Christmas Blessings

From my family to yours, may you have the most Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Celebrating A Birthday

Ten years ago today our family was able to celebrate a birth. Not just the birth of our Lord, but the birth of our Grandson, Samuel. He arrived on Christmas Eve to the joy and delight of us all.

Christmas day that year was so special. His big brother, Redmond, got all dressed up and we took him to the hospital to see his new little brother. We delayed our Christmas dinner and opening of presents until Samuel came home.

This child has turned into one of the most kind, sincere, funny and joyful little boys you would ever want to meet. He's considerate of others, is intuitive to what's going on around him and has wisdom beyond his years.

Happy Birthday, Samuel Paul. We love you so very much!

Christmas Cross Stitch

I thought I would show you a Christmas cross stitch I did a few years back. I just love it! After it was completed and framed I sprayed it with glitter. I am not sure if it shows up, but it's all sparkly. That one little Scottie looks like she's smelling the gingerbread!

Before there were quilts In the Garden, there was cross stitch. I made quite a few but had to quit as I got older and my eyes got worse. I think I'm going to give it another shot, though. What with new glasses (tri-focals folks!) and great craft lighting, I think I can do it again. I have a project that I've been wanting to do for a long time so after the holidays I think I'll get it out and give it a try. Also, after the holidays, I'll show you some of the other non holiday cross stitch that I've done.

Have a great holiday week!

Toodles!!!

Abby

This is my son's dog, Abby. You have seen her before playing with Maggie. They are best friends but Abby lives in Colorado and Maggie lives in California so they don't get to see each other very often. I had mentioned here that she is going to need a temporary home since my son who is in the Navy will be going overseas in the spring. It isn't practical for him to take her with him and he'll be gone for one to two years. We can't take her due to a number of reasons. I would if I could and it breaks my heart.

I am so happy to report that someone has stepped forward and is going to care for her as long as is needed!!!! This is a big relief for me. Son had talked about taking her, but putting her in the cargo hold of a plane for 12+ hours just didn't seem safe to me. So while he is off to his new station, Maggie will be headed to Arizona and soaking up the sun!!

This is a common issue that those in the military face when they are deployed or transferred to another country with plans on returning. What do they do with their pets who are family members in every sense of the word?

If you know someone in this situation and you have the means, please consider fostering the pets of military personnel. There are a number of agencies who coordinate this sort of thing. You can do an internet search for "military pet foster care programs" and check them out.

Thank you from this Navy Mom!

That time of the year

Not much is getting done here In the Garden.

Just drinking lots of this...

...and this......

and using lots and lots of these!

All I have been able to do is sleep and read. I hope I get well soon. Places to go, people to see!!!

Stay healthy out there!

Stone Gable

One of the most beautiful and well written blogs out there is Stone Gable. Yvonne has been such an inspiration to her readers with her recipes, decorating, gardening and most importantly, her faith. She has come to the decision to stop blogging.

Please stop on over and wish her well. She will be sorely missed!

What's in a name...

No matter what you call her:

Maggie

Maggie Mae

Maggi-nator

Maggie Doodles

Maggie Poo

She is one spoiled - and loved - little dog!

Baking In the Garden

Say, you were going to a party.

Say, you needed to bring cookies for a cookie exchange.

Say, you decided to make Pumpkin cookies.

Would you use the spice on the left or the spice on the right?

Need I say more?

Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed!

Christmas Decorating.......

.....Baby steps, little baby steps!!!

I don't want to catch a virus!

Just a quick note to let you know that my computer is in the shop again and I won't be able to post any new pictures till I get it back. I had to take it back to the shop to have Windows reinstalled and when I got it back I got to thinking that I hadn't seen Spybot running at all. When I called the shop and they told me how to check, it said the last time it had run all my virus protection programs was NEVER!!! EGADS!!! New hard drive, new system and no virus protection!?! Pulled the plug, took it in and FIX IT PLEASE!!!!!!

I hope to get it back soon. You just can't be too careful!

I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving and a stress-free Black Friday.

Hugs!

Pulling the wool over our eyes!

