Good morning everybody.
I married a man..........a very practical and sensible man...........an engineer. Have you met an engineer? If so you know exactly what kind of man I am living with. I don't know who came first, the sensible man or the engineer. Did he get that engineering degree because he is practical and sensible and thought that would be a good field for him or did all those engineering classes somehow make him practical and sensible?
No matter, for I now have a house full of OLD, and I do mean, OLD appliances. He man is a mechanical genius. However................. Here is my dilemma. Nothing ever breaks enough for me to buy new appliances. The man can fix anything and everything.
Case in point: My dishwasher is now 25 years old. How do I remember that it is 25 years old? Well, we have the paperwork. Who doesn't keep paperwork of their 25 year old appliances? Who even has 25 year old appliances? We thought we were going to have company in October so I started wishing and looking at new dishwashers.........even though mine was working perfectly. BUT, have you seen the price of a new dishwasher? Really I could buy a cheaper model, but if I am going to keep it for the next 25 years, I want one with all the bells and whistles.
Cool, I am getting a new one........but wait.........maybe I should hold off at least until Christmas. After all, it doesn't look that bad. Then, the unthinkable happened, the door broke............hubby to the rescue. Fixed it! Then the thing just would not start...........pushing buttons wouldn't help.........hubby to the rescue. Fixed it again! Then the door broke again..........hubby to the rescue. Fixed it one MORE time! Then it wouldn't start again.........hubby to the rescue. Fixed that sucker ONE MORE TIME! I mean really!!!! Don't you think these are signs that I need to get a new dishwasher? Don't ya????
To be truthful, we have saved so much money over the years with his talent and ability to make things work one more time. I appreciate this man more than I can say. So if you see old appliances in our home, just remember, it is because the man can fix it one more time. We will waiting till after Christmas for a new dishwasher............maybe...........if he can fix it one more time. (By the way, the dishwasher story is true. That thing broke four times in as many days. Hubby dreaded seeing me coming his way.)
I love you.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
About Having a "Good" Time
Good morning everybody. I am struggling today with a little...........self-esteem.......or maybe something else.
I have another project started; one of the many projects I have started over the years. This time I am making fall pillows, black with appliqued (by hand) felt leaves. The closer I get to having one completed the more self doubt I have. You see, I am a perfectionist in some regards. If you'd take a look at my house, my yard, my closets, you'd certainly disagree. I want the back side of my project to look at nice as the front, just in case someone happens to look closely or turn it over. I strive for perfection and when I don't achieve it, I completely give up. That is what I am about to do with these pillows.
Until............my hubby comes in to reassure me. After all, it really isn't about the end product, it is the fun you are having he tells me. Rather than wait for someone to ooh and aw over my pillows why not just enjoy the process. He says, "Did it give you a "good" feeling when the idea came into your head? Did it give you a "good" feeling to pick out the flannel and all the pretty colors of felt for the leaves? Did it give you a "good" feeling to hunt for the perfect embroidery thread? Did it give you a "good" feeling to prep the fabric? Did it give you a "good" feeling to stitch rather than be on the computer?" The answer to all these questions is a resounding YES. OK, you know he really didn't say those exact quotes, but it was close. I used a little poetic liscense.
So I guess the bottom line is it really doesn't matter what you do with a completed project. It doesn't even matter if you complete a project. It doesn't matter if you are working a crossword puzzle or a jigsaw puzzle. It doesn't matter if you are baking a loaf of bread or painting your finger nails green. You just need to be doing something you enjoy............even if it is typing a blog...........and by the way, it is one of the most enjoyable things I do..........even if nobody ever reads it........I do it for myself........and regardless of whether anybody ever says a word of encouragement, I do it for myself.
And here are a few of my projects in the last............mmmmmmmmmmm 40 years.
Making candles - 1972 - first year we were married we made candles...pouring molten wax over chipped ice. I thought they were beautiful.
Using Plexiglas - 1972 - Faudree's in Sheppard Mall had unusual things embedded in Plexiglas, so we had to try our hand at that.
Crocheting - Mrs. Tucker taught me to crochet and surprisingly that is one thing I can do. I haven't crocheted in years, but I know it would come back to me naturally.
Quilting - Karen, a friend from work, quilted so nothing do, but I must try it too. So off we went together to pick me out some fabric. I had some beautiful animal print fabrics that I was going to use for a simple quilt. I cut out all the squares only to realize I did not have a passion or desire to finish the quilt. I gave all the squares to her. I hope she was able to do something with them.
Sewing - I have a love/hate relationship with sewing. My mother, my sister and her two daughters, and my sister-in-law are extraordinary seamstresses. By that I mean that they have sewn pageant costumes, draperies, linens, dresses, even underwear. Me, on the other hand, have sewn only to save a buck or two over the years. I do not have the patience to be a great seamstress. Nonetheless, I have sewn clothing for myself and my daughter including a prom dress covered in sequins. I have even sewn some curtains and bed coverlets. In times of need...............
Crewel - Just something to keep my hands busy in the late 70s and early 80s. They are just dust traps, but it was fun when I did them. Would you believe I see some of these same dust traps in antique stores today. Who knew?
Embroidery - Now I really enjoy this hobby. I made a Christmas tablecloth in the 70s from an embroidery kit. I still use it today although it really looks like a period piece. A couple of years ago I hand embroidered the 7-day week dish towels for my daughter. Loved doing that. These days there machines that embroider beautifully, but I still love the hand stitched look. Something nostalgic about them and they just show love, to me at least.
