one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, OSI, Poetry

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do you enjoy Haiku or other forms of poetry?

One Single Impression is a community of poets writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too. Join us!

one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, OSI, Poetry

one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, OSI, Poetry

wind-tossed sandy dunes
nocturnal fauna burrow
foraging at dusk

Photo credit
one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do you enjoy Haiku or other forms of poetry?

One Single Impression is a community of poets writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too. Join us!

one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, OSI, Poetry

As you can see, I am in a ‘Dogwood Daze’ state of mind! Thanks so much for stopping by today to say ‘Hello’ and share a moment with me!

Learn more about One Single Impression here.
View More One Single Impression Participants

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Tags: Haiku, Laughter, One Single Impression

Do you enjoy Haiku or other forms of poetry?

One Single Impression is a community of poets writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too.

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, Spring

The circle of life
neither beginning nor end
only here, and now.

                                                                                                                                                                Do you enjoy Haiku or other forms of poetry?
  
One Single Impression is a community of poets* writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too.

*I certainly don’t pretend to be a poet, but one of my sisters is, and I absolutely love it! Seventeen syllables seemed do-able!

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression

one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, OSI, Poetry

wind-tossed sandy dunes
nocturnal fauna burrow
foraging at dusk

Photo credit
one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do you enjoy Haiku or other forms of poetry?

One Single Impression is a community of poets writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too. Join us!

one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, OSI, Poetry

As you can see, I am in a ‘Dogwood Daze’ state of mind! Thanks so much for stopping by today to say ‘Hello’ and share a moment with me!

Learn more about One Single Impression here.
View More One Single Impression Participants

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.

Tags: Haiku, Laughter, One Single Impression

Do you enjoy Haiku or other forms of poetry?

One Single Impression is a community of poets writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too.

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, Spring

The circle of life
neither beginning nor end
only here, and now.

                                                                                                                                                                Do you enjoy Haiku or other forms of poetry?
  
One Single Impression is a community of poets* writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too.

*I certainly don’t pretend to be a poet, but one of my sisters is, and I absolutely love it! Seventeen syllables seemed do-able!

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression

So I walked in from the Office tonight and MotherDear says she had to stop for gas on the way home from the Post Office for fear of running out.

Now to the average person, a mere subject of the land, this wouldn’t raise an eyebrow. But MotherDear is the Pump Princess. She does not pump her own gas. Heavens, No!! That is the duty of HRH Dad.

So I’m running the scenarios through my head, wondering how she managed to keep her HRH Pump Princess Tiara on straight:

1. There hasn’t been a Full Service Gas Station in the magical land of MotherDear in a squillion years
2. Dad happened to be at The Swamp (my Office) this afternoon snooping checking on the fill dirt and grading progress
3. I was at The Swamp, working
4. Al was at The Swamp working on his Mustang he’s so darn proud of

I barely began running through the remaining options when she giggles (as only MotherDear can) and she says to me “I just said “You Hoo, young man!” to the nice young guy on the other side of the pump. And I told him “I never pump my own gas. Could you possibly help me, please?” and he came right over and pumped my gas for me.”

It must be wonderful to be a Princess.

You Hoo, Young Man? My brain is exploding. I wonder, who will inherit her crown?

Tags: Aging Gracefully, MotherDear, Simple Pleasures

This week’s theme from tnchick is ANY photo. I took this at an air show at Moody AFB on October 21, 2007. It was a glorious day to be a spectator, but the winds were really kicked up. They nearly had to call off the air show.

We ended up in the VIP section. You know, the section that’s all roped off? The one that’s smack dab in the middle right on the air strip. The one with all the free food and drinks? We just walked in with some other folks. I was trailing behind my friend, taking photos. When I walked up to join him the guards stopped me and told me I wasn’t allowed in. They had really big guns. I wasn’t going to argue. I called in to my friend, who was already seated in the bleachers, to come back out. One of the guards said “Oh, I’m sorry, ma’am, we didn’t realize you were with him”. Then he at-eased and let me in. I dunno.

We didn’t realize our dumb luck until I went up to get a bottle of water and got out my money and they said “Oh, no, no, no. It’s complimentary for the VIP’s”. Cool. We had the best seats on base, other than perhaps the cockpit. Did I mention the Free Food?

Would you like to know the name of this particular maneuver? So would I, so if you happen to know it please let me know because I forgot, probably right after they announced it. It was way cool, though!

Tags: Moody AFB, Photo Hunt, PhotoHunt, VIP

One of our finest, flying over my house last night. This photo could’ve been clearer, if I could’ve gotten him to slow down and if I had a much more expensive camera!

Moody AFB, A-10C Thunderbolt II

Tags: 23rd Wing, Moody AFB

Yesterday was Martin Luther King, Jr Day. It has been nearly 40 years since he was assassinated.

If he were allowed to come back and speak to us today, what would he say? How has Society done as far as turning his Dream into a reality? How wisely has Society used these 40 years?

I would surely like to hear that speech.

Honestly, I don’t think he’d be pleased. In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, he referred to Time as being neutral. He said that Time could be used destructively or constructively, and that without effort and hard work, Time becomes an ally of “Social Stagnation”.

Oops.

Society may have left segregation in the past, but prejudice, discrimination, bias and bigotry still rear their ugly heads every day in every corner of the world. The major difference is that it’s no longer burning crosses and the Ku Klux Klan; now it’s Smart Bombs, IED’s and the Taliban. And guess what? It just doesn’t matter to them what the color of our skin is, or what our religion may be. They want to kill all Americans and our allies.

History is replete with examples of predjudice, bias, and bigotry; a people assuming that their race or religion was superior to another. It is Timeless. Yet we still haven’t learned the lesson.

Dr. King also said that Time is always ripe to do right. I hope we still have Time.

Tags: MLK, Social Stagnation, Thought for the Day

This week’s Photo Hunt is Metal.

We just picked up this 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe!

It’s got lots of metal, doesn’t it? Actually, it has more metal than most cars built nowadays.

