Trumpet Time...

I just finished a rotation of 3 twelve hour night shifts and came home to find my garden overgrown from a week of rainfall, solitary thinking and loneliness. This Angels Trumpet grows near the fence in a nice little corner of my backyard. You´d be hard pressed to find a plant more self-obsessed with strutting its stuff.

A Delightful Summer Salad....

Besides working a lot of hours these days, I've spent lots of time lately spiffing up my gardens and doing countless other little projects to enhance the cozy and delightful feeling of my little cottage. Aside from the fact that I get so busy with my projects that I don't want to stop, it's just been too darn hot to do very much cooking. Actually, there's been a few days when a cherry popsicle or an icy Dr. Pepper sounded more wonderful than anything else I could possibly imagine. Knowing I can't survive on such from day to day, I sought a simple and light recipe that would be quick and not too high cal or high carb. I found just that in this great little summer salad....



Asian Chicken Salad

1 head green cabbage (sliced thinly/shredded)
3 green onions, chopped
1 can mandarin oranges (you can use a small or large can, depending on how much you want)
1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
4 cooked chicken breasts, chopped
1 pkg Oriental Ramen Soup
1 pkg frozen peas, thawed
1/2 C slivered almonds (optional)

Dressing (add just before serving)
1/2 C Sugar
2/3 C Oil
6 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 packet Oriental Soup Seasoning

Directions:
Combine all items for salad & toss. Just before serving, wisk together ingredients for dressing. Toss together & serve.

If you want to save some of the salad for another day, don't add all the dressing as the salad will get soggy. If you want to add some crunch to the salad, top with some of the ramen noodles.

First Stop....Jaffa

Responding To the Survey...

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Sure was, actress Rhonda Fleming.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Don't really know. I'm easliy moved to tears.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes. It has an artsy, caligraphy look.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Honey roasted turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 2 handsome sons and 1 beautiful grand-daughter

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Heck yeah!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Not often. Sometimes I tend to be brutally honest and some people may read it as sarcasm.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Not a chance.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? My own home-made granola

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Most of the time.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Considering all that I've gone through, yes.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Cherry Vanilla

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their smile & their eyes.

15. RED OR PINK? Red, usually. Depends on what it is.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Hmmm. It would be nice to add an inch or two to my 5'0" heighth

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My mom

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Doesn't matter.

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Right now I'm wearing a UT tee-shirt and some Victoria's Secret pajama bottoms

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? veggie chips

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Passera by Il Divo, an awesome Italian group

22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? yellow....maybe red

23. FAVORITE SMELL? Oscar de Larenta

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Jarad, my baby boy in Austin

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Sure do!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Olympic figure skating

27. HAIR COLOR? blonde beyond blonde!

28. EYE COLOR? blue

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Used to.

30. FAVORITE FOOD? seafod

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Norbet (Savannah's choice)

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? still in my white UT tee-shirt and pj bottoms

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter. Summer is incredibly hot in Texas, I absolutely love fall... and spring too, because it's plantin' time.

35. HUGS OR KISSES? I like both and lots and lots of it.

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? to whom?

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? to what?

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Intrapartum Management Modules. I'm preparing for national re-certification in obstetrical nursing

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? UPS promo

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? Nothing. Worked 5 hours and delivered 3 babies, 1 weighing only 2 lb.s

42. FAVORITE SOUND? crickets & animals late at night in the mountains

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Israel

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Many talents.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Virginia, just across the river from the U.S. capitol

47. WHAT SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU LIKE? I's already a superpower. I'm a kid of the King

Saturday Silly Stuff

Which vintage movie star are you most like?(For girls)

You are Marilyn Monroe. You're a sexy bombshell who knows how to get what she wants, but sometimes people underestimate you or misread you and you're seen for one thing instead of all that you are. You can actually be very shy and hard on yourself, and feel that sexiness is all you have to offer to people. You will have your success but be careful that you don't let anything consume you completely. Feel better about how smart you are.
Take this quiz!








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T.G.I.F.

