Monday, July 30, 2012

Miscellany Monday

It's Monday, my first day of being 60 years old.  Oh, my goodness, can it be?  Yes, it can and hey, I'm embracing it with every fiber of my being.  Look out world, here I come!  My first stop is with Carissa to share a few miscellaneous thoughts.


The birthday adventure.....
Just a quick update on the birthday mystery trip.  Hubby brought me to Dallas and we checked in to the Gaylord Texan Resort and he told me we had dinner reservations for 5:30 at a restaurant here at The Gaylord.  When we got to the restaurant, they showed us to our table and when we rounded the corner, there at the table sat our children and the Grans.  The only member missing was our SIL and he could not get off work. ~guess someone had to stay home and work~ Can I just tell you that I thought my heart would burst!  I was so surprised and so overcome with joy that I would get to celebrate with those nearest and dearest to me at this resort.  It took a lot of planning to get this orchestrated and I'm so appreciative.  We will all be here until Wed. and then Hubby and I will head on to the rest of our adventure and the kiddos will head home.  Oh, me, Hubby gets a A+ for sure! Oh, and the girls and I have a spa date Tuesday evening for a massage.  Ahhhhhhh!!!! 


Sweet Staff......



These gals and our son make up my Hubby's office staff and the gals are like adopted daughters to me.  They knew that yesterday was a BIG birthday for me and would have nothing but to remember me in grand style.


On Friday they presented me with this lovely Pandora bracelet with a ruby charm.  I was absolutely speechless and that's a rarity for sure. It was such a thoughtful act and it's something that I will enjoy wearing for many years to come. And, no one has to wonder what to give me now, another Pandora charm of course!  Thanks again son and gals!  

Added note.....
Thanks so much for sharing in all my birthday fun.  I'll be "hit or miss" for the next week while I continue on my birthday adventure.  But, not to worry, I'll have more blog fodder than I'll ever be able to use when I return.  I'll visit around as I can but if you don't see me, just know I'm out having fun.  Sorry!
  
I love you all a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Reflections of the Past 60 years............



Today is my 60th birthday!  I don't feel 60, but then I'm not sure what 60 feels like, so maybe I do. ~grin~  

Sixty years sure does seem like a long time.  I can remember being in my 20's, 30's and 40's and thinking that 60 was OLD! My, how quickly things change.  Didn't I just hear that 60 is now the new 50?  Yep, I think I did.  Good, that makes me feel a lot better.

Lots and lots of things have happened in my life, happy things, very sad things and very important things. My heart has been broken numerous times and my heart has been filled to over flowing numerous times.  If I could do my life over, yes, I'd change some things, but I can't, so I don't even bother to "go there." Life has been good, really tough at times but the tough times taught me reliance upon the Lord that I might not have otherwise learned. He is faithful and I'm reminded of that daily.

I have seen the introduction of many things,  the color television, man walking on the moon, the computer age, integration, blow dryers, flat irons and curling irons, fast food of every description, instant this and instant that, the list goes on and on. Makes me wonder what the next 60 years could possibly hold, especially for my precious Grans.

As I have pondered this day I've asked myself, "where to from here."  I mean, my life is not over!  I've been blessed with very good health and perhaps I could have another 20+ productive years left.  Of course, that's something that none of us knows, but I do know that I want the rest of my years to count for as much or more than these past 60.  I have prayed and asked the Lord to give me guidance and wisdom as I continue on and to be all that He would have me to be in the years I have left.  I want to think that I have made a difference in many lives these past 60 years but more importantly, I want to make a bigger difference in the time I have left.

I truly am thrilled to be celebrating another birthday and am hopeful to celebrate many more.  None have affected me the way this "milestone birthday" has, and likely none will in the future. Sixty just took on a whole new meaning when it happened to me, or maybe it's life that took on a whole new meaning. ~sigh~

I shall go forth because in Psalm 139:14 He says that, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" and that means whether I'm one or sixty.  That gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling today!




