A Bit of This and That

I knew you all were wondering what all I had been up to lately so thought I'd fill you in.  Inquiring minds want to know, right?  

I have always gotten a certain amount of enjoyment out of  being creative with my hands.  I have crocheted and have done counted cross stitch over the years.  But, it has been a very long time since I have done anything remotely connected to hand work.  But, that all changed about a month ago. 

What is known as the "no sew throws" became popular several years ago.  I have seen them and often thought that I'd like to make one.  But, I never acted on that thought until about a month ago.  I went to You Tube and watched a video on how they are made and then got the needed fabric and started one.  I enjoyed making it so much that I decided to make another one.  I made the two above for my two Grandsons.  

And, then I made the two above for my two Granddaughters.  I gave them to the Grans about 2 weeks ago and they were all thrilled. Who knows, I may make some others for gifts. 

~~~~~

Last Wednesday Tommy and I left for Branson, Missouri to attend PraiseFest.  Beverly, pictured with me above, is the reason I even knew about PraiseFest.  I met Beverly  about 5 years ago at a blogging/writing conference. She blogged about the PraiseFest a couple of times on her blog and since Tommy and I love Branson and we do enjoy gospel music, we decided we would attend this year.

We had such an enjoyable time with Beverly and her husband, Jim.  We had not seen each other since the conference 5 years ago and we had never met each other's husband's.  But, it was as though we had known each other for years.  They are just a delightful couple and we look forward to the next time we see each other.  You need to go over and check out Beverly's blog, His Heart, My Desire.

PraiseFest hosted quite the lineup of gospel artists and there were 3000+ folks in attendance. It started on Thursday evening and was followed by two sessions on Friday and the closing session on Saturday morning.  We enjoyed some groups more than others and left before each session was over as 3-4 hours at a time is just a tad much for us, especially since our seats were directly in front of the speakers.  Oh, my, LOUD took on a whole new meaning. ~chuckle~  On Saturday evening we attended a Guy Penrod concert to end our time there in Branson.  The concert wasn't a part of PraiseFest but Guy (pictured above)  is a favorite of ours.  We had different seats (thank goodness) for his concert which made it more enjoyable.  The only thing that would have made it even better is if he had sang more.  He tends to talk A LOT between his songs and, while what he said was powerful, I wanted to hear him sing, not preach. ~wink~  We left Branson Sunday morning with a  heart full of great memories and the delight of making new friends. 
~~~~

Spring has arrived and I am a happy gal!  Spring and fall are my two favorite seasons and I  especially enjoy celebrating spring by decorating for Easter.  And, notice in the above photo my two tiered tray and how cute it looks all decked out for Easter.  I'm so pleased !

If you look close you can see the cute bunny planter with the ivy in it on my pretty beaded table runner.  I saw the planter just a couple of days ago and couldn't resist getting it.

And, you know I love adding some seasonal touches to our front porch.  I think it's those type touches that say, "welcome."

Our landscape is even beginning to have some touches of spring.  Our Redbud tree is loaded with buds, the grass is greening up and things are looking alive instead of so "dead" looking.

Okay, I'm outta here for a few days.  My youngest brother and his sweet wife arrive tomorrow for a few days and we'll be enjoying family time.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Wednesday Medley - Good Samaritan Day

These Wednesdays roll around so quickly.  And, once again, Terri has come up with questions for us and this week it's all about National Good Samaritan Day.

----------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY – March 13

NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY

National Good Samaritan Day is observed on March 13th.  This day is also known as Good Samaritan Involvement Day. This is a day for unselfish actions to help those in need and to celebrate kindness.

The term “good Samaritan” comes from the Bible parable where a Samaritan helped a stranger who had been robbed and beaten and left to die by the side of the road.  The Samaritan not only cleaned the man’s wounds and clothed him, but took him to an inn where he paid for the man’s care.

The term is used today to describe those who perform acts of kindness for those in need, especially those who are strangers.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Make an effort to help someone who is struggling or having a problem. Use #GoodSamaritanDay to post on social media.

------------------------------------------------------

1.  When did someone come to your rescue and can you tell us about it?

The most frequent way that I am rescued is through a "listening ear."  It might be a family member or a dear friend that provides it, but, often, it is just what I need.  And, often, they have such great words of encouragement or wisdom.  