After being a day shift nurse for 23 years I decided to take the plunge and transfer to the night shift. I'm a labor and delivery nurse and when I was offered a lucrative shift differential to work from 7 pm to 7 am three nights per week I accepted. I found the pace of nights to be much more subdued than that of the day shift...most of the time. Overall it's been a great trade off---a whole lot more money for a whole lot less stress--- but the really enticing factor was the idea of having more daytime hours at home. I'm a genuine nester at heart (see my Nester post from Sept. 2006) and nothing makes me happier than having lots and lots of time to feather and 're-feather' the nest. I have a nice little stretch of off days :) so from 7 am Friday until 7 pm Tuesday THAT-- nesting!--is exactly what I plan to do. I can hardly wait to begin....I'll take a nice, long aromatic bath, then jump into my favorite Victoria's Secret pajama bottoms with my UT tee-shirt and Croc's. I'll put on some nice, smooth jazz and light my favorite candles before going through each room of my little cottage, fluffing this and rearranging that, until I am perfectly satisfied that my abode feels like a welcome haven of peace and rest. I'll be sure, of course, that there's a lot of love scattered about and that I've strategically sprinkled a wonderful little trail of 'niceties' along the way to pamper and please all who enter the door. In my sweet little cozy kitchen I'll concoct a delectable, homemade organic pizza with fresh basil and tomatoes from my garden.Or maybe some wonderful tacos from the fresh mahi mahi my son caught. I'll check the classifieds for a 'can't miss this one' estate sale going on. Maybe I'll get lucky and find another old treasure like this: I'll scrub and perfume Andi and recruit a little help to move the big pots containing my citrus trees. I'll make a few plans for my soon coming cruise :) and I'll lie on the sofa with my favorite comfy quilt and read a good book or watch a movie. I may even squeeze in time for my coveted monthly foot massage and pedicure, then go for a leisurely stroll through the arboretum..falling love with every flower I meet.
On Sunday I'll go spend some time with God in His house and then have a nice little lunch with a few of the ones I love most of all. I'll drift off Sunday night feeling safe and secure and happy and fulfilled in this life with which I've been blessed. THIS is what I call a wonderful weekend and I can hardly wait for it to begin.

Lady Bird Johnson 1912-2007

We lost a great Texan yesterday, former First Lady 'Lady Bird' Johnson. There's no doubt we didn't all agree with the politics of her husband, LBJ, but one thing we can all agree on is the fact that she did an absolute phenomenal job beautifying the state of Texas with wildflowers. It's hard to see a Bluebonnet or Indian Paintbrush and not think of Lady Bird, and I have a feeling her legacy of these gorgeous, colorful wonders of nature will continue forever. Lady Bird was quite a wonderful cook too, and many of her recipes are treasured standby's in the collections of quite a number of Texan's.
Lady Bird was quite a character---graceful and dignified, yet, a pretty down-home soul at the same time. There's a Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in the 'hill country' and in the springtime there's even an 800 number that lets the nature lovers know when the flowers will be blooming at their peak. The hills of Texas are truly ablaze with color each year, thanks to Lady Bird and her program which provided for the distribution of thousands of pounds of wildflower seeds to be planted along the highways of the great Lone Star State.
So, farewell Lady Bird. Though you are gone you are truly not forgotten. Many thanks to you for adding such beauty to our state. Because of your efforts our highways are absolutely glorious. You were indeed a true daughter of Texas and you will be missed greatly.

Tasty Tuesday

Chicken is wonderful grilled, roasted, baked or in any number of concoctions--gumbo, dumplings, tetrazzini or salad but, here in the south, nothing quite compares to fried chicken. It takes a little time, but always earns rave reviews and it's worth every minute of preparation. This is my favorite fried chicken recipe and it's wonderful served with vegetables straight from the garden, cornbread from 'scratch' and of course, sweet tea.

