Hear ~ Speak ~ See

Birthday/Travel/Visit...and Salmon...Dad would be proud

2012-02-02T22:36:00.004-06:00

I surprised my mom Friday, January 27th on her birthday by showing up on her back steps mid-afternoon. She was so surprised. Susan and she had been to her doctor and running errands. Susan knew I was on my way and kept in touch with me during the day. I love surprises.

On Thursday, the three of us met for the TMBC-Keenagers and ate lunch. Our prepared foods were steamed cabbage and fried salmon. Dad would have been so proud of Susan and her salmon cooking, Mom and her advice and my photo-taking. We were a cooperating "trio".

Our Salmon Experience

Friday morning the three of us again left the house and headed towards Charleston, SC. Mother had another doctor appointment. We stopped in Florence, SC to eat breakfast at Shoney's. Mom's neice, Nancy, lives in Charleston, and we missed seeing her this visit. After the appointment we left and drove to Bowman, SC to visit another neice of mom's, Patsy.

We enjoyed seeing and visiting with Patsy. A lot of memories shared.

Mom and Patsy

Patsy-Mom-Susan-Mel

Patsy

We traveled back home...stopping for a bite to eat at Starfire Grill in Florence. Tired and worn out, mom and I probably stayed up about 30 minutes before going to bed. Whew...tired!

Saturday was a lazy day. Susan and I went to Ollie's in Rockingham, NC. It is such a neat store jam packed with lots of goodies and good prices. I can't wait to go back again. My brother and his wife, Frank & Ann, came for a visit today. They brought pizza with them.

Mom and I went to church on Sunday at Shiloh. David, my brother-in-law, pastors. It was so good to see everyone. A small church with a big heart.My cousin Linda came for a short visit. It was good to see her again.

TAKI...TAKI...TAKI...one of my favorites places to eat. Mom and I headed to Laurinburg, NC Monday for lunch. Tammy, my neice, met us there. We had a nice time. Mom and I shopped at Goody's and Walmart before heading back home.

So much I want to do in such a short time. And on the other hand, mom and I just love to sit around and talk...or with this visit...she and I listened to an audio book as I knitted a scarf. Love my visits.

Happy Birthday Mom...

2012-01-27T08:00:00.001-06:00

My sweet mom's birthday is today.

She is 84 years old.

Doesn't she look great!

OH...SO-O-O-O GOOD!!!

2012-01-21T19:29:00.002-06:00

Ya'll remember that I have a hard time with cooking. In fact, I don't particularly care to cook. A number of reasons come to mind...takes too much time (and don't start on me about the fact that I'm retired), too much food with a recipe, hubby doesn't care for leftovers, picky eaters...just to name a few.

Anyway, I love to read blogs. Almost a year ago I came across Pioneer Woman and have been a fan ever since. I love viewing her website...her great pictures of food preparation as she explains how to cook a particular dish is a plus for me. Her blog and its pictures have encouraged me to "suck it up" and cook. So I'm trying new dishes with no worry of leftovers.

So look what the cook prepared last night.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/03/spicy-dr-pepper-shredded-pork/

Doesn't this meat look delicious?

This is Spicy Dr. Pepper Shredded Pork.

I did not shred the meat as she suggested in the recipe

until the next day for lunch sandwiches.

Yummy, yummy, yum.

...served with a potato casserole, green beans, coleslaw, and bread.

Oh, and a red velvet cake.

2012-01-15T22:00:00.000-06:00

At the beginning of the 2011 calendar year I made a committment to read the Bible. I had always wanted to read the Bible through but never made it past Leviticus until....this past year. I completed the readings and was so excited to have read the whole Bible.

The daily devotional Bible that I chose was Everyday With Jesus Bible with Selwyn Hughes as a contributor. As I was choosing I read where we "often gravitate to those passages that are familiar, and in doing so, miss out on a well-balanced plan of Bible reading". This Bible's reading plan was perfect for me. I read daily from the Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, and the New Testament. There was also a short Life Application with a prayer for the reader.

As I read these scriptures as outlined in the reading plan, they read just like a letter. And why not, the Bible IS God's Love Letter to us.

I have shared this Devotional Bible with a special friend who is reading it for 2012. As she reads, I asked her to make notes in the book if she chooses. (I wish I had jotted down notes this past year.) My plan is to read this Bible devotional book again in 2013.

I have chosen to read Billy Graham's Unto the Hills devotional book this year.

How about You?

One-Third Down...

2012-01-09T19:50:00.002-06:00

Well, one-third of my house is clean...

totally clean...Spring cleaning clean...

from ceiling to floor.

Yes!!!!!

(1.9.12)

Now, two-thirds of my house is clean...

(1.10.12)

Spent day volunteering @ 2 schools

(1.11.12)

Now, seven-eighths of my house is clean...

(1.12.12)

Tomorrow...TOTALLY clean house!!!

Hoo-ray!

one~two~three~four...

2012-01-04T23:34:00.000-06:00

...spilling my heart

for release of emotions

God, sometimes I can't express my deepest emotions.

But I know that Jesus can express my very heart to You

and that You understand.

Can you feel all the love?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-02T20:45:00.001-06:00

ABouT oUR ChRIsTmaS...

2011-12-26T22:52:00.001-06:00

CHRISTmas is Peace!