Years ago, way back in 1971, I had a 1965 Ford Mustang. A Convertible. Baby Blue. 4 on the floor. Leaf Springs and a very heavy clutch. Oh, man, it was the best!

I helped Mr. X refurbish it in his Grandmother’s heated garage over the winter up in Massachusetts. Brrr. We were still in high school. It was a lot of work, but very enjoyable and gratifying! We drove it to my Prom. We drove it on our Honeymoon. It was just the most awesome car!! It was stolen in the late 70’s.

When this Beauty came up for sale, I thought I might enjoy refurbishing another one, and so one day, the flat bed arrived!

And we took a closer look. Considering that it’s 42 years old, and considering that it needed very little coaxing to start up and run, it’s not in bad shape at all!

But considering that I am not in high school anymore, we’ve decided to re-sell it to someone who not only appreciates the beauty of the Mustang, but also has the energy and stamina that it will require to return this baby back to its’ formery glory and beauty!

Get the code and join the Blogroll here!
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Tags: Metal, Photo Hunt

The Bipolar Express just ran through town again. You know how it feels when you’re standing on the train platform and an express train whooshes past the platform?

My bipolar niece is like that. She sucks the air right out of the room. She sent an email during the night denouncing the Aunts as relatives, accusing us once more of being biased and uninformed self-proclaimed experts who know nothing about anything. She is angry and offended. Again.

She still refuses to consider going back on her meds, ever defiant.

Her mother, me and the other SisterDears are weary of the fight. So we catch our breath and gather strength from one another while we wait, for the next time.

Tags: Bipolor Disorder, Chemical Imbalance, Family, Mental Health, Sisters

This week’s Manic Monday prompt is Doodle. Thanks, Mo!

It is my pleasure to give you my SnickerDoodle recipe from my Betty Crocker cookbook! A little Doodle of Cinnamon-Sugary goodness!

Prep Time:40 min
Start to Finish:50 min
Makes:4 dozen cookies

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Heat oven to 400ºF.
2. Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, the butter, shortening and eggs in large bowl. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
3. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Mix 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

I know… it’s not cake, but it’ll Doodle! It makes 4 dozen, that’s almost enough to share! Purhaps you should double the recipe, like I do!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My friend Mo is having a very special Manic Monday today! Mo says: On May 12th: Doodle Week Fun Fund Raiser – for every blog that posts a doodle with a cat in it and leaves their link at It’s A Blog Eat Blog World, we will donate 50¢ to Cat Friends Helping Friends!All you have to do is Doodle & Link!

It doesn’t even have to be a good Doodle!

manic monday

Tags: Doodle, Manic Monday

Our Manic Monday host Mo has given us the word Fresh this week.

I give you Fresh from my garden Sunday morning – some Honeysuckle Vines!

Honeysuckle is mentioned in many songs and books, but my favorite Honeysuckle lyric is Jimmy Buffet’s “Tin Cup Chalice”.

Live first verse & chorus version on YouTube:

Listen to Jimmy singing the complete studio version on Jango

A Fresh song from an always Fresh singer-songwriter about a fragrant & Fresh Honeysuckle Vine Fresh from the garden!

I’m betting that this was a Fresh take on this week’s theme. I’ll bet nobody else even thought of Honeysuckle Vines!

Tags: Manic Monday

This week when Mo gave us Quake for Manic Monday I’ll admit it…. I was stumped.

I went to Savannah, GA for a short get away weekend with some friends. This city is steeped in History and southern ambiance. Its’ first recorded history was in 1733, the year General James Oglethorpe and the 120 passengers of the good ship “Anne” landed on a bluff high along the Savannah River.

Johnny Mercer wrote the Lyrics to Moon River, having been inspired by the Savannah River and his Huckleberry childhood in Savannah.

Savannah is dripping in Southern Charm & Hospitality!

Savannah is breathtaking in it’s beauty!

Savannah also has some of the most majestic Live Oak Trees.

Live Oaks make my heart quake!

Thank goodness for my digital camera and ginormous memory cards! In one day I took more than 500 photos of beautiful Savannah, GA. I know I’ll be back to visit Savannah again one day soon. There’s so much to see & do, and I never even explored the nightlife and dining.

Want to play Manic Monday? That’s easy, just stop by Mo’s for more info.

Thanks for stopping by today. I Linky Love You everyday, so if you’re leaving a comment, grab some Linky Love, too!

Tags: GA, Georgians, Live Oak, Manic Monday, Savannah

Anyone remember the movie Remo Williams, The Adventure Begins? It’s from 1985, starring Fred Ward, Joel Grey & Kate Mulgrew. It was far from a hit, but I always enjoy watching it.

There’s one particular line from the movie that Chiun, the Korean martial arts master played by Joel Grey, speaks:

I can’t tell you how many times I have used that line; sometimes spoken, sometimes thought. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I live in a world where my ears are constantly being assaulted. This line comes to me often. It’s like a prayer, that’s been answered.

Ah…. Blessed Silence!

Tags: Awards, Manic Monday, Random Thoughts

Scroll down for Weekend Snapshot, or click here.

Our Manic Monday host Mo has given us the word “egg” this week. Being Easter week, that shouldn’t be too difficult, but perhaps just a bit too easy. Paranoid? Perhaps.

So I wondered, what egg stories did I have that didn’t involve cute little Easter Egg hunts growing up, or my nephew’s Easter Egg hunts, which were way better because they got money hidden in their eggs. Oh yeah, actual “In God We Trust” Cashola! SisterDear would put coins in some and in some she would deposit bills. Sometimes she’d even put in tickets to the Red Sox game!! SisterDear2 is very cool! But she wouldn’t let me hunt for eggs, so some cool points had to be deducted for that.

Then I recalled a day a few years ago that I was having a bunch of friends over for a Gathering. One of my guests, the very sassy wife of a co-worker, brought me a very unusual Hostess Gift. She brought me a basket of freshly laid eggs, straight from “her girls” that very morning!! She has chickens, laying hens in fact, that she originally got as chicks one Easter to delight her grandchildren.

Now, I ask you, how often have you had eggs THAT fresh? The trouble for me was, since I knew the chickens personally, I found myself unable to actually eat the eggs. Yeah, I’m just weird that way.

