Enjoying a Remodel

Happy Saturday friends. Just wanted to drop by and say hello. This has been a fun,do nothing sort of week for me at the home place. In fact I haven't been home much.

Holly and Stacy are having some remodeling done at their house. And you know I so love changing and playing house. So my days have been spent with her and Darbee Rae watching the progress. Those who remodel know what a mess it is until things are done. Whew, glad it is her house instead of mine. Just look at the mess.

I know she will want to share with you the finished project so today I will give you a sneek peek. I love it and can't wait to see it done.

Today Mr. P. Has begun a project for Darbee Rae. Can you guess what it is going to be?  She informed us when planning this it was not to be "prinitive".  She says it is to be lime green and pink. Will have to see about that! 

Those of you expecting more snow be careful.  Please take a mpment to remember our blogging friends who are sick, have had surgery, or just having a rough time right now.  Throigh it all, we are blessed. Hope you all have a great weekend.

Unti next time.

Sharing A Wonderful Trip!!

Good Monday Morning friends and Happy President's Day.  It has been a great morning thus far.  Can you believe I have supper all done already and clothes in the dryer and my craft supplies all ready to begin a project. BUT,,,, the phone hasn't rung and nobody has ask if I want to go roaming or to lunch yet.... and if that happens,,, well I am out of here. 

I didn't get to finish my Whole Lotta Love before Valentine's Day as I came down with an awful stomach bug.  I am so sorry and will share later the rest of my loves.  I knew we had a mini vacation planned and I was near panic to get better so that I could go on vacation.  Luckily for everyone it only lasted 4 days.  I went almost a week without seeing my girls.  Don't blame them for not wanting to be around.  So...... on Wednesday   Holly, Darbee Rae and Stacy, Mr. P and I all left for The Great Smokey Mts.  This was the first time ever we have all gone as a family.  You know the girls and I go all the time and we have each gone many times with our hubbies but not all of us together.  Holly had rented us a cabin and we were all excited.  Especially Darbee Rae.  I think she was thrilled to have her Papa to go exploring outside with her.  Our cabin was beautiful and we were well pleased

 

 

 

And the location was perfect.  Just look at this view out the window where we had breakfast each morning.  Oh I so didn't want to leave.

 

 

I have been coming to the mountains. since I was a child no bigger than Darbee Rae.  But this trip there was lots of first for me.  We have done Dixie Stampede several times and during Christmas but many of the shows we had never done.  This trip we did two and I can't believe we had never done them.  First was the Comedy Barn.  Oh my!!

 

 

I have always heard that laughing is better than a dose of medicine.  Well if that is true, I should be healthy for a year at least.  I got embarrassed , I laughed so hard.  If you are ever in that area that show is a must.  Just clean family fun.

 

We also did the Lumber Jack Show. 

 

 

It was a fun show also.  Mr. P enjoyed it as his family use to log back in the day , and he still cuts our firewood for the winter.  Darbee Rae was chosen to go down on stage and be part of the show and she was beside herself.  If you follow Holly's blog http://hollyanddarbee.blogspot.com/  I am sure she will post pictures of  her!! 

 

On Friday, we decided to go visit The Speckled Hen in Clinton, Tn. and to shop the little town.  Well, most of you know Betty http://bettyjcrowe-throughmybackdoor.blogspot.com/ and what a wonderful friend she is to us all. Holly, Darbee Rae and I have met Betty several times and even went to supper with her and her daughter Deb on one of our trips.  We feel like family.  Such wonderful people..  Betty and I had talked back and forth and she had company for the weekend and we were not going to be in Clinton on the same days.  So.... we called and ran by to pay her a quick visit.  Yes friends, I got to actually enter THROUGH HER BACK DOOR.  How many times have we all through cyber space entered through that back door and sat and chat with Betty?  Yes, It was like a dream come true.  And as a added bonus we got to meet Sandi and Nicole two more of Betty's dear friends.  Oh, and I can't leave out Dasko.  We hit it off pretty good.  Such a sweetie.  Darbee Rae was terrified of him.  And Betty got to meet our sweet hubbies.  One of the highlights of our trip I have to say.  We sure enjoyed our visit Betty.

