Georgia Rectors

If At First You Don't Suceed...

2009-04-28T05:57:00.003-04:00

...try, try again.

Eek! Running out of room on this Blogger site has forced me to move. I weighed all the options carefully and decided upon Wordpress as my new home. However, I never warmed up to Wordpress and found it prohibitive in ways I didn't like.

So...I have a new NEW HOME at Blogger. Please come visit me as I catch up on all the news in our busy lives.

C'mon To My House

2009-03-30T21:12:00.003-04:00

I'm back and I've moved to a new home! Please visit me at my Wordpress blog by clicking here. It's a work in progress and I'll need your patience as I learn a new blog platform. So c'mon over, visit for a while, and let me know what you think.

Just Another Walk In The Park

2009-03-08T18:12:00.010-04:00

What a difference a week makes! Last Sunday Georgia was in the midst of a snow storm; today temps were in the 70's with a bright sunny blue sky. After church we all went to the park to let the kids play. There's nothing like playing to burn much pent up energy. I broke a cardinal rule by photographing in the midday sun. But sometimes you make do with what you've got. I took a total of 155 photos. For the sake of boring you to tears, I narrowed it down to 25 of my favorites. Of course I firmly believe our grandchildren are beautiful and worth sitting through 155 photos. However, I doubt everyone would agree.

Click on the slideshow below to view photos from today's fun in the park. Click the arrow to begin the slideshow; once the slideshow has begun, click the square in the lower right corner to maximize your screen.

I hope you had an enjoyable Sunday!

End Of The Line

2009-03-08T08:23:00.005-04:00

I am nearing the end of the road...the end of my rope...running out of Blogger space. How do I know this? To demonstrate this to you, I tried to save a screen print but couldn't convert it to an image that Blogger will accept.

I will attempt to walk you through it verbally (or in writing). When you are in the Create A Post screen, click on the Add Image icon from the toolbar. In the Add Image screen, look close to the bottom. There are two action buttons: 1) blue CANCEL and 2) orange UPLOAD IMAGE. Directly to the right of these buttons is a message saying how much capacity you have remaining. Mine is... You are currently using 970MB (94%) of your 1024MB.

After extensive research in the not-so-friendly-blogger-help and online user forums, I have very little options. Blogger allows you to create as many blogs as your little heart desires. Therefore, I could create another Blogger blog and link the two. Or, I could ditch Blogger and opt for another blog hosting platform such as Wordpress. I'm leaning toward the latter. Like Blogger, Wordpress is free . Unlike Blogger, Workdpress allows you to increase your blog size incrementally (for a modest annual fee) should you find yourself running out of space. {sigh}

I'm still debating my future blog options. But one thing is clear...I am running out of space FAST. Does anyone have any suggestions? HELP!

Little Princess

2009-03-07T14:43:00.006-05:00

When Jamie was a little girl, she would pretend she was born a princess. Sorry to disappoint you, dear girl, but you were born a commoner to average parents not of royal descent. Ava, however, is defintely a princess. She does not like to be disturbed from her nap.

No, not at all. When rudely awoken, Ava will let you know her displeasure.

Yes, Ava is a princess and we are all here to serve as she commands.

Friday Failure

2009-03-06T08:38:00.002-05:00

Things that make you scratch your head and say out loud, "WTF?"

An Unexpected Break From Blogging

2009-03-05T05:50:00.008-05:00

There are days when life takes a front seat to blogging. Poor Doughboy had a rough weekend with a bout of the flu. Because of the snowstorm last Sunday, his return flight to Pittsburgh was delayed until Monday. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Doughboy ended up in Urgent Care (an oxymoron because it was neither urgent nor caring) late Monday afternoon and was sent to the hospital for a suspected blood clot in his lower left leg. He was immediately admitted and underwent a barrage of tests and IV's filled with antibiotics over the next couple days. He was eventually diagnosed with cellulitis - a painful bacterial infection that could have turned irreversible if left untreated. Doughboy's week was not pleasant.

He was sprung yesterday and is recovering at home. By doctor's orders he must rest and keep his foot elevated. It's nice to have him home but I wish it were due to less severe circumstances. We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary by a hospital visit. Someday we will remember this event and laugh it off. For now, it remains too close for comfort.

I gave him the book I made for our anniversary. My big teddy bear actually teared up as he turned the pages that chronicles our life over the past 20 years. He has already asked for another such book for our 25th anniversary. I'm so very glad he liked his gift.

For my gift Doughboy increased our collection of Bonnie Marris art. The lovely giclee canvas shown below is one of 25. You may view other such works of art that we have in our home by clicking here. I can't wait to get it framed and hung! Happy anniversary, my love.

Wacky Weather

2009-03-01T20:02:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was a beautiful weather day. It was warm enough to open the windows and walk around outdoors without a jacket. Today is far different. Atlanta and most of northern Georgia is under a weather advisory with snow and heavy wind. SNOW!

We also celebrated Jamie's birthday at Scrap Club. We were minus two members today, which left only Chere, Jamie, baby Ava and me. It was nice and cozy indoors as we scrapped and enjoyed our quiet time together. Outdoors the snow was beautiful but very heavy and wet. As I was snapping photos from our deck, it thundered - SNOW and THUNDER! How wacky is that?

Click on the slideshow below to view today's snowfall and photos of Jamie's birthday celebration. Click the arrow to begin the slideshow; once the slideshow has begun, click the square in the lower right corner to maximize your screen.

Happy Birthday, Birthday Baby

2009-03-01T07:33:00.009-05:00

Tomorrow is my baby's 32nd birthday. As we celebrated last evening I couldn't help but feel a little sadness. Where has the time gone? Looking around the table at my grandchildren, I found it hard to believe my baby now has three babies of her own. You may recall this post from Jamie's birthday last year. Is it possible that an entire year has passed in the blink of an eye?

Doughboy and I are very proud of the young woman Jamie has grown to be. Not only is she beautiful inside and out, but she is a loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend. Everyone whose life touches hers is better for it. She is loved more than words can express...

Happy birthday Peanut!

Friday Failure

2009-02-27T08:22:00.004-05:00

Things that make you scratch your head and say out loud, "WTF"?

Do you sit unnoticed on the sidelines while others are picked? Are you always the wallflower and never the date? Try the latest scarf fashion and you too will be the center of attention...

Texturize Yourself

2009-02-24T19:13:00.004-05:00

Kate at Chronicles of a Country Girl is a master at using textures to create photographic symphonies. What's this, you ask? I'm not sure - photographic symphony just sounded cool.

Anyway, Kate really is a master at both photography and transforming photos into unique masterpieces using various Photoshop techniques. I've tried following her direction with little success. I think it has something to do with left brain/right brain. Anyway, it simply does not compute for me.

I am the proud owner of one of Kate's mosaics entitled A Whiter Shade of Pale. Now you too can own one of Kate's photo treasures FREE by leaving a comment on her blog. But you better act fast - the giveaway ends at 6PM Thursday February 26. Click here for a quick link to Kate's giveaway post. Please return the favor by telling Kate I sent you. Good luck!

Grandson = Joy

2009-02-23T17:23:00.014-05:00

I know I've mentioned this before, but I absolutely ADORE our grandson, Ayden. Yes, I love and adore all eight of our grandchildren. But Ayden is...well, we have a very special bond.

Ayden showed up at our house Saturday afternoon with his little Sponge Bob suitcase. He was all excitement about having a sleepover at Mimi and Bumpa's house. No sleepover would be complete without a drive around the neighborhood on the cart path.

Ayden was at the wheel of his RZR while Mimi and Bumpa followed behind in the golf cart. It was a chilly day but the bright sun made it pleasantly warm.

Like any other 4-year-old, Ayden has the attention span of a gnat. He began driving with both hands on the wheel that lasted about 3 minutes. He then fidgeted with the radio and kept turning around to be sure we were following close behind. He mistakenly drove off the path twice because he wasn't paying attention.

At one point he stopped abruptly and almost caused us to crash into the rear end of his RZR. When I asked him why he stopped, he replied, "Mmmmm...nothin'. I was just looking at the eagle."

"What eagle?"

"That one, Mimi. See? It went into the jungle over there."

[Pause] "OK, Ayden".

No, it wasn't an eagle...and the thick forested underbrush along the path isn't a jungle. However, in the imagination of a little boy, it IS.

We love you, Ayden!

Monday Giveway

2009-02-23T06:08:00.005-05:00

Don't you love the treasures that bloggers give away? It's amazing what I find while blog surfing, and Barbara's giveaway is a wonderful prize. If you enjoy poetry you'll want to visit Barabara at The Serenity Gate. Please be sure to tell her I sent you :)

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Blessed

2009-02-22T18:26:00.020-05:00

After careful examination of the damage to our home, the results are more extensive than originally expected. The roof was inspected by a roofing company - it is deemed a total loss. Among other areas that require replacing are the stucco mailbox...

...all window screens and gutters...

...ornamental stucco around windows...

...pool cover, and pool/patio furniture (see previous post).

Other neighbors in our subdivision suffered the same amount of damage. Yet, it could have been much worse. A sleep over with our grandson, Ayden provided comic relief. He is such fun and a joy to be around. We met Ayden's family for lunch after church today. Ayden and his mommy provided levity to an ordinary Sunday.

Like mother...

...like son. Thanks for the laughs!

As for Ayden's younger brother and sister, well...they are just too CUTE! Yes, we are truly blessed.

Weather Mayhem

2009-02-21T07:41:00.016-05:00

You may have wondered why I didn't update my blog for a couple days. Or, perhaps not. I'm going to explain my absence to you anyway.

As I left the office last Wednesday, our receptionist informed me about tornado warnings that were in effect until 8:00 that evening. Walking out the door I was immediately struck by the very warm temperatures - 71 degrees - and brilliant blue skies. Tornado warning? I didn't believe it. As I drove to my hair appointment I phoned my daughter and we both chuckled about the weather warning.

I was getting a hair cut in Peachtree City when the storms first appeared. Skies were churning an ominous green color and emergency sirens could be heard in the distance. Patrons in the salon were uneasy, but I urged my stylist to finish so I could leave. The salon receptionist came to tell me my daughter had phoned - a serious storm at her home in Tyrone was dropping large hail and heading toward my house (I live about 10 minutes away from their home in Fayetteville). The glass front windows in the salon were bowing in and out from the change in air pressure and creaked ominously. Still I urged Carol to finish quickly. I was concerned about my three pups at home alone.

By the time I made my way home, the main storm had passed. Temps had dropped 19 degrees in the wake of the storm. Driving by our neighborhood, the damage looked minimal. I continued to drive to our old home (currently empty and for sale) about a mile from our new house. The ground fog was so thick I couldn't see anything in front of me. I crawled along at about 10 mph until I reached the entrance to Ashley Forest. The crunching of tires on the road was deafening - I thought I was driving on debris from the storm and didn't realize I was driving on ice. Reaching our driveway on Gray Fox, I was stunned to see snow covering the lawn. Dummy me - it wasn't snow, it was ICE! Not just ice, but hail the size of tennis balls! Storm debris was everywhere.

Photo courtesy of Chere at Miss Priss Follies

We were fortunate to have sustained only minor damage. By comparison, many families lost entire homes. In all, 10 tornadoes touched down in our immediate area of Fayette and Coweta counties. The hail tore through our pool furniture and shredded every window screen. An insurance adjuster will determine the amount of damage to our roof, but already neighbors have reported serious damage. Thank goodness for insurance.

While the hail shown below doesn't look all that serious, let me explain. I collected several large hail stones to take home. I knew Doughboy wouldn't believe me, so I planned to place them in the freezer to show him later. Arriving home to Annelise Park, everything was dark. The street lamps were unlit and there were no lights in homes. It was eerily dark except for the flash of lightening every where. I sat in a dark house, alone with my pups, with nothing but candle light and the natural gas fireplace for comfort. I played solitaire on my laptop computer waiting for the power to be restored. I eventually gave up my wait and went to bed. I watched the flash of lightening through our bedroom windows until finally falling asleep. Somewhere around 3:00am Thursday the power came on. That is the reason I haven't posted. And that is why the hail stones don't appear as big as they were when first collected - they melted quite a bit while the power was off. But they are still BIG! View more hail photos at my friend's blog here. She lives a mile away from me in the opposite direction of our old house. According to a local newspaper article, hail the size of grapefruit was documented. Grapefruit!

Yes, it could have been much, much worse. My heart and prayers are with the families who lost everything; however, our severe weather season is only just beginning. I can only hope our luck continues to hold.

Friday Failure

2009-02-20T11:23:00.003-05:00

Things that make you scratch your head and say out loud, "WTF!?"

I Let Him Live Another Day

2009-02-16T20:35:00.006-05:00

Even on the weekend I rise early. My usual wake up time Monday through Friday is 5:30am. On weekends I sleep until 6:30'ish depending on when the pups need to go outside. I always wake before Doughboy and let him sleep as long as he needs.

This past Saturday, Valentine's Day, was an exception. Doughboy had left a gift for me in the chair I usually sit upon. He woke early to surprise me and anticipated my usual routine: after feeding the pups their breakfast, I pour myself a glass of orange juice then sit in my brown leather chair to watch the morning news.

Seeing the bright colored gift bag, I said "Oh look! There's a bag in my chair".

Without missing a beat, Doughboy said "Not yet".

...I let him live another day.

Spring Fever

2009-02-15T16:35:00.011-05:00

I have a case of spring fever and I've got it bad. The rain clouds of yesterday have blown away to reveal a brilliant cerulean blue sky. Temperatures have warmed in the light of the sun. It is a splendid day!