We saw such beautiful country on our recent trip. Breath taking scenery from rivers to mountains to prairie land. On our way home we took Highway 89 north to Salt Lake City on the recommendation of my blog friend, Anna. It was such a beautiful drive through a valley resplendent with mountains, old towns full of historical houses and buildings and lots and lots of ranches and farms. A little something for everyone. I have a feeling that they get lots of snow in the winter, but the people who live there are warm and friendly. I only wish we could have taken more time to explore the area.

As we were driving along the traffic slowed down and then stopped. At first we though there was road construction. Then we spotted the sheep. A local rancher was moving the herd from one field to another. At least that's what I think he was doing. All we could do was sit and watch the parade go by.

It was actually a nice break from all the traffic and "modernness" in which we live in. A little throw back to simpler times.

We live in an area of California that is agricultural and the cities are encroaching on the farm land. Sometimes you will be driving and get behind a piece of farm equipment on the road (Listen to International Harvester by Craig Morgan!) and you can't go around it. Some people get impatient I know, but I don't. I like to sit back and relax, take a deep breath and appreciate being out of the rat race even if it's just for a little bit of time. Besides, the farmers and ranchers were all here before we were!!!

Eating our way across America!

All of our friends know that when Sweety and I travel it's all about the food! We do research before we go anywhere to make sure we hit all the local favorites. One of our favorite television shows is Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. We've been fortunate enough to be able to eat at quite a few of the restaurants that have been featured. Some great, some not so much!

On our recent trip to Denver we made a point to stop at the Bagel Deli which is a mere 20 minutes from our son's house!!! How lucky can you get? It was featured on the show and did not disappoint. It's a classic Jewish deli. If I lived close to it I would seriously have to join Jenny Craig!!!

It is not fancy and it sits to the back of a little strip mall, but don't let the outside fool you. They have awesome food and the most friendly help.

This is what I ordered. Egg salad and pastrami. I know it sounds weird, but Guy had it on the show so I thought I would give it a shot. All I can say is OMGOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was absolutely delicious - messy - but beyond awesome!!!!!

No, folks, this is not a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four. It's Sweety's sandwich - pastrami, corned beef and brisket. Again, absolutely fabulous!!!!! If you are in the area, you must stop here. Just take an appetite!
In Salt Lake City we stopped at Ruth's Diner, a local favorite. It is a warm and friendly comfort food sort of place that again, was featured on Triple D. For an appetizer, they bring you a plate full of the biggest biscuits you have ever seen!!

It started to snow while we were there, which made it all that more beautiful!

Another stop we made in Salt Lake on our way back was Pat's BBQ. We didn't eat there but Sweety got an order of ribs to go. Our van smelled heavenly!!!

In Winnemucca, Nevada we stopped at The Griddle . It hasn't been on Triple D, but it should be. In fact, if it weren't so far from us, we'd be going there often. If you are driving through Nevada I highly recommend you stopping by. Great food, friendly employees, I give a 5 stars!

We ate at other restaurants along the way, naturally. We always stop at Cracker Barrel and I get the Chicken and Dumplings (hold me!) We stopped at a restaurant in Reno that will remain nameless that had been on Triple D that was terrible! Dirty, disgusting, cigarette smoke and terrible food. We stopped at Altitudes in Laramie, Wyoming which was wonderful!!!! I had the Turkey Havarti Panini and it was great. I don't remember what Sweety had as I was too busy stuffing my face!!

While at our son's we ate at our local favorites, Jim and Nick's for Bar-B-Que, Rosie's for breakfast (the best breakfast ANYWHERE!!) and The Village Inn (great food and free pie on Wednesdays).

We had to cut our trip short to get back to help out our daughter, so we were unable to go to some other restaurants in the Denver area that we had planned on trying. I'm hoping to make one more trip back there before our son leaves so I can go to them.

There were other restaurants we stopped at but it's starting to become one big calorie laden, fat, and carbohydrate haze! Aaaahhh, life is good!!! The only thing I can't figure out is why my jeans are tighter and the tires needed air put in them........ Hmmmm, what's up with that!?!

Thank you, Maggie

Ever faithful, always watching over us....

Maggie's Excellent Adventure

I got my computer back from the local "computer hospital" and I figured out how to download pictures again. I thought I would show you some of the pictures from our recent trip to Denver.

