HELLO Monday

If my calculations are correct, we are half  way through 2014.  Isn't that amazing?  Tomorrow will be July 1st and the beginning of the second half of this year.  WOW!  Meanwhile, it's time for some Hello Monday's with Lisa Leonard.

Hello cute little blueberry pickers.......

Hanna Beth and her Mom went over to some friends this past week and picked a few blueberries with them.  HB does LOVE blueberries and will eat them by themselves or in muffins, pancakes, cobbler, or just whatever. 

Hello family time..........

My brother and his 18 year old son came this past week for a short visit.  My nephew is a recent high school graduate and will be heading to college in just a few short weeks.  It was so sweet of him to take a few days off from his busy summer to come and see his Grandpa.  Daddy thoroughly enjoyed their visit and so did we.  I'm thinking it would really be handy to have an 18 year old able bodied guy around all the time.  ~big smile~

Hello family camp..........

 The Princess and her Dad and Mom left yesterday morning headed to Tyler, Texas to attend a week of Family Camp at Pine Cove Christian Camps.  This will be their 2nd year to attend and they were so excited.  They met up with 2 more families going from this area and they all caravaned  over to Tyler with their destination painted all over their windows.  I pray it will be a week of spiritual enrichment and fun for them.

Hello house progress........

 Well, probably doesn't look like very much has been done since last week but there really has been.  As I said, a block foundation is a time consuming process and the laying of the cinder blocks was finished this past week and they poured concrete inside each cinder block wall for reinforcement.  Now they will fill the inside peremeter completely up with dirt and then start readying for the regular foundation. We're probably still another week and a half away from seeing "sticks go up in the air."  But, we've been grateful for the weather cooperation thus far.

Have a great week.  We're headed to Mt. Pleasant this morning to see our daughter and family for a couple of days.  We can still hardly believe that we only have a 3 hour and 15 minute drive! It makes us happy, happy, happy!!!  

Friday Fragments

It's Friday and I'm linking up with Mrs. 4444 to share some fragments of my week, so sit back and enjoy!

A Formidible Women outing............

This past Monday the famed "Formidible Women" met for lunch at one of our newer restaurants in Monroe (about 25 miles from here).  The name is Nonna's, which is Italian for Grandmother.  It is such a cute, cute place and all the decor is centered around Grandmothers.

These pictures are hanging in the waiting area and as you can see it's all "more mature women" ~don't you like the way I said that ~ and only from the nose up.  I thought it was just the cutest and of course, thought all of the Formidible Women (we were missing 2 of our group so there was only 5 of us) should be photographed in the same fashion. 

Thought we turned out pretty cute. ~big grin~  

 They have a very nice patio area for dining too, and our nice waiter suggested we go out there and have our picture made.  We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the cute atmosphere made up for what I thought was just "okay" food. 

 Sweet Katie Grace.........

 Also on Monday, Miss Katie Grace Fair entertained at The Arbor (the assisted living facility where my Dad lives).  Katie Grace lives in the Appalachian Mountains of Tenn. and she plays the violin, the dulcimer and the piano AND she sings.  She is what you might call "a one man show."  Katie Grace is only 13 years old and has one of the sweetest spirits I have ever seen.  Her Great Grandmother was a resident at The Arbor until the time of her death and Katie Grace still has a fondness for the place.

I took my little Princess and her Momma with me and Katie Grace asked Hanna Beth to sing with her.  She played Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Jesus Loves Me and Hanna Beth very proudly sang them both.  It was so cute and my Dad was thrilled for the other residents to know she was his Great Granddaughter.  It was so inspiring to see such a fine young lady so willing to share her talents and there is no doubt in my mind that the Lord has great things in store for Katie Grace.

Sausage and Cheese Stuffed Bread and Cinnamon Rolls........

 You know I always feel it's my duty to let you in on any "easy peasy" recipe I may run across.  And, this is one of the easiest and best!  