Signs of spring are beginning to appear everywhere. One of my favorite signs are blossoms from flowering Bradford pears. The experts warn that it's a mistake to plant Bradford pear trees, and rightly so: their limbs break too easily in stormy weather. Because of their fragility, Bradfords are outlawed in our new neighborhood. But just around the corner is a neighborhood whose one and only street is lined on either side with these flowering beauties. The following photos were taken this afternoon.

Another sign of spring is the number and variety of wild birds.

On the other hand, Kady finds all the excitement a bit dull.

Valentine's Day Memories

2009-02-14T17:35:00.011-05:00

My friend Chere reminded me that exactly two years ago we were on a Hawaiian cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. Chere, Deb, Jamie and I joined ScrapMap for a scrapping good time for nine glorious days. It was also Jamie's 30th birthday gift from me. Nice, huh?

There were adventures every day...swimming with turtles on The Big Island, zip-lining through the forest canopy and horseback riding on Kauai, biking down Haleakala on Maui...

...our first luau...

...mudbugging...

...and hanging out together.

We had such a great time we decided to go again. We're joining ScrapMap for the Ultimate Scrapbook Cruise 2010 to Mexico and Honduras. Check out Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas itinerary here.

What's your favorite Valentine's Day memory? What ever you do and where ever you are, I hope your Valentine's Day is wonderful!

Ummmm...honey?

2009-02-13T05:48:00.009-05:00

Me: [on the phone with Doughboy] Uh, we have a problem.

DB: [sounding slightly annoyed or bored] I'm more than 800 miles away...you can handle it. What's the problem?

Me: Well, we had a lot of wind from all the storms in the plains. Anyway, I thought someone had stolen our patio furniture. I could only find two chaise chairs.

DB: [silence]

Me: I found them...they are in the pool.

DB: So? Can you get them out? [duh]

Me: [peering into the deep end of the pool] No...they are in 7 feet of frigid water. What should I do?

DB: It's outdoor furniture...they're used to getting rained on. Just leave 'em there. [duh again]

At this point all common sense has flown right out the window. And I'm annoyed he can't do something - NOW! Yes, I know Doughboy is in Pittsburgh. Yes, I know that perhaps, just maybe, he is right about the furniture being alright for the time being. For some insane, irrational reason this is really under my skin. I keep walking outside to stare into the pool as if by magic the chaise chairs will fly out on their own. This just goes against my grain and all reason to leave them in the pool. But I can't get them out alone.

Guess what Doughboy has on his "honey do" list for tomorrow????

A Mind Of Her Own

2009-02-11T19:38:00.015-05:00

Kady Elise (a/k/a Bug) has a mind of her own which is typical of her breed. When you call her to come, she may or may not respond depending on her mood. Most often she gives you "the look", then completely ignores you as if you were something messy she nearly stepped in.

Kady, come here. [long pause]

KADY! COME! HERE!

Did you see that? She just flipped me the dew claw!

Being ignored by a dog is an all time low. At least I can always count on my main man Leo to give me some sugar :)

Leo? LEO!!!!!

Perpetual Motion

2009-02-10T18:54:00.008-05:00

Having grandsons in my life has been quite an adjustment. Let's face it - boys are much different than girls even at an early age. I had one child - a girl - who was mature well beyond her years. I always considered her as having an old soul. Jamie was content to play with her dolls or draw for hours on end with hardly a noise. On the other hand, boys are all noise and action. Always in motion! At almost 3 years old, Jameson never stops moving. I snapped the first two photos while he ate breakfast. It was a momentary opportunity to catch Jameson in photo without blur.

Keeping still didn't last long. He was in motion...again...

Yup, it's out of focus. {sigh} I guess I should feel fortunate to get two out of three photos in focus. I think this may be a new record.

It's a good thing he's cute.

Isn't She Lovely

2009-02-09T19:22:00.008-05:00

Strawberry creams and wonderful dreams,

Ladylike airs and teddy bears,

Fairy tales and wedding veils,

Thats what granddaughters are made of.

He Has A Sense Of Humor

2009-02-07T16:18:00.016-05:00

Twenty years ago I married a man I knew a mere 5 weeks and 6 days. We barely knew each other when we began our life together, but some things you "just know". So it was with Doughboy. He is gentle and loving, honest and laid back. But what I love more than anything is his sense of humor. Another quirky trait is that he cannot wait until a special event to give me a gift. One week from Valentine's Day is too long for him to reveal the gifts he bought for me.

Today he announced Gift #1 - tickets to see Larry The Cable Guy at the Fox Theater. Larry The Cable Guy is a redneck comic who is part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour - he makes me laugh so hard I can hardly breathe. Check out his web site here.

Gift #2 took a lot of thought and planning. The photos on the M&M candies are of us taken on one of our Caribbean sailing adventures. Here are a few images...

Gift #3 defies explanation.

How did I get so lucky to marry such a man? Some women covet jewelry and furs...I want romantic love and a man with a sense of humor. I have all the riches I could ask for...and more!

It's Hard to Say Goodbye

2009-02-07T07:13:00.012-05:00

The downturn in the world economy is on the minds and hearts of everyone. Each time I turn on the television or pick up a newspaper, the news is grim. Long time favorite retailers like Linens 'N Things and Circuit City are gone forever, while many others struggle to keep afloat.

There is sadness in the scrapbooking community when yet another local store closes or a favorite publication fades away. Such is the case with one of my favorite publications Simple Scrapbooks. Here is an excerpt of the official announcement...

"I am saddened to share that, due to difficult conditions in both the economy and the publishing market, the May/June 2009 issue of Simple Scrapbooks magazine (on sale April 14) will be its last. "

If you are a SS subscriber, not to worry. The remaining balance of your subscription will be transferred to Creating Keepsakes. Rather than paraphrase, you can read the complete announcement on the SS blog here.

Another popular publication - Digital Scrapbooking Magazine - also bites the dust. You can read the complete announcement here. Both SS and DSM are publications of scrapbook giant CK Media.

“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”—Winston Churchill

Just For Grins

2009-02-06T08:30:00.006-05:00

The Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are this year's winners. Read them carefully. Each is an artificial word with only one letter altered to form a real word. Some are terrifically innovative:

Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

Bozone (n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period.

Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.

Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)

Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's, like, a serious bummer.

Decafalon (n.): The gruelling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

Glibido: All talk and no action.

Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.And

The #1 Pick:

Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole. (I work with a lot of these.)

It's So C-c-c-old!

2009-02-05T05:30:00.006-05:00

I was born and raised in the mid western state of Wisconsin. Winters were cold, snowy, and long. Soon after Doughboy and I married we moved to the windy city of Chicago. Winters were cold, snowy, long, and windy. I don't do well with cold and was ecstatic when we moved to the southern state of Georgia 9-1/2 years ago. Yeah! No more cold, snowy winters that last forever!

It rarely snows here and even then it is short lived. You may recall this post from last January when Georgia had its only snowfall of the winter season. The brief winters usually fade into spring rather quickly without the long drawn out seasons found in the northern region.

To keep underground pipes from breaking, our pool has a freezeguard protection. The waterfalls will automatically flow when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. It is never a good sign when the waterfalls flow outside of their normally programmed time - it means the temp is bitterly cold.

But wait...what's this I see?

Could that be ice? You've got to be kidding! Arghhhhhh! Around here this sight is as unusual as a snow plow.

I... HATE... COLD!

Blog Award

2009-02-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

I have a confession. I am obsessed with Google. I Google anything and everything, looking and searching for God knows what. It's a total waste of time and energy, yet I can't stop myself. This time, I had a real purpose in mind - I Googled blog awards. Did you know there are literally dozens of major awards floating around in cyberspace? This number doesn't include the smaller awards given as recognition from fellow bloggers.

As little as 2 years ago I never even heard of a blog. If I did, the word went in one ear and out the other. Here I am today - blogging for more than a year - and the recipient of a blog award from Deb at Drivin' 55. It is with great pride that I add the Friendship Award to my list of others. Okay, I only have two other awards. But they are important to me.

The following explanatory paragraph is to be included when you post about this award.

The Friends Award isn't about being the most popular blogger or having the most read blog. It is just because you are a friend. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

It's very difficult for me to choose bloggers on which to bestow an award. I worry about hurting someone's feelings. Therefore, I am giving this award to all the blogs on my blogroll list. I visit them every day and consider each one worthy of the Friends Award.

Thanks, Deb!

How Sweet It Is!

2009-02-03T05:00:00.005-05:00

While cruising my favorite blogs, I was thrilled to read Vanessa's post at Lawsy Mercy about a candy give-away. In these trying economic times, is it possible to get anything for free? Yes! You too can be the recipient of 5 lbs. of candy shipped FREE to your home. There is a slight hitch - you must be blogging for at least one year. If you qualify as a long time blogger, click here to request your sugar fix.

Their customer service is exceptional - I received a sweet e-mail confirmation from Carly within 24 hours. Did I mention it's FREE? Just tell them your dentist sent you (just kiddin'). Take it to the office and your co-workers will LOVE you - it's true! I've never been more popular :) Even if the thought of 5 lbs. of candy has your thighs screaming "Don't even think about it!", you could share your candy with friends or donate it. You can become some one's hero for FREE.

Remember, Valentine's Day is in less than two weeks. A great gift idea would be to package a handful of candy in cute bags and tie them with a bow. Spread a little sweetness!

Spend a little time looking at their web site and all the goodies they offer. What could be better than getting your sugar fix delivered right to your door without leaving the comfort of your home? Please tell the folks at Sweet Services I sent you. Enjoy!

Baby Girl

2009-02-02T18:43:00.009-05:00

Yesterday was our monthly Scrap Club meeting - a scheduled day when five friends get together at our house for fun and creativity. With the birth of Ava Marie, our circle of five has grown to six. Ava is part of the package and we all take turns holding and snuggling our littlest diva.

Although I see Ava quite often, each time she seems to have grown an inch. See how much our youngest granddaughter has changed...

She is still quite tiny and hasn't grown enough to fit into 0-3 month size clothes yet. At more than two months old, our baby girl is still wearing newborn sized clothes. Perhaps she'll always be a petite little girl. With two older brothers, surely she'll be a tomboy. For now, Ava has us all wrapped around her tiny finger. Not that we're complaining...nope, not at all...

A Lesson In Textures

2009-02-01T19:46:00.012-05:00

Country Girl Kate has been enhancing her photography by adding texture. I followed the directions to the letter but I can't quite get the hang of it. I am missing a vital step somewhere but - dang! - I can't figure out where. Here is my first feeble attempt.

First I changed my photo into an illustration per the instructions in this link. Next, I Googled free textures and downloaded a crackle texture that I used in the photo above. Finally, I used the directions in this link for adding texture to a photo using Photoshop. I have both PS CS3 and Elements 7.0; however, I use 7.0 most often. The two programs differ slightly but they essentially perform the same functions.

Somewhere in the instructions I get off track in resizing the canvas. Although I resize the pixels in the texture file exactly to those in my original photo file, the texture file is too small for my photo. It may be that most texture files are limited in pixel size. For example, the pixels of my photo are w: 3317 x H: 2739. Anyway, something is missing but I won't give up...yet. Any suggestions??

I Live For Vacations

2009-01-30T18:37:00.011-05:00

Like most people who work outside the home, I live for vacations. I carefully hoard my vacation each year and plan for the most fun during my time away from work. This year started with a Caribbean cruise with two more trips planned for the fall - bare boat sailing in the British Virgin Islands and taking our grandchildren to Disney World.

I am already busy planning for 2010. Yes, it's a long way from now, but I need something to look forward to. One vacation will be an Alaskan cruise. I've wanted to see Alaska for a long time and have finally convinced Doughboy to delay no longer. Click here to view the itinerary on the Norwegian Cruise Line web site.

This is another cruise offered by ScrapMap. The scrapbook I made for Doughboy's anniversary gift is a project taught by Teresa Collins from our cruise a couple weeks ago. She is tremendously talented in addition to being an average gal. She is the sole instructor for the Alaskan cruise and will be teaching classes when the ship is underway. At no time are classes scheduled when the ship is in port. There is plenty of time for shore excursions, such as whale watching in Glacier Bay, and enjoying the ship's amenities. For someone like me who is obsessed with scrapping and enjoys new adventures, it is the best of all worlds.

Come join us, won't you?

Labor of Love

2009-01-29T22:16:00.008-05:00

Our 20th wedding anniversary is coming up in March. Being at a loss for the perfect gift for Doughboy, I decided to make it. I wanted it to be something memorable - something very special - and I'm almost finished. Here's a sneak peek at the anniversary scrapbook I made. It chronicles our married life - from the very unusual way we met, through the years, and to the present. The photos are of very poor quality. It's getting late and I didn't feel like changing my camera lens. But I think you'll get the idea.

To begin the slideshow, click on the white arrow and press your spacebar once. Pressing the spacebar will not work if you are in full screen mode. You may maximize the view by clicking the full screen icon after the slideshow has begun. Enjoy!

Wind Beneath Your Wings

2009-01-28T05:47:00.006-05:00

My photo friend, Darlene and I ventured to the pond at Summer Grove hoping to find something to photograph. The temps made it into the low 50's and the midday sun made it feel warmer than it was. I miss the pond more than I realized. We were elated to find our family of Canada Geese that had stayed at the pond rather than migrate to wherever geese go.

I long for spring and the return of nature subjects to photograph. Soon...very soon.

Interview With Country Girl

2009-01-26T20:10:00.006-05:00

Before I went on vacation, Country Girl Kate posted her interview with a fellow blogger. She offered to interview anyone who left a comment on her blog. Here's my first ever interview. Ready? Read on.

CG: I can see from your blog that you're a photographer. When did you discover the world of photography and what was your first camera?