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Tags: Manic Monday

Mo has given us the work drink for this week’s Manic Monday. Ummm, have you noticed the name of my website? Also, my tag-line is “It’s Wine-thirty somewhere”! So, hey, No Problem!

I took this photo at my nephew’s wedding reception last year.

Ok people, raise your hands if you’ve had a drink!

Tags: Manic Monday

I had to drag out the old faithful, my Laptop. Hello, my old friend! It’s ancient in computer terms, but it still works beautifully. I had to replace the hard drive last year, but that’s all it’s ever asked of me in over 5 years. I just love Dell!

I came home last night to find that my home computer “died”. I’ve been expecting it as it’s been smelling “hot”. I’ll bring it in today; it’s probably just the Power Supply. It’s an HP and only a year old. I’m not real pleased with this track record. I’m sorry. It was an unbelievable price at Sam’s Club. I had a weak moment. I want a Gateway.

I just loved my 2 Gateways I had in Florida before I sold my business. They were just Bullet Proof! When I started my business here, of course, I wanted another Gateway.

However, as much as I love my Dell Laptop, and as grateful as I am to have it right now, I must admit that I want to get to work as early as possible today.

I hate Laptop keyboards and I was too lazy to hook up the wireless keyboard this morning.

I know, how pathetic is that?

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Tags: Manic Monday

This is my Dad & Brother-in-law. BIL doesn’t smoke! But a cuban cigar and a bonding moment is not to be wasted.

Tags: Male Bonding, Weekend Snapshot

This week when Mo gave us Quake for Manic Monday I’ll admit it…. I was stumped.

I went to Savannah, GA for a short get away weekend with some friends. This city is steeped in History and southern ambiance. Its’ first recorded history was in 1733, the year General James Oglethorpe and the 120 passengers of the good ship “Anne” landed on a bluff high along the Savannah River.

Johnny Mercer wrote the Lyrics to Moon River, having been inspired by the Savannah River and his Huckleberry childhood in Savannah.

Savannah is dripping in Southern Charm & Hospitality!

Savannah is breathtaking in it’s beauty!

Savannah also has some of the most majestic Live Oak Trees.

Live Oaks make my heart quake!

Thank goodness for my digital camera and ginormous memory cards! In one day I took more than 500 photos of beautiful Savannah, GA. I know I’ll be back to visit Savannah again one day soon. There’s so much to see & do, and I never even explored the nightlife and dining.

Want to play Manic Monday? That’s easy, just stop by Mo’s for more info.

Thanks for stopping by today. I Linky Love You everyday, so if you’re leaving a comment, grab some Linky Love, too!

Tags: GA, Georgians, Live Oak, Manic Monday, Savannah

I phoned one of my SisterDears Sunday afternoon. Kevin, one of her twin 8 year old sons, answered the phone. The conversation went exactly like this:

Me: Hi, Kevin, how are you?

Kevin: Who’s this?

Me: It’s Auntie Barb.

Kevin: Oh! Hi, Auntie Barbara! How are you doing?

Me: I’m doing very well, Kevin. Thanks so much for asking!

Kevin: :giggles: Oh, you’re welcome, Auntie.

Me: Kevin, is your Mom home?

Kevin: Well, yes she is, but you know what? She’s taking a nap right now and I hate to disturb her.

Alrighty then.

Tags: Kevin, SisterDear3

I flew up to Massachusetts for a Sister Weekend with my 3 SisterDears! To say that we had a blast would be a monumental understatement! Here we are the first night, in our “Relaxing Clothes”!

My visit was a Big Secret, or so SisterDear2 and I had hoped! SisterDears 3 & 4 were just sure I was the BIG surprise when SisterDear2 asked them to reserve the weekend and plan to sleep over her house Friday & Saturday nights.

My very dear Brother-in-law was our Cabana Boy for the weekend! His self-chosen name for the entire weekend was Enrico Suave!! He was more than a good sport! He made home-made ravioli for me! He also cooked for us all weekend and fetched us wine whenever our glass was empty!

Actually, the BIG Surprise was that SisterDear2 had told her hubby that for her Mother’s Day gift she wanted tickets for all four of us for Menopause the Musical which was playing at the Stuart Street Playhouse in Boston. If it’s in your area, I wholeheartedly recommend seeing it!

We started the day with an early lunch at Rock Bottom Brewery, located in the heart of Boston’s Historic District and just down the street from the Theatre District. We ordered Improper Hopper Pale Ale, which we all agreed was quite yummy. Two of us ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Onion Rings and two of us ordered Steak Tips: the chicken was delicious and received 2 thumbs up, the steak tips were not enjoyed by either sister and unfortunately received 2 thumbs down. The Clam Chowder appetizers and Onion Rings were both absolutely marvelous!

Then we walked around Boston and I took tons of photographs!
I had forgotten how much I love Boston! We’re going back to “do” Boston in the fall!
My travelling day yesterday was simply exhausting. I actually missed my second flight because of air traffic in Boston, but all three of my flights were late. In trying to rush to my Gate to make my second flight, I arrived only to see my plane pulling away. Talk about adding insult to injury, I have a huge blister on the ball of my right foot to further add to my aggravation and frustration! The flights themselves were all quite enjoyable. I took many photos which I will share on some upcoming Sky Watch Fridays!

A now, in the spirit of Menopause, I leave you with a joke. I can relate only too well!

After starting a new diet I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery.

I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning, and as I approached, there in the window were a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed … ‘Lord, it’s up to you. If you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.’ And sure enough, on the eighth time around the block, there it was!!!

God is so Good!

Tags: Faith, Family, Just for laughs, Sister Weekend

Did I ever tell you about the time my BIL nearly killed MotherDear? BIL was traveling on business and was only a few hours from the Deep South so he decided to surprise us for a short visit. He rented a car and drove to the Yellow House, armed with wine and beer. Oh yes, he is and will always be my favoroite BIL!

Dad was taking his afternoon nap. The doorbell rang. MotherDear looked through the peephole, but it was covered. So she meekly asked..

