Remember When

Remember when a "tablet" was a pill you took when sick, or a  pad with lined paper used to help us learn to print in grammer school?  Not an electronic wireless device such as an Ipad or Acer.

Remember when you corresponded with someone , you did it with paper and pen and sent it off with a stamp by the United States Postal Service?  We had no idea what e-mail was.

Remember when an extra long cord was an essential attatchement to the home phone so that we could reach the stove, kitchen sink, and table while preparing a meal?  We had no cordless or cell phones.

Remember when we needed to do research we went to our home library or the library at school and went through volume after volume of the newest encyclopedia for our information?  We didn't have internet or search engines like Google or Yahoo.

Remember when a good book was purchased at a book store or checked out from the local library?  We had never heard of E-Readers, Nooks, or Kindles.

Yes those were the "good old days".  Is it possible to live today without at least one of the things that so many of our younger generation take for granted?

I have to admit, I have had a plain old cell phone for years, love my computer, search the internet and send e-mails daily, and love my Sony E-Reader.  I still do and will always love the feel of a new book and the smell of new pages filled with so much information just waiting for me to read.  I still buy books to read from my favorite authors.

But lately Holly has decided her Mama  needed to update her electronic toys.  This has meant many trips to Best Buy, Office Depot, The Apple Store, etc. searching for just the right items to bring me up to date in the world of technology. 

Finally after many hours spent in our local  cell phone store, I have a new phone.  No, not an Iphone, Razor, or any of those fancy phones, but a phone that is so much smarter than me. 

Yea, I know some of you are laughing at me right now.  So did the salesman at the store where I got my gadgets.  He said, Maybe I should be explaining this to your daughter.  Bet he was thinking is there still  people out there as dumb as the woman?  It was a fun day.  Well it was for me, but I think poor Holly was so embarassed and if that wasn't enough she spent a whole day trying to teach me how to use the thing.  You know this little thing lets me get on the internet, check my e-mails, look on Facebook, (yep I now have a Facebook page) another post,.(ha)  play games, oh and did I mention I can actually use it to call someone?

Well, I guess Holly was just gluten for punishment because a few days ago we were out shopping and she started going back into the same stores we had visited before the phone ordeal.  Yep, they remembered me in one of the stores.  (Told you I made the salesman laugh).  After this trip, this is what I came out with.

Yes, I am now a proud owner of a Galaxy Tablet.  She has an Ipad and I love it, but didn't want to spend that much money right now, however I did want something I could get a wireless plan on and not have to depend on WiFi only.  For the price, I think I will be happy with it,,,,,,, once I learn how to use it.  Yes, another day spent with Holly teaching her Mama what to do with this tiny electronic device.

I was sitting at Holly's the day I got it and turned it on and ask Holly what to do next and four year old Darbee Rae came over and told me she would get me started.  And the funny thing is,,, she did.  Yes, I have definitely expanded my vocabulary in the last few days.  Before I didn't have a clue what an APP was , the meaning of WIFI and so many of the other terms I have had thrown at me at all the stores, but I am learning.  (Just don't ask Holly)  She might just think different.

Do I feel comfortable with my purchases ?  NO , not yet, but one day they too will be just another item we so take for granted from day to day.

Oh my where have all THE GOOD OLD DAYS GONE?

Hope you are having a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by to visit.  Until next time....

What I Have Been Up To

Good evening friends.  I have really been missing visiting with you all.  But before I play catch up with you, I want to wish each and everyone of you a "Happy Spring".  Sure hoping when it arrives in the wee hours of the morning I am sleeping soundly in my bed. Although it feels like Spring has been here for a few weeks already.  The pollen and my allergies don't get along very well, but it's just so pretty outside.  That is if you overlook all the yellow dust covering our cars, porches and chairs on the porch.  I will gladly take the bad along with the good as long as those dreaded storms just stay away. 

Last week I don't think I was home but one day.  I roamed with Holly and Darbee Rae all week.  Looking back on the week, I just goofed off most of the time.  Just making memories and having fun.  That's what a Nana is suppose to do right?   Going is the only thing Darbee knows to do.  See how comfy she is in her booster seat in the car.

We did go to a few places around town we had not shopped in awhile.  Didn't find much.  But to my surprise I did find a redware mug.  I almost squealed.  Would have never thought I would find one around 

here.

