BIG GAME DAY

Yesterday was the big day.    I had looked forward to this day for a long time and it was everything we had hoped for except Benjamin didn't feel like going.   In his place I took a neighbor boy, Nate,  with Jeremiah and I.  I think this smile tells about what Jeremiah was feeling.   Toward the end of the game he said he thought he might become a Titans fan but I really doubt that will actually happen.   Think momma Bear will squelch that idea quickly.

When we got there we realized how high our seats really were.   We were 5 rows from the very top of this stadium and we did not have nose bleeds but some oxygen would of been nice.  

Once we got acclimated to being up this high and realizing this was where we had to spend the game we settled down to have a good time.    We got some snacks and drinks and watched T-Rax, the Titans mascot do his stunts.    This was Jeremiah's first Pro Football Game so everything was new and the silly antics of T-Rax won all of us over quickly. 

The game was good.   It started out in favor of the Bears but the Titans soon ralied and finally pulled off a win by 1 point.   WHEW!!!!  

Below is a picture of took of the field from where we were.   We actually could see the players but if they had not shown the plays on the big screens I sure wouldn't of enjoyed the game as much.  

Daughter number one just left with her two in tow and the house is once again too quiet.   I think these two are very lucky to have a mom that will do just about anything within her power to make them happy.   I don't know many working mothers that would drive 16 hours in two days just so a son could go to a football game.   AND...in the process make an old woman pretty happy too.

I have to add a footnote here that Mark called this morning with good news all around.  He lives in Virginia Beach and was on our minds all week-end.   He was safe as the storm passed over him at his friends house.   They had a generator so watched a movie and played cards to pass the time.   Today he went back to the house he has rented and it was DRY.  Neighbors told him they only lost their power for about 10 minutes.   Sorry all in that area did not fare as well as he.  

IRENE

This Saturday Mark will be right in the path of IRENE.    That darned song keeps running through my mind.  It was popular when I was in high school and we used to skate to it at the roller rink.

The new path of this monster storm goes right over the top of Norfolk.   I'm hoping it moves back east. 

I wish he would leave the area but in my heart I know he won't.   His new squeeze is there and that's where he will stay.  

Suzette and Jordan are down in Pinehurst, N.C., a little safer but will have lots of wind and rain I expect.

So...as Kim is driving down here Sat. and later the boys and I are at the game Mark will be hanging on.   I hope they are safe.   So many people will be affected by this.  

I'm glad I'll have the game to keep my mind off it.

SHORTER DAYS

I know, the days are not getting shorter but our daylight hours are.   I LOVE to walk early in the morning before anyone else is up and out.  No cars coming over the small hills we have here - most of them drive in the middle of the road and go faster than they should in a small sub-division like ours. 

For several weeks I was able to leave our front door at 5:45, then a little later, now it's after 6 before daylight dawns and I can walk.

We have tall phlox beside our front step nd this beautiful black butterfly is there quite often in the afternoon.  The other day I decided he needed to be in a blog but he left when he saw me.  

I went out back to the deck and there he was, after the necter of a scraggly old verbena.  It must of tasted good for he stayed quite awhile.

We have a neighbor with a magnolia tree.   I think they are beautiful but a little too southern for me.   They bloom in the early summer but this one is blooming now.  I also have some creeping phlox poking their dainty blooms up when they are usually an early Spring bloomer.  I like them all - anytime they want to come visit.

WHAT TO DO

Most of you know I'm going to the Titan/Bears football game Saturday night with two of my favorite men,  Jeremiah and Benjamin.  

I am SO looking forward to this and the weather report looks good.   Since we are sitting in the top limbs of the trees I'm glad it isn't forcasting rain or worse yet a thunder storm.

So...that's one bridge crossed.  Another is parking.  A good friend has a parking pass on the grounds and is giving it to me and she will ride in with other friends.     I don't mind walking across the foot bridge but have only done it in sunshine, not 10:30 at night with two young men.

Then I kept thinking, what am I to do with these two if they have to use the bathroom.   Connie pretty much solved it when she said Benjamin knows he has to go in with her in public places.     Jeremiah has permission to go alone to the mens but will do as I ask.  We'll see what the situation is. 

So...we are all ready.  I know where the tickets are and time to begin to get excited.

Last night I did have a crazy dream.   I dreamed I was in this really big building and no one would let me use the bathroom.   I was running around asking people everywhere but they would send me in another direction. I finally woke up.    WHEW!!!!!  Ain't life grand?

Musical Instruments

After reading Kim's blog this morning Ted and I were talking about our own kids and their band instruments.

Kim started out with a trumpet but didn't seem to care for it so we didn't buy it.    Jill played the Viola for awhile but I wasn't very receptive of it and she finally just gave it up too.   Sorry Jill.

Connie had a clarinet and I have no idea where we bought it but I do know it was a conglomeration (that is a word)  of three different clairnets.     

When we moved to Brentwood she had a friend that played clairnet and I asked Connie if Angie's clairnet was wood or plastic.   She said "She has both".    I do remember Connie was first chair most of the time she played - even if her clairnet was put together from three others.  

Mark had a used saxiphone and then also played Tuba.   I wanted to play Tuba part of the time in Marching Band but they wouldn't let me.   I WAS A GIRL.  

STIRRED MEMORIES

I went to the library yesterday to get a book a friend had suggested.   On my way I was listening to NPR and they were interviewing an author, Gail Caldwell.  She was talking about the book "Let's Take The Long Way Home" she wrote about her friend, Caroline Knapp.  Caroline died of lung cancer but the story is about their deep friendship and love of dogs, each other, and life. 

It stirred memories of a good friend I lost 40 years ago.  I cannot believe it has been that long.   She, too, had cancer only it was everywhere in her body. 

Peggy was like a sister to me.  She knew me inside and out; the good, the bad, and the ugly and still loved me.  We met because we were both new in the neighborhood on Fell Ave and most of the other residents were older.   We started getting to know each other best when our two oldest went into Kindergarten together.   She could get up in front of a PTA meeting and talk like a pro.    I never did have the ability to do that.   I could tell her anything and knew it wsn't going to go any further.

My kids LOVED going there.   She let them walk on the furniture, play with anything, took us swimming at State Farm Park or took us out to her parents farm outside of Danvers.  They had a beautiful big front porch and every time I'd go if she saw me drive in she'd come to the door, open it and say "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?"    I can see her yet.

This book is about the grief Gail went through when Caroline died.   I remember some of the same things happening to me.  Sometimes I would miss her so much.   I think there are times I still miss her almost as much.   We had the most fun together.  