Who’s there?

Candy Gram.

Excuse me, but Who is there, please?

Candy Gram.

MotherDear quickly turned the dead bolt on the door and ran down the hall like a Thundering Herd of Elephants, terror mounting all the way. (Yes, she is still quite spry!)

She shook Dad awake saying “Someone’s at the door and he won’t tell me who he is. He just keeps saying ‘Candy Gram’ and he’s covered up the peephole”.

Dad got up, walked down the hall and looked through the peephole. Because BIL had tipped his head down, all Dad could see was BIL’s hat. Dad opened the door. 

BIL was now in stitches, and no doubt, feeling quite pleased with himself.

Even after several seconds of staring at BIL, Dad & MotherDear were in total shock and couldn’t register who this Land Shark was.

Needless to say, we won’t be doing that anymore. I explained to BIL that while Land Shark is quite amusing, Dad is now 79 years old and MotherDear is 73, and somehow they didn’t appreciate the humor in it quite as much as he did. It may be a good idea to call ahead next time.

And bring more wine!

Tags: Aging Gracefully, Family, Just for laughs

I spy another eye!

I spy four little guys!

Every year we have baby squirrels that the Mama Squirrel raises in a Hidey Hole in one of our Pecan Trees. This year we have 4 baby squirrels. You can see many more photos of them here, as well as read some of their story. I’ll be doing some follow-up on them as their lives unfold.

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Tags: I Spy, Photo Hunt, Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt, Squirrels

This week’s Photo Hunter Theme is High.

I am still enjoying the lovely blooms of the Dogwoods. Spring in Southern Georgia! This is how The Swamp says “Good Morning” to me each day!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you and yours have a wonderful weekend.

Want more Georgia? The Georgia Blog Carnival is open for your reading enjoyment over at Paw Paw Bill’s place.

Get the code and join the Blogroll here!
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Tags: Dogwoods, Georgians, High, Photo Hunt, Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt, Tall Pines, The Swamp

one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, OSI, Poetry

wind-tossed sandy dunes
nocturnal fauna burrow
foraging at dusk

Photo credit
one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do you enjoy Haiku or other forms of poetry?

One Single Impression is a community of poets writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too. Join us!

one single impression

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, OSI, Poetry

As you can see, I am in a ‘Dogwood Daze’ state of mind! Thanks so much for stopping by today to say ‘Hello’ and share a moment with me!

Learn more about One Single Impression here.
View More One Single Impression Participants

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.

Tags: Haiku, Laughter, One Single Impression

Do you enjoy Haiku or other forms of poetry?

One Single Impression is a community of poets writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too.

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression, Spring

The circle of life
neither beginning nor end
only here, and now.

                                                                                                                                                                Do you enjoy Haiku or other forms of poetry?
  
One Single Impression is a community of poets* writing and sharing haiku and other poetic forms. Each week a new prompt is offered up to inspire your writing. Participants are invited to share ideas for prompts, too.

*I certainly don’t pretend to be a poet, but one of my sisters is, and I absolutely love it! Seventeen syllables seemed do-able!

Tags: Haiku, One Single Impression

This week’s Photo Hunter Theme is High.

I am still enjoying the lovely blooms of the Dogwoods. Spring in Southern Georgia! This is how The Swamp says “Good Morning” to me each day!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you and yours have a wonderful weekend.

Want more Georgia? The Georgia Blog Carnival is open for your reading enjoyment over at Paw Paw Bill’s place.

Get the code and join the Blogroll here!
View More Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt Participants

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.

Tags: Dogwoods, Georgians, High, Photo Hunt, Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt, Tall Pines, The Swamp

The Weather ‘experts’ were forecasting some particulary nasty weather for us Sunday. We were fortunate; they were wrong. This photograph was taken beofre the wind kicked up and the nasty clouds rolled in, but we never did get any rain.

Visit other Weekenders here, or just follow the Technorati link!
weekend snapshot

Tags: Georgians, The Swamp, Weekend Snapshot

Better yet, plant two!Celebrate Arbor Day on April 25, 2008!

Tags: April 2008, Dogwood, Georgians, Wordless Wednesday

This week when Mo gave us Quake for Manic Monday I’ll admit it…. I was stumped.

I went to Savannah, GA for a short get away weekend with some friends. This city is steeped in History and southern ambiance. Its’ first recorded history was in 1733, the year General James Oglethorpe and the 120 passengers of the good ship “Anne” landed on a bluff high along the Savannah River.

Johnny Mercer wrote the Lyrics to Moon River, having been inspired by the Savannah River and his Huckleberry childhood in Savannah.

Savannah is dripping in Southern Charm & Hospitality!

Savannah is breathtaking in it’s beauty!

Savannah also has some of the most majestic Live Oak Trees.

Live Oaks make my heart quake!

Thank goodness for my digital camera and ginormous memory cards! In one day I took more than 500 photos of beautiful Savannah, GA. I know I’ll be back to visit Savannah again one day soon. There’s so much to see & do, and I never even explored the nightlife and dining.

Want to play Manic Monday? That’s easy, just stop by Mo’s for more info.

Thanks for stopping by today. I Linky Love You everyday, so if you’re leaving a comment, grab some Linky Love, too!

Tags: GA, Georgians, Live Oak, Manic Monday, Savannah

For more Wordless Wednesday or wordless wednesday

Tags: Daily G’s, Gandalf, Wordless Wednesday

I’m giving up on WordPress. 3 Upgrades in 2-1/2 months is more trouble than I’m willing to chew. It totally ate my Cats Blog after 3 attempts at upgrading. This one is still here, but I can’t upload any images. Soooo…

Gandalf & Grayson are up and running on their old blog on blogger.

I’m over there too at my old blog.

Ya’ll come see us!

Tags: Gandalf, Grayson, Moving Again, WordPress 2.5

I talked with SisterDear3 tonight for well over an hour, one of our frequent Wine Chats. At the end of our conversation, as I was hanging up, I realized that Gandalf was in my lap. I was stroking him and he was purring. When did he get in my lap? I have no recollection of him jumping up and no idea how long he’d been there.

