A Moment In Time

Hello blog friends!!! It's been a while since my last post--did you miss me???

Well, this morning, I decided to MAKE myself take a few moments and check in blogland.

It's been a slow week--which I desperately needed, and which makes me nervous. I loved having the "down" time--cleaning a bit, running errands, catching up on paperwork, but at the same time this thought keeps running through the back of my mind "Is the economic plunge coming to visit??" And that frightens me!!! I do have several bookings for Thanksgiving & December events, but the daily schedule looks slow. One big event in December has downsized due to layoffs. Guess I'm just thankful they didn't cancel (oh, oh there's a thankful post!!!).

In the meantime, hubby survived the first round of layoffs at his place of work. He works at a business that caters to the airline industry--both public & private--and it has affected them. There will probably be more layoffs, but we'll survive--I have a job all lined out for him--ha ha ha!!!

I really feel sorry for all those laid off -- there is no good time, but this time of year is so devastating for families. I went to one of my regular suppliers this week, and they are closing the public side of their business. Several people are loosing jobs on Nov 24. It makes me sad for them.

I think that we are suffering not only the effects of the recession, but the effects of the national greed. People have been pushed to keep up with the "Joneses" and to do it with credit. (BTW--who ARE these Joneses and why do they do so well???) Hubby & I went through the Dave Ramsey Financial course about 6 years ago--long before the recession was even mentioned, and it made such an impact on our financial security. We conditioned ourselves out of the credit card position--it galls me that credit has been crammed down our throats! It always made me irate to go to college events and see Visa & Mastercard set up ready to sign all the students. Credit had become a way of life for the American people and now we're paying the price. It's hard for me to sympathize with couples who can't make their $4000.00 monthly mortgage payment, or their $500 car payment while both working and spending like there was no end. For 4 years my car was a 93 Jimmy that had no bells or whistles, and didn't look great, but it was paid for AND it got me to my destination as well as a brand spankin new one! Sure I got some rolled eyeballs when I'd pull up into a lot of shiny cars, and when it would make funny noises, but it allowed us to save enough to make a substantial downpayment on a car when it was needed. And then, guess what!!! We DIDN'T buy a new, off the lot car! You know--the kind that drops in value the minute it rolls off the showroom floor! No, we bought a 4 year old car-and I am soooo proud of it. Not to mention that I am proud of the fact that we can make the payment even if our salary drops even more!

Ok, so much for that "moment in time". I just think the majority of Americans have confused "need" and "want".

I had to attend 2 funerals this week, and one of the preachers made a comment that caused me to think. He said something to the affect that we keep talking about the "good old days" and finally he asked someone why the "old" days were so "good". The answer came back that we had more friends, did more family things, weren't so rushed. And he said in this age of technology, where so many inventions have been added to make life easier, we still push ourselves faster and faster! It would seem that we could slow down and let the technology take over! So, I'm thinking about slowing down. Right after I get my "to do" list done! ha ha ha

Well, friends, I have written alot and said nothing, so I'm going to end this "moment in time" and go change the sheets. Then I will go to the "town kitchen" and make 16 dozen sugar cookies for the library tomorrow!

Enjoy the changing colors. Call a friend, visit family---at least have a slow cup of coffee or tea!

Amazing Grace

Did you see the "I'm Thankful" tab in my sidebar? Well, to get the full explanation, click on it and read about it.


So, for my "thankful" beginning, I would like to begin with my church. Today was the celebration of 100 years of the church. We had a super huge (for our little town church) event; over 575 present and former members attended, three former pastors, and various "dignitaries". We celebrated with a luncheon afterwards, centennial cookbooks, DVDs, etc.



Looking back at the pictures of the progression of the church family---those who have gone on to our heavenly home, those who have moved away, those who we've lost touch with, those who still attend--all of this made me so grateful to be a part of this congregation--no! family!



So many lives have been touched, so many children taught, so many musicals and Christmas pagents, so many weddings & funerals, so many just plain ole Sunday mornings. It's sad to think that some don't have the privilege of worshipping as they would like; that some choose to live their lives without the blessing of a church family.





Well, so much could be written about this wonderful day, but (as I catered the event!!!), I'm stopping here for now! More as I digest is all.




Be thankful!

Things That Make Me Go HMMMMM

These are just some random thoughts whilst I wait for a cake to "set" so that I can put the final icing coat on.





Why is it that I could sleep all morning long Monday through Friday, but when Saturday & Sunday arrive, I am up before dawn? Can't go back to sleep so I get up, read the paper, re-read the Sunday School lesson, drink several cups of tea, and wait for the sun. The rest of the week I hit the alarm--snooze 5 more minutes please!