This is our story of CHRISTmas Day.

The Goodwins or F.A.T.S.

(Frank~Ann~Tyler~Samuel)

Ann~Samuel~Tyler~Frank

The Reeds

David ~ Susan

The Morrells

Will~Tammy~Steve~Nick~Ben Matthews

The Reeds

Chip~Alexandra~Christine~Zachary Brown

(Jacob was sick and in bed.)

The Franklins

Glenn~Garrett~Melanie

The Goodwins

Melanie Goodwin Franklin

Susan Goodwin Reed

Elise Jones Goodwin

Frank Goodwin, III

The Goodwin Family

...until next year.

Unsolved Questions...

2011-12-21T14:46:00.001-06:00

Be patient

toward all that is unsolved

in your heart and

try to love the questions themselves

like locked rooms and

like books

that are written in a very foreign tongue.

Do not now seek the answers,

which cannot be given you because

you would not be able to live them.

And the point is,

to live everything.

Live the questions now.

Perhaps you will find them gradually,

without noticing it, and

live along some distant day

into the answer.

~Rainer Maria Rilke

Letters to a Young Poet

He will always be my baby boy.

2011-12-15T08:00:00.001-06:00

Happy 30th Birthday Son!

We love you!!!

57 and 54...

2011-11-27T08:00:00.011-06:00

Today is a unique day.

I am 57 and my brother is NOW 54.

My mother reminds me of these facts...

"You were born in 54 and

Your brother was born in 57."

I remember the year I was 54 and

my son was 27.

Love these cool facts!

Now check out some "Yank" memories.

Thankful for 56 years...

2011-11-24T16:46:00.000-06:00

You always liked the "Marlboro Man" against your tree.

So glad that you and I had "brain one" to take this picture.

Remembering memories of long ago Thanksgiving Days.

Love you Pa...

2011-11-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

"pinning" treat...

2011-11-22T14:54:00.003-06:00

A friend of mine recently introduced me to Pinterest, and I have been spending some time "pinning". It is really enjoyable and can be consuming of your time if you're not careful. Anyway, I made these little treats for Gayle and her family and for our family to have during the Thanksgiving holidays. Super Easy and good!!!

Now gather the following ingredients for this fun, easy treat.

p'nut butter cups, frosting, yellow food coloring,

orange tic tacs, and fudge striped cookies

mix 7 drops of yellow food coloring

to 1 C. frosting

unwrap the p'nut butter cups

lay cookies onto parchment paper with chocolate showing,

dip top part of p'nut butter cup into frosting and

place on top of cookie and press carefully.

take orange tic tac, cooking confetti, or whatever else you can find that is orange, and place on frosting around p'nut butter cup

a small pilgrim hat

Can't turn the blooming thing...sorry!

hAPpy BiRtHdAy To mE...!!!!!

2011-11-14T08:00:00.004-06:00

Spending the day

shopping with my mom.

FALL...Patterson Avenue Memory

2011-11-01T14:11:00.004-05:00

Leaves of red and leaves of gold.

Colors of Fall as we see nature unfold.

The raking of paths and making of forts.

Young kids as we were, we rarely played sports.

My days long ago you helped me shape and to mold.

I cling to the memories that my heart doth behold.

MGF

December 1997

Friends...

2011-10-25T14:47:00.000-05:00

"Friends are God's way of taking care of us."

Thank you girls for a delicious lunch and wonderful conversation.

Luv ya'll bunches!!!

Life

2011-10-20T21:27:00.000-05:00

In all reality I knew this was life.

Life as it was meant to be.

Life given to us through an earthen vessel.

Life given to us by our Heavenly Father.

Life.

In all reality I prepared myself for such a journey.

A journey learned through His Word.

A journey expected.

A journey to rejoice.

But…separation hurts.

I am learning how God hurts

when WE separate ourselves from Him.

Favorites of Pa

2011-10-14T15:13:00.000-05:00

2011-10-09T18:05:00.000-05:00

A family man.

His very being expressed

through his character and ethics.

Hard working and trustworthy

with just a gentleman’s word or handshake.

Fun-loving and

always ready for a get-together.

A fixer-upper with no challenge too hard…

”Got Duct Tape”.

Loved and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Giving and caring to those he met.

Morning Bible study and

talks with love of 65 years.

Devoted, Loving, Honorable, Proud.

Husband, Daddy, Businessman, Grandfather.

My dad.

Frank G. Goodwin, Jr.

July 7, 1926 ~ September 30, 2011

"Blessed are they who have

the gift of making friends,

for it is one of God’s best gifts.

It involves many things, but above all,

the power of going out of one’s self, and

appreciating whatever is

noble and loving in another.” Thomas Hughes

Praise through tears...

2011-09-20T14:07:00.000-05:00

With my love and my sadness

I come before You Lord

My heart’s in a thousand pieces

Maybe even more

Yet I trust in this moment

You’re with me somehow

And You’ve always been faithful

So Lord even now

When all that I can sing

Is a broken hallelujah

When my only offering

Is shattered praise

Still a song of adoration

Will rise up from these ruins

I will worship you and give You thanks

Even when my only praise

Is a broken hallelujah

Oh Father, You have given

Much more than I deserve

And I have felt Your hand of blessing

On me at every turn

How could I doubt Your goodness

Your wisdom, Your grace

So Lord hear my heart

In this painful place

Hallelujah

I lift my voice…

Your Spirit moves…

I raise my hands…

I reach for You…

"Broken Hallelujah"

Mandisa

...love me some thought questions with a sense of humor

2011-08-24T19:29:00.000-05:00

Why do people press harder

on a remote control

when we know

the batteries are almost dead?

