Starting Over

Updates galore!

2010-12-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

My dear friends, thank you so much for all the cards, letters, gifts and emails. I went into the hospital on 9/11/10 and once they got in there it turned out to be much worse than the MRI's suggested. It turned out to be a major surgery. (fusions, rods, discs, etc) The doc says a 12 month recovery time. physically and emotionally it has been too much and I could not even blog or read blogs. I have missed you so. I have been a traveling. LOL First, St. Francis Hospital, then Hughston Hospital, them Emory. 6 surgeries later I am now home. Slow but home. Hey the good side, I have lost 35 pounds so the heck with all that exercise stuff they talk about. I have been bedridden. LOL The doctor says 12 months of recovery time. It has been 3 months and I start physical therapy the first of the year. Sorry no pictures, just love and good thoughts to those who have not forgotten me. Oh my stars I have so many funny stories. From aggravating my nurses to Hamlet wanting her birthday cornbread. They are all a hoot. I have tables capes, baby showers all to post and hope to do so soon
I got the most beautiful hug from Dee Dee and once I fell asleep with it on, hum, don't think that nurse will EVER try to take my hug from me.
However you spend you holiday, whatever your faith.....great blessings from Doug, myself and the babies.

Happy Festivious my friends.
Love Jeanette

Thank a Vet today.

2010-11-11T01:48:00.000-08:00

If you have the freedom to read this, thank a vet! Thank you daddy for giving over 25+ years of your life in the army and fighting for our safety without thinking of your own safety.. Thank you my darling husband for giving over 20+ years of your life to the air force and fighting in the dessert storm era wars. I am so proud to be the wife and the daughter of these amazing men.

I pledge allegiance,
to the flag of the United States of America.............

Jeanette

I am insane and now I have proof!

2010-10-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends. I found out today that I am really insane. As you know DH is home but really busy visiting everyone but me. I am pretty much bed bound and miserable. I went totally nuts today. I loaded the dogs in the truck and decided 'road trip' Now my excuse is all the drug residue in my body. I am having a fit to have good photos done of the dogs and can't find anyone to do them.

So we are driving around and I think PASSPORT PHOTOS! LOL I take 13 pound Trina in the store (drug store) and tell them she is a famous dog actor that works with a petting zoo that is going to Mexico and she needs passport pictures. The person taking the pictures keeps saying I never heard of that. hmmm. Finally she says I better call my manager. I thought, I better get out of here! They would not let me leave so I am waiting to give my apology. Mind you there were NO other customers in there at all.
The clerk came back and said the manager sad to treat her like a baby and hold her up over your head. Well Trina is 13 pounds ad we finally got the above results.
Was I happy with that? NOOOOOO. I go get 65 pound Josh and tell them I just had back surgery and can't lift her. They were so kind trying to lift Josh with her 10 foot legs flopping over their heads. It took 3 of them. I about peed my pants. No picture of Josh, but not for lack of trying.

I will call them tomorrow, apologize, send flowers or candy. or a cake. I am still laughing. Was I awful? Darn it was funny. Am I officially crazy?

I think Doug is getting tired of all the get togethers!

2010-10-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Stop in again soon!

Jeanette

Hamlet and YamYam are great gardeners!

2010-10-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome dear ones! When I first started gardenig I learned to plant something for the animals. So I take the leftover seedsm and plant them. I went out behinnd the bard today and it was an ocean of yellow.

Hamlet and YamYam did a great job. I thoguht everythig was just beautiful.

Thanks for stopping in!

I really appreciate your time.

Jeanette

Pumpkin Patches in Texes

2010-10-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

My sweet grandson's mom, her sister, throw in some cousins and you have pumpkin patch fun!

My precious grandson Remi!

Cousins, aunts and fun with my friends.

Sweret Cousins

Another cousin

Another cousin!

Hello!

Mom STOP kissing me!

OK, Personally I am not taking the chances. So not stand in the pumpkin patch VERY long!
Love you guys...Look what can happen!

Thanks for stopping in, I love your visits!
Jeanette

So much fun, so little time

2010-10-17T05:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, wow it has been busy around here. With DH arriving home, our precious younger niece coming for a visit (12 years old) my mom, sister, and brother came by for a quick visit also. My precious niece cooked, decorated , and in general prepared our entire meal for Saturday evening. Let me tell you, it might have been heavy on the dessert end but it was wonderful! She used 2 cookbooks and the back of

a can of cocoa. My advice is to watch this blog, an incredible 1st anniversary giveaway coming up.x

Thank you for stopping in and be on the lookout for the goodies to come.

Thank you so much for stopping in and sharing the happiness our family is experience this few weeks.

I treasure each every comment you leave.

Jeanette

My most beautiful tablescape evah!

2010-10-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome! I am joining our lovely hostess Susan from Between Naps on The Porch for Table scape Thursday. It has been a little over a year since I found her site and have seen tablescapes that have blown me away. Incredible, talented, gifted men and women have wowed me with images and information that keep me entertained for hours every week. This, my friends would be my most beautiful table scape evah!

Many of you know that my husband went to work in Saudi Arabia in Feb,2010. For 8 long months

my tables have pretty much looked like this. A table set for one. These are our everyday dishes, a spoon cause I am having soup. Walmart flowers, but tonight.......drum roll please.......

My table is set for 2! My husband will be home any minute. Can you tell I am excited?

That is his favorite glass. He stole, I mean borrowed it from my sister 14 years ago.

Have you ever seen such a beautiful table. He is having chicken wings, that is why he has no

flatware.

So there you have it, my most beautiful table. I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for the phone

to ring. Give your significant others and your kids a special hug and kiss tonight. While this table

may seem plain in comparison to so many I have seen, trust me it is the best.

When I set this table I sat down and cried. How lucky I am to have a husband that would travel 10,000 miles across the world to support his family. It has been difficult, and he has to go back in 3 weeks

but boy and I going to hold on to him so tight.

I will say that he wanted ham, ham, ham. But since it is so late I did not want to prepare much. He will get his fill of ham and beer, LOL.

Thank you so much for visiting. Go check out all the incredible tables. You will be amazed.

Jeanette

I treasure each and every comment.

I am channeling Martha!

2010-10-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends! Well Doug is in the air. He will touch down in Atlanta tomorrow at 4:00PM EST.

I am a nervous wreck and so excited! Thought I would share some of my fall decorating. I actually made some things. Can you believe it?

I bought this candle holder for $1.75 at a flea market, you really can't tell it but it has little orange crystals hanging from it. Then I hot glued 5 dollar store pumpkins. I scattered leaves and gourds and pumpkins around. I think it turned out right cute.

OK, my picture taking sorta messes this up. Last January I found a white Christmas tree at Rite Aid for just a couple of bucks. I spray painted it black and added lights, bugs, spider webs and creepy stuff. Hanging on the wall are Quacker Factory witch stockings. The table has a black lace lighted cloth with skulls and scary pictures all around. I go for the mildly scary, not gross scary.

I wish I could remember whose blog I saw this on to give them credit. I took 3 black dollar store picture frames, cut scrap booking paper and added the letters. The spiders were from the dollar store also. The crows on the stocking hangers were from the dollar store also. One of the folks that I shop with on ETSY sent me the bats. Again, my picture taking is terrible, you sorta have to combine this picture with the one above and you will get the idea. I am pleased with the look. I forget the nieces aren't babies any more.

My Halloween apron is a candy corn print with orange accents.

I am enjoying going through my aprons and actually using them

Thank you Miss Janice for the great idea.

Doug found this bottle last year and one of the blogs offered the downloads of different creepy labels. It looks so real to me.

Thank you so much for visiting. I always enjoy your visits, but today I want to tell you how I treasure the bonds and friendships I have made here. It has been difficult while Doug has been gone. You will never know how many nights I would be crying and missing him so badly and click on the blog. Sure enough, someone will have posted something I needed to hear. I have laughed, I have cried but most of all I made it through with YOUR help. Thank you my friends.
Jeanette

Our Precious Grandson!

2010-10-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome my friends. Happy October! I am sorry I have not posted or even read blogs in quite a while. I had to be admitted to the hospital 2 more times. I am tired but otherwise doing well. Now have you

ever seen such a cutie pie in all your life? LOL

It is 4 days until my husband will be home! I have been working on the most beautiful table scape I have ever done. Hopefully I will have it ready to share with you this week.

Thank you for stopping in for a visit. I enjoy them so very much.

Look what I have completed!

2010-09-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome my precious blogger friends! I want to show you a couple of projects that are complete. Since it is 14 days until my Doug will be home I thought I would share a few of them. First, I have always wanted a red door. I got so many ideas from blogs I visited, I got the courage....said it was only paint and did it! The WELCOME was bought on etsy. It took me forever to decide on the shade of red but this one worked out great.

Last year I saw the most beautiful wreath hanger. The owner of the wreath holder told me where she got it. I loved it. While I could not find one like hers it lead me on a journey finding beautiful wreath hangers. I got this one on ebay. I love visiting the QVC bulletin boards and the wonderful folks over there kept talking about the pine cone wreath. Being a southern girl, with pine trees everywhere I thought these folks are nuts. But they kept talking about them so I ordered one and am so glad I did! It has battery operated lights that are on a timer.

This is one of my treasures. Can you believe Doug bought me this swing on our first date? We went to a craft show and I fell in love with it. I weave seasonal items through the chain with battery operated lights woven through it also. You can see Josh's tail and butt in this photo. LOL. She is a ham. The birdcage on the storage box was on a table scape a few weeks ago. It has a flame less candle and some sunflowers.

You can't see it but the twigs in the milk can have lights on them. I admit my picture taking leaves much to be desired but hopefully you get the jest of it.

Thank you so much for stopping in. I am still recuperating and very slow. I always treasure your comments.

Jeanette

Meet the Newest Member of our Family

2010-09-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family. Her name is Trina and she is a rescue from a local shelter. Josh (our lab rescue) picked her out all by herself. She is just precious

and at a little under 10 pounds is the perfect lapdog. She loves to snuggle and sleep under the covers with me. I took Josh with me to the shelter, she walked up and down the aisles sniffing and looking. Any dog that she 'sniffed' out would go with Josh and I to an area set aside to visit.

Not only did they get along well, they played so sweetly. Josh's new command is GENTLE, PLAY GENTLE. And of course the command heard all around the world.....Josh don't eat your sister. LOL

As you can see Trina is already sucking up to dad by wearing a Green Bay Packer scarf in honor of the game tonight!

Thank you for stopping in, we love to read comments. And of course since the countdown has begun, 16

days until Doug is home.

Jeanette

19 days and counting

2010-09-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you friends for visiting . I am home from round 2 in the hospital. My surgery was on September 10, 2010. It was a bit more involved than my doctor expected. I now am the proud owner of fusion, plastic discs and last but not least lots of nuts and bolts in my back.

I was discharged on Monday September 13th with 24 hour nursing. After a big set back I was readmitted on Thursday September 15th. Lots of drugs and intense Physical Therapy later, I am home again. I certainly missed all my babies, my home and all of my blogger friends.

I came home to a wonderful realization.......Doug will be home in 19 days! Is that wonderful or what?

I am home but very slow. Thank you for stopping in and wish me luck in finishing up projects from the bed. I am not allowed but 3 hours a day out of bed.
Jeanette

Auction Treasures

2010-09-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my latest auction finds. First meet Winnie, a cutie pie pig. I will decorate her seasonally and as you can see she is ready for fall. I just love her.

This cow's is another auction find. Her name is Ginger. She will be decorated for each season also. I think she is beautiful!

I don't tell my friends often enough how much I appreciate your visits and comments. As most of you know I am not physically to read many blogs but so appreciate your visits. Please excuse my horrible photography.

Jeanette

Found in My Mom's Tack Room

2010-09-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Can you believe I found this little baking center in my mom's tack room? It was dirty but I cleaned it. Covered the top in cork. I had extra panels of my kitchen curtains, put my Keurig on it, and my convection oven on it. THEN, I went out to the shed and found an old getting ready to be thrown away entertainment center. The shelves fit perfectly. It holds, my crock pot, george foreman, temptations. If you had seen this thing you would have fainted. I really am pleased with it.

What treasures have you found lately?

Hobby Lobby Find

2010-09-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with this pumpkin but thought $30 was too much, then I had a coupon and 50% off. Got him for $7! Score!

Thanks for stopping in.

Have you found any great deals lately? I know you have, you guys never cease to amaze me.

My first tablescape in a while

2010-09-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, thank you for stopping in to see my first table scape in ages. All the dishes were purchased at the dollar tree. The Charger came from Hobby Lobby, $1.00 each. The placemats and napkins were on clearance from QVC several years ago. I have had the birdcage centerpiece a year or 2. It has a Battery Candle (I can't smell so I am not allowed real candles)

The ink pen is to take notes. LOL. I forgot flatware and glasses. The chaircovers are girl and boy scarecrows that are just so cute . You will see them later in the year.

Thank you for visiting. I love your comments.