Friday, July 27, 2012

Friday Favorites

Indeed, I do have some favorites to share with you today.  In fact, I guess if I thought about it, I probably could share favorites everyday.  It's just that some days, the favorites get hidden by the "heavy stuff."  But, not today..........I'm joining sweet Rachel to share this week's with you...........



My 60th birthday is Sunday but I've been celebrating all month long and it's been such fun.  It has made it a bit easier to take. ~smile~  

On Wednesday a group of my friends took me to one of our newest restaurants, Cotton.  The chef, Cory Bahr, was the winner of Chopped for the 2012 season.  He had already opened the restaurant before he won, but once he won, it has become the "restaurant of all restaurants."  And, might I add, it is more than just a place to eat, it is truly a dining experience.
And, when I asked if he would come out and let me have my picture taken with him, he was more than gracious.  And, is he not just the cutest!!!  I had the Shrimp Remoulade Salad  and as my Grandmother use to say, "it would make you slap your pappy."  So,so good!  My meal was topped off with a peach cheesecake and they had a candle burning in it when they brought it to me.  I felt very celebrated! 


I so appreciate my special friend, Mary K. for putting this lunch together.  It's no easy feat trying to coordinate an event for women but this gal can "get er' done!"

Yesterday I had the privilege of spending time with one of my most favorite women.  You  met her  on my blog last fall just as she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

 What a journey this precious lady has been on but doesn't she look absolutely fantastic?  And, in case you are wondering, yes, that is a wig she has on.  I would never have guessed it if I didn't know it.  It looks exactly like her hair looked before.  Martha has had chemo, surgery and radiation and is about to enter a clinical trial.  Her journey is far from over and I ask that you pray that she will be on the "real" drug and not the placebo in this study.  She is such an inspiration and truly a testimony to God's faithfulness at one of life's worse times.  She holds a special place in my heart for sure! And, can you believe this lady is 78 years young????

When I got home yesterday afternoon I had a box sitting at the backdoor.  And, you know, there's something about a package that excites a woman.  It had come by mail from my lifelong friend in Orlando.  When I opened the outside box I saw this gorgeous lime green box sitting inside.  Well, inside  this colorful box was a party!  No joke, so many neat items, all to say Happy Birthday!

Yes, it's been a week of a lot of favorites and hey, there's still today and tomorrow left of this week. 

 Wishing all of you your favorite things!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Hodgepodge Wednesday


1.The Summer Olympics officially begin this Friday night...will you be watching? If you could see just one event in person which one would you pick?
I will likely watch some of the Olympics but I will by no means be glued to the TV.  They just do not interest me that much.  But, if I could see one event in person I would  choose Artistic or Rhythmic Gymnastics.  I do enjoy these events and to see them in person would be even better.

2.Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?
I can't remember the last time I had a lazy day.  I suppose I could be as lazy as I wanted to be but it is just not in my blood.  I love being busy or having something to do.  It is fulfilling to me.

3. July 25th is 'officially' Threading the Needle Day...can you sew? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being Betsy Ross-like, how would you rate your skill with a needle and thread?  Yes, I can sew and at one time in my life I would probably have rated myself about a 7-8.  But, since I have not sewn in years and years, I would probably rate myself a 2-3 now.  I do just fine sewing on buttons and repairing a rip, but that's about as good as it gets.

4. 'Threading the Needle' can also mean to walk a fine line between two things or issues (think awkward social situation). When was the last time you had to 'thread the needle', figuratively speaking?
I think it might be best I not answer that..............~now doesn't that cause you to wonder~ smile~

5. Kidney, pinto, black, or navy...your favorite bean?
Can I just tell you that I've never met a bean I didn't like. ~grin~  And, I love to make 9 bean soup and a pan of cornbread in the winter.  It's more than good!

6. Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it more success or bust?
Garage sale, yard sale, tag sale, whatever you want to call it, I have had more than my share and they were all smashing successes.  But, I swore off of such sales about 10-12 years ago because I decided they were way more work than I wanted to ever go to again.  So, I make frequent trips to the thrift stores now.  I worked way too hard on my garage sales organizing them and obviously the only person I did that for was myself.  The folks that came could care less and were not long about unorganizing it. 

7. What makes you roll your eyes?
Someone that acts like or thinks they are an authority on any and every subject. 
Women that have on clothes that are two sizes to small because they think it's attractive.
Men that haven't figured out that they should NOT color their hair.
Guess thats enough.............

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
Well, we have an uncooperative little Grandbaby on the way.  Monday was to be the day that Bridget found out what she was having, a boy or a girl.  The ultrasound tech worked and worked to get "it" to turn in the right direction and "it" just was not going to.  So, we continue to wait.  But, "it" it is thriving and doing well, and that's really all that matters.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Miscellany Monday

Well, it's Monday again, and time to be random with Carissa........

Gazing Balls galore.............
Yes, I do love gazing balls!  And, I do have them strategically placed around our yard.  Since we have a 2 1/2 acre yard, they are not tacky. ~grin~  They add just enough glitz to be very eye catching on a sunny day.  In you look very close in the silver one you can see my reflection right in the middle while taking that picture.  The silver one is my newest one, my Daddy gave it to me for my upcoming birthday.  Love it!!


Crafty Hands.........
Meet Donya!  Donya is my step sister and she is multi-talented.  She is a teacher by profession and a vocalist and creator of jewelry by hobby.  She has a wonderful room in her home where she is in her "happy place" and receives her inspiration for all the pretty jewelry you see above.  She sells it by word of mouth, a few craft events, Facebook and now through my blog. ~smile~  Yes, if you see something that you just cannot live without, let me know and I can sure connect you with Donya and she'll be more than glad to do business with you.  I have put the prices (and they are so reasonable)  on the ones pictured and most of them also have matching earrings and bracelets.  And, I forgot to tell you that she grows a mean garden every summer and has lots of canned and frozen goodies for the months ahead.  She definitely doesn't let the "grass grow under her feet."

If you care.......
If you are into blogging paraphernalia then Cafe Press
is for you.  They have T-shirts, coffee mugs, decals and you name it.  I thought the above car decal was so cute and I had to have it.  It found a home on the back windshield of my vehicle.  I am not much on bumper stickers or decals, but I thought this one was tasteful and decided "why not."   Now, I know you really wanted to know this.  But, remember, this is a random post and that calls for random thoughts..........~grin~


Delicious without as much guilt......
 Oh, my, surely you know about these "bad boys."  Whoever came up with Hersey nugget had me in mind for sure.  One of these, about two bites, only has about 50 calories and it's the best 50 calories you ever had.  Usually in the middle of the afternoon I have a yearning for something sweet and I can go to my own private candy jar, get one of these, and be a happy gal. Now if one will not satisfy your sweet tooth, well, it won't really matter that they are nugget size.  ~chuckle~

Friday, July 20, 2012

Friday's Letters

Photobucket

Oh, gotta love these Fridays where we can connect with Ashley and write letters to our hearts content.  And, I have a few I need to write today. ~smile~


Dear Presidential Candidates, Please, please, please, stop your negative campaigning.  We are tired of it and I'm not sure we can endure it until Nov. 6th.  Run on your own merit or get outta the race!

Dear One Kings Lane, Having you online is like having TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning and Ross at my finger tips all day long.  I do love your great deals and often find great gifts or something that I just cannot live without.  If you would like to check out this great site, click here

Dear American Idol Producers, Please do not contract with Adam Lambert to serve as a judge.  I may have to stop watching if you do such.  I'm hoping what I'm hearing is just hearsay and nothing more.  And, could you find some judges without a "potty mouth."  Thank you!