Making aprons - I had fun making a dozen aprons year before last, but I bored of them quickly. I still have a stash of fabric probably worth over $200. Now......hmmmm......what to do with that fabric. Pillows????
Making pillows - Latest project. I will snap a picture of the outcome...........or maybe it will just be the process and not the finished project.
Making Christmas decorations - How many Christmas projects have I done? Dozens....anything from painted wooden ornaments to crocheted ornaments, Christmas tree skirt I made in 1972 which I still use although the green felt has bled onto the other felt appliques (water from the Christmas tree - memories), the tablecloth, and last but certainly not least, the appliqued and stuff Mickey and Minny Mouse which will someday belong to my son and daughter....Mickey for my son and Minny for my daughter.
Photography - I love to take pictures, but I am not a photographer. If you want to see some beautiful photography go on over to www.juliedawkinsphotography.com I am happy to be related to this beautiful photographer (by marriage). Who knows, you might even see some photographs of her (their) beautiful family. And while you are at it, take a look at http://405photograph.zenfolio.com/ and see some nice shots of an aspiring photographer. I might be a little prejudice, but I like his compositions. And you know what...............it is like I said (or the hubby), it isn't about the end product, it is about having a "good" time.
I love you all..........my readers and my non-readers.
I have another project started; one of the many projects I have started over the years. This time I am making fall pillows, black with appliqued (by hand) felt leaves. The closer I get to having one completed the more self doubt I have. You see, I am a perfectionist in some regards. If you'd take a look at my house, my yard, my closets, you'd certainly disagree. I want the back side of my project to look at nice as the front, just in case someone happens to look closely or turn it over. I strive for perfection and when I don't achieve it, I completely give up. That is what I am about to do with these pillows.
Until............my hubby comes in to reassure me. After all, it really isn't about the end product, it is the fun you are having he tells me. Rather than wait for someone to ooh and aw over my pillows why not just enjoy the process. He says, "Did it give you a "good" feeling when the idea came into your head? Did it give you a "good" feeling to pick out the flannel and all the pretty colors of felt for the leaves? Did it give you a "good" feeling to hunt for the perfect embroidery thread? Did it give you a "good" feeling to prep the fabric? Did it give you a "good" feeling to stitch rather than be on the computer?" The answer to all these questions is a resounding YES. OK, you know he really didn't say those exact quotes, but it was close. I used a little poetic liscense.
So I guess the bottom line is it really doesn't matter what you do with a completed project. It doesn't even matter if you complete a project. It doesn't matter if you are working a crossword puzzle or a jigsaw puzzle. It doesn't matter if you are baking a loaf of bread or painting your finger nails green. You just need to be doing something you enjoy............even if it is typing a blog...........and by the way, it is one of the most enjoyable things I do..........even if nobody ever reads it........I do it for myself........and regardless of whether anybody ever says a word of encouragement, I do it for myself.
And here are a few of my projects in the last............mmmmmmmmmmm 40 years.
Making candles - 1972 - first year we were married we made candles...pouring molten wax over chipped ice. I thought they were beautiful.
Using Plexiglas - 1972 - Faudree's in Sheppard Mall had unusual things embedded in Plexiglas, so we had to try our hand at that.
Crocheting - Mrs. Tucker taught me to crochet and surprisingly that is one thing I can do. I haven't crocheted in years, but I know it would come back to me naturally.
Quilting - Karen, a friend from work, quilted so nothing do, but I must try it too. So off we went together to pick me out some fabric. I had some beautiful animal print fabrics that I was going to use for a simple quilt. I cut out all the squares only to realize I did not have a passion or desire to finish the quilt. I gave all the squares to her. I hope she was able to do something with them.
Sewing - I have a love/hate relationship with sewing. My mother, my sister and her two daughters, and my sister-in-law are extraordinary seamstresses. By that I mean that they have sewn pageant costumes, draperies, linens, dresses, even underwear. Me, on the other hand, have sewn only to save a buck or two over the years. I do not have the patience to be a great seamstress. Nonetheless, I have sewn clothing for myself and my daughter including a prom dress covered in sequins. I have even sewn some curtains and bed coverlets. In times of need...............
Crewel - Just something to keep my hands busy in the late 70s and early 80s. They are just dust traps, but it was fun when I did them. Would you believe I see some of these same dust traps in antique stores today. Who knew?
Embroidery - Now I really enjoy this hobby. I made a Christmas tablecloth in the 70s from an embroidery kit. I still use it today although it really looks like a period piece. A couple of years ago I hand embroidered the 7-day week dish towels for my daughter. Loved doing that. These days there machines that embroider beautifully, but I still love the hand stitched look. Something nostalgic about them and they just show love, to me at least.
Making aprons - I had fun making a dozen aprons year before last, but I bored of them quickly. I still have a stash of fabric probably worth over $200. Now......hmmmm......what to do with that fabric. Pillows????
Making pillows - Latest project. I will snap a picture of the outcome...........or maybe it will just be the process and not the finished project.
Making Christmas decorations - How many Christmas projects have I done? Dozens....anything from painted wooden ornaments to crocheted ornaments, Christmas tree skirt I made in 1972 which I still use although the green felt has bled onto the other felt appliques (water from the Christmas tree - memories), the tablecloth, and last but certainly not least, the appliqued and stuff Mickey and Minny Mouse which will someday belong to my son and daughter....Mickey for my son and Minny for my daughter.
