Friday's Letters

Oh, gotta love these Fridays where we can connect with Ashley and write letters to our hearts content.  And, I have a few I need to write today. ~smile~


Dear Presidential Candidates, Please, please, please, stop your negative campaigning.  We are tired of it and I'm not sure we can endure it until Nov. 6th.  Run on your own merit or get outta the race!

Dear One Kings Lane, Having you online is like having TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning and Ross at my finger tips all day long.  I do love your great deals and often find great gifts or something that I just cannot live without.  If you would like to check out this great site, click here. 

Dear American Idol Producers, Please do not contract with Adam Lambert to serve as a judge.  I may have to stop watching if you do such.  I'm hoping what I'm hearing is just hearsay and nothing more.  And, could you find some judges without a "potty mouth."  Thank you!

Dear Hillary, Do you just not care anymore?   I mean, when I see you on TV I can't help but feel sorry for you. I would love for the folks on What Not To Wear to have you as their guest and redo you from top to bottom.  What a transformation it would be.

Dear Bridget, I can hardly wait for your Drs. appointment on Monday.  Will it be another little boy or a little girl?  Do call me as quick as you can because you know I'll be waiting on pens and needles to know.  And, should you care, I have thought of some really cute names. ~big laugh~


Dear Momma, I miss you so much and have needed to talk to you lately.  Your wise counsel was often "just what I needed" and is something I miss terribly since your death. The fact of the matter is, we never outgrow the need for our Momma.


May you have a simply
wonderful weekend!!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Finding Joy in the Simple Things of Life

For today.......

Outside my window.........

is a beautiful green and perfectly manicured lawn that my dear husband meticulously cares for with TLC week in and week out.  He does hire help because we have a HUGE (2 1/2 acres) yard but he oversees every last bit of work that is done.  Having an attractive lawn is like a science for him and myself and all that pass by are the beneficiaries of it.

 

I am thinking..........

that one year ago I was completely inundated with my Dad's care and my brothers and I were certain that he would not survive his battle with GBS.  Well, fast forward one year and he has not only survived, but I would say that he is thriving, considering what he has been through.  Once again I was reminded that the Lord is in full control of our lives and while we may not always know how events will turn out, it's best if we just trust Him completely.

 

I am thankful for...........

 so, so many things but am thinking today of how blessed I am with friends.  Friends that are there for me, that know me inside and out and still love me and encourage me in my darkest hour or time of need.  What a blessing!

From the kitchen.......... 

well, I'm afraid that most of what goes on in my kitchen these days is pretty simple.  I've never been a gourmet cook, but what I cook is good, just not fancy.  But, as of late, it's been a lot of BLT's and eating out.  Hubby is easy to please in this area, so it works for us.

Every so often I get a "bee in my bonnet" and do some "real" cooking, especially if the family is coming.

I am wearing............

black knee shorts and a white top and black flip flops and of course, accessories to match.  I'm one of those that no matter what, I'm going to have on earrings, necklace, and bracelet.  I don't know why I'm that way, but I am.  I don't feel dressed without my jewelry and lipstick. ~grin~   And, my closet has way too much black and white in it.

I am creating............

I'm not exactly creating just yet, but I'm gathering ideas for some Christmas projects.  Pinterest has so many creative ideas and a lot can be used for Christmas giving.  I love to have cute gift giving ideas for friends and other special folks and it is most always in the edible fashion.

I am going..........

well, I don't know???? That's right, as I said in my last daybook entry, Hubby is taking me on a mystery trip for my upcoming 60th birthday.  At first he told me we would leave on the 29th (my actual birthday) and return Aug. 1st.  Well, yesterday he changed the return date to Aug. 7th.  That's a long trip and I truly have no idea where we may be headed.  Hubby has never been much of a planner so I can only hope that we are not getting in the vehicle with no destination in mind. ~giggle~  I have a feeling there probably is a destination and I also have a feeling that it will make for a memorable 60th celebration.  Stay tuned.......

I am reading...........

