Baby It's Cold Outside...

...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?

Ka-Ching!

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 :)

Bugs 'N Flowers

Last weekend I was 75% of the way to completing a small album of my 2008 nature photos. I had spent countless hours on my photography, selecting and editing photos, and creating the album (from scratch using AccuCut dies). I was quite pleased with its progress. Doughboy had ventured into my scrap area to check in with me and say hi. Being the only person around, I handed my precious album to him for a look. I knew before handing it to him that his critique was likely to be over-the-top (it usually is). Why do I do this? When will I ever learn? Going from page to page he pointed out all its obvious, and not so obvious, flaws. Not being a scrapbooker himself, he doesn't understand that handmade items come with imperfections and uniqueness. But it was his comment after closing the album that got me thinking. He asked, "When are you going to graduate from bugs and flowers?" What!? My confidence was shaken. Are my photos boring? Repetitious?

Although I visited Madison Park several days this past week, I was reluctant to post my photos for fear of being more of the same. As I think more and more about Doughboy's comment, I have to agree to a point. However, I have a career that consumes most of my waking day. I rise each weekday between 5:15 and 5:30am to prepare my day, make the 30 minute commute to work, and spend my day inside an office until roughly 5:30pm. Once I get home, I have three canine children that need dinner and attention. Sprinkle in my evening chores such as laundry, picking up the house, washing dishes, paying bills, and preparing dinner for myself, there isn't much time before I go to bed and start over the next morning. I have 60 minutes each day - precious little time - to squeeze in a lunch break. Preferring to spend as much time outdoors as possible, and wanting to perfect my photography skills, I spend my lunch break walking around Madison Park or Summer Grove. There isn't much to photograph...except bugs and flowers. Just say the word, Doughboy, and I will gladly quit my job and travel so that I can graduate from bugs and flowers. Until I win the lottery, or someone dumps a wad of cash in my lap, it's off to work I go. And, because most of my readers lead similar lives, I know they will forgive me for my many photos of bugs and flowers. Boring or not, I thank you for looking!

Empty playgrounds seem so sad to me. It needs laughing, playing children. Don't you agree?

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Naked Baby = Doggie Bath

WARNING: The following story may offend sensitive readers. You may want to skip reading this post if nudity or poop is disconcerting to your senses.

We all do it; it’s a natural bodily function. However, there is a time and place for everything. I respect one’s privacy to be alone at “certain times”. A little modesty goes a long way with me and sharing everything is not something Doughboy and I do. With seven bathrooms, my only request is that he choose a location that isn’t in my general vicinity. Children, however, are immune to tact and sensibility. Heck…Doughboy isn’t always the King of Tact either. But that’s a subject for another time.

Enter a naked child. Why is he naked you ask? According to his mother, Jameson wasn’t an immediate threat since he had filled his diaper a short time earlier. Jameson usually wears a Little Swimmer in the pool just in case he feels the “urge”. His wise mother allowed her child – our 2-year-old grandson – to swim and play without the encumbrance of clothing or diaper. Cute, huh?

Enter a clean white dog. I had taken all three canine children to Puppy Tubs the day before for their 6-week grooming appointment. They enjoyed a day at the spa and returned home bathed, clipped, and sweet smelling. Kady, our precocious West Highlight White Terrier (emphasis on WHITE) was beautifully clean – a contrast to her usual beige color.



Enter Doughboy. According to Doughboy, Kady "asked" to join the family for a swim in the pool. How a dog can ask for anything is beyond my comprehension. Kady may look longingly at her food bowl, beg for a treat, or bark if her water bowl is empty, but asking to swim is not something Kady has ever done. However, Doughboy fancies himself as a dog whisperer and often recreates conversations between he and Kady. So who am I to argue? Besides, it was hot and I didn’t have the energy.

The boys were inside with Jamie taking a mid-afternoon nap. My SIL was sitting in a chair reading and Doughboy was floating in the pool with Kady perched on his tummy. Ahhhhh…it was a perfect time for me to get in the pool and cool off with a swim. Seeing me wade into the pool, Kady swam to me so I could give a snuggle and help her get out. Floating around with Doughboy, I first heard Kady snorting in doggie ecstacy, then noticed her rubbing her back with all four paws kicking wildly in the air. Hmmmm…she must be scratching her newly shaved back on the hot concrete. This happens to be one of Kady’s favorite pastimes.

Then it hit me! A horrible, offensive odor that smelled like…poop! Where was it coming from? Kady whizzed by me like dogs are wont to do for no reason. Her back and head were covered in something that looked like…poop! Eewww! Apparently our grandson – the naked one – had hidden behind the outdoor furniture to launch his assult. Right in front of the fireplace was a pile of poop that, to Kady, was a cacophony of canine perfume. Why do dogs inisist on rolling in all things dead and disgusting!?

How did I know it was Jameson that did the deed? Here’s your warning to STOP READING. To put it as delicately as possible, we had roasted corn the night before… and my dogs don’t eat corn.

Lesson #2385: Do not EVER let your grandchildren run unencumbered around the pool – not matter what their mother says to the contrary!



P.S. I've been asked...what happened to Kady? Did Jamie help with clean up? Why didn't Doughboy volunteer his help in the clean up?