 

 

Yes, this trip was a lot of first for us. First "family" vacation together, first time in a cabin, first time seeing new shows, and even first time in the restaurants where we ate. {Holly can share that with you}  Such fun time was had by all of us and wonderful memories were made.  Thank you Holly and Stacy and Darbee Rae for wanting us to go along on the trip. 

 

But all good things come to an end, so I am off to start my crafting.  Got lots of inspiration while we were gone.  Wishing all of you a blessed day.

Until next time.

Day 8...Whole Lotta Love Perfect Valentine Gift

 _Wow, Two post in one day.  But at least I am back on track.  Again thank you Cindi for this fun idea.  I have so enjoyed this thus far and have loved reading all your "whole lotta loves".  Thanks to all who have stopped by and commented on my post also.

 

 

Tonight's post is going to be a little different.  Really it didn't start out as a whole lotta love, but a sweet thoughtful gift from Holly.  Several years ago she gave me this Journal Jar as a part of my Christmas gift. She knows me well and knew as a teenager I kept a diary {still have them} and once I got married I have kept a journal/prayer journal all these years.  She knew I would do as I should with this jar.

 

 

It was full to the brim with little strips of paper , each one with a question typed on it.

 

 

There was a tag on the side tied with raffia which says:

 

Preserve your memories

Seal them up well

What you forget, you can never retell.

But a journal that's kept fresh on the shelf,

Will help someone through rough times

Maybe even yourself.

 

 

 

She also included a leather bound journal for me to write the answers to the questions inside.

 

 

I began immediately answering a few questions nightly,  but all to soon tired of it and only did them occasionally. However with each question, memories would just rush back to the time and place in reference to the question.  I soon could not wait to see what the next question was and what part of my life I would be writing about. I decided in January to get busy and to finish this journal

 

 

Some question were light and funny, but some were and are deep.  The few I have left in the jar have been read and re read and they are the hardest ones I have left to answer.  I ask her one day where the questions came from.  She said she made up some and some she found on the Internet.

 

Inside this journal, is my life.  There are revelations that I have never made to anyone, but will be left for Holly to read  and passed on down to Darbee Rae.  It is me... who I am , how I think, my dreams that have come true, my disappointments, my childhood, my religious beliefs, my ancestors, happy times along with sad times. My innermost feelings about deaths, births, marriage, political views, you name it, it is in the pages of thisJournal. I have grown to love this book, because it is what makes me who I am and what makes me tick.  Little did I know when I unwrapped the gift, that it would become such a big part of my life.  One that will live on sitting on a shelf or tucked away in a drawer in my darling daughter's home and one day in the home of my granddaughter. 

 

I am striving to have this jar finished and re gift it to Holly on Valentine's Day.  Yes, Holly, now you know, I am almost done with all the questions.

 

If you are so blessed to have your Mother still with you, this would be the most perfect gift to her for Valentine's Day.  I wish I had one that my Mother had done for me.  There are lots of times I find myself wishing I had ask a question about her life as a young girl, a young married lady and as a Mother.  Those answers we buried with her and I have no way of knowing what she could have told me. . But Holly will...Some answers will shock her, some will make her cry, { I know my girl} and some will make her laugh and bring a smile to her face. 

 

Holly, thank you for the gift, made and given with love.  I am re gifting it to you with all the love my heart can share.  Knowing I will never be forgotten.

 

Good night everyone.  Until tomorrow.

 

 

Day 7...A whole lotta love

Good morning everyone and Happy Friday.  Hoping you are all doing well.  All my friends up the east coast Please be careful.  Sounds like you are in for one more huge snow storm.  Have been following on our weather channel.

Yesterday time just got away from me so I am a little late posting my Whole Lotta Love.  Will be back tonight for Day 8.  So   do you love it read?  I have had a love for books since I was a small child and we could order books from the weekly reader through our school.

