Decoration Day~~

Decoration Day---anyone else remember it being called that? My grandmother always called it that--I guess cause it's the day to "decorate" graves.

It's raining here--wouldn't be Memorial Day if there was no rain! For years upon years, we spent Memorial Day at the lake (hey, we built boats!), and it always, ALWAYS rained. Which brought on the Memorial Day Card Game Marathons. Always played the same game---Liverpool Rummy. I still like that game. And you can not imagine how competitive my family of in-laws are about this game. Especially the more they imbibbed!!! We always had a good time, and lots and lots and lots to eat!!!

So today, we are not going to the lake---no more boats you know!! But we are having the whole fam-damily over for a cookout. Rain or no rain. We're going to grill everything but the cobbler and potatoes! We'll have pork roast, salmon, hot dogs, hamburgers, asparagus, zucchini, onion, corn on the cob--all cooked on the grill! As there will be limited room (!), the baked potatoes (idaho & sweet) will go in the oven. As well as the fresh blueberry cobbler!!! Oh, and the cornbread!!! Come on over---there will be plenty!!!

I haven't been to the cemetery. I really, really DO NOT like to go. But this year I may. I have already made reference to my brother & hubby's brother who were the same age---and they are both there, at the same cemetery. Along with grandparents, uncles, etc. All at the same cemetery--did I mention we have lived in the same town all our lives? And so did my parents, and grandparents. Big Daddy's family lived only a few miles up the road in a little community that is now almost deserted. So, we don't have far to go. I really don't like to go. Mainly cause I think we should honor those we love while they are living--hence the family affair today. I know, I know, there are graves to be decorated, and honored, but it seems so "after the fact". I prefer my family spend that extra few minutes with me NOW, not when I'm not there to enjoy their company!!!

On a lighter note---hmmmm, what can I say that will change the mood? Oh, I know!! I finished the Sunday crossword puzzle yesterday without cheating!!! Wow --- I love doing this! Makes me feel soooo smart!!! It's written that working crossword puzzles stimulates the brain, and keeps your neurons snapping! So, I'm practicing for old age!! ha ha ha ha

And on an even lighter note---I have taken this week off from work!!!!~ I had a vacation day, and 3 personal days left, so I'm putting them to good use--for my own selfish intentions!!! If there is one thing I have learned later in life, it is that there is never enough time devoted to self. Days, weeks, months are filled with obligations of work (which must be had to pay the bills--you thought I LIKED working?????), services for others and betterment of mankind, and not enough time for self!!! So, one of my mid-year (Memorial Day) resolutions is---play a little, sleep a little more, do what one wants to do a little more. I don't think, lying on my transition to heaven bed, I'll be thinking---gee, I really should have gone into work and left all the good times of self service undone; wish I had written one more grant, cleaned the desk one more time, spent extra time at the office one more day!!! Nope, I'm going to remember putting my feet up, splashing in puddles with Hank, and just wasting time! I'm feeling a "channeling" of Jimmy Buffet!

Wouldn't you like to be a Jimmy Buffet song? Wastin away in Margaritaville!!! I am ready to be a gypsy---a free spirit----a hippie revisited----

But for now, I'm going to fix lunch and clean the bathrooms!!! Wastin away in Pinesolville!!!

All of you have a great day--take a nap for me! And waste some time. Memorialze play!

Another Saturday Night~~~

Remember that song? "Another Saturday night & I ain't got nobody, I got some money cause I just got paid"?


I love the old songs from the 60's. And the 70's. Especially the 60's. I was 5 in 1960, and had already developed a love for music. And I remember nearly ALL the songs of the 60's. There was something really special about that music. Before Acid Rock. Before Woodstock. It seemed like such a simple time.



I remember listening to the radio on Saturdays. Wishing I was grown up and could drive. And could go out with my pals. Instead, I watched Petticoat Junction and let mom put those stupid pink foam rollers in wet hair for Sunday School. Use your imagination--you KNOW how cute the hair do was!!!