Yes, I am ~~obsessed~~ interested in photography. I’m not very good at it, but I try. My interest in photography didn’t escalate until the birth of our 4-year-old grandson. I had a camera before then – a 35mm film camera – and took pictures only on special occasions and vacations. I am a Nikon user which began with my first digital camera about 7 years ago – a Nikon 5700. I was intimidated by digital technology at first. That lasted about 7 seconds. I quickly outgrew that camera and upgraded to a Nikon 8800, followed by a D200 and my current love – a D300. Along with my DSLR came an array of lenses. I am truly hooked and am rarely caught without my camera. I shoot anything; however, our grandchildren are my favorite subjects.

CG: It's obvious you love to travel. Please tell me your all-time favorite destination and when it happened.

This is a tough question because we love to travel. Doughboy and I have been everywhere in the Caribbean but we also enjoy traveling around the U.S. We tend to travel in the west and southwest – favorite ski destinations are Vail/Beaver Creek, Colorado; Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah; Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Other favorites are Albuquerque, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe. As we get older, we prefer warm climates. Doughboy would agree that our favorite Caribbean vacation destination was Aruba - it was my daughter's high school graduation gift.

CG: What is your favorite dish?

I love all food. Look at me – can’t you tell? However, nothing beats thin crust pizza from Gino’s East (a Chicago eatery) and a cold beer. I'm a cheap date.

CG: What kind of music are you drawn to and what recording artists do you prefer?

My taste in music is very eclectic – I listen to classics (Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand), 70’s and 80’s pop, and country (Brad Paisley, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney). If I had to choose a favorite artist, it would be Keith Urban. He is sooooo HOT!

CG: What would you consider your greatest achievement to date?

This is easy - my greatest achievement is being a mom. Jamie has grown into the most beautiful woman, inside and out. She is an incredible wife, mother, friend, and daughter. She has given me three wonderful grandchildren - I am incredibly proud of her!

Do you want to be interviewed by me? C'mon - it's not that difficult. If you do, here are the directions:

Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
Include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

See? It's that easy! I look forward to learning more about you...

New and Improved Flickr Slideshow

2009-01-24T11:05:00.027-05:00

With each new post and upload of photos, I carefully monitor the available space remaining on my Blogger site. I am at 94% capacity and worry about running out of space. I have already coughed up the loot to increase my Blogger account, but even Blogger has limits. {sigh} Do I quit blogging? Nope, not yet. I'm a bloggy addict and enjoy having a blog almost as much as I enjoy reading blogs. This is one addiction I'm not prepared to give up. Even if there were such a program as Bloggers Anonymous, I doubt I would be successful in my recovery.

I realize that most of my Blogger space is chewed up by photo images. My only recourse, other than to start another Blogger site and link to the original one, is to limit the amount of photos I upload to blogger. But I LOVE photos! I may yet need to create another Blogger site, but for now Flickr comes to the rescue.

Flickr has upgraded to allow users more flexibility in embedding photo slideshows. Photos are stored on the Flickr web site - not on Blogger - thus saving precious space on my Blogger site. If you're new to Flickr, it's easy to set up a FREE account. You can begin uploading photos today and create slideshow sets. Also new to Flickr is the ability to order/purchase photos - this is a huge improvement.

Sets can then be embedded in Blogger as photo slideshows in bite-sized form. Just click the “Share” link from any slideshow, then copy and paste the embed code wherever you want. You can maximize the use of Flickr by paying a small fee for Flickr Pro - this provides unlimited use to Flickr's photo storage that even I won't max out anytime soon.

Lastly, you can embiggen a slideshow! Click the full size icon on the bottom right of any slideshow to have it take over your screen. Can I get an Amen? Amen.

The following is a sampling of the newly improved Flickr slideshow. They are projects made by instructors from the Ultimate Scrapbook Cruise. To begin the slideshow, click on the white arrow and press your spacebar once. The spacebar will not work if you are in full screen mode. You may maximize the view by clicking the full screen icon only after the slideshow has begun.

Jamaica, Mon

2009-01-22T19:42:00.009-05:00

You are probably groaning..."Oh no. Yet another post about her cruise?" Cheer up, friends. Jamaica was the final port of call before our return to Ft. Lauderdale. Stay with me...my trip down memory lane is almost over.

One week ago Doughboy and I had spent the day exploring Dunns River Falls and rode the ski lift to the top of Mystic Mountain. It was early morning when we arrived at the port of Ocho Rios in picturesque Jamaica. It was a beautiful picture perfect day with temps in the mid 80's - a long way from the 10 degree temps at home.

Since this is the last post about our idyllic Caribbean cruise, I must admit I'm having a difficult time letting go. For the past 9 years, Doughboy and I have seen each other mainly on weekends - that's an average of 8 days each month. His job takes him hundreds of miles away from home. Being on vacation, I saw him every day for a week. It was wonderful. Returning back to reality and the responsibilities of life, I miss him. A lot.

Grand Cayman Island

2009-01-21T19:44:00.032-05:00

One week ago Doughboy and I had spent the day exploring Grand Cayman Island. The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean Sea. They are the peaks of a massive underwater ridge, known as the Cayman Trench, standing 8,000 feet from the sea floor, which barely exceeds the surface. And like any island worth its salt, and sand, Grand Cayman has weathered a few hurricanes -- most recently Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The Cayman Islands are most known for its thousands of banks, making it a mecca for the rich and famous to dodge the IRS through protected offshore accounts. The pristine waters make it a popular destination for divers, snorkelers, and tourists wanting to escape the winter for white sand beaches.

Our shore excursion was a Jeep caravan around the island. We visited a beach, drove through a mangrove conservation area, and the town of Hell. Our excursion ended with lunch on famous 7 Mile Beach just a stone's throw from the port of George Town. It was also Doughboy's 62nd birthday which we celebrated back at our cabin. Thank you ScrapMap for the champagne and chocolate treats. And happy birthday, sweetheart...I love you!

Blogging for Brownie Points

2009-01-20T18:51:00.008-05:00

I'm finally catching my breath and working my way through piles of laundry. Suitcases are empty and ready for their return to storage, clothes are washed and folded (not yet placed in drawers), and I'm cruising my favorite blogs. Doughboy is freezing his tushie off in Pittsburgh and my life is returning to a normal routine.

The winter CHA Convention and Trade Show takes place next week. For those familiar with the Craft & Hobby Association, this event marks the semi-annual release of new products and latest industry trends. One of my favorite products is AccuCut. I already own several dies and enjoy sharing them with my Scrap Club friends. AccuCut is having a sneak peek on their blog and hosting a give-away of one of their new stationary dies.

I gain brownie points if I post about the give-away and link back to the AccuCut blog. It's no problem posting about this product - I would gladly do it with or without a give-away. But if it gets me closer to winning this fabulous die, I'll do whatever it takes. So here I am - pimping for brownie points :)

The preceding has been a public service announcement from a deranged AccuCut fan.

P.S. Scrap Club Divas - please post on your blog to win this die. It would be a great new addition to our existing library.

Six Random Things

2009-01-20T05:30:00.007-05:00

I've been tagged by Deb at Drivin' 55 with a meme. Pondering my answers, a more profound question comes to mind. What the heck is a meme? There is a plethora (I love this word) of information on Google (you gotta love Google too) pertaining to meme. Here's what I found.

A meme is:

An idea that, like a gene, can replicate and evolve.

A unit of cultural information that represents a basic idea that can be transferred from one individual to another, and subjected to mutation, crossover and adaptation.

A cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one generation to another by nongenetic means (as by imitation); "memes are the cultural counterpart of genes".

There is even an entire web site (click here) just for the purpose of identifying popular memes. Anyway, I've been tagged with the meme that is making the rounds in recent days: The Six Random Things Meme. Here are the rules:

Link to the person who tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Write six random things about yourself.
Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
Let each person know that they were been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Okay, here it goes...

Doughboy and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in less than two months. This is a second marriage for us both. We met quite by chance on a blind date of sorts (I responded to his personal ad - the precursor to eharmony and match.com) and we married 5 weeks later. Yes, I did say five weeks. I will blog more about this some day. To this day he remains my very best friend and being with him still makes my heart melt.

I have little to no musical talent whatsoever. However, I fantasize about having a voice like Barbra Streisand. Did you know she has perfect pitch? Also, I would give anything to play piano well - really, really well.

I have an irrational fear of death. More than death itself, I fear the despair I would feel if Doughboy passed first and left me alone. I cannot imagine life without him. If you've read Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook or have seen the movie version, you'd understand how I feel.

I'm what you could call a jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none. I do some things okay and other things fairly well, but I don't really master anything. If money were no object, I would return to school - Savannah College of Art and Design - and complete a degree in photography. Beyond that (if money were no object) I would work with photography professionals to hone my craft and travel to interesting places around the world. I'm not interested in fame or money. I just want to take photos of my family and the things I love.

I cannot tolerate dishonesty. Nothing gets my blood boiling more than a lie. I am extremely loyal and would rather have a few close relationships than many casual acquaintances. As in every relationship, honesty and forthrightness are critical. Don't ask my opinion if you expect a sugar-coated reply.

The ocean calls to me. If I could live anywhere, it would be a home on a beach where I could walk on the sand anytime I wanted and fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

You've been tagged!

Jamie at Our Crazy Life
Pam at Pam's Little Blog
Judy at Judyann's Fun Blog
Nikki at City Living...Again
Roxanne at The Schwandt's
Vanessa at Lawsy Mercy

P.S. I've been asked how to create a ~~strike-through~~ in blogger. Click here for directions.

One Week Ago

2009-01-19T18:06:00.022-05:00

Vacations come and go so quickly. Today was a return to reality and a mountain of work on my desk. I would catch myself in daydream thinking back to where we were and what we were doing one week ago. The temps were in the mid 80's with a gently blowing breeze as we strolled along the streets of Key West FL. The liberation of being on vacation lightened our mood and all thoughts of work and responsibilities back home quickly disappeared.

Doughboy and I walked along historic Duval Street stopping to window shop or catch a cool drink. We sipped on a margarita at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and another at Hog's Breath Saloon. {sigh} We even hopped aboard the Conch Train as it wound around through narrow streets and historic neighborhoods for more than an hour. It was the perfect day...and a perfect beginning to our week-long cruise.

P.S. To all my bloggy friends, I have not forgotten you. I will visit soon...after I finish unpacking and getting through my mountain of laundry. Thanks for being patient with me...

Lost and Found

2009-01-18T07:07:00.018-05:00

As I begin to edit my photos from our Caribbean cruise, I realize I didn't take very many pictures. I suppose that's a sign of the fun we had - I spent more time taking in the sights than behind a camera lens. I promise to get a few highlights of the cruise posted later. However, no vacation is entirely smooth and ours was no exception. Here is a tale of lost and found.

Any serious scrapbooker has an arsenal of assorted tools and supplies. ScrapMap provided a list of items each participant was required to bring. The list included a Crop-a-Dile, Zutter Bind-It-All, Big Bite, scissors, dry and wet adhesives, trimmers, punches, etc. Scrapbookers know these items don't come cheap. I have a special rolling case and hand-tote made just for scrapbook supplies. Packed to the brim with all the supplies I needed for a week of classes, it was the second most important suitcase (my photography equipment reigns supreme in importance and never leaves my side).

Traveling from Atlanta to Ft. Lauderdale is an easy 1-1/4 hour direct flight. Doughboy wanted to start our vacation on the right foot and used his highly coveted frequent flyer miles to score first class seats. Being a no-brainer flight, we eagerly waited for our luggage to arrive on the baggage carousel. One, two, three...three...where is #4? The one suitcase I couldn't live without - the one that contained all my scrap supplies - was missing!

To make a very long story short, Doughboy drew a lot of attention in his effort to calm his irrational wife by working with the ~~disinterested~~ helpful Delta baggage claim representative. A quick check on Doughboy's Blackberry showed another flight from Atlanta was scheduled to arrive in 35 minutes.

And so we waited for the next flight to arrive in the hope my bag was somehow separated from the rest of our luggage. No such luck. Giving up, we made our way to the port without my missing bag but with the assurance it would be delivered to the ship via taxi. Two hours later our ship left port...without the missing suitcase. Thank you Delta airlines.

Our first port of call was Key West - an approximate 4-hour drive (one way) from Ft. Lauderdale. Doughboy worked his ~~frustration~~ charm with Delta and had my missing bag delivered to Key West via taxi. Woo hoo! It's no wonder why I adore this man! Doughboy knows that if mamma ain't happy, ain't no one happy. The bag was dirty, frayed, and the pull handle was missing. But I was so relieved to see it - sitting along the side of the road at a security check point. What was lost had been found. This calls for a celebration!

Home Again...almost

2009-01-17T10:44:00.012-05:00

Here I am sitting in the Delta Crown Room at the Ft. Lauderdale airport waiting for our plane to begin boarding for our flight home. Nearly one week has passed since Doughboy and I embarked on a 6-day Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Cruise Lines. Our journey took us to Key West, Grand Cayman Island, and Jamaica. I have many photos to share when I get them downloaded, but will post a sneak peek of a beautiful sandy beach at Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

We celebrated Doughboy's birthday last Wednesday; however, the real purpose of going on the cruise was to scrapbook. I can hear loud groans from readers who don't understand the lure of scrapbooking. Two years ago my daughter and I, along with two friends, journeyed on an 8-day Hawaiian adventure for the 2007 Ultimate Scrapbook Cruise. When ScrapMap advertised the 2009 Ultimate Scrapbook Cruise more than 15 months ago I asked Doughboy if he wanted to tag along. The rest is history, so to speak. If you would ask Doughboy how he happened to be on a cruise with 200 women all ~~obsessed~~ interested in the same hobby, he will tell you he was held hostage. Don't believe him...it was FUN! My dear friend Chere, who joined me on the Hawaiian cruise, also traveled with me this week. She brought along her hostage hubby too. In fact, several women traveled with their spouse/significant other.

