Cracker Scraps

I found my kinfolk!

2011-11-07T06:33:00.001-05:00

Happy to find my nephew, by marriage, and his family. Maybe Blogs's aren't so yesterday...

http://wycowboy2akwilderness.blogspot.com/

A Word, or two, to the Wise

2010-06-15T13:11:00.000-04:00

June 14, 2010

On this day I drove up to Downtown Disney to once again, meet a “stranger”. This is my place of choice to connect with people visiting the big O and WDW, etc. A little more than an hours drive for me, pleasant and familiar territory.

A relative I’d communicated with on Ancestry.com and myself arranged this meeting. This particular branch in my family tree has been of mystery as I have little information.

A lesson that has been slowly absorbed by myself, taught to me by my mother and her father (Grandpop), “You can learn more with your mouth closed and your ears open.” On the drive I vowed in my mind to adhere to this wise advice.

Arriving about 20 minutes ahead of meeting time left time to find the ladies room and apply lipstick. I knew as I approached the meeting spot that the people I was to meet were gathered together awaiting our introductions.

A feat in and of itself, my relative had gathered his entire immediate family together. Along with a wife, 3 children accompanied by spouses or significant other’s, along with the grandchildren of my relative gathered en mass. I was extremely impressed and in awe at his ability to coordinate such a large group of people for such an awkward and unusual occasion.

Feeling like an intruder they welcomed me into their family vacation time. I’ll admit that when plans changed for lunch due to the dynamics of such a large family, I felt a bit nervous. Following his car to their time-share I called my husband to let him know where I was going. I do try to be “city smart” when indulging myself in such events.

Upon arrival at the time-share his wife and daughter proceeded to go fetch a meal to serve the now group of 8 adults and 8 children. The efficient and timely collection of luncheon items and preparation was impressive. The meal that followed was appropriate and plentiful.

As a “guest” I was invited to fill my plate first. Next the situation deviated from what I would have known as my norm and all of the grandchildren were fed. Following the grandchildren were the adult children and their mother with the patriarch, my relative, preparing his plate of food last.

Gathered around a big table the conversation was light and spontaneous. Interjections by 3 year olds, adult children, and the eldest generation were interesting and not necessarily connected. I learned about things such as pre-K, haircuts, further education in nursing and a family business. As I interrogated the details of the business eyes began to roll, sighs of “oh here we go” were audibly interjected as the explanation began.

My relative’s wife began to explain her business. She told me she owns and operates a “shop”. Explaining to me in brief she disclosed the two sides of the business. One side of the business was a huge explanation for the abundant display of body piercing by everyone except my relative, a jewelry, clothing side and the other side of the business being "New Age" religion and the religion of Wicca. Apparently my immediate inquiry directed at my relative, “So you’re the only Catholic in your family?” was enough to signal my disinterest in the details beyond what had been disclosed to me thus far.

The family dispersed and I was left alone with my relative. We sat and talked about our common ancestors while sharing bits and pieces of our own lives past and present.

My relative’s sincere dedication to hard honest work and providence for his family was impressively apparent. As we talked I listened to him elaborate on his experience with ancestry research. All the while thinking that if this man was so passionate about this interest I had a lot to learn from him. Occurring to me as well was the thought that perhaps no one of his family quite shared his enthusiasm for this research. To indulge him in my time to listen to him was of benefit to me as well. I appreciated his time taken out of his family time to share with me.

Departing several hours later I was filled with new information along with my own thoughts. Sensing a feeling of “one day you’re not going to luck out on these adventures” I’ve allowed my older good sense to caution me as to my future meetings with strangers.

2010-06-05T19:47:00.000-04:00

Workin' on it Willows! There's some cute stuff on here beside my ramblings, just have to scroll through some of it! This is a multi-purpose blog!

Willow Traders Blog Hop

2010-06-05T07:47:00.003-04:00

Beginning a weekend Blog Hop with the Willows!

Amazingly Unread

2010-05-19T12:39:00.000-04:00

Yep, I'm bloggin' for me! Doing research on Pristiq and following rabbit trails! Now that my head is getting screwed on straight why does my body have to be falling apart?

Life

2010-05-17T12:34:00.000-04:00

Lots going on in my life, for me lots of good, for others I am deeply concerned. No blogging means I am busy living life! Some things I'd like to share but not spoon feed to the masses!

YouTube - Janey Cutler - Britain's Got Talent 2010 - Auditions Week 4

2010-05-11T09:48:00.000-04:00

YouTube - Janey Cutler - Britain's Got Talent 2010 - Auditions Week 4

For my "mum"!

Juxtaposition

2010-04-30T08:30:00.001-04:00

Juxtaposition, a term I learned while taking World History 101 in college. I love this word and now have realized my love of the juxtaposition of genre's of music! I've already demonstrated this in previously posted video's. Here's a new one for you!

Why Don't People Comment?

2010-04-29T12:35:00.002-04:00

You come and you go! Why don't you comment! Positive? Great! Negative? I can handle it! Stop lurking and start commenting!

Something to Remember

2010-04-27T23:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday

2010-04-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful mother who is turning 80 today! I am so thankful that she is alive and healthy! Who knows what the day will bring!

Beautiful Dream

2010-04-24T09:29:00.000-04:00

I had the most beautiful dream last night!

Southwest Airlines Builds My State's Flag Jet

2010-04-23T18:02:00.000-04:00

2010-04-22T20:13:00.002-04:00

Matches to Match

2010-04-22T07:29:00.000-04:00

Savannah "Matches to Match" Bitty Baby.

I Am So Tired!

2010-04-19T16:41:00.000-04:00

Just a short post to say that my husband and I absolutely kicked some major household butt this weekend preparing for his family to visit! My mother-in-law is coming to stay with us for a week! I'm a bit nervous about this but the bottom line is, "it is what it is"!

