Checking in.............

 It has been 12 days since I last blogged and I have missed it so much.  But, there are just times when "life" has to take priority over blogging. ~shucks~  

A part of this time, Hubby and I went on a wonderful spring trip to the Atlanta area (to visit family) and the historic city of Charleston.  I can hardly wait to tell you all about our trip, but it will have to wait for now.

Since I knew that all of you were worried and concerned (grin) I wanted to at least "touch base" with you and let you know that I am alive and well.  Stressed a bit but alive and well.  We are in the process of moving my Dad to an assisted living facility here in our city and, as in all things of this type, it is no simple matter.  You would not believe the paperwork, medical forms, etc that have to be filled out.  And, then to round up the furnishings and household items he will need.  It is a small apartment with a bedroom, living area,  efficiency kitchen and a bathroom.  He will spend his first night there next Monday. I will tell you more about this transition too.  In the meantime, please be in prayer for my Dad as he makes this move.  He is excited on the one hand and very anxious on the other.  We want this to be a positive move and one that will give him more independence.

Okay, gotta go, I have my vehicle loaded with items to take over to Dad's new home and must get busy.  Again, I miss you and can't wait to be back on my regular schedule of blogging. I'm expecting to return on Monday.  Yea!!!

 

Two Very Special Southern Ladies

I did not plan to do a Friday Favorite post this week but yesterday had two very special happenings that I felt I just HAD to share so thus, a Friday Favorites post was born. Thanks Rachel for hosting us each week. Click the button below if you would like to join up or read more Friday Favorites.

 

I have had a very busy week and have felt a bit overwhelmed at times.  Hubby and I will be leaving this morning for a 9 day trip and preparations for this trip were ever present.  Then I have a couple of other issues (will share at a later time) going on and a few times I let it all sort of consume me.  I bet a few of you know exactly what I mean and have shared those same feelings at times.

Our Women's Mission group hosted a mini-concert by our former church pianist yesterday afternoon.  Let me just tell you that this lady can play the piano "like nobody's business."  She plays with such ease and you have no trouble telling that she is "in her element" when she is playing the piano.  And, might I add, she is a Southern Lady in the truest sense of the word and holds a very special place in my heart.

She played such songs as: Come To Jesus,  His Eye is on the Sparrow, To God Be The Glory, If My People and Amazing Grace and some secular songs to name a few.  It was the best 45 minute therapy session that I have had in a while.  I sat there soaking it all in and felt the Lord just lift my spirits and once again assuring me that HE has it all under control.

After the concert we enjoyed a time of fellowship and cake and coffee.  I was visiting around with those present and I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder.  When I turned around it was Claire.

Claire is the Granddaughter of one of our members and I have known her since she was a little girl.  Claire has Downs Syndrome but is very high functioning.  She has a beautiful voice and often sings solos in church.  Yesterday as I turned around to her she looked at me and said, "Ms. Lea, I think you are beautiful and one day I want to look like you."  Okay, do you see those tear stained eyes of mine in the photo above?  I mean, I could hardly contain myself.  I told Claire that I was soon to be 60 years old and that she knew how to make an "old woman" feel mighty special. 

Yes, I almost did not go to this special event but what a blessing I received by putting forth the effort.  It lightened my heart and put a big smile on my face all because of two very special ladies.  Now, I'm outta here gals to enjoy some "down time", this beautiful spring weather and see and meet some very special folks along the way.  I'll have more blog fodder than the law allows when I return.  Hang on to your hats!!!  And, I may or may not be visiting your blogs  while I am gone. But, hey, don't forget me!  Love you girlies!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and that means it's time for Joyce's questions.  Today's are some of my most favorite, so sit back and enjoy and if you would like to read more Hodgepodge, click on the button above and enjoy some more.

1. Have you ever played golf? Any interest in playing? Do you have a significant other who loves to play? Did you watch The Masters this past weekend?