If you're wondering what a scrapbook cruise is about, I will say it is tons of fun. While at sea we took classes taught by experts in the scrapbook industry: Heidi Swapp, Donna Downey, Margie Romney-Aslett, Karen Russell, and Teresa Collins. We learned new techniques, previewed the latest trends and products, and had a wonderful experience meeting women from all over the world. Fellow attendees came from as far away as Germany, Italy, Norway, Australia, Greece, Canada, France, and of course all four corners of the U.S.

Look for more photos and tales of our Caribbean adventure...and look for news about our next cruise to Alaska (coming up in August 2010). Shhhhh...Doughboy doesn't know about it yet. And, yes, it's another scrapbook cruise. But this one is planned around couples. There will be special events for spouses while event attendees participate in classes. Oh, and did I mention there is a reprise of the Ultimate Scrapbook Cruise for 2010? It is an 8-day Caribbean adventure with ports of call in the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Martin. Hmmm... there may be TWO cruises in my future. If you're interested in joining the fun, visit the ScrapMap web site for more information.

Vaseline Glass

2009-01-10T06:00:00.005-05:00

You could describe the mix of old and new in our home as eclectic. We have no antique furniture, but we have several precious pieces of glassware that were given to me by my grandmothers. My maternal grandmother passed away Christmas Eve a few years ago at nearly 102 years. More than 30 years ago she gave the following bowl to me.

This beautiful old bowl with an all over hobnail pattern and opalescent edge, possibly made by Fenton, is a color referred to as "Topaz". The uranium content in this old art glass reacts to light and causes it to fluoresce - this can be seen easily under a black light. The ruffled top of this trumpet bowl is doubled crimped and edged in what is most often referred to as "vaseline glass" - this vaseline or opalescent was carried though the first few rows of the hobnails.

How I was given this piece is just as interesting as its origin. My grandmother promised that the next family member to marry would receive the bowl as a wedding gift. My mother claimed to have remarried, but in fact, did not. (I never said I come from a wholesome family.) She had been given the bowl as promised, but was quickly relieved of the bowl when my grandmother learned of this deception. My grandmother took the bowl from my mother's china cabinet and handed it to me, saying "It's yours now".

I love this piece - it sits safely in our china cabinet. Unfortunately, my grandmother passed away before I thought to ask how this piece came to be in her possession. Someday it will be passed to my daughter, and eventually our new granddaughter, Ava. I find it extraordinary to pass a piece of history to future generations. It's amazing to think that Ava will have something that once belonged to her great-great-grandmother.

Do you have anything that was passed to you from a cherished family member?

I'm Henry The 8th I Am

2009-01-09T18:47:00.012-05:00

When I started this blog many moons ago, I vowed never to discuss three taboo subjects: my political views, work/employer, and anything else that may offend or embarrass. I have been conspicuously absent from blogging this week. I cannot offer an explanation as it would break my rule about discussing work. To quote Doughboy, I must put my big girl panties on and suck it up. Life would be so much better if I won the lottery.

When life gets tough, I hunker down and occupy my mind with something easy and numbing. Usually I would lose myself in an absorbing novel. But I found something better. I am addicted to The Tudors - a Showtime special series about the reign of England's King Henry the VIII. I watched season one several months ago - all 10 episodes - in mindless abandon. I was ecstatic to find the next season in our mailbox Tuesday. I had forgotten that I ordered the DVD months ago; it was scheduled to auto ship with the release of season two. From the day it arrived in the mail, I treated myself to a dose of nightly history. It stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as the monarch and chronicles the life of Henry VIII from the time he was crowned king (following the untimely death of his older 15 year old brother) through his life and succession of six wives. Season two concludes with the beheading of Queen Anne Boleyn and the betrothal of Henry to Jane Seymour (wife #3).

If you aren't familiar with the series, and plan to watch it, I must warn that it contains nudity, violence, and adult content. However, the stunning cast, luscious wardrobe, and historical account of royalty in the 1500's makes this series a must see. Enjoy!

Oh Deer!

2009-01-05T18:27:00.009-05:00

EGADS! - it was nearly impossible to get into the routine of returning to work today. The past two weeks flew by at lightening speed. It was a sad drive as I took Doughboy to the airport last night for his flight to Pittsburgh and work. {sigh} The alarm jarred me out of a deep sleep at 5:30am this morning and I was on the road by 7:15. It rained throughout the 30 minute commute - the soggy weather matched my ominous mood. I should have stayed in bed, assumed the fetal position, and pulled the covers over my head. I really need to win the lottery.

It was dark when I left home this morning, and nearly dark when I returned this evening. Yes, I'm whining. But I feel it's warranted. Four more days until Doughboy makes his way back home from Pittsburgh, and 6 days until we board the cruise ship for a week long Caribbean adventure. I feel like the Little Engine That Could..."I-think-I-can, I-think-I-can".

Pulling into the driveway tonight I glanced to the field next to our house. There was a family of eight deer ambling slowly toward the tree line and munching on something delectable. It was barely light, but I ran inside to grab my camera anyway. The wide aperture, advancing nightfall, and distance from me to the deer made it difficult to capture a decent photo. Why don't they ever make an appearance during day light? Well, perhaps they do...but I'm at WORK! Arghhhh!

The deer were poised for a quick retreat until they realized I posed no threat. With elbows on the railing, I watched from our deck until it grew too dark to see. They were so peaceful, content, and in no hurry to go to work. Perhaps they already won the lottery.

Tomorrow will be better...it has to be.

This Face

2009-01-04T20:29:00.006-05:00

I adore this face! I could photograph Ava all day long...when I'm not holding her. She is absolute perfection!

Happy Birthday Pam!

2009-01-04T19:59:00.008-05:00

Being the first Sunday of the month, the ladies of Scrap Club gathered at our home for a day of fun. Not only do we meet regularly for Scrap Club, we meet occasionally for dinner and travel together to special events. Four of five traveled to Nashville TN last spring for the Scrap Etc. event, and to Stamford CT in the fall for CPR (Creative Photography Retreat). We're life-long friends who share common interests, hobbies, and a unique bond.

Today was special - we celebrated Pam's birthday. Following a delicious lunch, Pam opened gifts and cut into a scrumptuous cheesecake that Chere brought for the occasion. Happy birthday, Pam...may we celebrate many more together!

Getting Bigger

2009-01-02T19:48:00.010-05:00

Today is Ava's 5-week birthday. She has come a long way since her days in the NICU. Ava's cheeks are getting softer and plumper and her eyes have begun to focus on objects for longer periods of time. Jamie is an amazing mother - very relaxed and laid back. As soon as Ava whimpers I am right there to pick her up. Jamie smiles indulgently at me and lets me be a doting grandmother. This tiny little snippet of a girl has all of us wrapped around her little finger. We wouldn't have it any other way.

We all love you, baby girl!

What's A Girl To Do???

2009-01-01T12:05:00.013-05:00

When the clock strikes twelve on December 31st, people all over the world cheer and wish each other a very Happy New Year. For some, this event is no more than a change of a calendar. For others, the New Year symbolizes the beginning of a better tomorrow. So, if you look forward to a good year ahead, spread happiness with these wonderful New Year wishes.

What better way is there to spread happiness than with your bloggy friends? Especially when Doughboy has taken ill and slumbers in bed. {sigh} So, I logged onto my computer and cruised the blogroll for any recent activity. Oh joy! Country Girl Kate had posted 58 minutes ago. She posted a lovely flower photo and told of the mimosa she was presently sipping. Yummm...I LOVE mimosas. And they're good for you with all the orange juice and vitamins, right? Remembering a stash of mini champagne bottles in the pool house, I braved the frigid elements to test my memory. Viola!

Imagine my pleasure when I found not just one miniature bottle, but a selection of three from which to choose!

I thought it prudent to prove the miniature size of the bottles lest you think I'm a lush. I wish I had the foresight to wash the dust from the glass BEFORE posting on my blog.

Which brand should I choose? Relying on the only scientific method I know, I selected the one whose name I couldn't pronounce.

Ummmm...this is delicious! Excuse me while I have a moment....

Okay, I'm back.

I raise my glass in an old Irish toast to all my family, friends, and bloggy friends...

In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want.

The Watchers

2009-01-01T06:00:00.012-05:00

It might have something to do with my Cherokee heritage, or it may be just a simple fascination...but I have always been intrigued by wolves. Seeing them in the wild, it's hard to believe that our tiny 4 pound Yorkie shares the same DNA. Lucky for me that Doughboy shares the same appreciation for wolves in art form. We've collected many lovely pieces over the years, but none matches the incomparable talent of Bonnie Marris.

Wildlife artist Bonnie Marris’ fascination with animals began at an early age when, at the age of two, she spent hours in front of the wolf cage at the zoo, enraptured by the animals within. The attention to detail evident in her work is a consequence of long hours studying her subjects in the field and her background in illustration. Bonnie Marris has taken an unusual path into art; she developed her talent by portraying animals “from the inside out.”

It isn't easy to bring me to tears. However, Doughboy accomplished this on Christmas Eve by giving me a rare edition of Bonnie Marris' recent work entitled The Watchers. A couple months ago he contacted an art broker only to be told The Watchers had sold out soon after its release. When Doughboy told the broker about our collection of Bonnie Marris art, he contacted Ms. Marris and she agreed to sell a MasterWork Giclee from her personal collection. Our canvas is numbered 5 of 5.

In addition to wolves, Bonnie Marris paints a variety of other animals such as cows, dogs, horses, grizzly bear, and foxes. The two shown below hang in our bedroom. The colors are incredible and must be seen in person to be truly appreciated.

Other pieces that can be found in our home are...

I can't explain our fascination for wolves, but art defies explanation. It exists in the heart and eye of the beholder. After we depart this earth, we will pass our collections to our grandchildren so they will have a piece of what mattered to us. If you're interested in seeing more of Bonnie Marris' incredible talent, click here .

What type of art gets you excited? Do you have any special collections?

P.S.

On New Year's Day and the whole year through, I hope the kindness you've given to others returns many times to you. May hope, love, and warmth be in your heart's possessing, and may the New Year bring you and yours many blessings. Happy New Year!!!

A Bug On the Wall

2008-12-31T06:00:00.008-05:00

Our West Highland Terrier, Kady (a/k/a Bug) loves exploring the great outdoors. Of our three canine children, Kady is the youngest and most adventurous. Doughboy was standing on the back deck when he called me outside to enjoy the last light of day. In his deadpan humor, he nodded his head toward the pool and said, "Wouldn't you love to be a bug on the wall?" Hardy har har.

On my top 10 list of favorite things is to snuggle outdoors by the fireplace. There's nothing like the smell and crackle of a wood fire. It's even better when snuggled together under a warm blanket watching the stars brighten above.

Doughboy and I work well as a team; he starts the fire (thank you, Jeff for talking us into a gas fire starter!) while I go to the pool house to grab the blanket and drinks. I love the coziness of the pool house, whether it be winter or summer. For now, the Margaritaville blender is silent until the warmer months of spring and summer.

Brrr...it's really chilly. Hmmm...should we forget the fire and stay indoors instead?

While struggling with my inner conscience, Doughboy calls from outside, "The fire is ready". {sigh} I guess I must leave the warmth of the pool house and brave the chilly night.

It isn't long before I realize that snuggling with Doughboy under the blanket is more than a fair trade.

Where ever you live, I hope your New Year's Eve is warm. If not, grab someone you love and cuddle under a blanket together.

I've Got A Secret

2008-12-30T16:16:00.028-05:00

Do you remember the first photo in this post? Looking at this photo, I was a little embarrassed about the empty bookcase. After all, we've lived in our new home well over a year. Decorating the bookcase hasn't been a priority of ours...until now. Doughboy and I made it our mission to find the perfect items. Who knew we would find them in our attic?

Finding these antique literary works of art is like winning the lottery. Imagine our surprise to find them right under our nose...or, in our case, right over our heads?

There are a total of 48 priceless novels. But who left them in our attic? More importantly, why?

Among the books were other antique treasures...like this cast iron mermaid.

And this old trunk that someone had cleverly turned into a clock.

Finders keepers, losers weepers. No matter who left them behind, they're ours now.

Wouldn't you agree our bookcase is much improved by these fabulous finds?

The room has been transformed into a cozy retreat. Perfect for curling up in a soft chair next to a fire and reading late into the night. Appearing behind one of the comfy chairs is our memory wall. It contains a partial collection of maps from the many places we visited over the past 20 years.

Depicting our love of sailing and travel is a hand-painted compass on the ceiling.

After a fun day unpacking our precious finds from the attic, it's time to sit down with one of the books for a quiet evening. Hmmmm...this one looks interesting.

But wait! What's this? It's not a book at all. It's a clever ruse...a hollow box made to look like a book.

To be completely honest, we moved into our house a year ago and it was brand new. The attic is empty (so far) and these are not priceless antiques. Nope, we have Garden Ridge to thank for these fabulous literary finds. I apologize for misleading you, but a little intrigue felt appropriate at the moment.

What do you think? Thumbs up...thumbs down...or, I don't care? If you don't like it, I have to tell you it was all Doughboy's idea. Of course if you like it, I'm taking all the credit!

A Compilation of Memories

2008-12-28T08:17:00.020-05:00

My favorite time of the weekend is early morning when Doughboy is still snuggled fast asleep in bed and the house is quiet. The pups have been fed and they are slumbering nearby. It is the time to catch up on blogging and reading my favorite blogs. I enjoy the eclectic mix of posts and, if so inspired, will write a comment to let the blogger know I am here and listening. I regularly visit every blog listed on my blogroll - it's like chatting with a cherished friend over a cup of coffee (even though I don't drink coffee). I gravitate toward bloggers who share similar interests and/or write from their heart. I look at blogging as a means to catch up with personal friends and family; however, I also enjoy blogs that inspire my passion for photography such as Country Girl Kate, and those rich in history such as Weaver's blog. Yes, I really enjoy the blogging community whom I visit regularly.

