First Day of Christmas

Oh My Gosh...

Why has no one done this???

Being a Strong Woman....

Being a strong woman is hard.

It means that elements in your

life caused there to be a need for

strength, if you wanted it or not.

 

Sometimes I just want someone to hug me and say,

“I know it’s hard. You’re going to be okay.

Here is chocolate and 6 million dollars."

I think that would make being

a strong woman endurable.
 

 (I never wanted to be a strong woman ,by the way.

It is hard, it is lonely, it is scary.

Chocolate and cash would be helpful,

the hug and understanding is priceless.)

 

HaPPy BiRTHDay BeauTy

A very happy birthday

 to my beautiful daughter Emmaly!

29 years ago I was given

the most amazing gift.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Mom loves you!

Gingerbread

A friend and I went to a Gingerbread House Competition today. There were all levels of gingerbread skill there. It was fun! Here are two of my favorites.













Thank you C.H.

HaPPy HaLF BiRTHDay

HAPPY

“HALF”

BIRTHDAY!!

To my

Brilliant,

Beautiful,

Bad Ass

Daughter!

 

Eek Sugar Bean!!

 

Quote for The Day

THANSGIVING

Gourmet Thanksgiving

Herb and Moscato roasted Pork Loin stuffed with Savory Dressing!

Tomato Pie with Bacon and Fresh Basil!

Coconut Pecan Crusted Candied Yams!

Kentucky Chocolate Pecan Pie!

All with a Raspberry, Cranberry, Peach Cocktail!

Perfect!!

HaPPY BiRTHDaY in KeNTuCKiaNa!

My team did a surprise birthday party for me. They are so wonderful! Amazing carrot cake!

Good morning my momma!
Happy last day before turning 39!!

I love my boy!

Car Stuff and the Men I Love

I left for work the other morning....only to find that my car wouldn't start. I know very little about vehicles, other than the basics. Mine is GREEN!

So I called AAA, and they sent a guy out to check my battery. He said it isn't the battery, but it might be the fuel pump. This man had a ring on everyone of his well groomed fingers...so I didn't take him for a mechanic.

I regrouped. I called my guy, I texted my son and all the people I know here in Kentuckiana. I got a bunch of ideas where I could take it. And I even have a sweet friend who was willing to pick me up and help me get a rental.

The tow truck finally got there and the drivers guy's name was Cody; he was young and very tall. I thanked him for coming and he asked me what was wrong with it. I told him it wasn't the battery. He asked a couple questions and I handed him the key. He tried to start it, and again it sounded like it was going to start, but didn't. He asked a couple more questions, then went back to him truck. He brought back what looked like the extension handle for some tool. He got on his knees in the rain and dirt and used the tool to tapped on the fuel tank... three times. Then he turned the key again and the car started. I looked at him with amazement and disbelief. I asked him if that tool was a magic wand. He said no, and explained that sometimes the fuel pump just gets stuck. He explained some other boy sounding stuff too...don't ask me to repeat it. I asked him for a recommendation of where to get my 'Green Giant' looked at and he gave me the name of a reliable place. (He did turn my car off and back on several times to rest my fears.)

I went off to work. When I got there I turned the car off and back on to just make sure again.

I texted my dear friend Bill in Phoenix, who has worked on my car extensively. I told him what had happened and asked for his input. He reminded me that we had had the fuel pump replaced at the dealership. So I called my Chevy guy 'Alex' in AZ. Then I talked to Bill again, he asked if the fuel pump was still under warranty. I said Alex said it was a life time warranty! I love that Bill looked out for me way back in 2013.
So I called the local dealership and talked to Rich.  He asked all the details, and I answered as best I could. To which he replied "Sounds like the starter to me." I pannicked. Every other man I had talked to said it sounded like the fuel pump.

My man reminded me that the starter had been replaced last year after I tumbled on the ice. (I had forgotten that was one of the many things that was replaced.) So I called the Chevy guy in AZ again, and Alex said "The guy at your local dealership is trying to take you. When you go in next week, call me, I will talk to him. I'm here for you." OMG Amazing.

At the end of the day, I can truly say that I hate boy stuff. But I am so grateful for the man in my life who do all that boy stuff and take care of me. For Cody and his magic wand, for KC and his never ending love for me, for Bill and his forsight, for Alex who is going to get the very best review ever, and my son who kept checking on me to make sure I was okay!