Southern Fried Chicken

One fresh whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
8 cups of water
1/2 cup of salt
1 1/2-2 cups shortening or oil (depending on size of your skillet) Oil should rise up the sides about 1 inch.
1 cup of flour
Salt and pepper and garlic powder to taste
Herbs as desired

Method:
To 8 cups of hot water add 1/2 cup of salt and stir until dissolved. Place in refrigerator until until cool.
Add chicken, cover, and return to the refrigerator overnight or at least 8 hours.
Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic and herbs and place in a paper bag or plastic container with lid.
Place chicken (2 pieces at a time) in flour and shake until evenly coated
Place each piece of chicken on a plate, separated. Heat oil on high heat in a large cast-iron skillet until temperature is 350 degrees. If you don’t have a thermometer, it should take about five minutes to reach that temperature. You can test the heat by throwing in a spoon of flour--if it floats and starts frying, the temperature is perfect; if the flour sinks to the bottom, it needs to heat a few more minutes.
Place chicken pieces in skillet skin-side down (they can be close, but not overlaping) and turn heat down to medium. Fry on one side until golden brown (10-15 minutes), then turn with tongs and fry other side until golden brown.
Remove fried chicken from skillet with tongs, and drain for 10 minutes on a rack over a sheet pan or on paper towels. Serve immediately.

Note: This method produces a very thin but crispy crust. If you want a super-thick crust, you can do a flour dredge, then dip it into buttermilk and then dredge in flour again. Also, go easy on the salt since the chicken will already be salty from being soaked.

More Pic's....

I've added more pictures to the Holy Land post of July 5.....

My Wonderful Summer Garden...

Day 43

It's kind of hard to imagine that parts of our nation are enduring temps in the 120's. Today marks the 43rd consecutive day of rain in Texas. Yes, that's correct. It has rained every single day since the 25th of May. Some days it's slow and steady all day long, other days the downpour is heavy with winds that remind one of the dreadful Hurricane Rita we experienced in 2005. But regardless of the type or amount of rain we get, one thing is for certain....we've come to expect some kind of rain every day. Luckily, my gardens are all built up and the drainage is good so the flowers and vegetables are flourishing from the natural water.

In fact, I've noticed a big difference since they've ceased surviving on water from the sprinklers. The lawn feels a bit boggy at times and, unfortunately, the grass is also reaping the benefits and growing in leaps and bounds. I recall summers past when I fussed so much about how high the water bill was as I worked dilligently to maintain nice gardens right smack in middle of the drought, so, I'll bite my tongue rather than express my dismay. There's always tomorrow.

2006 Holy Land Tour

This was the trip of a lifetime! A wonderful journey shared with those whom I love most of all.

Thrifty Thursday

I love the finer things, but refuse to pay top dollar for them, so finding a special treasure in a thrift shop is one of my absolute favorite things to do. I can hardly describe the elation I felt when, tucked between the crockpots with missing lids and dusty silk flower arrangements that were far beyond their prime, I spotted this mint condition vintage teapot that goes with the Franciscan Apple pottery that I collect. I could hardly believe this sweet little piece was in a thrift store! And to make the find even sweeter, the price was a mere $3.00! I was in Las Vegas visiting my son when I found this deal of all deals (they go for $40.00 -$50.00 on e-bay) at a local Goodwill and, needless to say, I felt as though I had hit the mother of all jackpots. Finds like this make me want to take a carefree, leisurely roadtrip---off the beaten path--searching for hidden treasures among the cast-offs.

Firecracker Salad

It has rained and rained and then rained some more around here and the forecast indicates that we'll see more in days to come. I don't remember the last day that we didn't have rain...it was probably two weeks ago or more. And with the already high humidity of the coastal region, rain and daily temps in the high 90's create a type of humidity that's unlike anything you can imagine. The flower and vegetable gardens are thriving in the near greenhouse climates and as for my curly hair, well, it just gets bigger and more unruly each time I step outside. But today was a great day to gather with a few friends and throw some delectables on the grill. Shish-kabobs, red snapper (thank you, Justin!), grilled corn on the cob, cole slaw, homemade garlic bread, home grown strawberries with fresh whipped cream and iced tea are just a sampling of the things that graced the table. As sunset approached we launched the party boat and floated along the Neches River, watching a better than ever firework show. I love making memories with those whom I hold dear.

Recipe
1 bag frozen corn, defrosted gently in the microwave
4 ripe plum tomatoes, halved, seeds squished out, chopped in small chunks
1/2 red onion, very finely sliced
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
small handful chopped mint

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together except for the mint. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes (so that the red onion loses its pungency). Right before serving, mix in the mint.

This Diamond Ring Doesn't Shine For Me Anymore...

