New Years Eve

I'm not much of a "stay up all night to watch the ball drop" kinda girl. But I'll be up early to watch the Rose Bowl Parade!
Happy New Year!!!

Karma Cafe

New Year Wish

Sassy

On The Verandah

One of my very favorite places to wander is an unusual shop. It's owned by two women in Scottsdale, Arizona. It's the most charming ware house you will ever see. With a dilapidated old truck out front and a verandah constructed from rebar. The shop and its rustic yet elegant yards are filled with furnishings and hard ware found in old French country homes, barns and establishments. The antiques are very eclectic and beautiful. As you explore this unexpected treasure trove you get the scenes of not just elegance and charm, but of magic as well. And although I would never pay the price for the lovely relics, I would like to construct a verandah built of rebar in my yard one day.

Ben Carson

Christmas Cookies

Miss Amanda... My son is in love with her.

I knew she must be darn near perfect,

because she makes him happy

and he can't find anything but wonderful about her.

 

For Christmas they sent me

 a care package full of treats and treasures.

They even sent a treat and treasure for my puppy.

I love how thoughtful and delightful everything they sent is.

But when I came across the Christmas Date Cookies,

I cried.

 

Amanda made the same cookies that

my grandmother used to make.

The flood of memories and emotions rolled right over me.

Grandma would use the dates from

the date palms in her backyard,

and Granddad would help her make the cookies.

One of the only memories I have of them working in unison.

These are some of my favorite childhood memories.

 

Amanda didn’t know any of that,

 I don’t think even my children did.

But here in this charming gift box,

was the sweetest Christmas surprise.

 

I am grateful that my son has chosen such a wonderful girl.

I thought she was perfect before,

now I know for sure.  

Commercials

I don't watch tv very often. And when I do it's usually HGTV, or the Food network, or the Discovery, Travel or Weather channels. I'm just boring like that. But today I had some things to work on so I turned the tube on too. It is a Harry Potter marathon day. So I have had Harry in my home all afternoon. And now that I'm sleepy and want to go to bed, I am torn, I want to watch the last movie too. I think the commercials are what's taking all the time. I have seen the same ones over and over and over. Oh my gosh. I hate commercials!!! I just wanted to see Harry grow up!

HaPPy BiRTHDay

Today is my son in laws Birthday
Happy Happy Birthday Trent!

Truth

Snow should only exist at a distance.
Ice should only occur in a
drink glass.

In fact, below 50 deg F should only happen in a fridge.

That's what Mike says!
And I concur!

I want a Hippopotamus...

I had a dream last night, that I was looking out my sewing room window at the lake behind my place. In my dream I watched a hippopotamus walk out of the lake up onto the grass. It was BIG! I was so excited to tell Angel, the little girl who lives next door. I was SO excited. I don't think I have ever been so excited in a dream. It was thrilling.
When I woke up this morning, I remembered that there was something exciting I had to hurry and do. But I couldn't remember what. As I made my list of things to do today (yes I even make a to do list on Christmas morning) I suddenly remembered the Hippo!! And for a second I got that super excited feeling again.
Then I realized that it was a dream, and that I don't have a Hippo in my little lake.
I was more than a little bit disappointed. Not that I ever wanted a Hippo. But in a funny sort of way I got that little kid excitement and a Hippopotamus for Christmas. It felt good!

Physical Touch

December 25, 2015

Star Wars

I saw Star Wars tonight. Do you remember the very first one, way back when?! Back when the movie budget was tiny and the movie was epic! Now the movie seemed on the lacking end, but I'm sure the budget was epic!

I only recommend this movie because it's a have to if you have seen all the others.

December 21st

Today is a special day, for many reasons for me.

 

Tonight is the longest night of the year.

 

Today is the first day of Winter.

 

My youngest daughter was baptized on this day.

 

My oldest daughter was married on this day.

 

It is a very lovely day!

I LOVE THIS

http://www.google.com/doodles/celebrating-ludwig-van-beethovens-245th-year

What the....

I went to dinner with a couple of the girls from work. They ordered Gizzards as an appetizer.
And although it looks like fried chicken, a voice from somewhere in my head was screaming "THIS IS NOT FOOD, don't try it!" So I looked at the plate and asked "Do we know where the gizzard comes from exactly, and how many chickens did it take to make this pile?"
A lady, seated at a different table, said "A lot of chickens!" This did not make me feel any better about this.
The girls from work continued to encourage me. And I do like the crispy crunchy part of fried chicken, so reluctantly I picked the tiniest bit and someone said "Just try it, their so chewy." Well that right there about had me running for the door. But the girls at my table where munching away. So I put the tiny piece in my mouth... The crunchy was great, but that chewy unknown what the heck is in my mouth texture had me wanting to spit it on the floor. Everyone had a great time at my expense. I gulped and chased it with a large glass of water with lemon.
Yep, won't be doing that EVER again!

GiFT WRaPPiNG

My son and I are talking after work and he is all excited about the gift he got his lady for Christmas. Since she is still at work he says he is going wrap the gift. He tells me all about the cool black paper she bought. Then he asks me if its okay to tape the paper to the box. I said "I don't know how to wrap without taping." He said he didn't want to go against wrapping paper etiquette. So he starts to wrap, and says he wants it to look really good for her. So I suggest a YouTube video. He keeps at it, and finally I say "It sounds like you are fighting with it." He said he was. He said it looked like crap. Then I heard him crumpling up the paper. I suggest a gift bag from the dollar store. He said no he wanted to make it look great. So he watched the video, and said he he wasn't feeling it. So he started over with a fresh sheet of wrapping paper. You could hear the frustration level rising. "I have done 11 hours of heavy manual labor today and this damn piece of paper is pissing me off" he said. You could hear him crumple up that piece of paper too. He said "Ya I'll buy a stupid bag, but not today." He hid the gift somewhere high that she won't look. Then he had a glass of happy Coke and a chocolate cake while he washed the dishes before she got home!
My boy is perfect!!

Update: Definitely worth $3.50

Eggnog!

Life Lessons

I believe that everything you come across in your daily life, is a life lesson.
Sometimes you need to search out the lesson, some times you can see the lesson if you lean to the left and stand on one foot. Sometimes a life lesson comes from the bleachers, and side swipes you. You may not even know what just hit you. But sometimes the lesson is screaming in your face!
What's the point of each lesson? I guess it's to prepare, to change your path, maybe to watch the bleachers more closely?!
I'm taking notes.

CRaZy Stuff This Week

Important Stuff This Week

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/