As a young girl I loved to read the "Trixie Beldom" series.  They were similar to Nancy Drew and were mystery books.  I saved all my books and gave them to Holly when she was old enough to read them.  However she had no interest in them and she has them now for Darbee Rae.

Remember the Doubleday Book Club?  My parents let me join when I was in middle school and I would be so excited to get my monthly choice in the mail.  There is just something about the smell of a new book that still excites me to this day. 

Time seems to pass so quickly and sometime it is hard to just stop what we are doing and sit and read.  But it is good for your soul.  Relieves stress, calming, and informative.  I read every night before going to sleep.  Helps me to relax and get ready for a nights sleep. Whether it be a chapter or just a few pages, I try to always read before bed.

Do you have a favorite book or author?  Thought I would share a few of mine with you.

 

My Bible, the road map for my life.  And the devotional , Jesus Calling.  This was a gift from Betty at

Through My Back Door.  She gifted me with this after the death of my Mother.  I think of you Betty every time I pick up my little book.  It stays on the end table where I sit. .

 

I love the books written by Richard Paul Evans.  He is the author of The Christmas Box and The Letter and many, many, more great books.  He also has a few children's books published.  The ones above are from a series he writes one book a year.  I love these and he has one more to publish in this series. 

 

 

Debbie Macomber is a wonderful author.  I love reading her books.  She writes a beautiful story and they are a clean read and so entertaining.  She has a gift of holding your attention through out the book.  She has had many of her books made into movies and are usually shown on the Hallmark channel.  She has a Cedar Cove Series that will air later in the summer.  I just can't wait.

 

I also love to read books by Nicholas Sparks and Danielle Steele. Just recently I have begun to read lots of Amish Books and Stories.  I haven't decided which author I like best, but haven't really read a bad book yet. 

 

 

I have Kindle on my tablet and I enjoy having it with me in my purse when we are traveling or I am sitting waiting on someone or an appointment.  It is so easy to just pull out and click on the book.

 

But I am just from the old school I guess.  Sometime there is nothing better than the feel and smell of a new book.  Opening the pages, open up a whole new experience, adventure, and a transformation into the life of the characters hidden between the cover of that book.

 

Yes, reading is a love of mine.  If you read, you know what I am talking about.  If you don't , then pick up a book of interest and give it a try.  You will be surprised at how relaxing it can be.

See ya later this evening.

I Am An Only Child,,,,,But I Have A Sister.... Day 6 Whole Lotta Love

Oh my, It has been a warm beautiful Spring like day here in Ga.  I know there is a big snow storm forming and heading some of your way, and I would love to be there, but I have to admit I did enjoy today. 

Got out as early as these old bones would let me and had breakfast with Holly at our favorite place, Cracker Barrel.  Ran a few errands, picked up Darbee Rae from Pre K and headed back to Holly's.  Sat outside and watched Darbee Rae ride her jeep, and bicycle.  Yes, it made me want to see Spring even sooner.  But I am sure a little later on we will pay for this beautiful warm day.

Today I have a little story to tell.  Yes, as with my title I am an only child as my Mother was before me. However I have always felt I had a sister.  So let me explain.  My Mother had a cousin whose Mother died giving birth to her.  My Grandmother helped to raise Glois{mother's cousin} They too seemed like sisters.  When Glois married God blessed her and her husband with a baby girl.  Her name was Kathy.  Mother and Daddy at the time did not have children.  They had tried for years and no doctor could find a medical reason why they could not get pregnant.  So,,, they loved Glois' daughter Kathy , and her Mom was so sweet to share her with my parents. 

Glois contacted a rare nerve disease and passed away at the age of 33 and Kathy was 6 years old. On her dying bed she gave Kathy to Mother and Daddy to take care of.  Kathy's Dad was in the service and was not a good daddy or husband.   She knew Mother and Daddy would take care of her and give her a good home.  This was in January.  And then the following October,,,,,, Yep, here I came.  Can you believe my parents were married  17 years and never had a baby.  Once they took Kathy then yes, here I came. 