Sausage & Cheese Stuffed Bread
1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
1 pound cooked breakfast sausage
8-10 oz. shredded cheddar (mild or sharp)
1 egg, mix with sausage before you cook it
1 onion, sauteed with the sausage
Roll our bread with rolling pin, spread sausage/onion mixture on top and sprinkle cheese on top.  Roll up and place in a bundt pan or cookie sheet and bake at 350 until brown, about 25-30 min.

Now, you know I'm going to find a shortcut anytime I can and I did on this.  I used the precooked Jimmy Dean sausage and the frozen diced onion.  I put the sausage in a bowl, added the egg and onions and mixed them well.  Then poured it all in a skillet and cooked it until the egg was done and onions were sauteed.  Didn't take put a very few minutes.  You can see from the pics above exactly what I did and when Hubby had it the next morning for breakfast he put a BIG stamp of approval on it.
You can use hot sausage if you want it a little spicy.  I went ahead and made two since 3 loaves of frozen bread dough come to a package. 

With the 3rd loaf I made the cinnamon rolls from the recipe on the back of the dough package.  It was very similar to the sausage bread and made a great compliment to the sausage bread.  So, there you have it, 2 very easy and quick recipes for a hearty breakfast.

Alrighty, that's my fragments for the week and now it's off to the weekend.  Enjoy yours!!

HELLO Monday!

Monday, June 23rd, one week from today and this year will be half over.  Is that possible?  Time is flying by and before I turn around each week it is another Monday and another chance to say HELLO!

Hello pretty little girls........these 3 little cuties are the Granddaughters of our dear friends and neighbors.  They paid us a visit the other afternoon with their Pops and I just couldn't resist snapping this picture and they were more than ready.  This is Stella, Kate and Anna Lise. I'm pretty sure fun follows them wherever they go.

~~~~~~ 

              Hello new summer read.....
Meet my friend, Becki Stevenson!  Becki has just authored her first book, Another Summer, and it was released last week.  I have not had a chance to read it yet, but the reviews are great and if you enjoy a nice romance, then it's probably a book you want to get.   You can find it on Amazon, in either paperback or ebook.  I believe she is already at work on her second book.  Becki is a recently retired English teacher  who
has always had a love of writing.  Perhaps                                                         she has just started her second career. 
                                                      All the best Becki!

~~~~~

Hello Birthday Lady.......Ann Barham, a resident in the assisted living facility my Dad lives in, celebrated her 85th birthday this past Saturday.  Her 4 children gave her a big celebration party there at the facility and she was celebrated in "grand style."

I went over and attended the event with Daddy and it was an enjoyable time for both of us.  "Ms. Ann" has lived in Bastrop all her life and owned a drug store with a soda foundation on our town square for many, many years.  She is such a dear and the definition of a true "Southern Belle."

 ~~~~~

Hello new house progress......It was a busy week out on "the hill."  The footings were dug, the concrete poured in them and now the block foundation is being laid.  This is a rather time consuming way of doing a foundation but it was what we wanted for the look of our house, so it will just have to take however long it needs to.  We had a week of beautiful weather, rather hot, but the guys came just at sun up to work and left shortly after lunch. Weather permitting, they should have most of the foundation done in the next week to 10 days and then perhaps we'll begin to see some boards go up.  We went Friday and picked out all of our plumbing fixtures and that was not all that difficult.  We had done our prep work before ever going to look and that made the job a lot easier.  We also stopped by the granite warehouse to browse again and I "think" I may have decided on that as well, but there are just wayyyyyyyyyy too many choices.  I'm thankful I have a decorator that is assisting me in these "big" decisions.
~~~~~ 

Just a note..........we have my brother and his son and my husband's sister all coming in today and tomorrow, so don't imagine there will be any more blog posts this week.  But, never fear, I will return! Have a wonderful week!

A Day InThe Life of Lea...........

Hats off to Rachel and Brittany are hosting their first ever link up today. They ask us to share what a typical day in our life looked like.  So, here goes...........