The Night the Lights went out on Christmas Trees

2010-09-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends! So glad you decided to visit. These 2 Christmas trees bit the dust so my Mom covered them in silk fall flowers. I think they look great in the unfinished garden. Please ignore the hose. I will show you pictures of when it is all complete. (I hope)But isn't that just the coolest idea?

What have you repurposed lately?

Love your comments.

Jeanette

Inexpenive Tin Tiles

2010-09-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, another one of my 'many' projects. LOL. I know you have seen those tin squares in various magazines. Well I bought 2 packs and installed them behind my stove and under the microwave. First tip, buy a better adhesive so you don't hear click click click all night long. All those tins falling to the ground. Once you do that, It is really easy. I like how it turned out.

Has anyone ever tried these before?

Jeanette

Maybe I am Martha

2010-09-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, look what I made! All by myself. Granted it was a kit from Target ($24) But it works and everything and I did it! I am proud of this one.

Have you ever made a clock? Kit or not?

Jeanette

Auction Trunk

2010-09-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Remember when I told you my sister went to an auction and picked up a trunk for me. Well this is it. It was only $50 and I love it. I have a mirror sitting on it with a Valerie Parr Hill maple leaf wreath hung from the mirror. My Mom gave me this wooden thing from the 60s with hand carved apples, pumpkins, nuts....it is so cool. It was a little dark so I took a table runner that I bought from QVC that has lights in it. Cool or what. It really lights up that dark corner. I am proud of how it turned out.

Whatcha think?

Jeanette

Just so you will understand.

2010-09-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

My friends, I have been so touched by the emails, phone calls and attempted skpyes (my skpye is broken). To know that I have so many dear friends that I have never met just takes my breath away.

As YamYam said, I am scheduled to go into surgery on Friday. We have run into some issues today and it may be postponed. My blood pressure took a nose dive. 87/47 is not good. They don't know why. I love to read Bulletin Boards but I admit some raise my blood pressure and make my head explode. I know you will find this hard to believe but I am very opinionated. LOL With that in mind, ALL BB are off limits even the good ones per my doctor and husband. But with today's blood pressure maybe I should go read a couple of those mean ones. Ha!

I now have a LPN with me all the time. She gives me my meds and pretty much makes certain I am good. Boy has she got her hands full. Many have asked if Doug is coming home. No. He is not a doctor. There is nothing he can do here. We can talk on the phone, skype (if I get fixed) etc. He needs to stay busy and is a phone call away.

I am one of those weird people. I don't think surgery and illness is a social event. I had heart surgery last year. The man in the room next to me had 19 prayer warriors. WHAT? My nurse was bringing me my insulin shot and a mother stopped her and asked if she could get a DVD for her kid to calm her down. And then the ones with the crying babies, the hard of hearing uncles that everyone has to scream to. Can you imagine the resources wasted daily because our society believes that a hospital visit is a party?

Organize prayer warriors from your home, offer to help pick up the children if any are involved, schedule a cleaning list, a driving list, buy magazines and drop them off at the front desk with a note. Sit down and hand write a letter to your friend full of funny memories and stories. Trust me that will be read and reread on those nights the nurses wake you up to give you a sleeping pill. LOL Cook meals and put them in the freezer. If they live alone, contact the utilities companies. Check into social services and services available, meals on wheels, etc. I cannot tell you how many seniors I have brought home from the hospital and thier power, telephone or water be turned off. If you explain the situation, the utility company will help you out.

There are so many many things you can do to help those in need that are ill. I speak for myself only. I am certain that there are some out there that enjoy the party, that have no concern for their neighbor but I like to think they are few and far between.

And remember that friend a month or so after it is all over. About six weeks after my daughter died, I remember cleaning out the fridge, all alone ( all that food going to waste!). I picked up the phone and called her and got her voice mail. I sat in the middle of the floor and cried for 2 days. Think out of the box and love your friends in the healtiest best ways for them to heal properly.

PS I know there are times when people are dying and family members are called, those would be called the exceptions. Please my friends, don't stop with the emails, comments, notes,calls. I love it. But especially those locally understand I am crazy enough, do you really want to see me all drugged up. LOL
Hugs to you all, and good health to you.
Jeanette

I have to do everything around here!

2010-09-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

I have to do everything around here now! Who knew? When I took this gig I thought .......easy peasy, free food, a pretty cool mate to care for and a great mom and dad. I am the mouthpiece for this family. I walk the fence lines and keep everyone safe. For years I have been good at what I do.. Great as a matter of fact, many are envious of my position here.

This is one time I dread my job. Mom says I have to tell our friends what is going on in our little world. Mom is not feeling well.She goes into the hospital on Friday, should be there about a week. Then she goes to a local rehab (not the Lyndsy Lohan type) for a couple of weeks.

She won't be able to drive for 6 weeks but has made mega arrangements for food delivery for everyone that lives here. She is good like that. Mom cries a lot and the doctors say that she is in a lot of pain. Please send her good thoughts through whatever ritual you might believe. I know she would appreciate it.

Good Thoughts My Mom's Friends

May you share good thoughts and peace
Yam Yam

Aprons!

2010-08-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends. As you know I have been slowly redecorating our home. I HOPE to be finished with all my projects by the time he comes home. When I turned 30 my daughter started an apron collection for me. For over 20 years I have been trying to figure out how to display them. I was reading Miss Janice's blog one day HERE and she had the cutest display ever! So of course I stole, (borrowed) her idea. It has taken me a while.
The picture is not very good and I am not finished but I had to share with you. I bought a $160 room divider at Hobby Lobby for $29! I had someone screw one panel into my laundry room wall and I made a door. I think it looks so cute. I have always had curtains there, and of course everyone uses the back door (LOL).

This is a huge improvement!. I grabbed the first apron I found, DH gave it to me a few years ago. I am really proud, Of course I will slide it over and there will be other aprons there when I am finished. What do you think. I am excited that I can finally display the many aprons my wonderful daughter gave me.

Jeanette

Watermelon Saga Ends

2010-08-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, well today my watermelon gardening came to a tasty end. This watermelon picture was taken on August 8th.

Today that same watermelon and the other one was picked, I tried to show the same cup to give you an idea of how it has grown.

Same cup, fuzzy picture (sorry bout that) this is 2 watermelons. Since I had no idea how to tell when them were ripe, I just decided on today. When I cut into them they both sorta popped, so I think they were perfectly ripe. They were very juicy and I was told they were very sweet. I am proud of my watermelon.

Everyone got in on the fruits of our labor! Hamlet enjoys watermelon rind so much, Yam Yam not so much. Hamlet is on a diet so this was an extra special treat.

Thank you for stopping by, I think I will try watermelons again next year. I am getting ready to do my fall planting. Are you planning on anything for fall?

Jeanette

WHOO HOO!

2010-08-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Doug got his airline confirmation today! He will be home Oct 12 and go back Nov 11. I am so excited. I told him to bring suitcases full of scarves and silk! He has plenty of fall clothes here. Sure does not need them in Saudi. We are going to do some traveling (including seeing that Grandson!)

He is going to try to find something in the States but his contract does not expire until Feb/2011. He has to decide by Nov 15th if he will sign for another year. With 9.6% unemployment in our area I am afraid he will have sign for another year. But we will see.

Doin' the happy dance!

Jeanette

Watermelon Tragedy

2010-08-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my watermelon update. Remember this little guy about 3 weeks ago?

This is him this morning. Bummer. I guess the terrible heat did it. This is my first watermelon experience so I don't know what caused it. Well I have 2 more so I will keep you updated.

I read every comment and enjoy them so much!

Jeanette

Josh's big Day

2010-08-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends for stopping in. Josh got to go on a special trip today. She knew something special was happening.

This place is neat but what happens here, hum.......

Yogurt, my very own yogurt. Yum, what a great day.

So did you do something fun on this hot balmy day?

Was I An axe murderer in a previous life?

2010-08-19T10:57:00.001-07:00

Three weeks I totaled Doug's truck. Randy Yates did a great job and I thank him. I got it back 2 days ago. Today I was going to the humane society and a lady ran a red light, guess what totaled Doug's truck, again. Ain't life grand. All are well except I have a headache.

In Memory RIP NING

2010-08-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

Ning was a part of our family only a short time. I found him dead in the drive this morningabout 10:00am after looking all night. Who could do this what a loving pet. His world started out abused. He last few months were happy. Our hearts are breaking. Ning while you will not be in our lives you will never be forgotten.

Love Mom, Dad, Josh,Hamlet, YamYam

I went to an auction today.

2010-08-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

I went to an auction today and while they had some lovely things, everything sold way higher than I thought they would. Onlineshopper this is for you.

I tried to buy it for you but they never got around to selling it. LOL

These dishes were incredible. They have the initial K.

I can't read what it says but I bet they are high dollar! They had incredible salt cellars also.

These were my fav! I love the colors. They sold no dishes at all today.

Guess what I bought. You are going to crack up. When I was in college I bought a used funky chair for $5.00
They had a similar chair today. Not nearly as nice and it cost $50! LOL
I must be nuts.

I read and treasure every comment. Have you found any goodies lately?
Jeanette

Scramble Dog

2010-08-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome Friends! There is a Pharmacy in a nearby town called Dinglewood Pharmacy. They have what used to be called a 'lunch counter' inside. It is a local eatery that is legendary. The man that runs the place is known as Lieutenant. He is famous for the Scramble Dog. Don't go gross, most people do when they first hear what it is called. While Lieutenant has a special chili recipe that is incredible, I have my own version. First I will tell you that his Scramble Dogs go like this.....Steamed bun, 2 wieners (chopped), mustard, chopped onion, 2 dill pickles, incredible chili, oyster crackers. The wonderful memories those bring back.

I don't have a picture of my version. When the weather starts cooling off I make a pot of chili. I mean a huge pot of chili. I prepare 18 quarts at a time. I don't have a recipe, I just throw stuff in the pot and make Doug taste until it is right. So I always have homemade chili in the freezer. I make these a lot for fundraisers and no matter what city or state we are in, after a few plates go out into the crowds we have a long line until we sell out.

Aunt Nette's Scramble Dog's

1 toasted hot dog bun (chopped)

2 all beef wieners, cooked and chopped

chopped onions

mustard

sliced hamburger dills

shredded cheddar cheese

oyster crackers

I take the toasted hot dog bun and cut it up with a pizza cutter (I love the pizza cutter and Pampered Chef has the best one ever). Scatter it on the plate. Take the 2 all beef wieners, trusty pizza cutter in hand and cut em up. Sprinkle on top of the bun. The objective here is so everything can be eaten with a fork or spoon. A squirt or 2 of mustard, chopped onions to taste, 4 sliced hamburger dills, shredded cheese sprinkled on top and then oyster crackers on top.

Just an FYI, the chili is sorta soupy. Like a hot dog sauce mixed with equal amounts of chili. Once you get past the name, you will be clogging up your arteries on a regular basis.

So, it there a local favorite that you enjoy and have recreated at home? I read and treasure every comment.

Jeanette

Watermelon update

2010-08-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Around July 22, 2010 this watermelon looked like this!

This is that same waterlemon today.

On July 22nd this watermelon looked like this.

That same watermelon today.

This is Josh doing the watermelon crawl!

Thank you for stopping in, I treasure each and every comment.
Jeanette

Never Try this

2010-08-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

You know those television shows with the stupid things people do? Well let me tell you what I did a few weeks ago. The dogs wanted to go for a walk so badly. It was hot but I decided we would all go for a walk. I put Ning's leash on him and tied him to my walker. Ning weighs 13 pounds, and yes I did that. Then I put Josh's leash on her and tied it to the other side of my walker. Josh weighs 60 pounds and I have no idea what I was thinking. Off we went. We stopped in to visit the pigs. A bit of a test but it worked out OK. We kept walking. Josh would pull a little but we did OK until we came up to the bank of the lake. Josh who is part lab took a dive. About the time she hit the water, in goes my walker, then me and then poor Ning.

Once I made certain everyone was OK, I started laughing. I must have looked a sight. The warm water was not terrible, then I noticed a little green tint and thought "I need to get out of this water". It was when the pollen was still coating everything. I was trying to get out, had no idea where my shoes went. Then all of a sudden I felt something on my foot. I was convinced the catfish were going to eat my toes off. I started screaming. Josh thought I was playing so she jumped and splashed so much more.

What a mess. LOL.

I finally pulled myself out, my walker and both dogs. We walked over to my mom's and can you image what she thought when she opened the door and saw me dripping wet, hanging onto my walker with 2 soaked dogs hanging onto me?

So do you think I belong on one of those What was She thinking shows? I treasure each and every one of your comments.

Communication

2010-08-04T05:32:00.000-07:00

As we swelter in this heat, I sometimes forget how hot Doug is in Saudi Arabia. I try to do little things to include him in our everyday life. Because I am crazy I send him emails from our pets. I figure if they can write a blog they can write a letter. While this picture taking is new to me and I only use my cell phone, I have been taking pictures of all our babies. When I hug Ning upside down he looks like a bat to me. Thus the topic of this recent email to Doug:

Dad

Do you think I look like a bat? In addition to money for plastic surgery I will be needing money for counseling. Can you imagine how it feels to have your mom say you look like a bat. I mean Dad, a bat. That is a rat with wings. Do you think I look like a bat? Josh is laughing at me. Dude, it is not funny. I could be in therapy for years over this. Please dad, talk to her.