So,,, although Kathy was not blood,,,, she was with my parents before I came along.  They never adopted her, but she lived with us all her life until she was married.  She has always been  like a sister to me.  I loved her as child and I love her today. Let me introduce you to Kathy

Kathy called my parents Dorothy, and Bud.  She has stood by my side and done for my Daddy when he was ill and for my Mother just like a daughter would. We joined together in the death of both my parents. I am truly blessed to have her for a "sister"

It is Kathy's house we meet at for our family get togethers.  She loves to cook,,,, we love to eat so you will find everyone there lots of Sunday nights after church sitting around the table for a good home cooked meal.  Her door is always open to family and friends.  Her motto is " the more the merrier"

Kathy's life has been a hard one.  She worked, took care of a sick husband who lost the battle to cancer early and left her with 2 small boys to raise.  She didn't slow down, and dealt with the life ahead of her.  My hero.

Today she is no longer able to work.  She has a disease that has left her legally blind.  She can no long drive and limited to what she can do.  To meet her on the street you would never know.  She is a trooper.As with a big sister, she is someone I look up to.  I call just to say hello and when I want to gossip, fuss, or if I am having a bad day.  She is always there for me. And me for her.  I love her kids and grandson and she mine.  She is a second Mother to  Holly and another grandmother to Darbee Rae.  I am so thankful that God sent her to Mother and  Daddy.  Although you can't see to read this, I love you Kathy, always have and always will.  Yes there is a whole lotta love in my heart for this dear  "Sister"

If you are blessed to have a sister or brother, don't put off telling them that you love them and  are proud to call them  your family.

Until next time.

Let There Be Light...Whole Lotta Love ..Day 5

Good evening friends.  As darkness is approaching here at the home place I thought I would share with you another one of my loves.  If you visit often, you know I want my home to be so cozy and homey. I want that" take your shoes off, get comfy feeling " as one enters the door.  One way I have found to get that feeling is with soft lighting.  I so love my lamps, candles and tart burners.  Many of you have seen my lamps before but they are a true obsession I have.  So here we go.  These are all taken in the great room
. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you think I really like my cozy lighting ?  Well that is not all just in this room.  There are 2 more candles and another lamp I forgot to take pictures of over by the piano.  All the battery operated ones stay on until the batteries die, and there are a few of the electrical ones we leave on 24/7.  Mr. 

P. teases me all the time about my pretties.

 

Now let's move on into the kitchen.

 

 

See that huge grater?  It was a Christmas gift and I knew the minute I saw it, yep another lamp.

 

 

 

 

On the stove board made from an old funnel.

 

 

Hallway leading to the bath. And now the bath.

 

 

 

 

On the back of the commode

 

 

The bath tub tray Mr. P. made for me just before Christmas.

 

Bedroom

 

 

And there are 4 more in the bedroom.  I really meant to show you the lamp hubby made me out of an old kerosene heater, but forgot it too.  Maybe next time. 

 

So there you have it.  Some of my favorite lamps, candles, and whole lotta love.  We are planning a mini vacation next week, and guess what I will be on the look out for?   Shhh, don't let Mr. P. know but yes, I will be looking for another pretty lamp, candles on timers for all my windows and who knows what I might just find.

 

Have a great evening.  See ya tomorrow...

Day 4....Whole Lotta Love

Well I have made it to Day 4 already of Cindi's Whole Lotta Love.  Four posts in four days,,,, proud of myself.  Hope you all have had a great Monday.  Most Mondays find me during laundry, straightening the house, cooking supper after a weekend of eating out,, you know all the boring stuff.  Well that's just what I did today.  Work, work, work.

As I worked, I was thinking what I wanted to do my blog post on tonight.  Not that I don't have plenty of "Loves" to share,,, just which one to do tonight.  Well I chose three things that are so dear to me and that I really do love.  The first is my computer.  In love with an electronic you might ask?