I ushered Kady to the upper deck so I could get her in the laundry room for a bath. Not wanting to pickup Kady with my bare hands (yuck!) I grabbed the closest article at hand which happened to be Doughboy's swim towel. Yes, Jamie did offer to help. But I figured she wouldn't be much use on account of her being doubled over with laughter. Doughboy remained in the pool while he barked orders at me to clean up the mess MY grandson had made (note Doughboy's rebuttal in the comment section of this post).

Returning to the pool area after Kady's bath, I lovingly placed a towel close at hand for Doughboy to use. In my sweetest wifely voice, I reminded him to towel dry his hair really well. He had a flight to catch in a short time and I didn't want his hair to look messy. Hmmmmmm...now where did I place the towel I had used for Kady????? Oh well...I'm sure it will show up somewhere :) Oh, Honey...you missed a spot ;)

Sanguine Saturday

Today was busy, but enjoyable. While Doughboy completed a few tasks around the house, I had a date with the Bead Bungalow for a 2-hour beading class. I am defintely hooked! What I learned is that I have a lot to learn. The detail in the photo doesn't do it justice. This beautiful bracelet is made of clear and grey Swarovsky crystals, sterling silver spacers, and pearls.

Here's our Westie, Kady. She is sitting her back paws through the slats of the foot board on our sleigh bed. Shhhh...she has no idea she's a dog!


The afternoon was tons of fun with a pool date with our grandson, Ayden. He has a birthday in a couple weeks. It's hard to believe he's going to be 4-years old and starting pre-school. He has such a sweet, confident personality. His Bumpa introduced a new swimming concept. Inflatable armbands became Ayden's new best friend and permitted him mobility in the pool that he hasn't yet experienced. He caught on quickly and spent about an hour jumping into the pool over and over again. What a brave little man!

Click on the photo below for a slideshow of Ayden.

While Ayden and Bumpa played in the pool, I struggled to perfect my photography of hummingbirds. Obviously I don't have the shutter speed right. Does anyone have any advice? What shutter speed should I use to freeze the wings? I set my sights on something less challenging. A lovely butterfly was an easier target.

Click on the butterfly below for a slideshow of hummingbirds and butterflies.

This Man

How is it possible that nineteen years can pass in the blink of an eye? Pete and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary on March 3rd. I look at this man I married and can't imagine a day without him in my life. He is my knight in shining armor. There is no one like him. Pete is totally unselfish and puts everyone's needs ahead of his own. He is generous to a fault, and his feelings are easily bruised (although he tries hard not to let it show). With his quick dry humor, he can make me laugh until I cry (especially when he does his laughing chicken impression). Flipping 180 degrees, no one else can make my Cherokee temper flare quicker. But I can't stay angry for long. He always finds a way to break through my stubborn silence. He is my best friend.. my soulmate...forever linked together. Don't blink...

Turned on the evening news
Saw an old man being interviewed
Turning a hundred and two today
Asked him what's the secret to life
He looked up from his old pipe
Laughed and said "All I can say is ."

Don't Blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink

You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't Blink

I was glued to my TV when it looked like he looked at me and said
"Best start putting first things first."
Cause when your hour glass runs out of sand
You can't flip it over and start again
Take every breath God gives you for what it's worth

Don't Blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink

You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't blink

So I've been tryin' ta slow it down
I've been tryin' to take it in
In this here today, gone tomorrow world we're livin' in

Don't Blink
Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't Blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your "better half"
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years go faster than you think

So Don't Blink
No, don't blink
Life goes faster than you think!
So don't Blink

Kenney Chesney

Grown Boys and Their Toys

You've heard the expression, "The man with the most toys WINS!" Our new community has a paved path that winds around behind the homes and links Phases I and II with Phase III. I believe Pete was enticed to move to Annelise Park because he would then have an argument to purchase a golf cart. It couldn't be any golf cart, of course. We had to have LOTS of room for granchildren. Pete's new toy has three seats and can cruise up to 30 mph. Ayden fell in LOVE the first time he laid eyes on Bumpa's go-cart. His place is in front next to Bumpa so he can drive. Bumpa's new toy has made quite a hit with the boys. He even lets me drive once in a while.

Valentine's Day

Today is Valentine's Day -- the day when love is in the air. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering candy. Most couples spend the evening together by enjoying a romantic dinner, sharing a bottle of chilled wine, and exchanging sweet kisses. However, my sweetie is 1000 miles away working hard to make a comfortable life for us. For the past 8 years I look forward to my favorite week day - Friday - when Pete makes the journey home. Every weekend is Valentine's Day to me. After nearly 19 years together, the sight of Pete standing on the curb of Hartsfield airport still makes my heart feel lighter. He is my joy, the love of my life -- the man with whom I share the joys, sorrows, ups and downs of this crazy life we made. Sometimes our weekends are jam packed with running errands while other weekends, my favorites, are quiet and relaxing. But our time is almost always spent together until Sunday when I take him back to the airport for yet another week apart. Four more years, honey... in four years the only time we'll see an airport is to take a vacation. I love you with all my heart!

Pete's 61st Birthday

What do cupcakes, margaritas, and spaghetti have in common? Pete's birthday! Jamie, Jason and the boys came over for a dinner consisting of homemade spaghetti and garlic bread in honor of the birthday boy. After stuffing ourdselves, we still had room for Jamie's made-from-scratch cupcakes. The Paynes gave Bumpa a set of wine tools in a beautiful wooden box. From me, he got a Margaritaville blender for the pool house. I can't wait to try it this summer! Happy birthday, Baby!

Hey, kid...do you believe I'm 61?

Wow! You're really old!