Some of my Favorite Things

Is it really Friday again?  Oh, my, how quickly the days go by.  But, I look forward to sharing with you a few of my "favorite things" and urge you to click on the button below to read others entries for Friday Favorites.  Thanks Rachel for this great meme!

Some of my favorite things are...........

Can I just tell you that I cannot imagine my life without a navigation system!  In fact, I do not know how I made it before they came into existence.  I am so directionally challenged and truly do not have a clue as to how to read a map.  The navigation system is my kind of directions, full of details and all the way down to the exit number and she (we named our Shirley)  tells you about 5 times before it's actually time to turn.  Yep, that's my kind of directions.  My only gripe is when we are on a trip and stop to potty and get a bite to eat and she's screaming, "turn around when possible."  Goodness, I just want to tell her to "shut up." Oh, excuse me, I mean "be quiet."   

Several years ago my Mother gave me this piece of tatting that her Mother had done many, many years ago.  I had it in a drawer for a long time and then decided that I would have it framed along with the shuttle she used to tat it.  I was more than a little proud when I got it back.  I so well remember watching my Grandmother tat and wondering how in the world she worked with such tiny thread and created such pretty lace.  She would attach it to pillow cases, handkerchiefs and such.  I never hear of anyone tatting today but I'm sure there are still some ladies that do.  I think it is such a beautiful art form and this is a favorite piece for sure.

I love, love this club chair and ottoman.  It is the first place I head of a morning for my quiet time.  It is in our upstairs TV room and I curl up with a throw, have my first cup of coffee and spend some time in the Word,and prayer. This chair makes me feel very safe and secure, just like I'm in the arms of Jesus and is the perfect beginning to my day.

You may remember my saying that I am not an antique buff unless it is a piece that was once in our family.  Well, such is the piece above.  This belonged to my Dad's Mom and this piece started out as natural oak, then it was once pink, once white and then an awful shade of green when I got it.  I knew a man that was great at refinishing and he performed his magic on it and it has graced one of our guest bedrooms since that time.  I think it is such a lovely, lovely piece and perhaps one day I'll replace the mirror.  But, have you ever priced a beveled mirror?  Can I just say, EXPENSIVE! 
And, for those of you old enough to remember the Chatty Kathy doll, notice I have one that has been restored sitting on the left hand side of the dresser, in her original clothes.  She was 50 years old this past Christmas. Yep, that's right! 

Every morning M-F you will find me on this treadmill at about 7:00AM.  I have been walking on a treadmill for about 25 years.  Now, don't be too impressed because I am not breaking any records when I am walking.  About the best I can say is that I am consistent.  I walk for 30 minutes at 3.5 mph at a small incline and go about 2 miles.  As you can see I have a nice fan blowing right on me and a ceiling fan going as well.  Le me say that I do not like to sweat! ~laugh~  Lots of folks say they do not like a treadmill because they want to be outside.  Well, I love my treadmill and there's no way that I would keep up as consistent a speed if I were  walking on my own and with my treadmill the weather is NOT a factor.  Come rain, shine, sleet or snow, I'm upstairs putting in my time.  I often watch one of the morning news shows or listen to a sermon or Bible teaching on my IPod.  It's a win-win situation for me .

Happy weekend my peeps!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Another Wednesday, another Hodgepodge link up.  Joyce always shows up for us and we likewise, show up for her.  Enjoy!
 
1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day?

The Princess, my precious Granddaughter, will be spending the day with me today.  She is such a delight and learning so much so fast that it's hard to keep up with her little growing brain.  She is 2 years and 5 months old and so smart.~wink~  She recognizes her name and much of the alphabet, and can count .  Now, do you not agree, that's a smart one? ~smile~  But, I truly do not care if she is showing signs of smartness or not.  It is definitely a plus but her sweet spirit is what her CiCi loves the most. 

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part? 
I mentioned in a recent blog entry that I just did not believe that my Dad would ever recover from the GBS that overtook his body last summer.  It has taken a huge leap of faith on my part to believe that He is capable of doing any and everything He wants to do ---- including restoring my Dad's health.  Praise the Lord He doesn't base His healing power on my lack of faith but rather on His marvelous  grace.

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far? 

Our denomination has never recognized Lent but in recent years I have given a lot of thought to it.  I do think participating in Lent would make the celebration of Easter more meaningful.  And, it just seems that 40 days of giving up or doing without something is a huge reminder of what He gave up for us.  All so that we might have the gift of eternal life.

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire? 

