Happy New Year.

 Tonight I opted to celebrate rather than stay home and be sad. Mr Macho and I dined out. We attended a local dance at the Community Center. Old folks. Country music. Get the picture? But. We were welcomed. And we danced. And. We left early. So we could get home and drink some bubbles and send a wishing lantern into the night sky in memory of Dad. 

We watched it fly into the night. We watched until it burned out - many miles into oblivion. 

Happy New Year. 

On Eagle's Wings

Christmas glow.

May I say it has been a blessed and rewarding week of Christmas? Why, yes I may. And. I am saying just that. Mr. Macho and I drove down to Mom's on Christmas Eve. After attending vigil Mass we honored my brother's invitation to join his family for seafood gumbo. And it was good. The company. And the gumbo. I wish I had taken some snaps of the gumbo. Much discussion of gumbo was had with multiple siblings throughout the course of the week. Like the Belgian waffles, we all do our own variations of the gumbo. Most of us like our own gumbo the best. Having said that, I do enjoy the other gumbos. 

Anyway. Christmas morning dawned and the three of us - Mom, Mr. Macho, and I - awoke leisurely and enjoyed a breakfast of waffles, sausage balls, scrambled eggs, coffee and fruit. We had a few gifts to open and we so enjoyed watching Mom open her's. 

Sister from Virginia arranged for 10 shampoo and blow dries with Mom's barber. Very neat gift! 

Another sister sent a package with, at least, 12 wrapped presents. Mom opened one every day while we were there and planned to keep opening one a day until all were opened. It was fun. 

The Christmas lasagna was good. We had stopped at the grocery store on the way out of town to pick up the fresh ingredients. I love the way the salads looked - so Christmas-y!! It was yummy. Later in the afternoon we had coffee and almond coffee cake. 

The ruby slippers were one of the things we gave Mom. And she loved them! She showed them to every one that came over. She said she couldn't stop looking at her feet because they were so sparkly. The light will follow her wherever she goes!

It was so very good to be at the heart of my family during Christmas time. I loved being with Mom and seeing these two sisters and my brothers. It was a joy. 

Thursday Mr. Macho and I took a long walk on the street where I grew up. We walked the old properties and I captured this lovely beach sky. The weather was just right. No need for  jacket. And mostly sunny. 

Thursday night we enjoyed more gumbo and Dr. Brother's house. Friday we ate at a local fish place that wasn't anything to brag about. Don't think we will repeat that one. But Mr. Macho enjoyed some barbecue ribs that night. I don't want to think about food for a while. I am tired of eating. 

It started raining during the night last night. At Mom's house the rain made it sound like someone was hammering. It was so loud. After breakfast we loaded up and headed north. It was hard and sad to drive away with my little Mom waving from her garage until we were out of sight.  It was nasty rain all the way home. I wish we lived closer.

Totally worth it. The trip. Planning and transporting the meal. Changing tradition. Stretching Mr. Macho beyond his comfort. Sleeping on the uncomfortable mattress. All the little aggravations. It was all worth it. More than once Mom told me that we had made her Christmas. That was the pay off. That is the joy. 

Joy to the world. The Lord has come. Let every heart prepare him room. 

Merry Christmas. Love you, Mom. 

Not a creature was stirring...

'Twas the week before Christmas

And the Reeves had all met,

And, as typically southern,

The weather got wet.

The games that they played!

Oh how they did laugh!

And all the little girls had a 

Scrubbley-bubbley bath!

The gifts got exchanged.

The food they all ate.

Then they play in the yard

Until it was late.

Too soon it was over 

And time to depart

Then kisses and hugs

Were given straight from their hearts. 

We thought of the family

And talked about y'all

And send you glad tidings to

The tall and the small.

So from all of our clan

to kin and to friend-

Merry Christmas to all

and may your team win! 

***

Twas a grand time had by all that gathered here this past weekend. We opened the door and let Christmas in early. Chinese pictionary, big breakfast, laughter, bubble baths, hide and seek...We will critique at a later date to see what we shall repeat and what we shall eliminate for next year. The house was full. The food was plentiful. And the noise! Oh the noise, noise, noise, noise! I enjoyed every minute.

The weather was warm and humid. We took advantage of it and snapped photos outside and played until it got dark. 

The Alabama clan. 

The In Town Gang and a creeper in the background. 

Whatamustache! Out of Town Gang. 

Silly snap complete with photo bombing creeper. Do you see a trend? Poor Super Carrot had the same reaction to Santa. 

*****

Once again the house is too quiet. 

Silent night. Holy night. I am making room for the peace. 

The two of us will spend Christmas with my Mom this year. 

Merry Christmas to all. 

I just can't resist. This is one of my favorite Christmas Eve quotes...

BACKWARD, turn backward, O Time, in your flight,
Make me a child again just for to-night! -Elizabeth Akers Allen

I am Walter Mitty.

At least this week I have been. My fantasy isn't very grand, though. I have been secretly dreaming that Mr. Macho had already bought my Christmas present. Today I even dreamed that he was making that compost bin I have been wanting and printing off the internet. Until. He asked. While sitting comfortably on the back porch. "I'm going to do my Christmas shopping tomorrow. What do you want? Or have you already bought your own Christmas present?" It is the last possible day he can shop. And here is my dilemma, I end up looking like the bad guy and feeling guilty. He backs me into this emotional corner and I am expected to come out all sweet and rosy. I reacted with a laugh. And a, "So you've waited until the 11th hour?" - Smart ass remark. Then he got all quiet and moody and said he just asked and didn't want a lecture.