Hubby's enjoying a round

Other than miniature golf, I have never played the "real" game. No, I am not interested in playing.  It seems to me to be a most frustrating game and I'd be so tempted to throw the club when that little white ball would not go in that little bitty hole when I wanted it to. ~giggle~ Yes, my significant other does play and enjoys it very much and has for about 35 years.  Hubby watched a lot of The Masters and I watched parts of it and we were absolutely thrilled when Bubba Watson won.  How refreshing to see someone so humble win!

2. Hats are back in fashion this spring...how do you feel about wearing a hat? (fyi-I'm not talking baseball caps) When was the last time you wore one? 

 A club that I was a member of about 15 years ago had an afternoon tea and we all wore hats.  It was such fun and I loved it.  I think hats are the height of femininity!  It's definitely something that you have to get use to but I think I could get "into" it. 

3. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 meaning proficient and 1 meaning "I'd starve", how adept are you at using chopsticks?

A whopping #1, I'd starve slap too death!  

4. Has technology taken over?

I was just discussing this very fact with someone yesterday.  We are so connected today and it is not always a good thing.  I think it is of utmost importance that we all find a healthy balance in our use of these and to remember that we have lived without them and did just fine.  It's amazing to me how often we go into a restaurant and see a couple sitting at the table, both on their cell phones texting or playing games and never breathing a word to each other.  Something about that just isn't right!

5. In the course of a day how often do you look in a mirror?

Oh, I guess about 2-3 times and it mostly to reapply my lipstick.  I'm "into" lipstick and like for it to look fresh and neat all day. ~did you doubt that?~

6. Tulip or Daffodil?

I would have to say tulips!  They are a much happier flower to me and I love their many colors.

7. I am proud of myself for __________________.

Oh, this is hard!  There are several,  but the one that jumped out first was starting my blog. I have enjoyed it more than I ever imagined that I would and I've met so many fantastic folks on this journey.  And, almost daily I hear of someone else that enjoys it.  I did it solely for myself but when someone else enjoys it, well, that's just "icing on the cake." 

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Hubby and I will be leaving on a Spring trip in  a few days and that means that I have to pack.  I have traveled tons and tons and still have not learned the "art of packing."  I  usually over pack but I like to have choices and I enjoy having all my accessories with me.  We will be driving on this trip so it is easier to take more and more.  When we fly then it all HAS to go in a suitcase and that will often limit what I can take or how much.  I have a "method to my madness" when I pack.  I get each day's outfit one at a time and then get the accessories to go with that and then go to the next day and on and on until I have each day covered.  That way  I have my bases covered.  If I get all my outfits packed and then the accessories that go with them, I always forget something.  I'm quite certain that I could worry a whole lot less about it and things would be fine, but I might not be near as put together while I was gone. ~big laugh~ I had a lady tell me that a good pair of black pants and a 2-3 tops and a pair of jeans and 2-3 tops and 2 good pairs of shoes will take you half way around the world and back.  And, she said you wear the same jewelry with all of it.  Wow! how simple that would be!  But, doubt it's gonna happen.

Miscellany Monday

 
It's Monday again and of course, that means it's time to link up with our sweet Carissa and share our random thoughts.

Easter fun........

We celebrated Easter with Hanna Beth and her Dad and Mom on Friday afternoon and evening.  We hid eggs for her to hunt, grilled steaks for dinner and then had a piece of that cute bunny cake.  Can I just say that she loved her Bunny Cake!  I must confess that I did NOT make it but rather the local bakery.  I was going to make one myself and stopped in the bakery to get a board to put it on when I made it and they had one of these on display.  When I saw it, I just couldn't resist ordering one rather than making one.  Saved a lot of fretting and frustration I'm quite sure!

The best hook up...........

If you are still old fashioned and have a home phone like we do then you need to know about this little gadget.  It is the cordless headset by Plantronics.  I have had two in the past 8 years and I clip that little fella on my waist or wherever and never miss a beat while I'm talking on the phone.  I love to multi-task so it is perfect for me.  It has a small loop that fits over the ear (the one I use) and the one that you put across your head like a headband.  My main use is in the mornings when I am on the treadmill and our daughter calls for her morning visit.  And, it is super wonderful if you have to call somewhere and are put on hold for an eternity.  