Your Loving Son,

Ning

So do you think Ning looks like a bat? I mean a precious bat, but a bat nonetheless.

Grandson

2010-07-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, I just had to share pictures of our Grandson and his Mom. Aren't they beautiful?

I read and treasure each and every comment.

14 years ago today

2010-07-27T03:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome Friends......

Did you know that 14 years ago today was the bombing at the Atlanta Olympics? Yup July 27, 1996. Guess how I remember. You see Doug and I got married 14 years ago today and our videographer's daughter was at the Olympics. The videographer was a wreck when she heard the news. Folks didn't carry cell phones back then like they do now. She started drinking wine real early awaiting news from her daughter. I told her she didn't have to film the ceremony but she insisted. I would like to share that video with you but I have no idea how. So put on your imagination cap.....can you see it? Shoes, lots of Sunday shoes, new carpet. Yes, our entire wedding video is of the wedding party's shoes, the guest's shoes, everyone's shoes. Oh and the new carpet at the church.
I think it is the best wedding video ever. Oh and her daughter was safe and sound.

I wanted to get married in Vegas and Doug wanted the whole wedding ceremony. So we had got married in a local church. An Elvis impersonator was our photographer. Yes he was. Plus we had an Elvis impersonator at the reception. It was a hoot.

My favorite uncle flew in from Germany to be a part of the wedding. As I was about to walk into the church for the ceremony Uncle Walter walked up to me. I almost died right then and there. Let me share with you, this is NOT the best time to surprise a bride! Thank You Momma. Uncle Walter walked me down the aisle.

Doug, I love you so much! How you put up with my antics for 14 years is beyond me! I am just glad you have. Thank you for all you do to keep our family going strong! Happy Anniversary!

I read and treasure each and every comment. Thank you for stopping in.

My first Watermelon

2010-07-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, I have to share my very first watermelons. I have never grown watermelons before. They are so tiny. I mean I know they don't start out giant but aren't they just too cute? My summer cold has turned into bronchitis so I will leave you with a couple of my new watermelons~

I love your comments, are you growing anything fun?

The Best Laid Plans!

2010-07-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome blogger friends. Lets talk baby showers.

After months of looking for the perfect invitation, I found it. Jan at FourHarp Design http://www.etsy.com/shop/fourharpdesigns

designed this wonderful shower invitation. We got the inspiration from the mom to be's

choice of bedding. I got almost all of the invitations out on July 12, 2010.

It took a long time to find a venue in my budget that would hold all our guests and be air conditioned!

I bought enough solid white bibs and non toxic paint for everyone to decorate them with.

The shower favor was inspired by http://gordongossip.blogspot.com/

Attached

to a salt shaker filled with sugar and cinnamon.

But then, on July 14, 2010 our Bella made an unexpected arrival. She is the tiniest thing I have seen in my whole life. And she is beautiful. I have a cold so I had to wear a mask but I could still see that little beauty. She is healthy and strong, just very tiny. I saw those little fingers and toes and sat in sheer amazement. The new mom is not up to a shower so we are doing something else.
Welcome home our precious Bella, Aunt Nette and Uncle Doug are already thinking of ways to spoil you. Your beautiful Momma and dotting Daddy don't have a chance in this world. There are too many people just waiting to spoil and cuddle you.

Thank you for visiting and sharing our wonderful news.

A Saudi Tablescape

2010-07-14T10:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 99th Tablescape Thursday, courtesy of our gracious hostess Susan. I am posting this for my dear husband who is living alone in Saudi Arabia. I have to give him credit. I just can't bring myself to do a tablescape for just one! You have to realize he is living in a furnished villa but bought these pretty dishes himself.

He tells me he 'stole' these flowers so instead of creating an international incident, I will leave it at that.

I have no details about the patterns or where these items were purchased but I can just about guarantee that he would be serving himself chicken. Every time we talk and I ask him what he is cooking it is always chicken.

I don't really know what this is but it is pretty.

A close up of his pretty plate.

Considering what he had to work with I think he did a great job. To be 10,000 miles away and still come up with such a pretty table.......awesome! I am proud of you sweetie. Next time you will have to share one of your chicken recipes!

Thank you Susan for hosting another awesome party, I know Doug would love it if you would leave him a comment.

One of the most touching things ever.

2010-07-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends. This post has been a while in the writing. Today seemed the right time. As many of you know I lost my precious puggle Keelie this past March. After her death it seemed my life went on a downhill spiral. I received so many cards and emails from my blogger friends and truthfully it helped me through this time. Several weeks ago I received a package in the mail. I certainly was not expecting anything. Of course I opened it right in the post office. (Yes I peek at presents under the tree also). I broke down in tears. Dee Dee from d design had drawn this incredible image of my Keelie and sent it to me. You can look on my side bar to see other pictures of her.
I cannot recall anyone ever doing anything so kind and touching. She sent a beautiful card as well and it took me a while to get the strength to read it. When my niece arrived she noticed this incredible framed work of art on my nightstand and said Aunt Nette, who did this? Keelie's eyes are just perfect. I told her the story and pulled out the card. We lay in bed together and she read the touching card to me. We lay there for hours crying and laughing with stories of loved ones that are so longer here with us.
My dear friend DeeDee, thank you so much. Your kindness and thoughtfulness shows through in every post you write. This touching act will never be forgotten by me and my precious Keelie sits proudly on my nightstand. I simply do not have the words to express the honor I feel to know a woman such as yourself.

Thank you everyone for reading my ramblings, I am humbled that so many would do the kind things that I have enjoyed over the past months. And Dee Dee, love and blessings to you always.

Jeanette

Guest Blogger today

2010-07-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my mom's blogger friends. She is letting me post today. Mom spends so much time talking about cooking, and decorating, and baby showers and those crazy dogs I thought I would let you know about Hamlet and me. We are pot belly pigs . While a girl never gives out her age, I will admit that Hamlet is older than I am. Hamlet's birthday is in November and mine is in January. Every year on our birthday mom makes us a big pan of cornbread and pours buttermilk over it. Mighty tasty I must admit. Mom does all kinds of things for us, like buying us a special swimming pool. We hated it. We took care of it ourselves and built our own. It is perfect. Mom fills it full of water twice a day. Dad is the practical one, he built us a barn, made sure there was a special heater in so we stay warm in the winter.

Hamlet and I share everything!

Twice a week we get a special treat of corn. We love that. Dad makes us eat this disgusting pot belly pig food. Yuk. That is Hamlet eating. She is blind so I have to show her everything. I guess you could call me her caregiver. Potbelly pigs are ranked 5th as the most intelligent with man being the most intelligent. (I demand a recount). We have straight tails, learn every easily, and have pointed ears. Most pot belly pigs are affectionate, not me. I have to protect this household.

When Dad went crazy, (that is what Mom calls it) and took her to Chicago (That must be a terrible place. You should hear mom talk about it.) The zoning ordinances there would not let me and Hamlet go with Mom and Dad. We were sad but someone came twice a day to feed and water us. That gave me extra work to guard the house. But I handled it with no problem.

This is a picture of me, I have to check things out before I can relax for breakfast. When we were little Mom would take us to McDonald's every Sunday in the car and we would get an ice cream cone. The workers at McDonald's would think it was funny. I just wanted my ice cream. While we are both quite large, we have good manners and know how to behave in public.

This is what Hamlet does best. She sleeps. But I guard the property. You might notice that Hamlet is much larger than I am. You would be correct. Hamlet has lived with Mom since she was 6 weeks old. She would not eat. So one day Mom put her in the bathtub with warm water and fed her a high calorie liquid in a bottle. She ate really well. The vet said mom should have only done that for 3 months. Well Mom did it until Hamlet was almost 3. Think about it, high calories for a 3 year old pig! Please. I don't know what she was thinking.

I walk the property day and night, when I am not caring for Hamlet. You never know what you will find. I know that August is coming up. That means the pear trees will start dropping pears soon. We are getting lots of watermelon right now. That is pretty cool. My Aunt Rea brings us leftovers from the church dinners. I always know when the church has a dinner, Aunt Rea brings bags walking in her high heel shoes. She is so funny. Why would you put your foot in such a thing? And they say men are #1 on the intelligence level. Yeah right.

Everyone asks about my name. My mom has a friend from Viet Nam and she named me. It means 'beautiful little girl'. My mom puts sun screen on us twice a week. Hamlet loves it, me, not so much. The minute mom leaves I jump in the mud hole.

Well I hope you learned a lot about us today. Thank you for reading. I must go walk the property. There are a lot of things I need to be doing. Mom would love it if you would leave a comment. She loves that kind of stuff.

A story from Saudi

2010-07-04T14:30:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a story from Saudi with you today. When Doug goes to the mall for his shopping he always sees this little boy and girl. (Sorry I don't know who the man is) They are from Pakistan. She is 5 and he is 9. They have another sister that is 4 and a brother that is 7. Their father is disabled and the laws prevent their Mom from working.

They sell gum in the streets to bring in money to the family. Doug says she is a real sweetheart and always finds them when they do their shopping. She always gives them hugs. I thought they have such beautiful smiles on their innocent faces to have faced so much hardship in their young life.

I love hearing from everyone and treasure every comment.

4th of July Memories

2010-07-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends and Happy 4th of July! Our family really doesn't have any special traditions for the 4th. My parents owned one of the three mom and pop grocery stores in our community. I mean really old fashioned, penny candy, penny cookies, gas was .29 a gallon. Everyone had a charge account. Most folks did not have a car so daddy would pick families up on the first of the month, they would pay the previous month's bill and buy that month's groceries. Every 4th of July daddy would get a truck load of watermelons. As each family would load into the truck for daddy to drive them home, daddy would always say to the youngest child, go pick out any watermelon and if you can carry it to the truck you can have it for free.

The smaller the child the bigger the watermelon they would pick out. Everyone would have the best time watching the child struggling with the watermelon, some watermelons rolled into the middle of the highway. Some watermelons were dropped and split in half and some watermelons actually made it to the truck.

Of course daddy gave every family a 4th of July watermelon.

My Daddy was retired from the Army.

My husband is retired from the Air Force.

I am thankful every day that I am allowed to live free in this glorious land!

Do you have any special 4th of July memories or traditions?

Christmas in July

2010-07-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, I have a secret for you. It appears to me that my grandson Remington is really Santa and he starts his beard in July! I just had to share with you.

You know us grandmothers, we use every opportunity to share pictures of our babies with others.

I don't chase people down on the streets with albums of his pictures any more. The restraining orders have stopped that (LOL) but isn't he precious?

And the winners are..........

2010-06-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

The 100th follower is Steffanie. She has already sent me her address and her mirror will be mailed shortly.

From the comments Mary from One Perfect Bite won the other. As soon as I get Mary's address it will be mailed.

Congratulations ladies, I know you will enjoy them!

Giveaway for my 101st post!

2010-06-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome my friends, it is hard to believe it is my 101st post. I know, the 100th post is usually what everyone acknowledges, not me the 101st for me. My husband's precious daughter makes these mirrors and they are incredible! They are so very beautiful and frankly I have never seen anything like them. I am giving 2 away, one to my 100th follower and one that will be randomly selected from the comment section.

Trust me, these pictures do not do them justice. They are just lovely. They are made from an antique knife, attached to a mirror and then she puts all kinds of goodies on them. She made them as favors for the luncheon I gave the end of May and the guests were having a fit over them. If you read my posts you know how those pictures turned out. LOL

I want to thank everyone for their support over these past months. Difficult does not begin to describe how the past 12 weeks have been. I know things are going to get better. I have actually learned how to take a picture on my cell phone. Nothing fancy but I hope it gives everyone the idea of what I am talking about.

Wouldn't they be lovely on your dressing table? The contest starts now and will end midnight EST on Tuesday June 29th. Leaving a comment about anything will give you and entry. Good Luck Everyone.

Pictures of the Shower (plus tease for 100th post)

2010-06-13T05:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, !!I finally gathered some pictures from the luncheon.This is the 'party' room my parents built 35 years ago, it will hold a lot of people. If those walls could talk! This is how it looked when you entered to the Bridesmaid Luncheon.

One of the things I was most proud of was the chicken salad filled bread cones. They turned out so pretty and tasty. Using Miss Janice's recommendation I also made cheese straws, pimento cheese sandwiches.

Just another look at the buffet.

Fruit Salad, cucumber sandwiches garnished with home grown dill. Ham roll ups rounded out the menu.

This is my greatest achievement. It is a charm cake using a recipe from Lick the Bowl Good.

There are hydrangeas on the top with avocado colored ribbon tied to each charm. We rigged it so the bride

would pull the baby carriage charm! LOL

Everyone having a grand time.

The beautiful bride, her momma and me!

I could never have done it without the help and encouragement of so many. It is

a memory that I will treasure always for a beautiful young woman whom I adore.

