The Beverly Buzz

Just So You Know

2011-12-20T20:12:00.001-06:00

***Be forewarned....this post could possibly fall into the TMI category***

Just so you know....I would never go a week without shaving my legs just because it's winter and I wear pants most of the time. However, if I did go a week without shaving my legs, I would not on a whim decide to use Nair instead of a razor. But, if I did use Nair instead of a razor, I would not start with my bikini line before putting the product on my lower legs. If I did start with my bikini line, though, I would not follow up by throwing my leg up on the bathroom sink to apply the depilatory, thus spreading the product already on my bikini line to areas I had not intended it be spread to. And, if I did all these things, I definitely would not be surprised to end up with something like a Brazilian wax.

Just so you know.

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-12-10T06:00:00.002-06:00

Are You As Tired As I Am?

Taking Christmas Back!

Out of my heart, under my breath.

Top 10 Ways to Prevent Homemaker Burnout

How Your Marriage Can Survive a Storm

The Winds of Change--Becoming a Proverbs 31 Woman

How to Stay Joyful (and Sane) This Christmas Season

24 Christmas Questions

2011-12-07T08:41:00.000-06:00

Borrowing this from Jo-anne at Blooming Lovely who borrowed it from someone who borrowed it from someone.....

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?   If it's a box and easy to wrap, then paper. Bags otherwise.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree?   When the kids were little, we waited till after our daughter's Dec 5th birthday. I tend to dawdle these days still, but am going to try harder from now on to get things decorated earlier.

4. When do you take the tree down?   I have been known to start taking things down late on Christmas day! Usually a couple of days after the 25th.

5. Do you like eggnog?   YES!!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? A doll I received when I was 3. I still had her when I got married!

7. Do you have a nativity scene?   Yes, several.

8. Hardest person to buy for?   My husband! Most things he wants I can't afford!

9. Easiest person to buy for? The grandkids

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?   Neither

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?   The year I was 21. We had just moved into a new house and Darrell got me a hanger for my iron and ironing board, a recipe box--I hate to cook (but I still have the box), and a holder for aluminum foil, plastic wrap etc. He does lots better nowadays!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The original Miracle on 34th Street

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?   Usually sometime in November. Haven't even started yet this year though!

14. Ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes but don't tell anyone

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Can't think of any particular thing

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Used to change every year or two. But our tree now has pre-attached lights that are clear.

17. Favorite Christmas song?   Mary, Did You Know?

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Doesn't everyone? They are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen and Rudolph.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Darrell's extended family comes on Christmas Eve to open presents, but we as a family do it Christmas Day.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The crazy people in the shops and the ones that go overboard with their political correctness. Christmas is for the kids and for family & they tend to suck the fun out of everything. (This is Jo-anne's answer and I can't improve on it!)

23. Favorite ornament, theme, or color? Several we bought for our first Christmas tree

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? To see my two oldest grandchildren! They'll be here Christmas night and stay a week. I tear up every time I think about seeing them again. It's been 7 months.

Make A Nativity

2011-12-04T14:59:00.002-06:00

You'll all be happy to know I finished the Advent Calendar! I'm sure it worried you greatly. ;-)

Today's activity was to make a Nativity. I found a great one the kids could help with at ZiggityZoom! Believe it or not, I had all the supplies necessary. It never fails--whether I'm crafting or cooking--that I'm missing at least one item. I guess I should confess I used C batteries for the bodies of Mary and Joseph because I had no corks. Just call me Ms. McGuyver!

I think it turned out wonderfully!!

So do they!!

Pinterest Inspiration

2011-12-03T09:44:00.000-06:00

Found this on Pinterest and instantly fell in love!

Pottery Barn - $299! Are you kidding me!

So decided to make my own! Eight packages of 3 white pails complete with ribbon from the Dollar Tree, two packages of gold numbers from Hobby Lobby, twine I already had, and sticks from the yard = about $12.00. I plan to fill the little buckets with scrolls which have an activity or service project on them, and maybe a treat or two.

Excuse my dirty window. This is the only place I had to put it where little hands couldn't get to it! ;-) Next year, I'll try to find straighter sticks.

What? I know it's December 3rd already! I'll have it done by the end of the day. And we've already done the things for the past two days!

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-11-19T06:00:00.003-06:00

What's That Smell?

Chocolate Covered Pilgrim Hats

Thanksgiving Kids' Crafts

43 Chores Young Children Can Do

The Mother's Mite

Meet Me On Monday

2011-11-14T21:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 57th edition of

"Meet Me On Monday!"

1. Does your family/friends know about your blog? Yes, and there are lots of times I wish they didn't. I've often thought of starting an anonymous blog so I can really vent!

2. What is your favorite card game? Not sure I have one. I'm not much on cards or board games.

3. What do you wear to bed? Used to be some type of pajamas or nightgown. Then the hot flashes hit and I stripped down to my undies. Now I usually start in pjs, but shed them sometime during the night when the heat hits.

4. What is your favorite kind of French Fry? McDonald's!

5. What is your usual bed time? I always intend to go to bed early, but it rarely happens. Usually about 11.

Donelson Trading Post

2011-11-13T22:03:00.001-06:00

You may or may not remember, but a couple of months ago, I posted about a place I found outside Nashville. A little bit of a drive for me, but worth it! Darrell was making a few deliveries to the area, so I ~~conned~~ asked him to help me find this place called Donelson Trading Post. He sweetly agreed.

The directions on the craigslist ad said to follow highway such and such, turn on this road, and look for the arrow just past the railroad tracks. Okay.... We missed the arrow the first time and had to turn around, but found the gravel--yes, gravel--road we were further instructed to turn down. These were the directions in the ad, not from our not-so-trustworthy GPS. We continued down the gravel/dirt road which ran right along side the railroad tracks. Eventually the road pretty much ran out and lo and behold, we were there!

Our young friend Josh was with us and he was convinced this just couldn't be what we were looking for. To his utter dismay, I gleefully hopped out of the truck and went to meet creepy weird guy who ran the place. That's him in the yellow sweater in the picture above.

He immediately began pulling the tarp off this big pile of stuff in the front yard. The sofa table thing on the left is what I came for--and bought--unfortunately it was too big for where I wanted to put it in the house, so it's now in my booth. I was interested in the suitcases, but they were very mildewy, so I passed.

We next headed inside where I spotted this gorgeous black walnut headboard. The TLC it needs are beyond me, so I left it there. That exercise machine? It works! Creepy guy demonstrated it for us!

See the rusty old scale on top of these cabinets? That now sits with two others I have on top of my kitchen cabinets. I also bought the stack of wooden bowls. I'm actually seeing even more now and am ready to go back!

I wound up buying several tables and a couple of smaller things. It wasn't until I got home and looked at these pictures that I discovered stuff I hadn't even noticed! My friend Liz and I went back the next day and brought home even more. Part of which is a big box of old sheet music--most of it belonged to the same lady and she wrote on the fronts when and where she had heard it performed. Some date back to 1919! She must have been quite wealthy as the pieces have Paris, London, etc on them. I'm thinking of putting them individually on eBay this winter when it's too cold for yard sales. Some are in poor shape and I'm planning on doing some decoupage on the top of a table with it.

So, how about you? Visited any interesting places lately?

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

Never Too Late for Joy

Hospitality & Some (in)Spired Thanksgiving Deals

How Are You, Really?

I May Have Been a Bit Hasty

2011-11-11T21:30:00.000-06:00

After my ~~rant~~ last post, I tried a little experiment today. Seems I may have been a bit hasty in my laying of blame regarding my hair and its not so silkiness lately. Another product may be the culprit. See, with all the ~~crap~~ stuff I put on my hair--to either protect it or to bend it to my will--it's hard to know. Just to give you an idea, here's the drill....

Shampoo and condition with the Nexxus. Wrap hair in towel for a few minutes. Remove towel and blot--do not rub! Apply detangler of some type. Air dry hair for a bit. Apply Chi Straight Guard.

This here is some good stuff! Well worth the price!

Blow dry hair using at least two--sometimes four--brushes and one clip. Let flat iron heat up while applying makeup. Section hair beginning with the stubborn wavy back. Apply FX Flat Iron Thermal Spray to each section, then straighten it. Repeat about 20 times.

Finish with a small bit of Hana Shield Shield. Whew! And I used to do this every day! I've gotten ~~lazy~~ smarter and now only do it a few times a week.

This is some good stuff, too!

So, if we eliminate the shampoo and conditioner, the detangler, the Chi, and the Shine Shield--these I've been using a good while and/or came to me highly recommended--that leaves the FX. Instead of applying it to each section and ironing a somewhat wet piece of hair, I gave my whole head a light spray, concentrating on the stubborn spots, then used the flat iron. And you know what? My hair is softer and silkier today.

I can be the bigger person. I can admit when I'm wr...wro...wro...mistaken. Today I'm thankful that doesn't happen very often. Hey, it's my blog! I can exaggerate if I want to!

Things I'm NOT Loving Right Now

2011-11-10T21:07:00.000-06:00

We see posts all the time about products folks are loving, but rarely ones doing the opposite. Rebel that I am, I'm willing to go out on a limb here and tell you a couple of things to stay away from--cuz they ain't worth the money!

First up, Almay Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover. Got this at a yard sale hosted by an extreme couponer. She had extras of all kinds of things and I love the Almay brand, so for $1 I took a chance. Used this stuff once and will be throwing the rest away. It didn't work very well on my waterproof mascara and it burned my eyes! Going back to my tried and true baby oil.