I do over analyze these emotional stand offs.

I wonder. Next year if I hand him a very long list of unique gift suggestions when he asks, what would he do? That perks me up a little just thinking about it. Yep. I am feeling very Walter Mitty today.

I have spent my afternoon trying to regain that good holiday buzz that I had going up until the porch confrontation. I am almost back.

But. I do need a little Christmas. Right this very minute.

Glad tidings of great joy.

Tuesday I finished all the shopping. Running errands? Done. I will have to do one more grocery run before we head to Mom's next week. Other than that. I am ready for Christmas!!
Mr. Macho and I have made a tradition of taking his Dad and the friend-girl out to dinner during the holidays. So last night was it. We exchanged gifts at his Dad's house and headed up north to a neighboring town to a little-known restaurant called Lackey's. We have eaten there before, but only once or twice. On the way there is a flat stretch of land that afforded us the most spectacular view of the rising full orange moon that I have ever seen. It was fronted by the black silhouette of trees. It was a feast for my eyes. I could not stop looking at it.
When we arrived at the restaurant and walked into the place the very nice hostess asked if we were there for the party. I realized they were only open for a private party, and asked just that. She said yes, they only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights - but other nights for private parties. I said oh my, we are so sorry. She said let me ask if we can serve y'all and went back into the kitchen. When she came out she said they would and showed us to an empty dining room with a huge screen teevee, 'cause it was that kind of restaurant. Catfish place. You know. The sweet hostess actually waited on us. We all ordered fried fish, with me opting for the flounder and not the catfish. And it was all good. Hot fried fish, hush puppies, baked potato (or french fries), and cole slaw. When we finished and were paying out the owner/cook came out and visited with us and was most friendly and gracious. I told him how much we appreciated them serving us - as they weren't really open. He said, as any good business man would, "if you come through my door, I'm gonna feed you!" It was a delightful evening all around.
Today I had my beauty appointment where I got all spiffed up for Christmas. The afternoon has been spent making goodies for the weekend. Bunko with some of my girlies tonight with our usual white elephant dirty Santa. That means we bring gently used items to exchange. It is always a hoot. Tomorrow and Friday will be more of the same. Cooking a little. Cleaning a little. Spreading cheer.
We need a little Christmas. Right this very minute.

The parade came marching...

We made it to our town's little Christmas parade last night. Warmed by the chili that our church youth group served, we braved the cold to catch a glimpse of those famous horses. 

And we were not disappointed! It was exciting as they approached.

This man was one of the crew. He was giving treats to the horses. He was not a small man. So you can see how much taller the horses are than the man. They are truly magnificent animals. I am sorry I didn't get a photo of the Dalmatian on the wagon. He was a very handsome, too. 

Bonus bling on the way home. This house. Wow is all I can say. 

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas. 

Round one.

We win. This round. Lauren's MRI yesterday indicated there is no tumor. A great big sigh and a heartfelt thank you for prayers offered on her/our behalf. There are further tests on the schedule. I am hoping for a simple, curable explanation. Please God.

We enjoyed a sleepover from the Super Carrot. She went with us to Sweet Pea's Christmas program where the staff got it right. In 30 minutes we were out of there. It was precious. Sweet Pea was a natural on the stage. She knew every word and every gesture for her songs. 

Merritt was full of song during this visit. She sang "Hacky birthday to Jesus!", "Jesus loves me this I know", and "Jingle Bells". Over. And over. 

 

And. She loved playing the "peeno". And singing. 

How can you not want to just eat up little feet in Christmas socks?! Right? 

Poor Merritt threw up twice on the way home yesterday. She was fine after that. I am thinking car sick. Not stomach bug. (She may get that from her Nanny. I am the queen of car sick.) 

Today dawned rainy. Less rain and more just dreary as the day progresses. After a good workout at the gym Mr. Macho and I have just piddled around the house. I met up with some neighbors for a drive way pow-wow before lunch and presented them with their Christmas "happies" from us. I introduced the gifts as, "not home-made, and not expensive." They loved the cheap goodies I had bagged for them. And I shared my Christmas oranges with them. I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered the large box. But I have oranges coming out the wazoo. 

I have much to do next week. But for now I am relaxed. We are going to support our church youth tonight and eat their chili. Then we are going to enjoy our little town's Christmas parade. It will feature the Budweiser Clydesdales!! I am truly excited about seeing them. 

Peace on earth. Goodwill toward men. 

Shhh...

(Said in a whisper.) Merritt is coming over this afternoon. And. We get to go watch Sweet Pea's preschool Christmas production this evening. I can hardly wait. Oh this will be fun.

I could use a few chestnuts roasting by an open fire.

Wow. It was so cold feeling this morning. The frost was so heavy it looked like snow. I didn't eat breakfast nor drink my hot cup of coffee because of the blood test. Routine. It has been a few years. And so. I fasted after midnight for the test. I thought I would treat myself to a breakfast afterwards but ended up in the Subway inside the Walmart. Mistake. Mediocre sandwich and not-so-good coffee. I kept my coat and scarf on whilst I perused the aisles. Cause I was still chilled. I found lots of little odds and ends that are going to help round out my gift giving. Plus the usual milk and butter that I needed. I finally felt warm when I got back into my car and found it was cozy and sun-heated.