Ancestry

2010-04-18T08:06:00.000-04:00

Beware! This is addicting and with my OCD personality trait! Look out!

Meet Lucia Micarelli

2010-04-17T08:33:00.003-04:00

Picturebook For All You Scrapbookers, Enjoy~!

2010-04-16T08:22:00.001-04:00

Scrapbook Sussies

2010-04-15T07:14:00.001-04:00

One of the most fun times of each month at my house is the day that I begin stalking the postman for my monthly kit club subscription to Scrapbook Sussies! The name alone is cause for suspense and anticipation as to what is going to be in that box!!!

I live in a rather rural area out in the middle of citrus groves, cow pastures, sod farms, and sugar cane fields. The closest scrapbooking store is small and 25 minutes south of me. There's one store in Orlando near the airport that I drop into from time to time but nothing can beat my private shopper, the owner of Scrapbook Sussies, Lara McClendon. Lara goes to each CHA and chooses the latest products in the scrapbooking genera. This kit club doesn't send out old "has beens" but cutting edge new papers and embellishments.

Now, you may be asking yourself, what the heck is a Sussies? Want the answer? Just click away and you can read it for yourself! You'll find the origin of this unique word to be such fun it will make you fell like that special kid again. You'll feel the way only a mother can make you feel!

This kit club allows you lots of options, more cardstock, more patterned paper, extra embellishments? Just say the word and it will land on your doorstep!

This is why I love my kit club! Each month I recieve not one but two matching lines of supplies to create my own designs. The two themes allow me to scrap completely different layouts, mini books, and paper craft items.

Here's the stash I'm getting in May!

I highly recommend and invite you to check out this club! You can scroll through past kits and see what Lara likes to offer as well as buy any that might be available. Believe me, these sell out fast! You won't want to miss checking this out for your own personal scrapping needs!

While you are at Scrapbook Sussies be sure to note the great ideas that the design team demonstrates, as well as the Members Gallery where folks like you and me can upload our creations.

The Roller-coaster of My Life

2009-11-18T17:51:00.000-05:00

Maybe I am too old to want to go to ride the readily available array of roller-coasters at my disposal here in the heart of Florida but my own life has been and continues to be an interesting ride of twists, turns, ups and downs of life experiences.

After reaching the bottom of an exciting down hill ride or my summer travels I reached what seemed a never ending ride of depression.

Scratching and crawling my way to hook onto the upward climb I began busying myself with online declutter and organizational classes to refresh and renew my home environment. Chug, chug, chugging to the top I felt as if the walls of my domain were closing in on me. Never ending projects of purging and cleaning. Organizing, painting and planning my new "Scrap Studio". Void of contents currently stored in plastic bins I find myself waiting for the long promised wood flooring to go into place.

Picture of Texas Trio

My dear spouse had yet another, well deserved, trip to Auburn, AL then over to Athens, GA for a big rival match of football between the Tigers vs. the Bulldogs. Facing a long stretch of football widowhood and out of town work for my spouse I got on this trusty pink dell and shopped for prices to fly to Houston to see my TX Trio buddies! I spent several hours talking to Kris about the possibilities including driving. After I got my "ducks in a row" I called my dear husband to get his approval and was denied permission to drive.

Being the wonderful, giving person that he is he allotted me money to fly. I did find a flight but my gut instinct (as a Christian I know this to be the Holy Spirit) told me not to do it.

I decided to shop online Thursday night for cubbies and shelves for my new scrap room and then drive to IKEA in Orlando to get them on Friday, only to receive a tearful call from my daughter (also an RN) who had but 3 hours sleep Wednesday night due to the admission of her long term boyfriend to the hospital. Max had spit up blood and wanted to go to the ER. He was put immediately (that's 4-5 hours in hospital time) into isolation for respiratory infection, scheduled for a bronchoscopy Friday. My daughter was needin' a little mommy lovin' by this point.

Picture of Max and Erin

To make matters more complex she was committed to being a bride's maid for a co-worker and needed to attend rehearsal and dinner Friday night. Max did not want to be alone when he came out of anesthesia from his procedure either. So, having done my laundry that day I was ready to hit the road in an hour after packing, arranging, pet care, hitting the ATM and running the car through the car wash so that I could see through the windshield.

Saturday morning I dropped Erin off at a Park Avenue Salon to meet with the ladies of the wedding party and have her hair done and then travel via limousine to the church and onto the reception which was held at the Orlando International Airport at the Hilton. Now this was a long haul from where I had gone back to Erin's apartment to do what mother's do and clean...

Meanwhile, Colin and Kristy, my son and daughter-in-law were hot to travel up to Orlando to see Max. I then assigned Colin to pick Erin up at the airport and bring her home. I then continued in my motherly role and waited to have my three children to myself for a moment or two only to have them arrive at 2:00 AM Sunday morning.

Colin and Kristy

While on the way home from Alabama, the football warriors had a break down in their vehicle north of Atlanta placing their ETA late Sunday night or early Monday morning!

Done playing mother for the time, I dashed over to Ponce for a little mother lovin' of my own, spent the night Sunday and watched Atlantis being launched into space from the white sandy beach.

Atlantis November 16, 2009

As soon as she launched, I launched my ready and waiting car, clothes washed that morning and repacked, to head over to Lake County and stay with our friends Linda and Jim at their hideaway in the woods. There I would meet up with my husband and together we would go to the hospital for him to have eye surgery Tuesday morning.

Linda and Jim's Humble Abode

Linda, Todd and Jim

Earlier on this year when Todd had his first eye surgery we were delighted that we were able to hand pick Linda to be the RN on Todd's case as she had been interning at the hospital where I was coordinating Ophthalmic surgery in about 1990 when we first met. We grew to be great friends as we both got the hell out of the "big house" in the big city and headed to a suburb to practice nursing in an outpatient setting for about ten years. Although the following pictures of them were from the first surgery, it's like you've seen one, you've seen them all scenario...