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the beautiful diamond ring that sits in a little turqoise box in my lingerie drawer. True, I have more important things to worry about but, it's time to make a decision regarding the fate of this once treasured gem. It used to be my most highly prized posession--- lovingly created just for me---and I wore it with a pride and respect unlike any I had ever known... prior to that phase of my life. But the winds have blown and the tide has shifted and now it represents nothing more than platinum and stone and the potential of a little something to put aside for a rainy day. I suppose I could have it redesigned and wear it but I'm not a jewelry person and besides, it was never intended to be jewelry anyway but, rather, a symbol of something spiritual and real.
Having said that much, I guess I know what my next step will be. My little cottage is about due for the 'mother of all purgings' and this sound like a mighty fine place to start.

Planting, Planning and R & R

The early summer garden has been nothing less than phenomenal, but, like most good things, it will come to an end. The freezer is full of beans and squash and the pantry is loaded with homemade tomato sauce, salsa, pickled peppers and pesto. I've picked the last of the tomatoes and tomorrow I will pull up the bean vines. All that's left in the garden is cantaloupe, eggplant and peppers. We usually plant in March around here, and by mid June---when temps are in the 90's---the heat is just too taxing on the plants and vegetation. The herbs are continuing to do well and I will soon begin preparing the beds for fall planting. So, for the remainder of the summer, I will focus on the flower beds and see about adding another birdbath and a few more boulders to the landscape. If I'm lucky, maybe I can have a small greenhouse built by fall or winter. Until then, I think I'll focus on packing a bag in anticipation of a little R & R, via a wonderful, fun-filled cruise.

In Praise of Butter Beans

If you were to stop by a true southerners home at mealtime this time of year, chances are great that you would find lima beans, better known to us as 'butter beans', gracing the table. Along with the 'butter beans' there's usually fresh sliced tomatoes (or maybe fried green tomatoes), yellow squash, sliced cucumbers, cantaloupe, fried eggplant, corn on the cob, fried okra, cornbread made from scratch with real butter and, of course, sweet iced tea. 'Round here, meat or fish is optional in the summer and even the greatest carnivores can attest to the fact that it just ain't necessary when all the wonderful summer garden vegetables are abundant.

Some folks, believe it or not, have been known to turn their noses up at lima beans. Maybe it's because they fall under the 'green category,' I don't know. But, you owe it to yourself to sample these delectable little morsels before making such a hasty decision.

The best lima beans, hands down, are those fresh from the garden to the table, and in some parts of the south-- especially Texas--they're plentiful now. But, if you aren't blessed by having a garden (or a wonderful friend with one), you can buy them frozen or dried. And they’re very versatile—for instance, you can boil them with a ham hock, fry them with sausage and peppers, puree them into a hummus, throw them into a vegetable soup, sprinkle them into a salad, or bake them with molasses and mustard. And while the bean by itself is sort of unrewarding, this quality is what makes it such a marvelous vehicle for other flavors.

So, in honor of summer and my wonderful 'God-blessed' garden, I offer you my recipe for lima beans with garlic, rosemary and bacon. Trust me, even if you think you don’t like limas, try these creamy, bacony beans and you just may change your mind. And if you’re still not convinced, think of them as butter beans because really, how could anything with the word butter in it taste bad?

Lima beans with Bacon

3 cups of fresh baby lima beans removed from the pod or 3 cups of frozen baby lima beans (1 16 oz. bag)

6 slices of bacon

1 sprig of fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon of fresh basil, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of lemon zest

Salt and pepper to taste

Fry the bacon in a skillet until all the fat is rendered, remove from skillet and crumble. Leave two tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.Add lima beans, garlic, half the crumbled bacon, basil, rosemary, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup of water to skillet and bring to a boil.Turn heat down to low and then simmer the beans (stirring occasionally), covered, for 20 minutes until beans are tender. (For soupier beans, just add more water.) When the beans are done, top with remaining crumbled bacon and lemon zest.

Juneteenth and Quilts

Before the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves seeking freedom escaped by way of the Underground Railroad, the discreet network of people who helped slaves escape to the north and to Canada. Those who went south and guided people north to freedom were known as conductors, with Harriet Tubman being the best known.

While the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted in 1863, news didn't reach Texas until June 19, 1865; and two years later the Freedmen's Bureau organized the first Juneteenth celebration in Austin.