Friends, can you believe this is my 100th post? My husband's darling daughter is making 3 incredible

bejeweled mirrors to give three readers. Details to follow. Thank you so much for reading and leaving any comments! Now to plan a baby shower for my other sweetie on August 1st!

Not one picture turned out!

2010-06-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends, welcome to my garden. Not one picture from the luncheon turned out but I am still calling guests. These are some pictures of my garden. Doug put my earth boxes up on blocks so I can plant, weed, water and pick all from a wheelchair or walker. My fairy sits between Doug's trucks. You see tomatoes and peppers in these.

These lilies came from Chicago with us last year. That is bee balm to the right and 'love lies bleeding' in the black planters.

The peppers are looking pretty sad but are already putting out fruit.

More Peppers. (Yum Pepper Jelly)

I did the back beds in Dragon Wing Begonia, they are supposed to get rather big so I planted them like 4 feet apart. I think they are pretty and different.

I love yellow squash and this is looking good.

This is the first time I have tried watermelon in a square foot garden, we'll see.

More squash.

The topsy turvey tomatoes did well last year so we will see.

This is about 1/3 of my garden and will post more picutures soon. Also I have a giveaway for my 100th post coming up! Cool huh?

I hope that my computer will let me have enough speed to look at other blogs, I miss them so.

You are Invited!

2010-05-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, I have been talking about it for months and finally I gave the bridesmaid luncheon. I think it turned out beautifully. Before I share about the luncheon with you I have to thank some wonderful folks. One of my favorite blogs ever is Gordon Gossip.If you have an hour or two , check it out. She has so many cool things. She has been emailing me for weeks with ideas for the luncheon. She has been so supportive and helpful. Isn't it wonderful the friends we make in blogland.?

Miss Janice has a wonderful blog also, not only did she call me, and email me she sent me place cards and the recipe for Strawberry Riesling that everyone enjoyed! She gave me so much inspiration about many things especially the menu. Now let me tell you about the luncheon. We had the luncheon at my mother's house. Are you ready for this? My mother gave Jessie's grandmother a baby shower for her Uncle in that house, I gave her Mom a bridal shower there and I gave her bridesmaid luncheon there. Is that cool or what? I hand delivered every invitation with a bouquet of roses.

I believe that made an impression don't you?I found the invitations on Etsy. She designed them to look like the girls. Here is a picture of them at the wedding, I think she came very close don't you?

My next post will be pictures of the luncheon (yes DeeDee I took pictures LOL). I bought a disposable camera but I got pictures.

What do you think?

Update!!

2010-05-20T17:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome my dear friends, it has been so long and I have missed you terribly. The past couple of months have really taken a toll on me. I am sad to say that my doctor has put me back on bed rest with home health care again. My long term health has to be my top priority but I am going to give my precious Jessie the bridesmaid luncheon I promised on Sunday. The next few posts will be about the planning and celebrating.

I have been getting your emails and cards and thank you so very much for your thoughts and good wishes. I will share what has gone on these past weeks later.

But now, lets put on our party shoes and join me on this journey with my special friends.

I have missed everyone so much and love your comments

Doug's 50th Birthday Party

2010-04-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome my blogger friends to a huge surprise for me. My sister not only got the pictures from Doug's 50th birthday developed in the same year as his birthday but in the same decade! I am in shock and of course I had to share them with you! We had the party at my Mom's home. This is Doug and my sister's husband.

Does this cake qualify for Cake Wrecks? It is creepy to me. Those are supposed to be

balloons.

We set it up buffet style with chairs and trays throughout.

Here is Doug getting ready to gobble up. Lots of food fun and friends. Thought I would share some candid shots from the evening.

And this is my wonderful family, sister, step daughter, grandson, hubby and beautiful Mom

My computer is still slow as can be. I sure am missing visiting everyone's blogs and can't wait to get this corrected. I still love your comments.

Picnic with the Pooches

2010-04-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends, after a tough past few weeks I woke up this morning and decided to take my two dogs to my favorite park. Josh and Ning knew that something was up because I was making them a special lunch and packing their bags. I learned a couple of years ago to always pack a bag when taking my dogs just like I would if I was taking a child for an outing. Everyone has their own bag, I keep all copies of their papers in the their bag. I am constantly stumbling on 'doggie' outings and as long as they have their paperwork they can join in. Plus documentation of their vet, meds etc. I keep treats, their water bottle, poopie bags, wipes and antibacterial gel in their bags as well. Isn't the park beautiful?

I love this park. As I parked the truck after all my planning, I noticed something odd. Josh had eaten her leash. Yes she ate her leash. So I backed out, went to pet smart and bought her one of those retractable ones. I know the trainer won't like it but I thought this will be fun.

So back to the park we go. I am loving the retractable leash. Of course Josh headed straight for the water and and Ning, while small, is one brave baby. He dives in head first. They play about 5 minutes, loose interest and we walk a little more. All of a sudden Josh pulls the leash out of my hand! For those of you who have never used a retractable leash, let me share this with you. IT RETRACTS! One thing that has always worked in my favor, is if she pulls out of my hand I have about 6 feet of leash to catch up with her. It had to look so funny, me chasing Josh with that leash bobbing back and forth! It would snag on something and I would be within an inch and all of a sudden it would unsnag, retract and off Josh would go. After about 45 minutes some joggers caught Josh for me, trust me she is sleeping now. She even gave them a run for their money. LOL

We might make a weekly trip there, it was so beautiful and fun. I will pack towels to dry everyone off next time. Oh and Ning's advice is to NOT wear your blue and yellow polka dot Easter bow tie to the park. It will get dirty and yukky and Mom will throw it away.

Hopefully I will have a computer to read everyone's blog soon. I have missed visiting everyone so much. Thank you for stopping in on our little piece of the world. Now I am off to find someone to clean all that mud out of Doug's truck. I love hearing from all of you.

The Pink Dress

2010-04-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome my friends to my first post in a while. My friends in blogland have been so incredible and full of love for me these past weeks. I have had this post in my heart for several weeks and made certain before Doug left I had the picture to share with you. Well my computer crashed and died so I don't have the photo to share. I know your imaginations will take you along this journey with me.

It was the fall of 1974. I was walking in a shopping center (our little town still doesn't have a mall). I spotted it immediately. In today's world it would be called a 'pagent' dress size 2T. I had just come from the doctor and he told me I was pregnant. I already knew. Back then the way you knew ahead of time if it was a boy or girl was tying a string around your wedding ring and let it swing over your belly. I didn't need anything that scientific, I already knew I was having a girl and I already knew her name. Jenee', I had known for years.

I saw the dress and it was $99.00. That was a million dollars in 1974 for a dress. I put it on lay away that day, they took it right out of the store window. I paid it off in March, 1975.

April 15th 1975 I was busy doing last minute tax returns. My water broke, I kept saying please let me finish this return and she did. She waited until the morning of the 16th to arrive. Perfect little body, 10 fingers and 10 little toes. A head full of hair and a big little baby at 8 pounds and 12 ounces. I knew nothing about taking care of a baby. I was so scared, afraid to hold her.....I thought she might break. It was a difficult delivery and I was in the hospital almost a month after she was born. They let her stay with me that whole month. No HMO's back then. She never broke, even with all my mistakes. She put up with all my whims, dreams, husbands, traveling......you name it.

The afternoon of November 29, 1995. I opened the door and my sister was about to ring the bell. She doubled over in my arms. She was crying , I could barely understand her words. ' Jenee' was shot'. That is all I could understand. I remember thinking, oh no my baby has been shot in the leg. Where I got that, I have no idea. All I could think of was getting to the hospital. She kept saying no, no she is gone. And she was gone. I kept her cell phone on for years so I could hear her voice on her voicemail. But she was gone, but never forgotten. Her pink dress remains a constant reminder of her love, joy, passion, laughter.

Happy Birthday my darling daughter. Your momma loves and misses you more each day. Thank you my friends for sharing my baby girl's birthday.

It's a Slow Journey

2010-04-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

Never in a million zillion years would I have ever dreamed of the outpouring of love, concern, compassion, emails, letters, cards and telephone calls. I am sorry I have not answered everyone, but I promise I will . Every word means so very much to me. In addition to losing my precious Keelie; Josh suffers from litter mate syndrome and has started jumping our six foot fence, swimming in the lake and then looking for Keelie. She has gone to a friend's house to stay for a while so we don't have another tragedy. I miss her terribly. On a petty note my computer died. I am working on the computer that I gave to my niece 8 years ago to play solitare on! I can't read blogs, and it is so slow I type a work, do a load of laundry and the word should appear. LOL. Now you ask, who is the fellow in the picture.
I was called by friends and they said we NEED you to foster a dog (wink wink) We are desperate. First let me tell you that Keelie would sneeze if she wanted extra attention or was about to be bad. Her favorite treat was cheese.

OK, back to my story. This is a severely abused puppy mill dog between 2 -3 years old, no name. I went to visit him and he was just blank, nothing no bond. I cried and left and said I can't do it. As I was pulling out of the parking lot I turned around and went back in. He only weighs 8 pounds. My vet said he is the most severely underweight pug he has ever seen. So I go back in to visit him and still nothing, just a blank stare from him. I left again. I got about a mile away and yes , I turned around yet again. I held him, tried walking him, nothing. I was putting him back in his cage and guess what? He sneezed! I know that sounds so silly but he was mine. And no DeeDee I did not take the picture. I saw a teenager on a cell phone in PetSmart and after she hung up I said could you take a picture of this dog and email it to me so I can share it with my friends?

We named him Ning, Chinese for calm. He does not like to be loved or cuddled. The vet says we have a long road ahead of us but I know my Keelie sent him to me. That sneeze proved it.

My friends I thank you so much. I treasure you so and as Ning and I ( and Josh soon) get stronger and heal together we will share funny stories, recipes, and adventures! I miss reading your blogs so much and hopefully can get a computer that allows me to read the blogs so very soon.
Hugs , love and thank you to you all!

Incredible Tablescapes

2010-03-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome all my blogger friends. I have missed you so. Thank you for all your support through my difficult time. I want to share some tablescapes with you. My sister is a very lucky woman. She has 40 hours in each day. I figured that out several years ago. It is the only way she can do all she does! It is the only explanation. She runs 2 successful businesses, is very active in her church, a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend to so many. One of her many causes is the American Cancer Society. She hosted a brunch fundraiser for the Cancer Society on Saturday at her church. The theme was a a cruiseship. She did two tables, this one is the captains table.

Notice the dolphin ice sculpture! I thought it was a brillant idea. The red cape code Avon pieces are from our mom's collection i

These are lovely as well but I don't know who to give credit to.

I don't know who did this table but I thought it was lovely.

Maybe not a table scape but a cutie pie!

Another lovely table but I don't know who to give credit to.My sister did this table also and I just love it. She borrowed some things from me.

The dishes are another find from CEBO's booth at the antique mall. If my husband is reading this I have had them forever. If he is not reading this I got them for a song a couple of weeks ago. She has such cool things in her booth. You will be seeing these dishes again. The bunny chair covers I bought at Lillian Vernon many years ago. I bought the gazebos at QVC on clearance Everything is so precious. The silent auction was a great sucess!

Now what would a cruise themed brunch be without entertainment.....Elvis of course!

My beatiul sister and one of her precious friends. I love you sista!

Well what do you think my blogger friends, pretty cool huh?

A very bad week at the Parsons!

2010-03-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

Hello from Sunny Jeddah, Saudi Arabia this is Doug filling in today for Jeanette.

I' m adding some very sad news to all of our Blogger friends. Last Saturday afternoon we lost our precious Keelie. She was the heart of this family and we know from all the previous posts SHE was the Boss. She was hit by a car right in front of our house. And to make things worse the guy NEVER stopped. Jeanette was right there for her but couldn't do anything to help her. She died in Mom's arms.

It will be a few days till Jeanette will be back to posting. It's been an extremely hard week for us both. She has had the brunt of it. It's been so hard from 8000 miles away to do anything but have tears and communicate by Skype with Jeanette. We have many many wonderful memories which at times makes it harder to cope.

So everyone I will be keeping people updated as best I can and Jeanette will be back soon.

Dad loves you Keelie and misses you!!

Please Help Me!

2010-03-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

I am giving my most precious pretend daughter a bridesmaid luncheon in May. I had these imprinted invitations ordered and paid for. I have not been able to reach the people in three weeks. This morning I tried calling them and the phone is disconnected.

Does anyone have any suggestions for an extra special invitation. My budget is $7.00 an invitation. Help me please.

Oh, I forgot to tell you before.....gas in Saudi is 60 cents a gallon. Can you imagine?

Please put any links in your comment or email me directly Gafoodies706@gmail.com. I know I can count on you. She wants an old fashioned southern luncheon. Help! Oh her colors are brown and green, they have fancy names but bottom line is brown and green. Jennifer from Gordon Gossip has been helping me with ideas. Check out her blog, it is incredible.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

ETA- I know $7.00 is a lot per invitation but she is close as to a daughter to me. When I lost my own daughter in 1995, I knew planning a wedding would never be part of my life. This precious one has given the opportunity by allowing me to host her bridesmaid luncheon and I am on cloud nine about. My wonderful husband gave me a generous budget to work with.

