A Random Catch Up.......

And, random it is..........My last post was two weeks ago today and it was a nice break but it's so good to be back.  The blogging community has become such a part of my life and I surely do miss you fine folks when I'm away.  I'm not even sure when I would have blogged as there has been a whole lot of busyness and noise around here the past days.  Now, on to my randomness!

Our daughter was here all last week and one morning she came  to visit with me while I did my makeup and hair.  It was hair washing day and those days take a little longer than normal and she thought that I should share with my blogging buddies what I look like while I flatiron my hair.  So, I decided it might bring a chuckle to you and here it is.  I have very thick hair and very course hair, so I have to part it out in sections before flat ironing it.  I could never just flatiron the top layer for sure.  I would look like I had a bushel basket on my head if I did.  I have to get to the underneath layers first and then the top and it works for me.  Thankfully I only have to do this on hair washing days as the other days I just run a brush through it and GO!  So, now you know. I told you this was random.

 We decided to have a photo shoot last Sunday morning because we never seem to remember to take "planned" pictures.  There's so much going on that my brain gets lost and I can't think straight. ~chuckle~ But, we managed to get these and I was real pleased with the results.

One evening we enjoyed fishing.  Our son and his family joined us and the kids had such a good time.  Both of the "little's" caught a fair share and their excitement  was enjoyed by all of us.  Poppa and our son stayed busy just keeping everyone's pole with a cricket on it and then taking the fish off when they were caught.  It was a full time job.

One morning we took the kids swimming and Bridget and Windy stayed busy entertaining Andi Kate and Coleman.  They both love the water and Andi Kate had just finished up a week of swimming lessons and did quite well with her swimming skills for a 3 year old.  Of course, unless she has on her life vest, her Momma never takes her eye off of her. After a morning of swimming and lunch the little ones were more than ready for a nap and so were their Momma's. ~smile~

My Dad got in on some of the fun of the week as well.  Bridget took both of the boys over to visit Dad and in the process Coleman brought a whole lot of joy to some of the other residents as well. He never meets a stranger and he gives hugs away very freely.  He's a MESS with a capital M for sure!

And, what do I say?  These two cuties found themselves in a sunflower field a  few days ago and these picture were the result of that visit.  Aren't they just precious???  I mean, when I saw these I could hardly contain myself.  And, I wasn't long about ordering myself canvas prints of a couple of these. I'm sure all you grandmothers out there are just like me and think your Grans are the "absolute cutest!" ~ no joke~  Well, mine are!!! ~wink~

And, that's my random post for today and again, it's so nice to be back, I missed you!

TBB Asks - Vacation Edition

The Blended Blog gals are at it again and I so enjoy joining up with them the first Monday of every month.  

1. Will you go on a a summer vacation this year?
Well, not per say but we've/I've been on plenty of trips this year.  We did go to Atlanta a couple of weeks ago to see Tommy's sisters and it was like a vacation because we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  We'll go to Oklahoma the end of July and then to Virginia in September.  We're calling them trips but I guess we could call them vacations as well.

2. Do nothing but relax or a pack it all in vacation?
I enjoy some relaxation but I like to "pack it all in" mostly.  I enjoy "going and doing."  

3. What month do you like to vacation?
It doesn't really matter, we're free to go most any time.  But, we sure don't care to go to hard winter areas in the winter and to any place hotter than right here in Louisiana in the summer. 

4. Cruise: YES or NO?
A definite YES!  We've been on an Alaskan Cruise and a Canadian Cruise.  They are two of , our most favorite trips for sure.  One was with Celebrity and one was with Holland America.  We enjoyed Holland America the best because a lot fewer folks on board.

5. Favorite vacation tradition?
I'm not sure we've ever had a vacation tradition, never even thought about it. 

6. Most memorable vacation? 

Well, our first trip to Disney was in 1986, the kids were 7 and almost 10.  AND, I thought that we had to have matching outfits.  And, believe it or not, no one argued and was glad to wear them.  Now, when they see these pictures they all almost croak and cannot believe that I "made" them dress like that. Everyone thought we were the cutest family there. ~big chuckle~

7. Pack light or Pack it all?
I would have to say, pack it all.  I mean, it seems that I am taking the entire house every time we go anywhere.  I have so many things that I take "just in case."  And, I don't worry with taking clothes that can be worn with more than one top or bottom and jewelry that I can wear with everything and shoes that go with everything.  It's crazy but it's just the way I pack.

8. Hotel, Condo or House? 
We've done it all and it all depends on how long we will be staying and if we are with the entire family or just Hubby and myself.  A condo is great but if it's just the two of us, we generally just stay in a hotel.

