Home Tour Tuesday

This is my first time to link up with Home Tour Tuesday but it looks like such a fun meme and I've so enjoyed following Daphne the past couple of months.  And, I found today's subject, night stands, so interesting.  So here goes...........

I really hated to show our nightstands because compared to a lot, they just do NOT have a lot of Pizazz!  But, guess that's what makes this "show and tell" so interesting.

Now, just how "blah" can a nightstand be, think ours would probably get the award for sure.  But, now functional, they are certainly that. ~chuckle~  As you can see, mine houses my latest read, lotions of every scent and description for the hands and feet, lip balm for the drying lips, my daily eye drops, clock radio and my trusty flashlight for those nightly runs. Oh, and I almost forgot, the box of Kleenex.  Yep, just as I said, pretty blah and not very interesting.  But, hey, the lamp is attractive.

Hubby's is just as blah, but he would say houses everything he wants it to house. ~smile~  Number one is the TV remote controls, his back scratcher, his lotions, clock radio and those little white dots are Tic Tacs. Oh, my goodness, I'm thinking this is getting way too personal. ~laugh~

But, there you have it and just so you will not think that our entire bedroom is that blah, I snapped these other two pictures that have a little more charm to them and really are a lovely addition to our abode.

I display my collection of Willow Tree here along with some plants.

This  graces  one of the corners and holds some of my favorite treasures

Now, this was just too much fun and I just may have to become a regular participant. Wishing for each of you a day full of joy and happiness!

Crud turned to Pneumonia

I have been battling the "crud" for two weeks and got two shots and 3 different medications 9 days ago.  This past Tuesday I began hearing a rattle in my chest and knew that I needed to get back to the Dr.  I returned to the Dr. on Wednesday to be informed that I now have pneumonia. I was told to stay in, lay low and return to be rechecked this morning.  So, I have been doing just that, not an easy task for me, but I do know the seriousness of pneumonia and want to hopefully prevent it from getting out of hand.   I am fully expecting a good report this morning.  The breathing treatment and new meds seem to definitely be working.  I can no longer hear myself wheezing.  I'm thinking in another couple of days that I will be able to ease back into a "normal routine."  

 I decided today to link with both Linda and Rachel Anne. My brain is not thinking too clearly with all the drugs and I thought the prompt of questions would be most helpful. ~smile~  

How strict were teachers when you were in school? I don't know that I ever thought of any of my teachers as strict. I just knew they expected certain things from me, and I usually did my best to fulfill those expectations.


What were common methods of discipline? No recess? Writing sentences? Being sent to the principal's office?
In "my day" you were in big time trouble if you got sent to the principal's office. I'm pleased to report that I was never sent to the principals office.  I was kept in line by having my recess taken away or writing sentences.  Missing recess was awful in my estimation and it served as a good cure for whatever was ailing me.  I did write my share of sentences but that never bothered me all that much.  I was a very fast writer and knocked those out pretty quickly.~grin~
 
Were "pops" or "swats" allowed? Did you ever get in "big" trouble at school? If so, what was it for and what happened to you? Were you ever suspended from school?If you got in trouble at school, what happened at home? Oh, definitely "pops" and "swats" were allowed and I do remember one time I got two swats for talking. I was called up in front of the class and the teacher took care of her business and I sat back down. It hurt my pride more than my behind. ~chuckle~  No, it would have all been over but the shouting if I had ever gotten suspended from school.  My parents were in complete agreement with school discipline and even though all of my discipline issues surrounded too much talking, my parents took it very seriously and addressed it with me when I got home.

Was school lunch a pretty relaxed environment or was discipline maintained in the cafeteria as well?  Lunch was very much relaxed time and I have no recollection of there ever being any discipline issues.  It was a time of visiting with friends and a time that I always looked forward to.  Plus, I remember they always served the BEST hot rolls with honey that I'd ever put my "smackers" on. ~grin~
 

If you are a teacher, what have you vowed never to do as a result of your experiences growing up? n/a

I look forward to stopping by and visiting with many of you today as I continue to "lay low."  I am just amazed at what awesome gals I've linked up to through the blogging world  What a blessing you have been to me!

May the Lord fill you with love that knows no boundaries.

