My 1000th Blog Post

WHAT ???? Is this really my 1000th post?  In March of 2009 I began this journey called blogging.  I really had no idea what I was doing but it didn't take me long to get it figured out and to thoroughly enjoy it.  I had no idea of the many friends that I would make in the process and how many folks would actually say to me, "I so enjoy your blog."  That is like icing on the cake for me when others enjoy reading the posts I have written.  Heartfelt thanks to you, my readers, for your support, kind words, and for hanging in there with me these past 8 1/2 years.  Now, on to my 1000th post...........

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Hubby and I went to Oklahoma last week to see our daughter and her family.  She and her oldest were on fall break so it was a good time to spend with them.

I often say that it's like going to a zoo when we go see them.  They live out in the country and they have horses, sheep, a cat and raise and breed Corgi's.  It's all hands on deck around their house when it comes to feeding all these critters.  I can only hope that these animals bring them a lot of enjoyment because they are a whole lot of work. And, it doesn't matter what the weather is, raining, hot or freezing cold, they have to be fed. ~not for me~ But, on the other hand, feeding time is also family time.  Most evenings Bridget and Coleman join Clint and Clancy in the process and Coleman likely has the most fun of all.  He chases after the dogs and sheep, plays on the tractor and just enjoys being outside. ~he's all boy for sure~

Poppa got Clancy's bicycle out and Coleman was ready to jump right on it.  Coleman doesn't back off from much of anything and I fully expect he'll be riding a bike (without training wheels) shortly. ~that could be an exaggeration~  He also gave Poppa a run for his money. ~chuckle~

Clancy works with the sheep several times a week in preparation for showing them next spring.  I have always heard that sheep are stubborn and now I know it firsthand.  Poor Clancy has to work hard to get the crazy things to do what he wants them to do but in the end, Clancy won the battle.  And, little brother follows him every step of the way trying to get his hands on the sheep as well.

One day Bridget and I were able to enjoy a mother/daughter day.  Those days seem to be few and far between, so this was extra special for sure.  We started our day at Inspirations  in Edmond, Oklahoma.  What a perfect start to our day.  It is just beautiful and the breakfast was out of this world.  

After we ate we enjoyed browsing the through the shop.  Everything beautifully displayed.  It was, as I stated, a most perfect start to a most fun day spent with my girl.

Again, thank you so much for being one of my readers.  You are a blessing to me and I pray that my blog is a blessing and enjoyment to all who stop by.  Hugs to all of you!

NOTE: Hubby and I will be off to beautiful Branson, Mo. this next week so I'll be out of pocket.  I'll have lots to share upon our return.  See you then!

What's Up Wednesday

I enjoy link-ups and have made so many new blogging friends by participating in them.  Today is the first time I've linked up with "What's Up Wednesday" but it won't be my last.  It is a monthly link up and that appeals to me as well.  Hope you enjoy!

What we're eating this week...........well, I cannot lie.  Truth be told, I do very little cooking these days.  I try to cook what I call a decent meal a couple of times a week and the other evenings we eat "gourmet sandwiches" with some chips, or we go out.  I'll cook more as the weather cools because we love stews, soups, chili and the such.

What I'm reminiscing about.....oh, I do a lot of this and right now I'm reminiscing about my precious Mom.  The 9th anniversary of her death will be December 1st.  Life has never been the same without her, but life goes on. There's no one as interested in the details of your life as your Mom.

What I'm loving.......the feel of fall in the air.  We've had fall like weather the past 3-4 days and it looks as though it is going to continue.  I love fall and the changing of the colors.

What we've been up to........Hubby and I returned from a few days in Oklahoma visiting our daughter and her family this past Sunday.  I've been busy getting caught up after being gone, preparing for company this weekend and going on another trip next Tuesday.  Yep, it's busy around here right now.

What I'm dreading........wrapping Christmas presents.  I use to absolutely LOVE wrapping gifts of any kind but not anymore.  I don't want to think it's my age, surely not!!!

What I'm working on..........I've started my Christmas shopping and have made a decent dent in it.  I have what I've bought ready to wrap but haven't gotten to the wrapping part just yet.(see above) And, I've done a rough draft of our Christmas card.  Every year I think I won't send them, but somehow I keep sending them. ~go figure~

What I'm excited about.......As I mentioned above, Hubby and I are going on another trip next week.  We are meeting dear friends in Branson, Missouri and we'll be staying at one of my most favorite places, The Keeter Center.  The colors will likely be beautiful, cooler temps and we'll be seeing some Christmas shows.  Yes, I am excited about this! 

