Monday, May 31, 2010

Memorial Day

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  • The story of America's quest for freedom is inscribed on her history in the blood of her patriots. -Randy Vader
  • Today is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.   May they Rest in Peace.

    Please remember as you celebrate today to give thanks for all the men and women serving our country.  God bless our troops!

    Have a safe holiday, y’all!

    Sunday, May 30, 2010

    Dance, dance, dance!

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    All three of the above gals did a fine job at the dance recital yesterday.  I knew they would.

    And they now each have new Halloween costumes for next year, even that tall gal, right?

    Haley and Logan are chaperoning at 4-H camp this coming week, so everyone is happy that school is out and a new adventure is about to happen.  Summer officially begins…tomorrow, despite what the calendar tells us!

    It is just another week for the two of us…except for the cookout tomorrow.  Bring a dish and come join us! 

    Saturday, May 29, 2010

    Marinated Roma Tomatoes

    I am wearing red/white/blue tomorrow, and taking this to church for our luncheon celebration to end the ministry of our terrific interim priest. We'll miss you, Jim+.

    This is easy peasy, and oh so good...and I am not a fan of jalapenos, but with the seeds removed, it is not hot! Try it and let me know what ya think...


    Marinated Roma Tomatoes

    Mix everything together and marinate overnight in a glass container (not plastic). Add chopped scallions to the top when served.

    20 plum tomatoes, quartered lengthwise
    5 jalapeno peppers, chopped fine
    3/4 c white vinegar
    3/4 c olive oil
    1/4 c light brown sugar
    1 tsp fresh ginger
    1 Tbs mustard seeds
    1 Tbs black pepper
    1 Tbs salt
    1 tsp turmeric
    2 Tbs chopped garlic
    1 Tbs cumin

    Enjoy rave reviews!

    Friday, May 28, 2010

    Celebrate Memorial Day weekend…

    The weekend begins today with our two girls spending some time with us.  Love it!  They go to 4-H camp all next week, with their parents along as chaperones.  I remember those days!!!

    Saturday will be a bit of house cleaning, followed by dance recital in the afternoon.  Participants are Haley, Ansley and Macey.  Can you say “Kodak moment”?

    Sunday we say so long to our great interim priest with a fine good-bye luncheon, then I’ll be doing food prep for our Monday party---hamburgers on the patio and a pontoon boat ride.

    And remembering to pray for healing for Sarge during all these activities…and for strength for his Sweet Bee.

    Show your red, white and blue colors this weekend.  So what are y’all doing?  Be safe…

    SandyUSABear

    Thursday, May 27, 2010

    Thursday funnies, a bit of wit, a bit of wisdom...

    Some of these are so funny and so true!

    1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

    2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

    3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

    4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

    5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

    6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

    7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

    8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

    9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

    10. Bad decisions make good stories.

    11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

    12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

    13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

    14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever.

    15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

    16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

    17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

    18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

    19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

    21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

    22. I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

    23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

    24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

    25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

    26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent an A-hole from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

    27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

    28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?

    29. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

    30. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

    31. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

    Be kinder than necessary: Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

    Wednesday, May 26, 2010

    I'm hiding...you can't see me...

    Missy spied the kitty carrier and knew she didn't want any part of that nonsense! It means car travel (she is a moho gal, remember?); it means pain (shots!). She has a good memory.

    But she also can't resist the noise of the food container being shaken, because that means DINNER!

    Food won out over fear. She is now up-to-date on shots and is in perfect health, and still dainty at 9.1 pounds. I knew you'd want to know that.

    I did put a clasp on the necklace that was almost finished, but that was as far as I got to playing yesterday. I did do a little bead sorting and storing, just to straighten up the mess. Life just got in the way, but that is normal around here, and that is perfectly OK with me.

    So today precious Sarge is having that last C demon removed. Part of a lung must go, and go it shall and he will be healed. Please say some prayers and good thoughts for him and Bee and the whole medical team. We don't want a repeat performance of this act! That curtain is gonna close forever!!! They have cruises and fun in their future, not more medical stuff. Period.