Protect yourself

2010-03-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

My sister sent this to me and I thought it was so important I should share it. Send it to you daughters, nieces and granddaughters in college! Please take the time to read this.

In daylight hours, refresh yourself
of these things to do
in an emergency situation.
This is for you,
and for you to share
with your wife,
your children,
everyone you know.
After reading these 9 crucial tips,
forward them to someone you care about.
It never hurts to be careful
in this crazy world we live in.
1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do :
The elbow is the strongest point
on your body.
If you are close enough to use it, do! 2. Learned this from a tourist guide.
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,
DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.
Toss it away from you.
Chances are that he is more interested
in your wallet and/or purse than you,
and he will go for the wallet/purse.
RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car,
kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole
and start waving like crazy.
The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.
This has saved lives.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars
after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit
(doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.
DON'T DO THIS!)
The predator will be watching you, and this
is the perfect opportunity for him to get in
on the passenger side, put a gun to your head,
and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR,
LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.If someone
is in the car
with a gun
to your head
DO NOT DRIVE OFF,
Repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF!
Instead gun the engine
and speed into anything, wrecking the car.
Your Air Bag will save you.
If the person is in the back seat
they will get the worst of it.
As soon as the car crashes
bail out and run.
It is better than having them find your body
in a remote location.
5. A few notes about getting
into your car in a parking lot,
or parking garage:
A) Be aware:
look around you,
look into your car,
at the passenger side floor ,
and in the back seat.
B) If you are parked next to a big van,
enter your car from the passenger door.
Most serial killers attack their victims
by pulling them into their vans while the women
are attempting to get into their cars.
C) Look at the car
parked on the driver's side of your vehicle,
and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone
in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back
into the mall, or work, and get a
guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)
6. ALWAYS take the elevator
instead of the stairs.
Stairwells are horrible places to be alone
and the perfect crime spot.
(This is especially true at NIGHT!)
7. If the predator has a gun
and you are not under his control,
ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target)
4 in 100 times; and even then,
it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ.
RUN, Preferably in a zig-zag pattern!
8. As women, we are always trying
to be sympathetic:
STOP
It may get you raped, or killed.
Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking,
well educated man, who ALWAYS played
on the sympathies of unsuspecting women.
He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often
asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle,
which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point:
Someone just told me that her friend heard
a crying baby on her porch the night before last,
and she called the police because it was late
and she thought it was weird. The police told her
'Whatever you do, DO NOT
open the door.'
The lady then said that it sounded like the baby
had crawled near a window, and she was worried
that it would crawl to the street and get run over.
The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way,
whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'
He told her that they think a serial killer
has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax
women out of their homes thinking that someone
dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it,
but have had several calls by women saying that
they hear baby's cries outside their doors
when they're home alone at night.
10. Water scam!
If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full ball so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbours!
Please pass this on
This e-mail should probably be taken seriously because
the Crying Baby Theory was mentioned on
America 's Most Wanted when they profiled
the serial killer in Louisiana.I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know.
It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle.
I was going to send this to the ladies only,
but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc.,
you may want to pass it onto them, as well.
Send this to any woman you know that may need
to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it
and it's better to be safe than sorry.
Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or
a loved one's life.

I love your comments.

Some pictures from Saudi

2010-03-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome my blogger friends! Doug sent me some images from Saudi and I wanted to share them. This is the women's market. It is amazing to me that women still have to wear those berkas. And that they have to have a separate market. The things Doug about how the women are treated just make me so angry. This is the watertank in Saudi City.

This is ones of Doug's most exciting finds. He loves ice hockey and to see a skating rink in the local mall was so thrilling for him.

Now you won't believe this one. What do you see here? Yup pretty flowers. What does Doug see? First let me tell you that when Susan at Between Naps on the Porch

turns on the table scape addict in someone, it does not turn off easily. Now this is what Doug, my precious husband who is 8,000 miles away from home said this is a picture of. "Flowers for Tablescapes!" Yes Susan has turned on my husband's tablescape addiction. LOL

This baskin robbins treat is what Doug had on his birthday. Today he went to Tony Roma's for dinner. He has more american restaurants near him than we do in our little Georgia town.

Alsalum Headquarters in Rhyaid

Airport in Rhyaid

Thanks so much for stopping in. I so appreciate your visits and love reading your comments.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Fun St. Patrick's Day Facts

19 US presidents have claimed Irish Heritage.

Corned beef is completely an American invention, but very popular Irish- Americans nonetheless.

Seattle paints a green stripe on roads on St. Patrick's day

For St. Patrick's day every year, Chicago dyes its river green every year to celebrate.

The three leaf clover was used to teach the Holy Trinity to pre-Christian Ireland.

Legend has it that St. Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland.

St. Patrick was born in Scotland, but spent 40 years teaching Christianity in Ireland.

Irish immigrants living in New York actually outnumbered the Irish people in Dublin, Ireland at one time.

The first St. Patrick's day parades were not in Ireland but in Boston (1737) and New York (1762).

Leprechauns are the official shoemaker to the fairy kingdom.

And finally, Happy St. Patrick's day to all my bloggerland friends.

Remi's First Birthday Party

2010-03-15T20:38:00.001-07:00

I shared last week that our grandson's first birthday was on the 11th. Today I want to share pictures of his birthday party. This is Remi's beautiful mom, Shelly. Do you think he is scared of that cake? I sorta do. But isn't it cute?
No not afraid.

Definitely not afraid!

Driving along in my automobile. LOL

Can you believe his mom made him open cards first? LOL

No body was scared of that cake!

His first Harley!

Shelly was so sweet and she skyped Doug during the party so even though he is in Saudi he got to be a part of our grandson's first birthday.

Did anyone else let there child have their own 'first' birthday cake? I did it for my daughter and she fell asleep in the cake. Head first! I love reading comments!

A rose by any other name......

2010-03-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

I was in the grocery store yesterday and noticed the gentleman in front of me for a few seconds, he was writing a check. He was 50ish. As he walked out of the store, the cashier let out a little yell. I looked up from putting my groceries on the counter. She was laughing hysterically. Another cashier looked at her. She was holding her stomach she was laughing so hard. She said, the man that just left.....his name was.... Jack Ash! I sorta smiled but I did not have the reaction she did. What could his parents have been thinking? I went to school with a guy named Rusty Nails. I often wonder if he changed his name when he got older. Whose parents would do that to them? On of my clients had an employee named Mary Christmas. I would have reconsidered my marriage plans!

A waitress in a diner I used to frequent had a waitress named Candi Barr. She was single so again I say, what were her parents thinking?

And finally, maybe I have more sympathy than others. You see when I was 2 days old my Daddy changed my name. A day does not go by that I don't whisper a thank you to him. You want to know don't you? I can tell, you really really want to know. OK, it was Urilla. It is a family name. Thank you Daddy.

Do you know anyone with an unusual name?

Newest Go To Recipe

2010-03-11T14:04:00.000-08:00

I started reading The Pioneer Woman the end of last summer. I guess you could say her blog was my very first. The above photo is her apple dumpling recipe. It is my newest go to recipe. It is just so easy and good and easy. I have yet to prepare it for anyone that they did not ask me for the recipe. I am almost embarrassed to give out the recipe, it is so easy.

Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 whole Granny Smith Apples
2 cans (8 Oz. Cans) Crescent Rolls
2 sticks Butter
1-½ cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
Cinnamon, To Taste
1 can (12 Oz.) Mountain Dew Soda
Preparation Instructions
Peel and core apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan.
Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour entire mixture over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.
WARNING: Prepare this dish at your own risk. It is beyond imaginable.

I am joining in with our hostess Michael Lee at Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday. Go check out some wonderful recipes.

Happy First Birthday

2010-03-10T07:42:00.001-08:00

Today, March 11th is my grandson's first birthday. I thought you might enjoy a couple of photos from the past year.

So happy first birthday Remmington, you are so dearly loved by so many.

What to do?

2010-03-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

I never wished I could use a camera as much as when I got up this morning. I even picked it up and tried to figure out how to turn it on. No such luck. This is what I walked into this morning. Josh, who is usually so good had torn up a pillow. I know I miss Doug. The dogs miss him also. They have gone overboard in the missing department. In the almost 2 weeks since he has been gone, they have started fighting like no body's business. Keelie will not let Josh into the bedroom. In fact Josh acts like she doesn't even like me anymore.

Any thoughts about what I can do? My puggle (Keelie) will be 2 in April and our lab/shep mix (Josh) will be 1 the end of this month. Help!

Edited To Add - The above picture is a stock photo. I can't take pictures and would have loved to share with my blogger friends what I saw, this was close.

The Mayonnaise Jar

2010-03-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle,

When 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and start to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else He asked once more if the jar was full... The students responded With an unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - Faith, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- The small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, You will never have room for the things that are important to you.. So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. 'Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.' One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Please share this with other "Golf Balls"
I just did........

My first craft attempt

2010-03-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first exciting attempt at a craft. Now don't get real excited, just a little excited. Some of you may not know this but my picture is in Hobby Lobby (and other crafty stores) with this over my face.

I heard that Martha Stewart had a bounty on me at one time. That may or may not be true.

Anywho, as I have gotten older more and more of my friends are alone, their spouses have passed on, children are across the country, all sorts of reasons. So many of my friends are hundreds of miles away. I want to do something extra special and if they were closer I could bake them a cake or a pie or cookies. That's just what us southern gals do. But we are all watching our weight and who wants a whole cake sitting in the house just calling our name? I put a lot of thought into this. And tada.....

Have you ever seen these things in the store?

They come in 4 flavors I think. It has cake mix and frosting in the container, just add water and microwave it. Now it is not one of those good ole Southern 12 layer chocolate cakes, but it is easy and you can buy them in minis for just a bite of cake.

First, take container out of the cardboard box. I typed up the instructions on the computer and printed it on pretty paper. Then I took one of those full sheet labels and made a cute Happy Birthday to (insert person's name) and cut it in a circle to fit the cake container, then stuck it on the container. I had some paper stickers and stuck them on the cake container and jazzed it up the best I could.

Cake, candle, card and postage was less than $5. There are a zillion ways you could make this special and those of you with creative abilities I can only dream of the things you can do.

Well what do you think? Has this already been done and I missed it? I sure have to get this whole picture taking thing figured out.

Today is my Momma's 80th Birthday

2010-03-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome my blogger friends. I invite you to share my wonderful Mom's 80th birthday. This picture was taken last week with Doug's daughter and my mom. She came to the USA from Germany in the 1950's. She is a self made woman. She taught herself English from watching I love Lucy and Andy Griffin. No pressing #1 to get the language of choice in those days. She is totally self taught and has owned many successful businesses. She has always been the person to get the ball rolling when a neighbor's house burned down, when our school needed a basketball court. I could tell you a zillion stories of the ways she has helped others in the community. But I will share only one. Every Christmas my mom and dad would take the station wagon with bags filled with an apple, an orange, peppermint and bubble gum. Remember those station wagon with the rear seat facing backwards? Well she would dress in a Santa Suit and daddy would drive. They made hundreds of those bags. The poorer section of town in our community was called 'The Quarters". They went to all the quarters and Santa would ring a big bell and the kids came running from all the houses. Daddy had a gallon of moonshine and paper cups. The men got moonshine (and some women) the kids and most women got the bag of goodies. To this day she still works for the community in every way you can imagine. This is a picture of her and my niece Taylor. Taylor loves to drive Maw Maw around. My momma always puts her family above everything. She is one of the most kind, compassionate people I have ever me. Plus she has really good hair. I mean beautiful hair. I am so lucky to have her as a mother. She took care of my Daddy until the day he died. Even when the hospice nurses came to give her a break she stayed with Daddy. And Daddy adored her.

So happy birthday my beautiful momma. I love you more than you can imagine. But I will never forgive you for me getting your bad feet instead of that beautiful, thick hair. LOL

Thank you visiting me today and sharing my Momma's 80th!

Updates on So Much

2010-02-24T10:41:00.001-08:00

Welcome dear friends! I have so much to catch you up on. As I posted before, Doug did not leave for Saudi as planned due to the weather. So I got him for a whole extra week. He leaves Friday (2/26) at 6:30 AM. In this extra week together we found out something exciting. We found 2 nearby (within 30 miles) dog parks! For some reason there are not many dog parks in the south. Josh and Keelie are very excited and so am I! While I doubt they will have a pool table, Josh and Keelie will be playing with others. (beer and cigars are optional!)
My caring husband has found a live in care taker who has been here almost a month. We seem to get along well and that has to take a lot of worry off of a lot of minds.
I wanted to send a surprise to my dear friends at the pharmacy. I had some extra apples so apple pie it was. First problem, no disposable pie pans. Is is still pie if it is rectangle? I found this little heart cutter outter thing for .50 brand new a few weeks ago, I think it makes for a cute top crust. Whatcha think? (Oh DeeDee, Doug told me to tell you I took this picture but I knew that you would know better!)