Next is my new BaByliss blow dryer. I've used a Chi flat iron and blow dryer for years. When my flat iron died a while back, I replaced it with a BaByliss based on a trusted recommendation. I've really liked it, so when my blow dryer "exploded" a few months ago, I decided to go against my better judgment and get a Babyliss dryer. The fact that it's red did not influence me at all. Ummm...not so impressed. But I spent too much not to use it. Guess I'll just have to wait for another near-death experience!

Lastly, more hair stuff. I put my hair through the wringer--coloring, drying, straightening--so good shampoo and conditioner are important to me. I've been using Nexxus moisturizing products I bought at Costco at least six months ago. I'm beginning to wonder if they'll ever run out! At first, they worked pretty good, but lately, I've been noticing my hair being rougher than usual and not nearly so soft. It's either the blow dryer or the Nexxus or maybe the combination. Regardless, these cheaper items will be replaced before much longer!

Today I'm thankful I have hair at all--considering what all I've put it through over the years!

How Bazaar, How Bazaar

2011-11-09T09:07:00.000-06:00

Thought I'd share a few pictures from Saturday's bazaar. If you see something you like, visit The Crafty Pirate Facebook page--she's got a sale going on!

Excuse the poor quality of the pics taken from my phone!

I Tawt I Taw a Turkey

2011-11-08T20:45:00.001-06:00

Oh, the lengths to which some turkeys will go in order to avoid being the main course at Thanksgiving dinner....

Today I'm thankful for kindergarten teachers who encourage my grandchildren's imaginations!

Meet Me On Monday!!

2011-11-07T09:17:00.003-06:00

Welcome to the 56th edition of "Meet Me On Monday!"
1. Are you excited for the holidays or are you dreading them? Can I get away with saying "yes"? I'm excited, but at the same time, I dread the traffic, the cooking, and all the work. I'm thankful though that my two oldest grandchildren will be with us the week after Christmas! Haven't seen them since May and I miss them terribly!

2. Do you hit the snooze button or get right up? The clock is on Darrell's side of the bed, but he usually hits the snooze. I hate that alarm sound! However, I'm thankful that I don't have to work and for the most part can get up when I want to--though I usually get up by 6:30 with Darrell.

3. Do you still have your tonsils? Yeppers! And I'm grateful for that!

4. What was the last piece of candy that you ate? You're really going to make me confess to stealing candy from my grandson's stash of Halloween candy? Fine! A KitKat bar. And I was very thankful for it! It was a welcome treat after cleaning house for hours.

5. Do you shop at thrift stores? hahahahahaha

Deja Vu Sort Of

2011-11-06T18:32:00.001-06:00

When the LSU and Alabama game went into overtime last night, I knew I was done without anyone sticking a fork in me. I snuck off to bed so I wouldn't ruin anyone else's good time. Guess I slept pretty good, because I woke up about 3am in the same position I was in when I fell asleep. Even so, I still didn't want to get up this morning. I'll be honest, getting ready for church seemed like a monumental task. Sometimes, it's a good thing I have a grandson in the house to help make me do what's right.

We got to church to find we were only having sacrament (the worship service). There was no water in the building due to a leak. I'll admit to a little aggravation since I hadn't wanted to get up in the first place. I went into the chapel and sat down. Between the hymns and the testimonies, my heart became very full. Then a strange thing happened.

I felt compelled to look behind me. When I did, I noticed a young woman having a seizure. It was very quiet and her family seemed to have things under control. They are a private family, so I wasn't sure what to do. I kept still. After looking back a couple more times, I finally told Darrell what was happening. He immediately got up and went back to see what he could do to help. That's one of the things I love most about him. He doesn't wait to be asked for help. He doesn't worry about how he'll be received or if he'll be in the way. He just does what needs to be done.

After Darrell and some others came to help, the mother left the chapel. I went after her. I've been in her shoes. Watching your child have a seizure is such a helpless feeling. There's nothing you can do. If they're bleeding or choking, there are measures you can take. But with seizures, about all you can do is wait for it to be over. I caught up with the mom and she told me she knew if she could get her daughter home, everything would be okay.   An ambulance had been called, but the family chose not to transport her to the hospital.   And the mom was right. Once she was home, she was better.

During all this, I just wanted to throw up.   Exactly the feeling I would have when Shana would have a seizure. And the same feeling I had for days after she died. I lost 10 lbs in a week, because I just couldn't even think about food.

I'm so thankful I was at church today. I don't know if I helped the situation or not, but that mother knows that I understand what she was feeling and going through.   I hope that helped her cope somewhat. I know it helped me.

I Just Thought I Was Tired...

2011-11-05T21:43:00.000-05:00

Bed at almost midnight last night. Couldn't really sleep. Woke up at 4:30. Dozed till 4:54. Knew the alarm would go off at 5, but tried to grab a couple more winks anyway. A minute later the alarm goes off. Forgot it was set a little fast. Shower, makeup, hair, pack the truck. Leave the house by 6:30. Drive about an hour to participate in a craft bazaar with my daughter. She's the crafter--I'm just along for moral support. No sales for the first couple of hours, but then things pick up. 4pm arrives and we do most of this in reverse. Hardly in the driveway before friends arrive for the UT/MTSU and LSU/Bama games. Change into jammies anyway. Hey, the bottoms are orange! It's all good. Burgers, franks, chips, and chocolate cake. Tummy full, brain tired. At least, UT won--finally!

Thankful today for a beloved daughter who lives close by--at last! Thankful to have a day for just me and her. Thankful she gets me and my humor! Thankful for friends who love football almost as much as my husband does--because I probably never will. Thankful for a sweet grandson who missed me lots today and let me know it when I got home. Thankful for the hot tub and comfy bed awaiting me shortly.

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-11-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fiercely Dependent

This is Your Daughter Speaking

No One Warned Me

Tired...

2011-11-04T22:07:00.001-05:00

Spent half the day at a pumpkin patch with lots of kindergarteners--two of whom I'm especially fond of. Cold and rainy, but fun. Getting ready for a bazaar tomorrow with my daughter Lauren. 10pm now and have to be up by 5:30am. Just wanted to get my gratitude in! I am so very thankful to have grandchildren around so that I can go on field trips with them--as well as eat lunch at school with them and help out in their classrooms.
It's heaven, I tell ya!

Follow Friday 40 and Over!!

2011-11-04T08:18:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 62nd edition of Follow Friday 40 and Over!!
Are you a blogger over 40? Yeah, welcome to the club!
Please join in the fun and get to know your fellow bloggers!!

New Toys

2011-11-03T21:58:00.000-05:00

Actually, one is a few months old. I'm pretty sure I forgot to tell you I finally got an iPhone! After much ~~wishing~~ ~~pleading~~ ~~begging~~ ~~nagging~~ asking nicely, Darrell ~~shut me up~~ gave in. We first went to the Verizon store, but they were too busy. So we went to Sam's--where everything was going smoothly until it was discovered we have a business account and, for some reason, that threw a monkey wrench into the works. So--wait a few days and back to the Verizon store. I left a happy girl! My phone has a red case--of course--and is named Scarlett. I have had a ball at the App Store without spending a dime--cuz we all know how ~~cheap~~ frugal I am! Did you know there's an app for a flashlight? A metal detector? A level? How awesome is that! And the games keep my 5-year-old grandson busy enough at Walmart that he doesn't even ask to go to the toy section! Now that's worth the monthly bill in itself!

My other toy I just got the other day. I finally own a Silhouette! It's an older model that I bought from a friend. I'm not jealous at all that she got the new Cameo. **fingers crossed** It won't be long now till everything in my house has a label or cute little saying on it. Darrell better not stand still too long...

Oh, and I am thankful today for the check I received from the flea market! Best month yet!

Footloose in the Wednesday Hodgepodge-Volume 51

2011-11-02T21:19:00.000-05:00

1. Who taught you how to cook? My husband and various cookbooks. My mother was a meticulous cook and didn't want me in the way. I'd been married a year before I could scramble an egg that was fit to eat. Darrell is a wonderful cook and can throw things into a pot and have it come out delicious. However, he messes up every dish we own! I finally learned to feed us so I didn't have to clean the entire kitchen every day!

2. Have you been told you think too much? Are too much of a perfectionist? Are too sensitive? Were they right? Yes, yes, yes, yes. There, I said it. Satisfied now?

3. As a child did you have a favorite blanket or toy? Tell about it. I received a sweet little doll when I was three. I kept her till after I was married. Her name changed from time to time, but for the longest time she was known as "Diamond Emerald". I thought that was the most beautiful name ever.

4. What 'institution' do you have the most faith in? Marriage.

5. Chrysanthemums-pansies-burning bush-ornamental cabbage...your favorite in an autumn garden? Mums. But I have much better luck in my own yard with pansies. (I still don't see that cat face in them though.)

6. What superpower do the kids in your neighborhood seem to posses? Invisibility. Besides getting on and off the school bus, I rarely see any kids other than my grandchildren. I know the people across the street have kids--their yard sports a swing set, sandbox, etc--but I almost never see the kids out there. I pity children these days being able to play outside, riding bikes, exploring.

7. Are you a fan of the cranberry? Not at all. Especially that gel stuff in the can.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I am doing the 30 days of thanks for the month. Of course, I am thankful for my husband, children, and grandchildren. So I'm trying to think outside the box and be grateful for other blessings. Today I am thankful to live in a part of the country that sees all four seasons. Outside my window I can see glorious blue skies, fluffy white clouds, and gorgeous multicolored trees. It takes my breath away.

Poor Wittle Bwog...

2011-11-01T12:59:00.000-05:00

Can you hear it singing?