Hubby and I were in route to Branson, Missouri last Nov. and stopped to visit with dear friends on the way.  We went to Ruth Chris Steak House that evening and they had a lovely fireplace burning and we sat at the table next to it.  It was so warm and cozy and made the meal and fellowship even better.  Guess it's hard to believe that's the last time I sat by a fire.  

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option?

I would order as is, I think a little of both is a great combo.  The last time I had this was at Red Lobster and it was a small portion and just perfect.  

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose?

Oh, there were so many great shows in "days gone by" but the first one that came to my mind was Lassie. I can still hear the opening music and I so well remember the enjoyment I got out of watching that show.  Oh, for kids to have such shows today!

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat?

Well, how about somewhere inbetweeen? I have always been able to recall names, events and such at the drop of a hat.  My "recaller" is not as quick as it use to be, but it still serves me pretty well. ~thank the Lord~

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

You know I always think that when we ladies find a product that we love, we should share that love with each other.  Well, I'm telling you gals, the above product, Sole Food is 
w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l!  My nail tech gave me some not long ago and I
use it on my feet every morning when I get out of the shower.  I cannot stand rough feet and have tried a lot of products, but have never found one this good.  And, I think the name is just so cool!  And, the Forbees, the "founding father's" of Sole Food in Plano, Texas could use our prayers.  Jack, the President has just been diagnosed with cancer and he and his precious wife, Patty have a long and tough journey ahead of them.  I called their website number this past Monday to order some more of the Sole Food and Patty was who I spoke with and she shared this with me.  Can I just say that it was a  very "God ordained" conversation and I called to get Sole Food but what I got was Soul Food and I was blessed.

 

Miscellany Monday

Time to link up with our Carissa and share our randomness........

$50 a pound.........

I'm not sure how many of you saw the article a a couple of weeks ago about these little pods for the coffee makers, such as a Keurig. (I owe a keurig)  But, it was stating that by buying coffee in these pods we were paying around $50 a pound for coffee. OUCH!  I thought about that for a while and I really have no doubt that is correct.  There is probably no more than a tablespoon of coffee in each of those pods and it takes a whole lotta pods to equal a pound of coffee.  I felt just a little bit better knowing that I use each of my pods twice, once for a large cup and once for a small cup.  But, that is still expensive anyway you cut it. I'm thinking gas could be less expensive than coffee when you put the math to it. ~frightening~


Who will it be..........

I am not much of a TV watcher except when it comes to American Idol.  I got hooked somewhere around Season 5 and when it gets down to the Top 12, I start keeping a list and acting like it's a matter of "life or death."  ~laugh~ I'm not sure I have ever seen such great talent as the group this year.  It seems that all Top 24 have some "star quality."  It will make for some good conversations for sure and Hubby and I will enjoy rooting for our picks.


Center of my life...........

Our Bible Study yesterday morning was on Christ being the center of our lives.  Now, one would think that if you had been a Christian for 52 years (that would be me) that this would just come natural.  Oh, how I wish!  But, it is a daily struggle with the things of this world vying for our attention and luring us away from Him.  I'm not talking about some blatant  sin in our lives, just those sneaky little things that move Him off of the throne of our lives.  Can I just say that I was convicted to get my life back in alignment with Him.  There is no greater joy!


Work and Commitment............

This past Saturday I attended the 59th wedding anniversary of a dear couple here in our town and went straight from that to the wedding of a young couple here in our town.  As I sat waiting on the wedding to begin I thought of the 59 years this couple had been married and the almost 41 that I've been married and the stories they/we could likely tell this young couple just starting out.  Oh, my goodness, I imagine the one thing most all couples would say, no matter the length of time they have been married, is that it takes a whole lot of WORK and a whole lot of COMMITMENT and God's grace.  And, I'm afraid we see less of both of these and as a result we are seeing more and more broken homes.  And, so goes the home, so goes the nation.  WOW! It is a rarity to see anyone  celebrate 59 years and if they do, then you know they "stayed the course."    Ah, love is a many splendored thing............


A floral thank you ..........

I got home from running errands this past Friday afternoon and found this sitting on the kitchen island.  Hubby was here but he did not have a guilty look on his face so I pulled out the card and was so surprised.  It was a thank you from a local business for my doing something nice for them.  I mean really, isn't that what we are suppose to do, be nice.  But, be assured that it "made my day!" It was so unusual, not so fixed and perfect, but more free form. Just pure loveliness!

Count your blessings and have a great week!