Hodgepodge Wednesday

1.What word or phrase would you like to see banished from our everyday vocabulary in 2011? You can choose one from the 'official list' or you can get creative and come up with your own. Oh, I didn't even have to think on this one.  I would love to see the word SUCK banished from the way some folks are using it these days.  It just makes my skin crawl when I hear someone say "this or that sucks."  It just has such a nasty connotation to me. 

2. Do you consider opportunity something that comes to you or something you create for yourself? Probably both. Often folks are just in the "right place at the right time" for a great opportunity.  Other times folks avail themselves in such a way as to create opportunity for themselves.  I think we often miss opportunities that are practically staring us in the face.

 3. Since we're all eating healthy this month, ahem, what's included in your favorite salad? Is there dressing?
Oh,I love, love spinach, craisins, walnuts, purple onion, fresh mushrooms and feta cheese tossed with Red Wine Vinaigrette.  Yummy!

 

4. The fourth Monday in January is said to be Blue Monday...aka the most depressing day of the year. The date was calculated using many factors including weather, debt level, time since Christmas, time since we've failed at our new year resolutions, low motivation and feeling a need to take action. Do you get the blues this time of year and if so what is something you do to lift your spirits? I do feel a  let down following the holidays.  I always use January as a "cleaning out and getting rid of stuff" month.  That keeps me very busy and I love the feeling I get when I get drawers, closets and cabinets all back in order.  It keeps my spirits lifted and seems to help me forget the doldrums. 

5. Do you wear a watch? Any other everyday jewelry essentials? I ALWAYS wear a watch, I'm lost without one.  It doesn't matter that there is a clock in my car, and 45 throughout my house, I still have got to have a watch on my wrist.  Guess you might say that I am very time conscious. ~chuckle~

And, I always put on my wedding rings when  I leave the house.  I do not wear them inside the house.  I always, always have on earrings too and probably a bracelet or two.  I enjoy accessorizing. ~smile~

6. What is something useful you learned in high school? 
I was not allowed to dance when I was in high school and dancing was a pretty big deal at that time.  I learned that it really was okay , and I could still have a good time and to this day, I don't really think that I missed all that much by not dancing.  I still had a lot of fun and that was the bottom line!

7. Do you use an accountant when completing and filing your income tax returns or do you attempt to muddle through all by yourself?  Oh, my, we would be "hard pressed" if it were not for our Financial Adviser!  He totally takes care of our income tax and all things concerned.  Since my husband is self employed, it can be very tricky and we've never wanted to take care of it ourselves.  I am the queen of Quick Books though and I do my husband's staff payroll and I make sure that Quick Books is always "up to snuff" for our Financial Advisor.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I've heard so many comments on the Arizona shooting suspect the past couple of days.  Some are arguing that he is a terrorist, some say a sick and deranged individual.  Well, I'm thinking they are "one in the same."  Sometimes the media just "babbles" on and on unnecessarily.  It makes my ears tired!


Joyce is a wonderful hostess each Wed. and I look forward to Hodgepodge.  I thought this week's Hodgepodge was especially fun. For more Hodgepodge, click the button above and enjoy yourself!

Happy mid-week to each of you!

Miscellany Monday

{one}

We have awakened to a dusting of snow and ice this morning. Not anything serious, but enough that all the schools and several businesses are closed.  We waited around for it most of yesterday and it didn't really do much.  Our area sees this type of weather so infrequently that everyone gets all in a "  tizzy"   when we do.  Everyone heads to the grocery store emptying the shelves and acting like we're going to be housebound for days on end.  The truth of the matter is that it will likely be gone by noon today and we'll be back into our normal routine.  But, my daughter and DIL were sure excited to have this surprise day off to spend with their babies.

{two}

I tried my hand at making Gumbo this week-end.  That is a Louisiana food that I have never had the courage to try and make.  I just wasn't sure about making a roux.  Well, there are packages of roux that are made for those of us that are afraid of trying to make it.  I had heard that they were good, so I dove off to give it a try.  Most folks here think that the more that goes into Gumbo the better it is.  So, I put shrimp, tasso pork, sausage, chicken and okra.  And, even I do say so, it was scrumptious!  I was quite proud of myself and am well on my way of becoming a good ole Cajun cook. ~smile~

{three}

While Hubby and I were waiting on the "  wintry mix"  to arrive yesterday afternoon, he started channel surfing.  We were bored and needed something to liven things up a bit.  He ran across Sarah Palin's Alaska and we began watching it.  Regardless of your political view of her, I think if you ever watched this show, you would say that she is one more amazing woman.  She was man handling a chain saw, Carabou hunting, repelling, gold mining, fishing and all the while, looking like a million dollars.  Oh, the magic of television! ~smile~ 

I had my entire post done and out of the clear it just suddenly disappeared.  Urggggggggggg! so, so aggravating.  So, let me just say that I do always love linking up with our sweet Carissa at Lowercase Letters  and  if you would enjoy more random thoughts this Monday, then just go check her out. 

