back into the garden circuit a little, but the bug

has truly bitten my husband. He is enjoying getting back to the earth. He had a nice delivery of topsoil brought in - and now is planning how many and where to put newly constructed raised beds, let alone, what he wants to plant in them.

Chaz has planted a 2nd bed of radishes and lettuce and DID NOT invite the rabbits - as you can tell.

We've harvested figs, red delicious apples and sweet potatoes (that I planted all by myself!! - sorry that picture must not be on this card):

And, last but not least, talking about getting Back to Basics - we are becoming great connoisseurs of "Soup Beans". Laugh, if you will, but you can't eat a healthier, more satisfying dish. I've grown eating soup beans all of my life - it's a Southern "thang". I love them. What better to love something that is SO good for you. SO, I've started making bean concoctions whenever I make them. The main bean is Pinto Beans. I love adding Chick Peas (dried - soaked overnight), Black Beans, Black Eyed Peas, Green Lentils, Yellow Lentils.......if it's a bean, we'll add it. And, with buying such a variety, we had to do something about storage - voile' - jars!!

Chaz had purchased a box of old Blue Canning Jars with Zinc lids approximately 27 years ago (funny the things you remember) and I am finally utilizing them - along with jars from tomato sauce. I just had to share my "jars o'beans" along with my extras that haven't made it into jars yet. I LOVE BEANS!!!!!!

So there you have it - The Blimlines have come full circle. We moved to our private 50 acres over 26 years ago for the purpose of "getting back to the land" and then life took over. I guess that's why they call it Full Circle. Anyway, that's where we are today!! Life really is Good!!

NOAH'S ARK REBUILT

2010-09-16T12:42:00.002-04:00

A good friend of mine emailed me about this and I know it has been on some news - however, I didn't want to take a chance that some had missed it - remarkable!!

Inspired by the past

Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers - who happens to be a contractor - believes in the literal truth of the Bible.

He was inspired to build a replica of Noah's Ark as a testament of his faith and began constructing the ark in May, 2005. He did most of the work by himself, using his own hands. He used modern tools and had the occasional assistance of his son, Roy. It took about a year and a half to finish the project.

Church attendance has decreased dramatically, and continually, in the Netherlands since 1960 and Johan wanted to do something to change that trend of decline; he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands. If so, he will consider it a successful venture.

Johan Huibers built his replica of Noah's Ark in Shagan Harbour, approximately 45 km north of Amsterdam. It is approximately half the size as that stated in the Bible; it is 150 cubits (225 feet) long, 30 cubits (45 feet) high and 20 cubits (30 feet) wide and is built solely of cedar and pine.

To put things in perspective for you, these dimensions make up two-thirds the length of a football field and the ark stands as tall as a three-storey house.

It is reported, however, that Johan is already working on his second ark - which will be built the actual size as the one Noah built before the great flood (which resulted from the rains that poured from the heavens for 40 days and 40 nights.)

What happens now?

The replica of Noah's Ark has been built.

What plans have been made for it?
What purpose will it serve beyond occupying space?

Let's take a look inside...

The ark's interior is set up as a museum. As visitors enter the main area, they are greeted by a host of animal models. Of course, the models are life-sized - to grant proper perspective on the actual space inside the ark. Giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras and bison are only a few of the animals represented to fill visitors with wonder and awe.

In addition to all the models of the animals, the ark can comfortably hold a 50-seat film theater in which children can watch a video re-telling the story of Noah and his ark. It brings them back to some of the earliest times in the Bible and educates them about an event they might only hear snippets of but not totally understand.

There are some interesting plans made for the uncovered top deck. It will become a petting zoo complete with baby lambs, chickens, goats and a camel.

I'M ANGRY

2010-09-11T06:29:00.011-04:00

That's right - I'm angry. I'm angry that it's 9/11....I'm angry that something like this happened and it still hurts to watch and think about it. I guess those emotions are not totally a bad thing - I mean, after all, it means I haven't forgotten. We should never forget what happened that day. Yes, I remember exactly where I was that day, how I felt that day - as I'm sure, most do.

I'm angry that we are dealing with the controversy of the proposed mosque in New York. Yes, we are in the land of freedom and are blessed with religious freedom, however, it is deeply regrettable that this subject is so controversial on a day that is so difficult for family members of 9/11 victims and so close to an area that is associated with radical extremists of the Muslim faith. And, NO, I'm not saying that all Muslims are radical - I'm not saying that at all. Every religion has their own fanatics. I'm just saying that there is no getting around the conflicting feelings. The Muslim religion is supposedly a peaceful religion - if that is the case, then I think they should respect the emotions that are evoked with the proposed mosque and search for a more suitable location for their proposed expansion. Why stir the embers?

So, now I feel better and I hope that everyone takes a moment of reflection today to decide what is important to you and if you are strong enough to back these feelings up if they are challenged. After all, it IS your right and it is what our country is based on - strength of character!!!! Don't EVER back down on what you feel is right.

God Bless America!!

CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON

2010-09-03T07:42:00.010-04:00

I believe Earl is letting us know that he is around. This morning, there sure were a lot of "puffy" clouds. I could tell he was around by the pressure I was feeling. I've had sinus lately, but this was different - even scars that I have were sensitive. It's kind of like when I was still working for USDA - in the winter if I started sneezing, everyone would say, "Uh Oh, it's going to snow!" - LOL!!

Thought I would share some of the "Happy Little Clouds", as Bob Ross would have called them........

I especially liked this group with the moon still visible......

The picture doesn't do justice on this next one, but what followed a few minutes later, was even better......

The rays of the rising sun was spectacular........

Hope everyone dealing with Earl has an easy time and that he scoots on out where he belongs!! Have a good weekend!!

Good-Bye Ethel

2010-08-30T13:18:00.009-04:00

It's never easy saying good-bye. I had to do that this weekend. I had to say good-bye to Ethel. Who is Ethel? Ethel was our 1967 Split Window VW bus. We purchased Ethel eight years ago with all good intentions of restoring her to her original beauty. We tagged her and drove her around for a bit and just generally enjoyed looking at her. We had a piece of history in our garage.

I named her Ethel. When we started looking around for a VW bus years ago, we looked at one for sale - in fact the exact same color, but not near as good a shape - and the owner said, "By the way - her name is Lucy". We decided Lucy was not for us. Chaz & I then went to a local VW show and were walking around when I spotted Lucy's exact twin and even better, a FOR SALE sign in the window. We looked at it and decided we had to have it and I stated - THIS HAS TO BE ETHEL!!!!!

As time went by, things in our lives changed, sometimes drastically - we eventually had to come to the decision that we were never going to restore Ethel and that we should consider selling her. I fought it for a long time and finally came to grips with the decision that, yes, we need to sell her to someone that will restore her.

I hope it works out for her. We had her in the garage for a long time, but when we bought our Suburban and definitely did not want to park it outside (ha ha - we named the Suburban Bart - it's just something we do), we bought a custom fit cover for Ethel and parked her out back in a nice graveled spot. I've begun making plans on what to now do with that spot - but I know one thing - it looks awfully empty.

So, Good-Bye Ethel - it was fun while you were here just to look inside and out at what used to be a unique vehicle a long time ago. I will miss you...

Proof is in the Pudding

2010-08-23T12:35:00.009-04:00

TA DA!!!! OK - for those of you that have been waiting patiently with bated breath (yes, that's how you spell it - I looked it up) for the results of the "Does Tide really give you 40 washes in that box" experiment.....here you go.......AND for those of you that missed the first post: http://mhb-mylife.blogspot.com/2010/07/statistics.html - you may want to read that one before continuing on.........

Anyway - I used the last meticulously measured amount of Tide this morning and here are the results:

Yep - I got 15 more loads of laundry than last month, but still NOT 40. Why? Should I write Tide - is there a secret to all of this - is there some fine print on the box that says every other load - use half a scoop? I know there are those of you out there thinking, OMG - did she really count how many loads she got from a box of Tide - remember, I'm retired now and also curious - even in old age - LOL!!! SO, YES, I did count every scoop, as noted on the box. Also, as you can see, no matter the size of the scoops - it takes me about a month and a week to use an entire box. In case you can't read it - 1st box was started 6/10, 2nd box 7/15, and now 3rd box (yep - there's a reason for the 3rd box) is 8/23. What reason could I possibly want to count a 3rd box - well I'll just tell you - do you think each box is different and maybe the 3rd box is the charm? Maybe, just maybe, I'll get those 40 washes out of the 3rd box? Who knows? But, I'll tell you one thing, I'm going to find out and IF the 3rd box doesn't live up to the "stated 40" - I think I'll write Tide and ask what is the deal? Who knows - I may even get a coupon for a free box - good grief, at $7 plus dollars a box (gee - I now need to figure out how much each load costs - don't I) - I'd take a free box - wouldn't you?

So, stay tuned, all of you "Gee, wonder how many she'll get out of the next box" followers........you know who you are...........we'll see what happens by around Oct 1st - give or take.........and by the way - wonder who thought up - The Proof Is In The Pudding?