Why does someone

believe you when you say

there are four billion stars;

but have to check

when you say the paint is still wet?

Why doesn't Tarzan

have a beard?

If people evolved from apes,

why are there still apes?

How do those dead bugs

get into those enclosed light fixtures?

In winter why do we try

to keep the house

as warm as it was in summer

when we complained about the heat?

Source: Born and Raised in the South

http://ltc4940.blogspot.com/

2011-08-10T07:58:00.006-05:00

For the first time in 25 years I will not have to..

select clothes nightly to wear the following day,

prepare a lunch meal after dinner,

retire early to bed,

get up early in the morning to get ready for school,

wonder if I have everything in my school bag,

stay late for school related meetings,

spend an afternoon grocery shopping

after a trying day at school,

spend my nights with household chores, and

be totally exhausted after the first week of school.

HOWEVER, I will miss...

the children and my friends.

TO MY FRIENDS...

You know I'm praying daily for your upcoming school year.

I'm praying that you will...

continue to teach with excellence and creativity,

speak encouraging and motivating words,

recognize children as individuals

designed and purposed by God, and

have strength for the well doing

as well as the trials for discipline.

I now consider myself retired because

I'm home and it's 8AM.

A.to.Z...anniversary~atlanta~ aquarium~zoo

2011-08-06T21:21:00.000-05:00

...a wonderful weekend with my best friend!

7.30.77

2011-07-30T07:00:00.003-05:00

Thirty-four years ago I married my best friend.

We celebrate by spending a few days in Atlanta

visiting the aquarium and the zoo.

grace.thanks.joy

2011-07-26T10:02:00.000-05:00

Take everything that God gives you as grace and

give thanks for it...experience great joy!

#400 Sweet friend (retired) who came to lunch @ GRA

to help cdelebrate my retirement

#425 hubby attending school board meeting to support me

#450 Gathering of friends @ Hardee's in Headland

#475 Lazy evening with hubby and Steak-Out Dinner

#500 cleaning difficult areas in the house for parents

#525 Early morning "Hellos" to fellow walkers

#550 Rain...TYL (Thank You Lord)

Amy...

2011-07-25T19:18:00.000-05:00

She was a very talented individual

yet she was destructive.

Coping with the flushes...

2011-07-23T19:57:00.000-05:00

Today six friends began their morning with the musical "Menopause" on their mind. Five of us traveled together around 9AM as one was already in Montgomery, Alabama at Farmers Market to sell.

We arrived safely and lunched at Mimi's Cafe on quiche, grilled chicken salad, pot pie, roasted tomato basil and corn chowder soups, muffins of blueberry and buttermilk spice and other yummy foods. With 45 minutes to squeeze in some shopping, we headed to Coldwater Creek and found purchases reflecting 40% off.

The ASF parking lot was beginning to get crowded but we found a parking spot not too far away, Looking around as we made our way to the theater, I was surrounded by other women excitedly talking to their girlfriends and just having a great time being together. It made me thankful to have this day to share with some of my girlfriends from church.

BTW...we laughed our "tails" off.

2011-07-18T19:39:00.000-05:00

For the past two weeks I have been on a medical roller coaster ride with my dad. What started out as a trip to celebrate dad's 85th birthday resulted in a 5-day ICU hospital stay with heart issues. He was released Monday (11th) and is getting stronger every day. We still have some health issues to resolve, and we begin this Wednesday and Thursday receiving instructions for this new journey.

85...

2011-07-07T07:00:00.002-05:00

My dad, Frank G. Goodwin, Jr, is 85 years old today.

I love you dad!

HAPPY.....

2011-07-04T07:00:00.006-05:00

...heading East tomorrow.

2011-07-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

beautiful, beautiful...

2011-06-26T19:00:00.003-05:00

away for a few days with my hubby (work) @ The Grand

2011-06-19T19:00:00.002-05:00

...at this very moment this is what I am viewing

ahhhh...total relaxation

handsome ones...

2011-06-19T07:00:00.006-05:00

a very hot but fun morning...

2011-06-14T18:38:00.000-05:00

...spending the morning with neices and

having a great time.

6:15 AM

2011-06-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

...hope his tummy doesn't hurt tonight!

2011-06-09T21:29:00.002-05:00

Tear down the walls

Walls that keep me isolated from the world

Walls that keep me on the side of truth

Tear down the walls

Walls that keep me from being of the world

Walls that keep me from healing others

Tear down the walls

Walls that I place in my life

Walls that I do not wish to climb

Tear down the walls

Walls that will heal my soul

mgf

"home" milestones....

2011-06-07T16:33:00.002-05:00

.....a brief stop for gas and I was on my way home.

Home where I grew up.

Home that continues to nourish my soul.

Home where my parents reside.

.....so many miles separate me from home,

and it’s all so exciting when I begin to travel East.

Most excursions leading home in the past
afforded me sleep or reading.

Hub does all the driving
as he isn’t one to sit in the passenger’s seat.

