Friday Fragments

This week's fragments are centered around Valentine's Day.  It was a week long celebration for me.  Did I say, I love Valentine's!  Such a fun time to show some love.  Thanks to Mrs. Fours for hosting FF each week!

Our week began with our church Valentine Banquet on Sunday evening.

It was an evening of good food, entertainment and fun and fellowship.  As you can see from the photos the decorations were quite lovely and it certainly put us in the Valentine spirit.
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Chocolate seems to be the candy of choice for Valentine's, so I always manage to make at least one batch to share.  And, I always have to make Scotch Shortbread at Valentine's and of course, in the shape of a heart.  I package them lovingly and then give them to folks to show a little love.  If you would like to have the recipe for either of these they can be found under the recipe tab at the top of my blog.
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Hubby brought these in last Friday so that I could enjoy them the entire week of Valentine's.  They are some of the prettiest roses I've ever seen and they have just now begun to wilt.  They've brought a smile to my heart everyday.
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 These gorgeous flowers arrived yesterday afternoon from a very special friend.  They were totally unexpected and arrived when I had just walked in the door from the funeral of a dear friend.  What perfect timing!
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Tuesday was a fun day of making Valentine arrangements with the residents at The Arbor.  The Arbor is an assisted living facility here and where my Dad lives.  Our Garden Club went over and we helped the residents make an arrangement to put in their rooms. As you can see, it was an enjoyable time.
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Pictures above taken at our girlfriend reunion in April, 2008

Just as I mentioned, I attended the funeral of my sweet friend Ginni and it truly seemed very appropriate that it was on Valentine's Day.  She had a big heart and her funeral was such a wonderful celebration of love. One of the greatest celebrations of life I have ever attended!
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My youngest brother arrived yesterday afternoon from his home in Des Moines  and will be here until Sunday. He'll be spending time with our Dad and we'll have a family dinner here tonight.  This should be a real "spirit lifter" for Daddy, or at least, I hope so!
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Hodgepodge Wednesday

 The day before Valentine's and it's Hodgepodge Day.  Makes for a great combination.

1.  This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?
The Baptist faith has never observed Lent traditionally but I have given much thought to it and each year say that I am going to participate and each year passes by and I do not.  I truly think it would add so much to my Easter observance.  It's not too late to participate this year but I need to hurry because it is upon us.

   2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you? 

Oh, yes I do like pancakes but they must be light in texture with butter and syrup!  I have a recipe called "Light as a Feather Pancakes" and it is my favorite.  You do not feel packed after only eating a couple of them.  IHop has a multi-grain pancake that I like very much to, but I can only eat one of them and an order is 3.  Give me some good ole crispy bacon with them and I am literally in "hog heaven."

3.  I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love?
Oh, it has to be "Power of Love" by Celine Dion.  It is dynamite and there's no one that can sing it quite like Celine and truly, no one should even try.
 
4.  What are some things you do to let others know you love them?
Likely not nearly enough, but I do try to do thoughtful acts for both my family and friends.  I like for it to be totally unexpected and something that definitely lets them know just how special they are to me, especially my immediate family. And, I try to actually say the words, "I love you" ~ it's such a soothing expression~ to both family and friends.
 
5.  Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?
This is easy..........Hubby brought me a budvase of red roses last Friday so that I could enjoy them all the way up to Valentine's Day.  They are some of the prettiest I've ever had. 
I think peonies are one of the prettiest flowers, so I could definitely "get into" a big bouquet of them and I'd love for them to be pink!
Hubby has always been good to bring me flowers at random times throughout the year.  I love them, whatever kind!
 
6.  President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you?  Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring?  Why?
I'm not much of a history buff at all.  I have toured Mount Vernon and would love to tour all the others listed.  While that may be history, that is most interesting to me, love the architecture and the decor.  I've been to Washington DC 2-3 times but we've just never done The White House tour.  Might need to go back  just to do that.
 