P.S. Couldn't leave you all hanging on the Proverb question in addition to the Tide Quest.........here's what I found:

AND, no that isn't our Granddaughter - just thought the picture was hilarious & appropriate.

The proverb is ancient — it has been traced back to 1300 and was popularised by Cervantes in his Don Quixote of 1605. It’s sad that it has lasted so long, only to be corrupted in modern times

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating."
It means that the true value or quality of something can
only be judged when it's put to use or tried and tested.
The meaning is often summed up as:
"Results are what count...it's not how you start, but how you finish."

Southern Reflections

2010-08-03T11:15:00.005-04:00

I don't usually post about watching movies - however, I watched a documentary last night that was unbelievable. I saw it listed but didn't really know what it was about, other than it took place in a small Tennessee town. Curious as to where it was, I decided to just watch the beginning to see that and then was going to change it. I ended up watching it to the end. I believe it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. It started out wanting to teach the students about prejudice and accepting different cultures. It also explained how when you leave the south, most think of you as a dumb hillbilly and make fun of the way you talk. To a point, this is true. When I started school in Maryland, there were many words I said "different" and was teased quite a bit. Needless to say, I worked on my pronunciation. Over the years I succeeded to fit in, but I understood right away what they were implying.

Intrigued, I kept watching and then realized it was about the Holocaust. I know, I know - not a subject you really think you want to know more about. But I can guarantee - every person that would take the time to watch this documentary would be changed in some way or form - FOR THE BETTER. It's about a Middle School in Whitwell, TN - close to Chattanooga - and what was accomplished through education. It's about the "Paper Clip Project". This is their website - please, please take the time to see what a small rural town in Tennessee accomplished and you just might walk away with great admiration and a totally different outlook when you see A PAPER CLIP:

http://69.8.250.59/homepage_pc.cfm?id=78

They are also on Facebook - just search "Paper Clip Project". Hope you take the time - you won't regret it!!

DAYTRIPPING

2010-08-01T16:12:00.019-04:00

The car is packed and I'm off to see Ashley & June for the day!!

Right before crossing the State Line - you can see the Grand Guitar Building in Bristol, TN. Right after that - Virginia:

Then you can start clicking the miles off......

Part of the fun of travelling is seeing the sites......you just never know what you will see.....I thought this was quite unique - a propeller in the back of a truck!!!!

Finally reaching Wytheville, the drive is very pretty to Ashley's......starting with the warm welcome coming into town.....

And, then not too far from the cutoff to Ashley's road - I love this "hill" with the house on top - it's definitely unique!!!!

I wondered if June would remember me and come to me.........

And, yes - she seemed glad to see Grammie!!!!

Before we headed out, Ashley was going to "wrangle" the horses, but decided that could wait until later. They sure have some pretty horses....

I love the sites in and around downtown Wytheville, like the Big Pencil - if it hadn't been so hot, I was going to take June and get Ashley to take a picture of us under the Big Pencil - maybe next time!!!! As you can tell, I love the Big Pencil. Almost across the street is another office supply store called The Paper Clip!!!!

Then, there is their water tower - I also LOVE water towers!!! A few years back on a trip to upper Michigan area - I snapped pictures of all kinds of decorative water towers and then found out there are all kinds online - just google "water towers" and then choose "images" instead of websites and wow......................

Naturally, we had to shop and there are some fun shops to visit in Wytheville!!!!

Before we knew it - the day was over and it was time to head back south. I hate leaving, but it could be worse - they could be really far away where you would have to fly and I DON'T FLY.............

Until next time - I'll miss you both!! By the way - I meant to put this earlier - Ashley painted June's name & hung it on the wall - very stylish!!!!

HAPPENINGS ON THE FARM

2010-07-23T07:57:00.017-04:00

As summer moves steamily along, I thought I would take you for a walk to see what's going on in our "holler":

I do believe our Hibiscus is blooming more than I can ever remember. I think it is such a sight to see - so much in fact...........

I bought two more to plant - I lucked out - first I saw the pink one with the darker center at Lowe's for $7.99. Since I was looking for a Butterfly Bush (ours died this past year after 10+ years), I thought - oh well, I'll just wait. I then went to Home Depot and didn't find a Butterfly Bush there, however, I found the same Hibiscus, in addition to a dark pink one - for $1.99 each - same size as the $7.99 one at Lowes. Talk about a bargain:

All of the Crape Myrtles are in bloom, especially this "dwarf" one!

After a third stop, I succeeded in finding a dark purple Butterfly Bush, a dark red Crape Myrtle and two blueberry bushes......seems like we have some work to do:

The garden is moving right along. The Sweet Banana Peppers are almost ready to pick - I've been researching some interesting recipes to try.

We've planted (or rather, my husband planted) more tomato plants so that we can extend our tomato season........

The cucumber bushes are now gone, so we'll enjoy the last of.......

And, last but not least, the fig trees are doing great.

They are both loaded with figs. I just love watching these. This is the first year in a long time that we will reap the harvest of figs.

There's nothing like a fresh fig!!!!!

Hope your summer is going as good as mine!!!!!

STATISTICS!!

2010-07-15T09:08:00.010-04:00

I've been performing a test while doing laundry. I'm one of those that has not switched from powder detergent to liquid.......and I've often made the excuse that, "You get more loads from the powder and it's cheaper". So, with that said, I decided to keep track of just how many loads I was getting from my powder. The box says 40 and I noticed that the liquid says 32.

As you can see - I didn't even get half - ha ha ha ha.

And you know why? Because I just scoop it out, throw it in and voile' - laundry. What I'm saying is I always use the top measurement of the scooper. I happened to read on the box the other day, yeah, I know - I know - that you should measure your powder to the 1st line (1) and use the 2nd line (2) if your laundry is heavily soiled - well guess what? We don't ever have heavily soiled laundry, so I might as well just spread it on the lawn.

Which, not to get totally off the statistical subject, brings up another stat I keep. A couple of years ago, I started stacking the scoopers starting with the 1st one of the year - to see how many boxes I had gone through for that year - then I put the scoopers in the plastic recycle. Anyway, here are those stats - like this is really going to change your life - but think about it - after this shocking discovery of how much powder I'm wasting, look at all I've wasted over the years!!!! Good Grief!!!!!

So, getting back on track, I've started a new test and CAREFULLY measuring up to the first mark - so we shall see - take note that the first test took a little over a month - gee, this should now last close to two months........maybe I will become frugal after all!!!!!

After all of that, I needed a snack - so I cut a piece of the zucchini bread I made yesterday - not bad for being a healthy whole wheat recipe. Speaking of recipes - I've had a request for both the bread and the fritters - so I've added those below. Just remember, the bread is a "healthy" recipe - well, almost - it does have a little regular flour & sugar - if you aren't into that - you need to go online for a regular recipe that has tons of sugar in it and regular flour...to each his own - ha ha.

WHOLE WHEAT ZUCCHINI BREAD

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

3/4 cup regular flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1 egg

1/4 cup sugar (the other recipes had a min of 2 cups of sugar!!)

1 tsp vanilla

2 Tblspns butter - melted

1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini

1/2 cup raisins (optional) - I made one with & one without - both good

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flours, baking powder, baking soda & spices. In another bowl, combine eff, sugar, vanilla & butter, until well blended. Add zucchini & raisins. Combine wet & dry mixtures together - until moistened.

Place in 4X8 loaf pan sprayed with Pam.

Bake 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean (do not overbake - I think mine took 40 minutes). Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn onto rack & cool.

ZUCCHINI FRITTERS

1/3 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

parsley - pinch

2 eggs, beaten

3 cups zucchini, shredded

1/3 cup onion, chopped

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper & eggs into a smooth batter. Add zucchini, onion, and parsley and mix gently. Very lightly - spray skillet w/olive oil and heat to medium hot. Drop batter by large spoonfuls into skillet. Fry until golden, turn & cook 2nd side until done.

So, there you have it - I know the stats are a little crazy - but I actually enjoyed doing it and LOOK what I learned - I'm wasting detergent!!!!!! Gotta run - time to put the next load in - MEASURE, MEASURE, MEASURE!!!!!

TRUCKS AND MORE TRUCKS

2010-07-14T16:43:00.003-04:00

You just never know what you'll see.....went outside at the pawnshop to load up my car and heard engines running - looked next door at the old K-Mart parking lot and this is what I spotted. How often do you see a convoy of Cement trucks?

TROUBLE - LOL

2010-07-13T11:11:00.009-04:00

I do believe we are in for some entertainment with June Claire around - LOL!!!!!! This is what Ashley found yesterday when she heard June wake up from her nap - Daddy had changed her earlier and maybe, just maybe, left the powder within reach and June figured she would cover the areas that Mommy & Daddy usually miss!!!!!!!

The Mother Vine

2010-07-11T17:59:00.008-04:00

What a story......I heard this on the radio the other day and wanted to pass it along for those that didn't.......The Mother Vine.......

It is the oldest grapevine living in the Americas - it is over 400 years old!!! Here are some details:

Located on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, the MotherVine is the oldest living grape vine in the Americas, over 400 years strong. Some believe it was planted by English settlers. Others maintain that Native Americans from the islands planted it first. Still others swear it sprung up naturally.