We both watched soaps because we were stay-at-home mom's and that's what we did then.   One day we went to Danvers to her parents and missed one of our favorites.   When we got home she found out one of the main characters had died in the program that day.   She called me and was all upset.   I had to laugh, I said, "Peggy, it's a T.V. show"    We both would laugh at the silly things.  

When I went in to see her one time after I got pregnant with Mark she looked at me, gave me a hug, and said, "You are so happy pregnant, you glow"    

I still have friends but friends are like your children.   Each one is different and you love them all.   I've learned to hang on to the one's I have left.   At my age we really never do know what tomorrow will bring.

MODERN TECHNOLOGY

As I was walking this morning I got to thinking of all the wonderful things we enjoy in our lives.   I'm not very good with new technology but cannot imagine living without a computer now and email and all we can do with those.

I just "chatted"  with our friends from Australia.   My heavens, that seems impossible when I stop and think about it.   I can chat with friends in Ill, Ind, VA, all over and not have to pay a cent extra.   That  probably won't last forever.

And...I remember when we got our first computer.    Someone I knew had a printer.  I remember us talking about how nice that would be "now and then" but we really didn't think we would use one much.   HA!    Mine broke this week but since it's only a year old and I bought a 3 yr warranty I get a new one after my paper works arrives.    I can't print it off the computer so they are sending it snail mail.  

I print pictures of all the things I make on mine and have pictures of a quilt, and two dresses for little girls in Africa waiting to be printed.    This saves me a trip to town to get them printed off my camera, much less whatever that costs. 

We live in a wonderful age.   I love it.  I just don't think we appreciate it sometimes like we should.   I know I don't.

THE BAG LADY

Last night I went to West End United Methodist Church for dinner and a movie.

The lady Jill works for serves dinner some Wednesday nights and usually has a movie to make us think.   This was about plastic bags and was very good.

First though I got to see Jill selling the canned goods Martha does herself.   Her husband has a stand too with organic food he raises.

Then I got to see Sam and some of his friends and before I left I got to see Tim.   WOW!!!   Had no idea I'd get to see so many.   Jill took time out to come eat dinner with me and it was nice to have a little while with her.

The dinner was delicious.  Baked chicken, corn pudding, some squash in a wonderful sauce, a roll, lemonade or coffee, or water (in glass glasses no less), and some of the best lemon cake I have EVER eaten.   Lemon refrigerator cake.   Boy, it was GOOD.

Before the dinner I was priviledged to meet THE BAG LADY.    Three years ago she decided to make her own shopping bags.   Some of her students at Belmont University saw these and insisted she have a blog and make them.   She GIVES them away.   She and several of her friends make them and they go around to different places to give them to people and try to impress on them that we should NOT be using plastic OR paper.   Each bag has a label with her name, web page, email, and a number.   I received number 17,040. 

Then the movie was very informative.   A lot of it I had heard before but one thing was new.   The man that narrated the movie even had small bags he used for our produce, apples, peaches, corn, etc.   That never occured to me but those bags are plastic too.

This may just be something I decide to try and make for family and friends IF they would use them.   I guess first I have to be sure I USE THEM.

A VERY GOOD DAY

I'm very frustrated because I still cannot comment on anyone's blog and just read the last two of Kim's and really, really wanted to comment on one of them. 

BUT...on a brighter note I am VERY excited about getting tickets to the Titan/Bears game the 27th of August.   I'm not sure just who is going yet, except Jeremiah, but they had 3 tickets together so I just bought all 3.  I bet someone from this house will fill all of them.

I can't wait to see Jeremiah.  I remember the first NFL game I went to.  It was SO much fun and I was - well a LOT older than he is.   It was so cold we nearly froze.   I had on long underware, jeans, my winter coat and gloves and still got very cold, but it was worth all of it.

The seats are on the Bears side of the field and at this game it doesn't matter one iota which side we sit on because we all like both teams.

So...on a hot Saturday August night ya'all think of 3 of the Tingley Clan going to see a Bears/Titans game.  We'll let you know later who got to go.

Life Gets so Complicated

Sometimes it seems things just don't work quite like we think they should.

First thing this morning I went to Lewisburg to see what kind of a deal we could make on a new Cruze.  Well, of course that got a little messy and he acted like I really wasn't too smart which didn't set well.   They offered us coffee money for our car and since I really like my car and have no problems with it will probably keep it.

I did drive a new Cruze and LOVED it but not sure I loved it $20,000  worth. 

Just tried to  call Verizon and opt out of some Privacy thing they sent with my bill.   I don't quite understand it but said if we didn't call they would assume we wanted it.    By opting out I'm telling them to leave my information alone and not to share it.

That call went pretty well.   I hung up and my cell phone rang asking if I would take a short survey about my recent phone call.   Of course I got a machine - no one has real people working for them anymore.    We just use a machine because it's cheaper and apparently they can't understand their directions.

They said if the call was satisfactory to press "1".    I did that.   Then they said, "They were sorry, the response didn't get through"    So I did it again and was told the same thing.   Finally after pressing
"1"  three times I hung up.  

I'd really like to get on a slow boat somewhere about now.

NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY

Today one of our more controversal neighbors has invited all of us to their house for food, fun, music, and socialization.

I just walked by their house and they have a BIG tent, some porta potties right next to it and some kind of huge toy for the kids to be blown up later.

The lady that lived there led a rather colorful life.   We never had any problems but a couple of the neighbors called the Sheriff a time or two.    I see one of those neighbors has a "DO NOT CROSS" tape up surrounding the part of her yard that might be used for parking.  I kind of get the idea these two really don't like each other.

We will probably go over for a little while.   I'd like to see just what this new man in her life is like.   He did a neat addition to her house, put in a HUGE garden, bought the one free lot in the neighborhood and now has purchased the entrance.   None of us are happy that this was sold, BUT...at least he mowed it.   He appears to be trying to put up some kind of fence and who knows what might be going in there.

More on this saga tomorrow or whenever the spirit moves me.

JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS

Wednesday night sometime we had a pretty good storm move through.   I woke up enough to know it was coming.   I love listening to the thunder roll in but this took a long time getting here.   Once it started to rain I fell back asleep.

I woke up and my clock said 4:55 which is a good time for me to get up.   I made my bed, stopped to pee and came in here to see if I could set up a new blog.

I couldn't get my computer to go on line then realized I had to go plug Ted's in.   Of course I made more noise than I wanted to but did get it plugged in.  Mine won't come on unless he is plugged in too.

When my computer got booted up I saw it said 3 a.m.   That had never happened but my computer has been doing some weird stuff lately so I changed the time to 5.   Made sense to me.