This little blog has been so neglected lately. By its author. By its followers. It's very sad. Since it's now November and NaBloPoMo, we'll try to remedy that. Let's start off with some Good, Bad, and Ugly, with a little gratitude thrown in.

The Good:

My son-in-law got a job! And it's here in Tennessee! Which mean three of my six grandchildren will be living nearby! I'm grateful for all of these things!

The Bad:

My flea market booth didn't do so well last month. We're hoping this month is better. I'm grateful for all the customers who brave the heat and the stairs to see what we have to offer--and especially those who take stuff home with them!

The Ugly:

My vacation from Diet Mt Dew only lasted about a month. In my defense, I don't keep it in the house anymore and I try to only drink one occasionally. I'm thankful for this nectar of the gods. Oh, and a word to Pepsi--it ain't broke, you don't need to fix it!

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-10-29T06:10:00.014-05:00

Unmentionables

Your Attitude Determines Your Day

Tutorial: Home Loss Box

Tiger Mothers? Or the Making of Velveteen Mothers

Planning Ahead for the Holiday Budget

50 is Nifty-Wednesday Hodgepodge Vol guess what number

2011-10-26T19:34:00.001-05:00

1. What gives you goosebumps? Many things-- but the top honor goes to a kiss from my hubby!

2. Halloween-are you a lover or a hater? Okay, that sounds harsh...Halloween-yay or nay? It's never been my favorite holiday, even as a kid. I love to see little children dressed up and I love candy--especially chocolate--and free is always best! However, I don't like big kids who haven't even tried to put on a costume begging at my door. I'm also not big on decorating for Halloween.

3. Can you respect someone you do not trust, and can you trust someone you do not respect? No.

4. Apples or oranges? Yes, you have to choose. Apples, hands down. There's not much you can do to an apple that I don't like. Except make it into cider. Or butter. That's just wrong on all counts.

5. What is something you wish was in your town? (shop, restaurant, attraction, etc) While Ross or Marshall's would be at the top of my list, a water park would be awesome for the kids.

6. What non-food item is in your refrigerator or freezer? All I can think of is a cold pack for owies.

7. Are you at all superstitious? At first, I was going to say just a little, but the more I thought about it, I guess the answer is yes.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I have been a good little girl so far this holiday season. Not only have I cut down on the Dew (I confess, I have been drinking them again--but only occasionally), I have only had one very small bag of those yummy pumpkins! Now if I can keep this up through Thanksgiving and Christmas...

Meet Me On Monday!!

2011-10-24T07:53:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 54th edition of "Meet Me On Monday!"

1. My favorite kind of animal is stuffed! No muss, no fuss, no feeding, no cleaning.

2. Do you like your handwriting? Very much

3. What is the last movie you saw? At the movies? Bad Teacher--at the insistence of some friends. One word--DON'T! I don't understand Cameron Diaz at all. She is beautiful and classy looking, yet she chooses the worst movies to be in. What a waste of talent! And her foul mouth should be washed out with bleach! Forget the soap!

4. Do you buy things on eBay? Not so much now that I've discovered craigslist

5. What did you have for lunch yesterday? Some delicious vegetable soup made by my hubby! Perfect for a chilly fall day.

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-10-22T06:00:00.002-05:00

Love Me, Love Me

Speak No Evil

My Story: Unremarkable Me

Mormons Not Christians?

Married Mom, Solo Parent

Follow Friday 40 and Over!!

2011-10-21T11:43:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 60th edition of Follow Friday 40 and Over!!
Are you a blogger over 40? Yeah, welcome to the club!
Please join in the fun and get to know your fellow bloggers!!

The RULES to join in are very simple!

1. Grab the button
2. Add your link to the list
3. Visit as many other blogs as you can
4. Follow the ones you like (and comment on their blog to say that you are following)

Meet Me on Monday

2011-10-17T09:09:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the 53rd edition of "Meet Me On Monday!" Blogging is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is this person!?" I know them...but yet I don't know them! I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to "meet" each other!

Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!

Java will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!! Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!!

Questions:

1. The thing that scares me the most is the possibility of losing my husband, one of my children or grandchildren. Been there, done that, hope to not have to do it again.

2. Do you like nuts in your Chocolate Chip cookies? NO!

3. If you couldn't change the channel, what tv show would drive you from the room? Any of those "news" shows where the people talk all over each other and nothing really gets said--Hannity, Glenn Beck, etc. Even if I agree with them, I can't stand listening to all that noise.

4. Pulp or no pulp in your Orange Juice? I can do some pulp, but don't want a lot.

5. Who do you miss the most? Living: my grandchildren Melody and Elias. They live with their father and step-mother in Washington state. Haven't seen them since May and it breaks my heart. For a long time, they lived within 5 miles, then they moved to GA, but were still within driving distance. Not so anymore. In heaven: my daughter Shana.

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-10-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

You Are More.....

The Time We're Losing

Mormons Are Christians

Bare Your Soul & Find Your Voice

When the Difference You Make is Hard to See

A 2 Pound Mistake

Follow Friday 40 and Over!!

2011-10-14T17:48:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the 59th edition of Follow Friday 40 and Over!!

Are you a blogger over 40?
Yeah, welcome to the club!
Please join in the fun and get to know
your fellow bloggers!!

Busy Bee

2011-10-14T12:34:00.000-05:00

While I readily admit I've been a lazy ~~slacker~~ blogger lately, I do have a few good reasons. Not the least of which involve these guys---

I've been busy with yard sales, flea markets, and projects--lots and lots of projects. Mind if I share a few?

Remember this:

It now looks like this:

Found this cool little "trading post" outside Nashville--I'll blog about that later--it's a post in itself. I got this handmade table for $10. Used Restore-A-Finish on it and it got snapped up quickly at my booth.

Another $10 table that benefited from R-A-F. Also sold!

This table was also $10. Notice a trend here? It's the largest in a set of three nesting tables. Mid-century resin and stamped Florence Italy on the bottom. The legs need some attention, but will be going to my booth next week.

Vanity/desk/sofa table? You decide. Guess how much? Yep, $10. I had thought I'd strip the top and stain it, then paint the bottom. After much sanding, what did I find? Not real wood, that's for sure. Still plan on painting the bottom black and using some old sheet music to decoupage the top. Speaking of the sheet music--I got a huge boxful for $40. Some of the same pieces are selling on eBay for $5-$15!

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some things I was too anxious to get started on and forgot to take before pictures. Am I forgiven for being so lax in posting lately?

Red Letter Day!

2011-10-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

Today is my Red Letter Day!

First, because this little guy turns eight years old!

Happy birthday, E! Wish I could be there.

AND....

Today is a Red Letter Day for me

because

I am officially

post-menopausal!!

It was one year ago today that my old friend Fred made his final appearance. Let us bow our heads in a moment of silence for him.

Now, dear readers, lest you think I'm old,

remember that 50 is the new 30.

So I'm actually just hitting my prime!

Wednesday Hodgepodge in D Major Vol 48

2011-10-12T09:14:00.002-05:00

1. Have you ever been 'asked' to report for jury duty? Were you chosen to serve? If not, were you happy or disappointed? Only once--and I was chosen as an alternate. It was a murder trial--3 days of being sequestered. Three days of eating out every meal, sleeping in a hotel, not having to work. Believe it or not, I enjoyed it--well, all but the sitting in court all day part. As they were assigning hotel rooms on the first day, I quickly surmised there was an odd number of women and worked it out so that I got a room to myself. I had 4 teenagers at home, so this wound up being a mini-vacation for me.

2. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very), how mechanically inclined are you? Give an example to back up your answer. Probably only about a 4 or 5--and my field of expertise is vacuum cleaners. Necessity is the mother of invention and we inherited an old vacuum of my cousin's when we got married. We couldn't afford to buy a new one, so when the old one acted up, I just went to work on it.

3. Beets-cabbage-cauliflower-butternut squash....of the four, which is your favorite fall vegetable? To look at? Beets because of the beautiful color. To grow? Cabbage--well, the decorative stuff anyway. To eat? NONE!

4. What do you recommend to overcome self-pity? Retail therapy!

5. Do you enjoy classical music? Sometimes, though not for long periods of time.

6. October is National Book Month...what's on your reading list this month? Wow! What's not? I've got several books on the agenda right now. I tend to read more than one book at a time.

7. What is your idea of 'cute'? Babies and little children. Especially the ones related to me.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Tomorrow is a Red Letter Day for more reasons than one. Check back to see why!

Meet Me On Monday

2011-10-10T11:25:00.000-05:00

1. The best part of waking up each day is the promise of a brand new day and lots of things to do.

2. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are? Inside I still feel 17. Sometimes I look in the mirror and wonder who in the world that old lady is.

3. Red or Green Apples? Red! Don't like green apples at all!

4. Do you forgive easily? Not usually, but it depends on the person and the situation.

5. If you could live in any home on a television series, which would it be? Dallas...Dynasty...no, wait...The Jetsons!

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-10-08T06:00:00.003-05:00

On Empathy: Our Griefs and Sorrows

Speak Life

What Is Your Purpose as a Mom?

How to Turn a Bad Day Around

Friday Hops

2011-10-07T07:59:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 58th edition of Follow Friday 40 and Over!!

Are you a blogger over 40? Yeah, welcome to the club!
Please join in the fun and get to know your fellow bloggers!!

AND

This week’s statements:

1. Somehow organizing comes naturally to me. I truly think I could make a living doing it!

2. I could spend hours in a flea market store. It's that thrill of the hunt thing.

3.If money and time were no consideration, today I would hop on a plane to Washington state and visit two of my grandchildren. Haven't seen them since May and that's too long!