    Treat each day as the gift that it is. Life is good, y'all!

    Tuesday, May 25, 2010

    Change of plans...

    I had plans to play with beads this morning, but first I needed to schedule a vet check up for Miss Missy. They can see her in one-half hour. Alrighty!

    The phone rings. "Mom, my tire has a nail in it. Can you help me go drop it off at the tire place?"

    Sure.

    We'll then go to lunch together. With da boyz.

    So much for any planning on my part!

    It's a good thing I am flexible.

    Have a great Tuesday, y'all! Mine is gonna be busy.

    Sunday, May 23, 2010

    All is right with the world!


    The sun is shining and the temp is perfect.
    Dick and I went to the early church service (so why does it feel wrong to be at the computer while the regular service is going on???)
    The house is quiet. Not a creature is stirring...Missy is nearby, sleeping in Dick's computer chair.
    I am home alone. Well, except for the sleeping kitty, and she doesn't talk much. A friend needed Dick and his trailer hitch and help to bring home a new-to-him travel trailer, so he is GONE.
    A pot roast is cooking away in the crockpot, complete with potatoes and carrots.
    And Haley is coming over to get help with a beading project.
    Life is (too) quiet but good in Mayberry, y'all! Come on over and make a little noise, ya hear!!!

    Saturday, May 22, 2010

    Havin' fun...

    But wee Will likes watching the mototcycles best as they go around the square. And the trucks pulling boats behind it. He is all boy...forget that craft stuff! Zoom, zoom...

    Watch that finger, Miss Smarty Pants!

    Life is grand, y'all!
    Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

    Thursday, May 20, 2010

    Missy, the helper

    NOT...but she has been good company to Dick while beached in the chair. She does make typing a little difficult, however. Yes, that is his puter clamped between his knees. Now if she could just learn to fetch...

    I am making a trip to Helen today, which should be a beautiful drive, made more so by the company of granddaughter #1!

    Life is very good! Enjoy your day, y'all!


    Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

    Wednesday, May 19, 2010

    Anticipation...

    Now this is funny, I don't care who you are...



    With breathless anticipation, the crowd awaits the unveiling of the Obama statue!

    Hat Tip: Bunnie M.

    Life is short...make fun of it, y'all!

    Tuesday, May 18, 2010

    A bit of wisdom...

    So don't do it...otherwise, you may not be here tomorrow!

    Be sensible...stay safe.

    Life is good. Have a great day, y'all!!!


    Monday, May 17, 2010

    Convention recap

    Ten members of our chapter attended this year, and we got awards for having the most members present! Way to go, Kappa Alpha...

    Back row: Beverly, Marilyn, Ursula, Sophia, Prez Joy, Joan, Pam
    Front row: Moi, Ginny, Sheila
    Joan, Ursula and Sophia were the smarties in the group winning the most 'apples' in the "Are You Smarter Than a BSP Sister" game that was both fun and educational...
    The theme for Saturday night was "Denim and Pearls," so everyone strutted their stuff and boggied the night away in comfortable clothes. Joy and I are known to close down the band every year, so we had to live up to our tradition again this year. We were joined by first-timer Joan in this endeavor, and will all three try again next year in Macon, if the knees are still holding up!
    Life is good!!! Beta Sigma Phis rock!







    Saturday, May 15, 2010

    BSP lunch

    Salad, cake, keepsake...works for me! Wonder is we will have the normal rubber chicken? We'll see.

    Lunch, then shopping...dinner with music later. Life is good!
    Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

    Friday, May 14, 2010

    On the road again...