2.  When did you help someone out of a jam and can you tell us about it?
Humm.....one that stands out in my mind is my spear heading getting financial help for a young couple that had just had their 4th child.  They had 3 daughters and this was a son and a couple of days after he was born they found out that he was totally blind and also had other issues.  They were in a sad state of affairs and I was able to gather some contributions from some generous folks to give to them.  I am still in contact with this couple and I pray that our act of kindness still speaks to their hearts and that they felt and saw the love of God through our generosity. 

3.  What are your thoughts on being a good Samaritan?  Some states (like Florida) have even passed Good Samaritan laws so you don't get into trouble with the law for trying to help someone.
I have no doubt that the world situation has definitely adversely affected folks being good Samaritans.  We may see a situation that tugs at our heart and we feel that we cannot stop or reach out due to our own safety.  It's a very sad state of affairs.  There are still some safe situations and I feel that we should  take advantage of those every chance we can.  

4.  Thursday is National Pi Day.  It's a fun play on the date 3.14.  Will you have some pie to celebrate?

Well, I just might as pie is my favorite dessert and Hubby and I will be somewhere where I'm sure I could get a slice. 


5.  Did you know that Pi is the most studied number in mathematics?  Are you good with numbers?


In the use of everyday Math I am very good.  But, if you get into geometry, algebra or anything more advanced, I'm as "lost as a goose."  But, thankfully I can't think of a single time I have needed to use any advanced math in my life and I've managed just fine with my basic skills.  

6.  Tell us something random about your week.


Hubby and I will be leaving early this morning to attend PraiseFest in Branson, Missouri.  We have heard so much about this event and decided that we wanted to attend this year.  It's Tommy's birthday month so this is his birthday trip.  We know a few other couples that will also be attending and I'm especially excited about seeing a blogging buddy from Texas.  I'm sure I'll have lots to share when we return.  In the meantime, have a great rest of the week!

Saturday 9 - Up On the Roof

It's the Saturday 9 and Up On the Roof is the song.  I am very familiar with this song and I was a big James Taylor fan "back in the day."  

Saturday 9: Up on the Roof (1979)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) JT sings that, when the world gets him down, he goes up on the roof to find peace. When you're "feeling tired and beat," what do you do to cheer yourself up?


It would be HOME, there's just no place like it and our home has always brought peace and solace to me.  I can get in my favorite chair and have quiet music playing and feel so content and the longer I'm there the more refreshed I feel.  

2) He sings that, at night, the stars put on a show for free. Are you economizing, or sticking to a budget?



Well, if shopping a sale counts for economizing them I'm all in.  But, I know that just because something is on sale doesn't mean I need it.  I often have to remind myself of that fact. ~chuckle~   Budget, certainly not every dollar but there are some things that have been budgeted forever and will remain that way.  So, I guess a little of both.

3) In addition to recording this song for his album, Flag, James Taylor surprised the song's composer, and his good friend. Carole King by performing it the night she received her Kennedy Center Honor (see link above). Tell us about a good turn a friend has done for you recently.

I have been blessed with a lot of thoughtful friends and most recently one of them bought me a "happy package."  It was for no special occasion, it was a " just because."  It was a set of beautiful Arthur Court tongs. I have the Arthur Court salad bowl and these will go perfectly with it.  "Just because" gifts are the BEST!  

4) James Taylor and Carole King have been good friends for decades, but they have never been romantically involved. Do you have platonic friends of the opposite sex?

No, I do not.  Any males that I am friends of is generally because I am friends with their wives. 

5) James was born in the Boston hospital where his father worked as a resident physician. Are there any doctors or nurses in your family?

I do have a cousin that is a Radiologist in Alabama.  He has been a good source of advice to me on a couple of occasions.

6) When James was young, his family moved to Chapel Hill, NC. James has vivid memories of how beautiful the area was in all four seasons. What's your favorite time of year?

It would be Spring with Fall a close second.  I am always looking forward to both of them. I like everything about Spring, the burst of colors that begin to show in the landscape, the warmer temps and the longer days.  I can hardly wait!  It's only 11 days until March 20th, the first day of Spring. 

7) In 1979, when this recording was popular, ESPN launched. Do you often watch that cable sports channel?

I would would not even know what channel ESPN is expect that Hubby does watch it.  I have little to no interest in any sports.  

8)  Also in 1979, the Voyager spacecraft sent photos back to earth that revealed Jupiter's rings. Without looking it up, can you name all the planets in our solar system?