4. You should always take time to listen to those you love.

Are You Ready for Fall?

2011-10-05T09:37:00.000-05:00

It always takes me a little longer to jump on the bandwagon, but I've finally started doing a little fall decorating. Each year, I tell myself I'm not going to do it, but I give in when I see all the pretty colors and things around. One thing I love are the pumpkin towers! Here are a couple of my inspirations. Mine isn't quite so frou frou, but I like it anyway. And it only cost about $10!

Plus I like the monogrammed pumpkins. Finally decided to break down and buy one at Hobby Lobby. Can you image my disappointment when I found out those bad boys cost upwards of $25! Even at 40% off, that's too rich for my frugal blood. So, I did the next best thing. Bought a cute little pumpkin at Wally World for $.48/lb and stenciled our initial on it! Cost for my monogrammed pumpkin: a little over $3!

Here's the end result and I'm a happy camper! Took about ten minutes to do the "monogram" and another ten for the stacked pumpkins. I'm joining in with Melissa at 320 Sycamore for her Under $10 Under 1 Hour party. Come see what's going on there and jump on the bandwagon, too! Better late than never!

Mucho fun in the Wednesday Hodgepodge-Vol 47

2011-10-05T08:05:00.000-05:00

1. What's your favorite meal to serve on a chilly autumn evening? I have 3: chili and cornbread OR vegetable soup and biscuits OR chicken pot pie. The pot pie is super easy! Mix together one can of cream of chicken soup, one small can of chicken (drained), and one can of mixed vegetables (drained). Pour into a pie crust and top with a second crust. Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes.

2. Are you a creature of habit? Explain. Pretty much. Just makes things go smoother and faster.

3. What food product (no longer readily available) do you remember and miss from days gone by? Postum! I don't drink coffee anymore and this was a good substitute. Alas, it no longer exists. Anybody know of something similar?

4. What's something you've lost that you've never been able to find? Any theories as to what happened? My high school ring. I'm guessing it got lost in one of our many moves.

5. Zoo~circus~ carnival...your favorite? Carnival--so many things to see, do, and EAT!

6. What song makes you feel instantly happy? Fooled Around and Fell in Love

7. To what extent are you an argumentative person? Depends on who I'm talking to. Maybe 50%? Is that a cop out?

8. Insert your own random thought here. I thought of my random thought in the middle of the night, but now I can't remember it...

Meet Me on Monday is Back!!

2011-10-03T11:23:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 51th edition of "Meet Me On Monday!" Blogging is a funny thing...we tell our most intimate thoughts for all to read and yet most of the time I find myself sitting and wondering, "who is this person!?" I know them...but yet I don't know them! I want to know who the person is behind all those words so I thought of a great way for all of us to "meet" each other!

Every Sunday Never Growing Old will post five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!

Java will add a linky so we can follow who participates and get to know them better!! Be sure to link the POST and not just your whole blog!!

Questions:

1. I can't stand when someone ________? Lies. Especially when I know they're lying straight to my face. I have trust issues as it is--don't add to them!

2. Do you do daily, weekly or monthly grocery shopping? Yes. Which means I spend more money than I should. I try to make menus and lists, but usually wind up forgetting to take them with me to the store. Then I wind up having to go back. Again. And again.

3. What kind of car do you drive? 2005 Honda Accord

4. Crunchy or soft tacos? Soft! And chicken--not beef--if I can choose.

5. What's the habit you are proudest of breaking? Hope you're sitting down for this--drinking Diet Mt. Dew. I've only had one in the past three weeks--and I didn't finish it. Before going cold turkey, I was drinking roughly a 2-liter a day. The biggest advantage--not counting the dent no longer in my wallet--is that my stomach is smaller! I had read about how the carbonation bloats your tummy, but I didn't really believe it. Well, it's true!

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-10-01T06:11:00.000-05:00

If You've Ever Been Wounded by Women....

When You're Not Sure How to Build Near & Dear Relationships

If We Build It, They Will Come

On the Sluggards and the Wise

A Message to All the Prodigals

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-09-24T06:00:00.002-05:00

A Letter to My Teenage Daughters

Getting Organized & Motivated with E-books

Flying Above the Storm

English Teacher

Hats

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-09-17T06:00:00.003-05:00

Knowing Names

Cinnamon Cake Roll

10 Tips for Purchasing & Caring for Fall Mums

Classy Women Often Walk Alone

Prayers Needed

2011-09-14T15:47:00.002-05:00

Please go visit Anna at An Inch of Gray and offer your comfort and support to her. Her son was killed in an accident recently. As a mother who has lost a child, I understand what she's going through and how the prayers of others help so much. Thanks.

Apples Peaches Pumpkin Hodgepodge

2011-09-14T10:05:00.005-05:00

1. What do you do at the first sign of a cold? Will you get a flu shot this year? Usually take Alka Seltzer Plus. My mother swears by it and it's always worked for me. I'm still on the fence about a flu shot. I work from home and don't have much contact with others. That being said, I do have several little ones around now and two of them are in school, so the exposure factor may go up.

2. What advice can you give about how to conquer fear? Be prepared. Arm yourself with knowledge. Pray.

3. Share two good things about your life right now. Children and grandchildren finally living nearby! The weather is cooling off and being outside is wonderful!

4. A hot fall fashion trend in 2011 is a return to sixties style...tunics with pants, shift dresses, pencil skirts, cinched waists, bold prints, high necklines and short lengths to name a few. How does this fashion trend fit with your wardrobe and personal sense of style? Somewhat. I think my over 50 legs are beyond the short skirt stage. High necklines I can live with--on myself and on others! Think I'll pass on the pencil skirts and cinched waists.

5. Were you involved in scouting as a kid? How about as an adult? I went to one meeting of Girl Scouts. The leader was--shall we say--less than welcoming and I never went back. My kids were in scouts, but other than ~~buying~~ selling cookies and sending the occasional treat, I wasn't much of a participant.

6. Apple, pear, plum, pumpkin...your favorite fall flavor? Apple--I'll eat an apple just about any way it's cooked. Except cider. That's some nasty stuff.

7. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher? Kindness, patience, firmness without being a bully.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Anybody playing Words With Friends? After all the hubbub about it, I checked it out on Facebook. Uhhh, not such a fan. Pretty slow. What's been your experience?

Party Animals

2011-09-13T13:11:00.002-05:00

Not long before school started, we hosted a lovely little tea party for my granddaughter Cassidy and three of her friends. It was quite warm, but I think everyone had a great time anyway.

Cupcakes, Rice Krispie treats made with Fruity Pebbles,
Gummy Bears, and PB&Js

Cassidy and her mom made the centerpiece

Cassidy's mom made this hat and they played Pass the Hat. Sort of like Hot Potato.

We had a little time at the end to polish nails.

I'm thinking this will be a new tradition.

Last week, we celebrated grandson Alexander's 5th birthday. Other than family, he's never had a real party, so we pulled out all the stops. He chose a pirate theme. When the boys arrived, we gave them a pirate name and a tattoo (temporary, of course). I was surprised by the number who wanted it on their chest instead of their arm or hand. We had fun making "hook hands" out of plastic cups and aluminum foil, playing Blind Pirate's Bluff, and Captain, May I?

Yummy food--Peglegs (corn dogs), Barbequed Barnacles (BBQ chips), whales, Swedish fish, and more!

The best, best, best, best part--according to Alexander--the awesome cake made by Aunt Lauren

Digging for treasure in the sand

Walking the plank

And, of course, a pinata!

The kids went home with a belly full of food, a cutlass, hook hand, pirate hat, eye patch, and a goodie bag of "jewels" and pinata candy!

Tuesday Train

2011-09-13T12:17:00.000-05:00

I'm joining in a new to me hop today. Hope you'll join in, too!

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-09-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

"Yes Mom" Follow-Through

The Superpower Every Girl

Prepared for the Wednesday Hodgepodge Vol 43

2011-09-07T09:21:00.001-05:00

1. What is one piece of advice you would give a 'just turning' 21- year old adult? Don't be in such a hurry. Slow down and enjoy the time. As the song says--'you're gonna miss this'.

2. Besides cooler weather (or warmer weather, depending on your hemisphere) what is one thing you are looking forward to this fall? The clothes! I much prefer sweaters, boots, and cords. Love the cocoony feeling of warm, soft fabric.

3. What sound lulls you to sleep? White noise. I have one of those machines next to my bed and have carried it with me on vacations--it's even been to Europe! In a pinch, a ceiling fan will do.

4. September is National Preparedness Month...does your family have an emergency 'kit' and/or disaster plan in place? Yes, my husband is very big into preparedness. We have 2 or 3 generators, along with extra everything. When the kids were young, we did a 72-hr kit review every 6 months. We'd change out the clothes they'd outgrown and discuss what we had in the bags and why. I probably need to do some reviewing with Darrell now, so that I know where everything is. It's said that there's a 9 in 10 chance that if something happens, a woman will be home alone or with kids.

5. How has your blog changed since you started blogging? Or has it? I think so. It doesn't seem so lighthearted now as in the beginning. Maybe I try too hard now....

6. What's something you've recently learned to do on the computer? My daughter is trying to teach me how to use Picnik and edit several pics at once. Still not getting the hang of it.

7. Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate. Of course. Most pictures speak for themselves. I've participated in several 'Wordless Wednesdays' and it drives me crazy when people post a picture and then describe it. It's supposed to be wordless, people! Sorry for the little rant there. I've been wanting to get that off my chest for a while--can you tell?

Here are a couple of the photos I used:

8. Insert your own random here. We are one week into September and have already gotten more rain than we usually get in the whole month. The rain was definitely needed, but enough already! We have an outdoor birthday party planned for Saturday with several 5 year old boys. Need I say more?

