Friday Fragments

It's always fun to join up with Mrs. 4444 on Fridays to share some fragments from the past week.  Most of mine are surrounding the construction of our new house, it's pretty much all consuming right now.
 

It's decisions, decisions and more decisions when it comes to building a house.  This week my decorator and I picked out all the lighting for the house.  And, it really was quite simple as she directed me with her personal suggestions.  I think there was only one fixture that she chose that I didn't care for.  The above photo is the style of the fixtures we will be using and all in an oil rubbed bronze finish.  We are using lots and lots of recessed lighting in the house, so there really are not that many decorative fixtures.  And, we will be using fans (without lights) in almost every room.  I found choosing the lights to be fun because we are getting into the decorative part of the house and I do love that.
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The electricians began their work this week and Hubby literally spent hours on the site making sure that the plugs and switches were all correctly placed.  I met with them (pictured above) for a while putting in my "two cents worth." ~grin~  I'm pretty sure they think we are doing "overkill" when it comes to outlets but as Hubby says, "you can never have too many outlets."  They were the nicest crew.  Again, lots and lots of decisions but so far, none that we haven't been able to handle.
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I bet if Hubby has pulled out his measuring tape once he has pulled it out 100+ times since construction began.  He is doing his very best to avoid any costly mistakes and I really think our contractor appreciates Tommy's attention to detail.  In fact, I "think" he would like to take Tommy on as his assistant. ~chuckle~  

In the top left photo is the octagonal shaped raised ceiling above the small island (there will be a big island too) in my kitchen.  It is one of my favorite things in the house.  It is going to be stained beaded board and a large light fixture will be hanging down from the center of it. 

 In the right top is pictured our eating area and great room.  We are so excited about all the light and view that those windows are going to provide for us.  And, they look out on the pond. The windows should be installed in another couple of weeks.

In the lower right picture is the room above Tommy's shop.  I guess it will be called a storage room for lack of a better term.  But, I don't like the term "storage" (it seems that those kind of places always end up with items that need to be gotten rid of, not stored) and not exactly sure what he will decide to do with that space but I told him it reminded me of a long tunnel right now. 
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And, the hi-lite of my week was reading to Hanna Beth's Pre-K class on Wednesday afternoon.  Each week a different student is VIP and this was Hanna Beth's week.  When they are VIP they can ask a family member to come and read to their class if they want to.  They had a special chair for me to sit in and HB got to sit right beside me.  They were such a cute group of kids and were so attentive as I read Piped Piper Micky.  I enjoyed it so much and HB was thrilled to have her CiCi there. ~sweet memories~
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NOTE:  Hubby and I will fly out Sunday morning headed to a convention in Las Vegas.  So, I'll probably be "out of sight" for a few days but never fear, I'll be back with lots to tell.  ~smile~

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and that means that Joyce has been racking her brain coming up with all kinds of questions regarding "fall."  It's amazing to me how she usually centers her questions around a theme of sorts.  I missed the HP last week, just simply ran out of time.  But, made sure that didn't happen this week because it adversely affects my week when I miss the HP.

 ~ just kidding but it sure sounded good~

1. It's fall. Y'all. My favorite season of the year! What's something you love to do this time of year that makes you feel it's officially fall? And unrelated to that, do you ever say-'y'all'?
For the past few years Hubby and I have gone on a trip to see the fall colors but looks like that is not going to happen this year.  Just too much going on  to be gone and while we are going to Las Vegas this next Sunday, I doubt seriously we'll be seeing any fall colors while there.  But, who knows?  I'll let you know.  Our favorite place to go in the fall would be Northwest Arkansas and Branson, MO.  They both strut the fall colors beautifully.

Oh, yes, I do say y'all all the time.  Part of the Southern gal in me I suppose.

2. When did you last have a falling out with someone? Has it been resolved? Hum.....I don't even like the sound of that but realize that sometimes it happens, but all I want is peace with all people and I'll work hard to achieve that.  That doesn't mean it always works but at least I have the satisfaction of knowing I tried. 