My Favorite Street Peeps

Great article! I love Sesame Street! I love that they love children!

http://m.mentalfloss.com/article.php?id=71281&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Partner&utm_campaign=nerdist

INCREDIBLE WHEEL STANDS & WHEELIES

Golf

A friend asked "Do you play golf?"

I replied "I have never played...however I figure if I have a hard time getting a big bowling ball into the large target at the end of the lane...then there is no way on earth I will be able to get a tiny golf ball way over there into that little hole in the ground. Not that I have ever done much bowling...but I know my limitations. I am an expert at cheering!"

To that he said "It's a fun but frustrating sport, but the only one I know of that will give you a vehicle and a 6 pack of beer.""

okay then.... Go Team!!!!! WOOHOO!!!

Like I'm Gonna Lose You

One Year

My son and his lady have been together 

for one year today. 

I can not even begin to tell you how happy that makes me.

One day he got out of work a bit early, and told me he was hurrying home to surprise his lady. 

I told him I think he is perfect. He said "I just want to make her happy." 

I told him that is what makes him perfect! 

Miss Amanda is wonderful. She is everything Mark has always wanted. He loves her!! 

And she and I have the most important thing in common...We are both in love with my boy!

Something on my feet...

If you know me well, you know I am a bare foot babe. 

If I could go without foot wear all the time I would.

However, I have moved to the mid-west. 

The cold factor negates that putting something 

on my feet is reality. 

I have fuzzy socks, I also have slippers. 

But my very favorite footwear has to be 

my man's athletic socks. 

They are way too big on me; 

the grey heal is well above my ankle. 

They are not feminine at all. 

They are not even remotely cute. 

But, I love them!

oh the life lessons.....

This week is the one year anniversary of hitting a deer on a dark cold country road and seven days later hitting black ice and rolled my Tahoe on the same road. Two of the most scary, horrifying events in my life. It was a really bad week! 

The realization that it is a year since then, made me contact my insurance agent. I am blessed with a great insurance agent. I sent him an email inquiring about 'what if's'. 

He replied: "If you hit a white tailed deer...you are covered. AND if you roll your car on the left side...you are covered."

He showed up in my office shortly after that and said "You are covered, I have your back." 

I am so glad I changed insurance companies. My past insurance company did not have my back. They reamed me on a monthly basis, and were not there to help when I needed them. 

So many life lessons. 

This and That

I pinned on Pinterest as I watched Fast and Furious.
I had granola for dinner, with Doritos.
Just a bit of this and that!

Monday Morning

I spent Monday morning with my best friend.
It's the perfect way to spend a rainy Monday morning!
Eek

I read an article...

Titled "Be a Grandma". The article told of ten things to do to be a grandma. Well, I think the title of the article is very misleading. I have done all the things on their list in my lifetime, I am currently doing nine. I don't know if that makes me a frugal old lady or great candidate for senior care giving. Either way, the article, that I'm sure was intended to encourage thrift and heritage, left me feeling smugly "Been there, Done that" and a bit kick ass that I did it all without needing to be told it is was chic or a prerequisite to being old. Did I mention, the article said nothing about children, let alone grandchildren! Ugh!

DO NOT CALL REGISTRY

1-888-382-1222

https://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/do-not-call-list

OH NO SANTA!

D.H. is leaving the office!

A co-worker is leaving our office today. 

His new job is way better for him and his family. 

But the office wont be the same without him!

Todays Weather

Phoenix currently 55 degrees. High today 69/44 for the low.
Kentuckiana currently 65 degrees. High today 76/58 for the low.

A little bit backward. But it should iron itself out by the end of the week. I don't mind a bit!!

Amazing

This was taken last night, looking out the study window!
Thanks M.O.

I Love Passion

FUNNY!

Road Trip!!

CARVING

Today

I had M&M's for breakfast. I put away the Halloween decorations, and put up the Fall/Thanksgiving decorations. I finished the curtain tiebacks for the front room and I hung the cute round mirror in the entry. I hung the new darling curtains in my sewing room and put the new headboard in the boudoir. The floors got vacuumed, the surfaces got dusted. The bathroom and powder room got scrubbed. The linens got changed and the laundry got washed. 
I made broccoli soup and amazing tea. I did some paperwork and read the news paper 
(so what if it was dated October 8th). I had my glasses repaired and made plans for my new obsession. I stripped the stairwell railing, and refinished an antique sewing box. I did a tiny bit of re-purposing, painting and some organization. I reconnected with an old friend and my neighbors stopped by for a visit. I set my clocks back an hour and I got over 6 hours of sleep. I listened to the bird playing together in the rain gutter.... It  was a really nice day! 