Monday thru Friday my day begins at 5:30AM.  I have always been an early morning person.  I thought I might change once the children were grown and gone, but that was not the case.  I love the early morning and feel very productive in the early part of the day.

I head straight to my Keurig for that first cup of morning coffee.  I actually get way too excited over that first cup, but, guess that's alright.  I then head upstairs to my little "private corner" for my morning devotional and prayer time.  I curl up in this big leather chair and bask in His glory for a while.

Then it is "shower time."  Ah! just nothing like a good extra warm shower.  It's almost as good as that first cup of java! ~laugh~  Then it's make up time.  I guess I can probably count on two hands the days I have not put on makeup in my 61 years.  It is so much a part of my day that I can do it blindfolded.  I guess I'm sort of like an old barn, I look a whole lot better with a little paint on me. ~chuckle~

I then head back up the stairs to walk on my treadmill. I know, weird, I shower and then walk, but, it's how I roll. I have been walking on a treadmill about 25 years and I'm hoping my consistency has paid off.  I am sure I need to be doing some strength training as well, but just haven't "gone there" yet.  I walk about 2 miles at 3.7 mph in about 30 minutes.  Surely it's better than doing nothing at all. ~I hope~

It's then time to stop by the computer and some mornings I hit "publish" for my blog and check my email and of course, check in with Facebook and see what everyone is up to.  ~whatever did we do before FB~

 I get dressed  ~aren't you glad~ and a couple of mornings a week will find me at Wal-Mart and doing whatever list of errands I have for that day.  Some days that includes a visit with my Dad at the assisted living facility he resides in.  I very much like to get out and about early and that means I'm back home early and can "hang out" here the remainder of the day.  On an ordinary day I am generally home by 11:00AM and the rest of my day involves things here at the house.

I am very routine ~in case you haven't figured that out~ and generally have a list for each day.  Some days that list may only have 1"to do" on it and other days it may have several "to does" on it.  I enjoy very much having something to do but often in recent years my wagon has been so overloaded that I felt overwhelmed most of the time.  But, thankfully, that is not presently the case.

There seems to always be household tasks.  I still never lack for things to do in that department.  There is always laundry, ironing, closets to organize and clean out, light fixtures that need dusting and baseboards that need deep cleaning.  None of which I really enjoy but I do feel such a sense of satisfaction when I am finished.

And, throughout the day I make stops by my desktop computer to check email,and Facebook and perhaps do some Quickbooks entries.  Then I might work on my blog, edit some pictures and all the other fun things one can do with a computer.

Hubby and I generally sit down to dinner around 5:30 and I must admit that it is often not at home.  We probably eat out 3-4 times a week.  I know, but it is what it is........And, we're generally with friends or family when we do eat out so it's sort of a social event as well as an eating event.  Doesn't life center around eating? ~grin~

After dinner, when we are home, I can usually be found in "comfy clothes" and likely headed to my comfy chair.  Hubby's in his comfy chair and we're settled in for the evening. ~one of my favorite times of the day~  I grab my laptop and either blog or read blogs in-between sort of watching whatever Hubby has on the TV.  Of course, an evening would not be complete without some sort of a snack and that varies for sure.  I do try to keep some low cal stuff on hand and one of my favorites, is popcorn.  

Around 9:00 I head towards the bedroom and read.  It's sort of my time to enjoy some peace and quiet  before laying my head on the pillow.  Can you tell that I enjoy starting my day with peace and quiet and ending it the same way.  And, it's not that there is ever a whole lot of noise around our house, but you know what I mean by "peace and quiet." 

  

This is just a recap of "most" days.  There's always outings, Drs. app'ts, time with the Grans, a little retail therapy that change the routine up a bit and keeps life interesting.  The "same ole, same ole" would be very boring and I don't ever want a boring life.  So, there you have it, "A day in the life of Lea."~now, didn't you enjoy that?~ big smile~

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Well, Joyce has been keeping the airways busy, busy the past couple of months but she landed long enough this week to conjure up our questions for the week.  We had a nice break last week but it's back with it this week.  Wednesday just aren't quite the same without the HP.
  1. Since you weren't Hodgepodging last Wednesday, how did you pass the time?