Photography - I love to take pictures, but I am not a photographer. If you want to see some beautiful photography go on over to www.juliedawkinsphotography.com I am happy to be related to this beautiful photographer (by marriage). Who knows, you might even see some photographs of her (their) beautiful family. And while you are at it, take a look at http://405photograph.zenfolio.com/ and see some nice shots of an aspiring photographer. I might be a little prejudice, but I like his compositions. And you know what...............it is like I said (or the hubby), it isn't about the end product, it is about having a "good" time.
I love you all..........my readers and my non-readers.
Friday, September 14, 2012
My Stash - My Bags
This is my private stash, and consider yourselves very privileged because I don't often share my stash. Yep, that's my stash........my beloved bags. I have an unusually hard time throwing away little tote bags.....so as you can see I haven't.
Blue Cross Blue Shield bags - Have you seen them? How could anybody throw away these little cloth bags. OK, maybe they aren't cloth, but they sure aren't paper, so what are they? Whatever, there has to be a useful repurpose for them, there just has to be. OK, I will be truthful here. About a year ago, I promised the hubby I would throw these away and only keep the other, more colorful bags made of the same material. Sorry, hubs, now you know I kept the bags....oops!
Abuello Bag - Gotta be honest on this one, too. This was left at my house, Christmas, 2010, and is the perfect bag for transporting food containers. It was when I saw this bag that I realized maybe I really do have a problem. Who keeps other people's bags?
Vanelli bag - Man, I can't throw that away. It came with a purse......I must keep it.
AF bag - Souvenir from boon doggle trip - don't tell my boss - oh wait, I am retired - go ahead and tell him.
Then there is the little zebra bag - too cute!
Restoration Hardware - Remember all those Dallas trips? Restoration Hardware visits were a favorite.
Crabtree and Evelyn - Store closed in OKC; therefore, the bag is now a collector's item.....maybe not.
Williams and Sonoma - Now here is a useful bag. A 9 X 13 pan will fit in the bottom perfectly. Now I need to take food some place. I miss Tinker.
David Yurman bag - There is a story with this very, very sturdy bag. Angie brought me a David Yurman
perfume set from Las Vegas which was in a gift box which fit into the bag perfectly...the perfume was made for the box, the box was wrapped in a cardboard sleeve, and it fit perfectly inside this bag. Sorry, but I am keeping it.
Whittard of England - On one of my TDY trips to England, my friend and I went to the largest mall in England and I found a wonderful tea shop so I brought home tea and a teapot. Sentimental bag.
Williamsburg bag - Vacation.....nuff said.
Anthropologie - Finally in OKC.....I should throw this away, but............
Sur La Table - Oh my, now this bag may be with me forEVer. I got this on our vacation to Washington state in 1996, one of our absolutely favorite trips. Seattle bag.
Brown paper bag - Now this is a bag that can be recycled. A plain paper bag with a little handle makes a perfect gift bag for a man. Add a little raffia and viola.
Claire bag - There is an artisan, Claire, who has a tiny shop in a tiny town called Arroyo Seco. I have several of her pieces of jewelry so this little bag just makes me happy. Check out her website: www.claireworks.com and if you are ever near Taos, NM, go by and say I said hello. No, don't do that. She'd have no earthly idea who I was and could care less. By the way, Julia Roberts lives near this little community. Thought all you celebrity hounds would like to know that (talkin' about you, Shawna).
Victoria's Secret - OK, I have to agree. This bag needs to go.
Baby Gap - OK, I could get rid of this bag, too, since the daughter works there....but wait, I don't think they give out these bags anymore.
A few months ago I wrote about my Grandma Dawkins' stash of old Vienna Sausage cans. As a 20 year old, I couldn't understand why she would keep these. I still don't understand, but now I say what difference does it make if she collected a grocery sack of these cans. Who was she hurting? For some reason it made her happy........for some reason my bags make me happy. I cannot explain it and I am not hurting anybody...so my stash I will keep, but I promise not to let it get out of hand and will reuse them.......maybe not the John A. Brown bag. Anybody out there remember John A. Brown?
I love you all and thought you might enjoy this blog about nothing sentimental or even important.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Daddy, You Can Wear Your Overalls
If you read my blogs, then you know they are very eclectic. I may be writing about memories one moment, and ranting about someone rude the next. I may write about my dumpling recipe and the next blog will be about skunks. You just never know. Tonight I am taking a trip down memory lane and I hope you enjoy the journey with me. I will try not to make it a tear jerker.
As we were driving home just a moment ago, an old man in overalls....or is it coveralls, was out in front of his house with his lawn tractor and little trailer. My heart just leaped and my night's blog was changed in an instant. That scene reminded me of my daddy and now I have a lump in my throat. Daddy wouldn't have been on the little lawn tractor though, no he would be on his huge John Deere tractor with a cab and air conditioning and radio. Never had that when I was a kid.
There is just something that tugs at my heart every time I see an elderly man, either in overalls or a polyester jump suit. Those were daddy's uniforms according to whether he was setting around the house or whether he was coming to the city to have supper with one of his daughters. He dressed up a little more on Sundays for church, but even with all the family there, he'd have changed into his overalls less than 5 minutes after we got home........cause for more than one conversation between him and mom. Guess who won?