3. A song you love with the word 'fall' in it's title?
Hands down, I Fall To Pieces by Patsy Cline.

4. What's something you've recently let 'fall by the wayside?'
I started working on a second designation in my Life Coaching Certification back in June and was so dedicated to finishing it and should have finished the end of July.  But, again, building a new house involves a lot of time and I still lack 4 classes to finish but hopefully before long I'll finish.  

5. When did you last attend an event, read a book, watch a movie, try a new recipe, or visit a shop-town-tourist attraction that fell short of your expectations? In what way?

Oh, I have an answer to all of these but the first one that came to mind was mine and Hubby's visit to Savannah, Ga. two years ago.  I was so excited about our time there and it just really wasn't what either one of us expected ~sorry if you are a big fan of Savannah~  We were there for 3 1/2 days and one day would have been plenty.  But, at least we can say we have "been there, done that."  

6. Describe a time you said or thought, 'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
Oh, it happens often with our children.  I will see one of them do something that reminds me so much of something that Hubby or I would do or say and I often make that comment in reference to what they did or say.  Sometimes it is almost scary when we see our children remind us so much of ourselves. ~big smile~ 

7. Was today better than yesterday? Why or why not?
Oh, yes indeed!!  Hubby developed an abscessed tooth last Wed. and at one point we did not know if we were going to get to go to our daughter's this past weekend.  But, we were able to get him on some tolerable pain medication and antibiotics and we managed to go.  He was not up to par but at least we were able to go.  He had that sucker pulled yesterday and he has been a "new man."  It is amazing the amount of pain that something as small as a tooth can cause but let me tell you, he was in pure misery.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Did you happen to see on the Facebook news feed that FB will start charging $2.99 a month beginning Oct. 1st?  I just saw it and find it hard to believe since it is Sept. 24th and, to my knowledge, there has not been a formal announcement of such.  AND, I certainly hope it's just a bunch of hype because I LOVE FB but it goes against my grain to think of paying for it.  I remember a few years back that there was all the hype that there was going to be a charge for each email we sent and that never came to pass.  So, hopefully we can just keep right on enjoying FB and let the advertisers endure the cost. ~the way it should be~  Guess time will tell!

HELLO Monday!

It's Monday after a fun-filled weekend spent in Mt. Pleasant, Texas celebrating our Grandson's 6th birthday.  So, it's lots of fun hello's this morning...........

HELLO learning to read.......soon after we arrived at our daughter's, Clancy got his reader, crawled up in my lap and began showing me how well he could read.  I was most impressed and just loved listening to him as he sounded out the words so perfectly.  ~they learn so young these days~
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HELLO learning to ride a bike......in the past few weeks Clancy has learned to ride his bike without the training wheels.  He is so proud of himself and goes about ninety miles an hour and makes his CiCi very nervous.  But, that's what little boys do!
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HELLO Brownie, Hollywood and Shug........these 3 horses reside next door to our daughter and her family and they belong to them.  

And, when our SIL is out of town (as he was this weekend) our grown Princess, turned ranch hand, takes care of these guys.  She does it like she knows what she is doing and handles those big guys with authority.  Never in a million years would we have dreamed!  But, we just never know what our kids may take a liking to when their grown do we? ~chuckle~
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 HELLO birthday boy......

Clancy knew we were coming to celebrate his 6th birthday a little early.  So, we weren't there long until he was ready to "celebrate" and open his gifts.  He was so excited and the child loves Legos as much as any child I have ever seen.  He will play with them for hours and always wants a new set.  He does a great job following the page by page directions too.  I'm very impressed at his ability with them and he was more than thrilled that he got some new sets to add to his collection.
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HELLO Batman.......Clancy is such a super hero fan and when he opened this Batman costume, he immediately had to put it on and show us his super powers.  So, so cute!!!!
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HELLO sweet Clancy!  We had a fun weekend celebrating you and we're so thankful the Lord blessed our lives with you.  We know HE has great and mighty plans for you as HE directs your paths!  We love you to the moon and back!!!!
 