9. Favorite thing(s) to eat on vacation? 
Breakfast is my favorite meal while on vacation.  I never eat breakfast but I so enjoy it when traveling.  I like to eat a big breakfast and then not worry with eating again until mid to late afternoon.  I love cheesy scrambled eggs, crispy fried bacon and a big fat biscuit!

10. Warm or Cold Destinations?

I prefer warm, not hot though.  We went to Alaska in late August and the weather was just about perfect.  A tad chilly in the mornings and late afternoons and absolutely perfect the rest of the day.  We chose to go in August for that very reason because, as you know, it can be bone chillin' there.

As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July this week may you each be blessed and always know what a privilege it is to live in our great country.

NOTE:  I'm taking a brief break from blogging until July 15th.  Our daughter will be coming in with the boys next weekend for several days and I'll be busy preparing for their visit the rest of this week.  And, then I'll be enjoying their time here.  See you later!!!

Lea's Favorites

It's Friday and I'm back at my Friday Favorites.  I did them a different day last time and something just didn't seem right about that.  I mean Friday Favorites has a nice ring to it. ~it's the little things folks~

1. Chocolate dipped peanut butter pretzels - If you are looking for a quick delicious snack and you like peanut butter and sweet and salty, then these are for you.  I ran across them the other day in Sam's and just could not resist getting a bag of them.  It would be easy to eat 10-15 of them at a time but I limit myself to 2 a couple of times a day and they are the snack that satisfies for sure.

2. Powered peanut butter -  I may be the last one to know about this PB2 but in case you don't know either then I want to tell you about this.  Yes, it's a powdered peanut butter.  Doesn't sound very appealing does it?  Well, I'm not going to tell you that it's as delicious as the "real stuff" but I will tell you that it satisfies my need for peanut butter perfectly.  I prefer crunchy peanut butter and of course, this is smooth and it is amazing how creamy it is and as I said, satisfies me just fine.  The best part is that it only has 50 calories per 2 tablespoons as opposed to 160 per 2 tablespoons in the "real stuff."  And, mix some with some light Cool Whip for a tasty mousse like dessert.  

3. Ballon Buddy - I don't know if your kids or Grans enjoy balloons like mine do, but if they do, then you need this Balloon Buddy.  I was cutting through an aisle at Wal-Mart last week to get to another area of the store and spotted this sitting on a shelf.  My Grans love balloons but they want them blown up and there in lies the problem.  I am good for about 1 balloon and the Grans sure don't have the wind to blow them up.  Well, this makes quick work of inflating a balloon.   My 8 year old Gran can operate it and she had a good time with it.  Of course, every time a balloon is blown up, a balloon needs to be tied.  That's where I come in and  yes, that's hard work too but a whole lot easier than blowing up the balloon.  It is $18 well spent for sure and I imagine will last as long as our Grans enjoy balloons.  And, it's very small and takes up very little room.

4. KinHwa facial cleaning cloths - If you remember 2-3 months ago I told you about the Erase Your Face Cloths and how much I liked them.  

Well, that was true until I ran across these facial cleaning clothes just a few weeks ago.  And, I must confess, these KinHwa (have no idea how that is pronounced) are sooooo much better than the Erase Your Face cloths.  And, they are square and the EYF are rectangular.  I like the square so much better and they are so much softer.  I love cleaning my face with them!  They are $13.19 for 6 and you can find them on Amazon here.  They come in white or a soft gray color.  I have the gray.  I think they would make a great gift too.  Anything this soft has to be better for your face than a regular washcloth.

5. Esarora Portable Travel Case - I've had more travel makeup cases in my life than the law allows.  No joke!  I am always looking for the next best thing and I'm pretty sure I have found it. ~I hope~  This one is so neat and keeps everything so organized.  It has soft removable dividers so you can customize the case for your needs.  There are brush holders and a place for all your cosmetics.  It is hard sided  and comes in black and purple and is $18.99.  And, yes, you can find it on Amazon.

There  you have it, my favorites and perhaps one of them will become your favorite as well.

Have an awesome weekend!

Letters from Lea.........

It has been a long, long time since I wrote some letters and it's past time to write a few.  So, here goes..........

Dear President Trump - I can't help but wonder if you wished you had never had the idea of running for President.  I mean, is it  worth all the media nonsense and crazy folks spouting off to you and your family?  I have to believe that you truly desire to "make America great again" or you would have never run because you had a most comfortable life before and not near so many folks "up in your business."  But, thanks for hanging in there and not backing down.  You are definitely "one of a kind."  I do have just one suggestion, quit tweeting and don't feel you always have to have the last word. ~just my thoughts~

Dear Hillary -  You LOST, plain and simple!