Anyway {sigh}, many nights not unlike this rainy night, we headed out to Prague.....right after work, to have supper with dad and mom. Dad would be setting on the west end of the couch (you guys know exactly where he would be) so he could watch for us coming down the driveway......in his..........guess what?...........overalls. Mom would be coming through the kitchen door to greet us....both thrilled that we were there. Oh how I wish we could all be around that table and Daddy, you can wear your overalls.........
I love you.
As we were driving home just a moment ago, an old man in overalls....or is it coveralls, was out in front of his house with his lawn tractor and little trailer. My heart just leaped and my night's blog was changed in an instant. That scene reminded me of my daddy and now I have a lump in my throat. Daddy wouldn't have been on the little lawn tractor though, no he would be on his huge John Deere tractor with a cab and air conditioning and radio. Never had that when I was a kid.
There is just something that tugs at my heart every time I see an elderly man, either in overalls or a polyester jump suit. Those were daddy's uniforms according to whether he was setting around the house or whether he was coming to the city to have supper with one of his daughters. He dressed up a little more on Sundays for church, but even with all the family there, he'd have changed into his overalls less than 5 minutes after we got home........cause for more than one conversation between him and mom. Guess who won?
Anyway {sigh}, many nights not unlike this rainy night, we headed out to Prague.....right after work, to have supper with dad and mom. Dad would be setting on the west end of the couch (you guys know exactly where he would be) so he could watch for us coming down the driveway......in his..........guess what?...........overalls. Mom would be coming through the kitchen door to greet us....both thrilled that we were there. Oh how I wish we could all be around that table and Daddy, you can wear your overalls.........
I love you.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
A Few Scents
I am going to type about scents today. It is my blog and I guess subjects are up to me, huh?
One of my favorite scents is lavender, and when at the Dollar Tree yesterday I discovered an old soap brand, Yardly London, English Lavender. My bathroom smells absolutely wonderful and makes me happy every time I pass by. If you love the scent of lavender, you should buy yourself one or eight bars. You will love this fresh, clean scent. Pretty cheap potpourri at a buck a bar.
Another favorite is Amomatique Cinnamon Cider potpourri. Pour it in a bowl and you will be reminded of bobbing for apples and hayrides. I bought a bag today and now my house is filled with memories of all those past fall outings and parties. It really makes me happy and reminds me of my Grandma Dawkins...she was happiness.
About noon today I put a roast in the crock pot and covered it with all sorts of Mexican spices; chili powder, Mexican oregano, and cumin (my favorite spice), etc. Then I added a few cloves of garlic, a quartered onion, and some whole fresh jalapenos. I poured a can of green chili sauce (another new and favorite find) over all. All afternoon the house smelled like a Mexican restaurant (another fav). I shredded the beef and poured the thickened sauce onto heated corn tortillas. I added cheddar cheese, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce, fresh chopped jalapenos, cilantro, and onions. They were wonderful.
I am not sure where I am going with all this "scent/smell/odor" stuff. I have heard that sense of smell is the quickest way to bring back and today my sense of smell was working overtime. My sister-in-law has the best smelling pantry I have ever smelled (not that I go around sniffing out people's pantries)...all cinnamon and spices. My potpourri smells like her pantry and brings back all the sweet memories I have of visiting in their home when our kids were little and we had our whole lives ahead of us.
So here is what I did: I put the empty potpourri bags in my pantry. Now every time I open the pantry, I am at T.'s house.
I love you.
One of my favorite scents is lavender, and when at the Dollar Tree yesterday I discovered an old soap brand, Yardly London, English Lavender. My bathroom smells absolutely wonderful and makes me happy every time I pass by. If you love the scent of lavender, you should buy yourself one or eight bars. You will love this fresh, clean scent. Pretty cheap potpourri at a buck a bar.
Another favorite is Amomatique Cinnamon Cider potpourri. Pour it in a bowl and you will be reminded of bobbing for apples and hayrides. I bought a bag today and now my house is filled with memories of all those past fall outings and parties. It really makes me happy and reminds me of my Grandma Dawkins...she was happiness.
About noon today I put a roast in the crock pot and covered it with all sorts of Mexican spices; chili powder, Mexican oregano, and cumin (my favorite spice), etc. Then I added a few cloves of garlic, a quartered onion, and some whole fresh jalapenos. I poured a can of green chili sauce (another new and favorite find) over all. All afternoon the house smelled like a Mexican restaurant (another fav). I shredded the beef and poured the thickened sauce onto heated corn tortillas. I added cheddar cheese, sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce, fresh chopped jalapenos, cilantro, and onions. They were wonderful.
I am not sure where I am going with all this "scent/smell/odor" stuff. I have heard that sense of smell is the quickest way to bring back and today my sense of smell was working overtime. My sister-in-law has the best smelling pantry I have ever smelled (not that I go around sniffing out people's pantries)...all cinnamon and spices. My potpourri smells like her pantry and brings back all the sweet memories I have of visiting in their home when our kids were little and we had our whole lives ahead of us.
So here is what I did: I put the empty potpourri bags in my pantry. Now every time I open the pantry, I am at T.'s house.
I love you.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Coffee Anyone?
I just had to have them. I saw these at Marshall's last week and knew I had to have them. I could decorate around these bags. How could you not love these little bags, and who cares if they hold coffee, candy---oooh candy!, sugar, or pantie hose? It's all about the BAG. (I hear that on QVC. Who knew I would watch QVC?) By the way I will have a blog soon about bags. 