 

Yes most definitely.  I am NOT computer savey.  Just ask poor Holly who has to come to my rescue all the time.  I worked about a year after Mr. P and I was married in the City Clerk's office here in town.  Computers were just beginning to show up in small offices and we got our first while I worked there.  Now keep in mind this was in 1973.  That computer was a monster.  Huge, floor model and I was terrified of it.  The last thing I did before I quit work was download all the tax files onto it so that bills could be done electronically. So needless to say many moons later when she told me I needed a computer that monster was the first thing in my mind.  BUT,,,, I love my laptop.  It connects me with all of you, and that alone is reason to love it.  I have met so many wonderful friends because I took the plunge and purchased my computer.  I can look up any information I need to know, make reservations, make purchases, chat, seek out ideas, play games, find recipes, pay bills, and did I mention talk to you all my blog buddies???

 

Next would be my cell phone.Yep, we are attached at the hip.  Another way to connect with all my friends and family.  I remember in grammar school we would get a Weekly Reader.  Anyone remember those?  Well one week there was an article about such a phone.  One day you could ride down the road and talk on a phone.  We thought that would be so neat, never thinking as a young student that it would really happen.  Wow,,,, look how far technology has come.

 

 

Just a plain phone, but it will connect me with anyone anywhere when the need be.  I have received so many happy calls, chatted with friends, and have had a few sad calls along with bad news on my phone.  We no longer have a house phone, instead we use our cells.

 

My Tablet is also something I have grown to love.  It goes with me everywhere.  It's almost like a mini computer.  I love taking it on trips as it is so easy to take a picture and post it to face book. Something I haven't learned to do on my phone. And I can do a blog post on it and check in with you too.

 

So there you have it for today.  Three things I love and have grown to depend on greatly.  I would be lost without any of these items.  How about you? 

 

Have a great evening... Will be back to visit tomorrow.  

 

Whole Lotta Love .. Day 3

Hi Friends, Hope you are all having a very blessed Sunday.  I am back today to share with you a Whole Lotta Love post as I am joining in with Cindi http://www.cindiscountrycorner.blogspot.com.

If you have been around for awhile, you know we have a very small family.  Mr. P. however has 2 brothers and a sister.  As with lots of families these days, they are not all really close.  If the need arose they would all be there for each other, but as far as getting together as a big family, usually at Christmas is the only time they are all together. 

But, there is one family we are very close to.  His sister,Maudie and her family.  You have met and heard me talk of Maudie on my blog.  I have other sister-in-laws, but Maudie and I are really close.  She  and her husband love to travel like Mr. P and I do, they love to eat out, and you know I just love that, and they both love to shop.  Yep, nothing I enjoy more. When Holly was small, Mr. P and I often talked about if anything happened to us, we would want Maudie and Leonard to take  Holly because we knew she would be taken care of and have the lifestyle as close to the one we would give her with this couple.  Yes, they are very special to us.  You have met Maudie here before, but I don't think I have ever shared a photo of Leonard.

Today was a special day for us.  We traveled to LaGrange,a neighboring city to visit with them at their church.  Leonard is a minister and we were honored to be in service with them.  He brought a wonderful sermon on Planning for Your Future.  No , not like retirement, or a few years down the road.  Our future with God.  He used a kiddie story to relate to his sermon and Darbee Rae sat so still and listened to every word he said.  A good minister to hold a little girls attention all during worship.

After service we all had lunch at a neat restaurant called Country's Barbecue.  Such an enjoyable day.  We even discussed plans for a short vacation with all of us going together a little later on in the month.  Something to look forward to during the cold days of February. 

 

Maudie, Leonard, and their son Justin. 

 

Justin played the drums at Church today , now Darbee Rae is convinced  she wants a set of drums so she can play like Justin. {LOL}   They also have another son, Christopher who is married and he goes to the church that his wife went to before they were married.  Missed them today, but they meet us for supper quite often.  So there you have it.  We have a Whole Lotta Love for this family!!

 

Thanks for stopping by today.  Be Safe, Be Happy, and Be Blessed..

Until next time.