Dear Hillary, Do you just not care anymore?   I mean, when I see you on TV I can't help but feel sorry for you. I would love for the folks on What Not To Wear to have you as their guest and redo you from top to bottom.  What a transformation it would be.

Dear Bridget, I can hardly wait for your Drs. appointment on Monday.  Will it be another little boy or a little girl?  Do call me as quick as you can because you know I'll be waiting on pens and needles to know.  And, should you care, I have thought of some really cute names. ~big laugh~


Dear Momma, I miss you so much and have needed to talk to you lately.  Your wise counsel was often "just what I needed" and is something I miss terribly since your death. The fact of the matter is, we never outgrow the need for our Momma.


May you have a simply
wonderful weekend!!



Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook

Finding Joy in the Simple Things of Life

For today.......

Outside my window.........
is a beautiful green and perfectly manicured lawn that my dear husband meticulously cares for with TLC week in and week out.  He does hire help because we have a HUGE (2 1/2 acres) yard but he oversees every last bit of work that is done.  Having an attractive lawn is like a science for him and myself and all that pass by are the beneficiaries of it.

 
I am thinking..........
that one year ago I was completely inundated with my Dad's care and my brothers and I were certain that he would not survive his battle with GBS.  Well, fast forward one year and he has not only survived, but I would say that he is thriving, considering what he has been through.  Once again I was reminded that the Lord is in full control of our lives and while we may not always know how events will turn out, it's best if we just trust Him completely.
 
I am thankful for...........
 so, so many things but am thinking today of how blessed I am with friends.  Friends that are there for me, that know me inside and out and still love me and encourage me in my darkest hour or time of need.  What a blessing!

From the kitchen.......... 
well, I'm afraid that most of what goes on in my kitchen these days is pretty simple.  I've never been a gourmet cook, but what I cook is good, just not fancy.  But, as of late, it's been a lot of BLT's and eating out.  Hubby is easy to please in this area, so it works for us.
Every so often I get a "bee in my bonnet" and do some "real" cooking, especially if the family is coming.
I am wearing............
black knee shorts and a white top and black flip flops and of course, accessories to match.  I'm one of those that no matter what, I'm going to have on earrings, necklace, and bracelet.  I don't know why I'm that way, but I am.  I don't feel dressed without my jewelry and lipstick. ~grin~   And, my closet has way too much black and white in it.
I am creating............
I'm not exactly creating just yet, but I'm gathering ideas for some Christmas projects.  Pinterest has so many creative ideas and a lot can be used for Christmas giving.  I love to have cute gift giving ideas for friends and other special folks and it is most always in the edible fashion.
I am going..........
well, I don't know???? That's right, as I said in my last daybook entry, Hubby is taking me on a mystery trip for my upcoming 60th birthday.  At first he told me we would leave on the 29th (my actual birthday) and return Aug. 1st.  Well, yesterday he changed the return date to Aug. 7th.  That's a long trip and I truly have no idea where we may be headed.  Hubby has never been much of a planner so I can only hope that we are not getting in the vehicle with no destination in mind. ~giggle~  I have a feeling there probably is a destination and I also have a feeling that it will make for a memorable 60th celebration.  Stay tuned.......
I am reading...........
 John Piper's, Pierced by the Word and blogs

I am hearing..........
the Oldies but Goldies playing through our TV rather softly.  We have digital music through our cable and I enjoy it as much or more than regular TV. 
 
On my mind.............
how free I feel since I retired.  Yep! that's right! I have been my Hubby's payroll administrator for his business for about 15 years.  Even though it is only for 6 employees, it is still a very regular job and one that you have to stay on top of.  About a month ago we contracted with a payroll firm and it has been awesome!  Ah! sweet relief!