 Yummy, yummy.........

I just recently put these two together and oh, me, it is some good eating for breakfast.  Put with a good cup of hot coffee and there's no better way to begin your day.  The Honey Nut Cream Cheese is more than yummy!

  And, my new lunch favorite is this sun-dried tomato pesto with thinly sliced smoked turkey on one of these Sandwich Thins.  And, talk about low calorie and still filling.  Yep! I love it!

More Easter............

We celebrated Easter with our Dodge City family via the mail and pictures.  I sent Clancy a "goodie box" and then his Momma shared pictures with us of his egg dying experience and egg hunt.  I asked her why the bib and nothing else on in the picture above and she said that he had on a nice shirt and she didn't want egg dye on it, so she just put a bib on him.  Smart gal!  

Have a wonderful week!  

Palm Sunday and a Photo Shoot are my Friday Favorites

Today is Good Friday,  and the day Christians celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary.  Last Sunday was Palm Sunday and our church choir presented a splendid  Easter musical. It was my Sunday to  provide the arrangement for our Communion Table.

  The arrangement was done in memory of my my Mother and my Hubby's parents.  The cross I used was made by my Dad in 2007.  Daddy came to church Sunday and was quite

thrilled when he saw that I had used the cross as a part of the arrangement and after church he wanted to go up and take a closer look.  I  had a good idea of the different emotions he was probably feeling as he looked at this work of his hands. It sort of brought a big lump to my throat. ~sniffle~

Later Sunday afternoon I had the privilege of doing a "photo shoot" of my Vietnamese family.  If you have been reading my blog very long then you know about them. I am referred to as their "American Mom."
  

Can you believe how that baby has grown?  He is now 15 months old and such a little sweetheart.  I am certainly no professional photographer but I am pretty daggum proud of these. ~smile~

I've never known a harder working couple (one day I will get Le, the Daddy, to agree to be in the pictures) than Amy and Le. They have a nail salon here and it is run like a "well oiled machine."  And, can I just say that their mantra is "cleanliness is a MUST."  I am so glad I walked through their doors 12 years ago.  I not only now have pretty fingers and toes but I have a very special relationship with this precious family.

It has been such fun for me to watch An grow into such a lovely, lovely young lady.  She was 3 years old when I met them and she is now 15.  She is kind, talented, brilliant,a delight and a beauty.

It has been a good week and we will celebrate Easter with our Princess and her Daddy and Momma later this afternoon.  We're going to hide a few eggs, grill some steaks and make some memories.  May you and yours make some special memories as well as we celebrate our risen Lord.

Ten on Tuesday

This is my first time to participate in Ten on Tuesday but don't think it will be my last.  I'm always glad to meet new blogging buddies and memes are a great way to do just that.  Okay, here I gooooooooooooooooo............

1. How do you feel about April Fool’s Day? I truly see no sense in it at all and generally forget about it all together.  And, I don't find a lot of humor in the so called April Fool's jokes.  I mean, really!

.

2. Do you like birds? Well, I do, but more the figurine type.  I love the Andrea bird collection and I have a few of those.  I use birds anywhere I can in my home decor.  And, we have lots of beautiful birds around our house and Hubby does an excellent job of caring for them and providing them with all the food they can hold.

3. How often do you wear your hair in a ponytail?  

Duh, I can only wear a ponytail in my dreams.  I don't have long enough hair but I often think how nice that might would be.  But, at almost 60 years of age, I'm pretty sure that I may possibly never wear a ponytail again. ~chuckle~ I sure do think they are cute though.

4. Do you believe in love at first sight? Oh, I think we say that way too flippantly.  Love is far more than sight and as the song says, "love takes time."  Sometimes it takes a whole lotta time.

5. What is your favorite appetizer?

Stuffed mushrooms from The Olive Garden.  Oh, my goodness, I can taste them now.