October 31st

It's been a chilly, blustery day here in Kentuckiana. The leaves are falling and the sky looks like a gray wool blanket. The cute Halloween candy bags are filled with good chocolates, and my trusty witches hat is waiting at the door. I have accomplished much of my end of October to do list today. Even checked out my favorite new obsession! As I sat down with a cup of hot tea, I could hear the wind howling. So.... I got up and added more weather stripping to the front door. Cause that's what you do when there is howling at your door on Halloween!

Ἀφροδίτη

Aphrodite is the Greek Goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure. 
In Rome she is the Goddess Venus.

She may be a role model worth emulating!!

An Apple

I sliced a perfect apple today. 

It was golden, with just a blush of pink. 

It was so sweet, crisp and delicious.

Delicious: Highly pleasing to the senses!

SUNSET

Heading into the Sunset! Perfect!!

Late October

I spent the other morning driving through the countryside of Kentuckiana. Late October has to be the very most beautiful time of year here. The trees are all different shades of yellows, oranges, reds, purples, browns and greens. In some spots it looks as though the woods are on fire; figuratively ablaze with color. I don't know if it is therapeutic to my soul or just what, but I know it literally makes me happy.

I'm Yours

You are my best friend, 
You make me happy, 
I LOVE YOU BABE!
 Eek

Saturday Morning

I watched VH1 Saturday morning. 
They were doing the top 20 count down. 
I haven't watched VH1 is decades. 
It kind of made me feel old. 
Then after watching some videos 
and commercials,
I decided old was just fine with me.
I turned the TV off.  

Jessette and Cole

Two of my very favorite people took a road trip this past week. They covered alot of States and saw places they have never been before. I was thrilled that they took in my home. They met my people and got to see just why I love it here. I loved spending time with them. They are wonderful. I am glad they made it home safe and sound. I love my kids!

http://theloginn.net/history/

TALKING

I spent some time with 

a friend this weekend. 

We talked for hours, 

about what we want out of life, 

about friendship and 

about our bucket lists. 

Once again,

 I see that I still want the same things, 

that I am not willing to settle for less 

and I refuse to have any regrets. 

Thanks J.J. 

Reid's Orchard

I went to the "Apple Festival" today.
The weather was chilly and windy.
It was a nice little festival.
Reid's Orchard is a really nice 
place. Lot's of country charm!
Thanks T

The BOAT

I went to The BOAT the other night with a friend.
I am not a gambler, but I wanted to see the casino.
The band in the lobby was great, and there was dancing!
We parked at the top of the 6 story parking garage.
The view of this little city was great and the weather was perfect.
And that little Japanese place we went to for dinner was really good too!
It was a nice evening! Thanks J.S.!

MISSISSIPPI

I went to Mississippi last weekend. 

I was invited to the foot ball game. 

I visited with amazing people, 

I saw beautiful countryside, 

I had a wonderful weekend. 

My Inner Nerd

Because being a nerd is a good thing!
 https://www.youtube.com/user/pbsdigitalstudios

The One

MUSTANG HEAVEN

I spent the day with a friend, 

it was a windy, drizzly, chilly day.

We took a drive to Bowling Green

 to see all the Fords. 

I had an amazing time!! 

http://www.nmradigital.com/

Thanks KC!

Quote of The Day

"Miracles happen every day; change your perception of what a miracle is and you'll see them all around you."
Jon Bon Jovi

Ist Day of Fall

Fall is my favorite season. I think it  has been my entire life. Although, since moving to Kentuckyanna, I have fallen in love with it. If only it would last all winter long!!

COOL FIND.....Take a Look

https://www.mealessence.com/mealplanner.php

Margarette

I met Margarette today.

She stopped by my office before heading to Germany tomorrow. She is going to see her younger sister. I helped her get her things in order, and she told me stories.

When she was a girl of 12, she and her grandmother had been working in their vineyard. That afternoon an old gypsy woman came to them, selling ribbons. The gypsy took the girl's hand, and told her that one day she would move to America and marry a man named Frank. Many years later, as she was a young bride in New Albany, Indiana, she remembered the gypsy. Margarette had moved to the Hoosier state when she and Frank were married.