And now, it's Saturday night. It's almost 10 and I'm about ready for bed. You've come a long way baby! The last 40 years have FLOWN by. I did get to drive, got in all kinds of trouble, got married, raised kids, and stayed up way late. And now, well, another Saturday night.


TV didn't get much better tho. The shows of the 60's and early 70's had to be the best! I loved My Three Sons, Petticoat Junction, the Carol Burnett Show, Mannix, Mary Tyler Moore, Bob Newhart. The best writing ever---we'll never see that again. I don't care how good it may get, it'll never be that good---and simple.


Did anyone see the cast of Mary Tyler Moore on Oprah? In a way, it makes me sad to see reunions---they are all so OLD!!! And some have had way too much surgery & botox. They didn't even really seem that happy to see each other. When they hugged, it was the perfuntory, "don't hug too close" hug. That makes it even worse! Who wants to know they aren't close? That they didn't stay BFF? Talk about popping the bubble! I want them to drop by each other's homes for Sunday breakfast, raise their kids together, tell each other secrets, borrow clothes or at least sugar! I was really disappointed when I found out that Ethel & Fred from "I Love Lucy" actually HATED each other. It takes away from what one can believe!!! How can I continue to live in a fairy tale land when the fairies are ogres???



Ok, well so much for another Saturday night!



Hope you all have a happy Memorial Day Weekend. Be careful and stop to think about all those gone and not forgotten.


Eat well and prosper! (a little creative liberty!)

NCIS--Don't Ya Love It!!!

NCIS---I really like this show!! It took me a couple of trys to get "into" it, but now I'm hooked. Actually, Big Daddy started watching first, and knowing he holds the remote, and I don't like to go to the bedroom at 7 p.m. to watch alone, I sat and went along. And now, I am soooo into it. Right up there with CSI. And Criminal Minds. Don't care too much for CSI:New York. Somehow I just can't get the flow of watching that. And CSI:Miami--well, watching Horatio is like watching Captain Kirk. They have the same "pregnant pause" motions, and the "talk to the camera" attitude. At least William Shatner doesn't take himself tooooo seriously!!

Now, back to NCIS---one of the things (people) I adore on the show is Ducky. He's just too cute. Does anyone else remember him as Ilya Kuriakan, on Man From U.N.C.L.E.? He was the ultimate sexpot of the late 60's!! Always dressed in black turtlenecks, tucked into black pants, with black Beatle boots. Remember? It's so heartwarming to see him back on TV.

And how about Pauley P? She was in the movie Galaxy Quest. Remember, the alien that "Monk" fell in love with and stayed to marry? She was quirky in that and she still is!!!

And, who can dismiss Mark Harmon? Wasn't it Chicago Hope? Along with others, I'm sure. More bio--his dad was the football star Tom Harmon, his sister was married to Rick Nelson, and his wife is Pam Dauber--you know! Mindy from Mork & Mindy!!! He's pretty sexy himself.

Love the Donozio character! Wouldn't you just love give some people the old "head slap" that he gets on a regular basis??? And McGee, sweet, naive McGee. Want to just hug that kid!

Too bad the director had to be killed off, but WAIT---exactly what was she dying of? Did they mention her "disease" and I missed it???? I know she took pills---they found those, but I never heard what they treated her for!!! Won't miss her too awful much--I didn't really think she & Jethro had chemistry!!!

It will be quite interesting to see how they save the team next season!!

Well, gotta run. Just wanted to hear from all of the fans!

Ha Ha Ha

Oh, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! I just read Kari's post from today on Just Livin Large, and I can't quit laughing inside my head!!!

Now, Kari, I have to add to your sentiments. All of my life, I have been a member of the "Itty Bitty Titty Club"! And if you think THAT isn't a shopping nightmare! Most of the time, if the cup size is correct, it squeezes around the mid section til I am nearly blue from waist to well, to where ever!

Having entered the Perimenopausal Party, I am noticing a gain of weight in the booby area---unfortunately, in other areas also, but I am getting used to the tightness of clothing there! Anyway, I have gone through a couple of bra sizes in the past 2 years. Did I also mention I am short? So to get the straps where they don't fall of f my arms, I have to shorten the straps to the full extent. Which means the bottom portion of the contraption rises at will. And at won't!