I did get a new blog set up and answered email and my clock said it was 5 till 6.   I usually go get on some old clothes and take a walk but it was still pitch dark out.   Thinking that was really strange I checked a clock we have in the kitchen that is set automatically to be CORRECT.   It said 5 till 4. 

Why my clock in the bedroom jumped ahead 2 hours instead of blinking at me I'll never know.   So...I went back to bed for another couple of hours before finally getting up.  

I was pretty careful what I did the rest of the day.   One thing was I didn't want to make another big mistake for fear Ted might actually call the men in the white coats to come get me.

WHAT ALL CAN THEY CUT FROM THE POOR

I guess Washington finally got off the pot and did something today.  We aren't going to like this I'm afraid.  They didn't say WHAT they were cutting, but I can guess what will be going first.   Certainly they did not raise taxes for the rich.   HEAVEN forbid.   Or cut Farm Subsidies. 

On the news this evening they have cut the help people get with their rent, utilities and presciptions.   That's a good place to start.   Most of these people don't have anything anyway so why not cut their help in half.   They are just the poor.   Who gives a shit?

The next thing I heard was to cut spending for our military.   Now does that mean we can bring our men and women home?  

Sorry to be so negative but I'm just a little pissed right now.   We already have twice the amount of homeless in Nashville we had 5 years ago.   Last year when school started we heard there were over 400 more homeless children in public schools.     I didn't have much when I was growing up but by golly I had a home and didn't have to live on the street and try to go to school.   I can't even begin to imagine that.

I hope these well dress, high paid, legislaters can sleep tonight.   I don't think I will much.

Our Debt Dilemma

I don't claim to be an expert in all of this but something happened last night that is most interesting.

We usually watch NBC Evening News.  Last night for some reason we could not get that channel.  So...we opted for ABC and Dianne Sawyer. 

ABC tried an experiment that caught our attention.   They asked five people - some Democrats, some Republicans, and one from the TEA PARTY (heaven forbid) to work together for one hour and see if they could solve this problem that our elected officials just can't seem to handle.

They not only did it, but reduced it by over 2 Trillion (however much that is).   My mind cannot comprehend that much money.

They did not CUT Social Security but extended when you would be eligible to receive it by three years.  They also cut something that was recently brought to our attention - Farm Subsidies.   I know, I have a LOT of friends that get this money and would be angry but why should they get so much money for NOT USING THE LAND.   Man, this has been a thorn in my side every since we heard about it.

When the program was over Ted said, "None of them were running for office."    Kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Summer 2011 and Before

Time passes quickly the older you get.   It seems like just yesterday we were getting ready to start a new century.   Everyone was all worried about what would happen.  Would the world end, would the computers crash and the list went on and on.

We had friends in Winchester that were just sure the end of the world was near.   Of course, that was the type of churches we had down there.

Then came 9/11.   It was an unbelievable day that this could be happening in the U.S.   And how our world has changed since then.

I think of what my life was like growing up and how different our grandchildren's lives are.  We had no T.V., no Interstates, never took a vacation, and the Internet?   Well, that was something we would of thought of as outerspace talk.   We never heard the word RAPE, there were no murders, no one was abducted from their homes, and everyone knew everyone elses business.   We played hide-n-go-seek in the whole town.   I think of the people that helped raise me.   Our little one horse town was a pretty good place to grow up - especially since I had the ONE HORSE there.


Not long ago our oldest grandaughter quizzed me on how things were different when I grew up.   She asked some questions and wanted to know how I felt about how teen agers dress today.  I told her I didn't mind too much, I just wished they'd keep themselves covered more.   She giggled at that.   Then she asked if I'd prefer to go back to that way of living.

No siree.   Not this old gal.   I like having air conditioning in my home and car and I like having the Internet and oh so many more things we now have.

I often think of our parents and how much harder they had to work to get through a week just to survive.  Laundry was a big deal.  Not much else got done that day but then we only did laundry once a week.  My mother had to hang things in her dining room to dry so it was nothing to come home and work your way through sheets, dresses, jeans, socks and who knows what else just to get to the kitchen.  I never heard her complain but I'm sure she would of LOVED to of just gone in the other room and turned on the washer.

My mother never took an airplane flight in her entire life.   I was in my 40's before I had my first trip.  ALL of our grandchildren have flown and two have been to Ecuador.   Goodness.  

And all of a sudden here we are in 2011 headed toward 2012.   January will be here before we know it and all of a sudden it will be July 2012.  

I would really like for all our grandchildren to be able to take a step back into that time frame just for 24 hours.   I'm sure they would be BORED and wonder how on earth we survived.  I don't ever remember being BORED.

OOPS

Well, I was reminded today that I might want to change the title of our gathering we had over the week-end.   SO...I did.

I realized when I typed it that it was probably wrong.   Just for the record we are not members of the KLAN, never have been, never will be, and do not approve of their actions.

However, I heard some of our ancestors had been members.   After reading up on this I get the feeling that several hundred years ago almost ALL MALES were members. 

So...just so ya'all know, we love ALL people.

SMALL PLANE RIDE

Between our house and Lewisburg there is a small airport and Ted found out awhile back they will take you up for a 20 minute flight for a reasonable price.   He's been wanting to go and couldn't find anyone to go with him but this morning he, Benjamin, and Jordan went.

Jordan has really been sick with sunburn but felt well enough to go this morning and we knew they wouldn't be gone very long.    She was not as thrilled with the whole thing as Benjamin was but made it through the flight.

I missed seeing them fly over our house.   Don't know how but we crossed wires somehow.

Ted said Benjamin sat up in the front with the pilot and when they landed he told the pilot "Well, that wasn't too bad"    I bet that guy felt really good after getting that approval.

GATHERING OF THE CLAN

Over the week-end we gathered all of my brother, Jim's, children and grandchildren, plus all of ours and all of our grandchildren, a niece from Missouri and a friend from Indiana.   This is something Jim and I tried many times to accomplish but with one of our children living in Florida and the other in the state of Washington we just never could accomplish it.   But over this past week-end we gathered ALL of them together from far and near.    IT WAS WONDERFUL

I got to know his oldest daughter a bit better and had a chance to visit with his youngest daughter yesterday.   Her son is two and just a clown.   His dad is a magician and before long he's going to have the very best assistant anyone EVER had.   That little boy will capture the hearts of anyone that sees him.

They came out yesterday and had lunch before heading back north to their everyday lives.   I was hoping to have Patrick put on a magic show for Jordan and Benajmin but couldn't bring myself to ask him.   But he did it on his own.

We have a piece of string in my kitchen I saw these two kids cut in three pieces but today is is one long piece of string.   He told us we shouldn't sleep in the same room with it.  

I'm putting a couple of pictures of our reaction to him here.   Words cannot tell you how wonderful this week-end was but one VERY LARGE item will be marked off my bucket list today.