Around the house..........
I have been changing a few things around inside the house the past couple of weeks.  Moving some decorative items, just for a different look.  And, continuing to go through items in the attic and making several trips to the Thrift Store to add to their inventory.  
One of my favorite things.........
is snuggling  up in my recliner at day's end.  Hubby and I have matching recliners and it's usually where we head after dinner if we have no other plans.  Hubby usually controls the remote and I catch up on email, blog and read blogs.  Now, doesn't that sound like a relaxing evening?
A few plans for the rest of the week......... 
my Princess is coming to spend the day with me on Thursday and I can hardly wait.  She is 2 1/2 and so, so much fun.  While I do love babies, I think my favorite age is from about 15 months on.  I so enjoy talking with her and am constantly amazed at her verbal skills and her understanding.  And, she can be so animated and I love that.  But, the best part is that she loves her CiCi!!! And, Friday I'll be spending the day with a dear friend.

For more day book entries click here

Monday, July 16, 2012

Miscellany Monday

 Another week has come and gone and it is Monday again. Goodness, time is whizzing by but I always look forward to linking up with Carissa on Mondays, no matter how fast time moves.



Do they work........
Well, I hope so!  Yes, these are the vitamins that I take every day and have for years and years and years.  No, the combination has not always been the same, but other than 2 or 3, the combination has been pretty much the same.  I fix my little daily vitamin containers every two weeks and always hope that these little fellas are doing their job and making my body function at it's very best level.  Folks have differing opinions about vitamin therapy. Some  think it just makes you have expensive urine but I have been a believer for a long, long time that they do serve a purpose outside of that.  So, until something comes along to change my thoughts, I'll just keep "popping those vitamins."


 Natchez or bust...........
You've heard me speak of our "birthday group" better know as the Formidible Women.  Well, we had another birthday outing this past week to Natchez, Ms.  We were celebrating mine and another of the gals birthday on this outing.  Natchez is about 2 hr. and 15 minutes from where we live and it's such a fun town.  The downtown area is quaint and has some really cute shops.  Of course, it has some of the most gorgeous plantations in the South and some mighty good restaurants.  It rained on us the entire day but that didn't stop us.  We just flipped our umbrellas and didn't let it bother us.  We checked out some shops, found some things we couldn't live without and then had a nice lunch at Cotton Alley.  It was a fun outing and Natchez definitely knew that we had been there. ~smile~


A reminder..........
 We have been blessed with a whole lot of  rain the past week.  Now, I'm not complaining but it always seems that it is either "feast or famine."  Maybe I should say, we've been feasting on the rain the past few days.  But, at the close of one those rainy days last week we looked out to see this perfectly arched rainbow.  Few things remind me more of God's promises than a rainbow.


A fun site........ 
I ran across the neatest website and I thought I'd share it with you.  It is FULL of all kinds of diy projects and all are so cleaver  and I have already found some fun gift giving ideas for Christmas.  It is called Tip Junkie and you can find it by clicking here.  I had a good time just browsing through all the ideas and storing them away for future reference.  I'm so glad that there are folks that have such creative minds for folks like me that have to borrow most of their creativity from someone else.  

FYI - If you did not read my "In Two Short Weeks" post yesterday you might want to click here and do so. It is the humorous side of  getting older.  All in preparation of my 60th birthday on the 29th.

Happy week my friends!  

Sunday, July 15, 2012

In Two Short Weeks.....................

 Two weeks from today I will celebrate a milestone!  I will turn 60 years old!  Yep, that's right!  Six Zero!  I have never thought too much about any birthday since becoming an adult, but let me assure you, I have thought "long and hard" about this one.  I'll save my reflections for another post, but wanted to share some humor about turning 60 as I anticipate my big day.