Back home. Groceries are half put away. Home coffee reheated and consumed. Phone call with Daughter. We are making the arrangements. I will pick up the Super Carrot tomorrow after nap time. She will spend the night with us. This will allow Daughter and Son-in-Law to rise early and get Lauren to Birmingham for her MRI. I know I haven't written about this subject until now. I haven't wanted to put it in writing. I haven't been able to do that.  Here is the deal. Last week the eye doctor saw something pushing Lauren's optic nerve into her eyeball. They want to look further. Limbo. This is where we have been living for the last week. And. We will be there for a few more days. Until we get results.

Couple this with my Father's spirit being present in every sweet Christmas song on the radio and you can start to guess that my emotions are riding in plain sight. I hear my dad in every Bing Crosby-like crooned carol on the radio. I am hit with what I call the "Butterfly Kisses" affect = I can't decide whether to change channels or just enjoy a good cry. Even the not-so-sad songs conjure Dad in the car with me. I think I heard "I'll be home for Christmas" three times in one trip to town.

Do we ever stop wanting to go home for Christmas?

I'll be home for Christmas - Michael Buble'

Just another Monday.

The birthday has come and gone. There was no cake. There were no candles. But. There was fried chicken. And a clean kitchen. And wonderful and varied renditions of "Happy Birthday to you!" There was time spent with friends. And family. And it was good.

The weekend rain has intruded upon my Monday and rendered it a stay home day. And so. I declare this "Christmas Waffle Making Day"! My Mom's old family recipe for Belgian Waffles will be dusted off and lightly adhered to. It has been handed down from generation to generation. The recipe, written in my mother's hand, actually belongs to Daughter. However, she has not claimed custody, yet. So I make the waffles. It is a happy arrangement.

My room that usually looks like a yarn bomb went off now has the appearance of a gift wrap bomb explosion. Slowly presents are morphing from here to underneath our tree. Today the house will start to smell like Christmas with all the nutmeg and cinnamon that goes into the waffles. I think I need to play some good happy tunes while the baking is going on. That will set a good mood.

I wish you could see Daughter's photo of her children on Santa's lap. It is classic. With The Super Carrot in full blown "bloody murder" face. It. Is. Hysterical!

Peace on earth. Be sweet.

Heinz 57.

Yes. I am now 57 years old. So? This year my birthday was mostly happy. (It was tempered by some disturbing news about Lauren. That discussion is for a later day. It is a medical issue.)
Wednesday I went shopping with my girlie friends. They bought me lunch and we shopped until we were all worn out. It was a good day.

Thursday, yesterday, was my birthday. The day was good. I received many birthday cards. I talked to my Mom the day before and she wished me a happy birthday and I told her I was glad I was born and thanks for having me, Mom. She told me she was glad I was born. She said I love you. I said I love you.
I had cards/phone calls/Skype calls/and texts from all my siblings. Even my friend, Ruby, who is out of town for 3 months, arranged for her daughter-in-law to drop a present by my house.  Being the seventh child of nine, often lost among the throng, it feels good to be remembered. Knowing that I love the birth stories, Marsha asked about my very own birth story. Some of our childhood stories come from an older sibling's memories. I just don't have any information about my birth story. Maybe that is one of the reasons I feel so strongly about telling and retelling the events that surrounded the birth of each of my children. Each birth was different and had it's own unique twist. And I remember. Each. One.

Anyway. I did what I wanted...got a little Christmas shopping done and some Christmas cards written and mailed. One of my sisters-in-law dropped by for a nice visit. She brought me a very lovely scarf. Her presence made my day feel happier. I got a colorful arrangement of flowers from Out-of-Town Son and Sweet Alyssa. In the evening Mr. Macho and I enjoyed a bottle of Spumante and then went out to the fancy restaurant in town and enjoyed a lovely meal.  Super Carrot got teased and couldn't quite sing her signature "Hacky Birthday to You!" on facetime. That is okay. She sang it to me a few days ago. It counts.

Sister Paulette is taking me to lunch today. The celebration continues. I plan more Christmas shopping today. Must get this done. Must get this done. Eeeek.

This is me not panicking. Be sweet.

And so it begins.

December. With all of its happy-sad mish-mosh of the emotional roller coaster. Two sisters have already wished me a happy birthday week. Okay! Off to a better start than last year. A combination of things kept my birthday from being very happy last year. My Dad was dying. Enough said. This year I am trying to make my own weather. Own my karma. I already have plans in the works to spend Wednesday with my girlie friends. Carpe diem!

We did get most of the Christmas decorations put out yesterday. The front door and mailbox are about all that is left. I will wait until tomorrow to finish that up. I hope to get some shopping done this week. It might be next week before I finish. Than I will have to start planning in earnest what to eat at our family gathering and what to plan to eat when we go home to Mom's. But not today. Today we fed the masses. Spaghetti. And it was good. Yes. The workers can eat if there is anything left. And there was food left. It is a rainy kind of day and our numbers were down. But hungry people still came to us.