Thanks to all that worked so very hard to make this happen and to all that drove so many miles with a family.

ANTICIPATION

This coming week is going to be VERY BUSY and WONDERFUL.  I am so excited about this family gathering next Saturday.

We are celebrating several birthday's and a reunion of all of Jim's children and grandchildren with ours for the very first time.  

I'll be making a salad or two, some cookies, maybe a peach pie if I get "aroundtuit" and worrying about the families driving long distances to attend.   That's what mother's and grandmother's do.

When you reach the tender age of 75 and 80 these are the things in life that are important - family.  We have no more babies in the families.  A couple of 2 year olds and two boy cousins I cannot wait to see together and both of them have red headed daughters that look enough alike to be sisters in pictures.  

I doubt I'll be able to find the words after this reunion to express how I really feel inside.   I do remember when Meagan was tiny and we would go visit I'd always tell friends "my cup runneth over" after I had seen her.      I have a feeling my cup is going to flood this next week.

SUMMER TIME

There's an old song "Summer Time and The Livin Is Easy"   That's the way this week has been.

We have more darned cucumbers than I can keep up with, now we are getting zucchini too.   Peaches are so abundant in the stores and roadside stands, and tomatoes are teasing us with a ripe one every other day or so.

Getting ready for our big party and can't wait till everyone gets here.   It's going to be wild, fun, and a little crazy.    Some cookies are already baked and frozen.   More to be baked in the coming days.  AND...if I get real energetic I may just make some peach pies but that's not certain yet.   Jim is hoping I will, Ted hopes I decide to keep the two I have in the freezer here for him.    Dear me.   What to do. 

My flowers are dwindling except for the tall phlox and they will still be blooming when we leave in the fall.  I LOVE those flowers.   They last much longer than any others I have in our yard.   My next yard may have more of them. 

We've had nice summer showers all week and the yard is yerning to be cut.  

So...summer time is here.   No denying it when you look at the thermometer.  In the high 80's and 90's all week.    But...our house is dry, no forest fires here and we are anticipating a wonderfully fun time next week.      (I know, that is probably not correct English, but it's the truth)

I WISH

Every now and then I WISH I could go back to when I was younger.   I'm usually pretty content with where I am in life and what I do with it.   But...now and then I WISH I could go back a few years.

Today is one of those.   It was 20 years ago when we left for Alaska.   I would very much like to go back to that time in my life.

We left on June 27th and it took us a couple of days to get out of the lower 48 but we were on our way.   It was a great trip.   We had wonderful weather for the most part, very few problems and loved Alaska.   I still love Alaska.  

We drove our Corsica and pulled the neatest little camper.  We could set that camper up in about 10 minutes and slept in it all but about five nights of the whole trip.  

If you have never driven the Alaskian Highway it's hard to describe.   Some of it is just the most beautiful sights you will ever see, some of it is lonley and away from all of civilization.   There are favorite spots, like Laird hot springs where we spent a couple of nights, the Canadian Rockies that are breath taking.   Seeing a glacier up close for the very first time.   Laird Hot Springs is in a provencial park, like our state parks.   No electricity and clean and isolated.   But close by are these wonderful hot springs.   It was the only way we could keep warm.   We had a chipmonk get into our map bag while it sat on the picnic table and we played peek-a-boo awhile.  

We have had some really great trips in our retirement and Alaska was one of the best.   The other one that will probably not ever be topped was our trip to Ecuador.   It's been a great 20 years.  

Just a little nostalgia here today.   Good memories of some wonderful times.

PIE ANYONE?

No, I'm not making pies for our party or giving away free pie to just anyone that stops by.  BUT...I was looking through some old magazines my neighbor gave me and there's a page about a lady that makes THE VERY BEST PIES - according to her.

She has a blog "theworldneedsmorepie.com" so of course I pulled it up this morning.   She's also on FB but I didn't get into that much.

ANYWAY...she has this blog and it's pretty interesting.   She lives in Iowa and we all know they do some weird things there.    :)

One time I was watching the Travel channel and they were at the Iowa State Fair where they actually had a COW CHIP tossing event.  I thought they were joking but, no, they really did.

This lady doesn't update her blog very often but I thought it was kind of different and some of you may want to check it out yourselves.    I don't think I want to go play Bingo in Iowa.   You pay $10 to play and if a cow dumps on your square you win $250.   With my luck I know what I'd end up with - an empty pocket and someone elses pile to smell.

SEWING GROUP

I went to a newly formed sewing group at church this afternoon.   I wasn't going to go but really wanted to take a school bag and see if anyone was interested in making them.

We only had 6 people there but that's fine if they are all interested and these women are.   One already makes home made hand quilted quilts for General Hospitals Neo Natal Dept..   They are beautiful and she'd like to be a part of our group but doesn't like to use a machine.  

I also took the quilts I make for Midwest Dist. Center and they all would like to have that pattern too.   I really didn't think they would want to make those as they take a lot of fabric but that didn't seem to bother any of them.    AND...one lady promises to give us "just tons" of fabric so if that really does happen we will have plenty of material to work with.

One girl makes little dresses for the girls in Africa from old pillow cases.   She had a set of pillowcases she had embroidered on several years ago but I'm thinking appliques we can sew on.   I'd like to try one anyway.  

The school bag is what I really wanted them to show an interest in and made one yesterday and took directions and described how to do them.   They all wanted the pattern and one girl kept the bag to use as a pattern.  
For a long time I had wished we had a sewing group at church where we could go and work on projects.   Maybe this is a beginning.   It feels good and that's a good sign.

Bargin Shopping

I was reading in a magazine, this morning, about a lady that had a blog telling of all her bargins.   I guess she makes money selling this blog or something.   She did have a big ad in a famous magazine someone had loaned me.

I'd like to tell her of a few of my bargins over the years.   The very first one was a walnut side board I bought for $60 in Normal in 1962.   I was at a garage sale to buy a swimming pool for the girls but in the basement they had this beautiful walnut sideboard.   It was the most beautiful piece of furniture I had ever seen. 

We had just bought our first home there on Fell Avenue and hardly had two nickles to rub together by the end of the month.   I'm not kidding.   We were on a TIGHT budget.   BUT...I had to have that sideboard.  I called Ted to see if he could come home for lunch to see it but he had a meeting and couldn't make it.

I finally called the lady to see if they would hold it till 5 when he could get there to look at it.  Now that was smart!   I was young and very naive.   She was a little more seasoned and said, "Oh, we've already had two antique dealers come look at it".   That conversation would never take place today, but...what can I say.

I told her I'd be right there to get it.  