Lea's Daybook - Friday, September 19th

I always enjoy linking up with The Simple Woman and doing a Daybook.  It seemed like a Daybook sort of day today.  Hope you enjoy! 
 

FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is appearing to be a beautiful, rather warm day and have you noticed, the sun is coming up and going down much earlier.

I am thinking...that moving from this home of 33 years is going to be a super huge task!  We will not be moving until sometime in the Spring but it overwhelms me just thinking about the process. But, little by little we will do it.

I am thankful...for all the precious memories this home of 33 years holds for my family.  This is the only house our children ever remember living in, so there's a lot of emotions that go along with this move.

In the kitchen...I've been a busy gal in the kitchen the past 2-3 weeks.  I've been doing what I call "bulk cooking."  That's when I make dishes to put in the freezer.  I've made Lasagna, Cheesy Chicken Casserole, Gumbo and Chili.  I think I have 12 in all and I love having my "freezer stash."  And, if I hear of a need, I can always go pull one of them out and share with someone.  It's a "win win" situation!

I am wearing......a Zenery outfit from Chicos. It's something I got off the sale rack last year and it's the perfect outfit for traveling.  It's great fabric and super comfortable!

I am creating...well, not sure I'm creating, but sort of........We're in the planning stages of the cabinets for our new house.  AND, cabinets are important!!!  I'm trying to think of every possible configuration that I might  want and again, I'm thankful for a decorator that pays close attention to details and is a great help to me in this process.  And, we've got a top notch cabinet man that has great ideas himself.  Hopefully we'll come real close to "getting it right." ~ smile~

I am going...to Texas this morning to see our daughter and family.  We will celebrate Clancy's 6th birthday a little early ~his actual birthday is Oct. 2~ tomorrow afternoon.  Can't believe our little cowboy is going to be 6 years old.

I am wondering...how it can only be 90+ days until Christmas.  My goodness, that's crazy!  But, I did start my Christmas shopping this week and did I mention that I'm in love with Amazon Prime!!  I literally ordered something this past Sunday afternoon and it arrived the next afternoon.  That's what you call super service!

I am reading...Losing Cooper, Finding Hope to Grieve Well by J.J. Jasper, morning host on the American Family Network.  J.J. and Melanie Jasper share the story of losing their only son, 5 years ago, when he was involved in an accident on their family farm while with J.J.  It is the most touching story of how J.J. and Melanie found hope in the midst of such a tragic accident.  I highly recommend the book to anyone but especially someone that has lost a child tragically. 

I am hoping...that fall is just around the corner.  We had a little taste of fall last weekend with temps in the 60's and it was so nice. But, it's been hot ever since.  I'm thinking Mother Nature just likes to tease us a bit.

I am looking forward to......to a fun 3 days in Las Vegas the end of the month.  Hubby has a convention that we'll be attending.  We have been to Vegas many times and we always enjoy going.  It's a fun place to visit but heaven forbid that I should ever live there!

Around the house...I'm looking at everything in a different light these days.  While our new house is definitely not small, it is so totally different from this one.  It is very open and we are losing quite a bit of room as a result.  So, some of furnishings in this house will not get to make the move.  So, I'm considering what I really, really want to make the move and all the while reminding myself that it's all "just stuff."

I am pondering...the paint colors for the various rooms of our new house.  Our decorator began suggesting colors this week and it's so exciting to me.  Paint and fabrics are such fun!  Of course, we are still a long way away from painting but at least we have plenty of time to work through some various ideas.  And, there are sooo many choices when it comes to paint.  I'm so glad that I have someone with "know how" to narrow down my choices.

A favorite quote for today...

Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.
Chuck Swindoll

One of my favorite things......is internet shopping!  I have gotten to where if I can get it online then I do.  I had someone tell me the other day that they do their Wal-Mart shopping (except for perishables) online and it is delivered free to their house.  I'm about to check that out as well.  And, I love being able for my kids to email me links to gifts they and the Grans would like for Christmas and all I have to do it "click and buy."  Talk about saving time!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week......sharing a fun weekend with our Clancy man and his parents.  Have I mentioned how absolutely wonderful it is to have them only 3 1/2 hours away!!!!