*I can now wear anything I want, and no one will care

*Just think, I'll be 70 in 10 short years

*I have just graduated from mid-life
.
*60 is just one short year from 59

*I only have 40 years to go until I'm a century year old

*If age were a temperature, I'd be getting hotter

*I now qualify for all senior discounts 

*Age is just a number, mine just starts with 6 now

*I now have the combined wisdom of 6 - 10 year old girls, the intelligence of 3 - 20 years olds, the wit of 2 - 30 year olds and the memory of 60 - 1 year olds

*I can now use my age to get out of doing just about anything that I don't want to do

*I'm not really getting any older, just more distinguished

*As George Burns said, "you can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old"

*If I'm ever going to make my mark on the world, now is the time

And, the best for last............

There is no cure for the common birthday and reaching another birthday is much better than the alternative.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Wednesday Hodgepodge



1. How often do you check the weather? How do you check the weather?
Lawdy! Lawdy! I generally only check the weather if my plans are contingent upon it.  Hubby checks it enough for both of us so he usually keeps me posted whether I care or not. ~smile~

2. Since this is volume 84 of the Wednesday Hodgepodge, and since I got married in 1984, and since I'm attending a wedding this weekend it only seems right to post something related here.

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."

Agree or Disagree. Why?
Well, Joyce, not sure I understand all of that. A bit much for this simple mind of mine, but............ I am not sure you ever know anyone well until you share your life together day in and day out through marriage and even then, surprise actions and habits often show up years later.  That is why, in my estimation, if a marriage is not based on the foundation of God, it is likely not to survive. There are no perfect mates and marriage takes a whole lotta work.  Those that think otherwise, well, they are being fooled for sure.  I think I know of which I speak since Hubby and I are now working on year #42 of marriage.
3. Do you like to dance? Have you ever taken dance lessons?
Well, back in the day, Baptist minister daughter's didn't dance, so I did not grow up dancing.  I have danced and I have enjoyed the occasions that I have, but I am not often presented with opportunities for dancing.  And, YES, Hubby and I have taken dance lessons with a group of our friends.  It was so much fun and we spent most of our time laughing instead of dancing.  It was a 6 week class and I thinking we probably needed a 6 month class. We're definitely no Fred and Ginger! ~smile~
4. Fresh from the oven peach pie or home made peach ice cream? Pick one.
Well, I am not a fan of peaches but if I had to have one or the other, it would definitely be pie.  I'm a vanilla girl when it comes to ice cream.  I know........boring!
5. Should people accept unfairness and learn to make the best of it?
Most definitely!!  If they do not, they will likely lead a miserable life.  And, I think as parents that we should teach our children that life can often be unfair but we still "go forth."  Life is unfair, and life is tough, but thank the Lord we serve a God that is fair and tougher! 
6. The top five all time summer movie blockbusters (released between May and August and grossing at least 100 million dollars) are-Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars (the original), Ghostbusters, and ET. Which one's your favorite? 
Oh, my goodness, our family LOVED ET.  But, we also enjoyed Ghostbusters and Jaws too.  I did not get "into" Star Wars but our son certainly did and had all the Star Wars paraphernalia.  Seems to me there were more family friendly movies 25 years ago. 
7. If given the chance, would you like to visit the moon?
You know, I have no desire to visit the moon.  I'll leave to the more adventuresome folks!
8. Insert your own random thought here. 
We went to a lake Sunday afternoon with our son, DIL, her family and our Princess.  Can I just tell you that our Princess would rather play in the sand than eat when she is hungry.  She was one solid mass of sand by the time we left.  She also enjoy tubing with her Daddy and cousin.  It was a fun way to spend a HOT Sunday afternoon.  

Monday, July 9, 2012

Miscellany Monday




It's Monday again and our Carissa is off in California, but thank goodness for the internet and the magical way it works, she can still host our random thoughts this Monday.  


A beautiful site..........

I could not resist sharing this with you.  I'm pretty sure that our church probably has some of the most gorgeous floral arrangements of any church.  These arrangements (there is a pair, one on each side of the podium) are the summer arrangements for our sanctuary. They definitely "make a statement."  I marvel at folks that have this ability and can come up with the idea.  A perfect summer arrangement!


Then and now........