We took Maggie with us, naturally. The weather was going to be cool so there was no concern for her safety if we needed to make pit stops. She is sitting on our pillows (we always take our own) but went back and forth to her dog bed, as well. She doesn't look like it but she is in there safe and sound. First of all she has on a harness, not just a collar. Then she is attached to this which fastens into the seat belt latch. This prevents her from being hurt of running away in case of an accident, a sudden stop, or just opening the door. Using the harness is the key. If you just used a collar and stopped, your dog could get choked, or worse. She loves her little perch and travels so well. She is able to move around a little, see the sights and nap. See the cubby to the right with the water bottle in it? There is one on the other side that I filled with her dog food for snacking. Hubs kept an eye on her using the mirror in the visor a.k.a. "Maggie Cam".

She loves going to Denver to visit our son because she also gets to visit his dog, Abby. They get along so well and are a big help patrolling for squirrels and bunnies. (I'm going to be doing another post soon on Abby. She is going to need a temporary home while our son goes overseas again and I will be asking for help.)

Our son's yard is huge by California standards. Maggie just loves it. One of her favorite things to do is to sit waaaaaaaaay to the back at the top of the slope and survey all of the surroundings. She doesn't have that luxury here at home and I felt bad for her when we left.

On our way home we stopped at a wonderful rest stop in the canyon outside of Denver just before you get to Glenwood Springs on Highway 70. Maggie got really excited because she saw her first snake! I couldn't take a picture as I was trying to keep her away from it. Hubs said it could be poisonous (something about the shape of the head) so we didn't want to take any chances.

Maggie was really excited to see the Colorado River for the first time.

We walked down and she got to get a drink of clear, cool water.....

....and immediately peed! My apologies to the people who get their drinking water from the Colorado River!


We also stopped at the Bonneville Salt Flats outside of Salt Lake City. They are beautiful! We tasted the water and it was way saltier than you can imagine.

I'm really proud of our little Maggie. She was absolutely no trouble on our trip. She's very patient in the morning at the motels while I get dressed so she can go outside. The best thing is she never gets car sick.

We stayed in the Larkspur Hotel Truckee, California on our last night coming home. Like the other motels we stayed in, they let you bring your dog but this establishment takes it a step further. They have a container of dog treats on the counter when you check in. They also give you a dog bowl, a dog chew toy and one of these to hook on the leash. What a great place to stay!!!

I'll post some more pictures of our trip soon. We ate at some amazing restaurants and you have got to see the food!!!

Holiday Magazine

I don't do a lot of holiday decorating at my house. It has a lot to do with stress and having to figure out where to put all my regular stuff to put out the holiday decor. I don't like to rearrange furniture or nick nacks at all. Weird, I know, but there you are. I put something somewhere and there it stays. For years! I don't go out and purchase lots of holiday magazines because I figure I don't need the inspiration and magazines are getting expensive, anyway.

However, I do subscribe to a few magazines and was beyond thrilled when I found this in the mail box yesterday!



This is definitely a keeper and has the Maggie seal of approval!!!

Making Do

One of my favorite things to do when I'm feeling tired and stressed out is to take a nice long hot bubble bath.

I set the stage and get everything ready. A candle for atmosphere.

A good book to read and a tall glass of ice water.

A bath pillow to lean against.

Ah, the stage is set. Just one problem. I'm out of bubble bath. What shall I do?

Improvise! Works for me!!! It's a good thing I have grandchildren that come over and spend the night.

Happy Halloween....

....from my front porch to yours!

Pumpkin Time

I still can not figure out how to load new pictures onto my computer. So until I get the kinks worked out, I thought I'd post a picture from last year. This is Maggie making friends at a pumpkin patch up at Apple Hill, California.

Have a great fall weekend!

Computers!!!!

Before our vacation I had taken my computer in to be "fixed". Well, now, for some reason, my pictures are not down loading in the proper area and I can't post any of them. As soon as I can figure out what to do and fix it, I'l show you some of our vacation pictures.

In the meantime, I have my hands full with Sweety and my Mom having more skin cancer surgery.

It doesn't rain, it pours........

Give Away Winner (s) Announced!

Things are starting to get back to normal around here after Sweety's fall. Normal as can be expected, at least. Sweety is feeling better, which may or may not be drug induced! LOL! But whatever works.