Now, where I got the money I do not know.   We had envelopes for bills like insurance, house payment, utilities, etc.   I imagine the insurance envelope was pretty well empty by the time Ted got home.  I even found $7 to have someone go get it and deliver it.  

This was a solid piece of walnut, two large pieces with a mirror and drawers and a big cupboard in the bottom.   It weighed a ton.   

Ted got home and I had tried to surprise him (BOY I WAS NAIVE) but got so excited on the way home from picking him up at work I let it out. 

But back to bargain shopping.   This sideboard was given to Kim and a few years later she had a chance to sell it and I believe she got a whopping $2,500 for it.  

I don't know if the girls ever got the pool or not but I had a beautiful piece of furniture for many years.

I've had a few other bargains but nothing like that.

ANOTHER GREAT GARAGE SALE

Thursday I was on my way to Lewisburg when I saw what looked like a really great garage sale.   My poor car just cannot help itself.   It found the first drive way and turned around and back we went.   I did buy a pair of slacks and a shirt and saw a sewing table but decided I didn't really need it.  Then yesterday moring I woke up and decided I really DID need it and would run down to see if it was still there.    Yep, it was waiting for me to come buy it and so here it is.

Then we moved my OLD sewing table over for a desk and I can have everything together instead of a table here and a book case there.  

I LOVE THIS ROOM

TALKING DUCK

Went to Lewisburg to run some errands this morning and stopped at the library to drop off some things.  They were having story hour and sure wish I had taken my camera.

The lady was all set up for a puppet show later but she had this big yellow duck with a huge orange bill sitting on her lap.   He was so cute and she was SO good.

I watched her and could not see her lips move at all but the kids wouldn't of cared as they were mesmerized with that duck.

He sang them a song of the ABC's, and I wanted to stay all morning but couldn't.   Next time I go down I'll take my camera.  

OH TO BE A KID AGAIN!!!!!!!

Fun Week-end

We had a really good week-end in Illinois - AGAIN.   Dropped off the things for Midwest Distribution Center and got a call last night that they were fine and would be happy to have more.   YEA!!!!

A good time with a niece and nephew in Sciota.  We kind of have squatters rights at their house.   It seems like we are there once a month or so this time of year.   They have a BIG garden and strawberries and not only did we eat our fill while there, they sent some home with us, plus black raspberries they freeze for us every year.   YUM  YUM

The reunion was fun - more on that another day.

Then to Kim's house where we have more squatters rights and even know her code to get into her house when she isn't there.   Good thing she has a watch dog.  

She fed us royally Sunday night and baked her dad a rhubarb pie.   AND...she sent what we didn't eat home with us so we came home with full bellies and full hearts of love from all we encountered.

CORRECTION

Sorry about all of this.   Here is the correct Link to the Duck River

www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jan/27/tennessees-duck-river-in-national-geographic/

COMENT

Since I still cannot comment this was my only choice to tell you that Link is no longer available.  Sorry.

The DUCK River is a very special little river and I'll keep trying to find more information for you.

A DAY ON THE DUCK

I picked Benjamin up yesterday about 8 a.m. and as we drove by the Canoe Rental place I noticed no cars were there.     Ted agreed it was a good day to go get a canoe and take that boy down the Duck River.

About 9:40 we boarded a canoe and took off.   The day promised to be warm but the sky was so blue and clear.  It was beautiful on the river and even Benjamin commented on how beautiful the ride was.

We found a few sand bars to stop at and after Benjamin helped me out of the canoe we could stand up and stretch a bit. 

 About three fourths of the way down the river we had a blue heron play with us.   I LOVE these birds.  They are so majestic and beautiful.   This one would wait until we were just about to her, then fly far enough away I couldn't get a picture.   We'd see her set down and when we got just about close enough again she'd take off.   I have never seen one do this before.

You have to really look, but she's here flying toward us at one point because we did see two noisey fishermen.   They didn't stick around long but scared her I think and she figured we were the safest of the two intruders into her serene world.

We were all tired, especially our navigator, but it was a GREAT DAY on the Duck.

Below is a link if you'd like to know about it.

www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/jan/27/tennessee-duck-river-in-national-geographic/

Cleaning Up the Sewing Room

When we came home from Louisiana last December I wanted to make some School Bags.  We make them all the time in the Sewing Room and work together.   It's a pleasant way to spend the day, sewing and visiting with people from all over.  I bought fabric and started work.   I worked some of every day for almost 2 weeks.   I can tell you it's a lot more fun working in a sewing room visiting with other women than sitting alone in your own sewing room sewing.   I made 14 bags and had some extra pockets and straps.  I was exhausted and did not want to make anything for awhile.

Then we went to Illinois for a visit last month and decided to stop at the Midwest Distribution Center on our way.   It does many of the same things we do at UMCOR Sager Brown only they receive no money from UMCOR.    This gives them a freedom to experiment and do various other good projects.   One is to make pajama outfits for boys and girls that are in the Children's Hospital.   I couldn't resist bringing a pattern home for a little girls outfit.  This one I'll take back for them to approve or disapprove Friday as we head back to Illinois.    We'll stop and deliver the items here for them to use.

Last but not least is a quilt they make.   It's reversible and made in 7" strips.   You don't have to use their pattern but I like it and wanted to make one.   These colors aren't my favorite but it's what I had here at the time.   These quilts have to be at least 42" X 60"  

Since making this quilt I have gone to a sale and was lucky enough to be able to buy a large amount of fabric for very little money.   It was all new and still had the price tags on.   I ended up with a big plastic tub FULL and estimated I paid about .33 cents a yard.

If my handiwork is approved Friday I'll be sewing a lot when we get home again.  I already have the colors of the next quilt I want to make picked out.

Special Houseguests

We were in Illinois visiting a couple of weeks ago and when we came home we found these two guests wanting to come visit for awhile.

It seems they are ancestors of Ted's.   They say their names are Palmer and Anna Tingley and came to America in the 1600's.  Palmer came over on the ship THE PLANTER.  

Ted has Ten hardbound books of history going back to Palmer and his trip to America with all the decendents listed.   Ted's dad, Claude Grant, was of the 10th generation and Ted is one of the 11th.

Palmer and Anna came here from visiting a niece in Industry, Illinois.   I don't know how long they had been visiting her.   They were pretty tired when they got here.   I thought it was ironic they had come from Industry which happens to be the town where Ted's father graduated from High School.

They haven't said how long they plan to stay with us but we enjoy having them. 

Frustration, Take a Deep Breath, Frustration, Take a Deep Breath

It's been a frustrating week.  I've bothered Connie so much I am ashamed.   My blog will not accept my password and so I tried to FIX it myself.   THAT WAS SILLY.    I had put in so many different passwords the poor blogspot probably wondered WHO THE HELL is doing this?