 John Piper's, Pierced by the Word and blogs

I am hearing..........
the Oldies but Goldies playing through our TV rather softly.  We have digital music through our cable and I enjoy it as much or more than regular TV. 
 

On my mind.............
how free I feel since I retired.  Yep! that's right! I have been my Hubby's payroll administrator for his business for about 15 years.  Even though it is only for 6 employees, it is still a very regular job and one that you have to stay on top of.  About a month ago we contracted with a payroll firm and it has been awesome!  Ah! sweet relief!

Around the house..........

I have been changing a few things around inside the house the past couple of weeks.  Moving some decorative items, just for a different look.  And, continuing to go through items in the attic and making several trips to the Thrift Store to add to their inventory.  

One of my favorite things.........

is snuggling  up in my recliner at day's end.  Hubby and I have matching recliners and it's usually where we head after dinner if we have no other plans.  Hubby usually controls the remote and I catch up on email, blog and read blogs.  Now, doesn't that sound like a relaxing evening?

A few plans for the rest of the week......... 
my Princess is coming to spend the day with me on Thursday and I can hardly wait.  She is 2 1/2 and so, so much fun.  While I do love babies, I think my favorite age is from about 15 months on.  I so enjoy talking with her and am constantly amazed at her verbal skills and her understanding.  And, she can be so animated and I love that.  But, the best part is that she loves her CiCi!!! And, Friday I'll be spending the day with a dear friend.

For more day book entries click here. 

Miscellany Monday

 Another week has come and gone and it is Monday again. Goodness, time is whizzing by but I always look forward to linking up with Carissa on Mondays, no matter how fast time moves.

Do they work........

Well, I hope so!  Yes, these are the vitamins that I take every day and have for years and years and years.  No, the combination has not always been the same, but other than 2 or 3, the combination has been pretty much the same.  I fix my little daily vitamin containers every two weeks and always hope that these little fellas are doing their job and making my body function at it's very best level.  Folks have differing opinions about vitamin therapy. Some  think it just makes you have expensive urine but I have been a believer for a long, long time that they do serve a purpose outside of that.  So, until something comes along to change my thoughts, I'll just keep "popping those vitamins."


 Natchez or bust...........

You've heard me speak of our "birthday group" better know as the Formidible Women.  Well, we had another birthday outing this past week to Natchez, Ms.  We were celebrating mine and another of the gals birthday on this outing.  Natchez is about 2 hr. and 15 minutes from where we live and it's such a fun town.  The downtown area is quaint and has some really cute shops.  Of course, it has some of the most gorgeous plantations in the South and some mighty good restaurants.  It rained on us the entire day but that didn't stop us.  We just flipped our umbrellas and didn't let it bother us.  We checked out some shops, found some things we couldn't live without and then had a nice lunch at Cotton Alley.  It was a fun outing and Natchez definitely knew that we had been there. ~smile~


A reminder..........

 We have been blessed with a whole lot of  rain the past week.  Now, I'm not complaining but it always seems that it is either "feast or famine."  Maybe I should say, we've been feasting on the rain the past few days.  But, at the close of one those rainy days last week we looked out to see this perfectly arched rainbow.  Few things remind me more of God's promises than a rainbow.


A fun site........ 
I ran across the neatest website and I thought I'd share it with you.  It is FULL of all kinds of diy projects and all are so cleaver  and I have already found some fun gift giving ideas for Christmas.  It is called Tip Junkie and you can find it by clicking here.  I had a good time just browsing through all the ideas and storing them away for future reference.  I'm so glad that there are folks that have such creative minds for folks like me that have to borrow most of their creativity from someone else.  

FYI - If you did not read my "In Two Short Weeks" post yesterday you might want to click here and do so. It is the humorous side of  getting older.  All in preparation of my 60th birthday on the 29th.

Happy week my friends!  

In Two Short Weeks.....................