I want to thank everyone for the suggestions about repairs/design of our home. While I will be asking everyone for opinions on so many things I still need to get a professional for basic issues. We found this out when we remodeled our bathroom. The contractor knew of all these gadgets that we did not know exsisted. Some were very inexpensive and are such a help to me in my day in and day out living. I thank everyone for their suggestions.

Well friends that is about it. I will be posting soon but am going to take a couple of days to sorta think and sort this new life out Wow, when we named this blog Starting Over, I had no IDEA!

The brains behind the blog

2010-02-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome friends, thank you for stopping in. Here I am showing the honest way we live. I might have to admit that Josh is really the person behind the curtain writing the blog, but she is just not that into it. Can you see her in all that mess? I was working on sending out birthday cards and St. Patty's Day cards so that is the stack of mess beside the bed. We had a king size adjustable bed and it would not fit in the house in Chicago. So we bought a cheap headboard for this queen bed. I just threw the comforter over the headboard cause with dogs, comforters just don't work. For us coverlets work best. This is Josh with her St. Patty's day bandanna. She hates it. I guess that look on her face tells it all. We took it off as soon as Doug (yes Dee Dee still Doug) got the picture.
This is Keelie. She loves the bandannas but even Josh hates them on her we have sprayed some bitter apple on Keelie's bandannas so maybe Josh will leave them alone
And finally I want to show you the one and only sorta crafty thing I have done. When we remodeled about 5 years ago I hung this mural. I fell in love with it. It came in panels and I had to miter the corners. Before we moved I had really cute curtains from floor to ceiling on either side of it. Now I don't know what I am going to do. And one more picture of it. I am really proud of it.

Well that is all for today. Do you think Josh really writes the blog? Didn't I do a great job on that mural? Thank you so much for stopping in!

Yummy to the Tummy

2010-02-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome friends, even though the weather is pretty here today I have cooking on the brain. Since I can't taste and smell anymore I am very careful about any recipes I share since I can't give first hand opinions. I have found a blog that I am just in love with! Moncia from Lick the Bowl Good not only has great recipes but tutorials to die for, the photography is amazing as well. She has both sweet and savory recipes and the girl can decorate her works of art like no body's business.

This is by far my favorite. I like that it is easy. I love the texture. I like that probably 6 people have asked for the recipe. Banana Pecan Butter Buns can be found here.

Your hips will hate Monica but every other part of you will adore her.

OK, don't wrinkle up your nose. This is wonderful. I made cupcakes out of this recipe for valentines day. I used a cream cheese frosting for the fluff factor and they looked sorta like this. OK DeeDee, you know the picture deal (LOL) I got the wrappers from here

Here is Monica's Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake Recipe. Do not frown! Try it here

I have had 3 people already call and ask for the recipe.

I can't say enough about this Strawberry Cake. Find the recipe here.

Words are just not adequate!

Ok, I will stop making you suffer, go check it out yourself. This is my favorite link

to her blog. It is her top 30 favorites. I have tried many other recipes and always been so happy with the responses I get. Thank you Monica for letting me share you and Lick the Bowl Good with my treasured blogger friends.

Jeanette

Your suggestions or ideas please

2010-02-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

I have been searching the Internet for weeks for something and had a light bulb moment today! With all you wonderful blogger friends out there I know I can get the answer to my dilemma. Just a little background, my wonderful husband and I have lived in this home since 1990. Well except for a few years when we went insane! We moved to Chicago. On purpose. Now no offense to those wonderful folks because we met some great people but it is COLD there.

My hubby took a job there, we put our home up for sale. We sold most everything we owned and moved to start a new life there. Well, our home did not sell. My husband lost his job. We have had a very difficult past few years.

Since we were paying for our home in Georgia anyway, we moved back. After a year of job searching hubby has taken a job in Saudi Arabia and now we get to my question.

Those years on the market and neglect took a toll on the house. We do not have much furniture and decorations. Due to a traffic accident I have a brain injury that effects my perception so I need help with decisions.

I want to hire someone (?) to help me get a plan of action. Not a contractor because no major construction is necessary. I want to tell someone my goals, design tastes both inside and out. When you are younger you can do those hit and miss ideas but I want to make definite decisions, have a plan and work it. I thought an online planner but I need in home assistance. I want to plan our landscape with low maintanence ideas, I want to plan classic designs and storage and colors inside our home that will be long enjoyed. I don't want anyone to do any shopping for me. I still love the hunt! How should I tackle this? Hubby and I know it will be about an 18 month to 24 month project since finances are a big factor. I know since I want interior and exterior assistance I will probably need to find different people.

Help!

Wednesday Gratitude

2010-02-17T07:15:00.000-08:00

I am joining Heidi over at Heart and Home
for Wednesday Gratitude. I am grateful for all the snow and yukky

weather we had last week. Please don't hit me. LOL

My husband gets to be home with me another week or so.

Plus it was so pretty.

Thank you so much for stopping in. Please go check out what so many lovely friends are grateful for over at Heart and Home
for Wednesday Gratitude.

I am not 100% today but I love hearing from you. What are you grateful for?

Meatless Monday - Lasagna

2010-02-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome friends to another snowy day in Georgia. I am joining in the Meatless Monday party over at Sweet and Savory

Not only is meatless less expensive, usually healthier but a great way to trade recipes. I have to admit I am cheating a bit today. Back in the 70s my room mate was a vegetarian. She made the most incredible meatless lasagna . Sadly, over the years we have lost touch but I continue to crave that lasagna! On all recipes several months ago I found one that sounded close. My Mister won't touch it, but it does have high ratings. And gosh it looks great.

Photo from allrecipes Vegetarian Four Cheese Lasagna

Ingredients:
2 cups peeled and diced pumpkin
1 eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
5 tomatoes
1 pint ricotta cheese
9 ounces crumbled feta cheese
2/3 cup pesto
2 eggs, beaten
salt and pepper to taste
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
fresh pasta sheets
1 1/3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.Place pumpkin on a baking sheet and roast in oven until browned and tender, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grill eggplant on a charcoal grill or fry in a skillet, turning once, until charred and tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Halve tomatoes and place on baking sheet in oven for last 15 minutes of pumpkin time; cook until tender and wrinkly.
3.In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta, feta, pesto, eggs, salt and pepper until well mixed. Fold roasted pumpkin into ricotta mixture.
4.Spoon half of the tomato sauce into a 9x13 baking dish. Lay two pasta sheets over the sauce. Arrange a single layer of eggplant slices over pasta and top with half the ricotta mixture. Cover with two more pasta sheets. Arrange the roasted tomatoes evenly over the sheets and spoon the remaining half the ricotta mixture over the tomatoes. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Top with remaining two sheets of pasta. Pour remaining tomato sauce over all and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
5.Bake in preheated oven 30 to 40 minutes, until golden and bubbly

Don't forget to go check out all the other meatless dishes at Sweet and Savory! Stay warm and safe! Hey and leave me a comment letting me know what you are doing in this brrrrr weather.

Jeanette

A Snowy Day in Georgia and an Update

2010-02-13T06:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for stopping in. First I want to apologize for not visiting you wonderful folks. I have been so tired. I am certain it is a combination of Doug leaving, his daughter and the grandson visiting and the simple fact that I am getting old (not)! As you can see, we finally got our snow in Georgia. The dogs are loving it. My floors not so much. Because of the crazy weather, Doug did not leave for Saudi as planned. It will be next week. I am going to rest this weekend and promise to catch up with my blog reading. I can't wait. Stay warm my blogger friends, forgive my lapse in visiting but know I will be at your 'blog'step, hat in hand any day now.

This is Quite Remarkable

2010-02-12T05:14:00.000-08:00

THIS IS QUITE REMARKABLE...
In the middle of the table is a round food tray with five kinds of fruits on it. They are:

A. Apple

B. Banana

C. Strawberry

D. Peach

E. Orange

Which fruit will you choose? Please think VERY carefully and don't rush into it. This is great, I was astounded! Your choice reveals a lot about you! Test results: Please SCROLL DOWN;

If you have chosen:

A. Apple: That means you are a person who loves to eat apples

B. Banana: That means you are a person who loves to eat bananas

C. Strawberry: That means you are a person who loves to eat strawberries

D. Peach: That means you are a person who loves to eat peaches

E. Orange : That means you are a person who loves to eat oranges

Gotcha! I received this in an email this morning and it made me giggle, hope it does you too! Happy Friday! What has made you giggle this Friday Morning? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Meatless Monday - Roasted Vegetables

2010-02-08T11:37:00.001-08:00

Thank you so much for stopping in! I partying today with the folks over at Sweet and Savory

for Meatless Monday. I love roasted vegetables, grilled vegetables, steamed vegetables. I just love vegetables. While you can do substitute just about anything, this gives you a starting point. Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients
4 medium beets
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 pounds carrots
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
8 large garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme leaves
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Put the beets into a small baking dish and rub them with 1 tablespoon of oil. Cover the dish with foil and put into the oven for 30 minutes.
In the meantime, peel and cut the carrots into 1-inch pieces, trim the Brussels sprouts and halve them lengthwise, and peel the garlic cloves. Put the carrots, Brussels sprouts and garlic cloves into a large baking dish and toss with the remainder of the oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
After the beets have been cooking for 30 minutes add the large pan of vegetables to the oven and cook everything for 1 hour more, stirring the vegetable mixture once or twice.
Remove the beets from the oven and transfer them to a cutting board to cool. Stir the thyme into the carrot and Brussels sprouts mixture and let it continue to cook for another 10 minutes while the beets are cooled and cut. When the beets are cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes, peel them and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Remove the other vegetables from the oven, toss with the beets, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve.

I hope you will try this and have a great Meatless Monday
You can check it out here

I treasure each and every comment.
Jeanette

NO WAY!!!

2010-02-06T19:10:00.001-08:00

Welcome my fellow blogger friends. I have such an exciting post today. The above picture is my husband and his daughter at a local hockey game. The reason it is exciting is this. She lives in Texas, we live in Georgia. She called me Monday with a wonderful idea. She was going to drive to Georgia and surprise him. Talk about an exciting week. We planned a surprise 50th birthday party and huge visit from her and grandson Remi!

The hardest part was keeping it a secret. Especially when he would say, Jeanette why do you want to do that? It is crazy. It was all worth it when she walked in the door holding the baby. He could only cry and scream NO WAY, NO WAY!

Back to the picture. While they are watching a hockey game, guess what I am doing? YUP. Babysitting Remi. Fun does not begin to describe it. He is so beautiful. I do not know how to do the whole picture thing so this is an old one

When I get the pictures from the party I will post them. But I have a favor to ask. What should he call me? Nanny, Omi, Mannette? (Mannette is a nickname a precious one gave me).

Your opinions count to me, whatcha think?

Jeanette

Are you ready for some football.....food?

2010-02-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome friends, before reading this you must go get a tissue cause you will be drooling.

First is Uncle Doug's Famous Award winning fried turkey. Ingredients:
3 gallons peanut oil for frying, or as
needed
1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and
giblets removed
1/4 cup Seasoning Salt

Directions:
In a large stockpot or turkey fryer, heat oil to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Be sure to leave room for the turkey, or the oil will spill over. Layer a large platter with food-safe paper bags.

Rinse turkey, and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Rub Seasoning Salt over turkey inside and out. Make sure the hole at the neck is open at least 2 inches so the oil can flow freely through the bird.
Place turkey in drain basket. The turkey should be placed in basket neck end first. Slowly lower basket into hot oil to completely cover turkey. Maintain the temperature of the oil at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and cook turkey for 3 1/2 minutes per pound, about 45 minutes.
Carefully remove basket from oil, and drain turkey. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature must be 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Finish draining turkey on the prepared platter. Prepare to be amazed.

This summer I planted more pepper plants than ever before. I search the internet for things to do with the jalepanos. I found Pioneer Woman and fell in love with blogs. You can find her here.

These are Stuffed Jalepanos.

Ingredients
20 whole Fresh Jalapenos, 2-3 Inches In Size
2 cubes Cream Cheese, softened
1 pound Thin(regular) Bacon, Sliced Into Thirds
Preparation Instructions
If you have them, slip on some latex gloves for the pepper prep… Cut jalapenos in half, length-wise. With a spoon, remove the seeds and white membrane (the source of the heat; leave a little if you like things HOT). Smear softened cream cheese into each jalapeno half. Wrap jalapeno with bacon pieces (1/3 slice). Secure by sticking toothpick through the middle. (At this point, you can freeze them, uncooked, in a Ziploc bag for later use).
Bake on a pan with a rack in a 375-degree oven for 20-25 minutes. You don’t want the bacon to shrink so much it starts to the squeeze the jalapeno. If, after 20 minutes, the bacon doesn’t look brown enough, just turn on the broiler for a couple of minutes to finish it off. These are best when the jalapeno still has a bit of bite to it.

And finally Italian shredded sandwiches. I have been making these for years. A lot of our friends don't care for corned beef so I always make this on St. Patrick's day for them.