Dear Designers and Clothing Manufactures - there is no such thing as "One Size Fits All."  It should read, "One Size Fits No One" instead.  You need to remove this size from your production line, isn't Small, Medium and Large, etc. good enough?

Dear Sarah - hats off to you as the President's Press Secretary.  You have been treated so unkindly and you have risen above it.  Never forget that what goes around comes around.  Keep up the good job!

Dear Airlines - I have never understood why you do not allow the folks making a tight connection to disembark the plane before those that have longer lay overs.  It has bewildered me forever.  It just couldn't be that hard.  If you happen to get a seat that is over half way back it can take a good 15 minutes to get off the plane and that can be 15 precious minutes if you have a long trek to your next connection.  You have certainly orchestrated a whole lot of other changes in recent years, why don't you change this as well?

Dear Wal-Mart - I suppose you are pushing your customers to do their shopping online or either check their items out at the self checkout.  First, there are still folks in this country that do not own a computer and folks that have no idea about on line shopping.  And, there are plenty of folks that have a great deal of difficulty using your self checkout.  Come on, have a heart and get on the customer service bandwagon.  Note: I have personally become quite proficient with your self checkout out of sheer necessity. 

Dear Readers - have you ever heard of the app, Moment?  Well, it is an app that tracks the time we spent on our phone/tablet.  Statistics prove that most people spend an average of 4 hours a day on their phone/tablet.  That's right, 4 hours a day!!!  Folks that is 28 hours a week, which is more than 1 day a week.  Glory be, when I heard this I was shocked!  I have put the app on my phone in hopes that it will make me more mindful of how many times I pick up/use my phone/tablet.  Now, I wonder what a difference it would make in our lives and the world if we read our Bibles and prayed 4 hours a day.  Certainly something to ponder..............

Blessings abundant for a great new week!!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

  

I've missed the last couple of weeks of The Hodgepodge but am so glad to be back with it this week. 

1. Summer is upon us this week in the Northern hemisphere. Tell us three things on your summer bucket list.
1 - Enjoy some special time with our daughter when she and the Grandsons come to visit in two weeks.
2 - Bridget and I are going to Pawhuska, Ok, home of Ree Drummond, Pioneer Woman, for my birthday the end of July.  We will be staying at The Lodge and doing all things Pioneer Woman. Bridget and family only live about 2 hours from Pawhuska, so we'll head there and leave the guys at home while we go have a little Mother/daughter fun.
3 - Hubby and I will head to Virginia the first of September where I will visit with my only surviving aunt and several of my cousins on my Mom's side of the family.  I'm very excited!

2. Something fun you used to do as a kid in the summertime?
For most of my growing up years I lived close to 1000 miles away from either my maternal Grandmother or my paternal Grandparents.  So, we would load up and head to see them and I would get so excited I could hardly stand it.  I not only had Grandparents I got to see but several cousins to have a good time with.  I have the fondest of memories of times such as this.

3. Rooftop or backyard? Why?
Well, not sure I've ever been on a rooftop, but I've spent many an hour in a backyard, so I'm going with what's familiar, the backyard. 

4. Do you read food labels? Place importance on them? Make an effort to find out/care about where your food comes from?
Yes, I pretty much read every food label because I am very calorie conscious and I will often not buy something if I feel the calorie count is "over the top."  But, there are times that it just doesn't matter and I'll use a lot of self control and only eat a bite or two of something that is high in calories.  I don't worry about where my food comes from except for seafood and that has to say USA.  And, guess, truth be told,  I really prefer that all of the food I eat come from the USA

5. A song you'll have on repeat this summer?
I do not have a song on repeat thus far, and not sure that I will.  The song that came to my mind as soon as I read this question was "Summertime and The Living is Easy."  

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Like most of you, I am soooooo sick of all the political ranting and raving!  I rarely even watch the news anymore.  I will watch our local news and that's about it.  I've never seen such ugliness, filth and lack of respect and it makes me very sad.  And, I do often find myself singing, "What a day that will be when my Savior I shall see, when I look into His face and He takes me by the hand."  Yes, what a day that will be!  No more ranting, raving, or disrespect but sweet, sweet peace. 

Kicking off Summer

We are still about 10 days away from the "official" start of summer but, most of us base the beginning of summer with the ending of the school year.  And, even though it has been a long, long time since I had children in school, I still refer to summer when the school year ends.  And, part of that reason is likely because our daughter and daughter in law are both school teachers and their summer begins when their school year ends.  

Our son and his family started their summer with a trip to Pigeon Forge.  They had so much fun and saw some gorgeous countryside and snapped these pictures as they were driving through the mountains.  I think they would both make a beautiful postcard. 