.

Also found these timy molds.  Can't wait to make some wax bowl fillers.  Got a set of 3 of them.

When we were at our new prim shop , I got a new candle.  Now we know we have all bought candles and been so disappointed to get them home and find out they just don't smell strong or the scent don't last long.  Well let me tell you this candle is wonderful.  It is a Crossroads Original Design Candle and the scent is Buttered Maple Syrup.  It was burning in the shop and I just had to have one.

When we got back in the car after visiting another shop you could smell the candle in the jar with the lid on.  Darbee Rae was so funny and said," Nana I wish we had a prim smelling car like you"  Yep, it's a good candle and smells up my downstairs.  Even Mr. P commented on it. Can't wait to try other scents.

And speaking of Mr. P.   While I have been out roaming, he has been home busy in the workshop.  Here is a cabinet he made for me last week.

Oops!  Didn't realize it was a little blurry, but you get the idea.  Thank you Mr. P. for making me a happy lady.  Even though I didn't find a lot roaming, I had a wonderful prim cabinet waiting on me when I got home.  A while back he made me this commode tray as well.

He's a pretty handy fellow.  I am blessed to have had him in my life for more years than you want to know.  Being that we were children in 5th and 6th grade when we started "courting" and we will soon be married 39 years.... that's just about my entire life.  Yep, he's a keeper!

If you have been visiting awhile here on the blog, you know I have been wanting to try to make a penny rug.  Well, No I still haven't made a rug or mat, but I did practice on some pennies.  I decided to use them on a lamp shade in the bath.  I coffee stained the shade and attatached the pennies.  Think it turned out pretty good.  Next I will try a mat.  

It is sitting on top of an old Pepsi Cola crate.  A relative of my parents worked for the company and gave it to me some 30 years ago. 

Today I spent the day in my craft room.  Yuk!  I haven't been in there much since before Christmas so it needed a good cleaning and sprucing up.  Didn't get finished but it sure looks better and I am so tired tonight.  But I so enjoyed chatting with you.  Hope I haven't bored you too much. Now I am going to come and visit with you and see what all of you have been up to today as well. 

Take care, have a Happy Spring  Day tomorrow.

Until next time.

My Weekend Purchase Got Me "THE LOOK"

Okay all my prim friends, let's be honest here.  Those of us who have a hubby, boyfriend, partner,  whatever we call the man in our life  have most likely gotten "the look" from them at some point in our time we have  been together.  I know I have had my share in the 38 years that I have been married to the Mister.  You would think after all these years he would just learn to accept whatever I drag in and not give me "the look" that totally P***** me off!.  But it must take 50 years being together for that to happen.  Hey, I will let you know when I get there.(smile)

On my trip this weekend to a favorite shop, I came upon this old shelf.  Holly and me both liked the self so I waited to see what she was going to purchase.  She chose something else so I quickly grabbed this self.  Nasty, half rotten,perfectly prim.

I told her then Mr. P. was going to laugh at me.  Well, instead yep,,,,,"the look".  I was so excited when he came to the car to see my purchases.  I think he was more surprised with this one than anything I have dragged in before.  He asked me if I actually made money for this.  As I have said before,,,"what does a man know?"

He has a wood shop and has been making pieces for more years than I like to admit.  I recall the first time I got him to make something for me and paint it, then distress it,  He thought I had lost my marbles.  What does he do today,,,, you guessed it.  Where would a man be without a womans guidance. (LOL).  Anyway after washing down more times than I want to think about, an extra nail here and there and cutting it down to fit where I wanted it to go.... here is my shelf.

He said it was so ugly I covered it up.  Can't decide if I really like the curtain over it or not.  Might pull it to the side.  But the Mister likes what is hidden underneath.

Afer all , gotta keep Mr. P happy.  A wooden bowl full of his snacks.  Still gonna be doing some tweaking with the piece, you will see pictures of "the shelf" later for sure

Okay, on to something else.  Do you have an old funnel laying around ? 

Well I have several and decided to repurpose one of them.  Mr. P cut the spout off a little so it would be a little larger where he cut.  And this is what I did.

Makes for a perfect candle holder.  Looks good in front of "the shelf" don't ya think?