Only in the South

Can I just say that I LOVE Rachel's new FFT button.  I know that she is in hog heaven today as she is attending Blissdom.  What a deserving gal!

I have been a Southern gal all of my life, and a deep Southern gal since moving to Louisiana some 41 years ago.  I was born in Virginia, shortly afterwards moved to Arkansas, then to Louisiana, and back to Virginia until Hubby and I were married.  So, my roots run deep and I'm pretty much convinced that some things only happen in the South.  I learned shortly after moving here that everything in an EVENT! No joke, nothing just takes place, it is a royal happening.  And, I soon discovered that I liked that.  I mean, why not?  This past week has reminded me of this truth and I thought that I would share with you some of the events, happenings, affairs, etc. that I was privileged to be a part of.

Unless you have been under a log, anyone reading this likely knows that Mardi Gras took place this past Tuesday.  And, you likely know that Louisianans do Mardi Gras unlike anyone else.  Even the nursing facility that my Dad resides in had a big celebration Tuesday afternoon for the residents.  I love the colors of Mardi Gras and the fun spirit but I have never been apart of any parade or celebration.  So, I decided that Daddy and I would attend this celebration and it would be a "first" for both of us.

One of the residents Granddaugther was the Queen of the Orion Krewe in Baton Rouge and she came up to lead the parade down the halls with her two precious children.  I was able to snag her long enough to get Dad's picture with her.  Daddy rode his motorized wheelchair in the parade and threw beads out along the way.  If a resident needed anything during the time this celebration was taking place, well, it was probably for naught.  I mean, a lot of the residents, the staff and guests were all caught up in the action.  

On Tuesday evening I attended my first ever "Corsage Party."  One of our local florist,The Flower Tree, and the one I use for everything, hosted an evening of fun for the girls and their Moms preparing to go to the local high school proms.  They had pulled out all the stops for these gals.  Chips and dips of all varieties and Strawberry and Lime Mockarita's. Yep, that's right, I'd never heard of a Mockarita either, but let me tell you, the Strawberry would "make you slap your pappy." I told you, "only in the South."

No, I certainly don't have a daughter attending prom, but I knew it was going to be a fun evening and I invited myself to be a part of it. ~smile~  I had never heard of such an event and further more did not know what a spectacular creation that corsages had become.  My goodness, they are more like "works of art" and I didn't ask, but I imagine they cost like "works of art."  I am assuming, I didn't ask this either, the girl goes and picks out what she wants for herself and for her date and the guy gets to pay for his dates and she pays for his.  Now, we know who comes out on the short end of that stick. ~chuckle~ 

They had a photographer there to do fun pics of the girls and "yours truly" could not resist joining in on that fun.  Notice my black glasses and red nose in the above left bottom picture. This all took place "after hours" so that made it an even more special event.  I'd never heard of a corsage party but perhaps they are the up and coming thing and I just bet it got it's start in the South!!  It sure was fun and I am glad to be "in the know" about prom corsages.~smile~

Yesterday I hosted a CABI Show in my home.  If you have never heard of CABI, then you are missing something.  It is Carol Anderson By Invitation.  Which, in layman's terms, means that Carol Anderson, the designer, offers her clothes through home shows only now.  At one time they were available through retail stores, but not anymore.  And, they offer great incentives to their hostess, thus my reasoning for being a host. Go figure..............

I designed my own invitation because I think cute invitations make folks more likely to attend the function.  It's a Southern thing! ~grin~  Cabi does an evite and that just does not cut it for me.  I want an old fashioned, in the mail, cute invitation.  It was such fun and Linda, the rep, does the greatest job of showing how to put pieces together for the neatest look.

Anytime Tee

The Johnny Crop

These are two pieces that I got but be assured, I will NOT be sporting the 3  1/2 inch heels with my Johnny Crops. I could really get use to this kind of clothes shopping.  I like the personalized service, all the ideas and just the fun of being with the girls.  And, it's even more fun because we all know each other so well and feel free to share our opinions whether we ask for them or not.  You know, it's the Southern way! 

The weather has been so spring like  and add to it the happenings, events, gatherings, whatever you want to call them, and it has made for a super week! Can I just say that today finds me a very happy Southern Gal!

Love you girlies!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Okay girlies, Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) was yesterday and today is Ash Wednesday.  What better way to begin the season of Lent than with Joyce and her Hodgepodge Questions.  I mean, really........

1. February 22nd is National Be Humble Day...what makes you proud? What keeps you humble?

One thing that makes me very proud is watching our children parent their own children.  They are very good parents and it makes my heart swell with pride.