6. What is your favorite brand of heels? 

 Okay, again, at almost 60 years of age, I am careful about how high of a heel I wear.  Three inches is just about it for me and I love, love Van Eli shoes.  I truly do not know how the gals wear those 5 inch deals.  Mercy me, I'd be sprawled out all over the place and that would be that. ~grin~

7. Are you a picky eater?

Well, it depends! I do not eat tomatoes in any shape, form or fashion but I do not mind tomato sauces and I even eat Salsa.  I know, strange, but it's the texture of tomatoes that I'm against. But, overall, I will eat or try just about anything.

8. Is there a tv show you like that nobody ever talks about?

I am a huge fan of Undercover Boss and I usually end up in tears by the end of the show.  I know!  But, it is so refreshing to see bosses truly thinking of their employees and appreciating them.  And, being willing to change the way things are if they see changes are needed.  

9. Do you prefer hot tea or cold tea?

It's gotta be COLD! And, I'm somewhat addicted to Sonic tea.  The folks know my voice when I come through the drive through because I'm a regular there. ~smile~  My favorite - half sweet, half unsweet, with extra ice.  Yep! I love it!

10. Gayle or Peeta? (If you don’t know how to answer, read The Hunger Games.)

 Okay, I don't have time to read The Hunger Games and I actually know nothing about the book or movie, so guess I'll end on that note. 

Happy Easter week!

Miscellany Monday

Monday, April 2nd! How can that be?  I mean, it seems that just yesterday we were celebrating Christmas.  And, now we are 3 full months into 2012. Time really does fly by and Carissa makes our Mondays so much fun by hosting our random thoughts each week. And, my friend, Libby is participating for the first time this week so do make her feel welcome by stopping by here and leaving a comment.

A Break from the Norm........

This past Friday, Hubby and I forgot about our lists of "things to do" and took off to enjoy the day.  His cousin and wife had taken their travel trailer to a lake about 75 miles from here and we decided to go and enjoy the day with them

It is mostly two lane roads to this lake and we went through all kinds of little bitty towns.  Our first stop was at a place called  "The Tobacco Palace."  Yep, that's right!  I wanted something to drink and it looked like it "might" have something.  When we went in we saw that they had a few menu items for lunch type foods.  We decided that some Chicken Bites would be just what we needed for our "rolling picnic."  I grabbed a can of Razzleberry Tea

and off we went.  Can I just tell you that Chicken Bites dipped in Ranch Dressing make for a pretty good doggone lunch.  

It's All in the Name......
 About 3 or 4 miles from the campsite there's a restaurant known as "The Cow Pen" and the four of us decided that we would go there for dinner before we headed towards home.

 
It was definitely the Friday night place to be and they had the greatest entertainment.  Miles is a "one man show."  He had a beautiful voice, played the keyboard like no body's business and also the saxophone.  We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was the perfect ending to a fun day.


It's Finally Official.........

 
 Yes, siree, I am officially a "pistol packing momma."  Well, maybe I should say, I CAN be a pistol packing momma. ~laugh~ I did finally receive my Concealed Weapon Permit on Saturday, so we shall see if I use it (the permit, not the gun). Whether I ever carry a concealed weapon or not, taking the course was a most educational course for me and I definitely feel more enlightened when it comes to guns and handling them.  That's a good thing!

Smarty Pants......

  
Hubby and I became the proud owners of I Phones this past week.  Thank goodness we were not total strangers to them because of having I Pads.  But, there is still a different learning curve and we've spent quite a lot of time figuring it all out.  And, Siri, oh, my goodness, she is just amazing and I'm pretty sure she is going to become our new "best" friend.  But, is it not scary how technical our society has become?  I mean, would we ever adjust to life without computers, cell phones, I Pads, navigation systems electronic games, etc?  I'm not sure this was all a part of God's plan and I am quite sure that He expects us to keep a healthy balance with all of it.  


HE  Arose.........

Our church choir presented a powerful  Easter Musical for yesterday mornings worship service.  It was an awesome way to begin this week leading up to the celebration of Easter.  Yes, He died, He arose and now He lives that I might have life eternal.  Does anything else really matter?  NO indeed!  May you heart be filled with joy .