Fall In Love Ground Coffee
made in the
USA
Paramount Coffee Company
Lansing, MI
Little perk (get it?): Each bag has a quote from John or Abigail Adams. What's not to like?
You know what, it might be delicious with a little bit of the Vanilla Coffee Cream
found on my daughter's blog that she found on Pinterest by Mrs. Happy Homemaker.
You know what, it might be delicious with a little bit of the Vanilla Coffee Cream
found on my daughter's blog that she found on Pinterest by Mrs. Happy Homemaker.
And did I mention this stuff makes your house smell incredible?
I love you! Coffee anyone?
Sunday, September 9, 2012
I Don't Have Anything to Wear!!!
It's here, ladies. It is that time of the year when I have nothing to wear. Absolutely NOTHING! Let me tell you what I mean. For the last three mornings, I have changed clothes at least four times and we weren't even going out of the house! I was kind of kidding about that part. We were going somewhere. Yep, I was putting on pants, putting on a top, ripping the top off, grabbing another top, tearing it off, putting on another top, deciding the white pants were off season (it is after Labor Day), grabbing a pair of jeans, deciding the jeans were too tight, shimming out of them, grabbing another pair of jeans, deciding the jeans were too casual, ripping those off, grabbing another pair of fall pants, ripping off the top I had on, putting on a new top that I bought for those first fall days, deciding the new top was too dressy for the pants, ripping the top off, pulling off the pants in disgust..............falling to the floor screaming "I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO WEAR!!!!". All this takes place without the hubby having a clue to my disgust until he hears those words, words he has learned to expect each September for the last 40 years. "I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO WEAR." Oh woe is me, I have nothing to wear. I know I have 47 tops in my closet, but they just won't work. Don't patronize me!
You know what I mean, don't you girls? Surely you have to have experienced this. All this brings me to another woe-ism (that might not be a word, but it fits). I don't have a style. I am not known to wear a certain look. I feel like I am a carp swimming down stream when all the beautiful orange salmon are swimming upstream to catch a beau. "I DON'T HAVE ANY PRETTY CLOTHES."
Regarding style, here is what I am known to do. I have a sister who loves the peasant/bohemian gauzy tops so when I am with her, I am drawn to the same tops. I have another sister who loves autumn colors so when I am with her, I dress to please her. I have a sister who loves pretty bracelets and unusual watches, so when I am with her, I shop for bracelets. I have a sister-in-law who loves Chico-ish clothes so when I am with her, I try to dress in the same fashion. I have a friend from Tinker who always has the cutest tops, so when I am out shopping I look for the same type tops so that I can wear them to lunch with her. Then I have another friend who is very glamorous so I dress similar to her when we are together, but I am not even in the same league. Where is my style? Do I even have a style?
Memory: Once when we were all shopping together, my four sisters and I were trying on clothes, each having separate, but side by side, dressing rooms. Since each of us are within a size or two of each other, clothes were flying over the dressing room walls faster than a quick change artist at the circus. The conversation went something like this..........
"Try on this."
"I don't much like that."
"Did they have that in another size?"
"What is the price on the one you just threw me."
"Where are we going for lunch?"
"Wow, this is adorable."
"Well, this certainly isn't."
"MEXICAN FOOD!!!"
"Oh, try this one on. It is blue."
"I expected that!!! Which Mexican food?"
"Kay, this looks just like you. Try it on."
"Are you dressed? Go find this same one in a large."
"Do you care if I get one just like yours?"
"Girls, I am getting this. It's a SMALL."
"Together, we have made this store's daily sales quota."
"I'm hungry."
"All I want is the 'setup' so pick the place with the best salsa and corn tortillas."
"Where are we going after we eat?"
"How about a movie?"
"We could go back to my house, pile on the bed and try on our new clothes."
"We could take a nap."
"But only after we eat Mexican food."
Oh what a day. Remind me to tell you about 5 of going to Dallas with little regard to how much we could actually fit in the car going home. And remind me to tell you about the five of us buying the exact same shoes. That was a hoot!
Let's go to Dallas! I don't have anything to wear!!! I know a great Mexican place there.
I love you!!! Now help me hang these clothes back up.
You know what I mean, don't you girls? Surely you have to have experienced this. All this brings me to another woe-ism (that might not be a word, but it fits). I don't have a style. I am not known to wear a certain look. I feel like I am a carp swimming down stream when all the beautiful orange salmon are swimming upstream to catch a beau. "I DON'T HAVE ANY PRETTY CLOTHES."
Regarding style, here is what I am known to do. I have a sister who loves the peasant/bohemian gauzy tops so when I am with her, I am drawn to the same tops. I have another sister who loves autumn colors so when I am with her, I dress to please her. I have a sister who loves pretty bracelets and unusual watches, so when I am with her, I shop for bracelets. I have a sister-in-law who loves Chico-ish clothes so when I am with her, I try to dress in the same fashion. I have a friend from Tinker who always has the cutest tops, so when I am out shopping I look for the same type tops so that I can wear them to lunch with her. Then I have another friend who is very glamorous so I dress similar to her when we are together, but I am not even in the same league. Where is my style? Do I even have a style?
Memory: Once when we were all shopping together, my four sisters and I were trying on clothes, each having separate, but side by side, dressing rooms. Since each of us are within a size or two of each other, clothes were flying over the dressing room walls faster than a quick change artist at the circus. The conversation went something like this..........