7.  Are you good at keeping secrets?
Oh, yes, your secret is safe with me!  I think it is a trait that few have these days and I certainly want to be a "secret keeper" if someone needs to share something close to their heart with me. In fact, I am honored if I am given a secret to keep. And, I am blessed to have a few really good "secret keepers" in my life as well.
 
8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I have been reminded once again of how quickly our lives can change.  The above photo is of a friend of mine.  Ginni and I became friends in the 8th grade.  She is one of those people that comes into your life and never leaves.  She was always the life of the party, in fact, as someone said, "she was the party."  She was wife to a wonderful man, mother to 3 precious daughters and "Tootsie" (affectionately called by her grandchildren) to 6 Grans. She has taught 3rd grade her entire teaching career (24 years) and she could always be found working in the nursery at her church.  Last Monday, February 4th, her day began just as usual but ended with her being rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest and she entered her heavenly home this past Monday evening.  We are all still in a state of disbelief.  She was 60 years old.  Oh, the brevity of life!

 

Miscellany Monday

Oh, it's the Monday before Valentine's Day.  Don't you love it?  I sure do and I love that we get to start each week out by joining up with Carissa for our miscellaneous thoughts.

 A cute little find..........

We have the best little consignment shop here in our town and when I go through my closets I always take my clothes there.  Well, I stopped in there last week to ask the owner when she would start taking spring clothes and my eye spotted this super cute beaded purse.  It seemed to have my name on it so I grabbed it!  It is the perfect size for church and looked as though it had never been touched.  So, for a few dollars, I walked away with this little jewel.

Making memories...........

This past Friday the Princess and I had a Valentine play day.  I had baked some Funfetti cupcakes (thanks Pillsbury) and had them all ready for us to decorate.  I was so amazed at how well Hanna Beth did decorating as compared to the last time we did it (not quite 3 months ago).  She is very precise with her little movements and really did a good job over all.  I used the squirt icing for mine and we both had a great time being creative.  Hanna Beth's favorite part is when I tell her it is now okay to lick the spatula.  I have to watch her while she's decorating or she'll steal a lick inbetween decorating the cupcakes.  Just too cute!!
 
"Cutie Patootie".........

Speaking of cute!  Is my little Princess and this outfit not the cutest!  A friend of mine makes children's clothing and this is one of her creations.  And, while it can be worn for Valentine's, she will enjoy this all the way until summer.  Can I just say that I'm crazy in love with chevron!  And, I had so much fun listening to everyone's comments about my little Princess while we were out and about on Friday.

Just down the road.....

Are any of you folks Duck Dynasty fans?  For those of you who aren't, it's a TV show on A & E on Wednesday nights.  It's about the Robertson family that live about 25 miles from us and their business.  Their business is Duck Commander and they make duck calls and ship them all over the world.  Anyway, their show has been a HUGE hit (it started about a year ago) and folks drive from all across the country to visit their store and peek at their business.  Saturday, Hubby and I decided to go over and check it out.  I was amazed at the crowd of folks in the store. And, of course, I had to have my picture taken by their rig and their motor home. ~smile~   Both of our children attended school with some of the Robertson boys and little did we know what stars these very ordinary folks would become.  Guess one never knows...........


In closing..........

 Be sure and "show some love" this week! 

Friday's Letters

It's Friday and that means letter writing time. I'm afraid that email has just about taken the place of good old fashioned, pen in hand letter writing.  I guess that may be why our dear ole postal service is in such financial straits.  But, be that as it may, I'm joining up with Ashley for some fun letter writing this morning that cost nary a penny other than a little of my time ~which I freely give~ 

Dear Valentine's Day, you are one of my most favorite days of the year.  Yes, you are way over done by many, but if you are kept in the right place, you are so much fun.  I think it's just the whole "love thing. We can never get enough of love and I love sharing a little love with those I love. ~can I say love just one more time~  And, I might love you even more because Hubby and I had our first date to a church Sweetheart Banquet 47 years ago. ~awe~