I’m a 53 year old woman who smokes, and I’m a bit on the “fluffy” side. I have ”text book” blood pressure and enjoy good health. I attribute this to 3 things:

1. I love Red Wine!
2. I love my cats (and my dogs that came before)

3. I have no children (through no fault of my own, that’s for another post)

I had a comment on my cat’s blog the other day that basically stated that she was in awe of people who had such lovable cats. I can’t explain why her cats are afraid of strangers and visitors. I only know that my cats are exposed to lots of people and lots of love. I don’t think it’s all that complicated. I don’t do anything special, I just love my cats.

I must admit that I was a bit concerned when my parents moved in with us 2 years ago. They haven’t been around cats all that much. After a brief period of getting to know each other I watched as my cats won over both of my parents. Yeah, they’re totally cat lovers now!

My parents Blood Pressure medication? Their doctor cut it down to 3/4 of what they use to take BC (before cats). Am I giving medical advice? No, not at all. This is just my own personal observation. Many articles and studies have been done touting the beneficial influence of pets. I won’t even try to go there.

Oh, my parents have also taken to having a glass of wine or two after dinner.

Yeah, that’s a good thing, too.

Tags: Cats, Daily G’s, Gandalf

It’s funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn’t it?

Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna, 1912

I’ve had pets all of my adult life and I believe that quotation to be completely accurate. It’s absolutely amazing how intuitive a dog is, and a cat. It’s really is as though they can smell fear and sense mistrust.

For the last 4 years I been owned by 2 amazing cats. Prior to then I have always had sweet, lovable dogs; 2 sets of Pekingese and 2 lovable Shepherd mixes. I have never had one you could remotely call a guard dog. If someone had ever broken in my home they may well have been licked to death.

I did, however, have a neighbor at my office in Florida who had the most gorgeous Yellow Lab named Tag. Tag’s Dad started bringing him to work with him when Tag was just a small bouncing puppy. Tag always sat in the front passenger seat. He was so funny. He was playful, lovable and energetic. And Tag was incredibly smart. I don’t mean just tricks and obedience smart, which he was, but people smart.

Tag was also the most intelligent dog I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He could sense whether or not he liked a person before they got within 20 feet of him. Since I spent so much time with Tag (5 or 6 days a week) until he died, Tag treated me as part of his pack and he was very protective of me. I had truck deliveries once or twice a week. More often than not, the truck drivers came and went without incident, quite unremarkable. Every now and then one would come and suddenly Tag would show an instant protective posture. He would come stand next to me, or partially in front of me with the hair on his back up and would let out a low growl with his mouth open just enough to show teeth. Tag knew something I did not. If the driver made a move towards me, Tag increased his warning ever so slightly.

I learned to trust Tag’s instincts and started paying more attention to which drivers he had this reaction to. There was usually good reason. Loving Tag has made me want to get a Lab. After I moved to Georgia I got 2 beautiful Black Lab puppies. There was just one problem; my cats wouldn’t let me keep them.

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Tags: Daily G’s, Finally Friday, Gandalf, Grayson

Tags: Daily G’s, Gandalf, Weekend Snapshot

This week when Mo gave us Quake for Manic Monday I’ll admit it…. I was stumped.

I went to Savannah, GA for a short get away weekend with some friends. This city is steeped in History and southern ambiance. Its’ first recorded history was in 1733, the year General James Oglethorpe and the 120 passengers of the good ship “Anne” landed on a bluff high along the Savannah River.

Johnny Mercer wrote the Lyrics to Moon River, having been inspired by the Savannah River and his Huckleberry childhood in Savannah.

Savannah is dripping in Southern Charm & Hospitality!

Savannah is breathtaking in it’s beauty!

Savannah also has some of the most majestic Live Oak Trees.

Live Oaks make my heart quake!

Thank goodness for my digital camera and ginormous memory cards! In one day I took more than 500 photos of beautiful Savannah, GA. I know I’ll be back to visit Savannah again one day soon. There’s so much to see & do, and I never even explored the nightlife and dining.

Want to play Manic Monday? That’s easy, just stop by Mo’s for more info.

Thanks for stopping by today. I Linky Love You everyday, so if you’re leaving a comment, grab some Linky Love, too!

Tags: GA, Georgians, Live Oak, Manic Monday, Savannah

I’ve had a very long week at the office. My brain is fried!! I’m incredibly grateful for the new business! I’m also so very thankful that the weekend is finally here. And so I bring you a joke I heard this week, boiled instead of fried… It’s healthier!

She was standing in the kitchen preparing to boil eggs for breakfast, wearing only the ‘T’ shirt that she normally slept in.

As he walked in almost awake, she turned and said softly, ‘You’ve got to make love to me this very moment.’

A little puzzled, he asked, ‘What was that all about?’

She explained,

I’m also doing Sky Watch Friday

Tags: Finally Friday

This weekend is the Home & Garden Show at the James H Rainwater Conference Center. I attended last year brimming with excitement, only to be disappointed. To be fair, I lived in Lakeland, FL prior to moving to Valdosta, GA and Lakeland’s annual show puts this one to shame. I keep forgetting this is Hicksville, comparatively speaking.

We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

I may still attend, depending on how long I stay at the new Nuresry I just found out about. It’s acre after acre after acre of splendid plants, shrubs and trees. It is kind of weird for some, I know, but I just love this kind of stuff.

I’m told they have an entire greenhouse full of Orchids!

I’m also hoping to find a few dogwoods and a perhaps some other lovelys. It’s my version of other’s Yard Sales or Malls. I just love things that grow!

Want more Georgia? The Georgia Blog Carnival is open for your reading enjoyment over at Paw Paw Bill’s.

And just for some Friday Fun!

Tags: Finally Friday

It’s funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn’t it?

Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna, 1912

I’ve had pets all of my adult life and I believe that quotation to be completely accurate. It’s absolutely amazing how intuitive a dog is, and a cat. It’s really is as though they can smell fear and sense mistrust.

For the last 4 years I been owned by 2 amazing cats. Prior to then I have always had sweet, lovable dogs; 2 sets of Pekingese and 2 lovable Shepherd mixes. I have never had one you could remotely call a guard dog. If someone had ever broken in my home they may well have been licked to death.