"Try on this."
"I don't much like that."
"Did they have that in another size?"
"What is the price on the one you just threw me."
"Where are we going for lunch?"
"Wow, this is adorable."
"Well, this certainly isn't."
"MEXICAN FOOD!!!"
"Oh, try this one on. It is blue."
"I expected that!!! Which Mexican food?"
"Kay, this looks just like you. Try it on."
"Are you dressed? Go find this same one in a large."
"Do you care if I get one just like yours?"
"Girls, I am getting this. It's a SMALL."
"Together, we have made this store's daily sales quota."
"I'm hungry."
"All I want is the 'setup' so pick the place with the best salsa and corn tortillas."
"Where are we going after we eat?"
"How about a movie?"
"We could go back to my house, pile on the bed and try on our new clothes."
"We could take a nap."
"But only after we eat Mexican food."
Oh what a day. Remind me to tell you about 5 of going to Dallas with little regard to how much we could actually fit in the car going home. And remind me to tell you about the five of us buying the exact same shoes. That was a hoot!
Let's go to Dallas! I don't have anything to wear!!! I know a great Mexican place there.
I love you!!! Now help me hang these clothes back up.
Friday, September 7, 2012
High School Football
Franklin County High School football, Meadville, MS, August 24, 2012
When I noticed the church on the hill, I had to take these photographs. My only wish was that I had my DLR camera and tri-pod so that the snapshots would have more in focus. It was a Norman Rockwell moment; players on the field and the church almost glowing on the hill. These pictures just make me happy so I wanted to share them with you. A peaceful small town in America.
We hadn’t been to a high school football games since 1995 when our daughter was a cheerleader, so when my sister suggested we go to the game, I was at first apprehensive. Do I want to spend three hours at a football game where I knew none of the players, none of the cheerleaders, and only a handful of fans? But..........off we went....... Oh my gosh.............1966............. The band is warming up.......tubba blaring.......drums beating.......bright stadium lights......the smell of cheap hot dogs.......popcorn popping.......little kids playing under the bleachers......skinny little cheerleaders giggling......fans finding their seats......me in my red wool skirt and white blouse. Yes, I was in the stands right in our pep club section..........
But.......I wasn't at Prague High School at all. I was right there in the bleachers at Meadville, MS, and I was filled with relief that with all the strife and discord in the world today, some things do not change. In small town America, people are still supporting their local teams, cheerleaders are still chanting those same old cheers, drums are still beating, people are still standing in line at the concession stands for those cheap hot dogs, and fans are still supporting their young people. People are still making memories. There will be a winner and a loser, but not matter what high school memories are being formed. All is right with the world.
I love you.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Just a Few Things About Nothing
Just a few things about nothing.
1. If you want a good laugh just take a look at a Vogue magazine, specifically the August 2012 issue. Just thumb through the first 20 pages and you will see the most bazaar photographs of the most bazaar models. Would anybody see these and say to themselves, "Gee, I want to look just like her. I am going to buy that dress."? I don't think so. Some of these models look 12 years old in their Halloween costume. Zombies and not one bit pretty; mean looking girls. Nope, it sure doesn't make me want to buy one of their dresses, but then again, none of the designers are holding their breath until I plunk down a couple thousand for a skirt.
2. Russell Stover Marshmallow and Caramel - Crests has these little treasures on sale, two for a dollar, 2.95 oz bags, six little pieces each bag. They are absolutely delicious.
3. Jolly Time Healthy Pop Kettle Corn - If you are dieting, this is a great little snack. I can eat this between little marshmallow and caramel treats. So instead of candy, candy, candy I can eat candy, popcorn, candy. It makes a huge dietetic difference.
4. Dinner tonight - It was awful. I haven't fixed a dinner that bad in a long, long, time, not since that dish back in the 1980s with the mashed potatoes on top (nobody ate that). In fact, tonight the hubby said very innocently that the pork chops were the toughest he'd ever seen. Now I have to tell you, this was after I said my chop was tough. He doesn't usually slam my cooking. Luckily, there was plenty of other sides for him to make a meal; mashed potatoes and gravy, fried okra, and sauteed mushrooms. Unfortunately, the okra just wasn't fried crispy so he left plenty on his plate. The potatoes were watery - I put in too much milk and once that happens, you cannot correct it. The gravy was thick and the cornbread pancakes were dry. It was a disastrous meal. We are going out tomorrow! Maybe all three meals.
Well, that is all I have to say for tonight. A little bit about nothing. High school football tomorrow night - tune in.
I love you.
1. If you want a good laugh just take a look at a Vogue magazine, specifically the August 2012 issue. Just thumb through the first 20 pages and you will see the most bazaar photographs of the most bazaar models. Would anybody see these and say to themselves, "Gee, I want to look just like her. I am going to buy that dress."? I don't think so. Some of these models look 12 years old in their Halloween costume. Zombies and not one bit pretty; mean looking girls. Nope, it sure doesn't make me want to buy one of their dresses, but then again, none of the designers are holding their breath until I plunk down a couple thousand for a skirt.
2. Russell Stover Marshmallow and Caramel - Crests has these little treasures on sale, two for a dollar, 2.95 oz bags, six little pieces each bag. They are absolutely delicious.