Well, I'm afraid I can not, I could probably get half of them.

9) Random question: Our Saturday 9 Wizards give you a choice -- you can be 20 years old and gorgeous, 30 years old and brilliant, or 40 years old and rich. Which do you choose?

 I would choose 30 and brilliant over beauty or money.  Brilliance has more lasting effects than beauty or money.  But, truth is, I have never been and will never be brilliant. 
~it's the truth~  I do have a lot of common sense though and that has made all the difference. 

Wednesday Medley - National Oreo Cookie Day

As I've stated before, I do believe there is a day for everything under the sun.  Terri used today's celebration of the Oreo cookie to base all our questions on.  Below will give you a little of the history of the Oreo, should you be interested.  If not, well, you can skip right on down to the questions and answers. ~suit yourself~

NATIONAL OREO COOKIE DAY

Be ready to observe by having your glass of milk handy as it is National Oreo Cookie Day.  This day is recognized across the nation each year on March 6th.

The Oreo sandwich cookie is made up of two chocolate disks containing a sweet cream filling and is loved by millions.  Since it’s introduction, the Oreo cookie has become the best-selling cookie in the United States.

The National Biscuit Company (today known as Nabisco) first developed and produced the “Oreo Biscuit” in 1912 at its Chelsea factory in New York City. Today, the block on which the factory was located is known as “Oreo Way”.

• The name “Oreo” was first trademarked on March 14, 1912.
• The first Oreo cookies in the United States sold for 25 cents a pound in clear glass topped novelty cans.
• In 1912, the Oreo Biscuit was renamed to “Oreo Sandwich”.
• In 1948, the Oreo Sandwich was renamed to “Oreo Creme Sandwich”.
• William A. Turnier developed the modern-day Oreo design in 1952 to include the Nabisco logo.
• Nabisco’s principal food scientist, Sam Porcello, developed the modern Oreo cookie filling.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Grab a glass of milk and a handful of Oreos to enjoy and use #NationalOreoCookieDay to post on social media.

1.  Are you able to pass by a plate of cookies and not take one or are you a bit of a 'Cookie Monster'?


Well, I can pass by a plate of cookies but why would I do that? I LOVE cookies but I can be satisfied with just one so that's why I don't pass by a plate of them very often.  No, I would not call myself a cookie monster at all.

2.  Tell us about your favorite cookie. Have your tastes changed since you were a kid?


My favorite cookie, hands down, is Cowboy Cookies.  Not sure about the name but they have chocolate chips, pecans or walnuts, oats and coconut.  Oh, my goodness, think I may have to make some one day soon.  They are so, so good.  And, if baked correctly, they are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.  The perfect combination!  

My Mom usually baked Oatmeal Cookies whenever she baked cookies and we thoroughly enjoyed them.  Not so sure my tastes have changed all that much.

3.  Enquiring minds want to know if you are a dunker and, if so, do you dunk in milk, coffee, or tea?


Well, I am NOT a "dunker" in any shape, form or fashion.  Now, I prefer to have coffee with anything sweet, but to drink, not to "dunk in."  

4.  It is that time of year and they are selling them on every corner and in front of every store!  Do you buy Girl Scout cookies and if you do, which is your favorite?


I have bought Girl Scout cookies a whole lot over the years.  I haven't bought in the past couple of years but if I did, I would buy the Caramel deLites.  Love them!

5.  Raw cookie dough.  Yay or Nay?



Oh, it would be a yay for sure!!!!  I restraint myself from eating very much as I'm afraid of the raw egg deal.  But, I do lick the spoon and could easily eat several spoon fulls but......

6.  Please tell us something random about your week!!

Can I just tell you that I am OVER winter and more than ready for Spring.  We have had cold, cold temps this week, unseasonably cold for us at this time of year.  It was 25 last night and high today is going to be 50 but the past couple of days have been low 40's.  I'm sure those of you up north are chuckling at this but, this is the south and we don't do COLD very well.  But, Spring is coming, I just know it!

Favorite February Prime Purchases

I've been enjoying Tanya's Prime Purchases for several months and decided that I needed to join in and share some of my Prime Purchases from February with you.  And, some of these will overlap as my favorites as well.   Enjoy!