TOday I took my computer to Connie and she blogged and got a picture on but I'm still not allowed to post a comment.   

I would think she'd probably get a new phone number before I can call her again.

SO...this is really a test and to let off some built up steam. 

However, on the bigger picture of life, my eye Dr. told me this morning that my eyes should last me a very long time.   That was some really good news and listed as one of my blessings in life.

Test Post

This is a test post from Connie!

SUMMER IS HERE

Yesterday it was almost 90, today they predict 95.   I've already done all the work outside I intend to do today.   Walked, watered the garden and pulled a few weeds.

This was a nice relaxing week-end.   I did realize yesterday that I had forgotten to go to my yearly eye exam last Friday morning.   Man, 75 catches you in your get along or something.   ANYWAY...I just rescheduled it for this Friday.

Not only MY GET-A-LONG is going but think my computers is too.   I cannot comment on anyone elses blog and cannot post pictures anymore.   DURN!!!!!

Nice Day

We just got back from Connie and Jim's.   Jim grilled chicken and fixed sweet corn and salad and big, big cookie.   Man, that guy can cook.   YUM  YUM

We sat around the pool and chatted.   Ted and Connie and Jim got in the pool but the water was 74 degrees or some such number - too cold for this old womans blood.   I sat beside the pool and baked a bit, then got in the shade.

Their flowers are so pretty and if we had a pool like that I doubt I'd ever do much of anything except lay around beside it.  UMMMM   That's an idea.

I hope everyone that is traveling has a safe journey home and an enjoyable week-end.   I'm thinking of all our service men and women that will not be with their families this week-end and hope before much longer we can get them all home.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE

Some of you know that I have been trying to get on to Blog all week with NO luck.  I couldn't even comment on anyone else's blog.   Connie has spent a lot of time this week trying to help me but nothing seemed to work.

I decided this morning I'd try just for the heck of it and WALLA, here I am.   Aren't you all thrilled?   HA HA

ANYWAY...I wanted to comment on Kim's blogs.  She probably spent too much time with Dad and I on Monday and had extra work to do Tuesday.   I did NOT take her camera either.   I wouldn't know how to work it if I had.   New fangled technology and I DO NOT get along.   I'm glad she found it and could send pictures of the bat in the new hat and Jeremiah pitching ball.   I have no doubt that boy will be a pro one of these days.

Now, I also had something I wanted to comment on.   I just had my birthday and two dear friends gave me a subscription to the Newspaper from Astoria, Illinois.   It's the nearest one to our home towns anymore.  We used to have a great Newspaper in Vermont but many years ago it folded.

This paper has all the local news.   Babies born, all the pictures of every graduate, every prom picture, notices of breakfast clubs around the area and one section that I particularly like - "A Step Back In Time".
This is more my speed these days.

Last week I received my very first paper and enjoyed reading all the local gossip.  Oh yes, it also has all the obituaries in so they don't have to cut them out and mail them to me anymore.

In the Step Back column I saw that 90 years ago on my birthday, that would of been May 18, 1921, a big change was made in womens attire.   You see before that date they had not been allowed to be seen in public without having their ears covered.   But after that date they could go out and show off their beautiful ears.   I was thrilled that someone in the inner circles of style made this change. 

This week I noticed they also have pictures of the most wanted in Fulton County.  I have to tell you some of them look pretty rough.   One was wanted for sexual abuse.   Man, she was a tough looking character.

I'll keep you posted on all the exciting news now that I have my very own subscription. 

BIG WEEK-END

Well, the week-end started Wednesday with my birthday.   First thing we had a beautiful box of flowers delivered.   I was not about to leave them home so they were in the car when we left for Macomb on Thursday.  This is what they looked like when they arrived.

We drove to Illinois on Thursday and stopped at the Midwest Distribution Center in Chatam on our way. That's quite a place and I'm looking forward to working there if we ever get moved.

Arrived at Beverly and Kermit's Thursday.  Friday started out by meeting another friend, Donna for breakfast.   We giggled and laughed and Ted finally sent me home with her so he could have a break from us.

Then he picked me up and we grabbed a sandwich and went back to Beverly and Kermit's and she was getting ready for the other family members to come for dinner.

That was fun and I look forward to other family gatherings such as this only at my own house.  

Saturday we headed to Kim's and arrived in time to go see Jeremiah practice baseball.   He's got a good arm, that boy and someday I have a feeling he just might be a member of the Cub's baseball team.

Later that afternoon they went to stay with their dad for the evening and we rested awhile, then she took us to a really neat restaurant for dinner.  Medici is one of the new restaurants in "Uppity Town Normal" and the food was scrumptidelicious.    

Then we went to the old Normal theatre and saw The African Queen.   I know, Kim has already told you all of this but I wanted to refresh your memories.  

This morning Kim and I went shopping and I look forward to times of having dinner with her, going to the movies or a play and doing some shopping together.

It's been a fun week-end and tomorrow we head south again.   Hopefully someone will be sitting on our front porch waiting for us to get home so they can buy our house.

Thanks for my wonderful Birthday gifts.    I won't forget this birthday and won't ever celebrate 75 years again.  

BIRTHDAY

Yes, it's my birthday.    I'm an OLD woman today as someone reminded me this morning at 6:40 when she called.

You see I have these two friends.   We've been friends for YEARS.  We were ornery in school but think as we get older it gets worse.

This particular one sent me two cards.   One was a very nice HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY, the other one was a musical card that didn't work when I opened it.    I called her to chide her and when she answered I got to laughing so hard I couldn't talk.    She knew it was me and said, "I guess you got my card"    I told her the least she could of done was not send some damed old thing that was worn out.   WE both had a good laugh.   SO...this morning when she called she tried to sing Happy Birthday and then here came this terrible music from one of those cards.   What a friend.

Well, then I tried to get on the Internet.   It has been a problem lately with so much rain.   Out here in the boonies we have different kinds of challenges.

I called our provider at 8 a.m. and told them we thought we needed a new modem but of course we had to check everything out  -  a couple of times before they actually sent a guy with one.

So...I'm back on line and happy to be there and see everyone's wishes.

We leave in the morning for Macomb, IL and will see the friend that sent the old broken card, a niece from Missouri and several other family members.   Then Saturday we go to Kim's and hope to get to see Jeremiah play some ball.   I have a feeling someday he will be a pitcher for a pro baseball team.   I will be watching from another place but you can be sure I'll be watching.

Tonight neighbors are taking us to dinner so it's going to be a good day after all.

COMMERCIALS

Well, we sat down to watch the 5:30 news and then the commercials started.