A peek into my day...happily traveling down the road with Hubby towards Mt. Pleasant, Texas.

A picture worth sharing......

Couldn't you just reach and touch that sweet face? This is our little Clancy man when he was 5 days old.  Now we're about to celebrate his 6th birthday.  They do grow up so quickly!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend like the one I'm about to enjoy!

HELLO Monday

 

It's Monday and the "feel of fall" is in the air in NE, Louisiana.  What an awesome weekend it was with fall teasing us.  And, looks like this week is going to be a bit cooler, so hopefully fall is definitely on it's way!  I'm saying HELLO to...........

HELLO  Younique Mascara......I told you that I had ordered this to try.  It came just a couple of days ago and I was so impressed with the packaging.  It comes in this very nice black eye glass holder looking thing.  I'm not sure all that is necessary because I'm sure not going to keep it in the case.  But, anyway, I think it is a "keeper" for sure.

I took this closeup and this is after two applications.  I think it looks very natural and not overdone.  If you desire an even fuller look then you can apply it as many times as your heart desires.  The only downside I see to it is the cost.  It is $29 plus tax and shipping and comes to $37.  That is pretty costly for mascara but I'm hoping it will last for quite some time.  I'll let you know about that.  I am thinking if they would just do away with the holder that they could come down off that price a bit.  But, then they didn't ask me! 

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HELLO Celebration Cake......This past Friday a sweet friend and neighbor gave us this absolutely delicious Strawberry Pound Cake.  She said it was a "Celebration Cake" to celebrate our granddaughter to be born in Feb.  We had found out on Thursday that it was a girl and Kay made this to honor her.  And, on the bottom of the cake plate were these words:

They will celebrate your great goodness.

They will sing with joy about your holy acts. Psalms 145:7

Please enjoy your Celebration Cake.

I loved baking it for you.

Is that just not the sweetest and most thoughtful act!  It made us feel like this is not "just another baby,", this is OUR baby! Thanks Kay, you're tops for sure!!!

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 HELLO  Cajun Gumbo...... there was a "nip" of fall in the air this weekend and I was all prepared to make my first pot of gumbo for the season.  I didn't start making gumbo until about 4 years ago because I was afraid of trying my hand at roux.  That was until a friend told me about Louisiana Cajun Gumbo Mix.  That's one of the best little secrets I've ever been told.  I use chicken broth (with low sodium)  instead of water to mix it in and I add chicken, shrimp, sausage and okra to mine.  And, I use a package of frozen Seasoning Blend also.  As I've said many times before, I love "easy cooking" and it doesn't get much easier than this, nor does it get much better.  The only thing you have to be careful is to cook it on a very low heat or the roux will stick to the bottom of your pan. I also coat the bottom of my pan with a whole lot of Pam and that really helps.  So, there you have it, an "easy peasy" way to make Cajun Gumbo.  And, we ate dinner off of it Saturday evening and then I had enough to freeze for 3 more meals.  I love having a "stash" in my freezer!

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HELLO sassy new boots......I'm not sure it could get any cuter!  Hanna Beth was sporting her new boots this weekend when she went to one of her little friends birthday party.  It is just so hard for me to believe our Princess will be 5 years old in less than a month.  She definitely knows how to "rock" those boots. 

A happy new week to you!

Friday Fragments

It's Friday and time for a few fragments and some really "big news"........

