Random Stuff

A couple of months ago we had some friends to dinner that we have been associated with for all of Tommy's State Farm career.  The guys see each other far more than we wives do so it was fun for the 6 of us to enjoy an evening of visiting.  The wives gave me a very nice gift certificate from a lovely gift shop.  They figured I could probably find something for our new house and they were exactly right.  I saw these art pieces as soon as I walked in the door and I had the perfect place for them in our Master Bath.  In case you didn't know they are all associated with Louisiana and that made it all the better.  I'm most pleased with them!

And, then just a couple of days later I was in a shop and spotted these.  They are on a stretched burlap canvas.  If you've been reading my blog long then you know that I love using birds in my home decor where appropriate.  I have been looking for just the right pictures for this area in our master bath since we moved it.  I think these "fit the bill" perfectly!

And, speaking of birds...........remember a few blog posts ago that I mentioned Hubs and I were trying to come up with a way to get rid of the barn swallows ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!  They made such a mess on our porches last year and built their nests in the corners above our columns.  A non blogger that reads my blogs read my previous post and said that she and her husband use mirrors to keep the swallows away and have not had any since.  Well, I got further details from her and I was off to get mirrors cut and command strips to hang them with.  If you look closely at the above photo you can see how we placed two adjoining in each corner above each column (not even noticeable unless you know they are there). Well, the fiesty things returned this week and there must be a million of them.  They have visited the spots but haven't stayed long and have not began building nests so I'm hopeful at this point.  I was out on the back porch grilling burgers yesterday in the late afternoon and  one came and perched on one of the columns and was admiring himself in the mirror.  I grabbed the water hose and turned the nozzle to a strong stream and hit that pesky fella and I'm pretty sure he won't be back and I'm hopeful that he told all his fellow swallows that I mean business!  I will keep you posted. ~cheap entertainment for sure~

These two are so cute and Clancy is such a great big brother to Coleman.  
I think this picture says it all!

Just for your information if you are into photo editing as much as I am.........These are 3 of the greatest online sites.  They are all free but they all offer a deluxe version as well for a most nominal annual fee.  Of course, the folks that are masters of Photo Shop and such would probably laugh at these sites but for those of us that just want to keep it simple but have impressive looking pictures, these are the BEST!

Have yourself a great weekend!

Wednesday Hodgepode - beautiful style

AND, it's the Wednesday Hodgepodge, need I say more?

1. 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder'  What's something you've seen recently that you thought was beautiful?

Well, this was sure easy!  This is a picture of a lovely and talented lady in our church and her gorgeous granddaughter on her wedding day two weeks ago.  When I saw this picture the word "beautiful" immediately came to my mind.  Isn't that just the sweetest look they are sharing?  Cathy, the grandmother, decorated the venue for her granddaughter's wedding which happened to take place in a cotton warehouse.  Yes, that's right and I wish you could have seen it.  Cathy transformed it into the most gorgeous setting complete with chandeliers.  This was Cathy's first grandchild to get married so that added to the "specialness" of this picture. 

2. Our culture and beauty...your thoughts?

For the most part, in my opinion, our culture has beauty all messed up and therefore it has caused a lot of frustration for our society, especially the ladies.  Our culture defines beauty by size, flawless skin, perfect body proportions, etc.  I am so thankful that I grew up when our culture was different and beauty was not the emphasis that it is today.  My Mom always told me, "pretty is as pretty does" and that is what I remember.  I long for the day where inner beauty takes priority over outer beauty because it is certainly the ONLY beauty that lasts.  I have two precious granddaughters that I hope will always know and feel that they are the most beautiful girls in the world because of their Creator, He doesn't make anything that isn't beautiful in some way. Now, let me say, I do not see one thing wrong with beauty and I always want to look the very best I can but our culture has crossed over the line. ~in my humble opinion~

3. Age before beauty, beauty queen, beauty mark, beauty sleep...which beauty-ful phrase resonates with you today? Why?

Hummm......I guess beauty sleep.  I have a very regimented sleep schedule in that I pretty go to bed around the same time every night and get up the same time every morning.  I get about 7 hours of sleep and for me, that's plenty.  I sleep good and generally am raring to go in the mornings.  I can call it beauty sleep if I need to. ~chuckle~

4. I read here a list of the top ten beasts animals that scare us the most-

alligators, coyotes, black bears, birds (but pigeons in particular), sharks, bats, bed bugs, rats, rattlesnakes, and the black widow spider. 

Which 'beast' on the list scares you the most? What is the liklihood of you having an actual encounter with that particular beast? Did a movie contribute to your fear of this creature? Have you ever had a real life encounter with any of the animals listed?