Oh, that's easy, Clancy and his Momma were here visiting and we were busy having fun.  So, it worked well that HP was on a break because I truly did not have time for it last week. ~smile~

2. What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage? Yes, one word.
Committment

3. Summer officially arrives in the Northern hemishpere later this week. Does it feel like summer where you live? Describe your idea of the perfect summer day.
Yes, it definitely feels like summer but, except for a couple of really humid days, it has been perfect weather wise.  It has not gotten above 95 yet.  
A perfect summer day is beautiful weather, a little work and whole lot of fun with family or friends.

4. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability."(Sam Keen) Is laziness ever respectable? Do you have a lazy summer planned, or something semi-ambitious?
Webster defines laziness as: the quality of being unwilling to work or use energy, idleness. So, with that definition I do not think that laziness is ever respectable because everyone needs to be willing to work if they are able.  As the saying goes, "idle hands are the devil's workshop."  ~I do believe that~  
My summer would probably be classified as pretty "laid back" this year.  We have no big travel plans due to the house construction but we will be taking some short trips.  Hubby doesn't want his eye away from the construction for too long at a time and I'm in agreement.  He has a very keen eye when it comes to construction and he's going to do his best to make sure things are done right from the start. ~we shall see~ 

5. Past or present, who's your favorite television dad? Why is he a favorite? Is he anything like your own dad?

Hugh Reilly who played Paul Martin on the show, Lassie (aired from 1954-1971)   He was always such a pleasant and gentle man and even when he was aggravated with Timmy, he always displayed kindness.  I loved everything about that show! He didn't really remind me of my Dad or I don't remember thinking that "back in the day."  But, my Dad was and still is a very special man. ~grin~

  6. June 18th is International Picnic Day...share a favorite picnic memory.
Well, I can't recall just one favorite but rather many.  Money was tight, tight for most of my "growing up" years and picnics were something that we often did for fun, since they basically cost nothing.  Mom would pack the best lunches and we'd go to a nearby park, eat and then my brother and I would get to play on the swings, merry go round and slides.  Those times are definitely a favorite memory for me. ~simpler times for sure~

7. The travel site Trip Advisor lists the top five islands in the world for 2014 as- Ambergris Caye in Belize Cayes, Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, Bora Bora in French Polynesia, Marco Island Florida, and Lewis and Harris in The Outer Hebrides (Scotland). Have you been to any of these? Of those listed (and if price were not a factor) which would you most like to book for a holiday?
I would choose The Outer Hebrides in Scotland.  After reading about it on Google, it looks to be beautiful and I've always had sort of yearning to go to Scotland.  I don't know exactly why other than I do have some Scottish blood in me.  But, it is highly more likely that I would go to Marco Island since it is in the US.  We've done foreign travel, but I truly have no more interest in it and I would have to leave the US to get to Scotland, so I'll just dream about that one. ~chuckle~

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I am so excited!!!  My daughter and I have our tickets and hotel arrangements to attend The Declare Conference in Dallas on August 7 - 9th.   It is a christian bloggers conference and will be filled with inspiration and classes on the various "how to's" of blogging, at whatever level you are interested in.  I read several bloggers posts about it last year and knew that I wanted to try and attend this year.  And, I certainly had no idea that our daughter would live a mere 2 hours away from Dallas this year.  So, it has all worked out and we are so looking forward to share in this together.  And, to me, one of the best parts, is that it all takes places at the Dallas Marriott in Las Colinas.  The lodging, the meals and the conference, all in one place!!!  Yes, that's a big plus!!  This years theme is, "Wild Obedience."  I hope that some of you will be going also and that I will get to lay eyes on you.  See you there!!