I thought I better draw the winning name for the giveaway of Carrie Nelson's book, A touch of Rosie Quilts before you all thought I had forgotten. So without further ado and with my own very scientific way of drawing the winner is:

KAREN from SHORT STORY LONG!!!
Woo Hoo!!! Karen: Send me an email with your address and I'll get this off to you ASAP!

I hit many quilt stores on our little trip and found Carrie's Schnibbles patterns in most, if not all, of them. So I thought, hey, why not have a second little giveaway of a schnibbles pattern! So.....the winner of the Schnibbles pattern, Ballet Slippers is..............

Linda of James-Linda
Linda, send me an email with your address and I'll send you the pattern. I hope you enjoy it!!!!

Thanks to all of you who entered and thank you especially for all of your wishes to hubs and I for a safe and wonderful trip to visit our son. I'll be posting pictures this week. Miss Maggie had some adventures and left her "mark".

We're Home!

We're home from our road trip to Colorado. In all, I drove 3,612 miles in seven states and experienced snow, rain, sleet, wind and glorious sunny weather! Sweety, Maggie and I had a wonderful time visiting our son and hated to leave. I'll be posting pictures later this week.

I know I promised to draw a name for my give-away but that will have to wait a few days as well. As some of you are aware, my Sweety had a stroke 6 years ago and has some residual physical affects to his left side. We drove to our daughter's house yesterday to pick up the grandsons as she is out of town and we have to watch them the rest of the week. Well, Sweety got out of the car without his cane and proceeded to fall off her front porch - splat - onto the concrete driveway, face hitting the ground, blood everywhere and glasses scratched. Luckily, a nurse was across the street and came and helped while I dialed 911. They said he looked alright but that I may want him looked at. Off to the e.r. after getting the boys situated with my mom. Six hours later we were on our way home. Thankfully, nothing is broken, which is a big worry with his mobility problems. He hit his nose really bad and it is swollen and his eyes black and blue. It may need plastic surgery at a later date. He sprained his wrist and fingers of his "wonky" hand rather than his good hand which is a praise. He smashed his left knee and it is the size of a grapefruit. Miraculously, nothing was broken!!!! He just looks like he went 10 rounds with a boxer and lost! We got home and to bed at 2:00 a.m. and he's still zonked out on some really good meds!! This on the same day we get home from vacation. **I just got a call from an emergency room physician. They reviewed his cat scans again and feel that he may have a fracture in his left forearm after all and we will have to be taking him to an orthopedic doctor soon. Good grief!!!

A quilting friend of mine found out just last week that her husband had cancer and he passed away last night. So in the scheme of things I don't have anything to complain about. Please be in prayer for my friend Debbie and her family.

Like I said, I'll draw for my give-away later this week. In the meantime, I'm going to go take a nap.......

Blogging Break and a Giveaway!

Sweety and I are hitting the road and are going to go to Colorado to visit our son. Yea!!!! I love him so much and I love Colorado so it's a win, win situation. We'll be back when we get back - oh the joys of retirement!! In the meantime I'll be AWOBL (Absent Without Blogging Leave).

I didn't make that one up. I stole it from Carrie over at Miss Rosie's Quilt Company. If you are a quilter, you know all about Carrie's wonderful company that produces patterns and books. Her collection of Schnibbles patterns are all the rage.

Tell me I am not the only person in the world that buys patterns and books only to find out that I have them at home. Please! Sad thing is how many times I've done it. Now I've done it again!!!

This time with Carrie's wonderful book, A Touch of Rosie. It's chock full of beautiful quilt patterns. Since I ordered it online, I can't return it so one of you lucky quilters out there will benefit by my mistake. Just leave a comment and let me know you would like to win the book. Pass the word around to all of your quilter friends. This book is a gem!!!

See ya when I see ya!!

***I'm sorry that I forgot to mention when I would draw a name to win the book! I'll do it when we return home from Colorado. Thanks for being patient!

With a Little Help From My Friends

I need some help and what better place to go than to my blog friends out there! Sweety and I are planning on driving back to Denver to visit our son. He's going to be leaving for overseas again next year so we want to make another trip back to visit him.