Quilting lore says that the hefty handmade blankets played an integral role in the Underground Railroad, guiding slaves to freedom and warning them when danger was near. These 'freedom quilts' held secret messages and were typically made by conductors in Kentucky and Mississippi for slaves passing through by way of the Underground Railroad.

Specific quilts would be hung on the porches of homes along the way to relay a message to the slaves that they could visit there, get a lunch and then get on the Underground Railroad and move toward freedom. Each quilt relayed a specific and strategic message that was vitally important to the success of the journey.

There is indeed something very nostalgic about a quilt and, even today, each hand-stitched scrap of fabric tells a story, whether it's a dress remnant, a piece of dad's tie or a scrap of granddad's old trousers.

Texas artist Earline Green, whose grandmother made these handmade treasures, first learned about the stories that quilts tell after reading "Hidden in Plain View" by Jacqueline L. Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard. "There were a lot of things I discovered in the book in terms of hiding information that I used in my own work," she said. "I would give hints in the title what was going on in the quilt."

And that is precisely how conductors on the Underground Railroad were able to conceal their messages, too, thus enabling those in bondage to continue on the journey to freedom.

In Green's work titled "A Safe Place," which depicts people guarding a child in an abusive situation, she uses two of the same symbols - a log cabin and a drunken path. She said the log cabin with a yellow center was a symbol to move forward. If the center piece of fabric was red or black, it meant danger ahead.

The 'drunken path patch' was used to tell those on the Underground Railroad to take a path that zig-zags, like the gait of an alcoholic, Green explained.

Quilts, it seems, are oral histories stitched in time. They also symbolize prayers patched together and, often, a kind touch and warm embrace.

Me 'n Daddy

Most everyone thinks they have the best dad in the world, but, I know the title really belongs to my daddy. For as far back as I can remember, I have been my daddy's buddy, his one and only little girl, his pride and joy. Over the years my dad has taught me volumes of practical knowledge that I truly treasure---how to grow a great garden, how to buy a new car at an unbelievable price, how to sling a hammer, install a sink, put a battery in the car, plant a tree properly, and countless other gems necessary to maintain a life of self-sufficiency. My daddy is getting older now but, in my eyes, he's just exactly the same as he was when I was a little girl.

I remember, when I was about five years old, giving my daddy a goodbye hug at the airport--- not really sure where he was going or why. As it turned out, he spent a year in Buenos Aires working on a special construction job. It never dawned on me until this morning, but, shortly after his return my parents built a nice new home. So that's why Daddy went away to work. What a sacrifice it must have been for him to be away from his family for an entire year. I still have the two dolls that he brought me from that trip, and they're still in excellent shape, though one is missing a shoe. Not bad, considering they've worn those same shoes for 46 years.

When Justin, my first baby, was born you would have thought that Daddy was the first person on earth to ever have become a grandpa. I think he must have believed that God created the earth just for Justin to walk on. Justin took my place and was the 'new' pride and joy. At that time Daddy was shrimping as a hobby and had recently purchased a new boat. He waited for months to christen the boat, planning to name it after the baby girl that I wanted so badly. When the baby arrived, with no girl parts, Daddy revised his plan and christened his new boat the Justin' Time. Every shrimper on the Gulf knew the Justin' Time and how it got its' name.

I could go on and on, singing the praises of my Daddy, but I really don't have time right now....I've got a special gift for my Daddy and I've got to go see him.

Southern Friends

FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Always bring the food. And lots of it.


FRIENDS: Will say "hello".
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss. More than one.


FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Call your parents Mom and Dad, and often.


FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Cry with you. And for you.


FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will spend hours there, talking, laughing, and just being together. Then do the dishes before leaving.


FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you. And often times know you better than you know yourself


FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds' back-ends that left you. Then walk beside you in the front of the crowd.



FRIENDS: Would knock on your door.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, "I'm home!" If you are not, they will wait.


FRIENDS: Are for a while.
SOUTHERN FRIENDS: Are for life, and then some.

Just a Little Pinch of Seed......

.....with the help of the sun and moon and rain, and, of course, lots of 'God winks' transformed to all these wonderful, delectable organic vegetables. I'm thankful for another day of good harvest.