I have been wanting a boyfriend cardigan and found this one on Amazon.  I haven't done much clothes buying on Amazon but keep hearing about what great items they offer.  So, I decided to check it out for a cardigan.  And, it comes in 4 colors, it had great reviews and I couldn't be more pleased with it. The price was most reasonable as well.
AMAZON






My daughter told me about this little jewel.  It is a Helen of Troy Hot Air Brush Styler.  That's right, when turned on hot air blows through the plastic bristles and it is a wonderful tool to use between shampoos.  It will really fluff/add volume and is one of my favorite hair tools for sure.
AMAZON

I have always had a "thing" for ink pens.  I'm not sure why, but if I see one that I've never tried then I have to resist buying more.  I didn't resist these that I found on Amazon because a fellow blogger talked about them.  They are fine line and there are 18 of them.  They are such fun, especially when addressing cards.
AMAZON

If you are looking for a good can or small bottle insulated holder, then look no more.  Thermos has hit a "home run" with theirs.  It is small and sleek and lightweight and it comes in 7 different colors. I use mine for my Dasani water bottles (the 16.9 ounce size).  For me, it is soooo much better than any coozie and the only other insulated holder I have tried is the Yeti and it is wayyyy to big and heavy.  The Thermos also fits in any car cup holder.  
AMAZON





I use Shoulder Covers like they are going out of style on my dressier clothes and jackets.  I found these on Amazon and are definitely the most favorite I've ever owned.  They are clear and work so well to keep the shoulders of garments free of dust.  These do not have a gusset but they still fit over my thicker jackets very well.
AMAZON




If you do not have any Lucky Bamboo then you need to head right over to Amazon and get yourself some. ~smile~  I don't know anything about the luck part of it but I do know a lot about it as a plant.  It is easy peasy to grow, pretty much just ignore it, and it is such an interesting plant.  I have found some really neat containers to put mine in and you surround it with rocks, gravel, or something of the sort once you have it in the container.  It comes in various heights but all of mine are the taller version. I have 3 in our home and they are all thriving.
AMAZON 



I first saw this 2-Tier distressed wooden tray on a couple of other gals blogs.  They had them decorated so cute for various things.  I tried hard to resist getting one for myself, but, I finally caved and ordered one.  I have great plans for it once I put out my Easter/Spring decor.  It will be the high-lite of our bar counter area.  I'll be sure to show you once I get it decked out.
AMAZON



Okay ladies, you may well be in the dark about these little jewels just as I was.  And, once again, I was introduced to them through another blog and I immediately ordered them.  The package states for eyebrows but on the back of the package you will read how they are for the entire face and neck area (if you so desire).  I have heard of Demaplaning and know some folks that have had it done.  But, I thought it was basically for women who had "hairy" faces.  Well, that is incorrect.  We all have some peachfuzz on our faces and if you want your face to be as smooth as a baby's behind then order yourself a package of Tinkle's.  And, it will  save a whole bunch of money because Demaplaning is expensive.  I was a tad apprehensive about using these the first time but there's nothing to it and the results are, just as I stated, smooth, smooth skin.  And, it also is a great way to exfoliate your facial skin.  And, you can get 4 packages of these, equals 12, for $.6.95.  You can't beat it for great results.  I put on my regular night cream afterwards.  I plan to do it every couple of weeks.
AMAZON 

Okay, so there you have some of my favorite Prime Purchases.  You can click below each item for the link to order it.

And, changing the subject for a minute...........



I've had a couple of folks check on me since I have not blogged in a little over a week.  That makes me feel so good to know I am missed in "blogland."  But, truth of the matter is, blogging is a LOT of work.  If you have never blogged then you likely do not know that.  Now, it's something I enjoy but at times, I just run out of steam and have to step back for a time and get my juices flowing again.  There are many, many blogs out there that are "money making" propositions for their authors and how these gals keep up the pace is amazing to me.  Mine is not a monetized blog, it's strictly for my own enjoyment.  And, when it becomes more like a job then I have to step away, take a deep breath and remind myself that I do.not.have. to blog if I do.not.want.to.  It's all up to me as to when I blog, be that 2-3 times a week, weekly, and so forth.  I am celebrating my 10th year of blogging this month and what a ride it has been!  I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Well, maybe somethings but you know what I mean. ~smile~
That means 10 years of content, and 10 years of editing and preparing photos to use. And, to me, if you are a "friendly" blogger, you read others blogs and most especially those that visit and comment on your blog.  All this takes up time and sometimes  I need to pull back just a tad.  But, let me tell you, reading other blogs is a favorite past time of mine and it's where I have cultivated such dear blogging friendships. 
And, all that to say, thanks for missing me but, sometimes it's just nice to take a break and get refreshed and renewed.  And, sometimes other things need to take priority.  Most of all, a huge thank you to all my faithful readers for hanging with me these 10 years.  You are dear to me! And, never fear, I will never just suddenly disappear from my blog for more than about a week or so without informing you, my dear readers, as to where I am or what I'm up to. ~inquiring minds want to know~