  When we were in route to Dodge City a couple of weeks ago we saw this statue outside a bank in Woodward, Oklahoma.  It was such an impressive site and as we read the words, "Binding Contract" Hubby and I talked about that.  We both remember the days that a handshake was a binding contract but those are few and far between today.  What a shame, but nonetheless the truth. We should all be "men of our word" with a firm handshake to "seal the deal" but,  I don't know of any financial institute or human being that will accept a handshake as confirmation these days. Guess that's just another sign of the times we live in.


A lovely surprise..........
I was busy working in my home office Saturday afternoon when I saw two cars drive into our driveway.  I did not recognize either car and could not imagine who it was but just waited for whoever it was to come to the door.  In a couple of minutes I heard the doorbell and got up to go to the door.  I opened the door and had the SURPRISE of my life.  It was a family that was our dear, dear friends for many years and was also our backdoor neighbors.  We raised our children together, attended church together,  ate together, and spent our weekends together.  Could I just say "we were tight!"  About 23 years ago they moved to Arkansas and  our lives have not been as closely connected.  We have seen each other at weddings and funerals but haven't really had a good visit in way too long.  The two young men in the picture above are their sons and they are two of the finest. They are both in the Airforce and the one on the left is stationed between California and overseas (shares time between the two places) and flies U2 Spy Planes. Yep! a rather high stress job!  The other brother has just been assigned Pentagon duty and he flies the B2 Stealth. Yes, they are some of America's finest!  They were only able to stay a few minutes, so we didn't even get to scratch the surfaceBut we did get to exchange a hug, snap a few photos and made a promise to get together soon.  

The Celtic Woman........

 Now, I am not sure why this group is called "The Celtic Woman" instead of "The Celtic Women."  But, nonetheless, these women are phenomenal!   I just recently found out about them and would absolutely love to see and hear them in concert.  If you would like to hear them you can click here to hear them sing Amazing Grace. I promise it will raise the hair on the back of your neck.

Happy week my friends!
 

Friday, July 6, 2012

Friday Favorites





I'm linking up with sweet Rachel today for Friday Favorites. This past week brought several favorites my way.



My baby brother came in last weekend for a visit.  He had not been here in about 4 months and Daddy's progress in that time has been tremendous.  He was so pleased when he  saw Daddy and his visit was a real boost. 


I'm so thankful that throughout Daddy's illness Joel has made it a priority to be here as needed.  I could have never made it without him this past year.  I'm so glad that my parents decided that they wanted another child when I was 13 years old. ~smile~


Hubby and I took Joel to dinner at one of our favorite places while he was here.  We had a delicious meal and then we decided that we would "share" a dessert of bread pudding.


Oh, my goodness, do you see that ooey, gooey, sauce that it is laying in?  Let me tell you, it was to.die.for!!!!  But, 1/3 of it was a big plenty for each of us.  Yep, a favorite thing for sure!


Our 4th was filled with fun and friends.  I suggested we all go to a local establishment for their buffet that would be filled with 
"4th of July fare." 
 And, the best part, none of us would have to do a thing but "show up."  All agreed it was a great idea, I mean, really, our Momma's didn't raise dummies!  We know a good deal!

We divided up on the drive, women in one vehicle and men in the other and then ate at separate tables.  It made for some great conversation and we ended up sitting around the table almost 3 hours. ~wow~ Good food,and great fellowship with dear friends. It made for a happy 4th!

If you have been reading my blog for very long, you know that I  enjoy decorating my front door and porch for the various seasons of the year.
I always want the entrance to our house to have a warm and welcoming look.   There is no particular holiday in the near future so when I took down the patriotic decor yesterday, I put up this summery look that will carry me through until fall. ~hurry, hurry~


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

My Daybook


 Today I'm focusing on the simple things, the beauty of everyday life....
FOR TODAY

Outside my window...
the sun is shining brightly and it is a gorgeous day. The temps are cooler right now, but it is promising to be in the high 90's a bit later. Of course, there's always humidity. Ugh!  We're in desperate need of rain.