Dear Motherhood, I can so well remember my Mom saying to me, "once you become a Mother, you will always be a Mother."  Well, duh, I suppose so and what she meant, I didn't fully understand for many years.  But, as the years have gone by, I so "get" what she meant.  My son and daughter are 36 and 33 years old, but guess what, I am still their Mother.  And, I love them more than life itself, still have such wants and desires for them and also for their spouses and children as well.  Can I just say, "Motherhood is NOT for sissies!" It's both the sunshine and the rain and I could not survive if it were not for God's amazing help and guidance. And, might I add, I wouldn't trade the title of Mother for anything in the world and that's probably a good thing since I will always be one. ~smile~
 

Dear Peacock Decor, my goodness, I had no idea that you were "all the rave" right now.  And, can I just say, I love it!  My niece is using all of your vibrant colors, with teal as the main one, as the colors of her wedding in June.  What fun!  Your colors make me happy!

Dear Boy Scouts, it does make my heart sad to see you considering lowering your standards. I'll say no more.........

Dear Amazon, is there anything that cannot be found on your site?  You started out with books, CD's and the such and now the sky is the limit.  I mean, I even ordered some body lotion from you the other day.  And, I love, love your Prime Membership.  I no more than have placed my order and it has arrived. Yep! you are all that and a bag of chips for sure!

Dear God, why do I still struggle with knowing that you really do have it all under control?  I mean, I've known you as my Savior for 53 years.  That should be way long enough for me to know that you are more than capable of handling any and everything that life might throw my way. Well, guess I really do "know" it just sometimes struggle with realizing it. Thanks for being so patience with me all these years.  You are life to me!

Dear Hubby, I may not always mention it but I truly do appreciate the way you care for our yard ~ all 2 1/2 acres of it.  You always see that it is in first class shape and that is truly a huge job. We've been here 30+ years and I can only think of a handful of times that it has not been in "showcase fashion" and those were times that weather related issues kept it from being so. 

Dear Weekend, even though I do not work outside the home, I still get excited about you.  I know, plum silly!  We've no big plans for this weekend, but hey, it's just Friday morning, there's still time for plans.

 

 

  

Hodgepodge Wednesday

It's Wednesday and that means "time for Hodgepodge."  I have no idea where Joyce comes up with these questions week in and week out but I'm so glad she does because it saves my brain from having to work overload on blog fodder.  Here we go........
 

 1.  Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 10th, and 2013 is the year of the snake. When did you last see a snake?  Are you okay around snakes or do they give you the shivers? 
 Oh, sometime last summer Hubby killed a Copperhead on the road in front of our house.  As far as I'm concerned a dead snake is the only good snake regardless of what type they are.  I am scared too death of them.  I have a great snake story but I will save it for another time. 

2. The color red in Chinese culture usually means good luck.  Do you believe in luck? 
 Webster's defines luck as:
Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions.
So, yes, I would have to say that I do believe in luck and I've had my share of both bad and good, so I guess it has all equaled out in my life, thus far.  But, I've heard some say, "if I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all."  Poor folks! ~sad~
 

3. sledding-ice skating-building a snowman...if given a choice, which activity would you choose?  Which of the three have you done most recently? 

Well, at this stage in my life I'm going to go with the safest of the three and that would be building a snowman.  I try to avoid any activities that I possibly can that could cause injury.  There's enough that I cannot avoid but those that I can, I will.  I have done none of the above  in years and years.
 

4.  Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited as saying, "The years teach much which the days never knew."  Where have you seen this quote played out in your own life?  
 Okay, I'm not going to sit here and think on this too long, I'm just going to jump in and answer it ~ right or wrong~ here I go.
My years have definitely taught me much and it's one of the better things about getting older.  We have (hopefully) learned a lot and grown wiser and it definitely takes years to do that.  It has played out in my life, time and time again and one of the biggest things is that "life is what it is" and very often there is not anything we can do except to accept situations that come our way and pray for the good Lord's guidance to see us through.~hope that made sense~

5. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? 