The lore and mystique of the MotherVine is surpassed only by its longevity and the supercharged grapes it produces. Its twisting vines gave us the Scuppernong, a form of the native North Carolina Muscadine which thrives amid the soil, sand and the sea. Scuppernongs were grown in Thomas Jefferson's small vineyard and the source of his favorite American glass of wine. The Scuppernong is the official state fruit of North Carolina and is now raised throughout the southeastern US.

I don't know about you - but I think that's absolutely amazing. However, there's much more to the story......the Mother Vine is sick - not from old age, but from man:

The Mother Vine, considered the nation's oldest cultivated grapevine, is sick. In May, a contractor for the utility company Dominion Power sprayed the vine with a powerful herbicide.

Since then, the Wilson family has been trying to nurse the Mother Vine back to health. The family owns about half the property where that vine grows.

Here are some excerpts from the radio interview:

BLOCK: And tell me first what the Mother Vine looks like when she's healthy.

Mr. WILSON: She covers about a quarter of an acre now, and she's very large in circumference. if you and I stood around her and stretched out our arms, we would have trouble touching one another.

BLOCK: Wow, huge thing and then centuries old, and what kind of grapes?

Mr. WILSON: Scuppernong(ph), white grapes. It's a kind of Muscatine(ph).

BLOCK: And so everybody down there would know about the Mother Vine?

Mr. WILSON: Absolutely, for generations. Everybody, almost everyone in North Carolina, knows about the Mother Vine.

BLOCK: Well, what happened with this herbicide?

Mr. WILSON: In the spring, the power company had contractors on the island cutting limbs and trimming areas around wires, and evidently, they had a truckload of Garland 4A, a pretty nasty herbicide, and sometimes, they simply sprayed from the truck around the power poles. The Mother Vine had one little tendril, no bigger around than a pencil, growing up a power pole, and they sprayed it. I guess the wind was blowing because it killed part of my Dad's hedge, it killed a number of very old limbs in a pecan tree, and it started to kill the front corner of the vineyard.

BLOCK: The front corner of the Mother Vine?

Mr. WILSON: Yes.

BLOCK: And, what did that look like? How could you tell?

Mr. WILSON: It just all turned brown and crispy and my Dad was out cutting all the deadwood out and the next day there would be some more. The herbicide is systemic, and it was sending the poison from the ends of the vine back toward the root. So each day, he would cut and the next day, it would be dead a little farther back. It was very distressing to my father. He has been honored to be the steward of the Mother Vine for the last 50 years and he certainly didn't want anything to happen to her on his watch. So he called NC State Department of Agriculture and the university stopped what they were doing and sent representatives, and they all examined her and offered opinions and found us NC's finest viticulture arborist, who has been here several times and is back today working on the vine.

BLOCK: What are they saying to do?

Mr. WILSON: Today, they are here thinning, to let some sunlight in. They have shocked hre with nitrogen, sale and fertilizers, and my Dad has been watering every two or three days. So, she is getting lots of attention and we think she is going to be okay. We at least hope so. The first month, it was very concerning, but right now, we're all optimistic.

BLOCK: Maybe she's stronger than we all would have thought.

Mr. WILSON: You know, if she's made it 400 years, I think she's going to make it through this too.

So, there you go...I don't know about you, but I thought it was an amazing story - I had never heard of the Mother Vine. I'll definitely be listening for an update AND you know I will share it with you.

Speaking of vines, our vines runneth over:

However, sometimes you just have to eat something "fun". For those of you that grew up in Joppatowne - I called these Towne House Restaurant (used to be at the corner of the A&P Shopping Center overlooking Rt 40) Hot Apple Pancakes. I also added blueberries in the batter. Takes me back - my Mother and I went many times on Saturday morning to have these....good memories.

Have a good weekend and thanks for visiting.......

LADY LUCK - IS THAT YOU?

2010-06-06T17:11:00.007-04:00

Was that someone at the door? Was it Lady Luck? It surely is.......it finally stopped raining (we do, however, need the rain) - at least so I could take the Brits out - they are like having penned up kids when they can't go out and get rid of their energy. So after taking "our walk", I let them off the leash so they could run......As I walked down the hill and got closer to the house, I looked down and there was a 4 leaf clover. So, I carefully picked it and noticed a short distance away, another, then another........then I saw a 5 leaf clover. Not sure if I had ever seen one of them - I figured they weren't good luck, so I left it alone - but not after spotting 2 more. I ended up picking 7 4-leaf clovers and then took the Brits in to dry them off. I told Chaz about the 5-leaf clovers and he told me they were probably better luck than the 4. I quickly googled 5-leaf clovers and it said how much more of a rarity than the already rare 4. I told Chaz I should go out and get them and he told me I would never find them. One thing - if I find a 4-leaf clover - it puts a picture automatically in my mind where I found it - really!!!! So, I put my shoes back on and went back to the area and there it was - along with 7 other 5-leaf clovers and also 12 other 4-leaf clovers - not all together, mind you. They were spread out.....I could have found more, but my legs got tired of being hunkered down on the ground. So, yes, I do believe I hear her knocking at the door...................................and just in time - it's going to rain again.

19 FOUR LEAF CLOVERS

NEAR PERFECT FIVE LEAF CLOVER

EIGHT FIVE LEAF CLOVERS

ANYTIME NOW.................................

HERE AND THERE

2010-06-03T18:19:00.017-04:00

Sometimes I miss blogging....most of the time, I'm just too busy. I need to simplify......so....let me catch you up on a few things....ok - if you aren't interested in knitting, cute babies or gardens, you should maybe go watch TV - LOL!!! I know there are those that remember the blanket I made for June Claire.......Well, I had a lot of the yarn left over, so I thought I would make a...

pillow......even if she never uses either, she could always use it for baby dolls....so I felt she needed a matching pillow.....by the way - those cucumbers came out of our garden today!!

My husband and I are creatures of habit. Every evening now, we go outside to throw the ball for the Brits after we have lugged water to the garden to water our small bounty of vegetables. Last night & tonight, Chaz had business to take care of in town, so I did the evening chores alone. Earlier, Chaz picked our 1st cucumbers (shown above with one of my knitting projects) - there were 3, I cut up one for my salad!! Yummmmmmmm.......good - nothing like cucumbers fresh from the garden. Anyway.......I thought I would take a walk after watering the garden and look at all that's growing now, plus I snapped a picture of that bank that I worked on and talked about on FB. It was quite a job, but I'm pleased with the results. That hill was a MESS. And, something needed to be done because it's one of the first spots you see when you swing up around the house, so..

I do believe the garden and fruit trees are enjoying the sometimes wet and extremely hot weather we have been having INSTEAD of a normal Spring - is there a normal Spring anymore?

This is just one of the tomato plants - looks like we'll have plenty..

as well as some RADISHES from 2 different rows........

The ZUCCHINI is flourishing........

The APPLES are plentiful........

The FIG TREES are growing - they die back in the winter.......

The Brits were much smarter.....taking refuge in the shade while I tromped up and down hills in the extremely hot evening temps........

I told the Brits I would hurry, that I just needed a few more shots.....PEARS...

PEACHES.........

And, lots and lots of CHERRIES..................

OK - I'm not exagerating.......it's 96 outside and as you can see, 74 in the house - and that's with the A/C going, ceiling fans going and blinds pulled....whew - looks like it's going to be a long, hot summer......at least the tiles are cool - I might just lay down beside them.........

Cool off babies, cool off.......thanks for walking with me - hopefully you were sitting in a cool environment while I was outside!!! Thanks for being here!!

JOY OF A LAUNDRY BASKET

2010-06-01T10:53:00.002-04:00

I don't really have anything to write about today, other than how would you like to find this in your laundry basket - sounds good to me!!!!!!!!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

2010-05-29T10:22:00.005-04:00

My son sent me this article which I would like to share - please take the time to read:

The inspiration for this column began at the local shopping mall. Yeah, I know it is a pretty bizarre place to get any kind of inspiration let alone gardening inspiration but sometimes you just have to go with the flow. You see sitting out front of one of the mega stores was a WWII veteran and what looked like his grandson. On the shaky card table were a bunch of red silk poppies and a can for donations.

I always put some money in the can and get a poppy to wear. It's a habit I picked up from my Dad when I was a little kid. He always bought a poppy and kept it in the visor of his truck. I didn't know why he did this exactly except that it had something to do with the war. He was a veteran of WWII and since he is no longer around to buy his poppy I do it for him.
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.
John McCrae, 1915.

