WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY - COOKING BACON

I'm been making alot of "BLT" sandwiches this summer. We get really good bread at the bakery in Publix. Our favorite is the White Mountain bread and it's so good toasted. The tomatoes have been awesome recently.

Frying the bacon is the hardest part. I remembered recently how my mother-in-law used to cook hers, so that's what I've been doing. It's so much easier. I just put the bacon in my electric skillet and "scramble" it. Just keep stirring it around. No need to lay the pieces flat. Who cares what it looks like? It does curl up, but it just makes it easy to put on the sandwich.

A "BLT" sandwich, chips, pickles and a cold diet coke. Y-U-M-M-Y!!!

This works for me!

Go here for more great ideas.

COLOR ME HAPPY

Our Realtor called last night to let us know someone was coming back to see our condo for a second time this afternoon. So I went over this morning to take some vases of my hydrageas and to make sure all was well. It seems I have to replace light bulbs alot since we leave lamps, etc. on for open houses and showings. I watered plants, did a little "fluffing", etc. She called after the showing to let me know it went well. The wife really wants it, but he husband isn't convinced yet. Let's pray the wife wins! I spent the rest of the afternoon running errands and getting a much needed manicure.

Here's the best part of the day...my Mom, Sherry (aunt) and Bet (Mom's friend I call "Other Mother") arrived around 4PM. I spent the rest of the day with them. They're staying at our condo on the harbor. I'm so happy they're here for a week. Yippee!

But, the worst part of the day was news from Beth. She's been suffering terribly with TMJ pain and has been seeing her dentist and an oral surgeon. She's been in bed for over a week very medicated and trying to get her jaw to relax. She's been in such pain and every time I talk to her, she's crying. Today she found out they are going to have to break her jaw!! Beth's life since she was diagnosed with MS about three years ago has been a mess. On top of all of this, her husband is wanting a divorce. She's scared, hurting, angry and confused about what to do. She lives in Nashville, so I can't really be there to help. Lift her up in prayer please.

LOVING MISS DAISY

I hate to brag, but ya'll we have the perfect dog. Yes sir we do. Truly. Miss Daisy has come into our life and we're in love. We've had dogs before, but this one takes the cake! She's a cutie pie we know, but it's her personality that's unbelievable. What joy she brings to us! It's amazing how quickly she has become a part of our family. She wants to be right with us and enjoys doing whatever we do. She loves riding in the golf cart and going for rides in the car. She's very good with people and other dogs.

We love, love, love our Miss Daisy!

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE

No, Freedom Isn't Free

I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,

And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud,

With hair cut square and eyes alert

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him

Had fallen through the years.

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?

How many died at sea?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of taps one night,

When everything was still

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That taps had meant "Amen"

When a flag had draped a coffin

Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No, freedom isn't free.

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This morning in church our minister read this incredible poem, a giant flag was hanging above the altar, a bugle was played, and we sang patriotic songs ("America, The Beautiful" and "Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory" and "My Country 'Tis Of Thee"). Lots of tears.

May we never, ever forget the sacrifices so many have made for our freedom.

God Bless America!

VALIDATION

My sweet blog friend, Rhoda, is back home from the beach. She posted this picture today on her blog. I forgot my camera last Sunday so it was nice to have one. Thanks Rhoda. I truly enjoyed your visit. I'm so glad you and Peter visited our church. It was wonderful getting to meet you.

From her post today, you can tell they both had a wonderful vacation. She took some awesome pictures of our wonderful beaches. You can see them here.

We think we live in "paradise" and it's always nice when others feel the same.

THE TRUTH

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Be forewarned...I'm getting ready to vent.