What I'm watching/reading..........I'm enjoying The Voice, This is Us, The Menendez Murders (everything about this show is sad) and of course, Shark Tank!  About the only thing I'm reading just now is my Bible study book, Finding I Am and of course, blogs. ~smile~

What I'm listening to.........funny you asked.  My daughter just introduced me to K-Love radio and I've fallen in love.  I play it through my IPhone and through bluetooth in my car.  Wow, just such great inspiring christian music and the DJ's are awesome.  Yes, I'm in love!!!

What I'm wearing.........well, I'm finally in long sleeves, vests, cardigans, jeans or long pants and of course, booties.  Love dressing this time of year!

What I'm doing this weekend......We will be seeing both of Tommy's sisters and it's been a long time since they have both been here at the same time.  One is passing through headed somewhere else and will stay here for a couple of nights.  The other one will be in the area to attend her husband's 50th class reunion.  It will be a quick visit, but a special time.

What I'm looking forward to next month....after having time to think following my retina tears and laser surgery this past July, I have decided to get a second opinion.  I'll be seeing one of the many retina specialists at Hamilton Eye Institute in Memphis, TN in mid-Nov.  There are just some concerns that I have and I pray they are unfounded but I just need to hear from another specialist that "all is well."  It's so inconvenient to travel 4 hours to see a Dr. but when it comes to eyesight, inconvenience is not considered.

What else is new.........this isn't new but just a sweet something.........As most of you know my Daddy lives in an assisted living facility about 4 miles from me.  He will be 88 on Nov. 9th and is a retired minister.  I generally see him at least 4-5 times a week and most of the time our visits are very special.  He is a great conversationalist and so full of wisdom.  If, in our conversation, he senses that I may be a little down, discouraged, or have a concern, he will have prayer with me before I leave.  He's done this so many times but it still brings me to tears and at the same time, floods my heart with peace.  It's as though the gates of heaven open right up when my Daddy prays.  And, it doesn't hurt that he has one of the best voices in the world!  I hate to even think of my earthly life without his prayers. ~sigh~

Lea's Favorites

I have some real "goodies" for you today, or at least I think so.  I always hope that some of my favorites will also become some of your favorites.

I only have this one food I have today but it is a really, really good one.  My daughter told me about these just this week and I went right out and bought a box of them.  If you like all things almond then you will surely LOVE them.  Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy these fellas.  You will not regret it and a pouch (2 of them)  is only 180 calories!
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Are you like me and get tired of putting your cell phone in the cup holder or maybe you just keep your phone in your purse and don't give it a thought. ~good for you~  I, and most of you, I'm sure, have blue tooth connection for your phone but I still like to have my phone in view.  This holder is the BEST!  It simply suctions to your windshield and I mean SUCTIONS!   It's especially great if you are using your MAPS app.  I put mine in the far left lower portion of my windshield so that it is not in my view or a distraction.  Yes, it is on Amazon!

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You may not be able to tell from this picture, but this is a miniature flat iron.  It is the handiest little tool if you have short hair, especially around the neckline.  I have owned 2 of these dandy things and love them.  It is so much easier to grab shorter hair with one of these.  I just happened to run across one in a beauty supply store a couple of years ago and this new one came from, yes, you guessed it, Amazon.
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I am not much into flats but these caught my eye and called my name.  They are by Vince Cumuto and are so cute and comfortable.  I got the black leather but they come in suede as well and in a couple of other colors.  I love the bow embellishment with the gold studs.  These can be found at Nordstroms.  

So, there you have it, my latest favorite things.  Wishing you a wonderful weekend.  We're hoping for cooler temps here in NE, Louisiana.  And, just so you know, there will be no posts next week as we'll be in Oklahoma visiting our daughter and family during their Fall Break.  See you the following week!

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

 It's the Wednesday Hodgepodge, nothing else needs to be said............

1. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your sense of direction? 1=can't find my way out of a paper bag and 10=if I've been somewhere once I can find it blindfolded ten years later.
I would definitely be a 10!!!  I was the reason that Navigation Systems were invented.  It was a glorious day when MAPS came into existence.  I just wish it had happened 30 years earlier because me and a map just do not "gee haw" at all.