Reflecting back
as I was steering the wheel behind my little ride,

I was reminded that my focus
must always be on the direction.

You see…I’m not as familiar with the direction

…only with several milestones.

The land changes as I travel

from Alabama thru Georgia and onto South Carolina

…all the way to Bville.

Nine and a half hours of travel

looking for my “home” milestones

and regarding all of God’s beauty.

it's official...

2011-06-01T07:00:00.005-05:00

ABC's of Retirement

A - Absolute freedom; Adventure

B - Blessings of retired life

C - Celebration; Children; Co-workers

D - Dear friends; Daily rest

E - Enjoy! ; Excitement

F - Family; Fun

G - Grandkids; Globetrotter

H - Hobbies; Home

I - Independence

J - Joy; Jubilation

K - Kudos (for job well-done); Kids

L - Lazy days; Lounge around

M - Memories; Morning sleep-ins

N - New Experiences; No alarm clock

O - Opportunities; On the "go"

P - Peace; Party; Play

Q - "Quittin' time"; Quiet time

R - Recreation; Rejoice; Relax

S - Stress-free; Slower pace

T - Travel; Thanks

U - Uninterrupted time; Undeniably fun

V - Vacations; Visiting

W - Wonderful; Well-done; W-2's (no more)

X - hilarating; X-cellent; X-citing

Z - Zzzzzz's mean time for naps

What has been happening...

2011-05-28T17:01:00.002-05:00

Monday arrived and I was way into overdrive on the “thinking”. You see, Monday was the beginning of my last working week at school. I retired after Field Day this past Friday. I retired from the school system that I have given 25 years of service willingly. And I have loved every minute of my job. My principal is a great administrator and friend. Thank you Tamika for having confidence in my work.

Rewind…This past Thursday a special and precious friend surprised me along with some of my friends with lunch from Basketcase to celebrate my retirement. She is such a great friend who retired years before I did. She is a special, special friend. Thank you so much Gloria Jeffcoat for your lasting friendship.

Gloria, Wendy Anderson, Anna Whiddon, and Gina Riley

Mandy Jones, Cathy Lokay, me, Gloria and Wendy

More rewind….On Friday, May 20th girlfriends and I were excited to leave for the lake.

Front: Cathy, Kerrie Reed, Cindy Blount

Back: me, Melissa Kenyon, Wendy

Top: Gina and Virginia Nguyen

A totally relaxing and enjoyable time was spent just being together. Time was spent on the deck sampling good food and fellowshipping. We had and always have so much food it is ridiculous but we enjoy every small taste of each dish brought. Of course, there are some dishes that are just top priority...like the tequila lime wings (yum,yum). Then, there are homemade chicken and pimento cheese salads...absolutely out of this world. And, let's not forget the famous turkey salad from Dobbs. Oh...and the croissants to make sandwiches. The other foods brought compliment these...like dips and chips, fruit and veggie trays, crackers, and other items we may spy at the grocery stores we visit before our trip. Everyone bring dishes so there is a variety of food which leaves NO ONE hungry...unless of course, you don't eat (now that's a joke).

Spending the early evening on the deck sparked lots of surprises that were in store for the night. First, the girls kept going back inside the house, and I thought nothing of it. Then, I needed to get “my girl’s gifts” from the car. So I went to the car, and it was locked. I came back in and saw the decorations. I was so surprised that they tried to “sneak” one on me. However, they had no clue as to what was in store for them.

So without letting on to what I had seen, I got the keys and went back to the car, got the presents, and placed them on the floor along with their decorations for me. I then eased back onto the porch for some more conversation.

One girlfriend was not staying for the weekend and was getting ready to leave. I asked her to stay for another ten minutes or so. I then asked that we move into the house for a moment. They agreed probably excited about my seeing their decorations for the “first time”. (hee-hee-hee) You should have seen their faces when they saw gifts on the floor from me. We had a few moments of reminiscing, and then they opened their gifts. I was happy.

We love to play cards and games. Our favorite card game is “31”, and it is so much fun. We talked, played and then went to the dock to sit in the moonlight to talk some more.

The next day several of the girls had to leave for other responsibilities but I stayed with two other girls until Sunday. Another day of TOTAL rest and relaxation was welcomed before heading home.

More, more rewind…Thursday, May 12th was a retirement celebration during the lunch hours at GRA. My co-workers honored me with a dessert bar. My favorite cakes of Italian Crème, Chocolate Layer, Carrot, Coconut, Caramel, and German Chocolate were all enjoyed as well as two dishes of an ice cream sandwich-chocolate fudge-caramel-pecan dessert. It was so yummy!!!

I'm leaving behind so many friends that have meant the world to me. I am blessed beyond measure by their love, their comforting words, and their wonderful hugs for any occasions that I encountered in my life.

the little white ball game...

2011-05-11T07:59:00.000-05:00

golf. i will never understand the love of

hitting a small white ball a great distance.

AND then walking to locate hit ball

just so you can hit it again.

BUT i do understand my love for my hubby

and his joy of the little white ball game.

SO as he leaves today for the greens of TP Sawgrass

i pray he has another great trip

of watching the white ball being hit...

time and time again.

across the miles...