    Girls weekend, beginning today! Woohoo!!!
    Ten sistas are departing from Mayberry today to join Beta Sigma Phi sistas for our annual State convention, happening in Albany. Need I point out that this would be GA, not NY? Did y'all know these two cities are pronounced differently? That NY city is pronounced ALL-bahn-e. The one here in Sweet Georgia is pronounced all-BEN-e. Yep. I know this for a fact, so that is your southern lesson for the day!
    I grew up in Albany, and still have relatives living all around there. Mercy me. It would not surprise me to run into some of them around town! It has happened before.
    Of course our weekend is solid packed with fun-filled activities, food, learning experiences, and seeing friends we only see once a year, so I won't be out doing any local visiting of the kin, but maybe 'real' sista Nan will have time to come over for a hug and a chance to meet some of my friends? I sure hope so!
    Whatever you do this weekend, make fun of it. Life is good, y'all!

    Thursday, May 13, 2010

    Thursday thoughts...

    I hope you are still keeping the folks in Nashville in your thoughts as they struggle to overcome the recent flooding. What you see above in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel was beautiful when we were there just three weeks prior to the flooding. Water rose above the railing here in the foreground...and there was a lower level that was totally under water! Sad. Friend Dinah is now working for FEMA and has been deployed to Nashville to assist for one month, possibly two. And she can't come home during that time!

    So, Dick was able to stay in bed all night last night, the first time since this round of 'down in the back' started, so his poor back is getting a bit better. The chiropractor is helping a lot; the meds sure didn't help so much. The prediction of it being back to normal in 4-6 weeks is looking like reality. Of course he is a man and he wants it normal in, say, 4-6 HOURS, bless his heart. Not gonna happen. The end.

    So, today is laundry, clean off the desk, and pack my bag. And keep da boyz. And feed them--brats, potato salad and baked beans. That's on the menu tonight, and the 'brats' were not referring to da boyz! Just to clear up that.

    Have a great day. Life is GRAND!

    Wednesday, May 12, 2010

    Redneck guitar...

    Look very carefully at this special guitar. I'll wait.

    Do you know what this is?

    Yep...a toilet seat. Insert potty jokes and laughter NOW. I know you will.

    This is hanging on the wall of a small Mayberry eatery. Of course I felt compelled to share the smiles with my friends here on Hump Day.

    Make some beautiful music and smiles today.

    Life is short...make fun of it!

    Tuesday, May 11, 2010

    Tuesday stuff...


    Oops, I was having too much fun making these and ordering more supplies and now it is afternoon already. Where did the day go? Oh, I just answered that, didn't I?! And of course we had to go in for lunch with the gang. That breaks up the day and gets us out of the house.
    Dick's back is a teeny bit better today. Whew. He is sick and tired of this nonsense. I think the banana-nut bread Joan made is helping. Just sayin'. Thanks, Joanie!
    Life is good!

    Monday, May 10, 2010

    Monday funny...


    Tom's bride wasn't very attractive, but then he was no oil painting either. After the wedding ceremony, Tom asked the pastor how much the cost was.
    "Just give me what you think it is worth to have this lady for your wife," replied the Reverend.
    Tom looked at his wife, and handed the pastor $50.
    The pastor looked at Tom's wife and gave him $45 change.
    Make someone smile today. I hope I just did.

    Sunday, May 9, 2010

    Happy Mother's Day!


    To the world you might just be one person, but to one person, you might just be the world.
    No matter how you say it...
    Bonne fête des Mères
    Auguri Mamma!
    Prettige Moederdag!
    Happy Mother's Day
    from my heart
    to yours...

    Saturday, May 8, 2010

    Sww-eeeet!

    See those cute young gals up there? They are playing BettyDamnCrocker tonight for me and Jason's mom Joyce in honor of Mother's Day. Are we blessed or what? Daughters are the best.

    Sons are the best, too, because they get to clean up! Fair is fair.

    Happy Mother's Day weekend to all mothers...mothers who gave birth, mothers who are mothers of the heart, mothers of furbabies. You know who you are, and you are special. Celebrate!

    Friday, May 7, 2010

    TGIF!


    Friday means lobster bisque! Yum...