HELLO Monday

 Another Monday, another day in our lives, another opportunity, let's make it count...........we will never pass this way again.
I'm linking up with Lisa Leonard today for Hello Monday.

Hello big bad storms........Last Monday afternoon our surrounding area was hit by some awful storms and possibly a tornado. Only one other time in the 33 years that we have lived in this house have we ever gotten in the downstairs hall bath to take cover.  But, last Monday found us right there.  Thankfully the damage was mostly to power lines and trees and while there was a lot of inconvenience, there were no injuries or loss of life.  

 ~~~~~

Hello Salad Chopper Shears.......if you do not know about these little fellas then you might like to find out.  I bought these a few months back and can I just say, I think they are "dandy."  You can see the serrated edge on the blades and they will chop up lettuce and other salad makings beautifully.  I do NOT like big pieces of lettuce and these allow you to make is as small as you would like.  And, they will make a fantastic chopped salad if you like that.  I only put my lettuce and shredded carrots in a bowl and use these shears to shop them.  I cut the tomatoes by hand.  Anyway, I always feel compelled to share these great "finds" with you and of course, I expect you to do the same. ~smile~  If you are interested in ordering these you can do so here for a mere $9.99. Amazon sells any and everything I have decided.  They are the bomb for sure!!!
~~~~~

Hello decisions and choices...........It has been 39 years since Hubby and I built a house.  I barely recall anything about the experience.  So, I feel like this is truly our "first" time to build a house and as you probably know, there are a whole bunch of decisions that have to be made.  We made a boatload just in the process of having the plans drawn.  But, now that construction has begun, it's big time decisions.  Decisions such as type of flooring and counter tops.  Then there are light fixtures, paint colors, appliances, plumbing fixtures. and the list goes on and on.  And, since most likely we will live with our choices for the rest of our lives ~that's scary~ it's real important we try and make good and smart decisions.  Thankfully we have already made a few of these decisions.  We both want to make this as much fun as possible.  I have no doubt there will be "moments" of frustration but we will take it a day at a time and ""go forth."  
~~~~~

Hello HOPE............In the book, Let Hope In, by Pete Wilson, he talks about how each day he makes the decision to do three practical things to share hope and love with others.  They are:

"Find value in every person"

"Overcome self-centeredness"

"Love people more than being right"

I'm thinking if all of us made that same decision every day we'd likely have a whole lot better world.  Do you not agree?

Okay, get out there and make this day count!!!

Five on Friday

1. Little boys and earthworms.........Oh, my goodness, our little Grandson, Clancy, is absolutely loving his new home in Texas.  He has a big, big yard to play in with all manner of creatures in it.  I was just so thankful that he had gloves on when he picked up this critter.  As you can tell, he was quite proud of himself!

2. Cousin love.....Bridget and Clancy came for a visit this week and Clancy and Hanna Beth had so much fun together.  They are polar opposites but still have the best time playing together.  And, listening to their conversations is just the cutest!  And, we are so, so glad that they will get to see more of each other since our daughter and family have moved within a short distance of us.  Yipee!!!

3. Poppa and Clancy fishing.......There is a small pond behind where our new house is being built.  Tommy took Clancy out to do a little fishing and he had a blast and wore his Poppa slap out!  This is the kind of stuff that memories are made of for sure.

4. New house "officially" begun.......Yesterday they began digging the footings for our new house.  Last week they did the pad and put in the culvert for the driveway.  So, it definitely looks like something is happening now.  Perhaps by this time next year we'll be settled in and enjoying our new abode. ~I sure hope so!~

Happy Father's Day........Hubby gets the award for being a top notch Dad!  If he has any fault about being a Dad it is that he loves his kids too much, if that's possible. ~smile~  I'm thankful for the priority his family has always been and continues to be.

 And, I'm so thankful to still have my Dad.  He's seen some tough, tough days since June 2011, but is doing extremely well the past few months.  And, if the Lord is willing, he will celebrate his 85th birthday this November.
Wishing these two "super"  Dads a most wonderful day!