Goodness, there's several on that list that scare me but I'm going with rattlesnake because of an encounter I had with one during my brief time at college.  My "dear" room mate had access to a collection of stuffed snakes and she decided that it would be fun to put one of them in my ironing closet on a Sunday afternoon.  I was putting my ironing board up and when I looked down the snake was coiled and ready to strike.  I threw the ironing board across the room and began a blood curdling scream as I ran down the hallway of our dorm.  Some of the other residents ran and got the dorm mother (yes, in those days there was such) and she grabbed me and she and the Dean of Students carried me to the ER because they could not get me calmed down.  The ER doctor gave me a shot of some kind of sedative, kept me there for a couple of hours and then sent me back to the dorm.  I stayed the night in the room with the Dorm Mother.  My room mate was reprimanded in high fashion and moved to another room and I personally, never saw her again.   My parents were called and they were none too happy.  Anyway, it is forever etched in my mind as one of the most horrible experiences of my life.  Thus, my extreme, over the top, fear of snakes!
Since we live right on top of a pond, the likelihood of my having an encounter with a snake is probably above average. ~yikes~

5. Where were you when you last heard a bell ring? Was it alarming or musical?

Oh, me, I have racked my brain and I cannot remember the last time I heard a bell ring.

6. What's your favorite carb? How's that for random?

I love  potato chips!  I think I could literally eat a whole bag at a time but I don't.  I prefer salty over sugary any day.  I love the salt and crunch of potato chips.  I only indulge when I'm eating a sandwich or a hamburger.   But, I could easily just pick up the bag and snack on them several times a day.

7. Let's wrap up another month of Hodgepodging and life with an acrostic. Recap your month using the word MARCH.

M - Marching into spring and loving every minute of it

A - Adjusting to the new time change

R - Rocking orange nail and toe polish and flip flops
C - Cleaning the front and back porches and readying them for spring
H - Happy "big" birthday to the hubs

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Bridget gave this t-shirt to her Daddy for his 70th on Monday.  He thought it was pretty cute but reminded her that he has had one hip replaced so he is lacking "one" original part.  I suppose you can get a t-shirt with most anything on it these days.  This was sure a good gift for a man that pretty much has any and everything else.

Monday's Musings - Memphis Style

Well, today is a mighty big day here at our house.  Hubby is celebrating  his "3 score and 10" (as he likes to call it) birthday.  That is one of those birthday milestones for sure!

And, can I just say, nothing makes this Poppa any happier, birthday or otherwise, than to have these little darlings surrounding him.  I wish it were possible for him to have them all with him today but the miles do separate us from half of them, but it is what it is and we sure make the best of it.

Part of my gift to Tommy was a long weekend trip to Memphis to "do all things" Memphis.  We've been through Memphis many, many times but never took the time to stop and take in any of the sights.

We arrived on Thursday and met up with our dear friends, Dwight and Diane.  We had reservations at the new Guest House of Memphis.  It is across the street ofrom Graceland and Priscilla Presley built it as another way to memorialize Elvis.  It is decorated in pure Elvis fashion, everything just a bit "over the top."  There is a nice theater where they show Elvis movies most every night and Elvis music plays throughout the hotel.  And, of course, a gift shop that sells any and everything one could want concerning Elvis.  I am an Elvis fan for sure but I'm not likely going to buy any Elvis paraphernalia.  We went to see Love Me Tender in the theater on Thursday evening and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Elvis looked like he might have been 12 years old in the movie but he was really 19. 

Friday we headed out to tour Graceland and the many museums that display his cars, clothes and other interesting memorabilia.  

The gardens and burial site of Elvis and his parents was so impressive.  The house, Graceland, was fun to see, but it just wasn't near what I was expecting.  But, I have to remember that "back in the day" it was likely the "Taj Mahal." 

Indeed, Elvis was a most handsome man.  I so well remember the first time I saw him in concert in 1973.  A real heart throb for sure!

On Saturday we headed out to see and visit some of the sights of Memphis and ended up on Beale Street for the afternoon.  We walked up and down the street and then found a nice sidewalk cafe/bar where we could sit and enjoy all the street entertainment.  Let me assure you, there were some sights to behold.

There were carriage rides available and we decided that would be a fun way to spend some time and learn some about the history of the area.  We took an hour long ride and enjoyed it so much and definitely learned a lot that we would not otherwise know about the area.  