I hate low-rise pants. Can't wait for the style to return to the natural waist! When I was in high school we called them "bell bottoms" and "hip huggers", now they are just "low" and "super low". I wore them in high school, long before the battle of the "overflow". Now, I can only wear them with a top long enough to cover the tummy torment, and then, am uncomfortable all day long as the non-muscles in my torso press down, down, down on the pants. Which results in my pulling them up all day long. That's attractive!





Why do campaigns last so dadgummed long? And why are they so negative? Wouldn't it be great if, just once, a candidate got to the podium and announced "I am only talking about my plans and credentials. I will only tell you what I will do, and how equipped I am" Yea right, like that would happen.





Why does time pass so quickly when you are on a schedule, and so slowly when you are anticipating excitement?




And, now, I must return to my kitchen to finish yet another "work of art". Ha ha ha ha ha




Happy Boo Day!

Halloween's Around The Corner!!!!

Happy Halloween!!! Isn't this a cute card?? Kari @ Just Livin Large made this for ME! I'm so touched--see that's what blog friends do. They think about each other, read to see what's happening and send little remembrances of holidays. At least Kari has the deciency to do that--me? I just think how nice it would be for me to share with others and then I nod off. Thanks Kari--you made my week!

And speaking of the cutest card--this kid is a card allright! He's growing by leaps & bounds. And he has such a sense of humor! I just hate it that I don't get to share in each & every day of his! But, when we do get to see him, I just soak it up like a sponge. We visited his new house Saturday, and he was so excited. He showed us his closet and his underwear drawer. Priorities you know!

I just love to see kittens sleeping. Don't they look comfy and warm? These are Hank's kittens, Stars and Stripes. (Yes, his mom and dad are very American minded! After all his dad IS a Marine!). My mom sent the kittens this bed, and they jumped right in for an afternoon nap. My idea of heaven!!

Yes, Penny the Queen is at it again! My BFF couldn't resist hanging herself in the wreath. Think she'd look cute on my front door??? Our ladies (boring) club had a "wreath sale fundraiser" for student aid (scholarship fund). Everyone was to fashion or purchase a wreath for the sale. This is the one I bought---I was afraid no one else would buy it and I didn't want the lady who made it to feel bad. Isn't that sweet of me??? Now I'll share some of the others we bid on.

This is the wreath I made. It went for a good price, so I wasn't embarrassed. I actually made it. Impressed aren't you!!!

I really, really wanted this one. BFF Penny the Queen made this one---her talents go on and on and on and on. But alas, it went out of my budgeted amount to spend for the evening! It's soooo cute.

And, we had some "general" fall wreaths. This was a popular one.

All of the wreaths were quite pretty, and it was fun bidding against one another. Between 16 ladies we raised over $500 for the college girls we support in our scholarships.

Last week was a BUSY one--I hardly had time to get in the car and come home!! This week I am slowing W A Y down. Hank is coming Thursday for "Trunk or Treat" and he's spending the night.

Sunday I am catering a 100 year celebration of the birthday of my church. Over 550 people have rsvp'd!~ So, I'm focusing most of my energy for that! I have 4 jobs scheduled for the week and that's it---saying NO to the rest of the calls. I'll be shopping, coordinating and baking for Sunday!! Then on Monday, I have a luncheon for 175!

Well, just wanted to share some pics and check in!

Have a Halloweenie week!

I Love Wedding Receptions!

In my last post, I told you that I was doing a wedding reception on Sunday. And I did! It was held in an old, old house in downtown Tulsa which is now used for events. Wanted to share some photos of the items we provided. Above is how we served the "gourmet" shrimp cocktail--oversized martini glasses!
The bride's colors were blue & brown (duh!), so I asked her for permission to use those colors around the food. She happily agreed, so here's what we did with our limited budget (read $0.00). The flowers were provided, so we just "tweaked" the scene.
The bride had napkins left from showers, so we wrapped the eating utensils & used them as decor!

Another martini glass with hummus & veggies. Wish I had taken alot more pics--I did take a few more, but didn't want to overload your visual senses!!!

The bride & family were really pleased with our work--even tipped us! Whoopee!!! Then, come Tuesday, back to our routine lunch deliveries!! I really like doing wedding, anniversaries, birthdays, especially when we are allowed to join the decor! I'm going to enhance my website with some of my pictures. Maybe I'll get to do more decorating along with the food!!!