I love the game of tennis and I play at least three mornings a week, sometimes more. Until my cancer and then my broken leg, I played five days a week. I've been a captain or the co-captain for my team/group more times than I can count. Right now, I'm in charge which means I'm the one keeping up with who plays, who can't, who is subbing for who, who's out of town, who's sick....yada yada yada. I also am the one to book the courts and then cancel if we can't play for one reason or another. Well, this time of the year, it gets to be a bugga boo to keep everyone in line and to keep everything straight. I've got notes everywhere to remind myself of what's what. So many are out of town or are injured right now. I'm pulling out my hair. I keep asking for volunteers to take over or to at least help. It's amazing how no one can for this reason or that. If I hear "Oh, Kathy, no one can do it like you. You just HAVE to do it." one more time, I'm gonna scream. Hey, I might scream anyway. Maybe it will make me feel better. If I didn't love it so much, days like today would have me throwing in the towel. A tennis towel at that.

Okay, it's off my chest. Gotta go work on the schedule for next week. Urgggggggg!

I HATE SPIDERS!

Our friend, Garrett, got bitten on the golf course day before yesterday by a brown recluse spider. He didn't know that's what it was. It just itched like crazy. Yesterday afternoon, it had formed a huge (quarter size) blister which broke, then oozed, then exposed a gaping terrible hole in his calf. It was hot to the touch and red. Jeanette took him to the emergency room where they treated him with IV antibiotics. These spider bites are really bad and can even cause death if not treated promptly. Our neighbors dog was killed by a bite about a year ago. This all gives me the creeps.

Speaking of bites...something has been biting me at the tennis courts this week. It seems like every morning I get at least one more bite. It's something really small...like a flee or a gnat or maybe it's some of those we call "no-see-um". I'm one of those type that gets bitten when no one else does. Bugs seem to like me. (Maybe 'cause I'm sooooo sweet. LOL) And bites stay with me for days and days. I've taken a Benadryl tonight since I'm so itchy.

THANKFUL

You might have to click on this photo to see the full effect, but boy did we have a beautiful sunset tonight. As I was driving into the neighborhood, I knew I wouldn't make it home before it disappeared behind a cloud, so I stopped at a vacant lot and took this shot looking out at the bay. If you look closely, you can see the bridge off in the distance. It's beautiful in this shot, but oh boy was it even more awesome just a few minutes earlier before I could stop. Sunsets fill me with awe!
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I've had Bob and Jennifer on my mind all day. The viewing was tonight and the funeral is tomorrow. I wish I was there. I wish I could do something.
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I worked at Stein Mart today. Doing my two days in one week is hard. I don't care to do it that way again. Once every few weeks is okay, but standing all day is harder since I broke my leg last year. It was extremely busy today.
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We talked to Bree several times tonight. Her dog, Hershey, was pretty sick, so she had to take him to the vet and she's missing work tonight to stay home with him. We were worried there for awhile, but I think he'll be okay in a few days. Thank you God!
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Speaking of dogs, our Miss Daisy is giving us such joy. George is beside himself. She's his constant companion and the love is mutual. It's so cute to watch them together.
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I talked with Beth again tonight. She's having major problems with TMJ. Her oral surgeon has her in the bed for 48 hours trying to get her jaw muscles to calm down. She's on some strong medication, so it's hard to carry on much of a conversation. Bless her heart, it's always something.
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I talked briefly by phone yesterday with my blogging friend, Rhoda. They're having a good time. They're leaving on Saturday, so I don't think I'll get to see her again this trip. I'm thankful though that I got to see her on Sunday. She really is a sweetie pie.
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It's beginning to get busy around here. Schools are letting out and you can really tell it by the increase in traffic. Summer is here!

TOO TIRED TONIGHT

It was a nice, but long day. I'm tired tonight and really don't have much to say. I'm working again tomorrow at Stein Mart so I need to get some sleep.



I did take a moment to "peek" in on my blogging friends though before I head off to bed...kinda like tucking in the babies before going to bed myself.



Night Night...Sweet Dreams Everyone!

WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY - KEEP YOUR CLOTHES ON

I Bet the title got your attention (smile)!

I learned about Hollywood Fashion Tapes from my friend Tonja. I had never heard of them until she mentioned them on her blog. They sounded like something I really needed so I picked some up ($4.99 at Stein Mart) and I LOVE these babies! You can also order them on-line at www.hollywoodfashiontape.com

The size I bought (shown in the photo) works best for small jobs, like slipping bra straps, falling hems and gapping blouse fronts. They also make some for bigger jobs.