I did, however, have a neighbor at my office in Florida who had the most gorgeous Yellow Lab named Tag. Tag’s Dad started bringing him to work with him when Tag was just a small bouncing puppy. Tag always sat in the front passenger seat. He was so funny. He was playful, lovable and energetic. And Tag was incredibly smart. I don’t mean just tricks and obedience smart, which he was, but people smart.

Tag was also the most intelligent dog I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He could sense whether or not he liked a person before they got within 20 feet of him. Since I spent so much time with Tag (5 or 6 days a week) until he died, Tag treated me as part of his pack and he was very protective of me. I had truck deliveries once or twice a week. More often than not, the truck drivers came and went without incident, quite unremarkable. Every now and then one would come and suddenly Tag would show an instant protective posture. He would come stand next to me, or partially in front of me with the hair on his back up and would let out a low growl with his mouth open just enough to show teeth. Tag knew something I did not. If the driver made a move towards me, Tag increased his warning ever so slightly.

I learned to trust Tag’s instincts and started paying more attention to which drivers he had this reaction to. There was usually good reason. Loving Tag has made me want to get a Lab. After I moved to Georgia I got 2 beautiful Black Lab puppies. There was just one problem; my cats wouldn’t let me keep them.

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Tags: Daily G’s, Finally Friday, Gandalf, Grayson

Was it really Sunday since I last posted? My, my. Well, I have been kept rather busy by my business (yeah!) and was distracted by all the political activities. I haven’t had a normal night’s sleep all week.

• The State of the Union Address sounded… boring.
• Florida Primaries… boring. They imposed a silly slap on the wrist which in the end means nothing; the delegate votes will be awarded. It’s like a Time-Out.
• Republican debate… fell asleep before it started, and I really was looking forward to that debate.
• Last night’s Democratic debate… boring. Sounded like a mutual admiration society, more like the Democratic Ticket/Running Mates than a debate. Did anyone hear something that actually distinguished one candidate from the other? I must’ve missed that part.

And yet, I lost sleep over them. Something as important as choosing our next President should be more empowering and uplifting, don’t you think?

My nephew & his sweet wife were supposed to close yesterday on their first home, but didn’t. A minor glitch caused the closing to be rescheduled for Monday. They are very upset about it, but it is their first house and they had such high expectations. Ah, youth!

This week we had 8 loads of dirt brought in to The Swamp. My office is located on a lovely 2 acre lot overlooking The Swamp, replete with all sorts of fowl, snakes, beavers and raccoons. We have had some puddle issues and it needed to be graded so that the water ran off into the Swamp. The neighbor’s cat Feather, my official Office Mascot everyday, was not amused. She growled at the men and their machines. She clearly did not appreciate them invading her turf. It was quite loud at times, but interesting to watch when I could take a break.

But, It’s Finally Friday! And Super Bowl Sunday is just 2 days away!

Go Pats!

Tags: Finally Friday

Well, it’s Finally Friday!

And it’s pizza night. MotherDear is playing Bingo with the Biddies.  Dad and I are going over to A&B’s for Pizza! I believe the plans are to also have a nice cozy fire and a glass of wine. I will be quite content.

I’ve been fairly busy with the business this month. Yahoo! Perhaps it is getting off the ground at last. I certainly hope it continues. I am very grateful! Thank you, God! And Thank You to those of you who have me on your prayer list.

I got this lovely picture in an email so I don’t know where it came from. Isn’t it a great way to start a weekend?

Tags: Finally Friday

I flew up to Massachusetts for a Sister Weekend with my 3 SisterDears! To say that we had a blast would be a monumental understatement! Here we are the first night, in our “Relaxing Clothes”!

My visit was a Big Secret, or so SisterDear2 and I had hoped! SisterDears 3 & 4 were just sure I was the BIG surprise when SisterDear2 asked them to reserve the weekend and plan to sleep over her house Friday & Saturday nights.

My very dear Brother-in-law was our Cabana Boy for the weekend! His self-chosen name for the entire weekend was Enrico Suave!! He was more than a good sport! He made home-made ravioli for me! He also cooked for us all weekend and fetched us wine whenever our glass was empty!

Actually, the BIG Surprise was that SisterDear2 had told her hubby that for her Mother’s Day gift she wanted tickets for all four of us for Menopause the Musical which was playing at the Stuart Street Playhouse in Boston. If it’s in your area, I wholeheartedly recommend seeing it!

We started the day with an early lunch at Rock Bottom Brewery, located in the heart of Boston’s Historic District and just down the street from the Theatre District. We ordered Improper Hopper Pale Ale, which we all agreed was quite yummy. Two of us ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Onion Rings and two of us ordered Steak Tips: the chicken was delicious and received 2 thumbs up, the steak tips were not enjoyed by either sister and unfortunately received 2 thumbs down. The Clam Chowder appetizers and Onion Rings were both absolutely marvelous!

Then we walked around Boston and I took tons of photographs!
I had forgotten how much I love Boston! We’re going back to “do” Boston in the fall!
My travelling day yesterday was simply exhausting. I actually missed my second flight because of air traffic in Boston, but all three of my flights were late. In trying to rush to my Gate to make my second flight, I arrived only to see my plane pulling away. Talk about adding insult to injury, I have a huge blister on the ball of my right foot to further add to my aggravation and frustration! The flights themselves were all quite enjoyable. I took many photos which I will share on some upcoming Sky Watch Fridays!

A now, in the spirit of Menopause, I leave you with a joke. I can relate only too well!

After starting a new diet I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery.

I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning, and as I approached, there in the window were a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed … ‘Lord, it’s up to you. If you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.’ And sure enough, on the eighth time around the block, there it was!!!

God is so Good!

Tags: Faith, Family, Just for laughs, Sister Weekend

Do any of you have Sisters? If you do, do you have a very close relationship?