Life in Oklahoma

Perhaps I should have titled this post, Life at the Broome's instead of Life in Oklahoma. But, their life is the life of many folks that live in Oklahoma, so it works.  
We went to see our daughter and her family last week because our 10 year old Grandson was competing in their county sheep show.  We had never seen him show.  Tommy's sister and her husband heard us talking about going a couple of months ago and decided that they wanted to go as well.  They had never been to Oklahoma and they were intrigued by Clancy and his sheep too.  So, they flew  and met us there for 4 days.

While Bridget and the boys were at school and Clint was at work we went to see some of the sights of OKC.  Our first stop was the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum.  The bombing took place in 1995 and took the lives of 169 people.  There are 169 chairs beautifully placed at the outside memorial.

The museum was lovely and done in such a thoughtful manner.  It is every bit as lovely as the 911 Memorial in New York except on a MUCH smaller scale.  We thoroughly enjoyed going through it.

The next day we went to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.  It chronicles the life of the American Indian, the cowboy and western heritage.  It houses beautiful artwork, lovely displays and a fabulous museum store with beautiful items.  If you are ever in OKC, this should be on your "to do" list for sure.  

After a fun day in the city it was time to head back to the country and watch Clancy work his sheep as he finished preparing them for the sheep show.  We got lawn chairs and lined up on the sidewalk in their front yard.  Thankfully it was a pretty evening and the temps were bearable to be outside for a while. 

The evening before they and by they, I mean Clancy and both his Dad and Mom, had washed and sheared one of the four sheep in preparation for the show.  Once they are washed and sheared they have a tight covering they place over them (upper left hand picture) to keep them clean until the show. You may be wondering why the sheep have to be sheared and I did too. It is so the judges can see their build better.  Personally, I think they look naked sheared and are much more attractive with their wool.   Clancy is practicing his stance with the sheep in the above pictures.  It is a most uncomfortable looking stance but it is the proper way to show the sheep.  Clancy has a Shropshire, Hampshire, Southdown and Natural sheep.  I had no idea that there were different breeds of sheep until now.  I mean, I thought a sheep was just a sheep. ~laugh~  Guess they aren't all created equal. 

Coleman had plenty of outside entertainment while Clancy worked his sheep. 

And, the horses grazed peacefully and  enjoyed their dinner out in the pastures.

On Friday night all those showing in the show on Saturday went to the "barn" to start or finish prepping their animals for the show.  It was so very interesting to watch them.  Talk about work!  These kids and their parents put in a whole lot of work to prepare these animals for these shows.  

Clancy still had 3 sheep to wash, dry and shear.  They have the strongest blow dryers and it still takes a long time to get their wool dry so they can be sheared.  As I said earlier, they are soooo much more attractive with their wool but it has to be shaved off for the shows.  Poppa even got in on the action and helped with blow drying one of them.  We were thoroughly entertained and watched in utter amazement. And, to see Bridget doing this like she's been doing it all of her life is so funny.  This girl was born and raised a "city slicker."  She hardly knew what a farm animal was when she got married.  But, she has sure embraced the country life and handles it like a champ. 

Clancy and his Daddy were at the show barn by 6:00 AM last Saturday putting the finishing touches on the sheep.  The rest of us were there by 9:00 to watch the competition.  Coleman has a little "girlfriend" Laurel that he runs with at the competitions.  The folks there refer to them as "the barn babies."  As you can see in the above pictures, we were bundled up.  They "say" the show barn is heated but it's the most pitiful form of heat that I've ever known .  It was probably about 42 degrees in there and we sat there for 4 hours.  My feet were frozen to the core!

Clancy did really well wining a 1st place ribbon with one of his sheep and 3 2nd place ribbons with the other 3.  We wouldn't trade being there for anything as it was such a great experience and we now know what all goes into showing animals.  And, we are quite proud of Clancy and his hard work and dedication as a mere 10 year old.