I love them because they keep my bra strap from slipping outside of my sleeveless tee shirts and blouses. You stick one side to the underside of the strap and the other side to your skin. And, Voila'...the strap does NOT move. Really! They will not move until you take them off. They do not irritate your skin, or harm fabric.

These work for me!

Go to here for more neat ideas.

A LITTLE OF THIS AND A LITTLE OF THAT

Hydrangeas - Love 'em!

When we moved into the new house in November, I didn't know exactly what was planted in some spots of the yard. I was pleasantly surprised to find hydrangeas in several spots. The plants doing the best so far are the ones planted in an area around back right up against the house outside the breakfast room windows. It's a part of the yard that you don't really see unless you make an effort. I'm enjoying cutting them and bringing them inside to enjoy. They last for a long time and they are so pretty. I remember when I was just a little girl my grandparents had great big bushes of these on each side of their front porch steps. Everytime I see these beautiful flowers, I think of them.

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We spoke to Bob this afternoon. They were back home in Atlanta packing and getting prepared to leave tomorrow for Tampa to make arrangements. Jen is doing okay. It's hard and I know it's gonna get harder. She's very strong though and I know she'll be just fine. Her Dad is with them and together they will get through this. I've never met her Mom, but I feel as if I knew her. Jen has always talked so sweetly about her and the connection they had with each other.

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I worked today at Stein Mart. I only sub two days a month, but since I haven't worked all month, I'm working my two days this week. Today and again on Thursday. I love the people, it's fun seeing what's come in since the last time I shopped, but mostly I do it for the DISCOUNT. George teases that this "job" is costing him money. He's right.

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The finale of Dancing With the Stars was tonight. Oh my word! The dancing, the costumes, the bodies. I'm so pumped. Apola Anton Ohno and Julianne won!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW

I woke up this morning feeling much, much better and was ready to tackle the world. I played tennis from 8:00-10:00. It was absolutely gorgeous and the tennis was fun and a great match. I managed to do a few chores around the house before George came home from the gym and wanted to go to the village for lunch. Of course, I said yes, but here's how I get "off course" and end up not getting as many things done as I want to. But, hey, I love having lunch with him and we took Miss Daisy with us. She loves to ride in the golf cart and the place we go (Mangos) allows dogs since we sit outside under umbrellas. They even bring her a nice big bowl of cold water. We were enjoying our time when George's cell phone rang. It was Bob. As soon as George said "Hi Bob", I immediately perked up since we were expecting their visit either on Wednesday or Thursday and we were getting excited about seeing them. But immediately I knew something was wrong. Bob was calling to let us know terrible news. Jennifer's Mom fell this morning at home and hit her head. She was air flighted to the hospital in Asheville and it didn't look good. George and I sat in silence. Devastated for them and their family. Her parents live in Tampa, but spend the summer in the mountains. When Bob called they were already in the car and on their way to Asheville, not knowing if Jennifer's Mom would even survive until they could get there. It's so hard when your friends are hurting and you're too far away to even give them a hug. We feel helpless. We learned tonight that her Mom died. We're praying for them all and waiting to hear more. We've told them we'll come if we can help. Life is so fragile. You just never know.

WORSHIP WITH FRIENDS

Church was extra special today. Not just because of the music and the sermon. Today "the gang" all came with us. Jack and Linda, Barbara and Dick and Jeanette (Garrett was in a golf tournament). The girls came two weeks ago and loved it and today the guys came too. It was wonderful having them all worship with us.

And there was another reason it was special. My blogger friend Rhoda (Southern Hospitality) and her husband visited with us today. It was wonderful getting to meet her "face to face". She's just as sweet and just as pretty as I thought she would be. Hopefully, we'll get to see each other again some time this week since she's vacationing nearby. We really do live in a small world. I didn't have my camera with me, but she did, so hopefully she'll share the picture when she returns home.