It is my favorite month of good deeds, again. I am enjoying doing some things. No. I will not tell. Only that it feels good. And I don't need anyone to know that I did it. Gives it even more of a zing. I encourage you to do something small but meaningful for somebody. And don't tell.

Peace on earth. Good will toward men. Be sweet.

In conclusion...

The blitz has come. And gone. 24 hours of blessed chaos. Lived. Family around my table. Turkey and dressing, babies and bottles, quick trip to the clinic, bubble baths with cousins, hangman/pictionary games played, shared laughs, more green bean casserole and fruit salad, holiday shows on the teevee, bodies curled up and blanketed on every bed and sofa, a new breakfast casserole tested...I am so thankful for it all.  All the happy mess of it.
Dishes are put away. The house is picked up. No one is trying to climb into my lap. There is no demand for my attention. It is too quiet. Even as I need the quiet - I ache for the clamor.

Mr. Macho and I will settle in momentarily and watch THE football game. A ton of towels are being washed and dried as I type. I will sleep soundly tonight. I will need the rest. Tomorrow Christmas will start to arrive in our house.

I didn't make it to 100. There's always next year. Or tomorrow.

Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye November. Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye to you. (Thanks Merritt!)

Snaps from this morning...

Cousins coloring together. Sweet Pea and The Super Carrot.

This is how she rolls...free-hand milk drinking.

A couple of super cousins! Keeping the world safe.

Be sweet. 

Happy Thanks Giving.

Thankful for...

81. All food ready on time.
82. Sweet potato pie was delish.
83. Mr. Macho's Dad came early and stayed through an entire football game.
84. The turkey coma I am about to fall into.

It is a good day.

Almost there...

It is the eve of Thanksgiving Day. I had hoped I could come up with 100 things to be thankful for during this month of giving thanks. Yet. I have felt less pressure this year to force the issue. It is part of my trying hard to be "in the holiday" and not get bent out of shape over the details.
I have three more days to reach my goal. I might not make it. And. That is just okay with me.

Feeling thankful for...

70. This relaxed feeling.
71. Sweet potato pies. Check.
72. Turkey cooked. Check.
73. Time to get the dust swiped away and the bathroom Lysoled.
74. Mr. Macho.
75. My home.
76. Texts from Virginia.
77. The Itsy Bitsy Spider. And her song.
78. Cooked pork loins in the freezer.
79. My dollar tree solar turkey keeping time in the sunlight.
80. Pandora radio on my iphone.

There will be more tomorrow. There is always more. To be thankful for.
Gobble.

Who is family?

My friend, Ruby, called today. Her husband, Don, died on May 15 this year. It was not expected. She is spending an extended visit with a daughter in Washington. The state. Not DC. She is home sick. She still misses Don to the point of weeping when she speaks of him.
Ruby and Don have two children's families that live in our neighborhood. For a lot of years we have been included in their Christmas morning rounds. They always bring something like chocolate covered cherries, or giant plastic jars of cheese balls, or stuffed toys for our grandchildren.
Even though our Christmas will have a different flavor this year I will miss being here and welcoming Ruby and Don into our home on Christmas morning.
Ruby always remembers our birthdays and brings us a card. Always with a penny taped inside. For luck. I love Ruby. She is family.
***
I love it that my children feel a need to connect with me in tragedy. A young man (early 30's) died last night. In age, he was in between our sons. Both sons have been in touch today. I do not know the circumstances. It is tragic. No matter.
*****
On this 26th day in the month of Thanksgiving I am grateful for...

67. Family connections.
68. That Christmas feeling.
69. Mr. Macho pushing the grocery cart.

It's the small things. They make life fun.
Be sweet.

Cloudy. With a chance of turkey and dressing.

I guess that sums up this week. It is cold and rainy. But cue the feast! Oh. There will be feasting this week. Epic proportions. All the fixin's.
Glad to have time with SIT today. Enjoyed a quick shopping run. And. A yummy Greek lunch at Zoe's. Chicken pita and their delish cole slaw. Love it.
Sympathy goes out to Lauren, who had to have some teeth pulled today. I hope her mouth is recuperated enough to enjoy some of the good eats at week's end.

64. Anticipation.
65. A warm coat and gloves.
66. No alarm clock this morning.

Please. Celebrate me home.

Sunday. Fun day.

It got cold. And. The sun came out. Both good things. Cold makes it feel more like the holidays are approaching.
And can we talk about the sunshine? My frame of mind improves a go-zillion percent because of the sun.
After our church today we dropped over to SIT's church. There we helped pack over 25,000 meals. They are destined for the storm-ravaged Philippines. We hope they make it there and really feed the people that need it. The packing was well organized and ran like clock work. We only worked for about an hour. So many were helping that the job got done. Plus some.

Today I am so thankful...

62. To be a small part of a big effort.
63. To have enough food.

Be thankful.

Infamous day.

I remember where I was 50 years ago. I was in the second grade. Mrs. Beuling's spelling class was after lunch. That is where I was when a random man came up to our classroom window and asked if the church was open. He said the president had been shot and he wanted to go in and pray. We all were as shocked as second graders can be. Nellie Papania started crying. (Nellie Papania was a blue baby. I am not sure what that means, even today. I just remember that little factoid.) 