I was quite inspired this morning by Deb's description of setting the perfect table for her family and Weaver's commentary/poem on aging. Both of these posts struck a chord in my heart because I have been giving the holidays, particularly Christmas, much thought. I have many wonderful memories of the holidays when I was a young girl growing up in Wisconsin. It was the one time each year when our entire family - my maternal grandmother and all her children and grandchildren - gathered together. That same grandmother, beloved by all, passed away on Christmas Eve at 3 months shy of her 102nd birthday.

It is because of my wonderful memories that makes me want to create similar happy moments for my child and her children to remember. Familial traditions are important to me. As much as Deb works hard to set a lovely table, a metaphor for creating warm memories for her family, so do we work hard to set the stage at Christmas and other holidays throughout the year. It's all in the details - a carefully laid table, lovingly prepared food, warm fireplaces, brightly colored packages stacked beneath a decorated tree, scented candles in every room, and holiday music playing softly in the background. Our grandchildren are too young to notice the details, but they will some day.

They'll remember the needlepoint stockings embroidered with each of their names, the scented candles...

The table set in festive tradition with Santa Claus napkin rings...

Brightly colored ornaments on the tree...

And, Bumpa in his traditional holiday attire...

GAK! My eyes! My eyes!

Put some clothes on man, don't you know there are children around????

Surviving Christmas

2008-12-26T21:11:00.016-05:00

Was Santa good to you? He was very, very good to me! I'll have to tell you all about it. But first, here are a few shots of Christmas Eve at our house and Christmas Day at my daughter and SIL's house.
Hmmmm...you can see we're still not finished decorating, even after living in our new home a year. Oh, well...we'll see what the new year brings.

After buying boy toys for 4 years, it's so much fun having a little girl this year. I couldn't resist buying Ava's first doll.

Here's little Ava...our very own living doll!

The boys had a mock battle with swords and light sabres... Ayden was Aniken Skywalker and Jameson was a Ninja Turtle.

I already mentioned that Santa (a/k/a Doughboy) was very generous this year. I have long been intrigued with history, particularly Egyptology. Tomorrow, Doughboy is taking me to the Tutankhamun exhibit at Atlanta's Civic Center followed by the a visit to the High Museum to see First Emperor: China's Terre Cotta Army. Sadly cameras are not allowed due to the delicate nature of the ancient artifacts. But I'll enjoy it nonetheless. I'll let you know how we like it.

Give-Away on Drivin' 55

2008-12-24T09:47:00.006-05:00

With the spirit of giving all around us, my friend Deb over at Drivin' 55 is giving away a gorgeous gift. All you have to do is click here to be linked to her blog and follow the instructions. It couldn't be easier.

I'm taking a brief break from blogging to enjoy our family during the holidays. I wish the best to you and yours...and may the spirit of the holidays be with you all year round.

Back To Normal

2008-12-23T06:37:00.014-05:00

Jamie delivered her dad and step-mother to Atlanta's airport yesterday for their flight back to Wisconsin. Their departure means a return to normalcy for me. I might add that I don't feel the same way about Jason's parents (they are also from Wisconsin). Debbie - Jason's mom - is a hoot! Have you heard the expression "Laugh and the whole world laughs with you"? That pretty much describes Debbie - she has an infectious sense of humor and I genuinely enjoy being around her. Fortunately, she doesn't mind my being around either. When she comes to visit, I regularly invite myself to my daughter and SIL's home so I may also spend time with Debbie.

With the parentals on their way back to Wisconsin, I left work at noon and won't return again until next Monday. I will work another half day to process payroll, then I am off again until the New Year. Yippee! I was able to participate in Ayden's holiday party yesterday afternoon. Actually, I was the paparazzi while my daughter helped her 4-year-old son decorate a gingerbread house. This was a great idea that I plan to use in the years to come. Our local grocery store sells undecorated gingerbread house kits. The house comes preassembled in a cute protective box. The school provided a long work table at the perfect height for little tots. Placed on the table were plastic cups filled with yummy goodies perfect for decorating - gummy bears, red and green M&M's, brightly colored Sprees, miniature Oreo cookies, sugared gum drops were just a few of the treats. Each child was given a cup of white frosting as the backdrop for the decorations. They had tons of fun!

The kids put on an adorable program for the parents and grandparents. They sang traditional Christmas songs, such as Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer, and made use of bells as musical props. It was all just too cute!

What A Difference A Day Makes

2008-12-22T05:00:00.002-05:00

Saturday's weather was unseasonably warm with temps reaching into the 70's. It was almost a record setting day for December. Being the first day of winter, Sunday heralded a change in temperature as the thermometer plunged more than twenty degrees. Whereas Saturday's overnight low was 64 degrees, this morning it is 20. On top of the dropping temps, the blustery wind makes it feel even colder. Brrrr...

Doughboy and I finished some last minute shopping, then worked on our holiday cards. Yes, I know they're quite late. But last year I procrastinated and missed Christmas entirely. Our holiday cards and corresponding envelopes are always handmade. I started several months ago by machine stitching strips of cardstock on the background. Layered on top are dimensional Christmas trees in shades of pink and aqua with sequins for adornment. I am very pleased with how they turned out. The first 10 visitors who send me their address will receive one of my handemade cards in the mail. Please respond via e-mail to keep your personal information confidential.

After putting the finishing touches on our cards, Doughboy and I braved the blustery winds for the security of the pool house. We toasted the holidays and each other by sipping a martini - or two - with our favorite tunes playing in the background. I love the coziness of the pool house. Even in winter it is warm and inviting. Next to the pool house are several bushes that are vibrant with pink blossoms in summer. I was surprised to find the bushes covered with lovely blossoms yesterday, it being the first day of winter. Sadly the fragile blossoms won't last long but they'll return again in spring. I may have been born and raised in Wisconsin, but I am a southern girl at heart. I love living here!

Wherever you live, I hope your holidays are cheerful and bright!

Going Through Withdrawal

2008-12-21T07:30:00.010-05:00

I don't always share well. This is a fault I try to control, but it isn't always easy. As you can tell from the number of posts and photos, our grandchildren are very important to me - to US. My daughter's father and step-mother are visiting from Wisconsin and I am keeping a respectiful distance. Rarely do I go longer than a couple days without seeing the kids, but 8 days is torture!

Doughboy and I have been keeping busy with last minute shopping and making preparations for Christmas. With the unseasonal warm temps in the 70's, we frequently commented about how much the boys would enjoy driving their Razr along the cart path. I had to swat that green monster from my shoulder several times over the past days. Hey - I'm only being honest here.

Amid all the hustle and bustle (and swatting the green monster), I forgot about our cruise coming up in a couple weeks. I started paying for our trip in September 2007. It seems like a million years ago instead of one. All of a sudden, it's here! That would explain why I failed at my goal of losing 50 pounds before we set sail. Anyway, here is our itinerary...

And here is the ship we will call home for a week...

Doughboy and I are accustomed to sailing, but not on a cruise ship. His opinion of cruise vacations is they are for the newly wed or nearly dead. I went on my first cruise two years ago when I treated Jamie to a week in Hawaii for her 30th birthday with friends Deb and Chere along for the fun (it's worth adding that I invited Doughboy but he declined the offer). So, when I told him that Chere and I wanted to cruise again, he didn't hesitate to accept my offer to join us. If all else fails, Doughboy and Chere's husband will find plenty of fun in the ship's casino. You can expect many photos and stories to come from our adventure on the high seas.

A Whiter Shade of Pale

2008-12-19T17:55:00.010-05:00

As much as I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I always look forward to putting them behind me. I love the feeling of anticipation I get when a new year begins. 2008 heralded many surprises for us, the most important being the addition of two new babies to our growing family. Looking back on the past year I feel blessed. In spite of the economic downturn, we have our health, jobs, family, home, and friends. My circle of friends include those I see regularly, those who keep in touch via e-mail and phone, and extended community of bloggers.

I am especially blessed to have become pen pals with a blogger I came across through Pioneer Woman. The first post I read of Kate's was The Mustard Story (if this doesn't make your eyes misty, you must be made of stone). I am not an emotional person, but Kate's story drew me in and I became a regular visitor of Chronicles of a Country Girl. Kate writes from her heart. She shares her highs and lows, stories of family and George, photography, and life in the country with a frankness that makes my heart smile. If we lived closer to each other, I know we would be dear friends.

Imagine my excitement upon returning home from work and finding a flat package on my front doorstep. I knew immediately it was from Kate. She had sent me a print from her Etsy site entitled A Whiter Shade of Pale. Tucked on top of the print was a note from Kate. How can such a talented artist be so humble? I'm excited to take my print to Michael's this weekend to have it framed - I will hang it proudly on the wall in my hobby room so that it may inspire my creativity.

If you haven't seen Kate's photography, run - don't walk - to her Etsy site by clicking here. Buy one, buy two, or even three. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks MUCH, dear friend! If I may ever return the favor of a photo, please let me know.

To Spray Or Not To Spray

2008-12-16T19:01:00.007-05:00

I am one-quarter Cherokee Indian. You wouldn't guess it by looking at my blond hair and green eyes. I always admired my father's raven black hair and skin that tanned easily, whereas my fair skin has a tendency to burn.

I favor my mother's looks and with it comes her baby-fine hair. During high school I wore my straight blond hair long and parted in the center. No bangs. I wanted to look like Peggy Lipton of Mod Squad. Today, my hair is cut to just below my ears and my baby-fine hair is liberally covered with hair spray to keep it's style in the Georgia humidity.

A few weeks ago we went to dinner with my daughter and her family. As usual, 4-year-old Ayden ended up on my lap while we waited for our meal to be served. Wanting to gain my full attention when speaking, Ayden placed his little hands on the sides of my head. Focusing love-filled eyes on my adored grandchild, I waited expectantly for him to speak.

"Mimi -- your hair feels like pine straw!"

Some days aren't worth getting out of bed...

16 Days

2008-12-14T21:06:00.009-05:00

Almost a week has passed since Ava was released from the hospital. Being home agrees with her - she is eating like a champ and some of her baby softness has returned.

It's hard to remember that Ava shouldn't even be born yet. It's understandable that most of her day is spent sleeping. The most important part is spent eating Mommy's rich nourishing milk, and an even smaller amount is actually spent awake.

I may be a tiny bit prejudiced... but, isn't she beautiful?

Happy 16 day birthday, Ava Marie. We love you!

The Nuthouse

2008-12-12T10:53:00.004-05:00

Yes, the holidays tend to get very nuts around here. I am only half finished with my Christmas gift shopping with a looming deadline to get all completed and wrapped for shipping to family. Things are getting quite squirrely for me. Me thinks a sip of eggnog will clear the mind.

And Then The Fight Started...

2008-12-09T15:47:00.006-05:00

I might as well admit this post will be lame in the sense that it didn't require great thought on my part to create. But these are just too dang funny not to pass along to you, my adoring reader(s).

My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping channels. She asked, "What's on TV?" I said, "Dust". And then the fight started...

My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary. She said, "I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 250 in about 3 seconds". I bought her a scale. And then the fight started...

When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her someplace expensive... so, I took her to a gas station. And then the fight started...

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later. The woman said, "Unbutton your shirt". So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, "That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me", and she processed my Social Security application. When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office. She said, "You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too". And then the fight started...

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table. My wife asked, "Do you know her?" "Yes," I sighed, "she's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn' t been sober since". "My God!" says my wife, "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?" And then the fight started...

I rear-ended a car this morning. So, there we were along side the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car . You know how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem funny? Yeah, well I couldn't believe it... he was a DWARF!!! He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted, "I AM NOT HAPPY!" So, I looked down at him and said, "Well, then which one are you?" And then the fight started...

A Conversation With Santa

2008-12-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

On the ride home from visiting Ava at the hospital yesterday, Jameson fell soundly asleep. He missed a golden opportunity to talk with the Big Man himself in what may be a last chance to fulfill his Christmas wish list. While Jameson napped at home, Jamie, Ayden and I attended an open house at their school - Royal Learners.

Crawling onto Santa's lap, Ayden asked for a Power Ranger something. The Bearded One seemed to understand exactly what Ayden requested. Hey Santa - can you help a girl out??

After a lengthy and animated discussion with Mr. Claus, we walked to the arts and crafts room where Ayden decorated a graham cracker present.

He also decorated a cookie with brightly colored sprinkles.

"Mimi - look at the pretty cookie I made!"

Going...going...

...GONE!

"Cookie? What cookie?"

Oh Ayden, you're such a con artist but you have to go a long way to best your mother. You don't understand that I survived the Queen of Con.

Ava Marie

2008-12-07T17:10:00.025-05:00

Our youngest grandchild turns 9 today. Not years, but days old. As if to say, "It's time for me to go home", Ava's doctor pronounced her well enough to leave the hospital tomorrow. This was a special day for tiny Ava - she met older brothers Ayden and Jameson, and her Mimi and Bumpa for the first time. I am amazed at how tiny and fragile she is. In the short span since her birth, Ava has endured tremendous obstacles in her young life. She deserves to go home to the love and safety of her waiting family.

Ava's home for the first 10 days of her life

Bumpa (a/k/a Doughboy) waits his turn to meet the youngest of our eight grandchildren.

Jamseon, are you excited to have your sister home? "Nope". Hmmm...Jameson may be a challenge once his sister is home. He is used to being the baby of the family and may not enjoy sharing the attention. Only time will tell...

Daddy lost his heart to a mere snippet of a girl. Ava, I dread the day you bring your first boyfriend home :)

The last time I held a newborn baby girl was nearly 32 years ago...when I cradled Ava's mother

At this moment I remembered why I fell in love with Doughboy

The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Ava gives new meaning to thumb drive.