I am thinking...of the folks in Colorado whose homes were destroyed by the wildfires and the folks in the pathway of the recent storms and it's devastation.


I am thankful...that I live in the "land of the free and the home of the brave."


In the kitchen...well, the kitchen will be closed today.  We will go with several friends to a 4th of July gathering and there will be food abundant there. Good food, good fellowship, it makes for a good time.


I am wearing...a patriotic white shirt with some bling on it with red capris 


I am wondering...
how the Presidential election is going to turn out, it truly should be a concern for all of us


I am reading...You Were Made for More by Jim Cymbala ~great book~


I am looking forward to...
a "mystery trip" at the end of the month to celebrate my BIG birthday.  Hubby put it on the calendar several weeks ago and I have no idea where we are headed.


I am learning....that some folks never feel the need/conviction to say,

"I'm sorry."
And, regardless, we must forgive in order to move on.

Around the house...it's fairly quiet and usually is unless one of the Grans is here or we have company.  Hubby and I are not very "noisey" folks. ~grin~


I am pondering...the things that I need/want to do differently for the rest of my life.  Easy to say, more difficult to do.


A favorite quote for today..."that which does not kill us, makes us stronger"  Nietzsche


One of my favorite things...is my first cup of morning coffee straight out of my Keurig 

~oh, so good~

A few plans for the rest of the week: tomorrow brings a luncheon meeting and a visit to the Peridontist to see how my implant procedure is healing. Friday and Saturday are open right now but I'm sure will fill up between now and then.


A peek into my day...

doing some household chores this morning and then joining friends for a fun time celebrating the 4th.



From our house to yours, Happy 4th of July!


Monday, July 2, 2012

Miscellany Monday

It's so good to be back!  I was on the road last Monday headed towards home and I missed MM and nothing about my week went right because of that. ~just a joke~  But, I am excited about joining up with lovely Carrisa today.


Pucker up........
Clancy has loved lemons since he was a baby.  I don't get it but he will sit and eat them down to the rind and never flinch.  I love the taste of lemon but the thought of eating one makes me shiver.


Beautiful handwork....
There is an old railroad depot in Dodge City that has been refurbished and is used for various events.  They were having a quilt show while we were there and I was so impressed with the workmanship of these gorgeous coverings. My favorite was the one of the jars.  I've always said I would love to learn to quilt, guess I'd better hurry up if I'm going to. ~grin~  


A night at the Gaylord Texan.....

On our way to Dodge City we spent the night at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas.  And, we all know that everything is "bigger and better" in Texas. ~smile~  Well, this is certainly true about the Gaylord.  My goodness, it is built around a gorgeous atrium and you truly have no idea that you are not outside.  It is beautiful resort and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.

Wind Mills...........
As we drove through Oklahoma and Kansas on our way to Dodge City we passed "oodles" of wind mill farms.  The construction of these farms is the lifeblood of a lot of towns right now.  I had no idea that one of these windmills can provide energy for up to 8000 homes.  I think we saw enough windmills to provide energy for thousands and thousands of homes.  Who would have ever thought????


Ipad = fun for Poppa and Clancy
When the wind was blowing too hard and we were needing to cool off, Poppa  and Clancy would find the IPad to be a fun way to pass the time.  Yea for Apple and the creation of such a neat gadget and yes, his Dad and Mom restrict the amount of time that he spends on the IPad in a days time. ~just in case you were wondering~ 

 The Best for Last........
 That's right, Bridget, our daughter will bless us with Grandchild #3 sometime around December 29th.  Everything has gone well thus far and we are hopeful that she will have no issues and give birth to a healthy baby.  She should (as long as the wee one cooperates) find out in about 3 more weeks if Clancy will have a little brother or sister.  Stay tuned.............

Have an awesome week!