I just deleted a very political paragraph. I will refrain from vomiting politics here. You're welcome.

***

Last night we participated in the local Reindeer run. Admission = canned goods for local food banks. We wore glow bracelets. SIT and Sweet Pea joined us. She ran a long way. Then we pooped out and went home to bags of Wendy's fare. Got some sweet Millie moments. Then home to fall asleep, as if drugged, on the sofa. 

Mr. Macho is a PSI today. There was a small rupture in the pipeline yesterday. He is on the investigating team. Thus. PSI. Not CSI. Get it? 

*****

59. This rainy day.

60. Skype.

61. Mimi

Let the weekend commence. 

Over charge.

Went to the Walmart today. Among the aisles I picked up a bag of navel oranges. The sign above the oranges said $4.88. When I got to the check out they rang up for $7.48. I asked my cashier to ring them again. She did. They still rang the higher amount. Before I left the store I walked back to the orange rack. And. Sure enough. It said $4.88. So. I went to customer service. And told my story. The clerk called for help from produce. I asked if I could just walk over and take a picture with my phone. Which I did. And she reimbursed me the difference. Score one for the phone!

52. Cornbread dressing. That is already finished.

The trees in my yard are more naked today. But. There is a gorgeous blanket of color on my lawn. Month's end gets closer and I haven't come close to even 100 gifts to be thankful for. I know I skipped a couple of days. Only I want to be full of thanks. Not just eh. I want to be all - POW. Hold the potatoes I want to be filled with the thanks!!! I want to be = THANKFUL. I am digging...

53. Warm blankets.
54. Hot showers. (This is one of my favorites.)
55. Falling leaves in the afternoon sun.
56. Quiet.
57. Little smiles passed on at the grocery store.
58. Reconciliation. (That one is for you, Tucker. I have thought about you all day long.)

Be sweet.

For Merritt.

What's the buzz?

Oh. We had a fun dance class last night. The numbers were low. That mets out to more individual attention from the instructor. He had lots of good technical details to give us that really clicked with  Mr. Macho and me. Our fox trot is starting to get cleaned up. The moves are finally starting to make sense. All good. 

***

The house is always too quiet after company comes and goes. That is the way it feels today. So I engrossed myself in this block carving art project for a bit...

I might just frame some of these. 

*****

I have been thinking. I know. Sometimes that is dangerous. There were certain ideas that our parents brought us up believing were absolutes. When I was little my Mom used to plead with us to never put her into a nursing home. I mean really plead. She felt so strongly about it. When I was very young I had a bad, bad connotation of nursing homes. Today I feel differently. 

Another mind set that our parents drove into us was to not fight over their "things" when they die. Now, I translated that into never being at odds with my siblings. It has felt the heavy burden. Sometimes. I am examining my thoughts on this particular subject. I am amending how I feel about family relationships. I suppose people are in a continual state of amending relationships. We learn new things about each other and ourselves and adjust accordingly. And so it is with me. At times, there is peace. There is often disagreement. Opposing perspectives. Frequently there is unsolicited advice. 

Always there is love. 

***

50. Time for art.

51. Siblings.

*

Be sweet. 

Monday

Sister Marsha spent the night last night. We cheered on her favorite team, = The Saints, yesterday. Whew. Won in the last 3 seconds.
It has been a great morning. Slow coffee.
47. Son-in-Town took the day off and came over for some breakfast and coffee talk.
48. Right now we are about to embark on a walk around the neighborhood.
49. The sun is out.

See how easy this gratitude thing is? Easy. Peasy.
Be sweet.

Wee little post.

44. Cornbread muffins in the oven.
45. Finding the photos I wanted among the multitude of photos I have.
46. Peaceful misty morning.

Friday gratitude.

I am just thankful that it is Friday. 'Cause that means tomorrow is sleep-in-Saturday. Sister, Marsha, is in the area. She drove up from down south yesterday and I got to visit with her for a good while. Today she is learning how to keep bees. They have a conference for that. And. She is there. I will get to visit with her again on Sunday, before she heads home on Monday.
Tomorrow night Mr. Macho and I are going to babysit the grands so Son-in-Law and Daughter can go on a date. To celebrate. His birthday. Also, they got engaged the night before his birthday. Two birds. One stone.
The holidays are fast approaching. All I can think/talk about is food. I feel like I am at the grocery store every other day.

This has been a good week and these things have helped ring it out with and exclamation point...

41. Cheap fun purchased at the Dollar Tree.
42. Finding the Bob's candy canes for my Christmas tree.
43. The rain.

Be sweet.

3 little thanksgivings.

38. Quiet.
39. Watercolor paint.
40. Blooming things*.


*(Right now it is cactus. Either Thanksgiving or Christmas. Not sure which it is supposed to be. Ones that I bought half price last year because they were pitiful. Now they have buds. Pink buds.)

Brrrrrrrrrr.

It was 29 degrees when we got out of bed this morning. No. Not inside. We are a toasty 70 degrees since I turned on the heat Monday night. The cold makes me bundle up and step quicker.

Yesterday Mr. Macho loaded up our old natural gas fireplace insert into his truck with the help of his co-worker. They came during their lunch hour. It has been in our carport for over a year. It is still in great condition. I still had all the paper work, instructions, and even the old warranty paper. When he got home we loaded up the old mantel that used to be above the fireplace. It has been under our bed for over a year. Habitat for Humanity is gathering things to have a warehouse sale with proceeds going to fund affordable housing for people that need it. It was so satisfying to donate the items to this more than worthy organization. I think the people in the organization were happy to get the items. But. I was stoked to give them.