AND, it's a GIRL! Yes siree, we're going to have ourselves another precious princess.  I am in such awe of the ultrasounds today.  The one above was sent from my DIL's phone, to my phone and then I transferred it on to my computer and it's still amazingly clear.  Our son, and Hanna Beth went with Windy for the ultrasound, so they were all together when they found out.  Hanna Beth wanted a little sister so she was certainly excited and what a great big sister she will be.  We continue to thank God for the blessing of another precious life in our family.
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I went along with Hubby to run "wasp patrol" the other evening.  It's all apart of preparing for hunting season.  The wasp love to make  big huge nests in deer stands.  Hubby bought the Bengal spray that shoots a shot of poison 20 ft. and he must have killed hundreds of those fellas.  He shot at first out the window of the vehicle to clear it where he could safely get up on the ladder a few steps and then shoot it in a wide crack in the door.  When he was finally able to get the door open, there was the nest, right on the top of the door facing and dead wasps all over the floor.  It's all apart of being a hunter, dealing with wasps and rodents that make their homes inside deer stands in the off season.  Sounds like way too much work to me. ~but, what do I know~
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The workers are still finishing closing the eaves on the house and the soffits.  And, they built the stairs to the room above Tommy's shop.  So, not a lot of anything too different to see but they have been busy bees this week. And, thankfully the temps have been a bit cooler and nice breeze has blown most every day.
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I'm thinking our new Princess may have to have a pair of these ballet slippers.  Are they not the cutest!  I mean, even if she just puts them on for a picture. ADORABLE!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and Joyce came up with some really great questions for us today.  Thanks Joyce for always showing up, even when your life is busy, busy.

1. On Thursday we pause to remember a dark day in history-9/11. Will you mark it in some special way?
Oh, I shall never, ever forget that day.  I was in Virginia with my parents visiting my Mom's family.  We were sitting around the breakfast table enjoying conversation when my daughter called to ask me if we had the TV on.  We did not and had not a clue of what had just happened.  I was so "discombobulated" over all of it because I was 1000 miles away from my Hubby and kids.  And, there was no way to jump on a plane and get home for several days.  I always think back to where I was and the sheer awfulness of the day each anniversary.  And, on this Thursday we will be finding out if our baby will be another Princess or another Prince.  So, that will definitely be a bright spot in the day this year for us.

2. Do you ever/still...listen to an actual radio? Watch a videotape (VCR)? Look up a number in a phonebook? Refer to a paper map while traveling? Set an alarm on an alarm clock as opposed to your phone?
I do listen to actual radio every morning as I listen to AFR (American Family Radio) while I am getting ready.  Other than that, it is Pandora or Sirrus.  I haven't watched a videotape in forever.  For local numbers I do still use the phonebook, for all others it is either White or Yellow Pages app. Never ever do I use a paper map.  Me and paper maps have never gotten along very well.  GPS was created for folks like me. And, yes, I still use my radio as my alarm clock and wake up to music. ~but, 90% of the time I wake up before it goes off~

3.  Is it ever a good idea to discuss religion or politics with people you don't know?
Well, probably most of the time it is not.  But, depending on the group ~and we usually have a good idea of the "climate" of the group~ it might be alright.  I'd say it calls for some really good judgement. 

  4. What's a dish you haven't eaten all summer, but come September find yourself craving? Have you made it yet this month?
Oh, there is several but the first one to come to mind would be gumbo. I have not made it yet, but I did buy all the ingredients last week and it may well be on the docket for this weekend.

  5. What's something you know nothing about?
Well, I read this question out loud to my husband and his immediate reply was, "reading a map."  Remember in #2 that I said GPS systems were made for me.  Well, they were!

6. September is Classical Music Month. Do you like classical music? If so, what's your favorite piece?
Yes, I do like classical music. I do not want to go and sit and listen to it for very long, but to hear it playing softly in the background is very peaceful and calming to me.  I cannot think of the name of one of my favorites right this minute, probably because all the names are usually weird. ~well they are~ But, the more piano that is involved, the better I like it.  I am afraid that the younger generation will not appreciation whatsoever of classical music.  I even had a music appreciation class in 6th grade and we listened to classical music. ~can you imagine 6th graders doing that today~