That old vet sitting at his table a few weeks before Memorial Day got me wondering about the story of the red poppy. There are many kinds of poppies but the poppy mentioned in John McCrae's poem found growing in the fields of Flanders and often referred to as Flanders Poppy is actually Papaver rhoeas more commonly called Corn Poppy. This Mediterranean native is found growing in cultivated fields all Europe.
Its legend reaches back thousands of years. They have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back 3,000 years. There is a drawing of a poppy that was found in the Codex Vindobonensis which was put together for the Byzantine princess Anicia Juliana. The Codex is dated at over a thousand years. Homer mentions poppies in the Iliad, comparing the head of a dying warrior to that of a hanging poppy flower. Many of the ancient Greek and Roman gods are associated with the poppy. The god Morpheus made crowns out of the poppy flowers and gave them to those he wanted to put to sleep. Poppy flowers were used to decorate his temple.
Like all legends there is some fact mixed in with the fiction. Papaver rhoeas does not contain any opium. Its cousin Papaver somniferum is the opium poppy and is native to parts of Asia. I repeat, for all you poppy pod swipers, the Corn Poppy does not contain any opium, so leave the pretty flowers alone so other people can enjoy them. Now that that is cleared up I'll tell you what the Corn Poppy does contain and why Morpheus used it to put people to sleep.
Papaver rhoeas contains a substance, cleverly named rhoeadine. It's nonpoisonous and has been used as a mild sedative for centuries. The ancient Romans used a concoction of the poppy to ease the pains of love, I guess if you are sleeping you can't worry about love.
The Greeks have a legend that explains how the poppy came to be called the Corn Poppy. The poppy was created by the god of sleep, Somnus. You see Ceres, the goddess of grain, was having a hard time falling asleep. She was exhausted from searching for her lost daughter; still she couldn't fall asleep and had no energy to help the corn grow. Somnus cooked up a concoction and got her to take it, soon she was sleeping like a baby. Rested and relaxed Ceres could then turn her attention to the corn which began to grow. Ever since that time the people believed that poppies growing around cornfields ensure a bountiful harvest. And so was born the Corn Rose, or as we call it today the Corn Poppy.
Those are some of the ancient legends associated with the poppy. Now you are asking if I am ever going to explain the war connection. This too is an ancient connection going back to Ghengis Khan. It is said that after his annihilation of the enemy the fields were churned up and drenched in blood. Soon they were covered in pure white blooms of the poppy. During the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century the same phenomenon occurred. Churned up blood-drenched fields erupted in poppy flowers.
The most recent and enduring tradition began in WWI when John McCrae wrote the poem that appears at the top of this article. McCrae was a Canadian who enlisted to help the allies in the war. He was made Medical Officer upon landing in Europe. During a lull in the battle with the nub of a pencil he scratched on a page from his dispatch book. The poem found its way into the pages of Punch magazine. By 1918 the poem was well known throughout the allied world. Moina Michael, an American woman, wrote these lines in reply.
We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies
She then adopted the custom of wearing a red poppy in memory of the sacrifices of war and also as a symbol of keeping the faith.
A French women, Madam Guerin, visiting the United States, learned of the custom and took it one step further. When she returned to France she decided to hand make the red poppies and sell them to raise money for the benefit of the orphaned and destitute women and children in war torn areas of France. This tradition spread to Canada, The United States and Australia and is still followed today. The money collected from the sale of poppies goes to fund various veterans programs.
So buy a poppy, then grow some poppies. They are easy to grow and will self-sow so that each year you will have gorgeous poppies in your garden, or where ever the wind has blown the seed. Papaver rhoeas, the Corn Poppy is the ancestor of the Shirley Poppy, commonly available today in 6-pack containers and as seed. Scarlet Corn Poppies are also available as seed.
The Shirley Poppy was developed by the Reverend W. Wilks during the 1880s outside Shirley, England. The Reverend was out for a walk one day when he noticed a patch of Corn Poppies growing by the side of the lane. All of the poppies were a brilliant scarlet with a patch of black at the base of each petal, and then he spied something different. One of the flowers was trimmed in white. He marked this flower and returned later to collect the ripe seed. Next spring he planted the seed. Among the hundreds of seedlings that came up a handful had the white edging. Again he saved the seed from these mutants, that is what they were after all, and planted this seed once again saving seed from the white rimmed plants. Over and over he did this until at last he had the first pure white bloom. He was even able, with time and patience, to breed out and change the color of the splash of color at the base of the petals. This new poppy became the Shirley Poppy.
Shirley and her grandmama Corn Poppy grow about 2 feet tall, although I have seen them get even taller. The flowers are from 2 to 5 inches across and come in a variety of colors. Starting from seed is so easy, all you have to do is scatter the tiny seeds onto some prepared soil and forget them. You can do this in the fall or early spring. Fall scattered seeds tend to grow healthier and produce larger flowers than spring sown seed but either way you can't go wrong. They like our cool weather, would prefer to be in full sun and they like well drained soil. They look great in mass plantings or as part of a wildflower meadow and bloom profusely. Poppies make great cut flowers. If you sear the cut end of the stem with a match they will last longer in the vase.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAZ

2010-05-26T07:41:00.004-04:00

I want to wish my husband Happy Birthday today!!!!! I love you - you are forever young in my eyes!!!!!

JUNE'S DAY!!!

2010-05-19T11:49:00.019-04:00

June's first birthday was a success!!!!

Ashley's In-laws graciously hosted June's party at their lovely home in Wytheville - with the fabulous view from the back door!!

After a wonderful cookout, we all sang to June as the birthday cake was brought into the room. The look on her face of pure amazement was priceless.

June loved her presents...........................

and appeared to say - are all of these for me????

Then, it was cake time. The adorable cake was baked by June's "other" Grandmother, Wendy, and decorated by June's Aunt Kelsey....

however.......June has never had cake and didn't quite know what to do

so....after a wise suggestion from Gran Pap Chaz to daughter, Ashley to help her "taste" it.......

June was quickly on her own and as you can tell, SHE LIKED IT!!!!

All too soon, it was time to head back to Tennessee - I figured if I scooped June up and started running, with Chaz having the Suburban running, we could just take her back with us.....

since that didn't work, you can tell her Grandfather was determined to get as many pictures in as possible...look close and you'll see little June in the mirror watching us leave....

A fun day was had by all - THANKS Wendy, Jerry & Kelsey - we truly appreciated your hospitality.

ALMOST ONE

2010-05-14T13:42:00.004-04:00

A reflection as we anxiously await Sunday - when we will travel to Virginia to attend June Claire's 1st Birthday party:

Honest, Ashley - We won't go overboard on her 1st birthday - honest!!!! ;0)

JUNE CLAIRE'S 1ST EASTER

2010-04-20T13:46:00.008-04:00

IT'S TRUE - A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!!

JUNE'S BLANKET

2010-04-17T17:20:00.004-04:00

Some of you may remember reading the "20 Year Afghan":

http://mhb-mylife.blogspot.com/2009/05/20-year-afghan.html

Well, this one didn't take 20 years, thank goodness, but it did take about 18 months due to one thing or another. May I present to you:

JUNE CLAIRE AND HER BLANKET FROM GRAMMY "B":

WHICH ONE IS IT?

2010-04-13T10:34:00.012-04:00

My watery eyes would like to know which one of you is the culprit?

Is it you Cherry or Pear Tree?

Is it you flowering Ornamental tree?

How about you Crab Apple w/the throngs of buzzing bees doing their job?

Or you Red Bud?

I know it's not you........

Or you!!!!!!!!!

So much beauty to take in and breathe in right now. The best part of the morning was discovering (after looking every day) that the first Asparagus stalk is up with many more to follow.......YUM........

Thank you Spring for all of your beauty.....even if you do make me sneeze and cry.......................................

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHLEY

2010-04-10T12:05:00.009-04:00

HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY, ASHLEY!!!! WHERE DID THE TIME GO? WHEREVER IT WENT, YOU HAVE MADE US PROUD AND ALSO MADE US SMILE MANY TIMES OVER!!! HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY AND WE LOVE YOU!!!! xoxoxo

BELATED POSTING

2010-04-07T10:51:00.004-04:00

I want to wish my Mother-in-Law (Mom B) a belated posted Birthday from last Saturday. We didn't miss her birthday, by any means.......I just never had the time to sit down and add it to my blog. Again, me with posting, better late than never.

I know she had a good birthday, because she got to Skype with our daughter and see our granddaughter, her great granddaughter, June!!! I know that is special, because we also have done it and if you can't see her in person, what better way to see what she is up to - but to see her online!!!

Isn't progress wonderful?

ANYWAY, Happy Birthday Mom B...........wishing you many, many, many more!!!!

SNOWING IN EAST TN

2010-03-22T15:32:00.002-04:00

Listen close and you might hear the frogs over the sound of the wind chimes..

CORRECTION

2010-03-22T15:14:00.001-04:00

ALERT, ALERT, ALERT - WAS GOING TO POST SOMETHING ELSE ON MY BLOG - DECIDED TO WAIT AND NOTICED I HAD MADE A TYPO ON MY EARLIER POST (WHICH I NOW HAVE FIXED) - I'M 56 NOT 57 - AND MAYBE A LITTLE SENILE TOO - HA HA HA HA HA - OH WELL - A GOOD LAUGH, AT LEAST!!!!!