We are trying to coordinate our trip with some things we are having to take care of here on the homefront. We'll either be going in October or November. We'll be driving up Highway 80 across Nevada and Utah, hitting Highway 15 south in Salt Lake City and then on over to Colorado on Highway 70.

I need some advise from all you Nevada, Utah and Colorado bloggers out there. Would it be better to try to go in October or November weather wise? I know that the weather is unpredictable, but generally speaking.

Also, what are the must see places to see, must stop at restaurants to go to?

Thanks so much!!! I know I can count on my blogging friends!!!!!

(and, yes, Maggie is going too!!!)

Make Someone's Day

Did you ever have one of "those" days where, looking back, you should have just saved yourself a lot of trouble and stayed in bed? You know what I mean. Things go from bad to worse no matter what you do. You get up in the morning and BAM! Then another BAM, then another. Whoa, I didn't see that coming! BAM! Maybe it's best when bad things come in clusters. Do it all at once. Get it all over. OK, I can do this.......then BAM!!!!! Is it life? Is it cosmic payback? Is it Karma?

I had an idea for a blog post the other day so I'm going to write about it here today as I'm on the receiving end myself.

Do you ever feel something nudging you to pay someone a compliment and then shoo that thought away? Well, don't! Just jump in there and say it. I really feel that it is God's angels tapping you on the shoulder telling you that that person needs to hear it. We all need affirmation from time to time. A comment such as, "you look so good today!" "love that sweater!" "that was so nice of you to do." may be just what they need to hear. Life may have just thrown them a curve ball and that one little compliment is what they need to hold on to.

We never know what personal tragedies or just plain old bad days people are having to carry around just by looking at them. They may not look like a whimpering mess. They may appear to be the most put together person in the world. But.......tap, tap! Say it, tell her she's wonderful. Tell her you appreciate her. Tell her she looks good. Whatever has come into your mind. Just do it!

So, with that, thank you Anna from the bottom of my heart. You really made my day!!!

Dust

To say that my dad was eccentric is an understatement. He came out of poverty from the hills of Kentucky and worked hard to improve his life, joined the army, served in World War II, worked at Kellogg's of Battle Creek, moved to California and went into business for himself. He flew private planes and doted on his grandchildren. That being said, he did have his idiosyncrasies. One of which was that he trusted no one. Nope, no one. I think in some way that's why I have an analytical brain. I don't take things for face value. I love a good mystery book or movie and try to figure out the solution before the ending. I always credit it to years of reading Nancy Drew but I know Dad has something to do with it as well.

Throughout my childhood I would sit in the back seat of our car with my two sisters listening to Dad say, "That car looks suspicious." He'd write the license plate number in the dust on the dash "just in case" he needed to do something with it. We'd sit in the back and roll our eyes, never daring to say anything to him. He never did anything with those numbers. Just added to them every time we went somewhere. Didn't everyone live like that!?!

I now live in the central valley of California, Almond orchard central. Every year at this time the almonds are harvested. Some nice person doesn't climb a ladder and pick those little nuts one by one by hand. Oh, no! A farm worker, like the one at the end of my street this morning, climbs on board a shaker. It's a devious piece of farm equipment that I swear was invented by Tim Burton, or in the least, could be in one of his movies.

It's driven up to the unsuspecting tree, it's long arms are wrapped around the trunk like a warm September hug, they turn on the motor and WHAM! A whole lot of shaking is going on!!!! The nuts fall to the ground and the contraption moves on to the next innocent little tree and this goes on, ad nauseam. The first time I saw one in action I was driving by in my car and I almost ran off the road and peed my pants laughing as it is quite comical to watch. After the nuts are all on the ground, another piece of farm equipment comes by and sweeps them up, deposits them via conveyor belt into a waiting truck where they are then taken to an almond place and processed. (You can tell by my professional vernacular that I am no farmer!)

One of the byproducts of the shaking is the dust. We have no rain here during the summer growing season so things are pretty dry, dusty and dirty. The dust is everywhere and they even have to put "low visibility" signs on the streets because it's downright dangerous at times to drive through it as you can't see a thing. It makes it's way down the streets and through the fields and into my little house and all over my furniture. I can dust one minute and it's back the next. It's a futile pursuit, but one I keep at because I have the misguided hope that at some point I will triumph!