Rain, rain, go away
Come again some other day
We want to go outside and play
Come again some other day

Thrifty Treasures!

2011-09-05T20:51:00.001-05:00

Yard sales were great ~~yesterday~~ Saturday--even if I only managed to hit a few. Here are the highlights:

$10 tureen--I have wanted one of these forever!

Sweet little side table for my flea market booth

Another table for the booth. Little tables like this have been selling very well.

This one has a little boo boo on the bottom shelf. I'm trying to decide whether to leave it alone or try to paint it. I think it's laminate, so not so easy. Decoupage?

Darling tiny chandelier for the booth. If there'd been 2 of these, I'd keep them for my bedroom. I want to replace the bedside lamps with small chandys. Alas, there was just the one.

And how was YOUR hunting?

Finally!

2011-09-05T19:46:00.001-05:00

Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Dear Self: I love that you are fiercely loving and protective of your family. I love that you will stand up for them and stand between them and the world. I love that you have a strong marriage and a wonderful husband. I love that you are a grandmother! And it may be vain, but I love that you don't look your age....well, some of the time, anyway!

Let's Get This Over With Already!

2011-09-04T19:03:00.001-05:00

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do? After waking up from my faint, I'd probably smack my husband. Of course, it'd be just as much my fault as his, but I'd have to hit somebody! Considering I had my tubes tied in 1982 and am tthhiisss close to fulfilling that 'year without a period' requirement for official menopause, the likelihood is pretty slim.

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why. Oh, the list is long. A physical thing I'd like to change is my weight. Over the past few months, I've gained about 15 lbs and very few of my clothes fit. Do you know what it's like to wear "sucker inners" in the hot humid summer of Tennessee? It ain't fun. A more serious thing is my glass half empty view of life. I'd like to be a more positive person, but I don't see that happening much more than my size 8s fitting again.

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-09-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

Across Your Path

A Classy Woman Does Whatever It Takes

Happy Birthday, Shana Banana

2011-09-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday, Shanny. You would be 34 today. I often wonder how you'd feel about being 30+. It's been over five years and I still think about you all the time and miss you even more. What do you think about all these nieces and nephews you have now? I know you'd be a wonderful aunt. We show them your picture and they know who you are. We talk about you and want them to know as much about you as possible. We'll be eating red velvet cake today in your honor. Say hi to Grandpa for us. Love you much!

Day 27--Is It Me Or Is This Taking Longer Than Supposed To?

2011-08-31T21:27:00.000-05:00

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now? Without a doubt--my marriage. My husband is the best thing that's ever happened to me. He fits me to a T. We've been together for 36 years--married for 35--and the love we have is stronger than ever. He "gets" me. There's a line in a Trace Adkins song that I think describes us perfectly...."There was a time when love was a flower, now it's a vine climbing up the tower". A flower may be pretty, but it's delicate and sometimes fleeting. A vine is clinging and strong and difficult to uproot. That's how I think of the love Darrell and I share.

Hodgepodge

2011-08-31T16:29:00.001-05:00

Seems forever since I did the Hodgepodge! Been having withdrawals--for reals!

1. Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on September 11, 2001 or did we just become more aware of the danger? How has your own life changed as a result of that day? I think we're just more aware. My life hasn't really changed much. We didn't travel by air a lot before that date, so the security measures adopted afterward weren't an adjustment.

2. Did you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about in hindsight? I think they were too strict. It didn't seem they ever trusted me, so I lived up (or down) to their expectations.

3. Share one random but candid fact about yourself. I can't swim.

4. Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated? Mega-complicated!

5. What is your favorite stadium or carnival food? Fried dough...yum

6. Tornado, hurricane, earthquake...how many of these natural disasters have you experienced? Which event do you think would be the scariest? All three! There was a major earthquake in Italy just a month or so before we were stationed there in 1976. We experienced several aftershocks. We lived in NC when Hurricane Hugo came inland. As a result of Hugo and a tornado earlier that spring, I am very nervous when it's windy. I don't mind thunder or lightning, but wind scares me to death.

7. Labor Day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate. Growing up, did your parents assign you regular chores? Were you paid for doing those chores? If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children? Why or why not? I don't remember doing chores when I was little, but as I got older, I was expected to make my bed every day (which I still do) and do the dishes. We didn't have a dishwasher and doing dishes meant washing, drying, and putting away. None of this leaving them to air dry. Once I was allowed to stay home alone during the summers, I was responsible for cleaning the house and mowing the yard. Rarely did I have an allowance. My kids did have chores. There were 4 of them and only me and my husband (who worked long hours and often attended school). I worked full time, so we all had to pitch in to get things done.

That last question was inspired by a post Mindee wrote on Monday. Everyone go say hi to Mindee-she blogs at Our Front Door and she's funny.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Kindergarten is a wonderful thing. My house is semi-quiet again.

Day 26

2011-08-30T07:52:00.000-05:00

Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why? Many, many times. I've suffered from depression for about as long as I can remember. Most of the time, it boils down to my perfectionism and not living up to my own expectations. Disappointment and rejection also factor in. I've written on here about the abyss I feel myself falling into and how sometimes I fight and do everything I can to prevent it--and other times I just don't have the energy and just let it happen. Darrell has the power to coax me out of it--once I finally let him in.

#20 + 5

2011-08-29T07:50:00.001-05:00

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today. Because I'm a slow learner. The Lord has things for me to learn and do while I'm here, and I need to get busy!

Twenty & Four

2011-08-28T18:40:00.003-05:00

Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)

I actually did this for one of Darrell's Christmas presents one year. I called it "Darrell's Oh No, She's In One of Her Moods Again, But I Know She Still Loves Me" tape. Guess it was further back than I thought--it was a cassette! These are all songs that remind me of Darrell for one reason or another. He is my best friend, my lover, my rock, the love of my life.

Fooled Around and Fell in Love--Elvin Bishop

You're The One That I Want--Olivia Newton John & John Travolta

Still the One--Orleans

Bless The Broken Road--Rascal Flatts

Keeper of the Stars--Tracy Byrd

You Sexy Thing--Hot Chocolate

Paradise by the Dashboard Light--Meatloaf

You Leave Me Weak--Toby Keith

It's Your Love--Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

One of Those Nights--Trace Adkins

Two of a Kind--Garth Brooks

I Hit the Mother Lode!

2011-08-27T17:27:00.000-05:00

Yard sales were awesome today!

This little table was actually a bookoo find--only $15! Do you have bookoo in your area? You should check. It's almost as good as craigslist!

Huge picture with gorgeous frame--$10! My plan is to remove the print and replace it with cork to make a bulletin board for my office.

Beautiful mirrors! Top one was $3 and the bottom one was $2. I'm keeping the top one!

Great step stool to help little ones reach the sink--$2

Another step stool ($3) to help little ones reach the $50 trampoline we got last week!

Lovely old table for $5--needs a little TLC

Hanging candleholders--$2 each--wish you could see the true colors

I've always wanted some of these old spools--$1 each!--keeping these, too

Light globe--50 cents--putting this in the garden with a touch light in it

My favorite color combination is red/black/white. The large carry on bag was $3 and the smaller red (my favorite color) was $2. Guess what? Keeping these, too!

Old metal wagon--$5

Maple bookcase headboard--$10--included the rails and footboard

Mission style coffee table--$15--keeping this to use for removing/storing shoes at the back door

Bike--$15

Wooden ladder--$7--planning to whitewash this and use it in the booth to display quilts

We wound up calling both husbands to bring trucks to transport all our loot--after filling up Liz's car! We traded vehicles with Darrell and kept going. This is what the truck looked like as we finally made our way home!

22 & 23

2011-08-27T16:26:00.004-05:00

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life. Being sexually active in my teens. Would have saved me a lot of heartache for more reasons than one. Among those regrets is not coming to my husband clean and pure. I often told my children that one day they would wish they'd never even held hands with another person. Too true.

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life. Gone to college while I was young. Would have been so much easier then.

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-08-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Let Me Be Enough

Foolish Kids. Bad Parents.

2011-08-24T16:40:00.001-05:00

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

Feel guilty. Get depressed. Eat chocolate. Feel guiltier. If she was only hurt, definitely contact her in person to straighten things out. If the worst happened, I would continue to feel guilty and depressed for a long time. Though I would "talk" to her in my mind and tell her how sorry I was and that I loved her, I would still feel bad.

Twenty

2011-08-23T07:42:00.000-05:00

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol. Wastes of money. If I'm going to lose control of myself, I'd rather it be with a credit card at the mall--or better yet Lowes or Home Depot! The high is just as good, plus you have something to show for it afterwards besides a criminal record or hangover!

Days 18 & 19

2011-08-22T19:48:00.001-05:00

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage. 100% against

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics? One of the great things about this country is freedom of religion--not freedom FROM religion. If I'm supposed to tolerate the beliefs of others, they in turn should do the same for me. As far as politics go, I am very conservative in my views.

Day 17

2011-08-20T20:22:00.000-05:00

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something. You know, nothing really jumps out at me. I read a lot. Whenever I have a question or concern about something, my first instinct is to look for a book on the subject. This can be both good and bad--I get the information, but I can't always remember where I found it. A few favorites include The Book of Mormon, The Last Lecture, I Didn't Plan to be a Witch, and Sink Reflections.

My Updated Map

2011-08-20T11:15:00.003-05:00

visited 33 states (66%)
Create your own visited map of The United States or another interesting project

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-08-20T06:00:00.006-05:00

What I Learned About Mothering By Watching Millionaire Matchmaker

Just...breathe....