3. Jolly Time Healthy Pop Kettle Corn - If you are dieting, this is a great little snack. I can eat this between little marshmallow and caramel treats. So instead of candy, candy, candy I can eat candy, popcorn, candy. It makes a huge dietetic difference.
4. Dinner tonight - It was awful. I haven't fixed a dinner that bad in a long, long, time, not since that dish back in the 1980s with the mashed potatoes on top (nobody ate that). In fact, tonight the hubby said very innocently that the pork chops were the toughest he'd ever seen. Now I have to tell you, this was after I said my chop was tough. He doesn't usually slam my cooking. Luckily, there was plenty of other sides for him to make a meal; mashed potatoes and gravy, fried okra, and sauteed mushrooms. Unfortunately, the okra just wasn't fried crispy so he left plenty on his plate. The potatoes were watery - I put in too much milk and once that happens, you cannot correct it. The gravy was thick and the cornbread pancakes were dry. It was a disastrous meal. We are going out tomorrow! Maybe all three meals.
Well, that is all I have to say for tonight. A little bit about nothing. High school football tomorrow night - tune in.
I love you.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Looking Like Mom
When you were a little girl, did you ever think that you would look like your mother? For sure I never did. No, I was going to be glamorous and nothing like my mom. I am sure she thought the same thing about her mother. Not once, as a child, did I ever think my mother resembled her mother. Grandma was old and my mother was young and vibrant.
Then as a young married woman, sometimes I could see the resemblance between my mom and her mother....just a little bit. She still had years to go before having that "grandma" look that I associated old age. As the years advanced, and long after Grandma passed away, Mom began to look a lot more like her mother. In her very last years, the resemblance was so overwhelming almost to the point of me thinking surely it must be my grandma and not Mom.
A few days ago, I was in the car for 12 hours (as a passenger -- not just setting in the car for 12 hours -- you'd have to lock me up if that was the case) and I had a lot of time to observe my arms. Nothing special about my arms except that I noticed that my arms look like my mothers. Wow! When did that happen? Then I noticed my hands.......my mother's hands!!!
A few days later, my daughter was giving me my second ever makeover (from her). It felt wonderful; the pressure of the eyeshadow brush on my eyelids, moisturizing my face, brushing my hair....oh it felt so good. She then asks me to open my mouth so she could apply lipstick. She says, "Mom, you look just like Grandma did when she put on lipstick."
I guess that confirms it. I am going to look like my mother. Yes, Mom, I am going to look more and more like you every day, and I am proud of it. There is no other person on earth that I would rather look like. I just wish I had more of her persona.
I love you, Mom.
Then as a young married woman, sometimes I could see the resemblance between my mom and her mother....just a little bit. She still had years to go before having that "grandma" look that I associated old age. As the years advanced, and long after Grandma passed away, Mom began to look a lot more like her mother. In her very last years, the resemblance was so overwhelming almost to the point of me thinking surely it must be my grandma and not Mom.
A few days ago, I was in the car for 12 hours (as a passenger -- not just setting in the car for 12 hours -- you'd have to lock me up if that was the case) and I had a lot of time to observe my arms. Nothing special about my arms except that I noticed that my arms look like my mothers. Wow! When did that happen? Then I noticed my hands.......my mother's hands!!!
A few days later, my daughter was giving me my second ever makeover (from her). It felt wonderful; the pressure of the eyeshadow brush on my eyelids, moisturizing my face, brushing my hair....oh it felt so good. She then asks me to open my mouth so she could apply lipstick. She says, "Mom, you look just like Grandma did when she put on lipstick."
I guess that confirms it. I am going to look like my mother. Yes, Mom, I am going to look more and more like you every day, and I am proud of it. There is no other person on earth that I would rather look like. I just wish I had more of her persona.
I love you, Mom.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Labor Day 2012
If you are retired, you know that Labor Day is indistinguishable from last Tuesday or next Tuesday for that matter. Hubby and I celebrate the holiday every day of the year. Or, you might say that Labor Day gets the short end of the stick and blends in with all the others.
This year, 2012, I labored!!!!
I labored trying to decide if we should go out for breakfast or have our usual oatmeal at home on the front porch.
I labored deciding whether I wanted a full breakfast or something light.
I labored whether to buy Bertolli olive oil or a generic.
I labored whether to have guests for dinner tonight.
I labored whether to help daughter pick okra or let her do it herself.
I labored where I should take my nap on the couch or on the actual bed.
I labored deciding what we should have for dinner.
Yes, we went out for breakfast. We were trying to make the day more of a holiday this year or maybe I was just lazy.
I ordered something light since I am trying to loose 10 pounds in 10 days.......riiiiggghhhttt.......
Bertolli olive oil. Hubby tried to convince me that it was just for cooking and I could save a little money or get an extra quart for only $4 more......not gonna happen.
No guests. I was just lazy.
Didn't pick okra. I was just lazy. Daughter is 28 years younger than me and besides, did you notice? It was hot!
Napped on the bed. I was just lazy. Tomorrow I may nap on the couch. Love my couch naps with the afghan.
We had tamales and salad. I was just lazy. Salad...........10 pounds to go.
That was a little about our day, 2012. Boring! I love my boring days, but I remember all those past Labor Days battling traffic of the last big summer hurrah. Who wants to be on the highways on the last summer holiday? The Labor Days I enjoyed the most, were at mom and dad's having homemade ice cream for the last time of the year. (Thanks, sister, for my only dish of homemade ice cream this year...delicious. She labored.)