Servings 8
Ingredients
4 pounds Chuck Roast
1 jar Pepperoncinis
1 bottle Beer
1 can Beef Broth
1 package Good Seasons Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
1 package Hoagie Rolls
8 slices Cheese (monterey Jack, American, Cheddar What Ever You Like)
Preparation Instructions
Place chuck roast in bottom of crock pot.
Add pepperoncinis, bottle of beer, beef broth, Italian dressing mix into crock pot. Cook on low for 8 hours.
Shred beef apart with 2 forks.
Pile beef onto of toasted rolls, top with cheese of choice, then peppers. (You can toast rolls if you like)

So leave a comment and tell me what you are making for Superbowl Sunday!

Thank you for stopping in.

Jeanette

I am so grateful for...........

2010-02-02T14:59:00.001-08:00

Cameras, silly huh? I am joining Heidi over at Heart and Home

for Wednesday Gratitude

We are sharing simple things that we are thankful for. I am so grateful for my blogger

friends that come by to visit and email. I decided I wanted to be grateful for a 'thing',

It was fun today looking at things that I am grateful for. I would

decide and then think no I am more grateful for this or that. The one common denominator was that I kept looking for images of whatever I decided

was what I was grateful for that minute. Beautiful images of lovely things.

I have never been the picture taker in the family. As far back as I can remember

I would say, I don't need a picture......I have a memory bank.

Well anyone that is in my age bracket knows that at 50

the withdrawals at the memory bank often come back

marked insuffiecient memory.

I am also grateful that my dear husband would take pictures anyway.

That is why when my memory bank is dry, I have many memory books.

Thank you Doug, I treasure our memories made with a

camera.

Stop for a moment and think of some small silly thing that you are grateful for.

Then go visit Heidi Here

Wait, come on now......before you go check out her blog http://heidi-heartandhome.blogspot.com/

Please leave me a comment telling me what you are grateful for

this Wednesday.

Jeanette

Giveaway update

2010-02-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, remember the giveaway we did a couple of weeks ago? Tammy at Tammy, domestic diva received her goodies and posted them here. Go check them out. It was so much fun.

Jeanette

Superbowl Chili on Meatless Monday

2010-01-29T22:22:00.000-08:00

Come on in and check this out! With Superbowl Sunday right around the corner, I thought I would post a great Superbowl idea for this Meatless Monday at Sweet and Savory. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Recipe I got this recipe for vegetarian chili several years ago and have offered it as the meatless/vegetarian option at several fall events we host. It is always met with good reviews. I did not take this picture and have never frozen it but 3 different friends that have asked for the recipe say it freezes well.

Slow Cooker Meatless Chili
Ingredients
1 (19 ounce) can black bean soup
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16 ounce) can vegetarian baked beans
1 (14.5 ounce) can chopped tomatoes in puree
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder, or to taste
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
Directions
In a slow cooker, combine black bean soup, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, baked beans, tomatoes, corn, onion, bell pepper and celery. Season with garlic, chili powder, parsley, oregano and basil. Cook for at least two hours on High.

Now go hop on over to Sweet and Savory and meet with the other fabulous folks with the great Meatless recipes.

Thanks for stopping in and come on back now ya'hear! I love comments and would love it if you would leave one.

Jeanette

Easter Picnic

2010-01-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome friends, things are hectic around the house so I thought I would share an event we had several years ago. Doug found these pictures a few months back. They sure make for some great memories. Easter is a big deal at our house, for me bigger than Christmas. I have had huge annual Easter parties for many years. I do not remember what year we had this Redneck Easter Picnic but it was when my Daddy was still living. It had to be a time when Easter came later in the spring. The weather is too pretty (even in Georgia) to be an early March Easter. I wish I still had the invitation. The concept was that every one had to bring a redneck style picnic as well as picnic set up. These pictures are from while we were setting up and getting everything ready. It is just a random collection of a few pictures he found. All parties I give have guest interaction. Whether it is dressing up, bringing a certain food, a scanavger hunt, a learning party....we interact! Here is my mom hauling the guests around. Momma and Daddy were always early and loved greeting guests. Momma still has that 'early' gene!

The kids out looking for eggs. Possibly they are even helping hide the eggs before the rest of the guests arrive.

Here is someone's interpetation of a redneck picnic. They sure have bright colors and it looks very springy doesn't it?

My mom made these baskets for the winner of the most original picnic. We had three categories. I wish we had pictures of the winning entries. Heck I wish I remembered the details.

An old blanket with a paper sack for a picnic basket.

Without a doubt, this is one of Doug's famous fried turkeys. Again, sitting on the stove near the cleaner. In the fall of 1996 Doug decided to try frying a turkey. It was such a hit that the Thanksgiving of 1997 there was a line of people waiting for Doug to fry their turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. I looked out and saw people I had never seen in my life! Poor Doug cooked them all. He got cold Thanksgiving dinner that year. Here it is over 10 years later and Doug's turkeys are still famous and requested.

Props we pulled out to help the guests set up when they start arriving.

This is how Momma and Daddy would picnic. They drove over on the golf cart and set up as a drive in. It was a wonderful day. As daddy's health started to decline it was their way of visiting. He could sit on the cart, they had their table close at hand and could enjoy whatever was going on.

This is our front porch. We are set up, ready and waiting for all the food. See that swing in the back? Doug bought me that swing on one of our first dates. I love that swing.

We brought pieces from inside so everyone would have props to set up when they arrived

This is one of the only crafty things I have ever made. It is a round circular piece of fabric with 2" strips of other fabrics (cut long enough to reach the floor) tied through cuts made around the edges. Maybe that is why I can't make crafts, I can't explain how they were made.

It was a pretty day and this was the table scape inside. All of the eatin' and entertaining was done outside.

While I do not remember for certain, I feel confident this is one of my mom's famous hams. I have cooked hams but my mom is the queen of cooking hams. Again with the spray cleaner.

I sure wish there was more to share. I do remember we had a country singer there. I think we made homemade ice cream for dessert.

Does anyone else do unusual themes for parties? How about interactive parties?

I love comments.

Showers, parties and enough already!

2010-01-24T09:51:00.001-08:00

Welcome everyone it's me, Keelie. Mom is really busy and I wanted to let you know what is going on. This is a picture of me at my first birthday party last year. It was at the dog park in IL. Jean owns the dog park. I miss Jean and all my friends. My party was the best. I will show you pictures but first.......

It has come time for me to vent! All I hear these days is Jessie's getting married.....shower this and luncheon that. Then Keeli's having a baby.....(NOT ME, the human Keelie) ultrasound this, shower this, enough already! My 2nd birthday is April 1. My humans need to get their priorities in order. That baby will be here in August, big deal. Jessie gets married in May....does it mean extra treats for me? If not, then so what? It has been established long ago that it is all about me. Even that grandson, Remington has a birthday in March. If I hear one more....oooh he's getting so big! I think I will howl!

Even Josh has a birthday in March, not that we care. I am certain Mom will do something for her.

Now to the important part, lets talk about my party. Last year Mom and Dad got the best human cake in IL, that is what the humans were saying anyway. We had my party at Yuppy Puppy Dog Park. We used to go there all the time.

Mom made special treats for me and my friends. They were very good.
The humans had margaritas. I am not sure what they are but they drank a lot of them.
She made special water bottles for everyone.
The best part of the night was the presents. They were for me. I got T-shirts. I got toys. I got treats. Mom made doggie bags for all my friends that came to my paw-ty! Mom gave the humans scratch off tickets and the winners got free visits to Yuppy Puppy. The doggie bags had a tennis ball, treats and a birthday bandana.

Here are more presents and goodies.
These are some of my friends:

More friends.

Jean trains service dogs. Everyone played at my party.

Oh there was lots of food at the party, humans brought food for everyone.

We ran and played .

This is where Jean trains the service dogs but we got to play and party.

After the party I was very tired, I slept and dreamed all the way home.

Now please tell Mom to get busy planning my 2nd birthday party! We have to forget about luncheons and showers. We must think about Doggie Paw-ties. Creative juices must be coming my way.

Please leave a message for my mom to get busy on my party. It is important.

Tia's Peas and Egg Soup

2010-01-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

Come on in for a wonderful recipe. I am joining Chaya over at Sweet and Savory for Meatless Monday, go check it out here. Does anyone remember that program on Food Network called Calling All Cooks? It was home cooks sharing their best recipes. I got this recipe from that program several years ago. I sure miss it, great recipes. I have about 6 from that show that I make several times a year. This is a meatess meal that I love. My husband does not eat it. I cannot say he does not like it, he has never tried it. I have several vegetarian friends and it is my go to meal in the cooler months when they come over. It does have eggs in it. While fresh peas would be great I use the southern staple for canned english peas....Le Sueur Peas .

This is an on top of the stove soup. Sorry no crock pot. It makes a lot, and is very filling.

Tia's Peas and Eggs Soup
1/2 cup olive oil
2 yellow onions chopped
4- 6 finely chopped garlic cloves
8 - 10 potatoes peeled and cubed
1 - 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes with puree
42 ounces of water (fill tomato can 1 and 1/2 times)
pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
2 15 ounce cans of english peas with juice
11 eggs　 (use an odd amount for good luck)
1 cup freshly grated romano
　
in a large pot, warm up the olive oil.　 add onions and garlic and saute until the onions are translucent.　 add the potatoes and salt and stir to insure the potatoes are coated with the oil.　 fry potatoes over medium heat for about 10 - 15 minutes but don't allow them to get color.　 Add the tomatoes, then using the can fill it up 1 ½ times with water, and pepper and sugar and bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 ½ hours.
Add the peas, including the juice, and stir gently. Simmer another 30 minutes. Increase to a boil, crack eggs into a separate bowl and gently add to the top of the boiling mixture (amount based on room in pot). Cover the pot and let the eggs poach for about 15 minutes.
Serve hot with 1 or 2 eggs per serving. Freshly grated romano over top.

Just posting this reminds me of the times my dad and I shared this soup. It is so good.

Thanks for stopping in! Don't forget to check out Meatless Monday.

I read and treasure every comment.

A Winner! Was this fun or what?

2010-01-20T21:59:00.001-08:00

The giveaway ended tonight and we had a great time. I hope every one else did! Drum roll please.............

Tammy at Domestic Diva at Work ........congratulations..... This was her entry.

Thank you so much for your comment on my blog http://tammy-domesticdivaatwork.blogspot.com/2010/01/vintage-tablescape-buffetscapeWhat a great way to shop - love the large silver/pewter pot in first pic. Beautiful items....

I will update everyone in my next post about the exciting plans going on with the Bridesmaid luncheon and the baby shower. We have exciting stuff going on in this sleepy Georgia town. Doug is busy getting ready to go.

Please leave a comment congratulating Tammy or maybe visit her blog and tell her she should share. LOL We love comments.

Final Days of Give Away sign up

2010-01-19T12:29:00.001-08:00

Hey ya'll isn't this give away fun! Just a couple more days but I thought I would post a few more pictures of the treasures available for the $50 giveaway. I wish I had gotten Doug to take pictures of jewelry but forgot. He added some things today..... Next to that angel it s bunny rabbit tree topper, that bunny is just too cute. I know a lot of people do the year round trees.

This is a way cool bar set, brand new never used. Very good quality.

OK, I had to do this. Doug bought me this little guy. He is not in the giveaway. Isn't he the cutest thing ever?

Several people mentioned silver plate.

A different view

Are these bunnies darling?

Doug loves these gals. I admit whoever painted them had a talent with eyes! They have incredible eyes.

Another view of goodies. Those picture frames are awesome.

Some more stuff

That house picture is hand carved. Up close and personal it is amazing that someone could do that.

Lots of folks mentioned the fork and spoon. It is ceramic not wooden. I think it was like $8.25. He has great prices.

The glasses in this pic are from that place O'brien's (?) in New Orleans. Would that be cute for St. Patrick's day?

That bunny is cute. It is like a table top welcome sign.

Well keep entering. This has turned out to be such a fun activity. It is the first time I have been there in a while. He did not get pictures of Pfaltzgraff sets, or any of the other dinnerware. He has sorta turned into a dishaholic himself.....hmmmm.

All you have to do is leave a comment about anything. This is really fun. Doug has been getting ready to leave. Getting physicals, shots, and telling me about oil in the truck...dog food, fuses in the heat pump...He has to cut the grass before he leaves.....are you kidding me? We are both a bundle of nerves.

Thank you for stopping in!

Just Because Giveaway from Uncle Doug's Treasures

2010-01-15T07:15:00.001-08:00

Here is our giveaway! It is a Just Because Giveaway. My husband is giving away a $50 gift certificate to his booth at a local Antique Mall. These pictures were taken yesterday but he has lots of new stuff from an estate auction. He has vintage dishes, serving pieces, decor, furniture, paintings, linens, books...... just lots of treasures. His prices are also great! In the comments just tell me what you collect, want or need. After the drawing we will email letting you know you were the winner.

In my mind when planning this, it sounded so simple. Anyway if you are for example a dish freak (rasing hand) just tell me. We will take pictures of lots of dishes and post them. He has Johnson Brothers, Mikkassa, lead crystal, hand painted vases......you know the drill.