Today I am bringing the gratitude in spades for...

31. A cleaner carport.
32. Rocking this day.
33. The cold actually.

Snaps of what I have been up to...

I ordered myself some blocks for carving and printing. I pulled several prints off this first one. Finally got a good print on about the fourth try. I have framed it and hung it. I am happy with it. 

Hats going south.

Aunt Mimi asked if I would work up a few hats for her grandbaby. So. I got bizzy. When I do something like this I have a hard time finding the end. It's like I just want to keep crocheting just one more. And then. One more. You get it. I have to make myself stop by finding another project. That is what I did. I am now working on a yellow and black granny square afghan. And. I am trying to finish the baby afghan that I started months ago. Really, I am. 

***

Rock on. Be sweet. 

*****

Post script:

More things to be thankful for at day's end:

34. The smell of peas cooking in the pot.

35. Making my hair appointment today. Nearly forgot.

36. Glass of chardonnay.

37. Still rockin' the day. 

Adrenaline.

Adrenaline can be a good thing. Or a bad thing. Yesterday it wasn't a good thing. Without too much detail - I am dealing with a bank mistake. And. It was Veterans' Day yesterday = bank not open. All that adrenaline went for naught.
Earlier in the day I drove way across town for an appointment to have my power steering fluid checked. It took 10 minutes. My time/gas were wasted.
Later in the day two of my shirts had something faded onto them during the laundry process.
My gratitude zen was evaporated for the afternoon. I am trying to get my groove back this morning.

And so. I am trying to focus on good positive things this morning. The little things mean so much to me...

28. Good advice from Daughter. I will buy some Shout and stop using carpet cleaner for spot removal.
29. A good night of dance lessons.
30. Cooling off time.

Wish me luck on resolving the bank issue. In peace.

Oops.

Saturday rocked. No alarm clock. Easy oatmeal for breakfast. The steel cut variety. For me the texture makes it taste better. Plus the honey, cinnamon, and blueberries.
I crocheted a bunch. Then got some things done around the house. Mr. Macho did his chore-duty things outside. Then he came in and helped me relocate some pictures in the back and rehang others.
After a quick lunch it was back on the road to another good football game at his alma mater. What fun. The stands were crowded. We cheered on the team to the state championship. It was cold. And fun. Did I say that already?
When we got home I was so happy that I had cooked a big pot of chili on Friday. We heated it up and enjoyed it before settling down to more crocheting and football. Mr. Macho cheered for the other team. But the team I was pulling for was victorious.

Without further ado, I am thankful today for...

25. My lack of guilt for missing a day of gratitude posting.
26. Mamaw (Mr. Macho's step-grandmother), for teaching me to crochet. Many years ago.
27. A new recipe. Meat pies are in the oven.

It's sunny. It's Sunday. Maybe a stroll on the new bridge walk this afternoon? There is adventure out there just waiting to be found. Just do it.

The beat goes on.

Friday's thankful shout out goes for these reasons...

22. Abundance.
23. Honda service men.
24. A hippie party tonight!

With gratitude. Day #7.

Thank you God. For giving us food. For the friends we meet. And the food we eat. Thank you God. Amen. - Lauren taught me that prayer. Sung to the Super Man theme. We didn't know it for a year or two that it was called the Super Man prayer. When she finally told us the name - it was an "aha" moment.

Today I am thankful because...

19. My tummy is growling. I just filled it with leftover cold sweet potatoes. So thankful to have plenty to eat.
20. I have a brave Daughter that puts others needs before her own. Even strangers. I think she has always been my hero.
21. It really looks like fall outside today. Leaves on the ground.



Today. I didn't get bent out of shape at the driver in front of me that waited so patiently for the old lady in front of her to discard her grocery basket and then back out of the closer-to-the-store parking spot. I was tempted to skirt around her quickly and peel out, flipping a particular finger in her direction. But then. When she parked and got out her car -she limped herownself on into the store. And so. I felt much relieved that I had not misbehaved while waiting for her to glide into a prime parking spot for grocery shopping.

Day #6. Hump daa-eey.

I babysat for 5 year olds this morning. For two hours. All good. Glad to do it. Glad when it is over. Two hours is very bearable.

I have a clean refrigerator. And a clean kitchen garbage can. The mystery smell is gone.

Today I have these things to be thankful for...

16. Lysol.
17. Mississippi grown sweet potatoes.
18.  Pinot grigio.

Be sweet.

Day #5 and it's Tuesday.

Things that I am feeling happy about, which translates to my gratitudes for today...

13. Lunch and lots of looking/shopping with my girlfriends.
14. Frugality.
15. Shop owners who let you "borrow" ideas from their shops. And. Even write down measurements for you. (A shout out to the store "Sprout" in Starkville!)

It was a good day. I am so loving spending time with the girls. Hearing their secrets. Making some history with them.

Day 4. A quick post.

10. Green beans in the pot.
11. Checking everything off my list today.
12. The time to volunteer.

Thankful for these and many other thinks today.
I realize I made a mistake and wrote "thinks". But. I like it. And choose to leave it as such.

