Friday Favorites

Indeed, I do have some favorites to share with you today.  In fact, I guess if I thought about it, I probably could share favorites everyday.  It's just that some days, the favorites get hidden by the "heavy stuff."  But, not today..........I'm joining sweet Rachel to share this week's with you...........

My 60th birthday is Sunday but I've been celebrating all month long and it's been such fun.  It has made it a bit easier to take. ~smile~  

On Wednesday a group of my friends took me to one of our newest restaurants, Cotton.  The chef, Cory Bahr, was the winner of Chopped for the 2012 season.  He had already opened the restaurant before he won, but once he won, it has become the "restaurant of all restaurants."  And, might I add, it is more than just a place to eat, it is truly a dining experience.

And, when I asked if he would come out and let me have my picture taken with him, he was more than gracious.  And, is he not just the cutest!!!  I had the Shrimp Remoulade Salad  and as my Grandmother use to say, "it would make you slap your pappy."  So,so good!  My meal was topped off with a peach cheesecake and they had a candle burning in it when they brought it to me.  I felt very celebrated! 

I so appreciate my special friend, Mary K. for putting this lunch together.  It's no easy feat trying to coordinate an event for women but this gal can "get er' done!"

Yesterday I had the privilege of spending time with one of my most favorite women.  You  met her  on my blog last fall just as she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

 What a journey this precious lady has been on but doesn't she look absolutely fantastic?  And, in case you are wondering, yes, that is a wig she has on.  I would never have guessed it if I didn't know it.  It looks exactly like her hair looked before.  Martha has had chemo, surgery and radiation and is about to enter a clinical trial.  Her journey is far from over and I ask that you pray that she will be on the "real" drug and not the placebo in this study.  She is such an inspiration and truly a testimony to God's faithfulness at one of life's worse times.  She holds a special place in my heart for sure! And, can you believe this lady is 78 years young????

When I got home yesterday afternoon I had a box sitting at the backdoor.  And, you know, there's something about a package that excites a woman.  It had come by mail from my lifelong friend in Orlando.  When I opened the outside box I saw this gorgeous lime green box sitting inside.  Well, inside  this colorful box was a party!  No joke, so many neat items, all to say Happy Birthday!

Yes, it's been a week of a lot of favorites and hey, there's still today and tomorrow left of this week. 

 Wishing all of you your favorite things!

Hodgepodge Wednesday

1.The Summer Olympics officially begin this Friday night...will you be watching? If you could see just one event in person which one would you pick?

I will likely watch some of the Olympics but I will by no means be glued to the TV.  They just do not interest me that much.  But, if I could see one event in person I would  choose Artistic or Rhythmic Gymnastics.  I do enjoy these events and to see them in person would be even better.

2.Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

I can't remember the last time I had a lazy day.  I suppose I could be as lazy as I wanted to be but it is just not in my blood.  I love being busy or having something to do.  It is fulfilling to me.

3. July 25th is 'officially' Threading the Needle Day...can you sew? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being Betsy Ross-like, how would you rate your skill with a needle and thread?  Yes, I can sew and at one time in my life I would probably have rated myself about a 7-8.  But, since I have not sewn in years and years, I would probably rate myself a 2-3 now.  I do just fine sewing on buttons and repairing a rip, but that's about as good as it gets.

4. 'Threading the Needle' can also mean to walk a fine line between two things or issues (think awkward social situation). When was the last time you had to 'thread the needle', figuratively speaking?

I think it might be best I not answer that..............~now doesn't that cause you to wonder~ smile~

5. Kidney, pinto, black, or navy...your favorite bean?

Can I just tell you that I've never met a bean I didn't like. ~grin~  And, I love to make 9 bean soup and a pan of cornbread in the winter.  It's more than good!

6. Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it more success or bust?

Garage sale, yard sale, tag sale, whatever you want to call it, I have had more than my share and they were all smashing successes.  But, I swore off of such sales about 10-12 years ago because I decided they were way more work than I wanted to ever go to again.  So, I make frequent trips to the thrift stores now.  I worked way too hard on my garage sales organizing them and obviously the only person I did that for was myself.  The folks that came could care less and were not long about unorganizing it. 

7. What makes you roll your eyes?

Someone that acts like or thinks they are an authority on any and every subject. 
Women that have on clothes that are two sizes to small because they think it's attractive.
Men that haven't figured out that they should NOT color their hair.
Guess thats enough.............

8. Insert your own random thought here. 
Well, we have an uncooperative little Grandbaby on the way.  Monday was to be the day that Bridget found out what she was having, a boy or a girl.  The ultrasound tech worked and worked to get "it" to turn in the right direction and "it" just was not going to.  So, we continue to wait.  But, "it" it is thriving and doing well, and that's really all that matters.

Miscellany Monday

Well, it's Monday again, and time to be random with Carissa........

Gazing Balls galore.............

Yes, I do love gazing balls!  And, I do have them strategically placed around our yard.  Since we have a 2 1/2 acre yard, they are not tacky. ~grin~  They add just enough glitz to be very eye catching on a sunny day.  In you look very close in the silver one you can see my reflection right in the middle while taking that picture.  The silver one is my newest one, my Daddy gave it to me for my upcoming birthday.  Love it!!


Crafty Hands.........

Meet Donya!  Donya is my step sister and she is multi-talented.  She is a teacher by profession and a vocalist and creator of jewelry by hobby.  She has a wonderful room in her home where she is in her "happy place" and receives her inspiration for all the pretty jewelry you see above.  She sells it by word of mouth, a few craft events, Facebook and now through my blog. ~smile~  Yes, if you see something that you just cannot live without, let me know and I can sure connect you with Donya and she'll be more than glad to do business with you.  I have put the prices (and they are so reasonable)  on the ones pictured and most of them also have matching earrings and bracelets.  And, I forgot to tell you that she grows a mean garden every summer and has lots of canned and frozen goodies for the months ahead.  She definitely doesn't let the "grass grow under her feet."

If you care.......

If you are into blogging paraphernalia then Cafe Press
is for you.  They have T-shirts, coffee mugs, decals and you name it.  I thought the above car decal was so cute and I had to have it.  It found a home on the back windshield of my vehicle.  I am not much on bumper stickers or decals, but I thought this one was tasteful and decided "why not."   Now, I know you really wanted to know this.  But, remember, this is a random post and that calls for random thoughts..........~grin~


Delicious without as much guilt......

 Oh, my, surely you know about these "bad boys."  Whoever came up with Hersey nugget had me in mind for sure.  One of these, about two bites, only has about 50 calories and it's the best 50 calories you ever had.  Usually in the middle of the afternoon I have a yearning for something sweet and I can go to my own private candy jar, get one of these, and be a happy gal. Now if one will not satisfy your sweet tooth, well, it won't really matter that they are nugget size.  ~chuckle~

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.