It will be fun. You chose from the post and we will ship $50 worth of goodies to you. It will be a hoot. Trust me. LOL
You don't have to follow, or twitter or facebook or blog. Just leave a comment telling me what you might be interested in. I will post the winner and email the winner on the 22nd. Simple.

I know it will work out. The contest starts now, and runs through midnight January 20th.

Thanks so much for stopping by and joining in the fun!

Don't forget to post what you would like to get pictures of if you win a $50

Join in the fun and leave a comment!

Because of the high cost of shipping this giveaway is available only to those with USA and Canada addresses.

Some other things he has recently obtained, vintage jewelry, lamps, craft projects. Way cool stuff. LOl

Huge News and a Give Away

2010-01-13T17:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome, thank you for stopping in to hear our exciting news! Doug and I have been struggling with a huge decision and we are finally at peace with our choices. Some may know this already. Doug lost his job in March, 2009. We have been struggling and frankly scared to death with the uncertainty we were facing. My health does not allow me to work, and we all know the state of the economy.

With employment opportunities looking bleak here, Doug has been looking for employment out of country. We knew all along that I would not be able to join him and we would have to be apart. My health was a big part of our decision, I guess our niece said it best when she said, "But Aunt Nette who is going to take care of you?" He is in talks with an American company but working in Saudi Arabia. We have been assured the villa he will be living in is very secure. He will be working with airplanes, his passion. It is a one year contract. They are negotiating his trips home now. He is trying to work out 3 visits a year. We know he adores his family but his October visit has already been confirmed. Can we say Talledaga? LOL

While I am afraid of being alone, it might force me into some independence that I have given up over the past few years. It will be a challenging time but we have so much exciting news. First, the precious daughter of a dear friend is getting married! Excited, oh yes I am. She has asked me to give her bridesmaid luncheon. That is such an honor. Oh my stars, I have been shedding tears of joy for almost 3 weeks.

I talk about the fact that I adore the staff at my pharmacy. They are so good to me. In fact we named our precious puggle after one of the staff members. Well, drum roll please........she (our friend not our puggle) is having a baby in August. I will be giving her a baby shower like I have never given in my life. I have been searching blogs for ideas since before she got the ultrasound!

And just because we are having so much excitement in our lives, I am going to have a giveaway. I don't know if this kind of giveaway has ever been done before. Here is the scoop. My husband has a booth in a local antique mall with vintage dishes, decor, linens, clothes, and various goodies. He is giving a $50 gift certificate. I will post pictures of some of his things when we start the giveaway on the 16th. I will contact the winner with a general list of things he has. The winner can choose anything up to $50. Just chose from the photos up to $50. That is $50 total, we will spring for the shipping separately. Cool huh? In fact, he is at an estate auction right now. I can't wait until he brings home all the treasures. He has a good eye and always finds really cool stuff. This is a picture of Uncle Doug's Treasures from December so most of the stuff you see is long gone but I wanted to give you an idea of things he has.

That is our huge news, I don't know what direction the blog will take but am anxious to find out. I treasure the friends I have made and look forward to making new friends. So, what do you think, huge news or what?

Happy Birthday Taylor

2010-01-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Taylor!

We love you so much!

Aunt Nette and Uncle Doug

I didn't do it!

2010-01-11T17:15:00.001-08:00

While wonderful hubby and I are struggling with one of the biggest decisions of ours lives, our precious grandson pops in for a second. With all the emotion involved in making a huge decision, our darling grandson takes all that structure and stress and turns it into a spaghetti noodle. Thank you so much for stopping by. And thank you for caring so much during this difficult time for us. We would love it if you would leave a comment.

Snowy Night in Georgia (not so much)

2010-01-08T09:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog! I was so worried about the snow that was headed our way. A few years ago we looked out our window and saw this so we knew it was possible. But alas, this morning we looked out our window and it was just deary and gray and miserable. I knew I had to do something to jump start the folks we care about and make this a toasty, warm day. I have only been reading blogs since this past summer. Susan from Between Naps on the Porch, Kathy from Life in the Slow Lane, Gordon Gossip, Pioneer Woman, Christy from Southern Plate, Designs by Gollum were some I was passionate about. Then Kathy from Life in the Slow Lane designed this wonderful place for me to make incredible friends, share treasured recipes and stories, and visit with the most amazing folks on this earth. Today I want to share a recipe I found on Southern Plate. I have made it a couple of times, including today and it is wonderful. This is Lane, Christy from Southern Plate's nephew. That smile made me know this was a cake I had to bake. I made this in 3 disposable pie pans, hey it was all I had. My sweet husband delivered them this morning. He took a pan to the local post office, my pharmacy, and a local antique mall. I was able to warm the tummies of those special folks. Here is the recipe:

Honey Bun Cake
1 box plain yellow cake mix
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
Filling
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 tsp cinnamon
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Glaze
2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 t. vanilla
Mix all ingredients together for cake. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Grease and Flour 13×9 inch pan. Spread batter into pan.
Mix dry filling ingredients. Sprinkle over cake batter. Drizzle honey over those. Pull a knife through batter to swirl filling into it. Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes or until tests done.
Sift confectioners sugar. Mix all glaze ingredients together. Drizzle over warm cake.

So what are you doing to stay warm? I say get under a blanket, get a warm beverage and check out some fabulous blogs..... DeeDee at d dzine has Art Work Friday going on. Etiquette with Miss Janice is one I really enjoy. I am new to Southern Hospitality but am really enjoying it. I have joined Stonegable in her eating from the freezer/pantry challenge. So I am staying warm and busy. Tell me about your blog or ones that you really enjoy.

Incredible Beef Stew

2010-01-05T16:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome, with the Georgia weather reports saying snow is in our future; I had to find some warm comfort food. Many years ago my sister and I went to the Victorian Tea Room in Warm Springs, Georgia. It is now closed but was known for its wonderful food. My sister bought this cookbook and of course I had to take possession of it and try some of the recipes. Yes I wear out a cookbook, don't I? This is the best recipe for Beef Stew that I have ever eaten. The pickle juice just makes it! It is easy, tasty and with snow on the way it is what we need. Am I the only one that writes in cookbooks?

As you can see from the page, this recipe has been used a lot.

Beef Stew

1 1/2 pounds lean stew beef, cubed

meat tenderizer

salt and pepper

2 to 3 tablespoons cooking oil

2 quarts water

2 medium carrots, sliced in 1" pieces

1 small green pepper, cut in thin strips

2 turnip roots, peeled and cubed

4 stalks of celery, cut in 1" pieces

1 bay leaf

1/4 cup dill pickle juice

1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed tomato soup

dash Tabasco

3 potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes cut and undrained

1 pound can small English peas, drained

2 to 3 tablespoons flour mixed with water

Sprinkle stew meat with meat tenderizer. Salt and pepper meat. Place cooking oil in a large dutch oven and heat. Brown meat on all sides in cooking oil. Add all remaining ingredients except potatoes, tomatoes and English peas. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until meat is tender. Add potatoes the last 20 minutes of cooking. Add tomatoes and English peas the last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove bay leaf. Mix together the flour and water (about 1/4 cup) and blend until smooth. Gradually add to stew and simmer until thickened. Stir frequently. Additional salt and pepper if needed. Serves 8.

NOTE: This is also good cooked in a crock pot slowly all day. Just brown meat as described above. Add all remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer on low all day.

Thank you for dropping by. I am getting candles, flashlights, food and everything I can think we will need in case of a loss of power. We are excited about the thought of a little snow but the tiniest bit will shut us down. Thanks for stopping in!

Update on Josh

2010-01-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for the many well wishers regarding Josh's surgery today. Everything went very well. The vet said it took 3 people to hold her down for the anesthesia. She wanted to play not lay down! He is walking very slow, and is very sleepy. But otherwise no worse for the wear.

Doug and I are struggling with a huge decision. Hopefully we will have some big announcements the end of this week or the beginning of next week.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Your support, my blogger friends means so much to me.

Josh's Big Day

2010-01-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome! Thank you for visiting. I am a nervous Nelly tonight. Tomorrow Josh goes to be spayed. She went to the vet today for preliminary work up. Of course my brain knows that everything is going to be fine. My heart is screaming, my baby is going to have surgery! Josh has the happiest personality. She is so good to me when I am sick. She has learned that when my tremors get really bad, she can lay across my legs and it actually helps. Well at 10 pounds it was precious, at 20 pounds it was sweet, at 30 pounds it was cute, at 40 pounds it was nice, at 50 pounds......well you get the picture.
Keep Josh in your thoughts tomorrow please. I will post when she is up and about tomorrow evening. I want to share that Doug and I have a huge decision to make in our life this week. It is a life changing decision. I wanted to post some recipes today but am using these 2 events in our lives to avoid everything. LOL.

Thank you for visiting. You can leave a get well comment for Josh, we are not telling Keelie (our puggle). It is for the best, trust me.

Life Lessons

2010-01-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome! I am so glad you decided to stop in. At my age, I have lots of life lessons. I received this in an email a few weeks ago. I wanted to share with others. I hope your New Year is wonderful.

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written.
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion, Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone & everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. You are loved.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Thank you for stopping in.

Party like it's 2001!

2009-12-30T18:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome everyone! Can you believe we are about to be in a new decade? Seems like just last year we were worried about Y2K. I want to share our 2001 New Year's Eve Menu. We had 6 guests that night and I was trying to be really creative. It was my first attempt at fusing cuisines. The seafood shooters were so good to me, but I found out many of my friends did not like seafood. My creation of the Citrus Sherbet was my pride of the night. We received an exotic fruit basket for Christmas that year and I chopped and blended and created the most incredible citrus sherbet. Just typing this, the memory is making my mouth water. I got it perfect! I scooped the sherbet into my glass sherbet dishes, put them on a cookie sheet. My husband took them out and put them in the freezer for me. The rest of the preparations went great. My schedule went smoothly. I got to take a shower and put on make up and everything. That should have been a clue for me, things went TOO smoothly. My guests arrived to favors for the evening.

I showed my guests to the dining area and served the soup course. It went over well. YES! I was so pleased. I served the seafood shooters. They were not received very well. I told my guests that they were in for a treat. I had prepared a lovely palate cleanser. I described in detail the beautiful mangoes, grapefruits, star fruit, oranges, lemons and limes in my creation. I sent my husband to get the Citrus Sherbet for us. It took him forever, but my guests thought it was worth it. Delicious. Yes another success. I went to check on the cordon blue . I admit it, I was pleased with myself. Then I heard someone yell 'Ouch'. Then a loud 'Darn'. I ran to see what was happening. My guests had napkins up to their mouths. There was blood, yes blood! What in the world? My husband finally spoke up. He said when he went to get the sherbet, the dessert cups had shattered. He did not want to upset me so he simply put the scoops of sherbet filled with glass shards onto another dessert dish. My guests were eating glass filled sherbet, yes I was trying to kill my guests. I gained my composure, took my deadly creation to the kitchen and served the rest of my dinner. I think I held my breath the rest of the meal....

The cheese course had a fun presentation. I think my guests were a little cautious but we did have a fun time, we danced, we laughed, we ate.

These are two friends that shared the evening. They got some wonderful news this year and have some exciting things to look forward to in 2010. Hey wait, they have not been to dinner in years. Hmmm.....

The clock ticked to midnight and we cheered in the new year. Our dear friend Richard is sitting here. Sadly he left us a couple of years after we took these pictures. We miss you Richard. The crazy memories of that evening are so much fun to share.

Ahhh the end of 2001.

Thank you for sharing this time with me! May your new year be filled with health, happiness, good fortune. May your dreams come true.

Now you tell me, have you ever tried to kill your dinner guests? Happy New Year my friends.

Guest Blogger Keelie

2009-12-27T09:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to all Mom's blogger friends! Mom said I did such a good job last time she wanted me to blog for her again. We had a wonderful Christmas. Mom said we were so good because we left the tree alone. Josh and I have a sister named Shelly. It is so very obvious that Josh and mainly me got all the looks in the family. As you can see, she did not inherit the beautiful gene like me and Josh. Dad likes her so we put up with it. Last March she brought Remington into the world and that made Mom and Dad very happy.

They think he is a neat kid. Look at him. What is so great about him? He got a tooth, big deal. He eats, he poops ....so what? He sleeps. Who cares? Josh and I have that down pat, we have made eating, pooping and sleeping an art form. But when Remi does it, dad is so happy. He shows everyone Remi did this, Remi did that. It is quite embarrassing.

Well she finally got something right. Look what she got Mom for Christmas! Josh and I love it! We have already picked out the treats we want Mom to cook for us. Thank you Shelly, we almost forgive you for Remi. Almost not completely.

We will keep you informed of what wonderful creations Mom makes. You can leave a comment. Josh and I are taking a nap.

She's HERE!

2009-12-26T13:14:00.001-08:00

Welcome friends and meet my precious niece. She is the light of our lives. She will only be here for a few days and we have so much catching up to do! Now this is the Christmas gift I have been waiting for. Merry Christmas.....

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