I bought some delicious cupcakes about 3 weeks ago to have when we had some company and I indulged in a Carrot Cupcake.  Cupcakes are on every corner it seems, quick stops, bakeries, cupcake shops, I think we might could say that they are "the be all, do all." And, they are pretty much available in more flavors than ice cream.  ~smile~
 

6. What's something you can't say no to? 
Hummmmmm..........my two Grans.  If it is not life threatening to them, then I pretty much think they should have it or be able to do it.  Isn't that part of the fun of grandparenting? ~chuckle~
 

7.  Are you a doodler?  
 Oh, no, not in any shape, form or fashion.  Now, I'm assuming you are talking about doodling as in a form of wasting time, not scribbling on a tablet. ~wink~ But, I'm sure the definitions of doodling vary greatly.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
You all know how there are few, if any, fabric tags in any clothing items anymore.  They have all been replaced with latex tagging that is somehow pressed directly on to the fabric.  Well, last summer Hubby bought some new briefs with latex tagging and he  came up with this terrible rash on his lower back, right at the place where the latex tag was on the briefs.  It took well over a week for him to figure out that it could possibly be the latex causing the rash.  By this time he had about a 4inch square of raw skin that was itching him crazy.  He ended up at the Dermatologist and it took almost two weeks of treatment to get it cleared up, and in the meantime he just started wearing his briefs wrong side out. (smart man wouldn't you say) And, he was still wearing his older t-shirts with the regular cloth tags.  Well, fast forward to this past week.  Hubby bought new t-shirts and briefs (is this getting too personal) and after about the second day of wearing them he started an awful itch up around his neck.  Yep! right where the latex tag is on his undershirt. He was more than a little frustrated and decided it was time to search the internet for a remedy. (whatever did we do before the internet????)  Well, there it was, various ways to remove the latex tags from your clothes without damaging them.  He decided to try the one that suggested using Wintergreen Oil.  He went to the pharmacy and bought some and came home and had all the latex tags removed within a few minutes.  So, my friends, if you have "issues" with your latex tags, try this.  It will save you a whole lot of scratching and discomfort for sure!  You can thank me later for this valuable information. ~big grin~

And, I leave you with this.....

 

Miscellany Monday

It's Monday gals, the first Monday of February! Yep, the days are just flying right on by........joining up with sweet Carissa on Monday's gets every week off to a great start!

Not just any hot chocolate.........

You know I love telling you about life here in South and how we make "events" out of every happening.  Well, last Thursday I was invited by this precious lady (shown with me in the picture above), affectionately known as "Ms. Virginia," to have a cup of hot chocolate.  Can I just tell you it was not "just" a cup of hot chocolate.  It was like something out of "Downton Abbey" complete with silver pot, beautifully appointed table, strawberries with lemon curd, and freshly made cinnamon toast.  Dark chocolate sticks were stirred into the hot milk until we had our milk as "chocolately" as we wanted it.  There were 8 of us gathered around this lovely table and can I just say, "it was an affair to remember."  Her daughter was in from San Antonio and she's every bit as gracious a Southern Belle as her Mom. I have told Ms. Virginia numerous times that I want to be just like her when I grow up.  She is one of the Godliest, fun loving, Southern ladies I know.  And, can you believe that she will be celebrating her 80th "something" birthday this June. 


57 years of hunting........

All of the deer you see in the photo above are just a few of the trophies killed by my Hubby over the past 57 years.  These are  the ones that have been permanently mounted and now hang in his office.  Hunting season has just closed for another year and it was another enjoyable year of hunting for him.  Hubby started hunting with his Dad, Uncle and cousins when he was around 8 years old.  He took to it like a "duck to water."  If they gave degrees in hunting, he would definitely have his Doctorate.  He is highly regarded as a hunter and tells me that the preparation for the season and being up close to nature is as much fun as the actual "kill."  One of the most important aspects of hunting is having patience and this man has a boatload of it. (otherwise he probably couldn't have stayed married to me for 40+ years) ~chuckle~

I am so glad that he has a hobby such as this and in recent years, he has taken steps to be even more careful and safe and it's just another reason that I call him a "very wise man." I'm thinking he would be a good candidate for his very own hunting show. Perhaps that can be his "second career." ~smile~

The deal of the day........