We ended the day by dining at B B Kings Blues Club.  It was probably the loudest place I have ever eaten in my life. ~no joke~  Between the band and all the folks making noise, I could  hardly even think straight but the food was d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s!  We started with the fried pickles and I could have easily made a meal off of those.  

After dinner we headed back to our hotel and enjoyed some nice piano music being played in the hotel lobby.  We visited a while and then bid each other adieu and after a good night's rest we headed towards home yesterday morning.  I think Tommy would say that it was a great way to celebrate and begin his birthday week.  We'll probably celebrate most of the week because "3 score and ten" is worthy of a week long celebration. ~don't you think~

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's another Wednesday which means another Hodgepodge.  I wish I knew how many of these I have participated in but I'm too lazy to go back and count.  But, it's a whole bunch and they have all been such fun and have been great exercise for my brain.

1. Setting aside the real March Madness (NCAA Basketball) describe something happening at your house this month that might earn the title 'March Madness'?
Well, I think a certain someone's 70th birthday might qualify.  I'll say more about this.....

2. What's a favorite made up word from your childhood or a favorite from your children's childhood? Does your family still use the word today? If there's a story behind the origin please share.
I have been using the made up word "skoochi" for most of my life.  I would say it to my parents when I wanted them to hold me tightly or snuggle me.  I still use it to this day.

3. Will you be doing any spring cleaning now that the season is upon us? I read here a list of 15 quick (under one hour) spring cleaning tasks. They were-

clean out a drawer, vacuum furniture, whiten tile grout, dust the nooks and crannies you don't get to year round, degrease kitchen cabinets, wipe down walls, go behind furniture, wipe down ceiling fans, vacuum the mattress, clean the range hood, wash baseboards, shine the stainless steel, clean out vents, tackle the windows, and wipe down gadgets

Of the fifteen 'quick' tasks listed which two most need doing at your house? Will you do them?
Most of this took place around here about 2 weeks ago.  Thankfully our house is still new enough that it hasn't been necessary to do some of these just yet.  And, doubtfully our cabinets will ever need degreasing as I fry absolutely nothing.  That's right, it smells up the house and makes a huge mess as far as I'm concerned.  There's too many other ways to prepare food. ~chuckle~

4. A favorite movie set in Paris or New York?
There are several set in NY that are favorites but the first one to come to mind was BIG  with Tom Hanks.

5. What's put a spring in your step this month?
The arrival of warmer weather and readying our porches and patio for spring and summer.  I love getting the ferns and other plants potted.  They make for such a warm and welcoming look!

6. Did you ever want to be a teacher? Why or why not?
No, can't say that I have.  I probably do not have the patience for teaching. ~wink~

7.  What's your favorite floral scent? Do you have this somewhere in your home or maybe in a perfume? How do you feel about florals in food? How about wines with floral notes-yay or nay?
It would definitely be lavender.  My Grandmother introduced me to Lavender when I was just a little girl and I've loved it ever since.  I have it in essential oil, in diffusers,lotion, soap and room spray.  I'm not much into florals in food but that may be just because I'm not that familiar with it.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Yes, the man I have loved for most of my life and been married to for almost 47 years, will celebrate his 70th birthday this next Monday. (now, remember I married an older man) ~big chuckle~  I started thinking of what I could give him many months ago and decided that a trip to Memphis, TN with accomodations at The Guest House at Graceland would be something he would enjoy.  Hubby loves "fine" hotels and I hear that The Guest House is one of the finest.  Priscilla Presley built the hotel in memory of Elvis and it opened in Oct. of last year.  We have some dear friends that are going to meet us there and share in the celebration.  We will leave in the morning and be home later this weekend.  It's a short driving trip for us and Hubby likes that as well.  I'm sure I will have lots of pictures and fun stories to share next week.  Look out Memphis, here we come!

Monday's Musings

Well hello!  I've been away from this space for about 10 days and it seems like an eternity.  But, we've been making memories with our Oklahoma family and other things.  It's so good to be back and share a bit of "what's been going on with us."

This is the view most mornings from our daughter's front windows.  While I am anything but a country gal, this view is mighty serene and beautiful. They currently have 5 horses, 4 Corgi's and 5 Corgi puppies.  It's like a regular zoo around their place and it keeps them busy, busy.  I suppose we might have deprived Bridget of this lifestyle growing up but she's making up for it now. 😊  And, they will soon add a sheep or two to the mix as Clancy will begin showing sheep next Spring.  They never have a dull moment for sure. ~life in the country~ And, did I mention that the wind blows like no where else in Oklahoma. I.do.not.like.it!!!