Solar S'mores

Frustration, Exhaustion, and Cheating Death

2011-08-19T20:49:00.000-05:00

What a day! My sweet hubby let me sleep in till 7:30! I've been getting up at 5:15 to drive my daughter to work, but he offered to do so today and, caring wife that I am, I let him. Once I was up, he started bugging me about going to some yard sales. Since we'd have to take a 4-year-old with us, I wasn't too keen on the idea, but finally surrendered when someone put up a sign across the street. I love to go to yard sales on Fridays--most people are at work, so the competition is scarce and the bargains are abundant. Not so in this case! I knew we were in trouble when we pulled up and no less than a dozen vehicles were parked along the road. People everywhere. I spotted several pretties, but this heifer of a little old lady kept walking all over me and others and snatching stuff up. She got all kinds of goodies for $20! Lots of glassware. I saw which truck she was putting things in and was sorely tempted to sneak a few things out while she went back for more. But I'm a good little girl and resisted. I managed to spend $5:

These 4 little teacups and saucers were $1--and they are Wedgwood! The seller said they are a replica of the Queen's china.

Got these trays for $.75 each and the wooden candlestick for a quarter. It'll make a great pedestal for a plate or wooden bowl. The flag tray is in really good shape and the other isn't too bad. Should I paint them or leave alone? They're both going to the flea market booth.

When I go to pick my daughter up from work, I usually take 3-year-old Bubba with me. Within 5 miles, he's sound asleep and stays that way till we get home. That gives him enough of a nap so he stays happy, but still goes to bed at a decent hour. Today he must have been really tired, because he stayed asleep while I brought him inside and laid him on the couch.

Lastly, my guardian angel was on duty big time this afternoon. I blow dry my hair most days, and in these dog days of summer, it can get mighty hot in my bedroom. I have pretty thick hair, so I set the dryer as high possible. I have on occasion been known to try and have the window AC on while doing my hair--which usually leads to a tripped circuit. Today I did not have the AC on and was going about my merry way, when WHAM! Loud pop and bright spark of light and the whole room goes dark. I called to Darrell, who patiently went and checked the circuits. Pretty soon, everything came back on. I turned on the hair dryer and...nothing. So I hit the reset button. Still...nothing. I squatted on the floor near the outlet to make sure I hit the reset button correctly--all the time holding the dryer in my left hand. About that time, Darrell came in and asked "where's the cord?" I said "right here....uhhh, where IS the cord?" Apparently, that spark I saw was the cord "exploding" off the dryer! Glad somebody up there likes me!

Day 16

2011-08-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without. People who operate in "crisis" mode. All. The. Time. Everything has the same level of importance and is always terrible, horrible, the worst thing that could ever happen. And if life doesn't provide all this drama, they create it themselves somehow. Maybe it's a bid for attention. Maybe they think it makes them look important. Whatever. It's annoying. Stop it.

Halfway There!

2011-08-18T09:14:00.001-05:00

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

Okay, I thought about being sappy and saying my husband, but that's a given. Then I thought about being sarcastic and saying Diet Mt Dew, but I've actually given that up a time or two and survived. The fact that I went back to it means absolutely nothing.

So then I got serious and decided on my church. I have been a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since I was 18. It is not a church for the faint of heart. It's not just a Sunday morning church. It's an every day 24/7 commitment that can be a little overwhelming sometimes. But one of my favorite sayings is:

I have a firm testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that Christ lived and taught upon the earth, then was crucified and resurrected, thereby bridging the gap between heaven and earth that we might one day live again with him and our Heavenly Father. I know there is a God in Heaven who lives and loves me and knows me better than I know myself. I know my prayers are heard and answered. I believe there is a living prophet on the earth today who leads and guides us in the way we should go. I believe the Bible to be the word of God, as well as the Book of Mormon. I am grateful for this knowledge and for my testimony. I am indeed thankful for the Lord's love and mercy upon me and pray I can live worthy to be with Him again.

14

2011-08-17T20:41:00.000-05:00

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter) I don't have any heroes. Never have. I have people I admire, but that's different to me.

Available Now!

2011-08-17T10:23:00.000-05:00

Remember this little bench:

I recovered the top, then decided it would look better painted black. I think it does!

And this little artichoke?

How bout now? Didn't quite turn out like I wanted--I didn't notice the first paint I used was textured until it was too late--but still looks better.

Lastly, this little wooden bowl...

It now looks like this. My original plan was to paint it blue, but it just called out for white with a little glaze.

Off to the flea market booth with these babies and several other pieces!

Forty is fabulous if we're talking Hodgepodge

2011-08-17T06:06:00.018-05:00

Volume 40?

Wow! 40 is a lot!

Unless we're talking years and then it's a little. ahem.

1. Using what's in your fridge right now, what sort of meal would you be able to make for guests who are knocking at the front door this very minute? Breakfast: bacon, eggs, biscuits

2. What is something about yourself that you hope will change but that probably never will? my perfectionism

3. What's something about yourself that you hope will never change? my quick wit

4. Do you usually send serious or funny greeting cards? Why? Depends on who the card is for. One of the few things my MIL has complimented me on is how appropriate my cards are. I take a lot of time choosing.

5. Bird watching, shell gathering, or star gazing- your choice for whiling away the hours? Star gazing. Especially while sitting in the hot tub.

6. Do you double or triple check things? If so, what? Not usually.

7. What's your favorite place for people watching? Walmart. Good grief, the things those people wear!

8. Insert your own random thought here. We are having a mild infestation of cicadas. You don't see them flying around much, but they make their presence known with their noise. The other day I was standing under a tree watching the grands ride bikes in the driveway. I noticed the cicadas were particularly vocal, but really didn't think much about it until I heard this whining sound getting louder and louder. I looked up and saw something headed straight for me. Before I could react, a cicada dive-bombed me right in the middle of my forehead! Apparently, they had been trying to warn me off with all their noise and when that didn't work, a kamikaze was elected to take me out. It worked! When those things start singing from now on, I'll be moving along...

Day 12

2011-08-15T07:30:00.002-05:00

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days. (write a letter.)

Dear Gary, Jay, and Joe Don (aka Rascal Flatts),

Thank you so much for your music. I can't tell you how many times one of your songs has helped me through the day. You see, my daughter Shana loved your music, too. From the very beginning, she was one of your biggest fans. She bought all your CDs and played them continually. Her favorites included 'Skin', 'I'm Moving On', and 'These Days'. She and I attended Fan Fair in Nashville in 2005 and meeting Gary at the archery contest was her favorite moment! We both got Gary's autograph and had our picture taken with him. The smile on her face was priceless.

Then, in April 2006, Shana passed away unexpectedly. The funeral home asked us to provide some pictures of Shana along with suggestions for background music, so they could put together a CD to play during the visitation. One of our easiest decisions was choosing 'I'm Moving On' for that CD. She loved that song and it fit the situation perfectly. It had always reminded me of her from the start.

Not long after, I heard 'Stand' for the first time. Though it makes me cry every time, it gives me such peace and comfort. I indeed felt like a candle in a hurricane--and especially a broken frame. I thought I had lost my fight, but I kept holding on and tasted what I was made of. I was weak for a long time, but I'm getting stronger every day. Thank you for helping me do that.

Now I am living far away from one of my beloved granddaughters. She is 10 and living with her father and stepmother. The prospect of not being able to see her very often hurts me very much. Then I hear 'I Won't Let Go' and think of it as our song--mine and hers. I hope she thinks that when she hears it, too.

Please keep doing what you're doing. It's appreciated more than you know.

11

2011-08-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on. My singing. And with good reason. Actually, I fudged on this one, because I was afraid my original answer was too conceited sounding. But I'm going to put on my big girl panties and tell you. My intelligence. I feel like I'm pretty smart most of the time, though I play the part of the stereotypical dumb blonde often enough.

Ten...

2011-08-14T20:06:00.000-05:00

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on. My clean house. Of course, it's easy when it's just me and Darrell. Now that more people (read children and grandchildren) are around, it's a lot more difficult. I do like order and cleanliness. When my house is out of control, it effects me internally--my mood matches the chaos. And my house isn't as clean as some would believe. If you were to look under beds and in closets, you might find out just how cluttered things can get. I am a yard sale junkie, after all. But out of sight is out of mind, right?

2011-08-13T12:08:00.000-05:00

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know. Well, I ain't mentioning any names, but it's a friend of Darrell's. We used to have lots of fun with this couple and I still do with the wife. The hubby however is a whole nuther story! Don't know what his deal is, but he is always grumpy and obnoxious. Guess I'll just keep biting my tongue though as long as Darrell wants to continue the relationship.

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-08-13T06:00:00.002-05:00

When Your Best Isn't Good Enough

50 Things You Need to Give Up Today

Fight For It: The Importance of Family Meal Time

Day Nine

2011-08-12T07:52:00.001-05:00

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted. Happily, I can't think of anyone. Up until a couple of years ago, I would have said my dear friend Audrey. We were thick as thieves in middle school, but didn't have many classes together in high school and kind of drifted apart. Then after graduation, we both married and went our separate ways. I've wondered often about her over the years--where she was, what she was up to, etc. When I finally gave in to the lure of Facebook, one of the first things I did was check to see which of my former classmates was listed. And there she was! I sent her an email; we met for a four-hour lunch, and the rest is history. I'm so thankful she is back in my life. We picked up right where we left off in 9th grade!