7. What's the oldest thing you own?
A cedar trunk/chest that my paternal Grandfather made when he was in his late teens.  It is very close to 100 years old and I treasure it.  My Dad refinished it several years ago and made quite an attractive piece out of it.  It is in one of our guest bedrooms.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Last week both of the Grans mothers were talking with their teachers about how they were doing in school.  Clancy's teacher complimented him in many areas and then told Bridget that he gets in too big of a hurry with his work. ~not surprising~  Hanna Beth's teacher also complimented her and then told Windy that she was slow in doing her work and eating her lunch.  So, there you go!  We have two kiddos that we need to put in a bag, shake them up and then they would be leveled out on slowness and speed.  I found it so amusing and I bet they both get it figured out very soon. 

Hello Monday

It's another Monday and I've got some HELLO's for you........enjoy!

 

HELLO cutest thing ever..........a very talented young lady in our area has just refurbished this 1959 Yellowstone Cabover.  She entered it in the Annie Sloan before/after competition and she has made it all the way to the 12 finalist.  I'm thinking there would have to be something mighty good to top this.  I want one of these in our backyard and I would call it my "happy place."  I am just amazed at some folks talent!
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HELLO sassy and inexpensive jewelry.........it seems that the "snap in, pop in" ~whatever you want to call it~ jewelry is all the rage right now.  A local gal sells this and she can be found on Facebook under Bayou Trinkets. She had a show this past Friday and I ran over to check it out and came back with the stash pictured above.  I thought the purple, gold and tiger stones were just what I needed with my LSU attire.  And, just so you know how inexpensive it is, the 3 bracelets pictured above were all only $14 each.  I'm thinking that I'm going to have a show closer to Christmas.  It would make great gifts.
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HELLO Grandparents breakfast........Clancy's school celebrated Grandparents Day this past Friday with a Grandparents breakfast at his school.  His paternal Grandparents attended it with him and, as the picture above indicates, he was an excited little boy.  One thing Clancy is NOT lacking is expression.
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 HELLO new house progress........it was a busy week at the house last week.  They were finishing up the roof and have almost finished the shingles.  And, they worked on the striping for the ceilings inside and they are about to finish the eaves of the house.  We ordered the windows, all the plumbing fixtures and supplies and are ordering the brick today.  So far, the windows have been our most difficult decision.  We worked on them almost a month trying to decide which brand and which style. I never knew that there were so many styles but we are very happy with our choice.

Friday Letters

It's Friday and no better time to do a little letter writing......
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Dear Sea Salt Caramel.......you seem to be the "ultimate" these days and I have to say, you are the best.  I haven't tasted anything with you in it that I didn't thoroughly enjoy.  The salt does the magic, cuts your sweetness to just the right amount.

Dear Precious Gran #3.......we find out what you are next Thursday and I can hardly wait.  It doesn't matter a bit, but it will just be fun to talk about you more specifically.  

Dear New House......we are so thankful that things have rolled along so smoothly thus far.  We can only hope as we get further and further into you that we can continue to say that.

Dear Stitch Fix.....my first "fix" is due to arrive on Oct. 6th.  I can hardly wait to see what my stylist has chosen for me.  I have never done anything like this, so it will be interesting to see what type of clothing she picks out for me.  I think you do a great job of getting proper info and preferences from us, so we shall see how it goes.  Stayed tuned........I'll definitely be giving a report as to the outcome. If you are not familiar with Stitch Fix you can check it out here.

Dear DWTS.......just know that a whole bunch of Louisiana folks will likely be watching your new season.  Since Sadie Robertson, from the famed Duck Dynasty family, will be a contestant, it should be most interesting.  I normally do not watch your show, but since Sadie (who lives about 35 miles from us) is going to be on there, then I'm in!~more out of curiosity than anything~

   Dear Common Core Math......heaven's to Betsy if they had taught Math your style when I was in school I would have never passed.  I just simply don't get it at all and it is insane as far as I'm concerned.  But, then, it doesn't matter a lick what I think. What ever happened to the good ole' ordinary way of doing Math?