Left Linda at work...Right Todd about to go under the knife...

Having forgotten his dress clothes for work Today he headed back south to our home to retrieve them and carry on to his "out of town" duties on the west coast. I in-turn, stayed another night for one more evening of girl time.

This morning I headed back to Ponce to reconnect with cyberspace and share my story while sitting and watching the sunset reflect shades of pink, blue, and orange over the Atlantic...Yes, I know the sun sets in the west which I can see over the Inter-coastal waterway as well...life is good.

I'll be heading home this weekend to prepare for Thanksgiving and spend time Monday and Tuesday with this little monkey...

Savannah's first Camping Trip...

It's Going to Happen!

2009-10-31T15:03:00.001-04:00

My scraproom is now all crated up and in the process of being painted and getting new flooring! Meanwhile, I have boxes and boxes of stuff to sort and purge...this isn't going to be an easy project but oh so worth it! I've wanted this for a very long time! Goodbye plastic drawers! Welcome cabinets and decorative baskets! I'm just now trying to get a vision!

Is a Latte a Latte to ask for?

2009-10-26T12:29:00.000-04:00

Struggling with my espresso machine, a good one (Krups) for over a year now. Finally decided to clean it with the cleaner that they use at Barnies, the Florida precursor to Starbucks. My daughter worked for them her senior year in high school and through college, she sneaked me a bit home in a plastic cup. It worked! Now I too can have my homemade cup of java latte any time I want! Someone put my tamp through the dishwasher so now I have to get out the aluminum cleaner! Anyone know what works best?

Why Blog?

2009-10-25T14:15:00.000-04:00

I've pretty much given up blogging. It always seems a blog needs more than a simp0le update. Either you have to add pics and some long thoughtful post. So I quit. I think that's why I like Facebook...it's quick and short and not so personal! There is already too much personal stuff out there on the web, I don;t need to voluntarily add more.

Quoting from another person on one of the message boards I frequet.

This gal was a friend of mine and we had a huge "falling out" that is hurtful to me this day. She lives diagonally across the US in the NW. It has been difficult for me but we both said some unkind things to one another. She has chosen to have nothing to do with me.

This is exactly one reason I blog, not to say something "profound" or feel as if I must add pictures! As you can see my blog is fairly simple! It's my right to exercise the First Amendment of the US constitution.

About the First Amendment

By Brian J. Buchanan

First Amendment Center Online managing editor

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

— The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

The First Amendment was written because at America's inception, citizens demanded a guarantee of their basic freedoms.

Our blueprint for personal freedom and the hallmark of an open society, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition.

Without the First Amendment, religious minorities could be persecuted, the government might well establish a national religion, protesters could be silenced, the press could not criticize government, and citizens could not mobilize for social change.

When the U.S. Constitution was signed on Sept. 17, 1787, it did not contain the essential freedoms now outlined in the Bill of Rights, because many of the Framers viewed their inclusion as unnecessary. However, after vigorous debate, the Bill of Rights was adopted. The first freedoms guaranteed in this historic document were articulated in the 45 words written by James Madison that we have come to know as the First Amendment.

The Bill of Rights — the first 10 amendments to the Constitution — went into effect on Dec. 15, 1791, when the state of Virginia ratified it, giving the bill the majority of ratifying states required to protect citizens from the power of the federal government.

The First Amendment ensures that "if there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein," as Justice Robert Jackson wrote in the 1943 case West Virginia v. Barnette.

And as Justice William Brennan wrote in New York Times v. Sullivan in 1964, the First Amendment provides that "debate on public issues ... [should be] ... uninhibited, robust, and wide-open."

However, Americans vigorously dispute the application of the First Amendment.

Most people believe in the right to free speech, but debate whether it should cover flag-burning, hard-core rap and heavy-metal lyrics, tobacco advertising, hate speech, pornography, nude dancing, solicitation and various forms of symbolic speech. Many would agree to limiting some forms of free expression, as seen in the First Amendment Center's State of the First Amendment survey reports.

Most people, at some level, recognize the necessity of religious liberty and toleration, but some balk when a religious tenet of a minority religion conflicts with a generally applicable law or with their own religious faith. Many Americans see the need to separate the state from the church to some extent, but decry the banning of school-sponsored prayer from public schools and the removal of the Ten Commandments from public buildings.

Further, courts wrestle daily with First Amendment controversies and constitutional clashes, as evidenced by the free-press vs. fair-trial debate and the dilemma of First Amendment liberty principles vs. the equality values of the 14th Amendment.

Such difficulties are the price of freedom of speech and religion in a tolerant, open society.

If no one ever reads my blog I still have an online journal siting a number of interests to me, wide in variety. Writing helps me think through, process my own thoughts, comments are welcome. I like to know what other's are thinking!

Double Nickle

2009-10-23T13:28:00.011-04:00

The month of October is flying by. This week I turned 55. My husband bought me a cake that said "Happy Birthday Double Nickle".

It was my quest to find two 1954 nickles, which I found on eBay for 99cents. I'll either have them made into charms or put them in my scrapbook.

Just finished a lovely visit with my friend Lynn who is one tiny little 5 foot, 100 pound soaking wet, size 0 wearing jeans, megabyte of energy.

We hit Florida Mall and my favorite scrapbook store in Orlando after she touched down at the OIA.

Wednesday we shopped Daytona including Biktoberfest where Lynn tried out a Harley-Davidson. She wants a street bike but this was the best we could do. She also bought a shirt.

We then spent two days in St. Augustine, shopping every day with some sight seeing and wine tasting. We also got airbrush tattoo's, crazy girls that we are!