I didn't labor over this. I love you......where's the Blue Bell? Oops, I almost forgot the 10 pounds.
This year, 2012, I labored!!!!
I labored trying to decide if we should go out for breakfast or have our usual oatmeal at home on the front porch.
I labored deciding whether I wanted a full breakfast or something light.
I labored whether to buy Bertolli olive oil or a generic.
I labored whether to have guests for dinner tonight.
I labored whether to help daughter pick okra or let her do it herself.
I labored where I should take my nap on the couch or on the actual bed.
I labored deciding what we should have for dinner.
Yes, we went out for breakfast. We were trying to make the day more of a holiday this year or maybe I was just lazy.
I ordered something light since I am trying to loose 10 pounds in 10 days.......riiiiggghhhttt.......
Bertolli olive oil. Hubby tried to convince me that it was just for cooking and I could save a little money or get an extra quart for only $4 more......not gonna happen.
No guests. I was just lazy.
Didn't pick okra. I was just lazy. Daughter is 28 years younger than me and besides, did you notice? It was hot!
Napped on the bed. I was just lazy. Tomorrow I may nap on the couch. Love my couch naps with the afghan.
We had tamales and salad. I was just lazy. Salad...........10 pounds to go.
That was a little about our day, 2012. Boring! I love my boring days, but I remember all those past Labor Days battling traffic of the last big summer hurrah. Who wants to be on the highways on the last summer holiday? The Labor Days I enjoyed the most, were at mom and dad's having homemade ice cream for the last time of the year. (Thanks, sister, for my only dish of homemade ice cream this year...delicious. She labored.)
I didn't labor over this. I love you......where's the Blue Bell? Oops, I almost forgot the 10 pounds.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Royal Memories
No matter our station in life, I suppose we all have memories. Tonight I watched the PBS series about Queen Elizabeth; episode "Royal Memories". The hour broadcast was films of the 1950s seen through the eyes of Prince Charles. What I found touching was his facial expression while watching these old family films. Now while his family had access to much better filming techniques than any other family in the world during the 1950s, these family films showed the ordinary side of family life......not that there is anything ordinary about the family of the Queen of England.
Watching his eyes you could see the memories coming to the forefront as he would point out certain dogs, his sister, his family members in the still pictures. He was transformed to another place, another time, quite unaware that the camera was rolling during this transformation. While he had a childhood nothing like my own, I could feel his nostalgia which is very similar to mine.
We all have a way of recalling or looking at the past. I am fortunate that my family and my childhood was something of which I am proud. Even though we were not wealthiest in the terms of money, we certainly were wealthy regarding love. I never thought of us as poor. My parents made sure we had the basics and then some. You never saw a Christmas tree with so many presents under it. We had lots of clothes sewn by my very talented mother and we were always clean.
While my memories are not on the royal scale, I certainly had some royal memories. I sure hope you are making some royal memories for your family. Remember it is not how much you have, but the love you have.
I love you all!!
Memory: Sunday nights - not my favorite night. In fact I really dislike Sunday nights even to this day. It was the night my daddy thought he ought to lecture me on the importance of making good grades in typing. I wasn't interested in typing or shorthand.......I wanted to work at Hamburger King's or Anthony's in Shawnee, OK. Lack of ambition, you might say. Yes, it was my Sunday Night Lecture..........every Sunday night during my senior year. BUT..........I would just love to have Daddy in my living room tonight so I could tell him he was right!!! Typing and shorthand was my stepping stone to my retirement. Thank you Daddy for I am comfortably retired and it was due to your relentless lectures.
I will try to be back tomorrow night for the Pioneer Woman said it is important to write a blog post every day. I say this in jest for I am no Pioneer Woman...just a woman who likes to write AND yes, Daddy, type!
Watching his eyes you could see the memories coming to the forefront as he would point out certain dogs, his sister, his family members in the still pictures. He was transformed to another place, another time, quite unaware that the camera was rolling during this transformation. While he had a childhood nothing like my own, I could feel his nostalgia which is very similar to mine.
We all have a way of recalling or looking at the past. I am fortunate that my family and my childhood was something of which I am proud. Even though we were not wealthiest in the terms of money, we certainly were wealthy regarding love. I never thought of us as poor. My parents made sure we had the basics and then some. You never saw a Christmas tree with so many presents under it. We had lots of clothes sewn by my very talented mother and we were always clean.
While my memories are not on the royal scale, I certainly had some royal memories. I sure hope you are making some royal memories for your family. Remember it is not how much you have, but the love you have.
I love you all!!
Memory: Sunday nights - not my favorite night. In fact I really dislike Sunday nights even to this day. It was the night my daddy thought he ought to lecture me on the importance of making good grades in typing. I wasn't interested in typing or shorthand.......I wanted to work at Hamburger King's or Anthony's in Shawnee, OK. Lack of ambition, you might say. Yes, it was my Sunday Night Lecture..........every Sunday night during my senior year. BUT..........I would just love to have Daddy in my living room tonight so I could tell him he was right!!! Typing and shorthand was my stepping stone to my retirement. Thank you Daddy for I am comfortably retired and it was due to your relentless lectures.
I will try to be back tomorrow night for the Pioneer Woman said it is important to write a blog post every day. I say this in jest for I am no Pioneer Woman...just a woman who likes to write AND yes, Daddy, type!
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