And, as it's now late, I'll close and wish you SWEET DREAMS!!!

Pumpkins & Parties

Do you like my pumpkins??? I saw this idea in a magazine (good grief, I have sooo many I don't remember which one), and thought they were quite cute. But I have to admit---I CHEATED!!!! The one I saw had been painted, and I wanted a "short cut". So---I used a permanent marker!! Dried quick as a flash and looks just as good! And, yes, that is an old container on the sideboard--oops! That's what we get Abby's food from the garage in to put in her bowl. I completely forgot it was there when I snapped this!
Now, I am fully aware that I left the school 6 weeks ago (my how time flies!!!), but one of my dear ex-co-workers (and dear friend) just gave me some pictures she took that last day. I wanted to share them with you to give you an idea of how nice that bunch of people are! I think I posted about the flowers I got on a previous post, but aren't they just too pretty?
This is a picture of two dear friends. On your left (in white shirt) is a dear friend who has shared many memories with me. She lived across the street from us, her daughter babysat for my kids, and I have spent many, MANY Saturday nights at her kitchen table playing cards. We even took a "neighborhood" trip to Hawaii together ages ago. We've been through alot together and I love her dearly. The one on your right (in blue shirt) is a childhood friend and soul sister!!! She's the gal I began catering with. Tho I am older than she is, we grew up on the same street, worked for the same dentist, go to church together, and ended up at the same office! Our in-laws were bestest friends too. She is the one who took my place, so now she sits in my old office. She's a hoot, tons of fun, and a dear dear person to know. And know what?? My daughter babysat for her daughter!
Now these two gals are two workers I couldn't image not having known!! The one in the Code Red (football jargon) is quite a bit younger than I, so even tho we are both from the same area, I didn't get to know her until she came to work. And she is one fun gal!!! She kept me sane the entire time I was working with her. And smart! She can do any job you put in front of her. She kept us in stitches each and every day. And the one with the floral shirt? She is one of the truly kindest, most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure to know. I wish I could have been around her forever and ever! She is married to a sweetheart of a guy and they have the two cutest (grown) daughters I have ever seen! I miss all of these gals. So every now and again, I have to stop in and say a quick "hi" and keep in touch with them.




So tomorrow I have a wedding reception--this is one I will be staying and serving for, and decorating the food table. I'll be taking some pictures of this one to share with you. The bride is so sweet--we met the other day to go over details. Poor thing--she learned just a couple of weeks back that the business had sold. Can you imagine thinking you have booked one caterer only to find out it's someone you have no knowledge of!!! So, I want to really knock her socks off with this reception. And she has a wedding coordinator, so I want him to get an idea of my "good" work. This could lead to further jobs!!



With all the economic fears, I have been a little concerned about what it would do to my business. But it seems to be staying busy, and I have already booked some holiday events. So, maybe the recession will arrive here after it's over--ha ha ha!!!



Just a few thoughts from my Saturday!



Have a good day--relax and read a magazine! Christmas is just down the lane.

New Friends~~~

Have you made new blog friends??? I love hearing from others out there in "blog world" and, after checking a comment left on the previous post, now have a new blog friend---and she's just down the road in another town nearby!! So, Carol, if you are reading---I, too, am a 50 something gal, who worked in the public educational system before jumping into the unknown world of catering. One of these days I'm going to learn how to "link" others on my page and I'll send you to some of these sweeties sites. In the meantime, if you would like to read Carol's gorgeous blog, go to my comment page and travel the links!!!

October has GOT to be my favorite month (and not just because it's my birthday month--no hint intended). I love the colors associated with the fall--the oranges, browns, golds, and such. And I love Halloween. I don't believe that letting children dress up and enjoy this holiday will turn them into broom riding witches!!! Or mess with their minds to the point they become worshippers of the underworld!!! I, myself, dressed up each and every Halloween until I was, oh, 30 or 40--still do if given the opportunity! And I am a staunch believer and follower of Jesus Christ. So there---urban legend busted!! I'm celebrating the wonder of childhood, the community of friends, the joy of giving, and the awe of make believe. I think some of what is wrong with society today is we have put our own childhood ways toooo far behind. We need to let our hair down and have some fun--pretend--wear mom's make up & dress up--eat candy--share treats with others---

Wait just a second while I climb down off my soapbox-----

There, enough of that ranting. I just HAD to speak my mind for a moment.

Now, I have to get back to my reality life and clean up a bit, make a cake, fix a tasting dish and meet a client.

Please enjoy the sights of this season, enjoy this cool weather and give out some candy!

Have a great day!!!