REFLECTIONS

2010-03-22T08:56:00.009-04:00

Happy Birthday to me. I'm 56 today and proud to announce it. Three years ago today I was on an operating table for my first bout with Breast Cancer. Last year, I experienced my 2nd bout. Anyway, not to dwell on it because that is in the past - I just have to say that I appreciate each and every day I have with my family and friends. I used to dwell on what I had been through and finally was able to deal enough with it to realize that dwelling in the past was not the answer and that I was truly blessed to be able to move forward. There are still dark days, but fewer ones than before. I've looked at all of the good that has come with it and believe me - there is a lot of good!!!! I've reconnected with friends from long ago, as well as made some new friends and become very close with God. I've retired and become very involved with our new business - yes, the pawn shop - who would have ever figured - LOL. But, there again, we are blessed with a successful business where we can actually help people - that's our more or less motto - "IT'S ALL ABOUT NEED". AND, we are proud Grandparents of June Claire who will be 1 year old in less than 2 months - where did that time go? So, you see, no matter what you go through, Attitude Is Everything - funny, I bought a sign that says that and hung it on the wall behind the cash register. But, it's true - you can either drown in your sorry, or try to lift yourself up, with help from family and friends, of course, and move forward. There IS an alternative.

So, to my family and friends - thanks for all of your Happy Birthday wishes - it means so much and I thank God for each and every day I'm here on this earth!!!!!!!

Thought I would share a few pictures. My husband gave me a beautiful Aquamarine (my birthstone) necklace - it's gorgeous.

AND, I received my very first "Grandma" birthday card from June - what a special feeling!!!!!!! When Ashley gets home from school today, we are going to Skype, so I can visually visit - can't wait!!!!

ALSO, since I very seldom blog anymore - I need to get back into it - I wanted to thank my son, Jacob and his friend, Troy, for burning off the weeds around the big pond over the weekend. Makes it a lot easier to go fishing (which they did afterwards) - they also worked on a very large clump of pampas grass so the new growth could find it's way up - can you tell we like to burn in East TN - LOL!!!!

Have a great day everyone and again, thanks for your wishes and constant support and friendship - it means a lot to me!!!!

CHINESE THOUGHTS

2010-01-31T18:29:00.002-05:00

I just ran across a very interesting article that really says it like it is. I don't care what your politics are.....China is a concern for everyone!!!!!!!!! Just thought I would share some TRUTH!!!!! Don't get me wrong - this is NOT China's fault - nobody made us send all of our manufacturing jobs there, now did they?

I am sure it is not news to anyone that a lot of changes are happening in the world and no one can tell for sure where it will all lead. I was recently talking to one of our suppliers. We used to sell their knitting software in the KnitNet online store. They no longer make software, but they are doing very well distributing knitting needles imported from China. Instead of living from only the sweat of their own brows, they are earning a living from the sweat of Chinese brows — as are the Chinese and many other manufacturers.

Now, I know that these are tough economic times and I don't criticize anyone for doing what ever they have to do. In fact, I know that almost everything we buy is made in China, simply because labour is cheaper there and we like cheap goods.

It seems to me, however, that this approach is very short-sighted. This can't go on forever. Some day soon, we will run out of Chinas and Koreas and Japans and Mexicos — places where labour is — or used to be — cheaper. As the standard of living rises in these countries, even the lowest wages will inevitably rise. There will be nowhere left in the world where low wages will subsidize our desire for cheap goods. Here, there will be no jobs left to pay us enough to buy goods produced by workers earning decent wages. We will run out of our supply of cheap goods and will have lost the ability to manufacture for ourselves.

In the end, it may well be a good thing — their income rises, ours falls — more equitable for everyone.

A POST THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN!!!!

2010-01-30T14:04:00.005-05:00

Last April I posted about Ashley's birthday and also the "story" of her birth. I stated that you would have to wait until January for Jacob's "story". Well, guess what? I didn't post Jacob's story. I can't believe I did that, but I did and now I'll try to make up for it. At least it's still January - hey, Jacob, I didn't say when I would do it in January, so maybe I'm still ok!! ;-)

Anyway, compared to Ashley day of arrival, Jacob's was pretty normal. I thought, ok - do I just post some young Jacob pictures and say how quick those years went? Nope, because Jacob actually did have a story. His story just started 2 months before he was born.

I had been for a check up and everything was fine. I was on my way home and was probably only about a mile from the house when I started getting an extremely uncomfortable feeling in my back. I thought, wow, have I pulled a muscle. The closer I got to the house, the worse it got. By the time I pulled into the driveway, I thought I was going to scream. I made it into the house and I believe Chaz was home - and I headed straight to the sofa. By this time I was writhing all over the place (look that one up!). I guess at this point, my husband was in near panic, naturally thinking something was wrong. He must have called the doctor and she told him to get me to the emergency room right away - luckily, her office was about 2 blocks from the hospital. And, the funny thing was, he called my Mother and for some reason she stayed home from work that day - SHE NEVER STAYED HOME FROM WORK!!! So, she came up to stay with Ashley and off we went. Well, when you are 7 months pregnant, there's not a lot they can do for you. They honestly thought I was going into labor. The doctor asked if I still had my appendix and can you believe I didn't even know. I had had surgery when I was about 23ish for a minor problem and didn't think they took my appendix out at that time, but couldn't swear to it. So, they had to contact that doctor to check and in the meantime I'm in awful shape, plus big as a house. They kept me overnight and let me take a shower the next day and guess what - I passed a kidney stone. THAT was the problem. It was and, knock on wood, still is the only one I've had, so that's why this is "Jacob's Story". Happy Belated Birthday Story Blog - Jacob. Don't worry - we still celebrated on his birthday - I just didn't blog!!!

So, on that note, I think I will post some "young" Jacob pictures - sorry Jacob - ha ha ha!!!!

IS THIS A BLIZZARD?

2010-01-30T09:51:00.012-05:00

I thought I would share my morning in pictures........

Can you tell we've had a little snow - looking left out the windows from "my" corner in the sunroom:

Looking straight out from my desk - oops - caught my knitting needles and pretty butterfly:

Looking out the window to the right of the above window towards one of the ponds:

Where the heck is the driveway..........

Standing outside to get a better look - yeah, right - getting ready to walk the dogs, fill the feeders, clean off the heatpump..........

Gee, can you tell who is NOT outside - FYI, Chaz is in my corner and in case you can't tell, note the pink flamingo - ha ha ha ha ha:

Our wall troll.......kind of creepy, isn't it?

I do believe Chaz will not be going anywhere anytime too soon:

About an hour ago, we had 7 inches......still snowing pretty good:

JUNE IN WINTER

2010-01-11T09:00:00.012-05:00

So, it's been awhile - what better way to update than with pictures of June Claire - LOL - hope you enjoy......

LOOK, I GOT A CANDY CANE FOR CHRISTMAS!!!

LOOK WHAT SANTA LEFT UNDER THE TREE!!

AM I THE PRESENT?

WHAT IS ALL OF THIS WHITE STUFF?

CHECK OUT THE VIEW FROM ASHLEY & LOGAN'S!!!

OK, THIS IS DIFFERENT!!!!!!

AHHHH, MY FIRST SNOW ANGEL!!!!

THANKSGIVING VISIT AND 1ST CHRISTMAS PICS

2009-12-15T09:06:00.011-05:00

Wanted to share some pictures of, what else, June Claire!!!!!! The first five are her 1st Christmas pictures and the 2nd four are from Thanksgiving.......

THANKSGIVING........................

1ST SNOW

2009-12-06T09:49:00.006-05:00

I know many of you experienced the snow yesterday and I will say, although it was cold and damp outside, it was beautiful. Thought I would share our 1st taste of Winter Wonderland:

I called Chaz real quick, since I had the dogs with me, and told him to snap a couple of pictures coming up our road. The trees were like crystal!!!!

My kind of snow - beautiful with clear roads!!!!! By the way - if you look at the mountain range on the right side of this last picture - the 2nd & 3rd ones jutting up is what you see in the 1st picture - taken from our property - which that is our "mountain" across the road.

MONKEY BUSINESS

2009-12-06T08:48:00.006-05:00

I know that some of you already know that we had a monkey in the pawnshop about a week ago. For those of you that aren't on facebook, or don't follow me on Twitter (or the pawnshop on Twitter - E-Z PAWN$), I thought I would explain about the monkey.

It was near the end of the day - you know when you start watching the clock - IF you have time - and a lady and her son (regular customers) came into the pawnshop looking for some Christmas items. The son (about 13 years old) also looks at the games and started asking me questions. While talking to him, the Mom, I noticed, was carrying a baby (or so I thought) completely wrapped up in a blanket. So, after answering the son's questions, I turned to the mother and said nonchanlantly, "What's ya got in the blanket?". So, she proceeds to show me the "baby" by removing the blanket from the head area and OMG I see this COMPLETELY furry brown head - IT WAS A MONKEY!!!! So, I uncontrollably say WHOA!!!!!! AND, when I said that, I scared the monkey and (parents - please shield your children's eyes) the monkey peed. Yep, it peed right in the blanket and a little on the counter and floor. The "mother" says, OH MY and I grab a paper towel and she starts cleaning it up, while soothing the monkey and also telling her that she made her blankey all wet!!!! So, while she starts cleaning up, I walk up to Will, who is working at the cash register and just finished up with a customer while stealing glances at me wondering what the heck is going on down there - BECAUSE - he still hasn't seen that the lady has a monkey under the blanket - and I try to tell him what is going on and start laughing uncontrollably!!!! Mind you, I was very professional and DID NOT laugh out loud - it was the quiet kind of "deep inside" laughing where your whole body shakes and your eyes start watering - I had to keep taking my glasses off and wipe my eyes. I finally was able to at least get out the words, "You are going to have to wait on them - I'm going to the office". So, I go to the office to try to compose myself and think - YOU FOUL - get a grip and get back out there and take a picture.