So, I am finding what Kari describes to be sooooo true, as far as different sizes in different brands. Even in the same brands. Men design these, right????? Give me a sketch pad and a jock strap---I have some designing for ya!

And, just how fun is it to go "taking bras to the dressing rooms"! This is the LEAST (swimsuits excepted) fun item to try on. It's never adjusted, so the imagination is left to roam---what would this feel like if it were adjusted??? Do I dare adjust the straps---if I put it back on the rack, will the next person strangle? And WHO wants to put on bras that others have experimented with???? Kind of like panties, without as much chance of bodily fluid! Except if new moms are trying on bras. EEEWWW just skip that!

And you CAN"T say--how does this look on me????? Who cares????? Who wants to know?????

Go over and read Kari's post. It's a hoot and holler!!!

The week is progressing rapidly, and I have much to say, but NCIS is on---the finale---love me some Mark Harmon!! And I do like Abby. And all of the cast actually.

So good night all. Wonder who'll be leaving the show---not the Man From U.N.C.L.E. I hope!!!

Meet Otto!

If you read my previous post, you know I went to the new animal shelter in my town yesterday. While there I saw this darling doggie.
Growing up, my family had a miniature dashhund named Rudy. He was like one of the family, but my dad was his favorite and vice-versa. My dad is a major animal lover (apple doesn't fall far from the tree!), and he is always saying he would sure like another "wienie dog". Well, I immediately called dad and he immediately called the shelter, and sight unseen, he adopted this little rascal!
Dad & I picked him up yesterday afternoon. He is already neutered, has all his shots, and LOVES people! The shelter called him "Dynomite", but dad wanted a German name for him, so he is now "Otto".

Otto arrived home to find a big brother, Max. We weren't too sure how they would take to one another, but lo and behold, they like each other. Max is around 7, so he's not quite as rambunctious as Otto, but they took to each other right off the bat!!! The only thing Otto claims as his own, and growls at Max for nearing, is his bed. Mom had a cat bed and cleaned it up for Otto, and Otto jumped right in and made it HIS!

Aren't they cute?????? He is very, very well behaved, sleeps in his crate at night without any whimpering, and follows Max around the rest of the time!!

It's like he knows that his life has been spared, and that he found the best family on earth! He really acts appreciative!!!

Now, I did have "girls night" last night. But we FORGOT to take pictures!!!!! Penny, Carol Ann and I ate at Olive Garden, saw "Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day" and then ended up at Barnes Noble---big surprise there!!!

The movie is quite good. I think there were a total of 7 ladies in the whole movie room, and we all left commenting on what a great story it was. It's not a comedy---but has some funny parts. It's just a real good movie with a story, no blatant sex scenes, no horrid language. But an actual STORYLINE!!! And it's a good one. I would highly recommend it!

While standing in line to get tickets (at the wrong movie house!), someone called my name, I turned around and there was my cousin!!! She lives in that area, and her sister was in from another state. We don't see each other near enough. This is the aunt, uncle, cousins, that I was practically raised with--we saw each other at least once a week even living in different towns. And we were at Grandmother's often at the same times. I love them dearly.

Anyhoo---I called them this morning and said "hey, I'll cook dinner Sunday if you guys will come up". One has to work, but the one from out of state is coming, along with their younger sister. I'm so excited. You cannot believe the laughter that will ring through the air when we are all together. And the love that just is "seeable".

I'm going to try to bribe my daughter & family to come from the other side of the world~~ha ha. I'm seeing her today, and my cousin (who has her first grandchild the same as Hank) hasn't seen Hank since last spring! This is going to cost me!!!

Well, better go and clean the bathroom!

Have a great day!

How Much is that Doggie?????

Another Cake!!!! This one has a special story behind it. A young lady, Jessica, found a dog through our 'no-kill' facility on line and is on her way to pick up the dog. It's also her 13th birthday, so the shelter director is having a mini party for her. Now---the unusual part of this is that Jessica is from NEW JERSEY, and she and her mom have driven all the way to Oklahoma for "Maggie". Isn't that sweet?