Ended out Saturday night with a 3 hour meal at the bar (no tables were available) at the famous Columbia Resturant in St. Augustine. This upscale Spanish resturant started up in Ybor City in 1905.

On our way home to my house we stopped in Altamonte Springs to have lunch at The Elephant Bar where we met my daughter. Of course more shopping and home by 7:00 PM.

Monday we went to the south end of Lake Okeechobee to catch an airboat ride and eat outside at Roland Martin's Marina and Resort in Clewiston and eat at The Gally there.

Tuesday we had time to shop Sebring, eat lunch at a local cafe, and for me to give Lynn a lesson in shifting a manual shift car to help her get the hang of motorcycle shifting! She did really well for her first or second try at this skill, and at least the car didn't tip over when she stalled out the engine!

While I don't have pictures of the casino in Brighton, we do have a fun picture of Lynn and I pulling the handle on a giant slot machiene at which time we were politely escorted to the door for her to place her camera in the car, but we did get the picture~

More fun stuff to come when I get the CD with her pictures in the mail!

October!

2009-10-03T01:52:00.001-04:00

Well, I turn 55 in a few weeks but feel 35! I've been waiting to get back to blogging and this short post is just to let you know.

Righ now I am in the trenches of Simplify 101 and Organize Your Closet by Aby Garvy. It has helped me a great deal to declutter and purpose the items that live in my home or get rid of them. Last week I sent three tall laundry hampers that I hated to charity, over 300 pieces of clothing! I feel much lighter. Aby is a great inspiration and encourager as well as a smart woman with a plan to help you accompliish whatever area of your life you want to control, rather than it controling you!

More later!

Time Flies!

2009-06-03T11:07:00.004-04:00

Amazing! Almost a month since I've blogged! Actually has been good for me to be away from this computer! Wednesday, May20, I drove my mother back over to Volusia county where they got 20 inches of rain. That's more than the total rain they got during Charlie, Fay,and Jeanne! The drive was horrendous with rain pouring cats and dogs! We did manage to hit a couple of stores on the way over in Polk county before we hit the deluge in Volusia. The closer we got the more rain and standing water. We had to take alternate detours to avoid the flooded Dunlawton main road to cross the bridge to the ocean side. The Atlantic was a roaring, angry sea but a beautiful view of nature and example of God's ultimate control of our planet and the universe. When we got upstairs to the fifth floor the water had blown in under the sliding glass doors so it was up and at 'em as I cut fun noodles to stuff in the tracks over plastic garbage bags and old towels on top of that! Most of the water damage was on the mainland.

Sandy

2009-05-06T10:01:00.002-04:00

Nope, not gonna do it, too much wasted time! While under contract which I am no longer bound to, I created a vent blog with my alias Sandy! To take the posts from that blog and over to this one is too big of a task. If you like you can visit Sandy but she'll be quiet and not posting over there as I now am accountable only to God!

Amazingly Bored

2009-05-05T17:38:00.003-04:00

I'm dumbfounded to realize how incredibly bored I have become. All my life I've wanted to be a SAHM (stay at home mom) and now an empty-nester, I'm a SAHW (stay at home wife). I've adjusted to this little town of 30,000 people and thankful for a reliable car that allows me to get the heck out of "Dodge" when it closes in on me.

Struggling through the death of my father, loss of my career (by choice) and learning to deal with life effectively, I now find myself turning to the Internet for mental stimulation.

I wish to return to school to increase my knowledge of things of interest to me. Alas, the adult ed classes run at the wrong time or fill up with q-tips before I can register.

Married to a successful engineer, I essentially gave up my creme da la creme job in the big city to move so he could advance his career. Not having kids on the payroll any more pretty much leaves my income only to be sucked dry by the US Government.

You can't go back and I wouldn't want to return to my old place of employment as people move on, many of my friends have husbands who have retired. I'll probably die before my husband retires as I am 8 years older than he.

I love to travel and crave time with my girlfriends, most of whom live all over this United States of America. I often travel alone, flying and can negotiate places like Chicago in ways that surprise me.

I'll keep seeking it out until I find the right course or online learning experience that fill my desires. I don't want a job, I don't even want a degree, I've got a degree and been there done that with the job scene.

For now I put a hodge-podge of stuff that strikes me and jog down some of my thoughts and feelings from time to time.

This may seem simple to some but this is my blog and I use it as I wish. Thank God for free speech!

Greenfields

2009-05-03T13:53:00.003-04:00

This is an old song and to listen to it is bitter/sweet as my father used to love this group, The Brother's Four, so I loved them too.

In Like a Lion

2009-03-02T11:46:00.003-05:00

It's said, "In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb" so April should arrive all sweet and woolly! Our temps are seasonably low making it for one chilly Florida gal! The wind has stopped after the cold front pushed through. Not blogging much lately as I've discovered Facebook! You can catch me there sometimes! Come join the fun at Facebook.

America!!!

2009-02-27T10:21:00.001-05:00

Migration of Sting Rays

2009-02-21T15:54:00.007-05:00

Migration of Sting Rays

Migration of Stingrays

Looking like giant leaves floating in the sea, thousands of Golden Rays are seen here gathering off the coast of Mexico . The spectacular scene was captured as the magnificent creatures made one of their biannual mass migrations to more agreeable waters.

Gliding silently beneath the waves, they turned vast areas of blue water to gold off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula . Sandra Critelli, an amateur photographer, stumbled across the phenomenon while looking for whale sharks.

She said: 'It was an unreal image, very difficult to describe. The surface of the water was covered by warm and different shades of gold and looked like a bed of autumn leaves gently moved by the wind.

House at Pooh Corner

2009-02-16T11:14:00.003-05:00

Cancer Angel

2009-02-10T10:44:00.001-05:00

Could this be ME?