One day, she and Frank had taken a Sunday drive; westward along the Ohio river. When they drove through what is now the historic district of Evansville, Margarette knew she was home. She and Frank bought two turn of the century houses, restored them,and helped bring a neighborhood back to life. She has since restored many other homes. Twice she has moved to the west side of town, but she always comes back to where she feels at home.

Each year Margarette takes this trip to Germany to see her sister. She spends a month or so there. They travel and explore together. One year, during a hot summer, they were driving through the country side when Margarette told her sister she would like a pesche. Her sister said she shouldn't use the old words from their small town, but use the correct German pronunciation; Pfirsiche. As they drove, the came across a farmers market. There on the hand painted sign read “PESCHE”, and Margarette beamed with older sister pride.

Pesche and Pfirsiche are the Italian and German words for Peaches.

Years later, Margarette was again in her hometown in Germany. This time she was walking through the church with her aunt. Her aunt began to tell her that the church was built back in the 1700’s, and that Italian artisans were hired to paint the frescos within the church. These Italian artists brought their families, and their way of life. They helped to settle the small town, and there they stayed. One of the things they brought with them for Italy were the Pesche that they planted all over the country side. That is how a German woman knows Pfirsiche as Pesche.
As we waited for her confirmation to arrive and her paperwork to be completed, she told me of her love for the area we live in. She told me of the towns beginnings, and the history. We talked about gardening and neighborhoods, about the river and the bug population. 
There are people that I have met in my life time that are amazing. I am blessed to have met Margarette. As I walked her to the door, this seventy something beauty hugged me, then she said "There is always a reason people come into your life!" I smiled, that's something I always say! I hope she has a wonderful visit with her sister, I hope the trip is happy and magical, I hope she finds fresh Pesche.
When she gets back to our little "Delta" as she calls it here, she is taking me for a tour. I can hardly wait!!

Hello Fall

A perfect weather kind of day! Oh my gosh, it's beautiful!
Currently 69 degrees, looking at an over night low of 56. 
Partly cloudy, very breezy. Light showers!!
Hello Fall!!!

Sweet 16

On this day, 16 years ago, my daughter was born. She already had two wonderful sisters and a brother that anxiously awaited her. I had anticipated and longed for this perfect baby for so very long. She is charming, a witty surprise, a breath of fresh air, a true delight! She is the Frosting on the Cake! I love her with all my heart. Happy Birthday Baby! Eek

9/9/2015

HaPPy LaST DaY oF 15 CooKie!
I love you, eek!

Nourishment

Think of sleep as a form I nourishment. Don't let yourself go hungry

Aging

Aging isn't about losing yourself but affirming who you are, who you've been all along.

TRUE

I Know Just The Guy

I drive past this shop every now and then. I'm not sure, but I think it's vacant. I know the perfect man to fill it, but I would need to talk him into moving to Kentucyanna!
Pout!

Beavers

Wild life fascinates me. I have always had a love for buffalo, they are so majestic and noble. Farm animals like horsed, cows, chicken, and sheep are beautiful in their charming homey farmy way. I love the raccoon , squirrel and deer; living here in the mid-west has given me the chance to see so many deer. I loved the day I watched a young deer play with a barn cat in the hay field by my home in Kentucky, it was a wonderful sight. Earlier this year I saw a beaver up the hill from a neighbors farm. I was amazed to see the creature, astonished by its size, and delighted to watch it sprint to safety each time a truck would pass by. I fell in love with beavers that day. Last weekend as I was exploring some back-roads near the Ohio river, I saw something in the road. It is all too common to see a dead raccoon, skunk or squirrel on the road. As I was driving, and slowed down a bit, I still couldn't make out just what this little thing was. The area was beautiful,with forest surrounding me, a home here and there. As I got closer to this stationary thing in the road, all of the sudden it hopped up and started to run for safety. To my surprise and delight it was a small beaver. Oh my gosh it was so darling! When beaver run they hop, and it made me giggle. I can't even describe just how darling this cutie was. I totally fell in love with that little beaver !
There is a great documentary put out by PBS on Beavers. It's on Netflix, and on PBS, I added the link below. Just in case you want to fall in love with these darling rodents also!

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/leave-it-to-beavers-leave-it-to-beavers/8836/

I Love Mine!

I'm Counting On It!

Programming

I don't watch tv often, and when I do... Well, my kids say I watch old lady programming. I say " I just DON'T like stupid programming."
But...did you know, that the National Geographic channel has a program called the 'Science of Stupid.' It brakes down stupid, by using smarts. I like this! Just saying!