I got this pineapple chandelier on a trip to TN.  It will sit as a centerpiece as well.  Love it over my sink.

Well it's just about time for my nightime cup of coffee.  Would love for you to join me.  And I will be glad to share one of my redware mugs with you.  I only had one until my recent trip to "The Hen" in Clinton , Tn.  I got my second one so you would have one as well.

Thanks for stopping by to visit.  Don't forget I love talking so leave a comment so I will know you payed me a visit.  Have a great evening . Until next time.......

One Phone Call........

One phone call can really change a day.  Yesterday started out as any other normal weekday morning.  The alarm goes off early, Mr. P gets ready for work and we say our goodbyes.  A few hours later the phone rings and immediately I knew something was wrong.  Mr. P says in a shakey voice," You better get down on your knees and thank the Good Lord"  He said that several times . At work they design and build heavy duty machinery so immediately I thought he had escaped a close call, but was not prepared for what he told me. They had just had a huge lay off at work.  He was one of six men that was not let go in his department.  My emotions soared. First of all I did give thanks to God above that Mr. P. had kept his job, but oh my heart broke for all those men who like Mr. P. left home for a normal day at work with no thought of not having a job.  This was a total shock to all the employees. 

Mr. P . works for a rather small German plant here in town.  He has been with this company for 19 years.  The workers have always been really close, almost like family.  Yes, they would get a bad apple come to work there from time to time, but everyone cared for each other.  Twenty-two families had their lives drastically changed yesterday. Please when you pray include these families in your prayers.  As we all know jobs are not easily found these days.  Many of these folks have a companion who  is ill and now there will be no insurance.  Our hearts are broken for these people.

There was a meeting with the remaining employees today, and they were assured they will have their jobs.  But you can't help but be on guard.  Running kinda scared here at the homeplace.  God was so good to Mr. P and myself and we have given thanks over and over. But please remember those who are less fortunate tonight.

Hoping you have had a great hump day and are making plans for a wonderful Spring-like weekend. 
Until next time

Some Spring Touches to the Homeplace

Oh what a beautiful day we woke up to here in the south.  The skys were blue, the sun shining brightly and a nip in the air.  No sign of rain or storms to be heading our way and for that I am so thankful. Let's not forget those neighbors of so many of us who were less fortunate and are saddened by the loss of homes, personal items and those who lost family members.  They are and will continue to be in my prayers.

Today started out as a busy one for me.  The older I get the more I so dislike cooking. But Mr. P will only eat out so many times and then he is ready for some homecooking.  Think I spoiled him early in our marriage.  So today I decided to cook meals for the 3 days this week I have to cook.  Here is my menu.
Monday-- Fried cube steak
                 Lima beans
                 Fried sweet potato slices
                 Cornbread

Tuesday-- Spaghetti
                  Salad
                  Homemade Bread

Wednesday--Homemade Pulled Pork Sandwiches
                      Chips/pickles
                       Stew
Thursday evening Mr. P and Stacy (Holly's hubby) will have supper at church when the men gather for Brotherhood meetings.  The girls and I will eat out.  And Friday is always date night for Mr. P and myself and we always eat out.  Saturday night we are grilling steaks for a family outing.   WooHoo for me my meals for the week are all cooked and just waiting to be served.

As I was right in the middle of all my cooking my sister-in-law called and was comiing into town to look for a dress for her son's wedding a few months from now.  Did I want to meet for lunch?  Well, you know me and know I love to go so I got dressed , turned off the stove and away I went.  Enjoyed visiting with her and shopping  with her for a dress.  I found a new purse and a few decorative items to bring home with me.

I have been putting out a few new displays for Spring and it seems everytime I do, it turns cold again.  We have freeze warnings out for tonight.  As with so many of you we have trees budding out and our Bradford Pear Trees are in full bloom.  But that is okay, God's work not ours.  As long as there are no storms, I will smile and take the cold.  Thought I would share a few things I have done and some of my purchases from my many road trips of late.

The covered book with the seed packet was sent to me by my friend Kim. See the seed pouch laying down?  I purchased several of these a while back from Barbara at http://nccabininthewoods.blogspot.com/

She said her Grandmother use to carry one in her apron pocket.  I just loved them. If you haven't visited Barbara jump over and tell her I sent you.