SO, I went out - by this time, they were checking out - and I asked the lady if I could take a picture and she smiled as proud as could be and said sure!!!! Here you go (not the best picture, but serves the purpose):

P.S. By the way - a few details to further help the story. The monkey had had surgery earlier and was doped up for pain and also, due to the nature of the surgery, was not able to wear her diaper just yet - thus, the "wet" accident. I asked the lady if she would be ok and she assured me that after a good night's sleep, she would be fine.......yep, I asked her - "Where does she sleep?". The lady replied: "OH, SHE SLEEPS WITH ME!"

SO, if you still are thinking that I'm crazy for being a Pawnshop owner - I can just tell you that THERE IS NEVER A DULL MOMENT and Chaz & I always have something funny/interesting to talk about ..........."How was your day, Dear?"

THRILLER OF AN EVENING

2009-11-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

Well, I've got to tell you - last night was a highlight in my life!!!!! My daughter had been telling me about a talent contest that her school was going to have at their next PTA meeting and that their principal decided that she wanted the teachers to participate. So, for anyone interested, they had a dance teacher come in to teach them the "Zombie" dance from Michael Jackson's Thriller.

The first thing that went through my mind was "THERE IS NO WAY I WILL MISS THIS." I wanted to surprise her, so I would just ask general questions like, "Will there be anyone to tape it?", "Exactly, where will you be?", etc........I talked to my son-in-law, Logan, and made sure I knew exactly where in the school to go and I also asked my son, Jacob, if he wanted to go. I knew Chaz would probably not go, since it was so late, as well as the fact that someone was going to have to relieve me at the shop. So, my plan was for Jacob and I to head to Virginia by 3:00 and sneak into Wytheville and have dinner at the Chinese Restaurant. We accomplished that and arrived at the school around 6:45. The actual PTA meeting was finished and the talent contest was about to begin. The first thing we were told (we were among several waiting to get into the gym) was that there was standing room only - OH NO - one lady looked at me and whispered, "Why don't you go in the back door - you may find a seat". So, we did and voile', we found seats in the back. The funny part is we had to sit through the entire talent contest - because the teachers' dance was last - I believe it ended up that they were number 30!!!!

On the way, driving up Interstate 81, Ashley called to chat for a minute while on her way home with June. I never revealed that we were around Abingdon, VA and on our way!!!!!! With that, I am going to treat you with a few pictures (sorry, Ashley - I had to do it)!!!!!!

Oh, one more thing - you should have seen the surprise on Ashley's face when she saw afterwards (we walked up to the stage to try to get a few pictures) that we were there.

JUNE'S 1ST HALLOWEEN

2009-11-04T13:16:00.006-05:00

FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT ON FACEBOOK, I WANTED TO SHARE MY GRANDBABY'S FIRST HALLOWEEN. THOUGHT I'D START WITH A BEFORE........

HOW APPROPRIATE - A LADYBUG!!!!!! THIS PICTURE IS MY FAVORITE AND NOW MY DESKTOP PICTURE - I COULD STARE AT IT ALL DAY!!!!!

DADDY LOGAN IS HELPING JUNEBUG, OOPS, I MEAN LADYBUG, FLY!!!!

SATURDAY FOLLIES

2009-10-31T10:26:00.011-04:00

I THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE MY SATURDAY MORNING WITH YOU. CHAZ IS AT A GUN SHOW AND I HAVE THE WEEKEND TO DO WHATEVER. WELL, NATURALLY, THAT STARTS WITH COFFEE......I DECIDED TO SIT IN THE DEN THIS MORNING INSTEAD OF THE SUNROOM. AS YOU CAN SEE, WHEREVER I GO, I'M SURROUNDED BY STUFF - FUN STUFF, THAT IS - LOL. PLUS, THE FACT, THIS ROOM ALSO SERVES AS MY "AT HOME" OFFICE FOR THE BUSINESSES, SO THAT ADDS MORE STUFF. OH, AND YES, SUZANNE, THAT'S YOUR TURKEY WATCHING OVER ME!!! ANYWAY, PICTORIALLY, HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED - LET ME ADD, BY THE END OF ALL OF THIS, I WAS EXHAUSTED AND THINK I NEED A NAP - HA HA HA HA.

AS I SAT DOWN TO DRINK COFFEE AND ENJOY THE MORNING, I GLANCED OUT THE WINDOW - TOWARDS THE POND AND OVER THE BACK OF THE PROPERTY, I SAW WHAT THE SUN WAS DOING - I THOUGHT - GRAB THE CAMERA - IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!

AFTER FLYING OUT THE DOOR TO TAKE THE ABOVE PICTURE, I TURNED TOWARDS THE MOUNTAIN AND THIS WAS THE VIEW - SIMPLY BREATHTAKING!!!!!!

IF YOU'LL LOOK CLOSE IN THE WINDOW, YOU'LL SEE BUDDY & MOLLY WATCHING ME RUN AROUND OUTSIDE LIKE A CRAZY PERSON, SNAPPING MY PICTURES!!!!! OF COURSE, YOU CAN ALSO LOOK AT IT AS ENTERTAINMENT FOR THEM.

WHEN I GLANCED OUT AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS CLOUDING UP QUICKLY, I ALSO NOTICED THIS ROSEBUD AND RAN OUTSIDE TO BRING IT IN. HAD TO CUT IT SHORT BECAUSE THERE ARE 3 OTHER POTENTIAL ONES AROUND IT. NICE TO BE ABLE TO "SMELL THE ROSES" THIS LATE IN THE SEASON.....

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, YOU CAN SEE THAT IT CHANGED RATHER QUICKLY - I AGAIN GRABBED THE CAMERA, RAN OUT INTO THE RAIN FOR THIS BREATHTAKING VIEW. I NEVER TIRE OF THE EVER CHANGING SCENERY.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS!!!!!!

JUNE CLAIRE AND RECIPE

2009-10-25T07:51:00.012-04:00

Since I've had a request for the corn casserole recipe, I thought I would combine sweet with sweet!!!!! The recipe and pictures from June's Christening:

CORN CASSEROLE:

WHILE mixing ingredients, place a 9" square baking dish with a stick of butter - I used unsalted - in a 350 degree "heating up" oven. Keep an eye on it and when butter is melted, carefully remove and pour in mixed ingredients:

1 package of Sweet cornbread mix - like Martha White - make sure it is the Sweet!!! These are the individual packages you can buy.
8 oz of sour cream
1 can of cream corn
1 can of regular corn - drained

Mix thoroughly - make sure cornbread mix is completed moistened and pour carefully in dish with melted butter. You may want to put a cookie sheet on oven shelf below, in case it overflows - will not be much, if it does.

Bake about 45-50 minutes - until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving. Also wonderful as heated up leftovers!!!!

Now, following, are pictures from June's Christening on October 18th - she was 5 months old that day:

EAST TN FALL

2009-10-24T12:40:00.005-04:00

With colors just about at their peak, thought I would share some shots taken of "our" mountain across the road. Hope you enjoy!!!

MY DAD

2009-10-16T16:33:00.001-04:00

I'd just like to acknowledge that it is my father's birthday!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!!!!!!

FALL FOOD

2009-10-15T18:56:00.006-04:00

Today was rainy and a great day to stay at home. AND, to do stuff in the kitchen. SO, I baked bread in the bread machine - Oatmeal Bread - you had to toast the oat flakes and then add it with the bread flour. It was a nice, hearty bread.

Then I made Autumn/Fall Soup. It consisted of butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes - all steamed and then pureed, add milk and heat thoroughly. Serve with sour cream on top. Chaz liked it....I described it as "okay", which means....I'll NEVER make it again - LOL. It was pretty, though....

And, last but not least, I baked a corn casserole. I could eat this everyday. It is SOOOO good. Leftovers are even better.

So, that was my day. I've had a request for the Pumpkin Pudding that I made last week. Here you go:

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1/2 cup self-rising flour
1 (13 ounce) can evaporated milk
2 cups cooked, mashed pumpkin (or 1 can)
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Whipped Cream (optional)
Toasted Coconut (optional)

Combine sugar & butter, mixing well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in flour and milk. Add pumpkin & cinnamon. Mix until smooth. Stir in coconut & pecans.

Pour into well greased 2-quart casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour & 5 minutes, or until set.

Cool slightly. Top each serving with whipped cream and toasted coconut, if desired.