 Two weeks from today I will celebrate a milestone!  I will turn 60 years old!  Yep, that's right!  Six Zero!  I have never thought too much about any birthday since becoming an adult, but let me assure you, I have thought "long and hard" about this one.  I'll save my reflections for another post, but wanted to share some humor about turning 60 as I anticipate my big day.

*I can now wear anything I want, and no one will care

*Just think, I'll be 70 in 10 short years

*I have just graduated from mid-life

.

*60 is just one short year from 59

*I only have 40 years to go until I'm a century year old

*If age were a temperature, I'd be getting hotter

*I now qualify for all senior discounts 

*Age is just a number, mine just starts with 6 now

*I now have the combined wisdom of 6 - 10 year old girls, the intelligence of 3 - 20 years olds, the wit of 2 - 30 year olds and the memory of 60 - 1 year olds

*I can now use my age to get out of doing just about anything that I don't want to do

*I'm not really getting any older, just more distinguished

*As George Burns said, "you can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old"

*If I'm ever going to make my mark on the world, now is the time

And, the best for last............

There is no cure for the common birthday and reaching another birthday is much better than the alternative.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. How often do you check the weather? How do you check the weather?

Lawdy! Lawdy! I generally only check the weather if my plans are contingent upon it.  Hubby checks it enough for both of us so he usually keeps me posted whether I care or not. ~smile~

2. Since this is volume 84 of the Wednesday Hodgepodge, and since I got married in 1984, and since I'm attending a wedding this weekend it only seems right to post something related here.

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."

Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Agree or Disagree. Why?

Well, Joyce, not sure I understand all of that. A bit much for this simple mind of mine, but............ I am not sure you ever know anyone well until you share your life together day in and day out through marriage and even then, surprise actions and habits often show up years later.  That is why, in my estimation, if a marriage is not based on the foundation of God, it is likely not to survive. There are no perfect mates and marriage takes a whole lotta work.  Those that think otherwise, well, they are being fooled for sure.  I think I know of which I speak since Hubby and I are now working on year #42 of marriage.

3. Do you like to dance? Have you ever taken dance lessons?

Well, back in the day, Baptist minister daughter's didn't dance, so I did not grow up dancing.  I have danced and I have enjoyed the occasions that I have, but I am not often presented with opportunities for dancing.  And, YES, Hubby and I have taken dance lessons with a group of our friends.  It was so much fun and we spent most of our time laughing instead of dancing.  It was a 6 week class and I thinking we probably needed a 6 month class. We're definitely no Fred and Ginger! ~smile~

4. Fresh from the oven peach pie or home made peach ice cream? Pick one.

Well, I am not a fan of peaches but if I had to have one or the other, it would definitely be pie.  I'm a vanilla girl when it comes to ice cream.  I know........boring!

5. Should people accept unfairness and learn to make the best of it?

Most definitely!!  If they do not, they will likely lead a miserable life.  And, I think as parents that we should teach our children that life can often be unfair but we still "go forth."  Life is unfair, and life is tough, but thank the Lord we serve a God that is fair and tougher! 

6. The top five all time summer movie blockbusters (released between May and August and grossing at least 100 million dollars) are-Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars (the original), Ghostbusters, and ET. Which one's your favorite? 

Oh, my goodness, our family LOVED ET.  But, we also enjoyed Ghostbusters and Jaws too.  I did not get "into" Star Wars but our son certainly did and had all the Star Wars paraphernalia.  Seems to me there were more family friendly movies 25 years ago. 

7. If given the chance, would you like to visit the moon?

You know, I have no desire to visit the moon.  I'll leave to the more adventuresome folks!

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

We went to a lake Sunday afternoon with our son, DIL, her family and our Princess.  Can I just tell you that our Princess would rather play in the sand than eat when she is hungry.  She was one solid mass of sand by the time we left.  She also enjoy tubing with her Daddy and cousin.  It was a fun way to spend a HOT Sunday afternoon.  

Miscellany Monday

It's Monday again and our Carissa is off in California, but thank goodness for the internet and the magical way it works, she can still host our random thoughts this Monday.  

A beautiful site..........