2011-05-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

you listen and do not judge.

you hear me and give guidance.

you speak encouraging words.

you love me no matter what.

happy mother's day

sure wish i was home

for a comforting hug.

happiness in marriage

2011-05-04T07:00:00.010-05:00

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.

In marriage the little things are the big things ---

…never being too old to hold hands

...remembering to say "I love you"

…not taking the other for granted

…having a mutual sense

of values and common objectives

…standing together facing the world

…forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family

...doing things for each other, not in the attitude

of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy

…demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways

...forgiving

…establishing a relationship in which

the independence is equal,

dependence is mutual and

the obligation is reciprocal

…marrying the right partner

Happy Anniversary Dad & Mom

65 years

grace.thanks.joy

2011-04-25T19:41:00.010-05:00

Take everything that God gives you as grace and

give thanks for it...experience great joy!

#1 my salvation...His dying for me

#50 hubby away...I'm sick...son/girlfriend off to MBC :)

#100 Sam & Miss Kitty...2 cats that make me smile

#150 soreness from GREAT fun...bowling

#200 eagles that soar

#250 mother & son cleaning up yards

#300 positive comments

#350 youth drama (Arise My Love)

2011-04-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

The joyful news that He is risen
does not change the contemporary world.
Still before us lie work, discipline, sacrifice.
But the fact of Easter
gives us the spiritual power
to do the work, accept the discipline, and
make the sacrifice.

Henry Knox Sherrill

2011-04-17T19:58:00.005-05:00

food. good ‘ole southern comfort food. make you wanna nap food. plump you up food. gotta push ‘em back food.

2011-04-14T22:07:00.004-05:00

today began, and I paced myself for three to five hours., breaking for a snack to cool down, to enjoy the beautiful day, accomplishing quite a bit and loving the outdoors.

Somebody's Coming...

2011-04-04T20:42:00.005-05:00

Want to get my life in a tizzy? Well, just tell me that my dad and mom are coming for a visit and I go nuts. I get so excited because I live approximately 530+ miles from them.

My sister is driving our parents on Friday to Dothan for a short visit. There will be shopping, grilling out, worshiping Sunday, and lots and lots of talking. It’s going to be a great visit. I can’t wait!!!

Whew!!!

2011-04-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

I never would have dreamed that blogging for thirty days consecutively would have been hard but it was for me. Even though my posts were often just a few words/sentences, I believe it was just the thought of releasing guarded life moments and thoughts.

31/31

2011-03-31T07:00:00.003-05:00

.....one last moment I would need

to see the face of my hubby and son

30/31

2011-03-30T07:00:00.005-05:00

after retirement (June 1) I hope to…

…..become a better cook

…..groom our yards

…..travel

…..learn sign language

…..volunteer to make a difference

.....purchase a piano and learn to play

29/31

2011-03-29T07:00:00.003-05:00

what i think of my "lunch bunch" friends

A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone we treasure for our friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy, and grace. And makes the whole world we live in a better and happier place.

- Jean Kyler McManus -

28/31

2011-03-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

...places I have visited

A - Alaska
B - Bennettsville, SC
C - Clio, SC & AL
D - Dothan, AL
E - Ebro, FL
F - France
G - Germany
H - Holland
I - Illinois
J - Jacksonville, FL
K - Ketchikan, AK
L - Las Vegas, NV
M - Myrtle Beach, SC
N - New Hampshire
O - Orlando, FL
P - Panama City Beach, FL
Q - Quincy, FL
(hee-hee-hee…drove through it)
R - Rhode Island
S - Sitka, AK
T - Texas
U - Underground Atlanta
V - Vermont
W - Washington, DC
X - X-citing places where I have been…
Y - Youngstown, FL
(hee-hee-hee again…drove through it)
Z - Zurich, Switzerland