A beautiful week is wished to each of you!  Can you believe we're already 10 whole days into the new year. WOW!

A Little Bit of Ramblin'

It is so good to be back after the holidays.  Holidays are fun but it's always good to get back into our more "normal" routines.  I'm such a routine person that I get sort of "cranky" when I'm out of it for very long. ~smile~  

I've been ailing with the "crud" again (my 3rd bout since the 1st of November) and am just not "up to par."  I did finally go to the Dr. this past Tuesday and got two shots and 2 medications.  I really thought that by today I would see a big improvement, but that just has not happened.  Surely by tomorrow I will be on the road upward. Everyone in our family has had it except for our son and his wife.  We're hoping they can escape it.

I've done so much "pot cooking" the past few weeks.  I always do that in the winter months.  It's a pot of chili, a pot of soup, or a pot of stew for dinner most winter evenings.  Thank goodness Hubby is good with that.  And, I always make more than we will eat and either share it with the kids or freeze it for another time.  This week I've made beef stew and chili and there's always a pan of cornbread made to go with it.  Last night I did change up the schedule a bit and we had a good ole hamburger.  I think Tommy was a bit surprised when he sat down to a plate instead of a bowl. ~smile~


I got a new vehicle last weekend and along with a new vehicle comes new "bells and whistles" to figure out.  I DO NOT like figuring them out, I want to just get in the car and know what buttons do what without ever looking at the guide manual. Well, it just doesn't work that way.  So, I've spent quite a bit of time sitting in my car with the manual, and little by little I'm getting things figured out.  I'm totally amazed at how much "they" can get these cars to do today. My seat practically ejects me when I go to get out of it. ~chuckle~ One thing that I can already tell I'm going to love is the Bluetooth connection for my phone. Yea!  And, another adjustment is the size.  It is a crossover vehicle and I've been driving either a van or a Suburban for over 25 years.  But, I was definitely ready to downsize, but it's a huge difference.

Tonight you will find Hubby and I  in front of the TV as our LSU Tigers  take on Texas A and M.  I'm certainly not a huge fan of football, but this will be one game that I will  keep one eye on.  After Arkansas' loss to Ohio State on Tuesday evening, LSU fans are not assuming anything.  Aren't we glad that it's "just a game."  Not sure all folks understand that! ~chuckle~

And, I just have to put this plug in since it's the first of the year.  If you gals are not familiar with Blog2Print ,
I hope you will check it out.  It is the greatest way to preserve your blog in book form.  I used it last year and am about to order another one of my last years blog entries.  It is very user friendly and I am hopeful that it will be something that my children will enjoy "one day."

I always enjoy connecting with the Company Girls are Friday.  What a special group of ladies and don't we just love our "fearless hostess" Rachel.  She's the BEST!  I never knew the friendships that would occur as a result of my blogging, but each of you truly do hold a special place in my heart. I wish we could have an old fashioned pallet party sometime.  Talk about fun! ~giggle~
 

Blessings for a beautiful week-end!

Hodgepodge Wednesday

I enjoyed our break from Hodgepodge, but I'm sure excited to be back with it this week.  I do hope Joyce enjoyed the break and so appreciate her hosting us each week.  If you want to check out more Hodgepodge Wednesday, just click the button and above and enjoy!

1. What three words would you use to describe 2010?

Never a dull moment!

Now, I could elaborate on that but I won't.  And, I tried to get it  in 3 words but just couldn't figure out another way to say it.

2. If fear were not an issue what is something you'd like to try?

If fear were not a factor I would love to try skydiving. It just looks like it would be an exhilarating feeling and an experience like none other. 

3. What do you add to your coffee or tea?

I drink it with 2 packages of artificial sweetener and a heaping teaspoon of powdered cream first thing in the mornings.  If I have any the rest of the day, I only use creamer.  I only want it sweet in the mornings and I always only want powdered cream.  And, I only drink it out of insulated mugs. I like HOT coffee and once it begins to cool, it's no longer good to me.