What keeps me humble is knowing that it is only God's grace that allowed me to be where I am today and it is His grace that keeps me here. WOW! is all I can say!

2. Where is the catch-all (aka dumping ground) in your house?

The kitchen cabinet by the laundry room and backdoor will generally have something laying there that is for Hubby or me to take somewhere.  It's not what I would really call a dumping ground, but Hubby's clothes rack in our bedroom would win the prize!  Oh, my goodness, that man can hang more clothes on that rack that the law allows.  Ever so often I have to have a clean sweep but Hubby immediately begins to fill it back up. ~smile~


3. Do you make it a point to visit State/National Parks when you travel or even in your own hometown? What's your favorite?
No, we do not make it a point to visit either State or National Parks but we do have a really nice State Park just a mere 10-12 miles from here.  It is the Chemin-A-Haut State Park and is a lovely park with great accomodations for either families or groups.  Hubby and I usually do find our way there at some point each year and ride through, but parks are not on our list of priorities. ~shame on us~


4. How would you define honor?

Dignity and respect

 
5. Angel's food or Devil's food-which cake do you prefer?

I am not a big chocolate fan so it would definitely be Angel Food for me.  I like little bites of chocolate here and there but would not choose a slice of Devil's Food Cake over a slice of Angel Food.

 
 6. What's the most recent road trip you've taken? Where did you go and how many hours did you spend in the car? Do you like to zoom to your destination without stopping or leisurely wind your way there with stops along the way? What is your car snack of choice?Our last road trip was in mid-December to Natchez, La. It is only about 3 hours away and Hubby had a business meeting there and I tagged along because Natchez is one of the South's greatest little towns.  I am all about the destination when we travel and Hubby is all about the journey which makes for a most interesting combination. ~chuckle~  Oh, I love to eat CornNuts when we travel and Hubby thinks that I am crazy because I never eat them any other time.


7. Recent headlines told how a preschool child in NC had their packed lunch from home taken away and a school lunch substituted by a school inspector who deemed the homemade lunch unhealthy. Reportedly the parent was then billed for the school lunch (chicken nugget meal) although an update to the story says the parent was not billed. The inspector was conducting a routine inspection of the classroom-he/she was not there solely to peek in the lunchboxes. The packed lunch contained a turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple juice box, a bag of chips, and a banana. You can read the story here. Your thoughts?

I thought it was one of the craziest things I had ever heard when it came out on the news and also thought that is wasn't "news worthy" (neither is half of everything else on the news).  For goodness sakes, a chicken nugget lunch is probably not near as healthy as a turkey and cheese sandwich. ~gheez~

8. Insert your own random thought here.

As I stated at the beginning of my entry, yesterday was Mardi Gras.  Well, the nursing facility where my Dad resides had a Mardi Gras parade and celebration for the residents.  The little fellas in the picture above were  brought by their owner to participate in the parade.  I thought they were toys when I first saw them.  She had them perched on a cart and she pushed them down the halls and they never moved.  I was sorry that I didn't have my Grans with me, they would have had a fit for sure.  Needless to say, they pretty much "stole the show."  I guess it just proves that you never know what you may see. ~giggle~

Miscellany Monday

Monday, Monday, so good to me...........do those lyrics not bring back some Momma and Poppa memories?  Oh, my, I'm really showing my age now.  So, let me just move on and be random with sweet Carissa this morning .

Fat Tuesday.......

If you are not familiar with Mardi Gras then you might be wondering what in the world is Fat Tuesday.  Tomorrow is Fat Tuesday and it marks  the end of the carnival season and the beginning of the season of Lent. The biggest Mardi Gras celebration takes place in New Orleans.  Can I just tell you that New Orleans will be "rocking and rolling" with festivities tomorrow.   In the spirit of Mardi Gras ~big laugh~ I  have been trying my hand at making a King Cake the past 2-3 years and this year I used a recipe using Rhodes Frozen Bread Dough.  I was pretty pleased with it and even Hubby said it tasted great.  It was filled with cream cheese, cinnamon and pecans. Yep, it will definitely make you fatter on Fat Tuesday. ~laugh~ Added note........I have never been to any Mardi Gras celebration or parade and I've been a Louisiana gal since marrying my husband almost 41 years ago.  I love the colors of Mardi Gras and the happiness that seems to surround it, but that's about it. ~smile~


Homemade sweetness.........