Our shelter has only been officially open since January 26 of this year. You see, there was a "pound" in town, and they had to "dispose" of animals after a certain time. Our local city librarian and her son decided this had to be changed. She went on a campaign to build and staff a "no kill" shelter. A true shelter that is a refuge for these animals.

She worked with the city on getting land from them, and getting it under their "umbrella"'; she worked with a local veterinary office to provide services; she worked fundraisers and grants to pay for the facility; she worked with people to enlist volunteers to work the shelter; and she continues to work to provide funds for food, electricity, water, etc., for the shelter. All this and she runs the library full time. And she has 2 sons and 3 grandchildren that she is very active with. And she is Chamber of Commerce president.

She deserves a special place in heaven for her efforts. If any, ANY of you want to donate to a worthy cause, just email me. I would love to have the blogging community share the pride of this facility.

At present I am helping to plan a fundraiser "birthday" dinner for the shelter in January. If you have any ideas that would be useful in any way for this event, please let me know.

I am also working to provide some type of fundraiser that I can contribute on in an on-going way.

I am soooo proud of Miss Susan. If we all took a cause and worked that diligently this would definitely be a better place.

With that said, I'm off to clean out my garage today!!! And tonight is "ya ya girls night out". You just KNOW I will be posting pics!!!

Wednesday Musings

This was at Kelsi's birthday party a few weeks back--Hank was sooo good & even let us take his picture. He hates having his picture taken, and so won't look at the camera--usually he turns his head. But on this night, when he had his new truck from Cars (notice in his hand) he was pretty easy.
This is Hank's mother, my baby, on the same night. She's such a sweetie, and too thin!!! ha ha She's such a good mother---Hank is one lucky boy!
And here's a pic of me & sis. Ain't she cute? She gets her coloring from Mom and me from Dad---she says she's taller than me but she's not!! However, she is thinner and a much healthier eater!!! And she's a runner, so she's in better shape. Other than that~~~we're about the same--ha ha.
We have such fun together!!! I couldn't ask for a better sister. And I'm so glad we live near each other so we can enjoy life together!!!




Now, tonight was the last Wednesday meal at church until September. I'm really gonna miss it!! I love cooking each week, and seeing all the people enjoy the sweat of my brow. And tonight I really got the compliments!! It was just ham, peas, rice pilaf, salad, rolls. Oh--and the big winner: banana upside down cake. YUMMY!!! A new recipe I found and I will definitely use it again and again!!! Here's what you do:
Yellow cake mix, prepared as directed on package with 2 tsp banana
extract added.
Grease & flour 9x13 pan. Melt 1/4 cup butter & mix in 1/2 cup brown
sugar. Pour into bottom of pan and spread around. Top with pecans
and 2 sliced bananas.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into cake
comes out clean. Immediately turn out onto platter.
Really really good.



Bad news for me: the health inspector turned down my church kitchen as a commercial prep area. Boo Hoo. Too many "co-mingling" issues. And the drain from the ice machine isn't what they require. And they didn't like the ceiling tile. And --- well, and, I'm out of the catering business. Now don't tell, but I will continue to do my cakes word of mouth. And I may even do some receptions, anniversaries, etc., word of mouth. But if you tell anybody, I swear I'll say you're lying!!! I just can't give it up completely. I'll just slow waaayyy down.


I do still get to keep my Wednesday evening job. Health Inspector From The Eternal Fire Pit said they view churches as "family atmospheres". And they leave them be. So I can still cook for them. Whew. I'd hate to give that up. So would the congregation!!! What would all those people do for food and nourishment on Wednesdays??? Who would keep them supplied with high calorie, high fat food??? Who would clog their arteries on a weekly basis like I do??? They DO have all summer to cleanse their internal selves from the damage done this past winter! ha ha ha But in my 7 years of cooking, I have not seen ONE person come back in September gaunt and malnourished. I don't know what they're doing all summer or who's feeding them, but they return like swine to the trough.


Well, gotta run for now. Mr. Sandman calls. And I'm ready to answer.

Bye & Sweet Dreams.