    Only one of my three clematis plants came back after this winter. What's up with that?! So I'll just simply enjoy the one that thrived. And go buy replacements!

    I've made some earrings for some friends. I plan to do a bit more beading today while Dick is sitting in the massage chair. Poor thang. His back is "fair to poor." Is that a new medical term, honey? Get back down on that back stretcher! That does seem to help.

    Our weather is fan-fun-tastic, not that we'll be outside having fun, but at least it brings a big smile to my face. Sunny and warm...perfect!

    Enjoy your Friday. Life is good, y'all!

    Wednesday, May 5, 2010

    Happy Cinco de Mayo!


    No Mexican food here tonight. Dang, I didn't plan that well, now did I? I do have something in the crockpot that smells mighty good: chicken, sausage, beans, tomatoes, carrots, garlic, and wine. Some wine will be in a glass as well as in the pot!
    We'll see if this rates getting posted on the blog. Brian will be over to help judge.
    Buenos dias, y'all!

    Tuesday, May 4, 2010

    Tuesday smiles

    Clemetis

    Doc Al said that Dick’s back is inflamed…no new lumbar disturbances…so that is good news.  We hope the anti-inflammatory meds will do their magic and give him pain relief.  It was a long day yesterday, driving to Charlotte and back, but it was sooo worth it to see Al, June, and big high school senior Ben!  June is the niece that Dick baby sat for when he was a student at Georgia Tech, now the mother of four outstanding kids.  Oh how time flies!

    So today is sunny and beautiful.  After all the pollen cleansing rain we got yesterday, I have opened windows to let fresh air inside.  Love it!

    And tonight is the end of year band concert for Miss Ansley.  Speaking of time flying, the school year is almost over.  We are all looking forward to some summer travel!  Where are the Griswolds going???  Hmm…stay tuned.

    Life is good!!!

    Monday, May 3, 2010

    Monday funny...

    A Priest and a Rabbi were sitting next to each other on an airplane. After a while, the Priest turned to the Rabbi and asked, "Is it still a requirement of your faith that you not eat pork?"

    The Rabbi responded, "Yes, that is still one of our laws."

    The Priest then asked, "Have you ever eaten pork?"

    To which the Rabbi replied, "Yes, on one occasion I did succumb to temptation and tasted a ham sandwich."

    The Priest nodded in understanding and went on with his reading. A while later, the Rabbi spoke up and asked the Priest, "Father, is it still a requirement of your church that you remain celibate?"

    The Priest replied, "Yes, that is still very much a part of our faith."

    The Rabbi then asked him, "Father, have you ever fallen to the temptations of the flesh?"

    The Priest replied, "Yes, Rabbi, on one occasion I was weak and broke my faith."

    The Rabbi nodded understandingly and remained silent, thinking, for about five minutes. Finally, the Rabbi said, "Beats the heck out of a ham sandwich, doesn't it?"

    Sunday, May 2, 2010

    Mark it SOLD!


    Sorry, peeps, but I forgot in my quick post yesterday to say that Brian's Atlanta house did indeed close on Friday.
    He made all the necessary repairs to get the house sold; loaded up the big white trailer with all his worldly possessions, and pointed his nose nawth to Mayberry, but not before posting this photo on FB with the caption:
    ATL in the rear view, middle finger in the air!
    We'll see where his next adventure takes him. He is one sharp fella, so we are confident he'll do just fine. Unka Brian, the wee ones are mighty happy that they will get to see you more often now. Heck, ALL of us are doing the happy dance!
    Life is good!

    Saturday, May 1, 2010

    Modern day torture device

    The patient gets strapped in...head to the R...hinny to the L...
    That pump thingy pumps out the extender thingy that is attached to the bottom black strap, and that stretches the spine between the two black straps. Got all that?

    It's working...honey, is that a smile or a grimace???
    Missy thinks it is a fine device!

    I'm going to Haley's house to scrapbook and leaving Missy in charge of therapy.
    Have fun, y'all! I'm outta here...