#Eight

2011-08-11T09:35:00.000-05:00

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like dirt. The first person who came to mind was a boss I had about 20 years ago in NC. Looking back, I believe she was manic depressive, but at the time, I couldn't see that. She was either your best friend or your worst enemy and you never knew which would walk through the door. It got to the point where I would start dreading Monday mornings on Friday afternoons! I finally decided that Winston Salem was a big place and there HAD to be other jobs out there that didn't require working for a psycho. One day, I'd had enough and when she started in on me, I quietly started packing up my stuff. She made some snide remarks and, since I was quitting anyway, I let her have it. Man, that felt good!

Unfortunately, I have someone in my life right now who is making life difficult. For some reason, this person thinks they have to sneak behind my back and lie to me. Even when there's no reason to lie, they do. This is someone who will always be in my life, so we need to find a way to resolve our differences.

Lucky Seven

2011-08-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for. You knew this was coming, didn't you? Darrell. He's the love of my life. I truly, honestly don't know where I'd be without him.

And Six....

2011-08-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do. This one was easy. I hope I never have to bury my husband or a child or grandchild. Losing my daughter Shana was by far the hardest thing I've ever gone through and I don't ever want to do something like that again. Losing Darrell would be even worse.

Do You See What I See?

2011-08-08T12:48:00.000-05:00

Saturday was half price day at Goodwill! Stopped in there for about 15 minutes before taking Alexander to swim lessons. Did you know they open at 8? Me, neither! Apparently, few others do, because it was almost empty--until time to check out, then everyone decided to do that at once.

Here are a few goodies I found. I've got some other things that I'll take pictures of as I take them to the flea market.

Do you see a twin headboard?

I see a chalkboard...

Do you see a dated gold artichoke?

I see it updated with glossy white paint.

Do you see a scuffed wooden bowl?

I see another project for my Bahama Sea spray paint!

Darrell and I went to my mother's last night and she let us go through her two outbuildings. Oh, my! Hot as blue blazes, but the stuff we found! We're going back next weekend and really do some digging. She has some things of my grandfather's who died when I was 5. I am over the moon to think of having some things of his. He always had $1 and chocolate covered cherries for me. I still think of him when I see those boxes in the store. Here's the one thing we brought home. No sentimental value behind this little bench, so off to the flea it'll go after some cleaning and recovering.

I already have the fabric to do the top, so this piece will be pure profit!

Five...

2011-08-08T12:16:00.000-05:00

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life. Wow, this one is difficult for me, too. I've never had a bucket list and every time I try to make one, I come up blank. I've actually been sitting here for a while thinking. Of course, I could hope to win the lottery, but since I don't play, it's rather unlikely.

Guess I'll choose being debt free and having our house paid off. At the moment, we only owe on my car and the house. With luck, we should have everything paid for in less than 5 years. I try to remember this when I get frustrated with my kitchen or bathrooms and want to gut them and start over. Once the house is paid off, we'll have cash to do those things!

I'm Rich!

2011-08-07T20:45:00.003-05:00

Lizzy & The Bee is off and running! Got my first check this week and netted a whopping $114! I'm a happy girl! I'll tell ya--I am having some fun! My biggest problem is letting go of stuff. But I'm using Peter Walsh's method--for every "new" thing I bring into the house, two things have to go to the flea market. Here are a few things I've been working on....

Remember this little napkin holder thingy I put together?

Then painted green....

And finally settled on Bahama Sea blue?

It sold!

Got this sweet little table at a yard sale. Isn't she gorgeous? Well, after some dusting and polish, she was!

Love these "chocolate kisses" on the apron!

A beautiful piece of tile and she's good as new!

Another little side table. Someone had the audacity to stick wood grain contact paper on the top! Luckily, it came off in one sheet.

I wanted to use Heirloom White, but our local Hobby Lobby sells out quickly. I finally settled on Stone Gray, then a little distressing and a mocha glaze and voila! She's gorgeous again!

I got this ice cream chair a while back, used it at my vanity for a time, but decided it wasn't doing it for me. So it's been sitting in the garden a couple of years. Since it was green, it didn't show up very well though. I knew I wanted it to be red, but until Krylon came out with their Dual spray paint line, I kept putting off painting it. Sanding, priming, etc, etc. No thanks! But this paint does the trick in one swoop! Of course, the blasted humidity we've been having around here made the drying time a little longer, but I can live with that.

Here she is: The Lady in Red!

This one's a keeper!

I couldn't figure out how to get the seat off--it's the strangest configuration I've ever seen--so I just painted the seat as well!
Oh, and those little flowers? They may look pitiful, but they self-seeded from last year and I'm just letting them go. There are more in the front yard that look quite a bit better. My favorite thing about them--free!

Day Four...

2011-08-07T09:06:00.001-05:00

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for. I need to forgive my mother for not calling me sooner when my grandmother died. I loved my grandmother dearly. She cared for me and my brother for many years when we first came to live with our aunts--sisters of our birth mother. Mama Hester was the one person in the world whom I knew loved me unconditionally. I've said before it wasn't anything she did--more just the way she made me feel.

She had been in a nursing home for some time, but I had no idea how short her time was. I got the call on a Sunday night--a little more than 12 hours before the funeral. I was living 500 miles away and we were poor. I remember telling my mother that even if I got in the car right then, I couldn't make it in time. If I'd been notified earlier, I would have done anything in my power to come. Sold furniture, borrowed the money, anything. But I was denied that opportunity. I've never asked why they didn't call me sooner. Maybe I'm afraid of the answer.

I know in the long run it doesn't really matter. Mama Hester knows how I feel about her and what she means to me. She understands the circumstances that kept me away. I just wish I could have been there to tell her goodbye.

Day Three...Bet You Thought I Forgot

2011-08-06T21:22:00.002-05:00

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for. This was hard. There are two really big things, one semi-big thing, and lots of little things that come to mind. I've wrestled all day with which big thing to share. One day I may make parts of this blog into a book, and even if I don't, certain people may read this particular post and recognize themselves, and I want them to know how sorry I am. Hopefully, they will understand. I'm not going to use names or be specific about some things, just because this isn't entirely my story to tell. If innocent parties weren't involved, I would be more forthcoming.

I need to forgive myself for not calling Child Services on someone I love. Because I love this person, I kept praying for them and hoping they'd change and mainly turning a blind eye when I shouldn't have. I should have called when I would visit and not be allowed inside. Or when I was allowed inside, but not beyond the living room. When I could see the filth and mess everywhere--dirty dishes, old food, overflowing trashcans, nasty diapers, etc. And I would leave knowing children lived there. I should have called when I'd go into the kitchen, open the cupboards or fridge and find little or no food. I definitely should have called the night I went over and found the 7-year-old had tried to make macaroni and cheese for dinner, since the mother hadn't fixed anything. That same night, I found Pop Tarts hidden in this child's backpack. It didn't occur to me until later that food was being hoarded, just in case.

I love these children. I should have done better by them. If I had it to do over again, I would be braver and do what needed to be done. Regardless of the consequences. The children deserved better than I gave them.

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-08-06T06:00:00.002-05:00

Katie Cat

Random Angel

Girlfriends

Uses for Dryer Sheets--Other Than Laundry

Hold On Loosely

Day Two....

2011-08-05T10:49:00.000-05:00

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself. I love my handwriting. Always have. In middle and high school, I used to practice my handwriting and change it up. It may sound dumb, but handwriting is one of the first things I notice about a person. Weird, huh?

30 Days of Truth....

2011-08-04T07:36:00.002-05:00

So I saw this idea on Nama Halacy's Comfy Cottage and thought it would be a very interesting thing to try. I have to admit I am a little bit afraid. Some of the questions will be uncomfortable. At the same time I think it will be a lot cathartic. So starting today I will begin my-

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like dirt.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

I didn't read over all the questions, in case they were too intimidating! LOL Hope no one gets their feelings hurt during this, but I'll warn you now I'm going to try and be very open and honest. As my husband likes to say--"it is what it is".

Day One -- something I hate about myself. I hate that I get so introverted around people. I get so tongue tied and shy and just can't think of anything to talk about. Some have told me I seem standoffish and unapproachable. That's not at all the case! In fact, the very opposite is true. If I try to step outside my comfort zone and speak up, I usually wind up being silly out of nervousness. I admire those who make "working the room" seem effortless!

A melodious Wednesday Hodgepodge Vol 38

2011-08-03T07:53:00.000-05:00

1. Share a favorite song lyric.

"Well, I heard some people talkin’ just the other day
And they said you were gonna put me on a shelf
But let me tell you I got some news for you
And you’ll soon find out it’s true
And then you’ll have to eat your lunch all by yourself"

---Already Gone by the Eagles

2. When was the last time someone yelled at you? My daughter at Walmart the other day. I was not amused.

3. Money, fame, happiness...are they mutually exclusive? No, they each bring their own pros and cons. Fame I can do without, but money is a necessity and happiness makes everything worthwhile.

4. What is your favorite dish to prepare for family and friends that doesn't require turning on the stove, oven or an outdoor grill? Pizza--delivered to the door!

5. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week. What is one thing you could do this week to simplify your life? Will you do it? Tell everyone I've gone on vacation. But no I won't do it.

6. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being 100% and 1 being not at all) how tuned in are you to your country's national political scene? Honestly, only about a 5.

7. What are your final parting words to the month of July? Good riddance! Take your high temps and humidity and vamoose!

8. Insert your own random thought here. The other day I caught myself complaining about something--again--and it occurred to me that I am becoming--if I'm not already--a prissy, pursed mouthed person. I want to reclaim that girl I used to be! The one who didn't worry about what others thought of her, who danced to her own drummer. Anybody know how I might draw her out?