I just loved the little wooden wheel barrow when I saw it.  I actually bought it from a booth that turned out to be some people who have bought from Mr. P for years.  What a small world.  Looks like Mr. Rabbit is surrounded by all his favorite foods, huh

I was so proud to find this tall candle stand.  It came with a glass globe, but I like it better this way.  Found it at a neat shop in Clarksville, Tn, when I was visiting my friend Dimple a month ago.

This was one of my favorite finds.  Love the cabinet.  I got it at The Depot at Gibson Mills in South Carolina while Mr. P and I were there for his job. I orginally bought it to hang on the wall, but like it here for now.  Hanging between the doors is another of the seed pouches from Brenda.  They actually have seed in them.

We saw one of these while on our girls trip to Piegon Forge, Tn, and I had a lightbulb moment.  I had the jars already so when we got home I ask Mr. P. to make me a wooden holder for them.  I plan to fill them with different kinds of beans. 

The old rusty lunch pail was a purchase from Spoon Sisters in Tyrone, Ga.  I am becoming a regular customer there.  Always, always find some treasure.  And it is close to home.  YAH!!

I found this stitchery on the internet and have had it for a long time just waiting to find a lunch pail.  I do not remember where I saw it so if it is yours let me know and I will give you credit.  I so loved this saying. Goes perfect with the pail.  Dimple's son Blake gave me many pieces of old barn wood while we were visiting and I am so enjoying using them.  Thank you Blake.

Centerpiece on my dining table.  I had been begging Mr. P to make me a riser for the table and he said they were useless. What does a man know?  Well that was the first thing I noticed when we visited Dimple.  She had one on her table.  And I was quick to point it out too!  Guess he finally felt sorry for me so he came home and made me several.  Shhhhhhh! I think he has forgot I have a big beautiful lazy susan that fits in the middle of my table.  But,,, hey a girl has got to have what a girls gota have, right?

This sweet blackened beeswax lamb was one of many purchases made at The Speckled Hen in Clinton, Tn. when we shopped and later met Betty from Through My Back Door and Deb for dinner. 

Loved this pitcher.  Reminds me of redware.  I found it at Primitive Friendz in Clarksville, Tn. Such a pretty color.  Found it to be the perfect spot to display a few "prim" daffodils.  I made these from a Tenn. Ridge Pattern.  Love Becky's patterns.  You can visit her here http://www.tennesseeridgeprimitives.com/

Picked up the the rabbit in SC, and the cute little egg was a surprise gift Lois sent along with the X and O's giveaway I won from her blog, http://huckleberrylady.blogspot.com/  Couldn't wait to find the perfect spot for it.  Thanks again Lois. 

Well guess that is about it for tonight friends.  I have really enjoyed visiting with all of you. And welcome to my new followers.  I am up to 169.  Maybe when I reach 175 we will celebrate with another giveaway.  Sounds like fun to me.  Hoping you are all safe, warm, and happy tonight.  Take care and we will talk again soon.

Until next time.

Old Homeplaces

Good Monday evening.  Hoping all of you have wonderful memories of a great weekend spent doing something you so much enjoyed with family and friends.

I managed to stay home all last week.  There was no road trips , just time spent with Mr.. P and doing lots of catching up on household chores. (ugh)    As with so many of you, we have had some wonderful Spring like days and many of those with the threat of tornados and storms.  We have been blessed thus far.  Daffidols are blooming, yellow belle bushes are blooming, and on a ride this weekend we saw wild plum trees in full bloom.  Yes, Spring is almost here.

I just love old homeplaces.  Wandering around the grounds where an old home stands or where there are remains of  an old homeplace sends my mind in a never ending spin of questions.  A while back on one of our road trips we happened  to see just that.  Several old homeplaces.  Couldn't contain myself , so out came the camera. 

This homeplace was barely visible.  How could any family let a home go to ruins like this?   Oh, my heart goes out to the old home.  It stands so tired now as the years have taken a toll on its outward apperance. Don't you wonder who has lived there and the stories these old tired walls could tell?  Imagine all the cold winters, heavy rains and summer storms that poor roof has felt.  Yet it held proudly and did its job of sheltering and protecting  the family inside.