After church, I followed Tonja's advice and loaded up with cookies and candy (all chocolate, of course) and spent the afternoon doing nothing. And loved it ya'll. Just what the doctor ordered.

Tomorrow, it's time to "put on my big girl panties, and deal with it"...all the stuff I've let pile up while I had my pity party. Beginning tomorrow, it's back to business.

FUNK CITY

As I mentioned in this post a few days ago, I love blogging. I've met so many kind, warm, funny, amazing people. People who really care. Who laugh with you, learn with you, care for you, worry about you, pray for you. It's wonderful. I mean that sincerely. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of my blogging friends.

I complained here about being in a big "funk". I'm working on getting out of it. Kinda sorta. It's hard since I don't want to do anything lately. Well today one of my blogging friends, Tonja, gave me some of the best advice! Thanks Tonja for the advice and a big old belly laugh too!

If you find yourself in a funk, here's her advice:

From the Gospel According to Tonja:
It is my belief, (and soon to be the belief of millions) that there is a separate set of rules for the highly intelligent, wonderfully creative, graciously generous, super sexy, and mostly motivated women of the world. Though I do not like to boast, I have discovered these rules through many years of seeking an answer to the big "WHY?". Because of the graciously generous part, I am willing to share these with you, but only a few of them....too many could cause a "FUNK OVERLOAD", and that would not be pretty.
Rule #1. Because of the heavy load you were asked to bear (being intelligent, creative, generous, sexy and motivated all rolled into an adorable package) You are entitled to 2 days of general funkiness a month. This has nothing to do with the PMS days...there are separate rules for that. You may use your days each month, or you may save them and use them in conjunction with another month.
Rule #2. If you have saved your days to use in another month, you must use them on consecutive days. Your funk would last 4 days or 6 days, etc....but you are not allowed to use them on separate weeks...like 2 this week, and 2 next week. It has been found that when you spread your funk too thin...you don't get the most out of it, and it leaves the others around you too bewildered to try to figure it out. This is why YOU are the intelligent one.
Rule #3. You should never try to outwit a funk. THE FUNK IS GONNA GET YA!!! The sooner you make peace with this, the better. Then you will learn to relax and just enjoy your funky self. Rule #4. When the funk hits...you should do several things immediately: first announce to anyone who cares that you are now entering FUNK CITY and plan to enjoy your visit! Then, procede , with haste, to the store of your choice, and buy every magazine that catches your eye, visit the candy aisle and (be bold here) buy yourself enough goodies of your choice to feed your body and soul. This can extend over to the cookie and nut aisle if necessary. Then peruse the many drink offerings. Buy enough of your favorite to float a boat. You may want to use some of your famous creativity here and do a little mixing. Let me tell ya, Diet Dr. Pepper mixed with marichino cherry syrup is a fine way to deal with this "specialtime".
Rule #5.Take your little self home. Pay for your haul first...you are not THAT priviledged. Find the place where you feel the most comfortable. Now if you are sharing a bed with someone...you will not want to choose this bed. Funkiness must be dealt with alone...no one else can begin to understand what you are dealing with even if they say they can and even if they say they want to go through everything with you, and you can have all the funks you want if they can just watch. No! No! No! You may have to be firm, but this is your funk and you deserve to enjoy it. Now change into the most comfortable clothing that you own...at this juncture, it does not have to be cute. In my case, and this is for reference only, it includes a pair of purple sweat pants, so old all the sweat stuff on the inside is gone and so is the elastic around the bottom and there are several holes in the knees, but they just ooze comfort. I combine that with a black XXL t-shirt that says REAL WOMEN RIDE MOTORCYCLES. No bra is necessary because the shirt touches me no where and I do not like to wear them anyway especially on FUNKY DAYS.Procede to crawl into bed or up on the couch or out on the swing or down by the beach with all the essentials you have purchased. Remember, you are going to need music. GOOD MUSIC!
Rule #6. ENJOY! Remember...you are entitled to this funk...you have earned it by being the aforementioned super woman. Do not try to pass over the funk and not take your days. Once you relax and just go with it, you may even learn to look forward to these special days. And those around you will learn to accept this as a normal part of life, and also come to appreciate more the tremendous role you are playing in the universe.
Rule #7. When you feel your funk coming to an end...don't be greedy and try to extend it. And never, NEVER use more days than are necessary. This could lead to FUNK-ITIS...which is NOT a happy place to be.Now, follow these rules and see if you don't feel better...in a couple of days...or four.