Day 3.

Saturday I got to do more crocheting. I am working on some hats for a great nephew. I hope his mom likes some of the ones I am creating. I go through a gamut of emotions about the hats when I am making them. I like it. Then I don't. Then I put it down. Pick it up. Like it again. Me thinks there is a certain stage of the unfinished product that makes me uncertain if it will look right or not. At that time it is best to walk away. Pick it up later. Then like it again. 

We ate lunch early yesterday. Then showered. Then headed south to Mr. Macho's Alma mater for a play off football game. The weather was custom ordered for our afternoon. Sunny. Cool. I am not a super competitive person. But I like to be on the winning side every now and then. Yesterday. Our side won!

And so. I am thankful for...

7. The excitement of cheering on our team! 

8. A great sunset in the rear view that reflected pink clouds on the car.

9. For meals prepared by other hands. 

***

I have to say that I am feeling the thankfulness in my heart. For all the things that surround me - family, friends, the place where I live. I am thankful to start a new week and glad the last one is in the rear view. 

*****

Be sweet. 

The usual.

I am always thankful for...

4. Hot chamomile tea after a cold football game.
5. For those few extra minutes in the bed on Saturday morning.
6. Fingers that can crochet.

It is a good day.

Month of Thanksgiving: Day 1.

Here I go again. November. I challenge you to read "One Thousand Gifts - A Dare To Live Fully Right Where You Are" by Ann Voskamp.

Even if you don't read the book I challenge you to make a list during this month of giving thanks. See if you can even come up with 100 things you are grateful for. It isn't as easy as it sounds.

And so I begin -

1. For fall trees
2. Clear blue skies
3. Feelings of hope

How can you mend a broken heart?

I would take a needle and thread and sew it right up. If I could. The hurt is the deepest possible. The loss of a child. Not even born. The mother is a friend of Daughter. Mother-friend learned the news at her doctor appointment yesterday. Daughter told me last night.

Today I think of how to tell children sad news. I think of Daughter trying to explain the death to her own children. I remember having to explain baby death to my children. Unfathomable. But. I remember their confusion. Like, this is not natural. This is wrong. This is out of kilter. How can this be? And. This morning. I am having those same feelings. I want to protect Daughter. I want to physically hold her. This grown-child of mine, I want her back for a little while. To comfort and protect. Just like she will want to protect her children. Oh, that we could. 

In the past few years Mother-friend has buried her father and then her mother. And now. This. This child-loss. 

In my thoughts I keen and make savage noises. I holler the sadness out of my body. Until I am spent. 

I want to wrap my arms around Mother-friend. Let her scream and cry. And grieve the loss of her child. Hold her. Love her. 

Tell her to breathe. Just keep breathing. 

Promised pics...

I attended my first Trunk-or-Treat event yesterday. Our group served ice cream sundaes. After I worked my shift I walked around to check out the trunks, as I had never seen this before. Here is some of what I saw...

Gypsies! 

Hippies!

A cheese-head!

A very pretty fairy!

The sweetest kitty cat. 

***

It's a new week. It promises new adventure. I hope you find some, too. 

Picture post.

Recap of the last few days...

Mr. Macho played football at EMCC. Fondly called Scooba Tech. We attended their game Thursday night when they beat ICC 59-13. Go Lions!

Me. And Leo. The Lion.

The wind picked up toward the end of the game. We got chilly. Then it was time to go. Game over. 

(Edit: See the man standing over my left shoulder? In the red sweatshirt? He is that guy. That guy that roared like a lion the en-tire game! Even on his way to and from the bathroom, he roared. He did cartwheels on his way to and from the bathroom. Never got tired. Roar.) 

Friday. Fun day. Shopping with the girl friends. This store goes all out every year with their Christmas decorations. It was holiday explosion!

Saturday. Fire pit. Marshmallows. Yum. 

Saturday. Whitt's #2 birthday party. Sweat Pea had a high time. 

The birthday boy takes a swing at Elmo. 

***

Rounded out the weekend at my first Trunk-or-Treat experience. Will post pics tomorrow. 

Peace. 

A little post.

I have begun to teach myself to quilt. I am starting small. Nine squares. I like it. So far. I really needed a new project. No. Really. I think I have been in a creative funk. I walk in circles. When I am in the funk. 

And now? I'm back to walking in a straight line. I am crocheting, again. I might even pick up a piece of charcoal or a paint brush pretty soon. 

I am also beginning to practice keeping my own countenance. The art of staying quiet. I am not good at this. I am better at interrupting and making myself heard. This morning someone in my Bible study group said I looked like I was about to erupt...didn't I want to share? I just said, "no". 

I called someone the wrong name at Wal-Mart this morning. She said hello and kept going. But it was driving me crazy. I knew I had said the wrong name as soon as we passed one another. Thank goodness she needed something on the flour/spice/sugar/oil aisle. That is where I apologized. She said she didn't even hear it. I said it obviously bothered me more than her. Whoops! It was all good in the end. 

We still haven't turned on any heat. Haven't needed it, yet. I am seeing facebook posts about snow and cold weather up north. Tomorrow night we might have a freeze. I think I want to leave the heat off and just pile blankets on the bed. It sounds so cozy. Hot cocoa! That's all I'm saying. 