 4. What historical sporting event would you like to witness?

Well, I think it would have been neat to be at the very first Super Bowl in 1967.  The Green Bay Packers played the Kansas City Chiefs (the Packers won). I doubt anyone realized at the time what a big deal the Super Bowl would become in the world of football.

5. What is one piece of advice you would like to give your sixteen year old self?  To just enjoy being 16.  At 16 I could hardly wait to graduate from high school and get on with the next phase of my life.  As with most kids, I didn't know how quickly time would pass and how soon I would have the responsibilities of an adult.  If I could do it over, I'd savor all of my youth more than I did the first time around.

6. Are you a planner or do you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants?

A planner with a capitol P!!!!  Both of my parents were planners so I got a double dose of it.  Our household operated as a very well oiled machine when I was growing up and as a result I am very much an organized planner. And, while it has served me well and I feel that I am a most productive person, it can have it drawbacks.  I'll just leave it at that. ~laugh~

7. What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2011?

Hubby and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary on June 6th.  Now, I should be a whole lot older than I am to be celebrating 40 years of marriage.  I mean, really!  I stand amazed that a little 18 year old girl actually made it through those early years of marriage while living 1000 miles away from her parents. Thank the Lord Tommy was 24 and had a whole bunch of patience and hung in there while I finished growing up. ~giggle~

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I had to finally break down and go to the Dr. today with this "crud" that I seem to have had  off and on for the past 2 months.  My throat is sore, my head often feels like it may blow up, I have this aggravating cough and I'm just "not up to par."  Well, after a steroid shot in one hip, a Rochephin shot in the other hip, I could barely walk out of the Drs. office. ~grin~ That in addition to two prescriptions should either "kill me or cure me."  I'm going to sure hope it cures me.~smile~

Miscellany Monday

 {one}

 I can hardly believe that it has been 11 years since the year 2000. These past 11 years have been the most eventful years of any in our family.  What we experienced in this short time is:

 Both of our children graduated from high

school and college

My parents moved from Virginia to Louisiana so 

they would be near me in their latter years

Our daughter married in 2002

Our son married in 2004

My MIL died in January 2008

My Mother died in December 2008

Our first Grandchild was born in October 2008

Our second Grandchild was born October 2009

Hubby and I became 11 years older ~smile~

 It is wonderful that we do not know what the future holds. If we did, we would often just "cancel out" and tell the Lord that we  cannot go through it. But, it is with our trust in Him that we are able to face each tomorrow and it's uncertainties. I cannot help but wonder what the next 11 years hold..........

{two}

Our two precious Grans have been some sick little ones this past week.  Both had such chest congestion that they had to be given breathing treatments, strong antibiotics and a whole lot of TLC by their parents. 

 

 This was our sweet Clancy on about Day 3.  Poppa and I kept him for a little while so his Dad and Mom could go out and he still wasn't "up to par" and laid down on the couch and went sound to sleep. I'm pleased to report that both babies are almost "good as new" now. And, that's a good thing as both their Mommies had to report back to their teaching positions this morning.

{three}

Tommy loves to surprise me with flowers at totally random times.  One of these times was this past week.  He came in with this gorgeous arrangement of various colors of roses.  Needless to say, I was thrilled!

{four}

I've been pondering the new year  and what I desire to accomplish this year.  I like the feeling of a "fresh start" and a "clean slate."  I'm going to take Psalm 42:1 as my "verse of the year."  It states:

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.

I want to hunger and thirst after righteousness this year.  Certainly, if I do this, I cannot help but be a better servant for the Kingdom of God.  And, after all, in the life of a Christian, there is no higher calling. May I look back a year from now and see that I made "headway" in this desire of my heart.

{five}

My Dad supplied for our Pastor today and brought a very profound message to our congregation.  He has such a gift of bringing The Word alive and makes it so applicable to our lives today. He asked this question in the closing of his message:

What have I embraced in my life that is contrary to God's Word? 

Ouch! it's so easy to let those so called "little sins" just slip right by without a lot or any conviction. I'm afraid that I have embraced more than I would care to admit.  As I hunger and thirst may I be convicted about those things "contrary to His Word" in my life.

As always, it's  such a joy to link up with Carissa on Mondays.  She is a delight! For more Miscellany Mondays click on the button above and I promise, you will enjoy it!

Abundant blessings to each of you this first week of another new year!