When was the last time you looked at/used a map you could hold in your hand? (phones don't count!) 

back east, down south, out west, up north
I think I may have looked at a map while we were in Memphis this past spring.  It was a small map inside an information book in the hotel room.  I was trying to see where something was located in relation to the hotel.  Other than that, I couldn't tell you when I've held a map in my hand.

Choose one of these directional expressions and tell us why you chose it.

This is so me!  I need you to give me landmarks, like turn left at the Kroger Grocery Store, I have never grasped north, south, east or west. ~much to my husband's dismay~

2. Did you do more talking or listening yesterday? Is that typical? Describe your yesterday in one word.
I did more talking as I was on the phone taking care of Dr. appointments and other arrangements that took way more time on the phone than I cared to spend.  But, it was necessary!  No, that is not typical, thankfully.  I try to be mindful that the Lord gave me 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason, that I should do more listening than talking.  I fail at times but I really do try.

3. Time, money, water-power-resources, opportunity...which one on the list are you most guilty of wasting? What might you do to change that?
Oh, my, surely I'm not the only one guilty of wasting all of these at one time or the other.  I sure hope I'm not!  I am very time conscious and try so hard to be wise with mine, but, I seem to still waste it on occasion.  And, I can say the same thing for the other 4 on the list.  To change that I need to be intentional in making sure I do my VERY best to not be wasteful in any of these areas.  Being intentional is key to a whole lot of issues!

4. Did  your family take regular vacations when you were a kid? Tell us something you remember about a family roadtrip from your own childhood.
We did and most of the time it was to see family because we lived 1000+ miles away from my Mom's family for a time and then 1000+ miles away from my Dad's family.  We would generally incorporate interesting stops along the way.  Memories of our traveling is forever etched upon my memory for sure.  We traveled in un-airconditioned cars, and the wind noise was deafening and I couldn't stand the wind blowing through the open windows.  And, their were no baby seats whatsoever and my dear Momma would hold our baby brother in her lap all the way.  Can you imagine?  And, there sure wasn't any seat belts.  Everything about traveling was UNSAFE back "in the day."

5. If you could grow anything you wanted, what would you grow? Why?
I have drawn a complete blank on this, can't think of a thing I want to grow.  I can't wait to read everyone's else's answers to this. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.

This is the newest litter of the Broome Corgi's.  Yes, they made their appearance one week ago today  Our daughter and her husband raise and breed Corgi's.  And, these little puppies are precious but would I have ever dreamed in all of my life that my daughter would be plum silly over raising and breeding any kind of dog.  Not in a million years! They have flown these dogs across the miles to their new owners and they've met their new owners at the airport and given them their puppy.  Some folks don't like for their puppies to fly alone.  They have had some folks drive 800+ miles to pick one up.  Anyway, it is an interesting business for sure and it seems that Corgi's are a most popular dog and make a wonderful pet.  We'll get to see these next week as we're going for a visit and no, we will not be bringing one home with us. ~smile~ So, if you have an interest in one, just let me know and I can sure get you the "hook up."

10 on the 10th

Tuesday is not a usual blogging day for me, but today's 10 on the 10th. It should be a most interesting link up for sure.  We're to post about 10 things in our bathroom drawer(s).  Have mercy, how are we suppose to limit it to 10.  Well, here goes.....

1. Hair clips - used to hold my hair out of my face while applying my makeup.  I'd rather use clips than a headband.  I use a headband when I'm washing my face. ~just in case you were wondering~

2. - Terry cloth headband - I love this headband when I'm about to wash my face and do my nightly facial routine.  It does a good job of keeping the products out of my hair. 

3. All things used to remove makeup - that would be facial cleanser, eye makeup remover and toner (in top picture)

4. Makeup Brushes - just how many brushes does it take to apply makeup. Apparently a lot!  I have every eye brush made (I think) and I generally use most of them.  Then you have the brushes for your face powder and blush.  Makes me tired just thinking about all of them.

5. Eye shadows, mascaras, foundation, eye liner and eye brow pencil - I don't have a lot of eye shadow as I generally use the same 3 neutral colors everyday.  I think that's more to my style. I've never been one to wear colored eye shadow.  I love foundation and truly cannot imagine my life without it as I'm pretty scary looking without it. ~chuckle~

6. Eye drops - my poor eyes are generally very red in the mornings, so before I even start with my makeup I put some drops to remove redness and in a matter of seconds, it's gone and I'm "good to go." 

7. Hair products - I basically use one of these hair products, the It's a 10 is what I generally use before blow drying my hair and the rest was likely bought because I "thought" I'd give it a try.  