The One That Didn't Get Away

My son, Justin, is happier when on the water than when anywhere else on earth so, I can only imagination his elation when he reeled in this big one while 90 miles out in the Gulf this weekend. Between himself and a couple of buddies, 200 pounds of Grouper and Red Snapper were caught. Now that's a lot of fish tales...

Requesting Assistance, please...

Can anyone share with me the method for titling photographs when they are added to a post? I can't seem to find helpful information. Oh, the picture today is a bloom on my beautiful passion vine. Pretty exotic for Southeast Texas, huh?

You Are Totally Like Your Mom

You and your mom are practically clones. You think alike, and you even seem to read each other's minds. You're definitely you're mother's child... and that's just fine with you.

Are You Like Your Mom?

I Am From....

I am from Sunday School then pot roast for dinner and prayer meetings on Wednesday evenings. I am from I'll fly away oh glory and Oh how I love Jesus and Hold to God's unchanging hand. I am from lean not on thine own understanding but trust God.

I am from afternoons of Leave it to Beaver and Donna Reed and Father knows best. I am from walking across the room to change the television channel or be content with one of the three channels that is on. I am from Elton John and Beatle albums and Earth Wind and Fire and Carlos Santana eight track tapes.

I am from posters and black lights and french vanilla candles. I am from Ali McGraw and Ryan O'Neil, Love Story and 'love means never having to say you're sorry.' I am from mood rings and promise rings and his class ring dangling around my neck on a chain.

I am from save your babysitting money for that brown suede jacket with miles of fringe. I am from teachers monitoring if my dress is too short or my boyfriends hair is too long. I am from go back to your room and put on something 'decent.' I am from laborously ironing my long curly hair every morning so I can look like everyone else.

I am from crocheted blankets and handmade quilts, old black iron skillets and my granmothers Singer sewing machine. I am from try it on in the store then come home and create it. I am from why would you buy it when you know you can make it.

I am from if it's worth doing then it's worth doing right. I am from don't say anything if you can't say something nice. I am from you'll never understand until you have children of your own.

I'm from headaches and tears and sobs in the bathroom as I struggle to understand or be understood. I'm from smiles and laughter because I can and I am.

I am from church camp and friends I hold dear to this day. I am from friends who love the Lord and love me too. I am from the confusion that stems when the things that seem right go wrong and when friends who know God seem to turn Him away. I am from the baby boom age from Alexandria, Virginia. From the young couple who were told this pregnancy, too, will never make it. I am from the Grace and Mercy of God, who never gave up on me. I am from Him.

Andi, Sunshine and Daisies

For more years than I can count, I have had an almost insatiable love for gardening. So yesterday afternoon, before the predicted thundershowers arrived, Andi and I spent the afternoon planting the summer garden. Boy, did we plant! After removing the fall/winter pansies from the flower beds we planted vibrant gerber daisies, lush red geraniums, dozens of multi-colored zinnias and velvety red verbenia. We filled the herb garden with two types of basil, mexican marigolds, society garlic, lemon grass, rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley and lemon balm. Using the 'lasagne method', a fantastic procedure for layering the mulch, soil and organic matter, I planted green beans, red and green bell peppers, squash, cucumbers, strawberries, eggplant, tomatoes and radishes.....finishing just minutes before the first drops of rain fell. What a wonderful finishing touch, pure 'organic' water, minus the chlorine and chemicals, to settle the plants in to their cozy beds.

Tasty Tuesday

My long desired red Kitchenaid Artisan Mixer arrived a few days ago and today was the first time I've had a chance to use it. Wow, that dough hook is something else! No more kneading and mixing and mixing and mixing the stiff dough! I made a wonderful loaf of sour dough bread to share with a friend who's coming by for lunch today and my mind is already racing, trying to decide what to experiment with next. I have a feeling I'm gonna be the 'baking queen'...at least for the next few weeks.