27/31

2011-03-27T07:00:00.010-05:00

~~~ Pictures that I took ~~~

Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands

26/31

2011-03-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite childhood memories

is watching my dad make homemade popcorn.

He always knew when the kernels

were going to start popping.

And the magic would begin.............

25/31

2011-03-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

...something that I wish I had done...

When Garrett began Kindergarten, I was encouraged to go back to school to obtain an elementary degree. (I have a BS in Business Education.)

I did not pursue this journey and really wish that I had.

24/31

2011-03-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

...places I enjoy eating at

Grady's, Olive Garden, Blue Plate,

Stanton's BBQ, Little Caesars,

Five Guys, Basketcase, and

Italian Express

23/31

2011-03-23T07:00:00.002-05:00

...me @ 2 yrs/3 mos

22/31

2011-03-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

...the last car I had before I married

It was white with gold stripes.

The interior was the color of caramel.

...now stop laughing!!!!!

21/31

2011-03-21T07:00:00.004-05:00

An Easy Recipe...

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 8

Ingredients -
1¼ pound Ground Chuck
1 can 15-oz Tomato Sauce
½ teaspoons Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
8 oz, weight Egg Noodles
½ C. Sour Cream
1¼ C. Small Curd Cottage Cheese
½ C. Sliced Green Onions (less To Taste)
1 C. Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Brown ground chuck in a large skillet. Drain fat.
Add tomato sauce, salt, & pepper.
Stir, then simmer.
Cook egg noodles until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine sour cream and cottage cheese.
Add plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
Add to noodles and stir.
Add green onions and stir.
To assemble, add half of the noodles to a baking dish.
Top with half the meat mixture,
then sprinkle on half the grated cheddar.
Repeat with noodles, meat, and
then a final layer of cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until all cheese is melted.
Serve with crusty French bread.

recipe from The Pioneer Woman

20/31

2011-03-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

What I miss...

* * * SNOW * * *

I have memories of built snowmen, “snow ice cream”

and sliding down hospital hill.

In Dothan we’ve made “small snowpeople” twice, I believe.

Dad and Mom's home

Garrett & Hannah's small snowperson

19/31

2011-03-19T07:00:00.002-05:00

What I did yesterday...

…took a day off from work (teacher work day)

…walked 2 miles

…cleaned ceramic tile in the house (scrubbing on my hands and knees)

…dusted & vacuumed

…grocery shopped

…made a new dish for supper - Sour Cream Noodle Bake

…watched NCAA BB Tournament

...fell asleep on the couch (hee-hee-hee)

18/31

2011-03-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Photos that I have taken of flowers...

17/31

2011-03-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

...my round table discussion group (I wish)

16/31

2011-03-16T07:00:00.004-05:00

I love to listen to all kinds of music.

Music soothes my soul or moves my feet.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Home Simply Red or Michael Buble
Holding Back the Years Simply Red
I’m in Chains Tina Arena
In the Sanctuary Travis Cottrell
I Will Not Be Moved Natalie Grant
Supermassive Black Hole Muse
Oh My Gosh Usher
Apologize Tupac One Republic Tpain
Love Shack B52’s
Fast Love George Michael
I’m Your Boogie Man KC & Sunshine Band
What Does It Take Jr. Walker & All stars
Stairway to Heaven Led Zepplin
Can’t You See Marshall Tucker Band

Wait!!! I could list songs and songs...love to have my soul and feet moving.

15/31

2011-03-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

Years ago I attended painting classes at a local art shop. We would choose our classes according to what he offered. We watched carefully as he modeled step-by-step on his canvas slate. Then we would do our thing. I choose several classes and painted scenes of a beach, mountain tops, covered bridge, and a church in the woods. My paintings have been given to family members, and I have the church scene.

I hope you enjoy my amateur artwork.

14/31

2011-03-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

Two of my favorite childhood joys...

Mrs. Beasley

and my precious "Monk Monk"

13/31...celebrate

2011-03-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

13/31

2011-03-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

12/31

2011-03-12T07:00:00.001-06:00

Ginger ~~~ 16 years old (6/21/11)

11/31

2011-03-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

...a photo that

makes me smile

and yes...he has the ham "net" on his head!!!

10/31

2011-03-10T07:00:00.002-06:00

Movies I like to watch over and over...

Pretty In Pink

Miss Congeniality

The Matrix

Wild Hogs

9/31

2011-03-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

son & girlfriend, Tarheel fan,

golfer, soccer official,

works in recreation

8/31

2011-03-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

What's is my purse?

…wallet, checkbook, photo clipbook,

small bag for health needs,

small bag for cosmetics, hand sanitizer,

hand lotion, Sudoku sheets, pkg. of gum,

two sets of car keys, and a bottle of Aleve.

7/31

2011-03-07T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hubby...

If ever two people were complete opposites…

it is hubs and I.

I often wonder what God was thinking

when he placed the two of us together.

We will celebrate

our 34th anniversary this year

so (as always)

God knows EXACTLY

what He is doing.

Hubs is a golfer and

an Auburn fan.

6/31

2011-03-06T07:00:00.001-06:00

I believe...

...in Christ and His Word.

...in love.

...in marriage.

...in true friendships.

...in music that penetrates your soul

and make you feel and smile.

5/31

2011-03-05T07:00:00.002-06:00

My Siblings

I am the middle child.

My sister is six years older than I,

and she is a nurse.

She has 2 children and 6 grandchildren.

My brother is three years younger than I,

and he is a third grade teacher.

He has 2 sons who attend UNC-W.

4/31

2011-03-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

~ My Favorite Quote ~

Silences between friends make the real conversations.

Not the saying, but the never needing to say, is what counts.

Margaret L. Rumbeck

3/31

2011-03-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

My Parents...

Frank and Elise are my parents who live out in the country.

They will celebrate their 65th Anniversary in May.

My dad drove a gas truck and was a mechanic

until he and a friend opened their own business

many years ago…Palmetto Awning & Fence Company.

He was a hard-working family man.

My mom was a legal secretary

(who retired several times…hee-hee-hee).

She just loved working at the law office.

She loves to play the piano.

My parents are now retired.

He is 84, and she is 83.

2/31

2011-03-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

What I Am Reading...

Every day I read my Bible…passages from the Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, and the New Testament. I have never read the Bible completely, and I am trusting God to reveal many truths to me as I read daily.

I am also beginning a new book…One Thousand Gifts that was recommended by a dear friend.

I am a "Blog Reading Nut".

30 Day Challenge On a 31 Schedule...

2011-03-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Over the next 31 days

I will open the window of my heart and

let life seep

so you may catch a glimpse

of me.

Let's begin...

I am daughter…born and raised in South Carolina.

I am wife…living in Alabama to a wonderful God-chosen mate.

I am mother…to a sports-minded son.

I am friend…to fun-loving and caring girlfriends.

I am educator…nurturing and teaching young minds.

I am saved…by the blood of my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

I don't know if I could...

2011-02-25T08:44:00.006-06:00

What you are looking at is a public toilet . The first picture is the outside view. The second picture is the inside view. It is made totally of one-way glass.

Could your mind wrap around the fact that no one could see you but you could see them?

Source: Internet/Born and Raised in the South

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

2011-02-19T19:29:00.014-06:00

F.........ight for you

R.........espect you

I.........nvolve you

E...ncourage You

N..............eed you

D........eserve you

S......tand by you

Our Special Tree

Be the last to leave for "The Tree Picture".

Girlfriends are the best!

7.29.77

2011-02-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

2011-02-12T20:19:00.003-06:00

Long ago and far away, in a land that time forgot,

Before the days of Dylan, or the dawn of Camelot.

There lived a race of innocents, and they were you and me,

For Ike was in the White House in that land where we were born,

Where navels were for oranges, and Peyton Place was porn.

We learned to gut a muffler, we washed our hair at dawn,

We spread our crinolines to dry in circles on the lawn.