PUMPKINS

2009-10-10T17:18:00.010-04:00

So I thought I would tell you that I love pumpkins. I love seeing them everywhere at this time of the year, plus I love making pumpkin desserts. Last week I made a pumpkin pie and this week I made a recipe called Pumpkin Pudding. We've not had Pumpkin Pudding in years!!!!! It was a recipe that we tried from Progressive Farmer magazine and absolutely loved it. THEN, we couldn't find the recipe. For some odd reason, approximately 16 plus years later, I find the recipe card. It looks like it had been run over by a truck, but nonetheless, I found it. I just had to make it. There is something so comforting about stirring pumpkin with other ingredients. I even made Chaz come into the kitchen to see it, I loved it so much - LOL. And he did!!!!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Oh, while waiting for it to bake, took the Brits outside and while jaunting up the hill, found this:

Looks like Molly & Buddy are trying to find their own!!!

P.S. I waited to publish this after we tasted the pudding. Heavenly!!!!!

MY SPACE

2009-10-04T17:08:00.013-04:00

I know - you're thinking I'm going to post about my My Space page online. Wrong!!!! I've often talked about enjoying my little corner of our sunroom on weekends when "work" is finally over for the week. Sometimes, I'll just sit and surf, other times, I'll plug in the iPod and listen to "my tunes" and really get away, or rather "go back in time".......then, I moved my corner around and love it even more, so I thought I would share. That way when you see that I've commented either on Twitter or FB that that is where I am, you'll have a picture of where I really am!!!!!

My desk used to face the wall where the cabinet sits. Well, that didn't make sense since I'm in a room with 7 windows..... I mean - wouldn't it make me feel better to actually look out the window sitting in there....wasn't that why we built a sunroom when we built the house?

So, the cabinet was in another spot in the sunroom - I bought this cabinet not long after my first surgery this year. And, where we had it sitting, I NEVER liked it there and thought, what a mistake for actually buying it. I loved it in the store, but it did nothing for me at all when we got it home. Now that it is in "my space" and loaded with my knitting stash - well, let's just say I love it is much as I loved it when I first spotted it in the store!!!! And, now, not only do I have a window beside me (which I really did before), I also have one in front of me and another beside that. So, I've also included pictures to show you what I look at when I'm "getting away" in my space!!!!

In this first one, I do believe Buddy was saying that he thought it was his space so how could it be my space? You'll notice a gray object in the lower right corner - that's his and Molly's large kennel that they sleep in at night. They are like clockwork - but that's another story....... Molly was on the other side eatting during this picture - she basically doesn't care whose space it is.

The chair was my Christmas present last year from Chaz. We found it at Pier One and I knew it was what I had been looking for for over a year. The desk was my Christmas present from the previous year - we found it in an Antique Shop in Indiana. The large basket on the floor by the desk (also filled with yarn), was a great find at a market on the side of the mountain between Maggie Valley and Cherokee, North Carolina.

The cabinet was a "I didn't get to go to Orlando with Chaz & Jacob in January" present - LOL.

I just love that it has enough room to hide all of my extra yarn (stash), knitting books, and thanks to my friend, Pam, I'm supplied with a Longaberger basket, as well as wonderful Longaberger totes to "stash" more knitting stuff in.

This is Chaz's view from "his" space, also called a Lazy Boy (the chair, not Chaz). Oh, and I rocked both of my children in that Bentwood Rocker - had to stick that info in.

Judy, this next picture is dedicated to you to prove that YES, I do stop and smell the roses as much as possible. These are Peace Roses.

OK, so here is my view from the window in front of me........

And, the view from beside me.............................

So there you have it. My Space. Thanks for being interesting enough to be here. Happy Fall everyone - such a wonderful time of the year!!!!!

Let me finish by adding a little Fall flavor to the post - I made a Pumpkin Pie from scratch today and I think I'll finish up and go cut a piece for me and my husband - plus, add a big scoop of Cool Whip on top. Wish you could smell it!!!!!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2009

2009-09-06T17:19:00.002-04:00

I WOULD LIKE TO WISH MY PARENTS A HAPPY 57TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!

OUR BABY DOLL

2009-08-18T12:37:00.008-04:00

I have become a walking crazy person - but that's ok because I'm up and walking - LOL. Our new business is taking off like a madperson and it takes a crazy walking person to keep up with it!!!!

Anyway, from the ease of Facebook and other sites, I've become lazy on the blog and I know that this is the only way that some out there can know and see what is going on. That said, I wanted to share some pictures of my granddaughter's first beach vacation. Hope you enjoy.......

OH - before I let you go to the pictures - I'm healing great - my Dr. is extremely pleased and we again started the saline injections today - even though he said he is just doing a little at a time and NOT taking any chances - works for me!!!!

T.G.I.F.

2009-08-07T20:46:00.002-04:00

I say T.G.I.F., but honestly, I usually feel like: T.G.I.M., T.G.I.T., T.G.I.W., T.G.I.S - all of the time - LOL - I really don't care what day it is - I just try to enjoy them all.

Yesterday, I drove to Virginia to visit with my daughter, Ashley and my granddaughter, June. We had a wonderful day just hanging out together. June is such a pleasant baby (gee, do I sound like a grandmother?), honestly, though she is. She laughs, smiles and tries real hard to imitate your mouth and talk. It is so cute. AND, her eyes - my gosh her eyes are so beautiful and alert. Anyway, here is a picture from yesterday. It was definitely T.G.I.T. - Thank Goodness It's Thursday!!!!

ALL IS WELL

2009-07-31T16:48:00.007-04:00

Just wanted to post a short update after having surgery this morning. All is well....I am home and healing now. A little groggy from lots of "stuff" in my system and I did have to detach some major tape that felt like it was trying to pull my one side to the other side and that was definitely a RELIEF......so, with a couple of Extra Strength Tylenol (did NOT want Loritab), I think I just might make it!!!!

AND YET ANOTHER ONE

2009-07-28T17:16:00.005-04:00

Today had it's ups and downs. It started with my weekly Dr. appointment concerning the reconstruction. I had a feeling going to the appointment how it would turn out. I have to have surgery - the doctor is pretty sure that the expander is leaking - and the surgery has been scheduled for this Friday morning, so..................................

From there, I traveled on to my Parents house and my daughter, Ashley, along with Baby June, came for the day for a visit. Chaz was able to join us also. It was wonderful seeing her and I was extremely pleased that her Great Grandparents got to spend the day with her. It was nice to know we had 4 generations there.

So, once again, the good with the bad - I'm just so happy that most of the time there is something good to outweigh the bad!!!! And, as far as the bad - I've been through a lot worse - another bump in the bumpy road I seem to be traveling.

A SIGH OF RELIEF

2009-07-22T13:08:00.003-04:00

For so many of you that have been with me during my B/C travels, I wanted to share some information with you.

As you know, this past Spring, I went through B/C for a 2nd time. Fortunately, no chemo or radiation was necessary. My surgeon decided after the diagnosis in February that I was definitely a candidate for Genetic Testing. They blood test you for 2 different types of genes and basically what this does is to inform you if you are also susceptible to ovarian cancer. Plus, with having children, alerts you to whether your children/grandchildren need to be tested for these genes to determine their medical care in the future, since they would be at a high risk of cancer. Not a happy thing AT ALL to think about. I can tell you, this type of testing is VERY nerve racking. The wait for the results is terrible.

So, then I have surgery, and was supposed to go shortly afterwards for my testing results. And, there again, as most of you know, I developed the infection and to make this LONGGGGG story a little shorter - I did not go until today for the results of the test. I can tell you, that drive to Kingsport this morning was terrible, plus the fact that I did NOT sleep last night. I knew the results were a 50/50 chance......POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE......and that I would rather do ANYTHING in the world than to tell my children, especially my daughter, who has just had a daughter, that the results were positive.

Therefore, I am happy to announce the results:

NEGATIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank God for that.

So, now if I can just get this reconstruction under control - I'll know next Tuesday if I have to have yet another surgery, since the reconstruction is not going completely as planned and after that we will continue forward with the reconstruction.......

BLOGGER MANIAC?

2009-07-21T16:55:00.001-04:00

Am I just crazy, or do I just like doing websites and blogs? For what it is worth, I've just finished (of course, it will NEVER be finished) a website and blog for the new Pawn Shop. If you get a chance, check them out - on the last page of the website, you can click to go to the blog:

www.e-zpawns.com

AND THAT'S THE WAY IT "WAS"

2009-07-18T11:01:00.008-04:00

Well known broadcast journalist, Walter Cronkite, passed away last night at the age of 92. Mr. Cronkite was well know for nding his broadcasts with "And That's The Way It Is" plus the current date.

Mr. Cronkite is closely associated with such world events as:

Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962;

Assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November 1963;

Reports on Vietnam War; and

Apollo 11 Moon Landing in July 16, 1969

So, good bye to a trusted journalist, a true icon in our lives - one of such honesty and integrity, the likes of what is missing in most of today's journalistic reporting.

NIGHT LIGHTS

2009-07-10T16:45:00.008-04:00

I bet you all think this is going to be about an actual night light and in a way it is, but in a way it isn't!!!! I've just got to tell this story.