I can’t imagine my life without my 3 SisterDears. They know all the worst things about me and they love me anyway! I live about 1500 miles away from them, but through the miracle of technology, we remain very close! Cell phones, email and blogs, gotta love it! Truth be told, with life happening everyday, school, sports, work…. something always happens so they can’t get together all that often. That is until I make my ‘annual trek’ up for our Sister Weekend! We all truly treasure our Sister Weekends.

I’ve been trying to decide when to go up this year. I usually go in July, but every 3-5 years I go up for Christmas. I wouldn’t want to completely forget how much I dislike snow and the bitter cold now would I? I finally decided! I have decided that this year I will go up for the Fall Foliage!! The last time I saw New England Fall Foliage was October 1993, and it was past its peak. So, I have decided to go up at the end of September this year. Plans are being made. Excited? Who me? Only completely!

We’re going to “do” Boston this year! Plans, we must make plans!! Faneuil Hall, The Paul Revere House, The Freedon Trail and Boston Common, the Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, the Museums… a Red Sox game!!! We’ll also do some sitting around the fire in our Norman hats sipping wine, listening to the piano and singing along in our relaxing clothes. Bliss!

Stock up the wine! Which restaurants shall we eat at? Decisions, decisions!

Oh, what fun we shall have!

Today is a very special day!

It is SisterDear4’s Birthday and her daughter/my niece’s Leann’s Birthday!

Happy Birthday, SD4! ~ Happy Birthday, Leann!

It’s also my beautiful gray boys’ Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Gandalf & Grayson!

Gandalf is 4 and Grayson is 5! Stop by and wish them a Happy Birthday!

Tags: Family, Simple Pleasures, Sisters

Today is my brother John’s funeral. The Service should be over in just a few minutes, actually. I did not attend, partly because our parents live with me here in Georgia and the services are in New England. They are just not up to the trip, emotionally or physically. It is too much for them to fathom, too much to face. Truth be told, I have never been one to attend funerals. If they were held months or even seasons past the pain and emotion, perhaps. But not so soon.

This is the last Family Portrait where all of eight children and our parents were all together. It was taken at SisterDear3’s wedding, so I’m estimating it was 22 years ago or so. We were planning a new one for this summer.

MotherDear asked me to sign John’s Online Guestbook on behalf of our youngest brother who cannot attend. I searched for a poem I thought would suit them both. As I reread it, it makes me sweetly sad. I think they would both approve.

Remember

Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann’d:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

Love, Billy

By Christina Rossetti with thanks to The Poetry Foundation

Tags: Family, Gatherings, Thought for the Day

My regular readers (all 3 of you) already know that I have 3 wonderful sisters. You may not recall that I also have 4 brothers. Three of the brothers have been estranged from the family due to heavy drinking and lifestyle choices that caused them to walk a path that we could not follow.

The oldest brother, who is 4 years my junior, had a heart attack a few years ago. At that time, his doctor told him that if he continued to drink he would surely die. Yesterday, sometime between 10:00AM and 1:00PM, he went into cardiac arrest. The doctor told MotherDear that there was nothing they could do for him and that it wouldn’t be long… With his 2 sons and 2 daughters with him, my parents oldest son died at 2:15 this morning. He would have been 49 in July.

My SisterDears and I are all experiencing the same surreal feeling, like the other shoe has dropped. We aren’t feeling anything in the way of grief that one might expect with the death of a brother, at least not as the adult he had become. It’s very odd, to say the least. I do feel incredible sadness for Dad & MotherDear.  It was devastating news for them, despite all the heartache my brother had put them through over the years. They certainly have no reason to have regrets; they did far more than any reasonable person could expect of parents. They never gave up hope for him. Sad to say this, but I gave that up about 20 years ago.

I also feel sad for my brother’s 4 children and 2 grandchildren. I don’t know them as well as I might have liked because of the lack of relationship with my brother. They haven’t exactly had idyllic childhoods. They had to grow up without ever knowing how wonderful it would be to have a good role model for a father. The boys have a really good mother, thankfully. His daughters, from another union weren’t as lucky and have grown up in foster care for the last 10 years. I can’t imagine what the future holds for them, but I sure hope it’s much better than their past.

I will remember John as he was when he was a young boy full of promise. Poor kid. He had 3 older sisters and then another sister after he was born. We had him surrounded. He finally got his wish to have brothers and then he spent the rest of his life teasing them. He also seemed to take particular delight in tormenting the youngest SisterDear. Right, Miss Piggy?

Maybe he is at peace now.

Tags: Brothers, Family

Dad’s mowing his newly planted grass.

Some areas are coming up much better than others. For instance this area at the back fence… not so good! Dad ran out of seeds.

This area gets “2 Paws Up” from Grayson!

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Tags: Aging Gracefully, Cats, Dad, Family, Grayson, Weekend Snapshot

It was a lovely Christmas morning. Me, my SisterDears and brothers were joyfully opening our gifts. Later in the day we were having a large family gathering, my favorite kind of Christmas! Nana Gert, Auntie Jeanne and her family were coming to have Christmas dinner with us. I had crocheted a peach-colored scarf and hat for Nana and I couldn’t wait for her to open  it!! It was going to be a most wonderful Christmas Day!

I had just opened a gift. It was a brand new 45 that I’d been wanting so badly, Precious and Few by Climax.

The phone rang and MotherDear answered. I heard the most mournful sound come from her mouth. Nana Gert had died during the night at Auntie Jeanne’s. She had fallen asleep in the rocking chair, knitting a last minute gift for somebody. The doctor said she had likely fallen asleep and had a stroke during the night. She never knew anything.

The rest of that day is just a blur, the only other thing I remember from that day is that I went downstairs to the basement and spent the entire day and long into the night crying my heart out. I played that 45 over and over and over again. I literally wore it out, remembering my Nana and missing her so badly it was physically painful.

It was the first time in my life that I realized that I had to treasure each moment with somebody who I love. From that moment, I am always mindful that it might be my last opportunity to share time with them. Because none of ever knows when the last moment in time may come.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Visit here if you’d like to do your own Message in a Bottle, you do not have to be tagged. I chose to combine mine with a post because Nana Gert was my inspiration for my Message.