We longed for love and romance, and waited for our Prince,

And Eddie Fisher married Liz, and no one's seen him since.

We danced to "Little Darlin," and sang to "Stagger Lee"

And cried for Buddy Holly in the Land That Made Me, Me.

Only girls wore earrings then, and 3 was one too many,

And only boys wore flat-top cuts, except for Jean McKinney.

And only in our wildest dreams did we expect to see

A boy named George with Lipstick, in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We fell for Frankie Avalon, Annette was oh, so nice,

And when they made a movie, they never made it twice.

We didn't have a Star Trek Five, or Psycho Two and Three,

Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty in the Land That Made Me, Me.

Miss Kitty had a heart of gold, and Chester had a limp,

And Reagan was a Democrat whose co-star was a chimp.

We had a Mr. Wizard, but not a Mr. T,

And Oprah couldn't talk yet, in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We had our share of heroes, we never thought they'd go,

At least not Bobby Darin, or Marilyn Monroe.

For youth was still eternal, and life was yet to be,

And Elvis was forever in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We'd never seen the rock band that was Grateful to be Dead,

And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson, and Zeppelins were not Led.

And Beatles lived in gardens then, and Monkees lived in trees,

Madonna was Mary in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We'd never heard of microwaves, or telephones in cars,

And babies might be bottle-fed, but they were not grown in jars.

And pumping iron got wrinkles out, and "gay" meant fancy-free,

And dorms were never co-ed in the Land That Made Me, Me.

We hadn't seen enough of jets to talk about the lag,

And microchips were what was left at the bottom of the bag.

And hardware was a box of nails, and bytes came from a flea,

And rocket ships were fiction in the Land That Made Me, Me.

Buicks came with portholes, and side shows came with freaks,

And bathing suits came big enough to cover both your cheeks.

And Coke came just in bottles, and skirts below the knee,

And Castro came to power near the Land That Made Me, Me.

We had no Crest with Fluoride, we had no Hill Street Blues,

We had no patterned pantyhose or Lipton herbal tea

Or prime-time ads for those dysfunctions in the Land That Made Me, Me.

There were no golden arches, no Perrier to chill,

And fish were not called Wanda , and cats were not called Bill.

And middle-aged was 35 and old was forty-three,

And ancient were our parents in the Land That Made Me, Me.

But all things have a season, or so we've heard them say,

And now instead of Maybelline we swear by Retin-A.

They send us invitations to join AARP,

We've come a long way, baby, from the Land That Made Me, Me.

So now we face a brave new world in slightly larger jeans,

And wonder why they're using smaller print in magazines.

And we tell our children's children of the way it used to be,

Long ago and far away in the Land That Made Me, Me.

you didn't grow up in the fifty's,

you missed the greatest time in history.

Author Unknown

Source: Internet

Our Family's Little Miss...

2011-02-06T18:26:00.000-06:00

I am ready.

2011-01-28T08:00:00.004-06:00

Work has been a part of my life since childhood. Dad and mom always instilled in me a sense of pride for hard work. They encouraged me to work and save. I worked. And I always worked at doing my best.

Work began as household chores, the occasional opportunity to work with dad in his business (chain-link fencing and awnings), or with mom as she handled the business books for dad. When I became older at the age of securing a job, I joined the workforce. My first jobs were theater concessions to ticket office, grill cook to credit office, and then an insurance office. I really enjoyed the office type of work because of my being organized. Just keeping things in order and making sure that everything was in its order is what drove me.

After high school I decided that it was secretarial work that I would study. I would work in an office, organize to my heart’s content, and be a productive, hard-working individual. So I began studies at Lander University. After some time and a talk with my parents, I made a decision to continue my studies and pursue a degree in Business Education believing that this would provide for a better opportunity in the work field.

It was during my educational years at Lander that I met my husband. I sometimes wonder the direction of my life had I only gone to college for the two years required for secretarial studies. Where would I be now?

Graduating in ’77 and marrying the love of my life a couple of months later were the beginning of my new life journey.

In marriage I believe that both couples should work outside the home in the early years of marriage. Some may not agree with me and that’s OK. I contributed to our home and our future. For five years I worked…one year in a bank and four years as a middle school secretary. After the birth of our son, we made a decision that I would become a SAHM, and I did for approximately eight years.

When I felt the nudge to begin working again, God had already been working on the job he intended for me; and in fact, he was already preparing me for a wonderful opportunity. Little did I know that the position he chose for me was at the elementary school where our son attended. I was able to secure a position back within the city schools working as an elementary teacher’s assistant. It was the perfect job for me and my family…particularly our son…having the summer months and school vacation days together.

Over the years as our son graduated from elementary to middle to high school and then on to college, I remained devoted and committed as an educator within our school system. Responsibilities for me have ranged from teaching a Reading program, assisting At-Risk students in Reading and Math, to serving as the K-2 Computer Lab Resource Teacher.

Working with students as young as kindergarteners has brought about more challenges than I probably every considered having in my lifetime. However, these challenges have been the most rewarding. I have met many children and their parents/guardians. Some of the children (present and past students) will see me out shopping and come up to me to speak or just gather a hug. I am blessed.

Under the leadership of five principals and countless mentor teacher friends, I want you to know that I am beginning the process of retiring after 25 years. Being truly honest, I would have to say that I have really enjoyed every minute of working. I still enjoy my job. It’s just time for me to live life differently.

I need a deeper, spiritual relationship with my God. I want to better my health. I want to make our home life less stressful. My parents are getting older, and I really want to be with them as often as I can. I want to sleep late. I want to develop my love of the outside by working in the yards, taking long walks, and resting in my hammock as birds sing. I am ready.

happy birthday mom!

2011-01-27T21:16:00.003-06:00

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me.

They have clung to me all my life.

~Abraham Lincoln

Update of the Tiger...

2011-01-22T22:30:00.001-06:00

Orange and Blue

...the fans wait

...Challenger is ready

...a celebration date

...War Eagle is Our Cry!

...AUBURN TIGERS...

~2010 BCS National Champions~

10:30 PM ~~~Home from Auburn...hubs and I went to the Auburn basketball game. Tigers were playing Alabama today. Garrett was in Auburn attending a soccer clinic and met up with us at the game. This was also the Day of Celebration at Jordan Hare Stadium in honor of the Auburn Football team and their victory as the BCS National Champions. Celebration @ 1 PM and the basketball game @ 5 PM.

As we drove into Auburn this is what we were afraid of. Lots and lots of vehicles...and we needed a parking space.

We drove through the campus and realized that more cars were leaving as there were entering. At the Aquatics parking lot there were several spaces available so we grabbed one quickly. It was a little more of a hike to the arena but really not that bad.

This was my first trip to the new arena. Hubs and a friend usually attend.

Hubs kept telling me that our seats were really great. What a view! Our seats are great! (Looking at the picture below and beginning with the AU section on the far left and counted as 1...we are in section 5, row 15...nice!!!)

There were a lot of people at the game...mostly to see the Iron Bowl trophy return to Auburn.

There was great spirit in the arena. Auburn has a fantastic arena and a great group of supporters. Just wish that the arena could be packed at every game with students and fans just like the football stadium is packed. Hubs, Tim and Garrett take care of our support. War Eagle Basketball Stars...

2011-01-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

We need not join the mad rush

to purchase an earthly fallout shelter.

God is our eternal fallout shelter.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Strength to Love, 1963

2011-01-10T23:13:00.002-06:00

IT'S GREAT TO BE

AN AUBURN TIGER