  Saturday Hubby and I were out and about and I had him stop by a cute little shoe boutique about 22 miles from here.  It's appropriately named "Avenue of Shoes."  It is locally owned by the sweetest people and I love going in there.  I have had my eye on this pair of black riding boots ever since they got them in last Sept.  They had a very proud price tag on them of $265.00. ~ouch~  I had gotten an email earlier last week telling me that they had just taken their final markdown and most all shoes and boots were 75% off.  Well, "heavens to Betsy" I had to go by and see if they just happened to still have those boots.  And, yep, they sure did.  They had one pair left and you guessed it, it was my size.  Now, was that meant to be or what?  I snatched those babies up so quick it would make your head swim .  A $265.00 pair of boots for ONLY $66.25.  I think so!  And, I spotted this brown pair and decided that I "needed" (sometimes our needs and wants get confused) them as well.  They were reguarly $225 and I got those for 56.75.  I left there a very happy gal and could hardly wait to tell Hubby how much money I had saved.  Of course, his reply is always the same, "how can you be saving money when you're spending it."  ~he's funny that way~ He was really impressed when he saw that both pair had Gortex lining.  He likes knowing that my feet will be both dry and warm and of course, cute! ~wink~


And, I leave you with this........

  

Friday's Letters

 

Time for a little letter writing with Ashley this Friday, the very first day of February.

Dear Apple, thank you so much for the storm warning setting on the IPhone and Ipad.  It nearly scares me too death when it goes off, but I might not otherwise know that weather conditions are less than desirable without you. This past Tuesday night was a reminder of how much I like that feature.

Dear Ziploc, I may have already written you, but that's okay.  You definitely deserve two letters, you are that awesome!  I cannot imagine life without you.  I find a new use for you everyday.  And, you come in any and every size imaginable, how wonderful is that!

Dear Vera Bradley,  how on earth do you keep on coming up with new fabrics?  I love to go in your stores.  It's like fabric overload and I love it.  Just when I think you cannot possibly come out with anything I would like better, you do.  And, your products tempt me beyond words.  But, I love that I'm on your email list and you email me about great sales and I can often get a "real deal" on your items.  Yea!

Dear Etsy, you are amazing!  You are my "go to" place for sure.  If I need a gift, a label of any sort, a scarf, jewelry, you name it, it's on your site and I've never, ever been disappointed in anything I have ever ordered.  Way to go!

Dear Daddy, it makes my heart so happy to hear the words "I'm doing great" come out of your mouth.  You've had a tough time the past few weeks and I'm so glad that you are beginning to see light at the end of this dark tunnel you have been in.  I thank the Lord!

Dear Son and DIL, I am so thankful that I can keep the Princess for you when she is under the weather.  It makes it possible for you both to go to work and it gives me precious time with her.  I'd say that's a "win win" situation for both of us.

Dear Comment Moderation, just so you know, I. DO. NOT. like you!  But, I suppose you serve a purpose for those bloggers that use you and apparently like you. ~smile~

Dear Downton Abbey, I think I could so enjoy your aristocractic way of life. I love, love your fashions and your decor.  Not so sure I could ever get use to having a maid by my side all day, every day, but all the rest, I could definitely "get into."  

Dear Winter, I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but I am ready for Spring.  A little winter goes a long ways with me and we've had enough. ~just wishing~

Dear New Orleans, I sure do hope you are prepared for this weekend.  With the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras both going on in your grand town, you'd better "have all hands on deck."  I'm so glad that I live in the other end of this great state. ~grin~

Dear American Idol, really? I'm convinced that some of these folks that try out are paid.  They surely, surely cannot be for real.  And, by the way, I'm not happy at all with your selection of judges this year and I may loose interest all together.  The jury is still out on that.

Dear Readers, thanks for stopping by and I leave you with this thought.....