Memory Monday

When I awakened this morning I realized that exactly one year ago today I was touring the Holy Land with a group of the most wonderful friends one could ask for. The trip was without doubt one of the greatest events I've experienced in life and I would absolutely love to go there again some day. The picture I've posted is of a cemetary on the Mt. of Olives, which is directly across from the Eastern Gate. According to the Bible, this is the site where the Lord will set foot when He returns to earth and because of this, the gravesites there are highly coveted and cost as much as $250,000.00 each. The graves are extremely close together and cover the hillside for as far as the eye can see. You will notice that there are no flowers on the graves and that many of the graves have stones placed upon them. We were told that flowers represent celebration and joyous events, therefore, they have no place in the graveyard. The stones are symbolic of heaviness, therefore, they adorn the graves as a symbol of the heavy heart the surviving loved ones have. This tid-bit is just one of the dozens of interesting facts I learned in that glorious ten days.

With a Little Luck and Creativity....

Sometimes when I stumble upon something, I end up with much better results than when I carefully plan a project. Point at hand--I much prefer old treasures that have been cast aside over new ones but recently, out of curiosity, I decided to make a quick pass through a furniture store that was going out of business. Near the back of the showroom I spotted hundreds of fabric samples hanging neatly on racks awaiting, I suppose, to be tossed out. I asked the manager what the plan was for these lush, beautiful fabrics and much to my surprise, he said he would love for me to rid him of the stash. I quickly packed them into a couple of over-sized trash bags and had a grand time that afternoon organizing them by color and texture. Most of the pieces are rich earthy tones and I can hardly wait to create some unique carpet bags from them to give as gifts next Christmas. Any ideas of what else they could be used for besides the pillows? After all, it's not too soon to start planning is it?

Happy Hearts Day

Roses die. The sweet taste of chocolate fades. Even jewelry can lose it's sparkle and go out of style. But some expressions of love live on beyond this single day of giving, enriching the body as well as the spirit. Joe, my 'best buddy' of 10 years, appeared on my doorstep this morning with a shovel and a 5 gallon bucket bearing a gift that I love better than most anything else I can imagine....a beautiful Japanese Magnolia tree, better known in these southern parts as a 'tulip tree.' What an honor....a beautiful tree to grace my yard as a memorial to a friendship and all that it has endured over the years. Gut wrenching times such as the death of his son, Naaman, the near fatal motorcycle accident of my son, Justin, rivers of tears birthed by a broken promise in my life and accompanied by countless late night conversations peppered with the question 'But, why?' Most recently, Joe's newly diagnosed Lou Gehrigs disease has reminded me, once again, how helpless we are and just how big He really is. One of the greatest tokens of love, I suppose, is found in the 11th chapter of John where after the death of her brother, Lazarus, Martha met Jesus as he was coming down the road and said to Him, "....Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." What a gift...a wonderful infinite gift to know that with God it is never, ever too late for ANYTHING.

I've Been Tagged....

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? in the mountains, preferably with water nearby
2.What's your favorite article of clothing? my flannel pajama bottoms from Victoria's Secret
3.Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? his hands and touch
4.What's the last CD that you bought? sheesh, can't remember
5.Where's your favorite place to be? in the presence of God
6. Where is your least favorite place to be? in the gym!
7.What's your favorite place to be massaged? head to toe!
8.Strong in mind or strong in body? Mind, no doubt
9.What time do you wake up in the morning ? 5 a.m.
10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? my red Kitchenaid Artisan mixer
11.What makes you really angry? unkind people
12.If you could play any instrument, what would it be? the piano
13. Favorite color? earthy tones--red, sage, golds, browns....and on and on and on....
14.Which do you prefer...sports car or SUV? SUV! That's how I salvage my treasures!
15. Do you believe in an afterlife? YES, YES, YES!!!
16.Favorite children's book? Little Women, I guess. I loved them all.
17. What is your favorite season? Fall
18. Your least favorite household chore? unloading the dishwasher
19.If you could have one super power, what would it be? the gift of healing
20.If you have a tattoo, what is it? ain't ever gonna happen!
21.Can you juggle? Yes, I juggle my schedule and tasks on a 24 hour basis.
22. The 1 person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to?
My mom. I miss her terribly.
23. What's your favorite day? Friday
24. What's in the trunk of your car? A wonderful, cozy quilt.
25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? I'm a country girl, need I say more?

Have You Ever....

This is just a little fun quiz passed on by a friend. The things I have done are in bold letters....