2009-01-14T09:24:00.003-05:00

This is too funny! Thanks, and you know who you are for comparing me to this God fearing woman with a mission to outlaw those items of conspiracy that will make the nation fall!

The Friendly Duck!

2009-01-13T21:34:00.001-05:00

Like When Was the Last Time?

2009-01-10T16:53:00.003-05:00

So, I haven't blogged in like forevah!!! Darn antigen/antibody immune system wacko! Monday, the 5th, the last time I blogged, I got stung by a yellow jacket at the base of my hairline in the center back. Yep, if we had us some cold weather maybe we wouldn't be dealin' with stingin' bugs and bees, bitin' mosquito's and fleas!!! So, by Thursday after being sick and tired of being sick and tired I went shopping with my mother to pick out something nice to give my sister for her birthday. I thought if I just got out of bed and fixed up a little I'd feel better. NOT. Called the MD about 12:30PM first of all I was blown away that I didn't get the answering service. Well, 4 hours later I had me a shot in the butt and a pack of steroids to take. They've finally kicked in and I feel a bit better. I've got to get myself together and packed for my trip Thursday. All the while I'm starting a 365 project for my scrapbooking and a 12 week course called The Artist's Way!! My psychologist said it made her tired just to listen to my list of projects I wanted to do. Ya know I want to be productive, it's a whole 'nother ball game once you become an empty nester and quit your career. Anyway, it made me feel better that she thought I was over extending myself and now I'm so anxious for a ten day trip to Missouri just to get away and think, sleep, read but most of all spend time with my girlfriends!!! Laptop will be in tow so I hope to keep bloggin'! The one thing that saved me the afternoon I waited and waited ad infinities was my mP3 player. Gotta love Josh Groban when you need to calm yourself down.

Basic Gray Calendar 2009

2009-01-05T12:47:00.013-05:00

Don't Ya Love it when you get something with a coupon! I bought this Basic Gray Calendar kit at Mike's with my 40% off coupon. They were in a bin in one of the center asiles near the scrapbookin' stuff!

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Counting Down to the New Year!

2008-12-27T08:03:00.027-05:00

The year certainly has gone by quickly. Last New Years Day I was caught in the airport of hours trying to fly home from a New Years Eve Crop. By the time I got back to Orlando from Chicago it was 4:00 AM. If it had gone on schedule I would have been home for dinner! We had a wonderful New Year's Crop at the home of one of the SJ Gals. We all cane from all over, I probably came the farthest but I live in B Florida E!

February was uneventful except for daily life, which I am thankful for. I had a huge sebaceous cyst removed from my back in the office of one of the local surgeons, big mistake, why skimp on xylocaine, it's cheap stuff!!!

Flat Stanley came for a short visit which turns out to be a permanent resident here in our home as he hid from me and I didn't get to send him home to Chicago....yet!

March came and some good friends flew Air Barney down to the local airport (which isn't much) and stayed for about a week! We had great fun including trips to the local groves, winery,
EPCOT.

Of course Lynn and I had to hit the shopping in Tampa for Rubin Rouge!

Nikki came along and behaved famously! What a good dog! We were sad to see our friends fly away at the end of Spring Break but we knew we would get together once again someday soon!

Then Easter came with the obligatory egg hunt!

April brought a plethora of duties and emotions. We gained a Dear New Daughter in Law and a Precious Granddaughter. Colin married the love of his life!

May took us camping in the Keys, we liked to burned up! We did have a good time but I was ready to come home!

In June I turned right around to meet Bev in Palm Beach and take her to The Florida Keys! We made it to 0 mile marker!

The following week I boarded a plane for Colorado. Little did I know that I would be at the Southernmost point of Florida one Friday and at the top of Pike's Peak the following!

July was uneventful except for a little scare that put me in the hospital for 3 days. All is well now.

To my surprise my daughter invited me to join her in her first ever "self-paid" vacation. We enjoyed a trip out of Miami for 3 days on The Majesty of the Seas!

September brought devistation to my dear friend Kris and her family as Hurricane Ike struck and demolished their town home. As I write I am happy to say that God has truly blessed them and they are now in a new home, yet settlement with insurance, etc. is ongoing.

September late I spent time with my local friend Karen. We enjoyed helping a fellow LSS owner put on her crop for a fundraiser for Breast Cancer. It was a two day crop and Karen and I spent another two days relaxing and shopping!

October holds The Main Event Cracker Crop

November also gave me the opportunity to meet an online friend!
Now this girl's got a big ole camera!!!

Thanksgiving was held at our home

December 5 I met up with Jodi, Bri, and Tim!

My cousin got married on December 7!

I grieved my father's death December 8, from there things moved on and we made it through Christmas. Company party's at the house, breakfast for dinner at out house, Shepherd's Pie for Christmas Eve and the whole nine yards at DS and DDIL's new home!

No wonder I'm so tired!!! It's been a full year!!! I intend to start 2009 with another trip to the cold~~~~See you there!!!

Daddy's You Tube 1953-1957

2008-12-26T14:46:00.001-05:00

Scraper's Poem

2008-12-20T23:38:00.007-05:00

'Twas the night before Christmas,
I'm glued to the tree.
I'm wondering what Santa brought just for me.
Could it be card stock or chipboard or lace?
Or a Cricut, I said, with a smile on my face.

And that's when I heard him,
"Hi Santa, " I said

"You know....good little girls Should be in their beds."

"I know I should Santa, And now I've got caught.
But I was just so excited
To see what you brought."

"Well, let's take a look In this room where you work.
He shook his head quickly,
And left with a jerk.

I heard him exclaim As he put it in gear.
"You've got enough crap, I'll see you next year!"