This little guy definitely wins the award of the busiest of any of our Grans!  My goodness, he can wear his CiCi and Poppa out in no time.  He goes from one thing to the next, pulling stuff out and enjoying every minute of it.  He's so stinkin' cute that it's hard to even say "no no" to him.  When he plays, he plays hard and when he sleeps, he sleeps hard.  And, might I say, his parents have no trouble falling to sleep at night either. ~chuckle~

Clancy's newest fascination is roller blading.  He started about 2 weeks ago after his cousins introduced him to it and he just cannot get enough of it.  He can go and go and go!  I sometimes wonder if I ever had that kind of energy. ~grin~  But, I love seeing him enjoy being outside so much and getting such good exercise.  Coleman will stand at the glass back door and watch just longing for the day he can get out there and join his big brother.

I got home just in time to arrange for Dad's new adjustable bed to be delivered.  I am always looking for things to make my Dad's life more enjoyable and comfortable.  He doesn't have too many perks anymore and especially since he has little eyesight left.  So, when I mentioned an adjustable bed to him he thought that was an awesome idea.  I went to one of our local furniture stores and they had exactly what we were looking for.  Daddy laid on it, played with the remote control and decided he wanted one.  They make them with heat and massagers but Daddy stuck with just the basic adjustable features due to his eyesight.  The remote control is fairly easy and he's getting the "hang" of it.  I also ordered him a rolling bedside table where he can have everything at his fingertips when he's in the bed.  Between the adjustable bed and his adjustable recliner, he's pretty well set up for comfort. 

Hanna Beth was on Spring Break this past week and spent Thursday and Friday with me after we got home.  We made a trip to Wal-Mart and the first thing she spotted were the Peeps.  Oh, my goodness, this little girl loves those sugary things.  She could hardly wait until we got home to tear into them.  I did limit her to having 2 as I didn't think a "sugar high" would be all that good for her or me.  But, what is the Easter season without Peeps?

FYI - my daughter introduced me to Word Swag while I was visiting her and what a great app.  I did all of the pictures on this post and my Monday's Musings graphic with it and had such fun! (and the Happy Spring graphic below was done with it)   So, if you don't know about Word Swag you might want to check it out.  I did pay $4.99 to get the premium edition but there is a free app as well.

Lea's Favorites

It's that time, time for me to share some of my favorites, it can be anything from makeup to cleaning supplies to food.  Today's favorites cover a wide gamut for sure.

Ladies, this is the BEST cream to fight a wrinkled neck that I have found.  I have been using Nectifirm for about 5 years and I have been very pleased with the results.  Now, do I have a wrinkle free neck, NO, I do not.  But, this cream has lessened the wrinkles and made my neck very smooth.  It's about $70 a jar and I use about 2 1/3 jars per year, so I don't think that's too bad.  And, yes, it can be bought off Amazon.  It was recommended to me by my Dermatologist who also sold it for a much higher price.

I am a huge cheese lover and about 6 months ago I found this incredible cheese while looking for some regular cheddar.  I am all about spicy and this cheese makes any good sandwich better or makes the best cheese toast.  I found mine at Wal-Mart and haven't looked for it elsewhere, but I'm betting it can be found at other grocery stores.  Cheddar with Chipotle Peppers, what's not to like!!!

Just recently my neighbor and sweet friend introduced me to this Arizona Tea.  I have had Arizona Tea for years but I've never indulged in it on a regular basis because it's calorie laden and caffeinated.  Well, no more.  This is decaf and zero calorie and it's still GOOD!!!  I feel like it's almost like drinking water and certainly a nice diversion from water.  I drink a lot of water but at times I need a change.  And, I love that it can be bought by the gallon.

I LOVE pretty mail and when I mail something (outside of bills) I almost always use bright colored envelopes.  I recently sent out some info to 20+ women and I copied the info on bright colored paper and mailed them in brightly colored envelopes.  I mean, I want anything I mail to someone to stand out when the receiver gets their mail and this will definitely grab their attention.  This paper and envelopes are by AstroBrights.  It can be found at most discount stores and of course, Amazon.  Next time you want to grab someone's attention, mail them something in AstroBright color.

Ladies, if you do not own a Key Keeper then you need to.  It's the greatest way to keep up with your keys!  You merely clip your key ring onto the key keeper and then hang it on the edge of your purse with the keys hanging on the inside.  It makes finding your keys a snap and while you may not need your keys in your hand to open your vehicle any more, you probably need them to get into your house.  No more digging for your keys!  And, they make a great gift too. Oh, and they come in all kinds of cute designs, just take your pick.  They are on Amazon and can usually be found in lots of gift type shops. 