We love you baby girl!!!!!

Wind In Your Sales: Part VII

2008-12-06T13:21:00.016-05:00

Given the current economic crisis, many families are being forced to cut expenses - particularly for entertainment and vacations. This means a change in our scheduled vacation to the British Virgin Islands in November 2009. You may recall previous Wind In your Sails posts [click here] where I wrote about our plans to bare boat charter a catamaran with two other couples. Unfortunately, one couple suffered a financial setback in July due to an unexpected job loss (the good news is he just received a lucrative job offer - congrats, Mitch!). Another couple is feeling the economic effects by a downturn in revenue for their family business. I don't know anyone who isn't adversely affected by the economic recession in some way. Unfortunate circumstances have forced the six of us to reconsider our travel plans and whether or not it would be financially prudent to cancel.

After much deliberation, the two couples backed out and Doughboy and I decided to continue our charter plans alone. We'll be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in March and this would be our gift to each other. We've downsized the vessel to a 37' monohull sailboat and may even squeak out reduced airfare by cashing our frequent flyer miles. With the down payment I made on the catamaran we are nearly paid in full. So... a-sailing we will go! Here's a photo of the sailboat Doughboy and I will call "home" for a week (sorry for the poor quality - I'm at the mercy of The Moorings' web site).

Someday, when the economy improves and this mess is behind us, we will again make plans to sail with our friends. What fun we'll have sailing the high seas together!

Fun With Playdough

2008-12-04T18:20:00.013-05:00

If you are a reader of our blog, you'd know how much our grandchildren mean to us. Four year old Ayden didn't begin to spend overnight visits with us until this past July 4th. Before then I would ask Ayden when he was going to spend the night and he'd say, "Saturday Thursday". He still has a limited grasp of passing time and measures days by sleeps. Strange yes - but it works for him.

With Jamie in labor with Ava, Ayden and his 2-1/2 year old brother Jameson spent Thanksgiving evening through Saturday with us. Ayden has spent several overnights with us but this was a new experience for younger brother Jameson. We were quite doubtful that he would actually make it through the night without calling daddy to take him home. But he surprised us all by never giving in to a wimper or tears. It helps to keep their little minds occupied at all times.

Bumpa sat patiently with the boys at the kitchen table molding Playdough into artistic shapes. It's amazing how much fun a pack of $1.97 colored Playdough means to kids - both old and young.

Making Playdough shapes requires copius amounts of intense concentration. I love their serious faces. The best part of having grandchildren is being able to play like a kid again. Come to think of it, that has never stopped Doughboy from acting childish ;)

Now that we know Jameson can survive separation anxiety, hopefully this is the beginning of many other wonderful sleepovers with the boys. Now we can begin working on getting baby Ava to sleepover too. First things first, she needs to get healthy enough to come home from the hospital. Hopefully soon...very soon...

Don't Drink The Water!

2008-12-02T20:44:00.016-05:00

Whew - what an exciting week this has been with the arrival of two new babies! Kelly delivered a healthy baby girl by a scheduled C-section procedure at 1:30 p.m. Eastern time last Friday. You can read about Tova Margaret on the Engstrom blog here.

Four hours later, Tova's cousin Ava Marie made her debut. Because Ava's arrival was a few weeks ahead of schedule, she remains in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit until her little lungs grow stronger. But she is pure perfection and growing stronger with each passing day. You can read about Ava on the Payne blog here.

With the addition of two new babies, the number of our grandchildren has increased to eight. This is going to be a fun-filled Christmas! With Doughboy as my caddy, I better get started on my Christmas gift shopping before the holidays sneak up on me. But first things first...

New babies call for a toast... or two. Thank goodness Ayden and Jameson were willing helpers when decorating the tree. Didn't they do a great job?

P.S. With the early arrival of Roxanne and Tom's baby - Nathan Gerald born Tuesday, December 2nd - all I can say is I'm not taking any chances. It's bottled water for me! Congrats on the safe and healthy arrival of your bouncing baby boy! For more information about their little bundle of joy, visit the Schwandt blog here. Hugs and kisses!

I hope everyone's holidays are off to a grrrreat start!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T07:35:00.010-05:00

Thanksgiving, also known as Thanksgiving Day, is a harvest festival. Traditionally, it is a time to give thanks for the harvest and express gratitude in general. Thanksgiving dinner is usually celebrated by a gathering of family members. Whatever your plans may be, I hope your holiday is safe and enjoyable. Remember also to count your blessings. Mine are health, family, and home. Although my list is brief, these precious blessings are my life. If all goes as planned, our family will have grown by two new babies before the holiday weekend is over.

For now, my busy day begins. Doughboy is still snuggled in bed while I'm preparing for today's gluttony. My daughter Jamie and her family will join us later for dinner. It is tradition that Doughboy and I host Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas Eve. Many thanks to Starwood Gal...I am trying three of her fabulous recipes for today's dinner. If you haven't visited her blog, you're in for a taste treat. Her blog is filled with treasured family recipes that have simple ingredients and are easy to follow.

Today's menu is...

Roasted Turkey
Sausage, Apple and Walnut Stuffing
Cheesy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Shallots and Garlic
Corn Pudding
Sweet Potato Casserole
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Flaky rolls and butter

Dessert is lovingly prepared by Jamie - a chocolate cheesecake and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. I'll be sure to take photos and post tomorrow.

Enjoy the holiday...and if your plans take you away from home, have a safe journey.

Get Out The Vote

2008-11-24T13:08:00.010-05:00

It's time to exercise your constitutional right to vote!

No, I haven't completely lost my mind... and yes, I know the BIG election is behind us. But please go to Kacey's blog site at Wine On The Keyboard to cast your vote for this month's photography contest. I'll even make it easy for you by clicking on the link here. Even if my photo isn't your first choice, that's okay because you can choose up to three (that's 3) photos to win.

In case you don't remember, my photo features a tiny pair of pink baby shoes that I bought for our soon-to-be-born grand-daughter Ava. Click here to see the photo again. But please, please vote before it's too late. Your great-grandmothers and grandmothers who marched for the women's suffrage movement would be proud of you!

Okay, I just made that up. They probably wouldn't care if you vote for my photo, but I would greatly appreciate your support... thank you!

Baby It's Cold Outside...

2008-11-24T05:00:00.005-05:00

...but it's cozy indoors. I adore lazy weekends. Doughboy and I dined (I use the term loosely) at Waffle House Sunday morning. It's funny...until I moved to the south, I never even heard of Waffle House. You either like it or hate it. It happens to be our favorite breakfast hangout because it's the one place I am assured of looking better than the waitresses...even on my worst day. I mean no disrespect toward the wait staff at Waffle House. They are the salt of the earth and work their butts off. I'm just talking about our local Waffle House establishment. This particular Sunday I didn't feel like the whole shower, fix hair, and put on makeup routine. I washed my face, brushed my teeth, combed my hair and donned my favorite Margaritaville baseball cap to cover the mess. Life is good.

It was a glorious day. The brilliant blue sky made a lovely backdrop to the brightly colored leaves stubbornly clinging to branches. It grew warm enough to leave open the back door for as long as the sun was on that side of the house. Kady snoozed in the warmth of the wood deck while her siblings preferred the cushy comfort of Thomasville furniture. Snobs.

I cleaned in preparation for Thanksgiving and lit candles around the house for the ambiance as well as the fragrance. I love the scent of candles almost as much I enjoy a clean house. The latter doesn't happen often in my world, unfortunately. I stripped all the bedding in the kid's room including the baby crib. I want everything to be clean and ready for Ava's arrival. We're on baby watch right now. Because we'll probably have the boys next weekend while mommy is busy delivering their baby sister, Doughboy and I took full advantage of our empty nest lifestyle. We sat by the outdoor fireplace in the mid afternoon until it became chilly. We then went to the movie theater to see Quantum of Solace (the recent 007 flick). Don't waste your money or time. However, in fairness, I was never a fond of James Bond movies unless it starred the debonair Sean Connery. Other than The Changling, that we saw last weekend, there wasn't much else from which to choose. We should have stayed home and had another drink in front of the fire.

How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting?

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

2008-11-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

I love yanking Kady's chain. Not literally, of course. But what else is there to do on a lazy afternoon? Here's Kady Elise (a/k/a Kady Bug) as she watches Doughboy install our new TV. At first she feigns interest.

Her interest quickly dissipates. "Um-hm...I'm still awake."

"Yup...I'm paying attention. Just call if you need my help."

"I'm not sleeping... just resting my eyes...for a sec."

Kady? Are you asleep? Kaaaady!

If you weren't sleeping, then why do you have bed head?

Yup... I love yanking her chain.

I hope your weekend is restful.

Twilight The Movie

2008-11-22T13:22:00.011-05:00

I awoke in the early predawn hour of 6:00 with all the excitement of a 5 year old going to Disney for the first time. Today is the day I see the movie release of my favorite book Twlight!

Inching my plump rump to the edge of the bed, I cautiously tested the temperature of the wood floors with my toes. The chilly floor boards made my toes curl like those of the wicked witch of the west after the house fell on her. "Munchkins, fetch my ruby slippers!"

I searched in the darkness for my sheepskin lined slippers - the ones Doughboy gave to me last Christmas that are two sizes too big. Oh well...big or not, their cozy softness is quite welcome on cold mornings like today. As Doughboy slumbered, I jumped into the steaming hot shower and made myself presentable. We had picked up my very-very-pregnant daughter by 8:45 to arrive at the movie theater to claim first seating rights. I had the forethought to pre-purchase our tickets so waiting in line was unnecessary. Doughboy was the only male in the sea of fellow Twilighters - what a trooper he is! I think he tagged along for the free popcorn.

So, was the movie disappointing? Heck NO! But it really helped to read the book first. The movie stayed quite true to the book and it was exhilarating to see the characters spring to life. If you are one of the millions who read the book, the movie doesn't quite capture everything that Bella was thinking. After all, the book is written in the first person from Bella's perspective. The special effects weren't distracting or over-the-top and the characters were believable. The chemistry between Edward and Bella was amazing while keeping it real from the author's perspective. It is definitely a movie I will buy when the DVD is eventually released. Hopefully there will be a sequel.

Okay, fellow Twilighters... did you see the movie? What did you think? Thumbs up or thumbs down?

Tag - You're It!

2008-11-21T19:36:00.003-05:00

I was tagged by Starwood Gal for a bit of fun. It is an interesting way to share a little information about me and learn something about my blogging friends who are willing to play along. Here we go...

8 TV Shows I Love to Watch:
1. Dancing with the Stars
2. Pushing Daisies (this show has been cancelled – sniff)
3. Ugly Betty
4. Samantha Who
5. Private Practice
6. Grey’s Anatomy
7. Desperate Housewives
8. Travel Channel

8 Places I Love to Eat:
1. Chili’s (especially the Presidente Margaritas)
2. Downtown Grill
3. Applebee’s
4. Gino’s East (Chicago thin crust pizza)
5. Portillo’s (another Chicago eatery)
6. Melting Pot
7. Sundried Tomato
8. Pascal’s

8 Things that happened yesterday:
1. Awoke at 5:30am to get ready for work
2. Spent waaaay too much money during my lunch break on Doughboy’s Christmas gift
3. Went to daughter Jamie’s house after work for free dinner (she's a great cook!)
4. Played with grandsons Ayden and Jameson
5. Prepared dinner for our three canine children
6. Washed and dried a load of laundry
7. Blogged
8. Telephoned Doughboy to say goodnight

8 Things I Love about Fall:
1. Colorful leaves
2. Cooler temps
3. Jeans and sweaters
4. Art & craft festivals
5. Halloween
6. Thanksgiving dinner
7. Baking
8. Burning leaves

8 Things on My Wish List:
1. Sell our previous home for asking price
2. Healthy economy
3. Nikkor 85mm portrait lens
4. Lose 50 pounds
5. Better health
6. Retirement (me)
7. Retirement (Doughboy)
8. Win Mega Millions Lottery largest jackpot in history

That was fun! Consider yourself tagged and send me a link to your Crazy Eights reply. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend and try to keep warm :)

Kid's Room Part Deux

2008-11-21T05:00:00.004-05:00

I started this blog more than a year ago when we bought our new home. There was daily action on construction of the pool and poolhouse, and decorating inside. Because Doughboy's job takes him away from home Monday thrugh Friday, he was missing all the activity and wanted a way to keep informed. I never expected there would be other readers. I apologize for the boring topic of this post, but Doughboy has asked to see Mike's progress on our grandchildren's bedroom.

Mike Sheperd has finished his magic on transforming the walls of our grandchildren's bedroom into a marvelous southwestern scene. Mike is an amazingly talented artist whom we have used in both our present and previous home. One of our favorite areas that Mike has touched is the pool house where our family gathers on most summer days. Click here and on the Pool Label here for other examples of his talent.

Anyway, I couldn't be more pleased with the finished transformation of the walls in the kids room. I tried to take photos, but the room is dimly lit and I really needed to change to my wide angle lens. To enter the kids room, there are three steps up to a small alcove. Mike painted the walls of the alcove to resemble weathered wood planks. The metal sculpture leaning against the wall will be hung when Doughboy comes home for the weekend.

AJA Ranch is above the door as you enter the room - it stands for Ayden, Jameson, and Ava.

The longest wall in the room has been painted as if you're standing inside a barn or stable. The barn door is open to reveal a scene outside. I was very precise in describing the way I wanted the scene to look. Little Ava isn't born yet, but I wanted to show her with her brothers in silhouette against a twilight sky.

They're sitting on a fence rail watching a cowboy on his horse.