8. Hair brushes for styling and more clips - There's a round brush, big and small, and a regular brush.  They all serve a different purpose and  I'm not sure when fixing our hair became such an ordeal, but......... 

9. Flatiron and curling iron - this is the neatest drawer that has a plug and bins built in for my hair styling tools.  When I'm finished I can merely close the drawer and everything is out of sight. 

10. Facial wash clothes - these are just regular wash clothes but they are what I use to wash my face with.  I do not use the wash clothes that go with my towels because makeup is nasty and mascara leaves stains on them.  So, this drawer holds my stash.

So,that's my 10 items but I assure you I could have given 50, but that would have been overload for sure.  Who really cares anyway, but it will be kind of interesting to see the various items that women have in their bathroom drawers.  I'm off to check it out!

Birthday weekend

Last weekend was our BIG birthday weekend and it was a  special time with family as well.

My brother came in from Iowa and got to share in all the fun.  He comes 2-3 times a year to spend time with us and our Daddy.   We always enjoy his visits!

Our daughter, me and our DIL

Our daughter and her sons came in as well.  It was her 20th year class reunion and it just happened to fall on the weekend before Clancy's 9th birthday.  In fact, it was the weekend before his, our son's and Hanna Beth's birthday.  They all celebrate their special days the first week of  October.

I'm telling you there's not a cuter little boy nor is there a busier little boy.  He goes 100% all day long and it took all of us to keep up with him.  He takes "top honors" for the busiest of any of our Grans.  If he weren't so stinkin' cute it might matter but it's hard to get aggravated with him due to his cuteness. ~chuckle~

Saturday afternoon we gathered to celebrate our birthday honoree's.  My Dad joined in on the fun and no doubt, was glad to get back to his quiet little abode afterwards. ~grin~

This little guy was celebrating his 9th birthday and was more than EXCITED to find a Nintendo Switch in his birthday package.  How on earth these kids can manipulate those controls is beyond me.  I couldn't a bit more figure it out than fly to the moon.  He was a happy boy for sure!

Our Princess will celebrate her 8th birthday this next Saturday.  She was quite proud of her new Vera Bradley backpack, new clothes, books and a Garmin type fitbit.  She can now count her steps while carrying her cute new backpack.  How much better can it get for a precious little 8 year old girl.

And, this big guy celebrated #41 this past Tuesday.  Yep, I can't believe I'm Mom to a child 41 years old.  He was pretty excited about an envelope filled with some of his favorite gift cards! He's now Dad to two precious little girls and it blesses my heart to sit back and watch him be a Daddy.

I had one cake made with all of their names on it.  It's from our favorite bakery here and she's been making our family birthday cakes ever since Brandon's 1st birthday.  It wasn't the prettiest cake this year but we had to leave room for all their names and that left little room for "cuteness."

It was a fun and busy time and hopefully one for the memory books.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's another Wednesday, another Hodgepodge and that means more questions from Joyce to be answered by us.  

1.  Have you ever spent time on a farm? Well, not really.  I've visited farms but that's about the extent of my time on a farm. ~I'm a city gal~  Tell us a little bit about it. Have you ever grown your own pumpkin? Oh, never grown a pumpkin or anything else for that matter outside of flowers.  Been on a hayride? Yes, I have been on a hayride, in fact, more than one.  It has been many, many years since I've been on one, but I sure did enjoy them "back in the day."  Driven a tractor?  No, haven't driven a tractor either but probably could the next time we go to our daughter's.  Our SIL has a tractor and I'm betting he would just love to teach me to drive it. ~big laugh~  Milked a cow? Yes, to this as well but again, it's been many, many years ago.  Some folks in one of my Dad's churches gave me this opportunity and I'll never forget it either. 

2. What's something younger you would like about you now? 

Oh, my, I've given this a lot of thought and about all I can think of is that I am a true Southern Belle and I feel like I "wear it well."  In other words, it agrees with me.