Soooo...since I'm officially residing in FUNK CITY, tomorrow after church, I'll be stopping by the store to load up on supplies, getting into my gown, and do what the Queen of Funk has suggested. See ya in a couple of days...or four.

UPDATE - A NEW ATTITUDE

After my last post, I began to think about what in the heck I could do to pull me out of my "funk". I remembered this painting Bree did for me a few years ago. I used to keep it propped by the sink in the laundry room. When we moved to the new house, I left it in the condo on the beach. I should go get it or have Bree do me another one. It's a good reminder.

IN A "FUNK"

Okay, what's the deal?! I wrote a few days ago about not getting much accomplished. My "to do list" grows instead of decreasing.

I guess I'm in a bit of a "funk". That's a word I use when I feel like I do, but I decided to look it up before I used in in such a public place. Here's what the dictionary said:

1) A foul odor.

2) A style of R&B music whose artists include James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic (aka P-Funk) and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

3) Depressed mood.

I guess I'm using it correctly since two out of the three are right. Being in a "funk" stinks and it's depressing. Not sure about the music part...maybe I need to put some R&B music on real loud and see if it would help. Except that would mean I would have to actually do something. And that's the problem. I'm not really doing anything. Well, I start something, but I'm not finishing it. Which is totally not me! I put up the ironing board and ironed a few pieces, then stopped, and left the ironing board up and it's been that way for days! I'm at the end of my book and can't seem to finish it. I have multiple projects I'm in the middle of and I've stopped. Etc. Etc. Etc. See, I can't even finish my thoughts on this. What's the deal?

I want an end to this "funk". I want it dead and buried. Any ideas?

BLOGGING - THE NEW SOAP OPERA

I'm not much of a television watcher. I like Good Morning America, Dateline, Barbara Walter's specials, 60 Minutes and shows like that. I do watch Dancing With The Stars and I love Grey's Anatomy. Other than those few shows, I'd rather read a book or spend my extra time on the computer.

I'm definitely not a soap opera watcher, but I was when I was much, much younger. My Mom still watches them and it amazes me that I can still remember some of the character's names, etc. I bet I could pick right up where I left off 20 plus years ago.

Here's how they describe a soap opera when I looked it up the web:
A soap opera is an ongoing, episodic work of fiction, usually broadcast on television or radio. The main characteristics that define soap operas are "an emphasis on family life, personal relationships, sexual dramas, emotional and moral conflicts; some coverage of topical issues; set in familiar domestic interiors with only occasional excursions into new locations."


I looked it up since I've been thinking lately how much I enjoy this whole world of blogging. It reminds me a bit of soap operas. And I mean that in the nicest of ways. We tune in every day to see what's happening with a whole cast of characters. We get to vicariously become a part of other people's worlds. We get to learn about them and they us. It's fun. We get to pray for each other, laugh with each other, learn from each other. I like it alot.

Thanks to all my blogging friends for tuning in to "As My World Turns"...let's remember to just follow the "Guiding Light"...let's be "Bold and Beautiful"....let's talk about "All My Children"...afterall, we only have "One Life to Live"...we're "Young and Restless"....we're full of "Passions"...let's talk about the "Days of Our Lives"...and let's hope we don't have to go to "General Hospital".

IT'S IMPORTANT

It's that time again. Remember to do your self breast exam.

Several months ago, through Rocks In My Dryer, I found Holy Mama's and boy does she have a good idea to remind us all to do breast self exams on the 17th of each month. (Her January 20th post explains why she started this.) As a breast cancer survivor myself, I know how important it is to do this every month and also to get a mammogram. I'm glad to be a member of Club 17.