I'll try to get better photos this weekend when a) the light is better, b) I've changed my lens to wide angle, and c) Doughboy has helped me push all the furniture back in place. It's fun to watch the progress. I'm very excited to have it completed in time for Ava's arrival, but that's being overly optimistic. I'd be happy if it were finished by Christmas. Oh well...it has been more than a year with the room undecorated. A few weeks longer won't hurt. But everyone who knows me understands that I have no patience once I begin a project. It's one of many faults.

Have a great weekend!

Catching Up

2008-11-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

Time always flies amazingly fast for me, but even more so lately. There is a lot happening in our lives...two new grandchildren are making their arrival within the coming week; decorating is progressing in the boy's room; and preparations are in full swing for Thanksgiving (assuming Ava's arrival holds off until after the holiday).

Doughboy and I traveled to the Chicago area last weekend where we visited our old neighborhood in Batavia and attended the Antique Slot Machine and Jukebox Show in St. Charles. I found three items I would have bought from the show, but Doughboy stood firm on his word to "look but not buy". What a buzz kill.

We ate at our favorite pizza parlor - Gino's East. There is nothing like Gino's thin cracker crust pizza coupled with a pitcher of cold draft beer. We also dined twice at Portillo's for the bext Italian beef in the world. I was ecstatic to see they ship anywhere in the U.S. Yummmmm! I'm a Wisconsin girl at heart and my taste in culinary arts are limited to basic food. I'd rather spend my money on something tangible than dine at expensive restaurants. Blue jeans, pizza and beer suit me just fine!

After cruising through the aisles of the slot machine event, we drove north to another of our favorite destinations - the quaint town of Long Grove. I couldn't resist buying a new sweater for Leo from the Dog House. It cost more than any sweater I would buy myself, but he loves it. Other purchases were cute finds for baby Ava and a bottle of Riesling wine for Doughby and I to share at home this weekend. It's fun to travel, but there's no place like home. With a click of my ruby slippers, I was back home in Georgia while Doughboy traveled to Pittsburgh.

Kacey's Photo Contest

2008-11-19T18:17:00.011-05:00

Kacey, over at Wine On the Keyboard, is having another photo contest (click here for a complete description). Rules for this month's submission are:

1. Send a link to any photo you want. Hence the "shooter’s choice"

2. It must have been taken in the last 3 months. (sept, oct, nov)

3. You have until Wednesday, November 19th to send the link to Kacey.

Her photo contests are always fun, even though I have never won. I decided to enter a photo that is near and dear to me with two new grand-daughters making their arrival within the coming week. If you like my photo, please visit Kacey's blog and submit your vote. Thank you!

So You Wanna Be A Cowboy

2008-11-10T19:01:00.012-05:00

We have been living in our new home a little more than a year. Until the day our previous home sells, which isn't likely to happen any time soon, funds are tight. This translates to a meager budget when it comes to decorating. The three upstairs bedrooms remain unchanged from the time the movers put the furniture in place. We have no visitors so there isn't a mad rush to do anything.

With the soon-to-be arrival of our new grand-daughter, I am feeling a push to get the kid's room finished. The biggest challenge was to select a theme (I always need a theme to help gel my ideas). Not too babyish...something that will grow with the kids...but not too mature. I get my best ideas from Pottery Barn, but admittedly I get a lot of help from my decorator friend, Denise. She is a genius at selecting fabrics, paint colors, and coordinating all the accessories. And she acts as the general manager while I'm a half hour away at work. She is truly a master at her craft.

Here's the basis for our theme. It started with bedding...

...and this is the look we're trying to achieve.

The painter started today and next week Mike, a spectacularly talented artist, will do his magic creating a scene on the walls. The wood blinds are ordered and Suzy, a whiz at transforming fabric into works of art for the windows, is busy at work. We already have bunk beds and matching dresser, crib, and changing table. But I am checking my e-mail daily for this treasure to go on sale.

I want a safe, cozy room for our grandchildren to enjoy. Up until this past summer, Ayden was too young to stay overnight away from Mom and Dad. Now it's second nature for him and he cries when he has to leave us. All too soon his little brother Jameson will want to have sleepovers. Not all of us can fit in our bed, so it's time to create a comfortable place for them to sleep and play. I'll post pictures of the progress as their room takes shape. I can't wait to begin planning Ava's bedroom. Just kidding, Doughboy...don't have a coronary!

Ka-Ching!

2008-11-10T07:31:00.000-05:00

I am a nester and enjoy - no, LOVE - being at home. It takes something really important to get me away from home for any length of time. Doughboy is a collector of antique slot machines. To make him happy requires very little, and he rarely asks anything for himself. Therefore, when he asked me to attend the Antique Slot Machine and Jukebox Show in our old stomping grounds of St. Charles IL, how could I say no? The same show occurs in the spring as it does every fall. Last year we added two more slot machines to our growing collection making the total number in our collection at 18. I must admit they are very pretty and each one has a unique history, such as the Bellboy.

Before moving to our new home last September, our previous home showcased Doughboy's collection beautifully. Now they are sitting in our unfinished lower level awaiting the time we sell our old home to come alive again. Here are a few of Doughboy's prized collection taken before we moved...

Even if we don't find a slot machine this coming weekend - one that we simply can't live without - it'll be fun to scour our old neighborhood to see what has changed. Living near Chicago had its perks, but we don't miss the cold winters and s-s-s-snow. Brrrrr! And the food - don't get me started on all the great restaurants we miss. Yum - Pizza Uno and Portillo's are two places we always visit when we return to Chicago.

P.S. Thanks, Jamie, for puppy/house sitting while we are gone. At 8 months pregnant with two boys, maybe you'll get some much deserved sleep :)

Surviving Ayden

2008-11-09T14:22:00.015-05:00

Ayden's sleepover with us began earlier than expected. His little brother was sick and Jamie was concerned about exposing Ayden to Jameson's stomach virus. After scooping up Ayden, we went to lunch before our movie date to see Madagascar 2. We had a little time to kill before the movie and I had the bright idea to peruse Toys R Us for a game to play later that evening. Ayden was on sensory overload - he dashed through the store like a junkie on crack. We didn't make it past the aisle of battery operated vehicles as Ayden came to an abrupt halt in front of the Polaris Ranger Rzr. I guess it was only inevitable that it go home with us. Ayden was wired throughout the movie. Sitting still was a monumental feat as visions of riding his new "Jeep" was a higher priority than watching the cute characters of Madagascar. We barely made it into the driveway before Ayden and Bumpa had the box ripped open and parts strewn all over the garage. The testosterone was flowing abundantly, but I stood my ground. I was given decal duty. Humpf!

We worked well past dark to finish assembly of Ayden's Jeep

I put the decals in place and all was finished in time for Ayden's bath. His first words upon waking at 6:00 a.m. were, "Is my Jeep done charging?"

After a quick breakfast with the Payne's, it was time for Ayden to take his Jeep for an inaugural drive on the cart path. Jamie and I sat in the back seat of the golf cart so we could take a thousand or two photos (hence the reason for out of focus shots).

Ayden was focused on keeping his eyes on the road. Ayden? Ayyyyyyden!

Ayden is fidgeting with the radio. Yes, it comes with an AM tuner. Jeez! I wish there were toys like this when I was his age. Ayden, keep your eyes on the path ahead of you!

Ayden, stay focused! Notice where he's NOT looking.

Oh well...at least they had fun!

Crossing the bridge was challenging, but he did it! Jameson looks doubtful.

I think it's safe to say they had a ball driving their new Jeep! Don't you wish you could be a kid again?

Ayden's Saturday Sleepover

2008-11-07T14:25:00.007-05:00

When I get up and ready for work in the mornings I’m in my zone. With Doughboy working in Pittsburgh, I’m alone during the work week. I have my routine beginning at 5:30 a.m. and am faithful to the clock. After feeding the pups and watching the morning news, I am in the shower by 6:15. Makeup, hair, and clothes are done by 7:00 and I am out the door by 7:20-7:30. Not much varies Monday through Friday. Therefore, this morning was “off” by the ringing of the phone. My immediate reaction was to suspect the worse. Is my 8-month pregnant daughter okay? Has something happened to the boys? Doughboy? I answered the phone with a timid “hello” as I braced myself for bad news.

Jamie: Mom? Ayden has something to ask you.

(there is a shuffling sound in the background as she hands the phone to my four year old grandson)

Ayden: Mimi?

Me: Yes, Ayden. What’s wrong?

Ayden: Mimi? Can I have a sleepover with you and Bumpa Saturday?

(I am much relieved at this point and would have agreed to anything)

Me: Of course you can sleepover, baby. Would you like to see a movie? Madagascar is playing.

Ayden: No, I already saw Madagascar. We have that moodie.

Me: No this is a new Madagascar moodie...er, movie. Just like you have a million Scoobie Doo movies, this is a different Madagascar movie.

Ayden: Great! I’ll see you after school, Mimi! (pause) Oh…I love you! Bye Mimi.

I absolutely ADORE that little boy! True, I am a pushover when it comes to Ayden. I love his little brother, Jameson, and will no doubt be wrapped around Ava’s finger someday soon. But the bond I have with Ayden is special. I can’t explain why.

I remember sleeping over at my Grandmother’s house when I was a little girl and still had the same thrill spending time with her when I grew into adulthood. I miss her incredibly and my heart breaks a little during this time of year as I remember losing her on Christmas Eve. As long as I am breathing, I vow to give our grandchildren wonderful memories to recall when I am gone. This isn’t a morbid thought really. I don’t plan to go any where soon. I just want to love and spoil them as much as I can while I'm around. That’s not so bad, is it?

If I’m not too busy, I’ll take photos of Ayden’s sleepover to share in a weekend post. We’re sure to have lots of fun and cuddles!

Starr's Mill

2008-11-06T19:47:00.013-05:00

One of the most known historic landmarks in Fayette County Georgia is Starr's Mill. It has graced the covers of countless magazines and is a popular attraction for families and photographers. Click here for photos taken last year (sans baby Jameson who slept through the entire photo shoot).

For readers who are unfamiliar with Starr's Mill, the property was part of the 1821 Land Lottery that was held at the State Capital in Milledgeville. John Askew, of Jasper Georgia, was the first to own Land Lot No. 129 in District 4 in Henry County, this became part of Fayette County in 1821. He sold the land to Hananiah Gillcoat. When Gillcoat died in 1825 the property was auctioned at public outcry on April 17, 1827. It changed owners several time through the years until it became a county park.

This year I met the Payne's on a picture perfect Sunday in an attempt to gather the family for a group photo. This was much more difficult than it first seemed. The boys were wild with excitement and Jameson wouldn't sit still for more than two seconds. I did my best. Here's a sampling.

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-02T15:48:00.006-05:00

About two weeks ago I began reading the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer. Yesterday I finished the fourth and final book in the series. The last 25 pages or so was agony... I wanted so much to finish the story so I could get on with my life, yet I didn't want it to end. I miss my friends - Bella, Edward, Jacob, Charlie, Billy, and the Cullens. I've watched every movie trailer in existence and can NOT wait until the movie release on November 21st. Completing the story of vampires was well timed with Halloween.

Halloween is my second favorite holiday right behind Christmas. As a young girl, my mother made my costume every year. We couldn't afford store-bought costumes, but only now do I realize how fortunate I was to have a unique one-of-a-kind creation. It's fun to watch my grandchildren - Ayden and Jameson - get excited to dress up and go door-to-door trick or treating. I love watching their excited faces as they fill their treat baskets with goodies.

Click on the photo below for a slideshow of Ayden and Jameson's Halloween spooktacular. I hope yours was awesome!

It's Twilight Time

2008-10-28T10:03:00.008-04:00

I awoke in the early pre dawn hours with vague memories of a dream where I was in the midst of an earthquake. Shaking cobwebs from my brain, I reached over the bed to ask Doughboy to turn off the bed massage. Ruffling my fingers through the empty bed, I realized that Doughboy wasn’t there – he is in Pittsburgh. Waking further, I realized we don’t have a bed massage. The shaking was coming from above my head where our pup-sickle Scottie – Dianora – was desperately attempting to bury herself in my pillows to keep warm. Leo, our 4 pound Yorkie was plastered against my back deep under the covers while Kady, our Westie was buried under the covers into my stomach. Brrrrr! If it wasn’t so dark, I swear I could see my breath in the chilly air of our bedroom. Forcing myself out of bed, I raced to the thermostat. It was turned OFF for heavens sake, and the temp was 61 degrees. I prefer sleeping in cooler temps (it helps with the hot flashes)…but our pups were visibly uncomfortable with the too-cold temps. It is a frigid morning in Georgia – 30.9 degrees. This is too cold too early. But daytime temps are supposed to warm back into the 70s this weekend. I am decidedly not ready for winter.

I suppose an explanation is in order for my blogging absence. Even Doughboy complained last evening about my lack of blogging activity. You may recall I told you – actually warned – about my literary obsession with the Twilight series. I plowed through the first book – Twilight – in two days, and the 2nd and 3rd books within a week of beginning the first. I am one-third of the way into the 4th book – Breaking Dawn. I left off on page 290 of 754. I promise that once I am finished with the series my life will return to normal. But seriously, these books are addictive! My daughter called me a loser yesterday. I had just returned from spending my lunch break at Barnes and Noble where I picked up Twilight: The Complete Illustrated Movie Companion. Looking at the cast of characters, I was not disappointed by the selection. All of the actors are exactly as I pictured them when reading the books. I like the way they are virtually unknowns because it will make viewing the movie more enjoyable to me. For example, Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series, originally pictured Orlando Bloom as the lead male character Edward Cullen. No! It would have ruined my experience – I can’t picture him as anything other than the swashbuckling hero of Pirates of the Caribbean.

Anyway, I promise to focus more on getting my life back to normal after I finish reading Breaking Dawn. Please bear with me a couple days longer. And if you haven’t read the series, you must start – now! – before the movie release November 21st. You won’t be disappointed!