3. What are three things you'd like to do more often?  
1 - Enjoy lunch with lady friends
2 - Prepare "out of the norm" meals ~this is very random~
3 - See my extended family in Virginia 

Three things you'd like to do less often?
1 - Go to the Dr. or Dentist
2 - Use the self check-out at Wal-Mart
3 - Listen to automated messages when I call a business

4. What's on your nachos?
Pile them high with jalapeno peppers and rotel cheese

5. What's the most random thing in your purse or wallet?
I don't know if it's all that random but I have a Tide Spot Remover Pen in my purse.  I mean one never knows when they may need to remove a spot of ketchup or mustard off their clothes.
 Does it need to stay there?
Yes, it definitely needs to stay there "just in case"

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

This poor china oriental lady lost her head yesterday in a very freak accident.  I had to have a repairman come to work on the gasket on my dishwasher.  He is the nicest man and we were talking while he was walking towards the front door and he stopped for us to finish our conversation before he left.  I have an antique shelf sitting somewhat near the front door but it's never been a bother until...........  He was talking and emphasizing  with his hands and arms and somehow he knocked one of these oriental ladies to her death.  He was beyond embarrassed and I assured him that it was okay.  I mean, they are just "stuff" and now I one less of "stuff" to worry with in the years ahead.  I do enjoy these ladies and they look lovely on this shelf and now, as you can see in the photo, there is an empty space where this one once sat.  I'm going to see if I can replace her but it's doubtful as I have had them several years. By the way, he did not offer to return my payment for his service. ~wink~ I will definitely be calling him again but if we are conversing we will do it in an open space. ~smile~

Happy mid-week!!!!

TBB Asks....Fall Theme

It's all about fall today with the Blended Blog questions.

1. Favorite Fall Sweet Treat? It would be anything pumpkin or cinnamon.

2. Red, Yellow or Green Apples? If I have to eat an apple it would definitely be red but I think all 3 of the colors in a bowl make a most attractive look for fall.

3. Favorite Fall Sport to Play? Well, I don't play a sport, so I'll go with a good card game, dominos or a board game.

4. Best Drink for Fall? Coffee is always the best drink for me and right now I'm putting a couple of tablespoons of Pumpkin Skinny Syrup in it.

5. Favorite Fall Activity? We always head to see our daughter in Oklahoma in Oct. while she out of school for Fall Break.  It's a great time to see the changing colors and makes the long drive a bit more enjoyable.

6. Must have Fall Purchase?Hubby always buys mums to place around when fall rolls around.  I love them but he is the "mum pro" so I leave the purchasing to him.

7. Pumpkins: Pick your own or store bought? I guess this is terrible, but I quit buying real pumpkins several years ago.  They just rot way too quick and I don't enjoy cleaning up rotten pumpkin.  I only used them for outside decor and they now make such realistic "fake" ones that if I use any, that's the ones I buy.

8. Real or Fake Pumpkin? Guess I just answered this in #7

9. Favorite Halloween Costume? Any costume that isn't scary is good with me.  I don't do scary.

10. College Football or NFL? I am not a big fan of any sports but it would definitely be college football if I had to pick.  I can enjoy watching our LSU Tigers play, especially if it is a close game. But, right now, our Tigers are "struggling" big time.

11. Fall or Halloween Decor? I have always done limited Halloween decor until this year and I went with all fall decor this year and just skipped any Halloween decor.  It's just so much easier to put out fall and then in Nov. I will add a few Thanksgiving touches to the fall decor and that will carry me right on through to Christmas. I do have a HUGE jack-o-lantern on our front porch and that is definitely Halloweeny. ~smile~

12. Raking Leaves or no Leaves to Rake? We have NO leaves, thank the Lord!!!  We have no trees and no trees mean no leaves.  We had enough trees and  leaves at our old house to last us a lifetime.

13. Favorite Soup? Oh, I love soup so there's really not any that I would refuse.  I'll just say my homemade Chicken Noodle is at the top of my list.  I can hardly wait for cooler temps so I can start in with the soup making.

14. Favorite Fall Candle scent? It would be cinnamon, what's not to like about the smell of cinnamon.

15. Love or Hate Pumpkin Spice? Yes, I love Pumpkin Spice and just typing that makes me want to go and make some Pumpkin Spice Bread. Yum! Yum!

16. Short Booties or Tall boots? I wear short booties a lot more than tall boots.  I love the short booties and have gotten a couple pair of the short open toed booties for this year.

17. Favorite Halloween Candy? Miniature Reese Peanut Butter Cups.  There's just something about the peanut butter and chocolate combination.

18. PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte): YES or NO? Yes, for sure!

19. Hayride or Corn Maze? Oh, if someone wanted to torture me then they could just drop me off at a corn maze and expect me to find my way out.  NOT!!!  Give me a nice hayride and I'll be a happy gal!

20. Favorite Fall TV Show? The Voice.  The new season started last week and I'm so excited.  It is a favorite of mine and gives me something to do when the days are getting shorter.