~~~~~~~

BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

January 10, 2011

WAR EAGLE!!!!!

2011-01-09T22:21:00.000-06:00

Ending Our 2010 Year...

2011-01-02T17:31:00.017-06:00

What a way to end 2010! Hubs and I were at PCB for the last six days, and it was so wonderful. Our condo was very spacious with an amazing balcony view of the Gulf. As you can see, the beach was beautiful...no matter the time of day.

We enjoyed spending this time together.

Can you believe that not one time did we fuss?

For me I am becoming more of a lover for the quiet and peace. I spent my time knitting, reading, working my sudoku, or formatting forms I needed for the new year. Hubs spent his time working crosswords, on the computer, and watching tv football games...

and you know there were plenty of games to be watched.

One day we went to the movies to see "True Grit", we shopped a little, and we ate out...Five Guys, Longhorn's, Olive Garden, Panera Bread. But don't fret...I did cook on New Year's Day. Hubs needed to have his blackeyed peas and sliced onion. I added some baked sweet potatoes, beef casserole, and greens (for me).

I'll close this post with pics

of the New Year's Eve fireworks display.

2011-01-01T00:05:00.001-06:00

We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room,

drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.

Maybe this year, to balance the list,

we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...

not looking for flaws, but for potential.

~Ellen Goodman

Happy New Year....

2011-01-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Merry, Merry Christmas to All.....

2010-12-25T18:03:00.001-06:00

Thursday Christmas Togetherness...

2010-12-23T22:32:00.009-06:00

A Very Merry Christmas from All of Us...

Searching...

2010-12-21T09:03:00.005-06:00

The moon will pass through the shadow of the Earth early Tuesday morning on the East Coast, turning it a deep reddish brown. Normally, the moon is illuminated by the sun, but the Earth will cut off that light source for a few hours, creating a ghostly moon apparition in the night sky.

photo by laverba
Washington Post
12-21-10

CELEBRATION TIME.....

2010-12-15T08:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday!!!