I could not resist sharing this with you.  I'm pretty sure that our church probably has some of the most gorgeous floral arrangements of any church.  These arrangements (there is a pair, one on each side of the podium) are the summer arrangements for our sanctuary. They definitely "make a statement."  I marvel at folks that have this ability and can come up with the idea.  A perfect summer arrangement!


Then and now........

  When we were in route to Dodge City a couple of weeks ago we saw this statue outside a bank in Woodward, Oklahoma.  It was such an impressive site and as we read the words, "Binding Contract" Hubby and I talked about that.  We both remember the days that a handshake was a binding contract but those are few and far between today.  What a shame, but nonetheless the truth. We should all be "men of our word" with a firm handshake to "seal the deal" but,  I don't know of any financial institute or human being that will accept a handshake as confirmation these days. Guess that's just another sign of the times we live in.


A lovely surprise..........

I was busy working in my home office Saturday afternoon when I saw two cars drive into our driveway.  I did not recognize either car and could not imagine who it was but just waited for whoever it was to come to the door.  In a couple of minutes I heard the doorbell and got up to go to the door.  I opened the door and had the SURPRISE of my life.  It was a family that was our dear, dear friends for many years and was also our backdoor neighbors.  We raised our children together, attended church together,  ate together, and spent our weekends together.  Could I just say "we were tight!"  About 23 years ago they moved to Arkansas and  our lives have not been as closely connected.  We have seen each other at weddings and funerals but haven't really had a good visit in way too long.  The two young men in the picture above are their sons and they are two of the finest. They are both in the Airforce and the one on the left is stationed between California and overseas (shares time between the two places) and flies U2 Spy Planes. Yep! a rather high stress job!  The other brother has just been assigned Pentagon duty and he flies the B2 Stealth. Yes, they are some of America's finest!  They were only able to stay a few minutes, so we didn't even get to scratch the surface.  But we did get to exchange a hug, snap a few photos and made a promise to get together soon.  

The Celtic Woman........

 Now, I am not sure why this group is called "The Celtic Woman" instead of "The Celtic Women."  But, nonetheless, these women are phenomenal!   I just recently found out about them and would absolutely love to see and hear them in concert.  If you would like to hear them you can click here to hear them sing Amazing Grace. I promise it will raise the hair on the back of your neck.

Happy week my friends!
 

Friday Favorites

I'm linking up with sweet Rachel today for Friday Favorites. This past week brought several favorites my way.

My baby brother came in last weekend for a visit.  He had not been here in about 4 months and Daddy's progress in that time has been tremendous.  He was so pleased when he  saw Daddy and his visit was a real boost. 

I'm so thankful that throughout Daddy's illness Joel has made it a priority to be here as needed.  I could have never made it without him this past year.  I'm so glad that my parents decided that they wanted another child when I was 13 years old. ~smile~


Hubby and I took Joel to dinner at one of our favorite places while he was here.  We had a delicious meal and then we decided that we would "share" a dessert of bread pudding.

Oh, my goodness, do you see that ooey, gooey, sauce that it is laying in?  Let me tell you, it was to.die.for!!!!  But, 1/3 of it was a big plenty for each of us.  Yep, a favorite thing for sure!


Our 4th was filled with fun and friends.  I suggested we all go to a local establishment for their buffet that would be filled with 
"4th of July fare." 

 And, the best part, none of us would have to do a thing but "show up."  All agreed it was a great idea, I mean, really, our Momma's didn't raise dummies!  We know a good deal!

We divided up on the drive, women in one vehicle and men in the other and then ate at separate tables.  It made for some great conversation and we ended up sitting around the table almost 3 hours. ~wow~ Good food,and great fellowship with dear friends. It made for a happy 4th!

If you have been reading my blog for very long, you know that I  enjoy decorating my front door and porch for the various seasons of the year.

I always want the entrance to our house to have a warm and welcoming look.   There is no particular holiday in the near future so when I took down the patriotic decor yesterday, I put up this summery look that will carry me through until fall. ~hurry, hurry~