Also, I'm so thankful my blogging friend, Heather at Especially Heather, is doing so well after her brain cancer surgery. Go here if you'd like to find out how you can help. If you do, you'll be inspired by her spirit. This I can promise you.

SHE'S ALSO MY FRIEND

I got a call tonight from my daughter-in-law, Angela, just to chat. We've always had a good relationship. We talk easily...about anything. We have fun when we're together. I love this girl! She's not just a wonderful Mom to three of my grandchildren, but she's a wonderful wife to my son, Eric. And she's not just my daughter-in-law, she's also my friend.

IS IT JUST ME?

Is it just me or is time flying by? I have such good intentions of getting lots accomplished every day and I never seem to catch up. On anything! I feel like I'm always behind. I keep a "to do list", but it seems it never changes much. I need help...that's HELP in capital letters!

WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY - NO CRACKED HEELS

I get pedicures from time to time and I love them. What I don't like is when they rub the pumice stone on my feet. It tickles and it kinda hurts. I play alot of tennis and I'm hard on my poor tooties. I live on the beach too, so I wear mostly sandals...actually flip flops alot. I know the pumice stone helps, but I just hate it when the nail tech does it since I'm not in control. Soooo....

Recently I picked up my own hand-held pumice stone (pictured above). I got mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $2.99, I think. Wow! I keep it in the shower and every night before bed, I gently rub mostly my heels, but really any rough spots with the pumice stone for two to three minutes. I'm amazed how smooth my feet stay. The key here is consistency! I'll still get pedicures from time to time, but they won't even have to spend much time using a stone now. My feet are soft.

This works for me!

For more great ideas, visit Shannon over at Rocks In My Dryer.

LADY AND THE TRAMP

Late this afternoon, Garrett and Jeanette brought over their dog, George, to play with Daisy. Yep, George is named after my George. They were so cute playing together. We called them "Lady and the Tramp".

George and Daisy - Lady and The Tramp
Miss Daisy

We got them to stop long enough for pictures, but look at those tongues hanging out!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE!

Happy Happy Birthday to a wonderful son and a wonderful father.

See my post on 2/17/07 about "The Day He Became Mine".

I love you George!

STAYING BUSY HELPS

Bree and Jay left after lunch today. Boo Hoo! We're missing them already. We really had a wonderful time. I'm staying busy doing lots of laundry, changing sheets on beds, and catching up with e-mails, blogging, etc. trying to stay busy so I don't feel so sad/bad. It helps...a little. I heard from Bree awhile ago and they're about half way home. I'll feel much better once I hear that they're home safe and sound. George has just suggested for us to go for a ride on the bikes, so I'm sure that will help too.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!

Happy Mother's Day Mom! I wish we could have been together today, but I'm looking forward to your visit in a few weeks. I love you very, very much!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Jay and Bree (with Hershey) after our bike ride

The four of us took a long bike ride (11+ miles) and stopped about half way to have breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe right on the bay. Yum. I'm so glad Bree and Jay could be here on Mother's Day. I wish the other kids and my Mom could have been here too. I did get to talk to them all though. I love being a Mom and I feel so blessed with my family.

George tries to hold the dogs so I could get a pic of them together...not easy

George played with both dogs alot this afternoon while Bree and Jay spent some time at The Beach Club and I got things ready for dinner. Daisy and Hershey really got along. They were pretty cute together playing tug of war with the toys. Hershey is a yorkie, but he acts alot like a jack russell...VERY full of energy. Daisy just stood and watched him sometimes and she looked like she was thinking "doesn't he ever sit still?" It was hard to get a picture of the two of them together.

Tonight, we grilled out steaks and had baked potatoes and a Caesar salad. Very yummy. The four of us had fun playing ping-pong.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZAC

Happy Birthday Zac! (this photo was taken last Thanksgiving)

Zac is our oldest grandson. I can't believe he's 19 today! Amazing! I can remember so easily rocking him to sleep, singing him lullaby songs, and feeling such joy when he reached out for me. As a little thing, he used to love to pull off my earrings and then just laugh and laugh. He's always been a kind, sweet, lovable kid. Oops. Can't call this strapping 6'1" guy a kid any more.