We opened our mail on Valentine's Day and inside one of the envelopes was the precious homemade Valentine from our Princess.  Her Momma had helped her with this and I thought it was so, so cute.  I thought some of you young Moms might enjoy the idea for your litle ones next year.  It was all held together by a little ribbon on the top left corner.  It brought a tear to my eye as I thought about the power of the words of this scripture.  


Roses and more roses.....

 We had lunch at the Country Club yesterday for the Sunday Buffet.  There had been a big wedding reception there the evening before and this gorgeous arrangement was still remaining in the foyer.  It was stunning to say the least and had dozens and dozens of roses in it.  Really a beautiful site!


Still amazed........
 It has been 8 1/2 months since my Dad was diagnosed with Guillian Barre Syndrome.  These months have taught me so much about my lack of faith.  After weeks of hospitalization  and a nursing facility becoming his new home last August, I had given up all hope concerning his recovery.  He was as close to death as anyone can get without actually dying.  His body was tortured with pain and he was a complete invalid.  The man that I had always known to be in the best of health and leading an active life as an 81 year old was now a lifeless creature awaiting the Lord to take him home.  But, folks, we have witnessed a miracle, a HUGE miracle!!!!  My Daddy now walks unassisted with a walker, takes care of his basic needs and looks forward to returning home with his wife, my step Mom, in the weeks ahead.  I've watched this entire process and can still hardly believe it.  But, it is true and I know that it is nothing but a miracle and we praise Him for choosing to do His healing work in Daddy's life.  What God has in store for Dad's future, we do not know, but we do know that God has His own reasons for raising him back to life and we give Him all the glory.  And, He has increased my faith like nothing else ever has and I'm going to try and never doubt His ability again.  He is able to do any and all things that He so desires to do. I pray this testimony will encourage you if you are struggling in your faith belief over some situation.

Blessings for this new week!     

My Week ~ Favorites and Other Stuff

It's been  rainy and cold  here in NE Louisiana this week.  I am not a fan of rain or cold, so I've had to make my own sunshine this week. ~smile~ Monday was a particularly cold and rainy day but I had a couple of errands to do and I wasn't about to let the rain and cold stop me.  I mean, life goes on! Once back home it was laundry and some housekeeping and then to the computer for some work and some pleasure before starting dinner.  Now, doesn't that sound like an exciting Monday?  ~giggle~

Tuesday was Garden Club and we had a delightful program by a floral designer.  I always enjoy learning any and everything I can about floral arranging.  He demonstrated how to do some very simple, yet impressive table scapes and arrangements  for our home. 

 Do you see the Rosemary in this arrangement? Who would have ever thought to put Rosemary in a flower arrangement?  Not this gal, but I definitely will in the future.  In fact, I plan to grow myself some Rosemary this spring.  

Tuesday was also "hair day."  Yep, the ole color and trim routine.  It rolls around every 4 weeks whether or not I want it to or not. ~sigh~ Guess I could just let my hair go grey, but auburn hair doesn't grey, it turns yellow. ~yuck~  So, guess as long as I have the breath of life in me I'll keep having my hair colored.  And, besides that, I love my hair stylist! ~smile~

  "Happy Hearts Day" was Tuesday too,  and I love, love Valentine's Day.  It's just a great day to show some love and you know, we can't ever get too much of that and we can never share too much of it.  It's a win, win situation!  I had fun sharing some love with some folks.~wink~

I had a long over due pedicure on Wednesday.  Oh, my goodness, it was wonderful! My feet were ultra happy when it was over, I was wishing it was flip flop wearing weather and I could show off my "happy feet."

  I attended a study club meeting with one of my "besties" on Thursday.  It's a great group of ladies and I so enjoyed being with them. They had a great program, a delicious meal and wonderful fellowship ~ I call that a great combination and I was glad I was invited to be a part of it. The program was about George Rodrigue, a Louisiana artist, and Rodrigue began the famous Blue Dog artwork.  Oh, my goodness, this little fella has created such a stir since he "came to be" in 1984.

Perhaps you are familiar with him.  Personally, I don't "get it."  But, a lot of folks do and he's proudly hanging in homes all across this country.  Isn't it amazing what folks can come up with and strike gold in the process????

Today I'll spend going to Monroe doing a little shopping and just enjoying the day.  We have no big plans for the weekend but that could change by tomorrow. We sort of fly by the seat of our pants on the weekend, it's nice to be at season of our life that we can do that. ~smile~  

Thanks for stopping by, I sincerely appreciate each and everyone of you that take the time to read my blog.  You have a lot of things vying for your time and that makes your visit even more special. May you have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks to the two Rachel's for hosting us today.