During this time of year when the morning light is streaming into the house I can see the dust particles dancing in the air. You could write your name in the dust on my buffet in the dining room. Heck, you could write the Gettysburg Address on it! I just look at it and think of Dad and those license plate numbers on the dash.

M.I.A.

I know, I've been missing in action! Actually, not much action has been going on here In The Garden but the same old, same old. Not getting things done, too much drudge work. Like I said, same old, same old.

I've been having computer problems as well. It started getting slower......and slower...... and slower. It kept hanging up and closing and basically driving me nuts. I took it in to our little town's local computer repair store. I love having a little shop locally that I can trust. They are awesome. I didn't have any viruses, thank goodness. They did put in a new hard drive and a new search engine. I went from Safari to Firefox. Most things are the same but I have a little tweaking to do. If you know me very well you know that I hate change so even a little change drives me nuts. Hmmmmmmmmmm.............

As soon as I get all settled I'll get you all catch up on what's been going on in my little corner of the world. In the meantime, give out hugs. They are free!!!

Out of the Darkness

This Sunday, the thoughts of the nation, if not the world, will be on the events that happened on September 11, 2001. Our family did not lose a loved one in that terrible tragedy. However, we did lose someone earlier in that same year.

This is a picture of my nephew, Paul, the eldest son of my middle sister. Paul was so close to my husband and I when he was little and it was like he was our own child. He was especially close to my daughter. He was proud of his service in the United States Army and served during Desert Storm. Sadly, on a July day in 2001 when he was just 36 years old, for a reason we will never know, Paul took his own life. Our lives and our world would never quite be the same again.

In the years since he died, I have been so taken aback by the number of people that I have discovered that suicide has affected. It has been a friend, a co-worker, a nurse, a shop owner, the list goes on. Many have had someone in their family who saw, for a brief moment, no way out of their personal pain. They leave behind a legacy of grief and guilt. "Why didn't I know?" "What could I have done?" "If I had only....."

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is at the forefront of research, education and prevention initiatives designed to reduce loss of life from suicide. With more than 33,000 lives lost each year in the U.S. and over one million worldwide, the importance of AFSP's mission has never been greater, nor their work more urgent. September 4th starts National Suicide Prevention week and culminates on September 10th with World Suicide Prevention day on September 10th. Through this organization, Out of the Darkness Walks are being held across the country to raise funds for research and education .

Why do they call it Out of the Darkness? For some, the pain and perceived shame is too difficult to talk about. We need to do all we can to support those around us who are hurting. We need tell those out there that see no "way out" that there is indeed a door of compassion and help they can reach for. We need to let those left behind know that there are others who know what they are going through and that they have our support and understanding.

This Saturday, September 10th, four generations of women in my family, including Paul's Mother, will participate in the Out of the Darkness Walk in Modesto to honor his memory. We covet your prayers during that day. I know it will be difficult for us all. If you see it in your heart to donate to this organization, please contact me via my email and I will give you the information needed to do so.

Thank you so much.

Labor Day

Maggie here. Mommy is taking the weekend off because it's Labor Day weekend. That makes no sense to me since shouldn't you "labor" on Labor Day? Humans! Anyway, she told me I had to work and earn my keep by writing this post. She was mumbling something about the price of dog food and grooming. I hope she goes and takes a nap soon so I can do the same thing.

I'm going to make this short and Scottie sweet. Everyone out there have a wonderful holiday weekend and be safe out there on the highways. And if there is a furry loved one in your family, tell them Maggie says hello!! Arooooooo!

PRAYERS NEEDED!

Please remember to keep all those in the path of Hurricane Irene in your prayers. My blog friend, Nancy, of Strawberry Mallard is one of those being evacuated from a home she just moved to. I'm sure there are more bloggers out there that you know, as well as family and friends that are going to be affected.

May the Lord keep them in His protective arms and send angels to calm their fears.

Public Service Announcement!

Unless you have been stranded on an island somewhere in the middle of the ocean you have heard about The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. She has become a household name in the blog universe. She has published her life story, written a children's book and put together a wonderful cookbook. She's also currently working on a second cookbook. All this while home schooling her four adorable children, helping with the ranch, becoming an accomplished photographer and doing the occasional public appearance. Last year she had a "throwdown" with Chef Bobby Flay and she won!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Well, bloggers out there, Ree is going to have her very own cooking show on Food Network! All I can say is it's about time and good going to the folks at Food Network.