Tuesday evening, I took the Brits outside about 10:00 pm. We always have to walk away from the house and up the hill towards the barn and in between the 2 ponds. Whenever I walk them this late, I'll take my time and star gaze or watch airplanes fly by and wonder: Who is in that airplane, where are they going and can they possibly see me down here with my flashlight and the spotlights on the house, walking my dogs - and if so, do they wonder who the heck is that out in that field and what are they doing?

Well, this evening was different. I looked up in the sky once we got to the top of the hill and saw a bright light. Naturally, I started the airplane thing......until I realized that this was different. There was NO sound - there is ALWAYS sound with the airplanes, even if it is a small plane. You've got to understand one thing - we live in the middle of nowhere and there is NO sound, so you can ALWAYS hear the engine - BUT NOT THIS TIME. Then I realized it was moving SO smoothly - almost gliding. I just stood there and watched and it smoothly went across the sky until it passed over the trees and was out of sight. What the heck was that?

Well, guess what??? I saw the Space Station!!!! Here is some info from the site explaining what you could possibly see:

The Space Station is traveling over 17,000mph and is about the size of a football field, but should still be to the naked eye.

"It will look like a very bright start moving slowly from one horizon to the other horizon."
So there you have it - do I feel thrilled at this siting - you better believe it - how many times will that happen in a lifetime? Thanks Molly & Buddy!!!!!

FIREWORKS

2009-07-05T06:45:00.004-04:00

First off, let me start by saying we do not go into town for the fireworks. We took the kids for years while they were growing up and that was fun. Now, I just can't stand the thoughts of going into crowds of 50,000 plus to see the fireworks.....maybe someday I'll go back and take my granddaughter, we'll see!!!!

On that note, however, I would like to share some neat fireworks that Jacob sent me - take a minute and enjoy - you may have to copy it and paste it in the address bar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bmpFCwZbwM

I will add that I had to calm the Brits down because our female, Molly, started barking when she heard the continuous BOOM of the fireworks in town. It's truly amazing how sound travels through the mountains. We are 7 miles from town and I could not only hear the fireworks, but also see the flashes of light. Finally around 11:00, everyone and everything settled down for the evening.

Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

2009-07-03T15:37:00.002-04:00

Wishing you and yours a very Happy 4th of July!!!! Please be safe, relax and enjoy!!!!!!

MY SON

2009-06-24T20:50:00.012-04:00

I sometimes overlook the obvious about things to blog about. I went to check statuses on Facebook and noticed my son, Jacob, had posted some of his beautiful photos. He loves taking pictures and puts a lot of thought into taking them. To me, he definitely has an eye for beauty. I thought, hmmmm, I would love for some of my friends to see these and the only way they'll ever see them is if I post them. So, that is what I'm going to do. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do......

Hmmm, wonder if I should have asked permission to post these? Well, Jacob, if you read this, I hope you don't mind - I just wanted to share your talents.....

TUESDAY - HERE AND GONE

2009-06-23T20:39:00.006-04:00

I believe I just got up and now the day is over. Where did it go? I made the comment on Twitter that I think it went out the window so I need to close the window and slow things down.

By now, most of you know that we opened a new business and yes, it is a Pawn Shop!!! However shocking that is, it is a combo Pawn Shop/Gun Shop:

(E-Z PAWN$ - www.e-zpawns.com),

which should not be surprising since we have the Gun Shop behind the Courthouse:

(Olde Towne Sports Depot - www.oldetownesportsdepot.com).

Starting a Pawn Shop is a real experience. It took over 3 months alone to get the license and it then takes 2 months to get "stuff" out on the shelves due to the TN Law. So, even though it is slow to get it going, we are swamped with people. Our goal is to carry a variety of items, keep it well lit, clean and most of all a pleasant experience for all that enter.

I decided to leave the Credit Union and focus just on this in addition to doing all of the paperwork for the Gun Shop. I will work basically full time at the Pawn Shop for a couple of months and then when everything is working as it should, I will again retire, partially - ha ha - and do the paperwork for the pawn shop. I have a wonderful girl working there that has 7 years background. She is a true asset to the business.

And, today I had a Doctor's appt that went well. We are slowly going through reconstruction - I say slowly because we are not up to where we should be because of the infection I had before. And, yes, I'm over the infection, however, what that infection did was leave a lot of scar tissue on the inside of my surgery site which makes it hard to insert saline - the scar tissue does not give. If all goes well, I will go back weekly for about 4-5 weeks and then have day surgery to have the filled expander removed and the actual implant inserted and the scar tissue removed. If we get to the point soon of not being able to insert any more saline, then I will have an additional day surgery to have the scar tissue removed, let that heal for about 4-6 weeks at a minimum and then resume the saline routine again. So, stay tuned.

The light that gets me through everything - June Claire - is growing and laughing. I am going to try to go see her again soon. Ashley said that if you put her on her stomach, she is already rolling over!!! To end my post, thought you would love to see June in her new Lady Bug sunglasses!!!! Oh yes, she lightens my heart ever so much:

TWITTER DEE TWITTER DUM

2009-06-14T22:14:00.011-04:00

OK - there are those of you that are wondering where I've been and others that know.......but what most don't know is, I've been on Twitter most of the time. Twitter has made me a very lazy blogger. I mean, how good is it that you can say what you are doing, what you are feeling, whatever.......in 140 characters or less. Now that's my kind of talking - ha ha ha. I like email, Facebook, MySpace, etc., HOWEVER, they get too "much" most of the time for my liking. I like to communicate, but evidently, in 140 characters or less. I'm always "quoting" Tweeters (that's what we Twitters do on Twitter - we Tweet) to my husband. I do believe he thinks we are just a bunch of knitwits, or is that knit-twits - ha ha ha ha. So far, I've only lured one of my friends over to Twitter and yes, Bon, you do a fantastic job - I knew you would. And, my MIL has also joined and seems to enjoy it.

I've also been somewhere else. To see my baby girl,June, and my daughter, Ashley. I could hold June forever. AND, for those of you that know what my late winter into spring has involved, I had a long talk with my daughter and everything is out in the open and ok. She is a very understanding daughter and understood why I did not jeopardize her health or the baby's by adding any more stress than she already had. Now we can all move forward ONCE AGAIN. The visit was wonderful, but way too short. I miss our "girl" visits together - and now there are 3 of us!!!!

So, with all of that said, I leave you with a couple of picture of me and June:

SLEEPING ANGEL - JUNE CLAIRE

SHE JUST THINKS I'M SLEEPING.............. :-)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TUESDAY

2009-05-25T21:40:00.006-04:00

I WOULD LIKE TO WISH A VERY SPECIAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUSBAND, CHAZ ON TUESDAY!!!!!! NOPE, I'M NOT GOING TO TELL YOU WHICH ONE - HA HA!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR!!!!!XO

20 YEAR AFGHAN

2009-05-20T13:15:00.009-04:00

I wanted to add this on yesterday's post but decided it needed a day to itself. After all, it only took me 20 years to complete it........I thought I had posted about this before, but going back I couldn't find it. So, let me start from the beginning.

Twenty years ago in the month of May, I decided to sign myself and my daughter up for a crochet class. Ren (from our knitting group) was one of the instructors. Ashley and I gathered our supplies and went off to learn the world of crochet. After the class was completed, I told both Ashley and Jacob that I would crochet them a blanket/afghan. Off we went to the old K-Mart on Hwy 66 - how I miss that old store - and I let them both pick out the colors they wanted.

Jacob picked out Navy Blue and Red for his and I started on his first. It took awhile, but I kept at it until it was finished. Having finished his, I started on Ashley's......
Jacob's was a little different in that you just kept crocheting until you were finished. Ashley's, however, you crocheted separate squares that you would later (say, like 20 years) join together to make a finished product. Well, the point of this post is, I decided that before I could finished any blankets for Baby June, I needed to complete my daughter's afghan.

So, in a crocheting frenzy about 5-6 weeks ago, I drug out the container with the gazillion squares and proceeded to join them. I finally finished it, added the fringe as called from the pattern, and when Chaz and I went to see the baby yesterday, I presented the 20 year afghan project to my beautiful daughter!!!!! I felt like she presented us with a treasure of a baby, the least I could do was finish "her" afghan. I do believe she was shocked and pleased!!!!

By the way, I had to end with one of the pictures I was taking of the afghan while the dogs were sleeping. Also, if you want to view the pictures larger - just double click on them.

GRANDPARENTS!!!!!!

2009-05-19T16:26:00.007-04:00

SO, where do you begin when you have your first Grandchild? Oh wait - I KNOW - pictures, lots of pictures - LOL. Enjoy..........

Our sweet Baby June Claire - what a joy she has put in our lives!!! Thank God!!

BABY JUNE

2009-05-18T17:45:00.004-04:00

MAY I PRESENT OUR GRANDDAUGHTER:

June Claire Morrison, born 3:50 pm, May 18, 2009:

weighed: 7 lbs 15.9 ozs
length: 19.25 inches

Chaz & I will be heading out early in the morning to go hold this beautiful miracle in our lives. God has truly blessed us many times over today!!!!!!