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-07-30T06:00:00.002-05:00

A Stripped Down Version

Moving Forward When You're Afraid to Fall Apart

Appreciating What You Have

Must I do "Enough" to earn the right 'To BE'?

Share the Road

Pack your suitcase for the HP- Vol 37

2011-07-27T07:54:00.002-05:00

1. July is National Ice Cream month...your favorite flavor? Soft served, hand dipped, or frozen yogurt...which do you prefer? And technically yogurt is not ice cream but its hot outside so I'll let that slide for today. Breyer's strawberry!

2. When you travel do you tend to pack too much or too little? Usually too much--experience is a great teacher.

3. What's your favorite cleaning product? I was going to say my maid, but since I don't have one, I'll go with....nope, can't think of anything.

4. Which is the greater tragedy-an innocent person imprisoned or a guilty person set free? Explain. An innocent person imprisoned. The guilty person who gets away with something will eventually be judged by a higher court than here on earth, not to mention having to live with what they've done. Maybe I'm naive, but I can't help but think they'd sooner or later realize the significance of what they did and suffer from it.

5. What's the longest trip you've taken by car? Last year we racked up about 2000 miles driving from Zurich, down the western coast of Italy, then up the eastern side back to Zurich.

6. tennis-golf-canoeing-biking...pick one. Guess you've not heard about the very first time I was in a canoe and almost killed my husband. That's a post for another day. I'll go with biking.

7. What sound drives you crazy? The boom boom boom of a pathetic person's bass system in his car as he drives by my house at 3am. Who is he trying to impress anyway? The elderly couple in the house behind mine or the toddlers in the house across the street? I'm considering tack strips....

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The Thrill of the Hunt

2011-07-22T23:16:00.000-05:00

My name is Beverly and I'm a thrifter. I love yard sales and flea markets. Most of you already know this, but they say recognizing you have a problem is the first step toward recovery. Not that I really want to recover. In fact, my addiction has gotten worse. With the opening of my flea market booth, I am constantly on the lookout for stuff. Last weekend, I spent roughly $40 in about an hour and came home with lots of goodies! Here are a few:

Can't tell you how tempted I am to keep this little beauty! Very victorian. Looks like she has chocolate kisses hanging from the apron (though a couple are missing). I think she probably sat too close to the fire at one time, because she has some scorched places on one side, but nothing too bad. Paid $15 for both this table and the next.

Also got this pretty side table. Would you believe someone stuck wood grain contact paper on the tops? Luckily, it came off easily and now just needs a little sanding. I'm thinking some Heirloom White and a little distressing.....maybe a glaze....

I'm keeping this guy. Paid $8 and he'll look great hanging along the back sidewalk.

Been looking for an end table with some storage for the living room. This guy fits the bill perfectly and only cost $5! After a little dusting, he was good to go. Now all my books and magazines are right at hand.

Remember this little tray?

I spray painted a light coat of green and then a coat of Bahama Sea blue. The humidity is making the dry time take forever, so no final picture yet. But here's the during...

Don't ya love my painting "studio"?

Observations

2011-07-21T10:01:00.000-05:00

Hello, my peeps! Shhh, don't tell anyone, but I'm on the computer while I should be doing other things--like dishes and laundry. As soon as THEY find out I'm blogging, THEY will want their turn on the computer. As Elmer Fudd would say--be vewy vewy quiet...

Hey, you know what? It's HOT! I mean, good grief! Heat index is over 100. If I were home alone, I'd never leave the house, but there's something about 4 kids under the age of 5 that makes my house shrink. If only that worked on my waistline! After a few hours inside, those sweet kids start to get a little crazy and we have to go somewhere. Last night, we drove over an hour to see my favorite daughter-in-law (okay, okay, I only have the one--stop nitpicking!) who was in for a few days visiting her family. Darrell was running late in Nashville, so the rest of us decided to ride together in Lauren's van and meet him there. About 20 miles into our trip, the AC in the van started giving out. Seven people...melting...ssllloowwwlllyyy...but the kids were troopers and didn't whine much. I'll be honest--we almost turned around and went home. Fortunately, we persevered, because the company was great and the food was wonderful. Plus the kids got to swim and cool off.

Have you seen this? Yep, pretty much sums it up around here...

Still Here

2011-07-19T07:32:00.000-05:00

I'm still here....just finding it hard to blog lately. More people in the house = less time at the computer. Seems I have to wait my turn or something....

Saturday Shoutouts

2011-07-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

Poptarts in Paradise

Nothing Tastes As Good As Skinny Feels....

What's So Awful About Good Grammar?

Cruise Control

Tips for a Safe & Successful Road Trip

IYHO

2011-07-14T12:27:00.001-05:00

Just a couple things I've put together lately. I bought this little cheese dome a while back for maybe 50 cents. Spray painted it green, then scuffed it up and put a brown glaze on it. Still needed a little sumpin' though. Out came the E6000 and a dollar store candleholder.

Add a couple of croissants from Hobby Lobby and I'm a happy girl!

I had this little wooden tray from Goodwill that I've been wondering what to do with. Found the pedestal at a thrift store, brought out the E6000 again, and voila! Just what I pictured.

Now for the $64,000 question...what is it?

Hmmm....

Daughter Lauren did this with it and I thought YES!

Here's where you come in--hence, the title of this post (In Your Humble Opinion)--what color to paint it? Black? White? Yellow? Turquoise? Pink? Purple? Mod Podge something in the bottom?

Dare I be daring or stick with the tried and true?

No lie... it's time for the Wednesday Hodgepodge-Vol 35

2011-07-13T08:02:00.003-05:00

1. How has your hometown changed since you were a kid? What has changed most about the neighborhood you grew up in? So many things have changed. What was a two lane road when I was growing up (which my parents wouldn't let me cross with my friends to buy candy at the little store) is now a six lane highway with a turning lane. Along that same road, were two small family owned grocery stores, a family owned restaurant, a little bank, my elementary school, and a factory. Now there's a mall, several factories, and just about every retail store, hotel, and restaurant you could imagine. It's crazy and I avoid it whenever possible!

2. What song makes you laugh? Saturday Morning Confusion

3. Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Read the books? Seen any/all of the movies? Will you be standing in line somewhere close to midnight later this week? For those of you playing along today who live outside the US or UK is Harry Potter a phenomenon in your part of the world? No. Just the first one. No and won't. Not a chance. Don't understand the phenomenon of Harry Potter or Twilight.

4. If the truth hurts, will you tell a lie? Are we better off as a society in a world that allows no form of deception whatsoever? While honesty is always the best policy, I believe a little white lie can sometimes be a good thing.

5. What is your favorite 'sauteed in garlic and butter' food? Or garlic and olive oil if that makes you feel better. Don't like garlic, so I'll pass on this one.

6. Attending any reunions this summer/year? High school? family? Other? Do these events stir up excitement or dread? AAHHH!! You had to remind me! My 35th high school reunion is this Saturday. Think I can drop about 20 lbs by then??? Anyone know a good liposuctionist? ;-)

And most of you know I recently had a reunion with a half-sister and half-brother I have seen in 40 years! Visiting my birth mother and another half-sister was wonderful--just wish it could have been longer. We hope to go again before the year is out.

7. Lilac, hydrangea, peony...pick one. Hydrangea because it blooms longer than peonies. I've never had much luck with lilacs.

8. Insert your own random thought here. Last night, we were having spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. Three year old Grant dropped one of his meatballs and was quite upset, until I started singing "On Top of Spaghetti". That got some smiles. I thought all was well till 4-year-old Alexander asked me to bend down so he could tell me a secret. "Beeba, that song you were singing? About the meatball? It was sad." I could barely keep a straight face. I had to think fast and told him it ended happily when the singer found the meatball. I had forgotten that it was found under a bush and turned to mush!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2011-07-09T19:51:00.002-05:00

Whew! I don't see how you people with kids at home get anything done--much less blog! There was a time when I worked full-time and had four kids at home, along with a husband and at least one pet. And I know I accomplished things. The fact that the kids and husband are still here reflect that. We won't discuss the pets....I kid, I kid...

Anyway, this past week has been full to the brim. Let's get a quick recap. At the end of May, my daughter Holly and her 4-year-old son Alexander came to live with us temporarily. Having a young'un in the house after so many years of an empty nest is ~~exhausting~~ ~~overwhelming~~ interesting. But fun--most of the time. My youngest daughter is also here with her three wee ones (all under the age of 5), though they are staying with her inlaws. It's been great to have almost our whole family around!

Last Friday morning, Darrell and I left for WV to visit my birth mother and other family. We had a good trip--which means no bad weather, no backed up traffic, and no vehicle maintenance issues. My mother and sister had warned us that they lived in the country and they were not kidding! If you look in the dictionary under 'back of beyond', there will be a picture of their little town. The closest hotel was 30 mins away and the nearest McDonald's and Walmart a little farther. Despite this--or maybe because of it--we hung around the house and ate and talked and laughed and ate some more. It was a wonderful visit and I'm so very glad we went. I think bonds were strengthened and memories were made.

My sister Sheila, my mom, my sister Sharon, and me

(these 2 are twins, believe it or not!)

My friend Liz and I rented a booth at a local flea market just before our trip and we spent several days this week getting it set up. You'll probably get sick of hearing about "Lizzy and the Bee". It's been a hoot so far and I've already sold some stuff! You can like us on Facebook, if you're so inclined--and I hope you are.

Guess that's it in a nutshell for the time being. Only other news is that we seem to be living near the gates of hell lately and the prediction for next week is that someone will push us over the edge and slam that gate! The high for Monday is supposed to be 97! I will indeed be inside under the AC!