Couple Most Likely To Succeed

2008-10-22T08:17:00.002-04:00

Succeed, get it? Awww...c'mon...now THIS is funny!

The Twilight Series

2008-10-21T10:10:00.005-04:00

Did you know there are entire web sites devoted to obsessive readers? A quick Google search produced hundreds of web sites where people obsess about their addiction to reading. Yes, I would qualify as such a person. Hello...my name is Debra and I'm a bookaholic.

No thanks to my daughter, I am newly hooked on Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. For months Jamie has talked about Edward and Bella as if they were best friends. She was ecstatic when the movie release date of Twilight was moved up to November 21st. She was worried baby Ava’s arrival would interfere with her ability to see Edward, Bella, and all her other “friends” come to life on the big screen. For those who haven’t read Twilight, Edward is a vampire and Bella is his human love interest. You simply MUST read this series! I finished book one of four within a 24-hour period. Yes, I work – and yes, I have a life, thank you very much. Click here for a link to the official Stephenie Meyer web site where you can read excerpts from each of the Twilight books. You can even view the movie trailer (unfortunately I can't link it to my post at the moment).

If you’re familiar with the literary series, certainly you can relate to my obsession and desire to read rather than post on my blog. Tonight I begin book two – New Moon. In the mean time, my laundry pile is growing, there is no food in the house, bills are unpaid, and my canine children sit patiently by their empty food bowls. Okay, so it’s not quite that bad but you get the idea. Shamelessly, I have no self control!!!!

Run...don't walk...to your nearest book store and start reading. I'm interested in hearing from you as you work your way through the four-book series.

Kent Falls State Park

2008-10-18T18:00:00.002-04:00

On the second day of our Connecticut visit we travelled along picturesque Highway 7 toward our destination - Kent Falls State Park. Along the way we stopped to photograph a covered bridge that we happened upon unexpectedly.

Kent Falls, located in the northeastern section of the town of Kent, is a series of waterfalls on a mountain stream known as Falls Brook. The stream begins in the town of Warren, draining an area of six or seven square miles. It then flows west to the big fall where it plunges approximately 70 feet in a dramatic cascade.

Much of the limestone over which the brook flows has been carved into interesting shapes including numerous potholes of all sizes.

The fall colors were breathtaking! Click here to view a photo slide show of our second day's travels.

Autumn Splendor

2008-10-16T21:01:00.013-04:00

Before we moved to Georgia, I had no idea what to expect with regard to weather and seasons. Bordering Florida to the north, I didn't expect the seasons to be similar to northern climes.

Georgia winters can produce unexpected snow and ice; spring appears early; and summers are less humid than Chicago. My favorite season by far is autumn.

I love the rich, earthy scent of changing leaves...

...but it's the colors that fascinate me most...

...against a brilliant cerulean blue sky...

(BTW, the photo above was not altered or enhanced. This was SOOC. The sun was at just the right angle to capture the colors)

What's your favorite season?

You've Been Mooned

2008-10-15T20:52:00.007-04:00

There are moments when having my camera close at hand produces a unique photo op. I was backing out of the garage at 7:30 this morning when I noticed the beautiful moon fading into early daylight. I quickly placed the car in park, grabbed my camera from the passenger seat and clicked two photos. I am often humbled by the beauty of nature. But the sight of a bright autumn moon leaves me... moonstruck.

She's Baaaack!

2008-10-14T19:01:00.013-04:00

It's always fun to get away, but it's wonderful to be home! I've been absent for several days while visiting beautiful Connecticut. We left Atlanta early Wednesday - up at 4:00AM - to catch our flight to White Plains NY. Relying upon Gretchen Garmin, our trusty GPS for directions, we headed north on I95 to New Haven. This is the location of prestigious Yale University.

Yale’s roots can be traced back to the 1640s, when colonial clergymen led an effort to establish a college in New Haven to preserve the tradition of European liberal education in the New World. This vision was fulfilled in 1701, when the charter was granted for a school “wherein Youth may be instructed in the Arts and Sciences [and] through the blessing of Almighty God may be fitted for Publick employment both in Church and Civil State.” In 1718 the school was renamed “Yale College” in gratitude to the Welsh merchant Elihu Yale, who had donated the proceeds from the sale of nine bales of goods together with 417 books and a portrait of King George I.

Yale’s 260 buildings include contributions from distinguished architects of every period in its history. Styles range from New England Colonial to High Victorian Gothic, from Moorish Revival to contemporary. Yale’s buildings, towers, lawns, courtyards, walkways, gates, and arches comprise what one architecture critic has called “the most beautiful urban campus in America.”

I felt myself growing smarter as if, by osmosis, I channeled years of higher learning. Click on the photo below for a brief slide show of Yale. I would have posted sooner; however duty called. I had a date with our laundry room last night to replenish my diminished pile of clean underwear. A girl has her priorities, you know. Stay tuned for more tales of our east coast adventure...

Farewell, My Friends

2008-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

By the time you read this post, I and three other companions will have left Atlanta for Connecticut. Judy, Chere, Jamie and I began planning this trip more than a year ago. I can't believe it's here! Our mission is to become better photographers by attending CPR - Creative Photography Retreat. Time will tell...

We're leaving a little time before classes begin to explore the splendor of Connecticut. We'll spend Wednesday touring as many lighthouses as we can visit in one day from Stamford to Mystic (there are 23 in total). Time permitting, we'll stop at the historic ivy league university - Yale - to photograph the stately campus architecture. We plan to spend Thursday capturing the beautiful fall colors before the CPR kickoff event later that evening. Following that, it's two intense days of photography classes before we return home Sunday.

I couldn't leave for Connecticut without toasting my Doughboy.

He is travelling from Denver to Atlanta Wednesday night to take care of our three canine children while I'm away. Thank you, sweetheart!

I've encountered many husbands that don't support their spouse's passions, hobbies, or interests. Doughboy not only supports my creativity, he encourages it. Thanks much for my going-away gifts, honey. I'll see you Sunday {kiss kiss}...

For now, my friends, I will sign off. Be sure to return next week for tales of our wild adventure.

Reality Check

2008-10-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

Do you remember when?

Leave It To Beaver, a series both praised for its family-bolstering innocence and panned for its homogenized sappiness, served as a bridge between the waning radio comedy and the blossoming of the television "sitcom." Beaver ran on network television from October 1957 to September 1963; the first season on CBS and the last five on ABC.

This is a family photo of the Cleaver family; Jerry Mathers, as the youngest character, starred as The Beave. As a young girl with budding hormones, I thought older brother Wally was HOT! Mrs. Cleaver, played by Barbera Billingsley, would never be caught without her pearls. Jeez! Gimme a break.

No matter how young you feel, this one still hurts...

Yikes! My eyes! My eyes! Do you recognize them? That's Eddie Haskell on the left, Beave in the middle, and {sniff} Wally on the right. When did they get so freakin' old?????

Baby Girls

2008-10-06T10:00:00.006-04:00

Strawberry creams and wonderful dreams,

Ladylike airs and teddy bears,

Fairy tales and wedding veils,

That's what granddaughters are made of.

Both our girls are expecting babies in a couple months.

Jamie and Kelly have grown up together since Doughboy and I

married when they were only 11 years old.

This will be Kelly's fourth child and Jamie's third.

Thank you Jamie and Kelly

for being the wonderful mothers you are!

You constantly amaze us with your

super-woman powers.

And thank you for giving us

two new granddaughters

to love, spoil, and cherish.

We can't wait to meet and hold

Ava Marie and "Ultimette" :)

We're so proud of you!

P.S. Kelly's baby girl isn't really named Ultimette. Her parents prefer to keep Ultimette's name a surprise until after she arrives. Whatever name they choose, it will have a strong Scandanavian influence like her dad Lars and siblings Petra, Soren and Annike. With Engstrom for a last name, what else would you expect? I love family traditions, don't you?

Cotton Pickin' Fair

2008-10-05T18:38:00.009-04:00

Fall brings the return of many family traditions. One of our annual traditions has been the Cotton Pickin' Fair in Gay, Georgia. This southern arts and crafts festival occurs twice each year - the first weekend in May and October. However, the fall event has been a family favorite for many years. I'm always amazed by how much the boys change from year to year. It seems as though they're growing before my eyes. Click here to see how much they've changed from last year when we visited the fall event of the Cotton Pickin' Fair. I always tease Ayden and tell him I'm going to put a brick on his head to keep him from growing. This always elicits a roll of his eyes and "Oh, Mimi. I'm going to grow anyway". How I wish I could keep them this way for a while.

What favorite family traditions do you enjoy? Happy fall, ya'll!

Fall Leaves Fall

2008-10-04T20:16:00.013-04:00

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;

Lengthen night and shorten day;

Every leaf speaks bliss to me

Fluttering from the autumn tree.

I shall smile when wreaths of snow

Blossom where the rose should grow;

I shall sing when night's decay

Ushers in a drearier day.

Emily Jane Brontë

Momma's Got A Brand New Bag

2008-10-03T18:00:00.012-04:00

Ask anyone in my family, and they will tell you I lack a chromosome when it comes to fashion sense. I don't have it... zip, zero, zilch, nada. According to Wikipedia, the terms "fashionable" and "unfashionable" are employed to describe whether someone or something fits in with the current or even not so current, popular mode of expression. Current isn't a word I'd use to describe my wardrobe (*sigh*)

A woman’s dress sense may be governed by her ovaries according to a new report.The study conducted by UCLA and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire showed that women put more time and effort into their appearance when they're ovulating. Because I'm menopausal and haven't ovulated for quite some time, it might explain my sense of fashion impairment.

This affliction leaves my wardrobe and accessories lackluster. I'm not even a typical female. I hate shopping for clothes. When I find something that fits, I buy it in all of my favorite basic colors: black, brown, navy, and gray. Yes, quite boring. This is true for shoes and purses as it is for attire. I usually shop twice a year in the spring and fall. Doughboy and I can't even recall the last time we visited a mall.

I wear something until it disappears into nothingness. A prime example of this is my purse. Actually it isn't even a purse. I'm not sure what you'd call it.

This purse and I have shared 15 years together. Admittedly I didn’t use it exclusively all this time, but we have been constant companions for a long while. I was ready for a change (truth be told, it started to fall apart) and went on a mission last weekend to find a new handbag. I rate handbags along with sheets and underwear – not very exciting. I was overwhelmed by all the styles, colors and prices. As I wandered past rows and rows of handbags and clutches, I spotted the purse of my dreams. The color is perfect, don’t you agree?

Baby steps...small baby steps…

Miniature Frog

2008-10-02T18:00:00.009-04:00

Tiny little frogs like those in the photos below can be found everywhere in our yard. The first one is grey and looks more like a toad than a frog. Both have little suckers on their feet that allow them to hang on to walls, doors, any where. Aren't they cute? A Google search identifies the species shown in the first photo as a Cope's Grey Treefrog, or simply Grey Treefrog. You can even hear this frog's high-pitched call at this web site. In the middle of winter, you can click on the link and bring a little summer to a cold day :)

As tiny as they are, they are nearly unnoticeable. I almost missed seeing this little one on the door knob of the pool house. At first glance, can you see it?

There it is!

As cute as this frog is, I prefer mine encrusted with diamonds... don't you?

Praying Mantis

2008-10-01T16:00:00.006-04:00

This strange little creature was hanging out on our deck. At first I didn't see it, but it saw me. It stood up on its hind legs and made sure to keep me in its sight at all times. If you haven't encountered a Praying Mantis firsthand, be warned. They are unusually defensive for being a mere bug. They don't attack, but they do strike a defensive pose when threatened. However, I wasn't threatening anyone. Nope, I was just minding my business. Really.

Okay. So I might have poked at it a little bit.

Another interesting tidbit of useless information is that the Praying Mantis is a carnivore. So, watch those fingers (just kidding). Aphid burgers anyone??

This photo really tickles my funny bone for some odd reason. It makes me giggle... and even laugh out loud. Several captions come to mind, such as...

Here's looking at you, kid...

The Eyes Have It

Betty Davis Eyes

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful

Are you talking to me?

Clearly I suck at this. What clever (or in my case, not so clever) caption can you add to the list?

Spotted Jewelweed

2008-09-30T18:00:00.005-04:00

You'll notice a common theme to my posts this week. With no end to the gas crisis in sight, Doughboy and I stayed close to home this past weekend. This is abnormal since we are typically on the go. If a gas station was fortunate to have a supply of gas, invariably the lines were long as frantic customers lined up. People are crazy! Oh well, deperate times call for desperate measures. I was lucky to locate a station with a short line and filled my car. My full tank ought to get me through the week.

Anyway, the weekend weather was spectacular and we took several drives along the neighborhood path with our golf cart. Even Doughboy didn't criticise my numerous stops to photograph flowers and bugs (as compared to this post). My bloggy friend Kate, at Chronicles of a Country Girl, identified the Jewelweed from a previous photo post (here). Thanks, Kate! There are large bushes of this delicate flower close to the bridge that connects the two phases of our neighborhood together. Jewelweeds prefer marshy areas and will bloom until late fall.

The striking orange flowers of the Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) tell half of the plant's story. Look, but do not touch, often explains the other half of the plant's story, because it is also called a touch-me-not flower. The plant's seed pods pop whenever they are approached by humans, animals or birds.

Jewelweed is also celebrated as a natural treatment for skin rashes caused by poison ivy and mosquito bites. When you are out in the field and find you have been exposed to poison ivy, oak, or stinging nettle you can reach for the Jewelweed plant and slice the stem, then rub its juicy inside on exposed parts. This will promptly ease irritation and usually prevents breakout for most people. Regardless of the plant's medicinal value, it is still a fun and fine looking flowering plant.