I replied:

Dear Santa,
I wrote, it's not "scrap crap" I need,
It's recognition from those I strive to please

Oh help me Santa, help me let them see
Help me let them know what therapy I need!

There's always new toys and techniques I crave,
I want them to know it is memories I save!

Help them to know it's my art!
Teach them to know that it comes from my heart.

I know I have Bazzil out the wazoo!
I'll use it, I promise...
Would I lie to you?

Patterned paper delights me,
Like a song without words.
Oh Santa please tell me these words you have heard.

The brads, eyelets and ribbons delight
Journaling is my favorite, it's no problem, no fright!

I scrap for myself, 'tis honest and true.
Surely if anyone understands it is you.

Someone in the future will surely find insight
In the layouts I create all day and all night!

Oh Santa, it's okay if no new things you leave
I've got enablers galore who are sure to please!

So, Santa forgive me for needing an entire room
I'll finish my projects before too soon!

I'm just a little girl who has grown older with age,
But each time I complete another full page,
I feel so delighted, fulfilled and complete.
Oh Santa, don't let my dear husband give me more heat!

Dear Santa please help those who don't understand,
If they made a scrappin' wish I'd be at their command!

There's chronological, circle journals, and all kinds of swaps
My kit clubs and items I bought with some thought.

I need them, I want them, they may not be there,
Next time I visit the scrap store beware!

I promise, Dear Santa to be true to my craft.
My productions next year will be a blast!

Maybe next year you'll understand my plea,
But for now, dear Santa, it's all about ME!

Locked Out!

2008-12-20T09:09:00.002-05:00

DH is walking the dogs, then we're going to "have a little come to Jesus talk"! He didn't answer his cell phone for two hours and I was stranded for two hours until he called with the key-less entry code. It was my fault for locking the keys in the car and I will be writing that number in several places, maybe my first tattoo? But we've had this problem before. He lets his cell phone battery die or leaves it on such a low ring he can't hear it in the bar, forgets to put it on vibrate. Bottom line, he's just not making himself readily available to me! I drive a lot of rural roads around here. The last time he did this to me I was driving home from Palm Beach through the everglades and sugar cane fields alone!!! That night he got an earful but last night I came home, he said "hello" I said "hello" took my shower, put on an ugly nightgown and got in bed. Put one king size pillow between us and the other between my legs, one pillow to hug, and one for my head. Not another word was spoken. I decided I needed to rest and settle down before I reamed him another one!

The Bean Counters Struck Today!

2008-12-16T21:54:00.002-05:00

Oh, banking is my worst subject! While all the other kids were taking book keeping in HS, I was taking physics. I spent the whole day undoing some accounts that I had set up "with all good intention" and cancelling them today as it was a freak of a mess. Not a Christmas card was touched or a gift was created but DH and I are sleeping without guilt tonight!

My Creation is DONE!!!

2008-12-12T18:04:00.005-05:00

Just now I finished pre-wiring all the lights, wrapped the ribbons and garland to the small wreath and wired the it to the large one and took it outside to finish. Woman, I have forgotten how stinkin' hot those glue guns get!!! I don't think I burned myself but am peeling wax off my index fingers. Once on the screw in the outside wall (oh yeah, I made my own wire hanger) I wired the jingle bells to the bottom wreath. I had to stand on a step stool to reach the top and proceeded to attach the ribbon wrapped Christmas balls, bows, and loose ends. Todd was a good sport about being my right hand man handing me glue stick refills and fetching wire. Then he counted the flowers, 18 in all, and handed them to me one by one as I placed them on the wreath and glued them down with the hot glue (which came first, the glue or the flower?). We spotted out the "holes" and filled them in. The wreath turned out just as I had planned in my head. I've been working on this in my head for weeks!!

Now, would the Little Drummer Boy please step forward and give me a drum roll.

The Enemy of Good is Better

2008-12-12T09:13:00.002-05:00

Following yesterday's post. I bought another roll of ribbon to make my bow larger as it was quite small for the ever growing wreath. I also purchased another glue gun as mine has gone to live with one of my children. Removed the flowers to reveal the buttons and beads garland and decided that too must be removed to be replaced. Also one of the ribbon wrapped balls is coming unraveled. Well, if I am stripping it that far back I am going to add white lights. I'll probably take it out to the front entry to assemble and glue the flowers after I place the lights on.

Among other party prep that I must do such as floors and bathrooms I am going to make a huge pan of cinnamon apples. Busy day!! Catch ya later!!!

My Front Entry Wreath!!!

2008-12-11T10:44:00.003-05:00

Ha, we'll see if Kelly makes it over here with her "sign train"! Anyway...this year I got it in my head that I wanted a wreath with fake red amaryllis on it. I wanted a grapevine wreath rather than a pine wreath in case I wanted to change the bow and transition it into a January wreath.

My home has a fully glass front door with glass side lights and a glass window above that in the entry. Lots of light in my home as it's mostly sunny here and light is so good for my state of mind.

Anyway, I finally found a small wreath at Target covered with the red amaryllis but not nearly large enough for my large entry way $20.00 in Daytona compared to $35.00 in Haines City, go figure!....Found an old grapevine wreath in my garage. Bought some wired ribbon at Mike's last night and proceeded to construct the bow. Got on a roll and wired the garland of red beads with various buttons to the large wreath. Placed the bow. Wired the ribbon covered matching balls and the jute covered ring with three jingle bells to the bottom. Proceeded to pull the flowers off of the tiny wreath and ended up with about 20 huge flowers!!!. When all the flowers were off of the tiny wreath it revealed a tightly tied grass wreath/straw/whatever. Very pretty...I proceeded to remove the hanging jingle bells and wired the little wreath to the large wreath and the ring with the jingle bells to the bottom of that. I placed the flowers flowing from left to right from about 9 o'clock down to 6 o'clock and spilling onto the little wreath. It was midnight at this point and I promised my husband no more late nights for me as it rakes havoc on my mental health. So, today I shall seek out my little glue gun and hope for some remaining glue sticks that fit and adhere the flowers to the wreath. It will be hung on the wall to the left of the door outside in the entry way. You'll get your picture later (Kelly)!