Our little Oklahoma sheep showing cowboy has taken an interest in golf.  Tommy (Poppa) introduced him to golf last summer and he has hit more golf balls in their horse pastures than the law allows.  They live less than 10 miles from a very nice golf course and Clancy is going to start taking golf lessons there this next week.  So, he'll be ready to go with his Poppa and play when they come for a visit in July.  It's a great past time for him when sheep showing season is over.  I think he gets his sheep for the next season in August.

And, this little monkey, Coleman, grabbed his toboggan the other day when they were headed out.  It was only 100 degrees outside and needless to say, his Momma made him leave it behind.  I'm pretty sure, by the look on his rosey cheeked face that he knew exactly what he was doing. ~silly boy~

Tommy and I celebrated #47 this past Wednesday and went to our favorite restaurant for dinner.  They always serve up a delicious piece of cheesecake embellished for the occasion.  But, it really bothered me that the pie was upside down, or at least in my opinion, it was.  I wanted the pie and the numbers going the same direction. Regardless, it was the perfect ending to a lovely meal marking our special day.

We are headed to the Atlanta area on Tuesday to visit Tommy's two sisters and their husbands,  who now live in the same area.  It will make visiting them both so much easier, and  we are  looking  forward to a fun time.  

And, that's what we are doing to "kick off our summer."

I'll likely be "laying low" in blog land while we are gone but I'll have lots to share when we return.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Hodgepodge time!

1.Describe your 30's in one sentence. If you're not yet 30 tell us one thing you hope to accomplish once you hit that particular decade.
"Knee deep and rising" in child rearing. ~a wonderful time of my life~

2. Is it harder for you to exercise or eat healthy?
Well, I exercise 5 out of 7 days but it is not some grueling workout by any means.  I walked on the treadmill for probably 30 years and then a couple of years ago I switched over to the elliptical and I just hope that this form of exercise has and will continue to do me some good.  As to healthy eating, well, I think I do pretty good in that area but I'm sure I really do not if judged by "the authorities."

3. June 7th is National VCR Day. Huh? Anyway this reminded me of something I saw on Facebook listing household items we no longer have and the VCR was on it. I couldn't put my hands on that list, but found another list here of 21 items we all had ten years ago, but which are now obsolete-

bookshelves (WHAT!!???), drip coffee makers, alarm clocks, file cabinets, desktop computers, printers, printed phone books, answering machines, fax machines, paper shredders, a Rolodex, CD racks, CD burners, china cabinets, home phones, entertainment consoles, DVD players, calculators, takeout menus, incandescent light bulbs, and cable TV

Your thoughts? How many on the list do you still have? Still use?
Well, my goodness, I still have quite a few things listed above .....I still have a desktop computer but I have had the "all in one" for the past several years, no more ugly towers for me. And, we have a home phone, an answering machine, a fax machine, a paper shredder, a calculator and cable TV.  I mean, I had no idea that these items are obsolete and I have a feeling that there are a whole lot of others folks that still own these as well.

4. What's something you see disappearing in the next ten years?
Well, since I had no idea about the above items being obsolete right now, then I likely have no idea what will be obsolete in the next 10 years.  I'm pretty sure that a lot of businesses as we know them now will be totally internet businesses.  And, who knows what else!

5. How did you celebrate your birthday this past year? Is that typical?
My birthday is July 29th so that was almost a year ago and I'm not even sure what I did to celebrate my 65th.  I don't think it was a big celebration but I'm quite sure I enjoyed the day.  I'm just glad for every birthday I am blessed to have at this point.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby and I are celebrating 47 years of marriage today.  I was a mere 18 year old and thankfully, he was 24 years old.  If he had not been, we might not have survived.  He moved me 1000 miles away from my parents and brothers and there was no such thing as cell phones or email and we were poor as church mice.  That meant I got to talk to my parents about 15 minutes every 2 weeks and I wrote a whole lot of snail mail letters. ~those were the days~  But, the Lord has blessed beyond our wildest imagination,  two awesome children, 4 precious Grans, a successful business that Tommy built from the ground up, and family and friends  that we've made a boatload of awesome memories with. It's been an exciting ride for sure and hopefully that ride will continue on for many more years. 

NOTE: I continue to be sooooo aggravated with Blogger over their new "rules and regulations" and it has taken so much fun out of blogging.  I miss not getting my comments via my email and find it so very difficult to go back to my blog to see comments and then responding to comments is even more difficult.  And, being a "no reply blogger" stinks and I'm just not happy.  Okay, just had to get that rant out of my system!