I love you Zac!

SATURDAY COOK-OUT WITH FRIENDS

We had a nice day. The four of us went to Starbucks and then rode bikes for quite awhile. The kids went to the Beach Club for the afternoon and George and I shopped for items for a cook-out tonight. We invited over "the gang" for burgers, baked beans, and chips. Jack and Linda, Garrett and Jeanette, and Dick (minus Duckie who went to Ohio to see her Mom for Mother's Day) all were here. We played alot of ping-pong too. Jeanette brought over a cake to celebrate George's birthday since we weren't all together on his actual birthday.

It's wonderful having Bree home!

WE'RE HAVING FUN!

Bree and Jay before dinner tonight

The kids got here last night around 5:30. Bree brought her Yorkie, Hershey, so we introduced the dogs outside before bringing them into the house. We were a little worried about whether Daisy would accept another dog into our house. No problem. Thank goodness. We stayed in last night and grilled out. We had grilled pork tenderloins, twice baked potatoes, salad and wine and ate out on the lanai again. It's so pleasant sitting out there. The guys played a few games of pool and then the four of us played ping pong.

This morning the four of us (and Daisy) rode the golf cart up to Starbucks in the Village and then came home and took a bike ride. We borrowed bikes from our neighbors for the kids to use this weekend. I think they really enjoyed it too since later this afternoon they were already talking about getting bikes for themselves. George and the kids went to The Beach Club for the afternoon and I did some chores. Tonight we went to Fat Clemenza's for pizza.

Tomorrow Jay and George are playing golf and Bree and I will spend some time together.

We're having a good time. We're so glad they're here.

I SO EXCITED!

Bree and Jay

"I'm so excited! I just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control and I think I like it."

That Pointer Sisters song is playing in my head today. I'm so excited, I can't stand it. Our youngest daughter Bree (25) and her boyfriend, Jay, are coming this afternoon to spend Mother's Day weekend here. Bree's a neo natal intensive care nurse so she can't get home as often as any of us would like. But, she's coming today and we can't wait!!!!!

A GOOD TIME WITH GOOD FRIENDS

We had a wonderful night. Bob and Jennifer came over around 5:30. We had drinks and chips and salsa and visited for awhile. Then the four of us took a long bike ride (over an hour) all through the neighborhood and ended up watching the sunset from our bikes over looking the bay. Beautiful!

I mentioned in a previous post about all the critters I see when I walk and bike ride. I'm not kidding...tonight we saw a snake in the road (this one was dead, thank goodness), three deer, a squirrel, a bunny rabbit, and a hawk. It amazes me how tame everything seems to be.

We grilled steaks and had baked potatoes and a yummy greek salad and a wonderful wine Bob and Jennifer brought. We ate outside on the lanai. It was so relaxing. We love our friends. They will be heading back to Atlanta on Friday so it was great getting to spend another evening with them.

WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY - EASY SHAVING

Oh My Word! If you haven't tried the Schick Intuition Razor, you've just gotta try it. These razors are amazing! No shaving cream needed. Just wet and shave! Easy, simple and fast.

These work for me!

Go here for more great ideas!

I DRAW THE LINE!