A Tribute To Family

2008-12-10T09:18:00.002-05:00

It has taken me several days but at last I have a little "TV show" that skips through time, oh how time quickly does pass! Rather than produce something honoring only my father I wanted to take a quick little trip down memory lane. For me this has been very therapeutic!

Yesterday I went to the grave of my father and talked to myself, listened to our music, cleaned his headstone and spilled tears on his name. I talked to our Heavenly Father and now I can move on with the celebration of the true meaning of Christmas.

May the joy that comes with the true spirt of Christmas be yours this year.

Friendship Box

2008-12-01T00:03:00.010-05:00

My design for a Friendship Box * demonstrates both qualities adding a muted look using the frosted material as well as adding strength for longevity from handling and water resistance! **Here are the supplies you will need.

Before we get started with the directions let me just show you the beautiful project* you can make and share with your best friends! I've decorated the outside of the box with the frosted full sheet product. This not only subdues the pattern on the paper but allow me to rub ons and chipboard. All paper and most embellishment products are from the Basic Grey Urban Prairie Collection, with exception of from American Crafts Premium Ribbon, and the Prima flower. The name was cut with my Cricut using the Opposites Attract cartridge. The embellishments and gifts inside are from my personal collection which have long lost their packaging, therefore I am unable to give credit to those companies.

This is the closed box, doesn't look like much but wait until you see how it "unfolds"! The box is capped on each end to hold it closed but once the caps are removed a wonderful gift of true friendship unfolds!

*** Top Cap: Built the

embellishment for the top on the glazed brad. Then place a chipboard flower on the top of the box. Mount the brad, flower, and ribbon loops with mounting tape to the top.

Bottom Cap: After constructing the bottom cap, using paper piercer poke four holes about 1/4" in and set the brads for the feet of the box.

Let's build the body of the box:

Take your pre-cut vinyl*** and paper*** to a well ventilated area. Use newspaper to protect any surrounding objects from over spray. I used Spray Craft Adhesive made by Glue Craft. It is acid free, non-yellowing, clear/invisible, re-positional or permanent (depending on the dry time before you put your item to be adhered into place. In this case we want to adhere our items permanent, so once the spray is on the object to be adhered it must be put into place right away. Be sure to read the instructions on your spray adhesive.

Have your newspaper for underneath to catch the over spray, your spray adhesive, your frosted 5 1/2" X 10 1/2" vinyl, your patterned double sided paper cut at 5 1/2" X 5 1/2 " OR (2) pieces of patterned paper cut at 5 1/2" X 5 1/2".

Spray the vinyl and lay the printed side of the paper on top and bray down for even adhesion. Spray the back (white side of the patterned paper) and adhere the second piece of patterned paper. Let this dry about 5 minutes.

Time to score this section of the friendship box. Beginning at the left with the paper up and the vinyl down (as to form the "mountains" up on the vinyl) score at 2 1/4", again at 4 1/2", and a third time at 6 3/4" leaving a 1" flap on the right. Using your paper folder fold each scored line nice and strong.

Place the bottom cap on the bottom and the top cap on the top. This will help your vinyl and paper portion of the friendship box to begin to memorize the shape that it will eventually hold. You may have trouble getting the sides not to buckle in, or difficulty inserting the caps but it will go together as you work to place the end caps onto the vinyl section.

Laying a straightedge along the scored line will help to fold these lines more easily as they are quite thick. Once you have the scored line folded continue to flatten it with your paper folder so that you get a nice 90 degree angle. You'll want the "mountains" to be on the outside (vinyl) side of the box.

The center picture shows the inside of the box taking shape

To the right is shown the outside of the box with the patterned paper subdued by the frosted vinyl.

The vinyl material on the outside of the box has allowed you to use pre-decorated chipboard shapes and rub-ons. Let's start assembling. The main technique you will use is folding the tops and bottoms of the boxes inside and the end caps, after you learn to fold this box technique you will never buy another box or use a different fold again! I love it that much!

The diagram for this is drawn here:

This information may help you with the box folding procedure.

Take each square that has been cut to size according to ***on the reverse (white) side draw an X from corner to corner using pencil and ruler. Fold each point to the center of the paper, and without unfolding fold once again to the center of the paper.
Repeat all for corners and unfold

Once you have folded and unfolded your square you will cut two lines on opposite sides as indicated by the below diagram will leave you with four squares in the middle, two "houses" opposite created by the cuts, and two "wings" opposite also created by the cut. Take your first "wing" and once again fold it to the center leaving pattern side showing and white side inside. Repeat with the opposite "wing". Follow example with the two "house" quarters and fold over the edges of the wings to secure the box. I have used adhesive squares or dots to secure the folds. When placing a brad for a faux drawer pull place it in the center of the fold closest to the center bottom quad of squares. This way when you make your final fold over the back of the brad, it will be hidden.

In order to strenghten this friendship box and to cover the inside like, "drawer lining" cut scrap pieces of paper about 1/8" less than the bottom of the box or end cap and secure with glue, I did use spray glue but a glue stick or ATC tape would work just as well. The point is you want to build your box STRONG!. After "lining the top and bottom of the inside of the boxes use your spray adhesive and quickly secure them in the bottom/top of the box by picking them up with tweezers and pressing down with the back end of your paper piercer or other tool that will allow you to press down the entire area.