I will leave you with my final thought for the day...internet shopping is way too easy. 

Do your best. 

Be sweet. 

Good times, man.

Getting the hang of uploading my new iphone snaps. I know I shouldn't take pictures while driving. Be assured that traffic here in the mornings is nearly nonexistent. I will try not to do it in the future. The road between my house and the YMCA was foggy and pretty last Friday morning. Love the sun coming through the trees. It was a little foggier than it looks in the photo.

The road home. 

Friday lunch with Daughter. Mine was a fried green tomato BLT. It was yummy. The slaw was not bad, either. 

I forgot the name of her sandwich. She got the pasta salad and 

potato salad sides. We shared. She gave her's a thumbs up. Edgar's Bakery is a repeatable eatery. 

Friday I realized some success and found that 18 inch invisible zipper. Daughter directed me to a new-to-me fabric store, Sew Delightful. I will return to that spot. Good fabric selection. Saturday I finished the sleep sack I was working on. A gift for the first baby of Daughter's college roommate. 

Miss Thang at the Kentuck Festival. She liked riding the yellow school bus from our parking spot to the festival sight. 

***

Word this morning is that the tummy bug has struck at Daughter's house. The Super Carrot is down for the count. Here's hoping that the buck stops there and no-one else is struck with the 'epizootie'. (Thanks to our friend, Squirrel, for the medical terminology.)

On the move. Be sweet. 

Black and Gold.

It is Homecoming tonight. Our beloved Trojans will play one of the toughest teams in the division, if not the toughest. Who made the schedule? Anyway. Finally we have football temps. It was 48 degrees when we woke up this morning. Brrrr. I am still wearing shorts and t-shirts. I haven't taken out fall clothes. Yet. Perhaps this will be on my agenda for the weekend.

What is surely on my agenda is a big pot of chili tomorrow!! Yum. I like to cook it for hours. Also, we have lots of small branches that need to be burned. I think we will put our little fire pit to good use and get rid of that pile of kindling out in the yard. When it burns down to coals we might just light some marshmallows up and enjoy! Gooey. Warm. Slightly charred on the outside. Score!

One by one my pumpkin decorations have grown beards and started to rot. I don't know pumpkins. I guess they were out in the weather too long before I bought them. One by one they are making their way to my compost. My Thanksgiving cacti are  looking rather healthy right now. No buds. But healthy. I do hope they bloom.

Today? Today I am on the hunt for some slacks that fit. And hunting for that 18 inch zipper. Will travel far and wide in the search. I'll let you know if I find success.
Be sweet.

Keys.

I am feeling slightly recuperated from the weekend. Yesterday I was on a roll...workout at the gym, washing clothes, changing sheets, scrubbing bathrooms... I found a good stopping point in the early afternoon to get in the necessary shower so I could run to the local dollar store for a few small items. On my way out I got distracted putting this and that away. I had my phone and credit card in my hand, I thought, "lock the door" - and I did. That is when I realized that my keys were still hanging inside the house. Now. I haven't locked myself out in a long time. And. When I do - Mr. Macho is never readily available. And so. Thank goodness I had my cell phone...he couldn't be home for an hour. I just sat myself on my nice back porch, enjoyed the breeze, prayed a little, surfed my phone aps, and before long Mr. M. was there and all was well with the world. I will figure out how to not do that again. I promise. Once again, I am very thankful for my back porch. The air was pleasant and I was safe from the mosquitoes.

Monday night dance lessons left both of us worn out. All good.

Today I had the pleasure of babysitting Millie, again. She is learning to smile. It was sweet. Very little fussing after an episode of hiccups. She took a bottle and fell asleep. Easy. Peasy. Daughter-in-law stopped and picked up lunch on her way home. I enjoyed eating and visiting with her.

More clean sheets on beds today. More clean bathrooms. More is better.
Be sweet.

The party's over...

The celebration goes on. We tried our best to celebrate Mr. Macho's 60th birthday. Friday night was pretty calm inside the house. Unbeknownst to Mr. Macho, his sisters were decorating our front yard with signs and balloons that he discovered when he took out the trash early Saturday morning.

Besides this one the other signs read - "Speed limit 60", "60 rocks!", "Say it ain't so Mike is 6-0", "You old fart", and "Guess who is 60". I had decorated our mailbox with a big black and silver bow on Friday. The effect was bright and funny. 

Mr. Macho was a good sport and wore his oversized "Over the hill" button all day long. 

After lunch we all had to get outside and stretch our legs.

Dudes to the right. 

Dude-ettes to the left. 

With the help of Daughter, Merritt, and Peyton, Mr. Macho blew out his birthday candles. The cake was delish! Yellow cake. Chocolate frosting. His favorite. Accompanied by vanilla ice cream. 

We attempted to add suggestions to Mr. Macho's bucket list. Uncle Jay had the funniest one, only I can not post it here due to it's X-rated content. 

Mr. Macho read all the bucket list suggestions and his birthday cards aloud for all to enjoy. 

Fun cookies that were really good. Only I forgot to pass them out while everyone was here. 

Sweet cousins about to say goodbye for the weekend. 

***

After all were gone Mr. Macho very nicely said that I out did myself and he really appreciated all the trouble for his birthday. That simple statement made it all worth while.