Let's see.    The first thing we saw was this guy trying to eat a corn dog and it kept hitting him in the face spreading mustard all over him.   That really was interesting.

Next we saw this car that went to school for two years.   It traveled all over the globe learning things.   I really did enjoy that one.

Then we had some dandelions taking a train ride.    I never knew they did that so we broadened our education on plant life there.

Then this lady had a problem with her bowels I guess.    She was eating this stuff out of a paper cup and said if it didn't work you could get it free.   Right!!!!   I'm going to write this company and say I'm still constipated.

And some poor people are unable to breathe this year because of allergies.   They are really bad and I know it's not funny but for heavens sake.

We also have a commercial here that is one of my favorite.   This guy up in Gallatin or somewhere gets a microphone, goes out to his sales lot and starts YELLING at us as loud as he can about what these cars have on them.   He ends it by yelling "COME GET ONE"   So far we've controlled ourselves and managed to stay away from him.

BUT... the very best commercial I've ever seen is where this guy starts walking toward the camera and I have no idea what he's saying because all of a sudden flames shoot out from his necktie, then his shoulders, and then his back.   By this time I'm rolling on the floor. 

FOR HEAVENS SAKE people, make the darned commercials just a little bit real and I might watch them or better yet try some of the stuff you are trying to sell.

Even a Clydesdale farting is more realistic.

Little Green Animal

Yesterday afternoon I mopped my kitchen floor.   I don't do that very often.   This new floor just doesn't get as dirty as the old one and I hate wasting energy.

I put the mop outside the back door to let it dry and of course forgot it till this morning.   When I started out to paint the trim on the Dutch Barn I took the mop in the utility room to put away. 

Then I noticed SOMETHING had fallen onto the rug in there.  It's a varigated green rug and at first I didn't see anything, then I saw a little green toad.

I yelled for Ted.   Usually a toad doesn't bother me but for some reason I didn't want to pick this one up.   Well, he didn't want to BE picked up anyway.

Ted came out grumbling and we couldn't see it, then I saw it had gotten on the fire extinquisher and was headed behind the washer.   That was not what we had in mind.

Ted picked the extinguisher up and thought he'd just carry it outside but, like I said, that toad liked our green rug.

I was yelling afraid he'd get on me and Ted was trying to herd it out the door and I kept backing up laughing at the picture we were making.   I wished like everything I'd of had my camera and knew how to do a video.  It might of won us $10,000 on FHV's if we could of gotten it.

Two old people - one chasing a toad that was leaking some green liquid on the rug and Ted. The other old person  BEING chased by it.   What is this world coming to?

That little green toad is somewhere in our garage probably still looking for the pretty green rug.

CONNIE LOU IS 42

Gosh, I cannot believe you are 42 today, Connie.  You came the night before Mother's Day.   What a gift you were.

You never had to cry because when you would wake up either Kim or Jill were right there waiting to get you out of the bed. 

So many memories of fun times come to mind.   The time we had put the new carpet down in the basement and you three girls had gotten up early Saturday morning to go play on it.  They said we couldn't walk on it for 24 hours and you were all waiting to get on that pretty ORANGE SHAG carpet.

You all came into our bedroom and your hair was sticking straight out from your head.   Kim said, "Don't touch her" - you had so much static electricity in you we could of made toast.

Then just before I had Mark we went to the mall one morning very early to get Deanne a graduation present.  You got behind the counter of in a jewlery store where we were looking at music boxes.   All of a sudden you were gone.   All three of us were frantic.  Then I told Kim and Jill to go find the nearest gum ball machine and there you were.   Man, you loved those machines.

And the time I took you to town and you told some lady you were going to get her Bee Wee's and she thought you were cute.   I had to turn around and when I looked back you were washing your arm pits from the fountain.

You and Jill were just like a couple of clowns.   I used to threaten to put you in a cage and haul you to town behind the car.   The time on the way home from Audrey's wedding and you two took the netting from the rice bags and stuck them under your nose and made faces at cars as we drove by.  

At my very first Parent/Teacher Conference your kindergarten teacher could only say "She doesn't color inside the lines" and I told her I hoped you never did.   Sometimes I  was kind of sorry for saying that.  :)

Happy Birthday, Connie - I hope you NEVER color inside the lines.  Love you girl.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

I'm not sure just why we have a Mother's Day.    Sometimes I think it's a reason for the retaliers to make more money.   One time I heard a minister say the average mother had over $70 spent on her.   I almost vomited.

Mother's Day is every day of a life of a woman that takes care of a child in my book.   Every time I hear one of my children having a problem with one of their children I silently think, This is Why We Have Mother's Day".  

I was not a particularly good mother.   I don't mean I didn't love my kids, I did and still do.   I just never handled things the way I probably should of.   BUT...by the grace of God and their own strong will they have all grown up to be pretty neat people.  I'm proud of all of them and see special qualities in each one. 

SO...Happy Mother's Day to ya' all.   Even Mark.

My Flowering Rock

This rock is in our back yard and from early spring till late summer has something blooming either on it or around it.    I LOVE this rock.   These are some yellow Iris Connie gave me and they spread like wildfire.  Up close they look a little like an orchid.

Our family seems to cater to rocks.   Many years ago Connie picked rocks up out of the street and sold them to a neighbor kid for a penny apiece.   She was about 3 at the time and came inside with this money in her hand.   Of course, like a dummy, I made her take the money back to this child.  That was the year someone is California decided to sell PET ROCKS and became a millionaire.

Then one time someone gave Ted a special rock to put on his desk at work   It was just a rock.  Just a @*! rock.     Can't put the real name here as this is a family column.  

LIFE IS GOOD

It's Monday and many of you go to work today but these old retired people kind of keep the same routine most days of the week.

Had a big old garage sale this past week-end and got rid of many TREASURES.   I'm so glad so many came and took them away.   Now we will make work for some people at Good Will this week with what was left.

The news on my computer this morning is:    Bin Laden dead.   Goodness, I can only hope this is true.   I know, we aren't supposed to wish anyone dead but God knows I do.  

I can only hope this really is true this time.    Would this mean our men and women could come home?  Deep in my heart I know that's not going to happen right now but maybe they can come sooner than we had scheduled.  That would be WONDERFUL news.

And...on my computer this morning I also had a note from a niece in MN that she and her family WILL be able to attend our family reunion this summer after all.   That was just the most wonderful news to this old woman's heart.

Her dad, my brother, and I had always tried to get all our kids together but for various reasons we just never quite managed it.   SO...if the Good Lord's willing and the crick don't rise (that's not funny down here right now) come July 15/16 we will have a PARTY.