The show is slated to start this Saturday, August 27th. Check out the link to her show for more information and check your local listings for the time in your neck of the woods. Set your TIVO or Direct TV or sit in front of your television set until it comes on. This is going to be HUGE!!!

Good luck, Ree!!!!

*Disclaimer: The fact that I have on my bucket list to either meet Ree or win one of her many contests had nothing to do with my glowing report of her upcoming show. But if it helps..........

The Help

Have you read IT? Have you seen IT? I think if anyone asked anyone on the planet that question right now they wouldn't even have to ask what they were talking about. Everyone knows it's all about The Help right now.

I started to read the book when it first came out. But after a nasty run in with our local librarian I was unable to finish it. (I won't go into the gory details. Just suffice it to say that I don't agree with their renewal policies.) At the time I didn't know what a classic, powerful book it was or I would have broken down and purchased it so I could finish it. In fact I think the only reason I even started to read it in the first place was because the main character's name is Skeeter and that's my husband's nick name. We don't call him anything else.

There hasn't been a time in the past two years that I haven't seen it somewhere either on book shelves, book club reader lists or on book review blogs. Then it was announced that it was being made into a movie and I knew that this was something special that I needed to look into.

My clever sister's (see previous post) friend is in town visiting and I suggested that we go see it. All I can say is WOW!!!! When was the last time you were in a theater where there was laughing, crying, clapping and cheering? This movie is not to be missed. Take your daughters, mothers, sisters, friends. Take the men in your life as well. They will love it, too! It is life altering.

After watching the movie, we walked across the street for lunch where we ate outside. While we were there a group of ladies came by, obviously on their way to see the film. They were all dressed in the period from the film, the early sixties. They looked like they were all on their way over to Hilly's house for bridge! I wish I would have run over and taken their pictures. It was adorable!!

I ran down to Target and bought the book as they had it on sale for $10! I'm going to snuggle down and read it soon.

Suffice it to say this book (and the movie) is a true phenomenon. Kathryn Stockett has done an exemplary job. The book should be on every school's must read list. It will go down as a modern classic.

So, what are you waiting for? Go. Go now. Read the book. Go see the movie. Let me know what you think!

One word of warning. When you go see the movie, take kleenex!!

My Clever Sister

I gave my sister a stack of decorator magazines one day. Shortly thereafter she called and asked if I had seen the pot rack in one of them. She had been wanting to hang a pot rack in her kitchen, but until she gets rid of the fluorescent light box "thingy" she really can't hang a regular one. Do you all know what I mean? A large rectangular box with plastic opaque panels hanging smack dab in the middle of the kitchen over the island? So dated. Anyway, she copied the magazine which is a perfect plan "B"! I actually like it better than her plan "A". Sadly, I don't know which magazine it was from to give credit where credit is due.

She went out and purchased a bronze shower curtain rod and hung it over her sink. She loves antiques, but also dark colors and more eclectic items than I do. Her home has turned out warm and inviting, with treasures everywhere you look.

Is this not the most clever thing you have ever seen? She's had lots of fun going out and finding items to hang from it.

See that old frying pan? That is a frying pan my mom used "out in the country" when we had our farm in the 1950's! Fried pork chops, country gravy, homemade biscuits. Sorry, I digress.....The wood handle is too wobbly to safely use the pan anymore so I gave it to her to christen the pot rack. The potato masher was our grandmother's. Something I also had tucked away. Although I treasured the pan and the masher, it made so much more sense to me to give them to her where they would be utilized rather than hidden.

Other items such as the strainer and the sifter have been found here and there. The dried lavender rounds out the affect along with the meat hooks

Like I said, isn't my sister clever?

*My daughter had an issue with a dated fluorescent light fixture in her kitchen and this is what she did. She took the "box" and the light fixture completely down. It left marks on the ceiling and the area was really too low to hang a fixture so she framed in a recessed rectangle, taping, texturing and painting it. She chose pretty hanging lights that she installed. It turned out great and she did it all herself!!! Proud mama here!!!