I just converted to Google Chrome as my internet browser and I should have done it long ago.  My daughter has been trying to convince me and I was happy with Mozilla and just did not want to "go there."  Then, Linda, my blog designer mentioned it to me as well and I decided it was time.  So, 2 weeks ago I became a "Google Chrome gal."  There's nothing hard about it at all, pretty much works like most browsers but smoother and works beautifully with Google and Blogger.

So, there you have, this edition of my favorites.  I'll be away from blogging next week and enjoying some time with our daughter and family in Oklahoma.  See you upon my return!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Congratulations Joyce on your 300th edition of the Hodgepodge!  That means you have asked some 2400 questions. My goodness, that's a boatload and you always cause us to stretch our brains with some of our answers.  Thanks so much for hosting us each week!!! And, I LOVE your new button!

1. What is one area of your life where you're a perfectionist? Is that a good thing?

In order and organization.  I thrive on it and I don't even have to think about it any longer as it is just automatic for me after all these years.  My parents were highly organized individuals and our home was always a home of order.

2. What's something you find perfectly ridiculous?

The acceptance, by so many, of immorality without any thought of the consequences.  Insane!!

3. What's a skill you've developed by way of that old fashioned saying, 'practice makes perfect?

The first thing to come to my mind was using the computer.  I am self taught on everything I know how to do on a computer.  Now, compared to some folks that isn't a lot and when compared to others, it's a fair amount.  I have had a lot of frustrations in the process but 'practice does make perfect."  I've especially had to be tenacious in learning photo editing, and I still have a long ways to go.

4. What's your idea of a perfect breakfast?

Breakfast is my favorite meal and it is a rarity for me to eat breakfast.  I especially love to go out to eat breakfast and it's something I look forward to when we travel.  My favorite breakfast is scrambled eggs with cheese, crispy bacon, a side of grits and half of a grilled buttered biscuit.  Pure yumminess!

5. What's a trip, holiday, vacation, or day outing you've taken that you'd rate a perfect 10? Tell us why.

In 2009 we went, with 5 other couples, on an Alaskan Cruise.  We had an absolutely wonderful time.  Dinner time was special with the great food and fellowship and our excursions included everything from Dog Sledding to riding ATV's through rugged country side.  Our accomodations were lovely and, as I said, it was just a splendid time.  I'd go back tomorrow!

6. What quote or saying perfectly sums up your life right now? If you can't do perfect, how about one that comes close?
Family, friends and time are what matter most at this point in my life.

7. How would you spend $300 today?

We have two families in our church going through some tough, tough health issues, and as a result, they are facing financial stresses.   I would split it between the 2 of them.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby and I will be heading towards Oklahoma on Sunday to visit our 2 little cowboys.  Bridget and Clancy are out for Spring Break next week so we'll spend a few fun days together.  There is always something new to do or find in Oklahoma City for sure.  But, sure wish it wasn't an 8 hour drive away, but it could sure be a lot further. Right Joyce? 😊

Monday's Musings

Spring is in the air here in NE Louisiana and Hubby and I spent most of the weekend getting things "spiffied" up on the outside and I did a some spring decorating on the inside.

If you have never been invaded by Barn Swallows then consider yourself VERY lucky!  During the final phases of the construction of our new house, the swallows began greeting us.  They began building nests in any nook or cranny they could find.  We have never had any before and I did not know what an aggravation they can be and what a mess they can make.  Hubby cleaned up the residue left by them from last year and we're going to try a few tricks to keep them away this year.  Some folks say nothing will keep them away but we've had a few folks share their tips with us and we're going to try it.  They will be making their entrance in the next month and we'll be READY!!!

~~~~~~~~~

After we got the front porch pressured washed and cleaned I put out the spring decor.  I love, love these pillows and think they scream SPRING!  I don't know if you can tell but the front pillow has birds on it.

~~~~~~~~

After getting the outside spiffed up it was time to come inside and do a little Easter decorating.

I love Spring and Easter and I love bunnies and especially this bunny family sitting in the frilly greenery.

I found these gorgeous plaque stands, with the names of Jesus, a couple of years ago.  They make the perfect addition to my Easter dining table scape and share the REAL reason of Easter.
~~~~~~~~

In closing I wanted to share what my sweet blogging friend, Stephanie, is doing over at her blog.

This is her 10th year to do the Tea Culp and/or Mug exchange.  I've never participated but decided it was something I definitely wanted to do this year.  It's for bloggers and non-bloggers alike.  If you want more information, click on her link and find out all about it.

HAPPY  MONDAY!!!