LIFE IS GOOD

I AM SO BAD

Today we had hardly anyone come to the garage sale till about 10 a.m.   I couldn't figure out why.  Came inside and thought I'd just watch some T.V. and realized THE WEDDING was on or replay after replay.
I began to wonder if anyone would come but they did this afternoon and we sold a lot.   Hope tomorrow is better.

This evening we were talking about how beautiful and common Kate is and how well she will do IF they leave her alone.   I doubt that "they" will but she seems to me she can handle things very well.

While we were talking I thought of the YouTube someone sent me last spring of a wedding.  During the ceremony this groom says, "Take "so and so" for my Waffle Wedded Wife.    Well this set that bride off and she lays her head back and she lets out a belly laugh that could be heard 3 blocks away - not once but twice.   I LOVE THAT VIDEO.

A little part of me would just love to see what had happened in West Minister Abbey if Kate Middleton had cracked up like that.   I would of loved to seen the expression on the Queen Mother's face.  

Man, I am bad.   The Devil Made Me Do It.

THE DUCK IS OUT

Well, like everyone else we cannot believe how horrific yesterday was for some parts of the country.  I helped the Red Cross one time after a tornado in Tennessee and it's not something you soon forget.   People would be standing looking at their property, some of the homes were completely gone.   All you could do was go to them, give them a hug and ask if there was anything they needed right then.  There had been two men killed on one street we worked.  This was most upsetting so I can only imagine how these people feel with so many lost.   I remember sitting in a S.S. class one time that Jim Pryne was teaching.  We were talking about death.   I asked him what we could do when someone had lost a loved one.   He said, "Sometimes just being there is enough".   I'll never forget that and hope all these survivors have someone with them.

We are having a BIG garage sale tomorrow and Saturday and as we took the signs to put up at the end of Rt. 99 which runs in front of our sub-division we saw the Duck River is out.   That same gentle little river where Ted has taken grandkids to skip rocks, fishing, and last summer to play in the rapids.  But today it's not a gentle LITTLE river.  Below are two pictures I just took.

The picture above is taken as you come to our house from Lewisburg.  Water is all around this man's yard and I had to take a picture of his boat.   I guess it broke loose or got away from him before he could secure it.

This picture is taken as you turn on Rt. 99 to come to our house.  The River Rats Canoe Rental place is on the right and you usually have to go down a steep drive to get to the water here.   A couple of garbage cans are floating around.   No one will be canoeing for awhile. 

WHAT A DAY

I think I'm a little "goofey" about now.   I remember when the kids were little and we'd have a snowstorm we'd listen to WJBC all day and by the end of the day we were all a little "goofey".  

It's been a day of storms here and one tornado came closer to us than we like.

I had a Dr's appt. this morning and when I got to Franklin and his office, I was his only patient.   I was in and out in 20 minutes.   Then headed to get some groceries at Walmart and they had a big T.V. on with the local channel telling there was a cell about 35 miles from us to the south, headed our way.

After calling Ted and confirming I should stay put awhile I decided to get a sandwich but when I got the the BIG MAC restaurant (HA  HA) they were full, full, full.   Too many windows for me anyway so I just headed home.   Had no problems but the storms were flying around us all afternoon.

About 3:30 one came a little too close for our comfort so we got our safe places all set, flashlights, pillows, blankets, checkbooks (gotta be sure we have those)   (More HA  HA ) and then the crazy thing headed East of here.

A little while ago one of our neighbors called to see if we were O.K.    Told her I went ahead to the Dr. and she told me her husband had cancelled his appointment up there and they had gone into their "toilet room".  For some reason this expression just hit me funny.   I had a hard time keeping from laughing.   I guess that's what you call it in Oklahoma.  

I'm exhausted from all the activity today.   Hope I can get some rest tomorrow.   :)

Mystery of The Lost Tupperware Lid

I have had some trouble getting a blog written the past couple of weeks.  Could it be we had company?  But this morning we got up and it was just the two of us.   We miss Jordan but it is nice to have our routine back.

About 3 weeks ago we had a lady that really wanted to buy our house and we were sure we had it sold.  But...she was not able to raise the money so we are back to square one in that department. 

When she told us she was VERY interested and was going to see about getting the money we began to move quickly toward a move.   I went through things and packed one tub to move, fixed several boxes of items to put in the garage sale.  (That is going to happen this Friday and Saturday)

I cleaned out drawers, sorted clothes, went through the kitchen and got a lot of things out and priced some, ready to sell.   In one drawer I keep plastic dishes and had a tupperware bowl I really liked but could not find the lid.   I cleaned the whole drawer out and the lid just wasn't there.  

SO...I put the bowl in a box to sell.  It wasn't much good to me without the lid.   Today, however, Ted showed me a box or two of our camping supplies and asked what, if anything, I wanted to keep.   It is kind of sad, really, to think we won't ever camp again.   We loved camping and saw a lot of places we probably would never of gone to if we hadn't camped.   Alaska, Novia Scotia, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, several trips to Colorado.  As I went through I thought of those trips and how much fun we had.  One memorable place was the Snake River and Massacre State Park on our way home from Alaska that some lady at a rest area insisted we stay at.  That was a beautiful area and the birds were so welcoming.   I remember waking up early the next morning and was just overwhelmed with their singing.   I wanted to record it but had nothing with me except the camcorder.   So...just at dawn I slipped out of the camper, turned the camcorder on and was panning around when all of a sudden I saw a rock cliff across the river from us with the moon still shining brightly. 
You can't find those memories in a motel. 

But...back to my story.   In one of the boxes Ted gave me to go through was that silly lid.   Now I can't remember where the bowl is and tomorrw I will start the search for it.   I know, you're all wondering if I can ever get the two together.    YES, the lid is in the drawer where I keep the dishes, silly people.

NOTE:  I wouldn't of written this blog tonight but tomorrow is to start two more days of bad storms here and my computer may not get turned on.  

EASTER SUNDAY

Easter started out with Jordan  and I going to early service in Franklin.  It was a beautiful service and I was once again reminded of how much I'm going to miss this church.   BUT...we haven't sold the house yet so who knows. 

After lunch Ted and Jordan wanted to take me on a hike by the Duck River.   We go over there often but this was on the north side of the river.   I think Kim and her two have been there hiking before but it was a first for me.

This tree is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen.   I really wonder how this came to be.

We had little areas we could walk to the edge of the river and stand on huge boulders and look over the water.  

Jordan hardly missed taking any of these little side trips.

Grandad and Jordan trying to sneak away from me.   HA, caught them.

This girl is adventursome for being a city girl.  She loves being outdoors and going fishing is one of her favorite things to do when at our house.  So far she hasn't caught our dinner for which I'm very grateful.