Tags: Family, Gatherings, Holidays, Music, Nana Gert, Simple Pleasures, Thought for the Day

Did I ever tell you about the time my BIL nearly killed MotherDear? BIL was traveling on business and was only a few hours from the Deep South so he decided to surprise us for a short visit. He rented a car and drove to the Yellow House, armed with wine and beer. Oh yes, he is and will always be my favoroite BIL!

Dad was taking his afternoon nap. The doorbell rang. MotherDear looked through the peephole, but it was covered. So she meekly asked..

Who’s there?

Candy Gram.

Excuse me, but Who is there, please?

Candy Gram.

MotherDear quickly turned the dead bolt on the door and ran down the hall like a Thundering Herd of Elephants, terror mounting all the way. (Yes, she is still quite spry!)

She shook Dad awake saying “Someone’s at the door and he won’t tell me who he is. He just keeps saying ‘Candy Gram’ and he’s covered up the peephole”.

Dad got up, walked down the hall and looked through the peephole. Because BIL had tipped his head down, all Dad could see was BIL’s hat. Dad opened the door. 

BIL was now in stitches, and no doubt, feeling quite pleased with himself.

Even after several seconds of staring at BIL, Dad & MotherDear were in total shock and couldn’t register who this Land Shark was.

Needless to say, we won’t be doing that anymore. I explained to BIL that while Land Shark is quite amusing, Dad is now 79 years old and MotherDear is 73, and somehow they didn’t appreciate the humor in it quite as much as he did. It may be a good idea to call ahead next time.

And bring more wine!

Tags: Aging Gracefully, Family, Just for laughs

I flew up to Massachusetts for a Sister Weekend with my 3 SisterDears! To say that we had a blast would be a monumental understatement! Here we are the first night, in our “Relaxing Clothes”!

My visit was a Big Secret, or so SisterDear2 and I had hoped! SisterDears 3 & 4 were just sure I was the BIG surprise when SisterDear2 asked them to reserve the weekend and plan to sleep over her house Friday & Saturday nights.

My very dear Brother-in-law was our Cabana Boy for the weekend! His self-chosen name for the entire weekend was Enrico Suave!! He was more than a good sport! He made home-made ravioli for me! He also cooked for us all weekend and fetched us wine whenever our glass was empty!

Actually, the BIG Surprise was that SisterDear2 had told her hubby that for her Mother’s Day gift she wanted tickets for all four of us for Menopause the Musical which was playing at the Stuart Street Playhouse in Boston. If it’s in your area, I wholeheartedly recommend seeing it!

We started the day with an early lunch at Rock Bottom Brewery, located in the heart of Boston’s Historic District and just down the street from the Theatre District. We ordered Improper Hopper Pale Ale, which we all agreed was quite yummy. Two of us ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Onion Rings and two of us ordered Steak Tips: the chicken was delicious and received 2 thumbs up, the steak tips were not enjoyed by either sister and unfortunately received 2 thumbs down. The Clam Chowder appetizers and Onion Rings were both absolutely marvelous!

Then we walked around Boston and I took tons of photographs!
I had forgotten how much I love Boston! We’re going back to “do” Boston in the fall!
My travelling day yesterday was simply exhausting. I actually missed my second flight because of air traffic in Boston, but all three of my flights were late. In trying to rush to my Gate to make my second flight, I arrived only to see my plane pulling away. Talk about adding insult to injury, I have a huge blister on the ball of my right foot to further add to my aggravation and frustration! The flights themselves were all quite enjoyable. I took many photos which I will share on some upcoming Sky Watch Fridays!

A now, in the spirit of Menopause, I leave you with a joke. I can relate only too well!

After starting a new diet I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery.

I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning, and as I approached, there in the window were a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed … ‘Lord, it’s up to you. If you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.’ And sure enough, on the eighth time around the block, there it was!!!

God is so Good!

Tags: Faith, Family, Just for laughs, Sister Weekend

Tags: Faith, Simple Truths, The Swamp

Many people believe that if you see a penny on the ground and it is facing “heads up”, then you should pick it up for good luck. I’ve actually watched people throw them back to the ground if they were “tails up”. MotherDear is one of those people; she says they’re unlucky. Even from a strictly practical standpoint, it is real currency. It is free money.

The inscription on every coin reads “In God We Trust”. I pick it up as an affirmation to God that my trust is in Him. This applies to any coin; pennies, nickels, dimes or quarters, whether “heads up” or “heads down”.

I believe that whenever I find an old, tarnished and dirty penny, that is God sending me a message. He’s reminding me that He is always watching over me and He is always in control.

If God desires to have a conversation with me, who am I to walk on by?

Tags: Faith, Thought for the Day

This week’s Manic Monday prompt is Doodle. Thanks, Mo!

It is my pleasure to give you my SnickerDoodle recipe from my Betty Crocker cookbook! A little Doodle of Cinnamon-Sugary goodness!

Prep Time:40 min
Start to Finish:50 min
Makes:4 dozen cookies

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Heat oven to 400ºF.
2. Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, the butter, shortening and eggs in large bowl. Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
3. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Mix 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

I know… it’s not cake, but it’ll Doodle! It makes 4 dozen, that’s almost enough to share! Purhaps you should double the recipe, like I do!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My friend Mo is having a very special Manic Monday today! Mo says: On May 12th: Doodle Week Fun Fund Raiser – for every blog that posts a doodle with a cat in it and leaves their link at It’s A Blog Eat Blog World, we will donate 50¢ to Cat Friends Helping Friends!All you have to do is Doodle & Link!

It doesn’t even have to be a good Doodle!

manic monday

Tags: Doodle, Manic Monday

This week’s Photo Hunter Theme is High.

I am still enjoying the lovely blooms of the Dogwoods. Spring in Southern Georgia! This is how The Swamp says “Good Morning” to me each day!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you and yours have a wonderful weekend.

Want more Georgia? The Georgia Blog Carnival is open for your reading enjoyment over at Paw Paw Bill’s place.

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Tags: Dogwoods, Georgians, High, Photo Hunt, Saturday Photo Scavenger Hunt, Tall Pines, The Swamp