~just wondering~
Dear Clancy and Hanna Beth......I am so happy that you two are enjoying your first year of "real" school so far.  I know that you both are "shining lights" in your class.  You are growing up so fast!

Dear Hallmark......I'm so enjoying your first season of Cedar Cove. I'm almost through with the first season and will go right into the 2nd season when I am through.  It is a great way to pass the time on the treadmill each morning.  Your cast of characters is awesome!  I may even enjoy you as much as Downton Abbey ~did I really just say that~
Dear Younique......I have just ordered your mascara and I can hardly wait for it to arrive.  I've been trying all kinds of different mascara lately trying to get a fuller lash look.  I hear that you are the answer.  I'm about to find out. You are a 3 step process, so I'm a little concerned about that, but they sound pretty simple and quick.  I do not want to add any more minutes to my beautification process.
~chuckle~ 
Dear Summer.......I am beyond ready for you to end and Fall to arrive!  You've really been rather mild this year but, nonetheless, I love Fall and all that it brings..... mums, pumpkins, sunflowers, falling leaves and cooler temps.  My favorite time of year.

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

It's the Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce!  Get ready, set, GO!!!

1.  What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to actually doing?
I can't really think of anything specific, but Hubby and I would have liked to have gone a few more places but with the new house construction, it just did not happen.  We went on a couple of long weekend jaunts but nothing else.  It's pretty much "all hands on deck" when building a house due to all the decision making.

2. Share a favorite memory of your own back -to-school days as a child.
Getting a new pair of shoes was a big deal and I always got a new pair about the time school started.  AND, unless I out grew them, I wore them everyday the entire year.  Oh, my, how times have changed!  Getting that new pair of shoes and a new book satchel were so exciting to me.

3.  What's one chore or daily task you prefer doing 'old-school' ?
Well, I would prefer to pull up to the gas pump and have this sweet friendly guy come out and pump my gas and clean my windshield.  I mean, those were the days and I didn't enjoy them near enough.  I think they called those "full service stations."  Ah, that there were such today, call it old school or not, I loved it!

4.  Share something you've learned in life through the 'school of hard knocks'.
To follow the directions or instructions.  I cannot stand to read directions when it comes to putting something together or learning how to use something.  But, I've had to undo enough stuff, or Hubby has had to come in behind me and undo the mess I made enough that I've learned it's really best to just take the time to read and do it right the first time.

5.  As a child, did you mostly bring or buy your lunch for school? What was your favorite thing to find in your lunchbox?
I had to scratch my head on this one........I believe that I ate school lunches the majority of the time.  And, I remember loving the school rolls and they would always give us honey to put on them and they were absolutely delicious to this little girl.

6. Football season is upon us which has me wondering... how big of a sports fan are you (not just football) ? On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being 'I scream at the players through my television screen' and 1 being 'is knitting a sport?' where do you fall in fandom? 
I would fall between a 3 and a 4.  I am definitely not a die hard fan and don't really even understand football.  But, there have been a few times when our LSU Tigers or our New Orleans Saints were playing and the games were tight that I actually hollared and got excited.  I do love to show my support for LSU by wearing purple and gold and enjoy being a part of a group watching the games.  But, just don't ask me what is going on. ~laugh~ 

7. Share a favorite quote you think might inspire students of all ages at the start of a new school year. 
Since you said "all ages" I think this would be a good one.......
You learn something everyday if you pay attention. 

8. Your random thought

 Our daughter and family are, once again, the proud "parents" of Corgi puppies.  Poor Sissy gave birth to her 5th or 6th litter this past Sunday.  And, while I think they are cute dogs, I do not want one, but apparently I am one of a few that feels that way.  They generally have folks coming to claim theirs within days of their birth.  And, they are NOT giving them away, they sell them and have no trouble doing so.  I think Bridget told me that they have 3 females and 1 male this go around.  The parents, Sissy and Spur, have gotten good at creating this cute little puppies with great markings.  Of course, Clancy knows way more about birthing puppies than most 6 year olds, that's for sure!