Picked up the check for the whole table.
Swam with wild dolphins.
Climbed a mountain.
Taken a Ferrari for a test drive.
Ridden in an airplane.
Been inside the Great Pyramid.
Held a tarantula.
Taken a candlelit bath with someone.
Said “I love you’ and meant it with ever fiber of your being.
Hugged a tree.
Bungee jumped.
Visited Paris.
Watched a lightning storm at sea.
Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise.
Seen the Northern Lights.
Gone to a huge sports game.
Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa.
Grown and eaten your own vegetables.
Touched an iceberg
Slept under the stars.
Changed a baby’s diaper.
Taken a trip in a hot air balloon.
Watched a meteor shower.
Gotten drunk on champagne.
Given more than you can afford to charity.
Looked up at the night sky through a telescope.
Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment.
Had a food fight.
Bet on a winning horse.
Asked out a stranger.
Had a snowball fight.
Screamed as loudly as you possibly can.
Held a lamb.
Seen a total eclipse.
Ridden a roller coaster.
Hit a home run.
Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking.
Adopted an accent for an entire day.
Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment.
Had two hard drives for your computer.
Visited all 50 states.
Taken care of someone who was drunk.
Had amazing friends.
Danced with a stranger in a foreign country.
Watched wild whales.
Stolen a sign.
Backpacked in Europe.
Taken a roadtrip.
Gone rock climbing.
Taken a midnight walk on the beach.
Gone sky diving.
Visited Ireland.
Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love.
Anonymously picked up the check for a stranger in a restaurant.
A stranger asked you to dance.
Visited Japan.
Milked a cow.
Alphabetized your CDs.
Pretended to be a superhero.
Sung karaoke.
Lounged around in bed all day.
Gone scuba diving.
Kissed in the rain.
Kissed on a first date.
Played in the mud.
Played in the rain.
Gone to a drive-in theater.
Visited the Great Wall of China.
Started a business.
Fallen in love and not had your heart broken.
Toured ancient sites.
Taken a martial arts class.
Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight.
Gotten married.
Been in a movie.
Crashed a party.
Gotten divorced.
Gone without food for 5 days.
Made cookies from scratch.
Won first prize in a costume contest.
Won first prize in a limbo contest.
Ridden a gondola in Venice.
Gotten a tattoo.
Rafted the Snake River.
Been on television news programs as an “expert”.
Got flowers for no reason.
Performed on stage.
Been to Las Vegas.
Recorded music.
Eaten alligator.
Had a one-night stand.
Bought a house.
Been in a combat zone.
Buried one/both of your parents.
Looked out onto the Atlantic Ocean.
Looked out onto the Pacific Ocean.
Been on a cruise ship.
Spoken more than one language fluently.
Performed in Rocky Horror.
Raised children.
Followed your favorite band/singer on tour.
Picked up and moved to another city to just start over.
Walked the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t care who was looking.
Had plastic surgery.
Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived.
Thanked God that He got you home safely.
Wrote articles for a large publication.
Lost over 100 pounds.
Met or been friends with a celebrity. (Yes, several of them)
Been a vital witness before a jury.
Kissed passionately in a public place.
Piloted an airplane.
Petted a stingray.
Broken someone’s heart.
Helped an animal give birth.
Won money on a T.V. game show.
Broken a bone.
Gone on an African photo safari.
Bailed a friend out of jail.
Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced.
Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol.
Prayed until you felt the undeniable presence of God.
Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild.
Ridden a horse.
Had major surgery.
Had a snake as a pet.
Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours.
Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states.
Ridden a mechanical bull.
Visited all 7 continents.
Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days.
Had a specific prayer answered.
Eaten kangaroo meat.
Eaten sushi.
Had your picture in the newspaper.
Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about.
Gone back to school.
Parasailed.
Eaten fried green tomatoes.
Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey.
Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
Skipped all your school reunions.
Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language.
Been elected to public office.
Written your own computer language.
Had a true spiritual experience.
Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream.
Had to put someone you love into hospice care.
Trusted God until the impossible happened.
Built your own PC from parts.
Changed a tire.
Skinny dipped.
Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you.
Been friends with someone longer than 30 years.
Dyed your hair.
Been a DJ.
Shaved your head.
Traveled to a tropical island.
Caused a car accident.
Faced a fear.
Saved someone’s life
Baked your own bread.