Was there a veggie garden out back and did the lady of the house have a herb garden by the back door.  Maybe there was a colorful flower garden over in the side yard and in the early morning with the dew still shimmering on the grass ,she would slip out and gather a fresh bouquet of flowers in her apron to adorn the farm table.

And was there the laughter of little ones as they swung on an old handmade swing from a tree branch in the front yard? Where are the grandchildren, great grandchildren or other descents of the family who so lovingly built this home ?

This one was my favorite.  The area around this old home had been cleared somewhat.  I so hope someone has plans on saving this place and preserving it . If at some time in my future ,, I became wealthy , it would be a dream come true for me and Mr. P to buy land with an old homeplace on it and play till out heart was content.  Dreams are free, huh?

Well  if you have been visiting with me for awhile, you know just how much I love going and I have been on so many road trips lately.   This weekend while you were out shopping for that perfect antique piece or for something  prim perfect , was I doing the same thing here at home?  No way, this Saturday the Mister did some shopping himself.  Did he bring me home a gift?  You bet he did.  These 

Guess with all the traveling I should expect the poor tires to eventully wear out. So now I am good to go again, and travel will be safe.

So can you guess my plans for tomorrow?  Yes, four more girlfriends and myself are heading out bright and early in the morning on a road trip.  It will be just for the day, but don't you just love spending times with friends?..

Hoping all of you have fun plans for tomorrow as well.  Welcome to my new followers.  I just love meeting new folks .  Don't forget to comment or I will never know you have visited.  Until next time.

A New Lamp,,,, I'm In Love

Good evening everyone.  Wow, it has been a week since I have visited with all of you.  Sure hoping you haven't forgotten about me.  Our girl's trip last week was wonderful.  The weather was perfect and put you right in the mood for some Spring Prim Shopping.  And shopping we did. Can't wait to show you the rabbits and decor we purchased.  If you have visited with Holly on her blog and with Betty  over at Thru My Back Door, then you know we visited the Hen in its new location.  Let me tell you Sharon's shop is so prim perfect.  There is a mural on one wall that is amazing.  And who was minding the store when we arrived?  Well of course the Sweet Miss Betty. We did our damage there and then along with Deb, Betty's daughter we had a great time and a delicious dinner.  Let me tell you all of us ladies and Miss Darbee Rae was never at loss for conversation.  We were so excited to meet Deb.  Betty and Deb's homes have been featured in past issues of Country Sampler Mag. What better way to spend an evening than with good blogger friends and good food. 

This week has been spent getting back in the routine of being at home.  Yes that is something I haven't done much of this new year. On Monday I had to run errands and I left home on a mission.  I have been wanting an Ottlite for a while now, but didn't want to spend that much money on a light..  Well Michael's had them on sale and Monday being President's Day they had a coupon for an extra 20% off sale and reg. priced items. So what did I do?   I bought me an OttLite. 

And I LOVE it.  I was so surprised that the light it gives off is so good.  No yellowing as from other bulbs.  I so dislike a big overhead light on but when stitching or doing my punch needle it was necessary to have it on.  But no more.  I could have it completely dark in the room except for the Ottlite beaming down on the work at hand.  I am so glad I purchased it.

Speaking of punch needle.  I am almost finished with my first Primitive piece and am enjoying punching very much.  I am beginning to see a little progress and I feel I am moving now a little faster.  Can't wait to show you the finished project.

Don't you love to visit a friend's home and come away with inspiration?  Well I did just that when I visited Dimple in TN. a few weeks back.  She had this calander holder for her calander and I fell in love with it.  She let me take a picture and bring home with me.  I am so blessed to have a talented husband who loves doing wood crafts.  On Saturday Mr. P made me a holder and I am so proud of it. 

I have to decorate the shelf on top.  Today I finally deccided to take down all my snowmen.  Since the temps here hit 70 and climbing I don't feel like they have brought me too much luck this year as far as delivering snow.  I am anxious to put some Spring touches in the home. My goal for the remainder of the week.

Well I have enjoyed visiting with all of you.  Hoping I haven't bored you to tears tonight as there has been nothing exciting going on at the homeplace lately.  With all the warm weather, storms are in our forcast.  Hoping all you in their paths will be safe.  Have a great evening and a wonderful day tomorrow.  Until we visit again....