I walk for an hour every day. Sometimes first thing in the morning and sometimes it's later if I have tennis or another activity. We live in a large gated neighborhood within an even larger gated neighborhood, so we're not in the country by a long shot. It's amazing though how many critters cross my path daily. Of course there's the dogs and the cats. But there's also deer and rabbits and lots of birds, including beautiful blue herrons. There's squirrels and I've even seen racoons. Of course there's lots of insects of all shapes and sizes. And turtles. And lizzards. Oh my word, they're everywhere. Not just the little green ones, but lots of different kinds, including that kind whose legs get high off the ground when they run. Yuk! The deer are so tame that they literally graze on the golf course while the golfers are out there. They cross the road in front of me or stand along the side of the road. I've had to stop my car before just to wait for them to decide to get off the road. Birds and bees and deer and rabbits and all the others are fine with me. I actually enjoy getting to see them as I walk. Even the two legged critters aka landscape guys who stare don't bother me. But I draw the line at snakes! I've never met one I like...dead or alive. And let me tell you, I've seen one almost daily lately. I'm not kidding. I see one almost every day. Sometimes they're small and sometimes they're really big and long. The other day, I was b'bopping down the road listening to my iPod and what to my wondering eyes did I see? A loooooooooong copper colored snake crossing the road right in front of me. I've had a small one come out of the grass and onto the sidewalk. I've come across a few deads ones and even they give me the creeps. We have small snakes here called pigmy rattlesnakes. It's gotten to the point, that I spend my entire walk looking down and ahead to make sure I avoid ANY snake. The other day I was doing this and something jumped out of the bushes right in front of me. It scared the bejeebies out of me. It turned out it was just a rabbit, but I almost fainted on the spot.

Why did the snake cross the road? To make it harder and harder for me to make it home with dry undies!

ARTSQUEST 2007

ArtQuest 2007 began today in the Village of Baytowne Wharf and will go through the weekend. I look forward to this each year. I love art and I love supporting local artist.

This afternoon I went to the ArtsQuest Fashion Show and Luncheon at The Santa Rosa Beach Club. Good food, great fashions and jewelry all for a good cause. ArtsQuest is sponsonsed by the Cultural Arts Association.

PIZZA WITH BOB AND JENNIFER

I forgot my camera tonight, but here's one from another pizza night.

Bob and Jennifer arrived last night. Tonight they came by for drinks and then the four of us went to Fat Clemenza's for pizza, salad and wine. Jennifer's birthday was yesterday, so we celebrated tonight. We are so blessed with their friendship. We love these guys!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHERYL

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET FRIEND CHERYL !!!!!!!!!!! HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY.

IT REALLY IS

Seaside Chapel in Seaside, Florida

I've been asked before and then again today. Is this really a photo of our actual church? Yes, it really is! And I love it. I love the looks of it, I love the feel of it, I love how the music sounds in it, I love the people, I love our ministry team. I guess you could say, I love the whole package. I feel very blessed.

I LOVE MY CHURCH

I love Sundays and I love my church. Every week I look forward to it. This morning, George and I went to the 8:15 service so he could be able to play golf at 11:00. We went in seperate cars because I wanted to stay for the 10:00 service too. I invited the girls to come visit today and they did. Jeanette, Barbara and Linda came for the 10:00 service. They were blown away. Even though they have heard me talk about it f-o-r-e-v-e-r, I don't think they really understood until they came today. After the first song, Jeanette was crying, Linda had chill bumps and Barbara was already saying Dick would love it and they would be back. All three said they would be back the week after Mother's Day. It was a wonderful day. The sermon was very good and the music was too, but it actually wasn't the best, but in their eyes it couldn't be any better. I kept thinking "Just you wait"...some weeks it's really unbelievable. Afterwards, the four of us went to Farbrice (our French cafe) for lunch. Yum Yum! I feel satisfied. My soul and my tummy has been fed. Life is good.

WORLD'S SHORTEST FAIRY TALE

Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl, "Will you marry me?" The girl said "No" and she lived happily ever after and went shopping, drank martinis with friends, always had a clean house, never had to cook, had a closet full of shoes and handbags, stayed skinny, and was never farted on.
The End


I got this from a friend and laughed when I read it, but then I thought "Hey, I'm married and that's me, except for the last two." LOL

IN NO WAY LOW CARB

Well Color Me Happy! Tonight the gang went up to the marina for an old fashioned catfish fry. Oh my goodness...fried catfish (farm raised and corn fed catfish), hushpuppies, coleslaw, french fries and tartar sauce. Tables were set up on the lawn right by the water where we could see the boats and watch the sunset. So awesome and the food was delicious! Tonight at our table was Dick and Barbara, Garrett and Jeanette, Jack and Linda, and George and I. Jeanette's right. Who has it better than us? I sure wish I had taken my camera.