Once you have your four tops and four bottoms folded and joined top on bottom you will need to cut a triangular cut on the back side that is to attach to the box. This cut will look like this. f at this point your layers of fold seem to want to "ravel" you have not put enough adhesive on the folds. The inside of the top (pink) paper must be covered with adhesive and stuck to the bottom (blue) box. Then the blue and pink side (back side) of this box will be adhered to the top right corner of your folded box. Make sure not to overlap the scored and folded edges or your friendship box will not close properly. Repeat the same adhesive technique to your second box and adhere it to the bottom left lower corner, again making sure not to overlap the fold.

Once you have adhered these two boxes, the other two can be adhered at evenly spaced intervals. Closing and capping your friendship box will allow it to dry well, remember it's folds and not only appear more equally square but function more easily.

Once your boxes are adhered inside it should look something like this:

I added charms to each of the box lids. I also journaled a personal message to the recipient in the blue box left lower corner.

Inside I placed a mini album of pictures that were taken since we met 5 years ago, yummy chocolates, a hand embroidered handkerchief, and a special poem.

* Always give credit where credit is due. This box was originally developed by members of "Stampin' Up"! and altered slightly for this project...thanks ladies for the ideas and the majority of the work.
** Materials & cutting list.

(A) Outside (1) frosted or vinyl 5 1/2" X 10

(B-1) (2) Outside patterned paper 5 1/2" X 10" One sided
(B-2) (1) Double Sided patterned paper 5 1/2" X 10"(B) Inside Boxes bottoms, (4) 5 1/2" X 5 1/2"
(C) Inside Boxes tops (4) 6" X 6"

(D) End Caps (2) Cardstock or patterned paper (2) 6 1/2" X 6 1/2"

Tagged by Marelle

2008-11-28T18:05:00.009-05:00

I've been tagged!!!!

Thanks Marelle.

The Rules are:
1. Add a link to the person who tagged you (see my friends links_
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. List 6 random things about yourself
A) I love being a SAHW
B) I am in love with my husband
C) I miss my kids
D) I have learned to like livingin Sebring
E) I love my scrapbooking friends
F) I am constantantly rearranging and straigntening my scrapbook studio

4. Tag 6 people at the end of your post

5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
My 6 randon things about myself.....
* Loving my first scrapping job at Create on Garden.
* I start way too many projects at the one time and wonder why my space is a MESS.
* My father passed away nearly five years ago and I miss him terribly.
* Both my kids will be at school next year!!!! yay
* I think I have an addiction issue - scrapping, handbags, food etc etc
* I hate pea's cooked but love them straight from the garden.

Now I have to tag some of you ladies....
Firstly the gorgeous Marelle, and Skye and I don't really have anyone else to tag as the Kaiser DT blogs and these guys are the main blogs I check. No-one else will know me.
Hey Marelle, check out my friends list! We all know you at the SJ MB!
Have a wonderful holiday season!

I'm tagging:
Kris
Jana
Dana
Lisa
Jodi B.
Patter

Let's Have A Little Pre Thanksgiving Fun!

2008-11-26T14:45:00.002-05:00

Highly Productive!

2008-11-23T14:51:00.013-05:00

Where this energy has come from is any one's guess! I think it's due to the stimulation and competition for the design team. In between doing voluminous amounts of paper crafting I'm getting laundry done, cooking meals, and preparing for the Holidays!

As I've said in the past, I don't do fall, we just don't have that seasonal look that comes across the majority of the United States. I did realize this season that our ocean has a definite seasonal effect as the air cools off and the waves sometimes "white cap". The most notable is the sea weed that dies and washes ashore. It's much different than kelp. I'll save looking up what it actually is for another day! Here's a picture of our shoreline during the fall.

Although this picture is "staged" these are items found along the shore in October at Cracker Crop. The poor little sea turtle didn't make it to the ocean.

Now that I am back home from the coast I find myself actually looking forward to Christmas. I got my husband to put up the tree today so that I can fluff it up this week. It would be so much fun if we could all sit around and make paper crafted ornaments for the tree, as I have loads of Basic Gray Christmas Paper and all kinds of empty glass ornaments and styrofoam balls at the ready to be decorated. I've found directions on making paper stars as well as other demensional ornaments out of paper. It could happen but I'm not holding my breath! I'm sure I'll slip in a few ornament projects in between the other Christmas gift projects I have in mind as well as my projects for ShortCuts. I've really enjoyed creating these assignments and of course I hope I am chosen for the new design team. Well, the washer just buzzed and it's time to move the clothes to the dryer.

Just wanted to say hello and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving if I don't get back to blogging this week!

'Tis the Season

2008-11-20T10:00:00.009-05:00

Thanksgiving dinner was the last meal my father ate before he died December 8, 2004. I was chatting with Kris on IM last night and told her how lonely I had been that day! I wanted to call one of you but I don't want to call at a bad time or bug people. Yes, the pain is still there but I have, I think, finally learned to live my life. I'm finding my way in the community that I hated to move to. I've stopped complaining about "I DON'T WANT TO BE A NURSE" as DH has finally relented and accepted the fact that I'm not gonna do it! The psychologist told me last week that it had been several sessions since I had even mentioned nursing...she said that was progress. I've got one life and I don't want to spend any more of it in a hospital. I have a dream job in mind but don't know if it will ever come to pass. It's in God's hands. If you notice in my picture with Cassie I am wearing my necklace of a teardrop filled with some of my father's ashes. I wear it around his death and birthdays. Wow do I miss that man, he was my cheerleader, he'd say "go for your dream job Jan!" Now I live with two practical people in my life, both bean counters in a sense, my husband and my mother. What happened to the fun?

Scrapbooking and papercrafts, along with the friends I have made with this common interest have made my life so happy! I'm so thankful for this craft, heck let's just go ahead and call it an art!

Getting Ready For The Holidays

2008-11-17T12:59:00.006-05:00

This time of year my thoughts begin to think toward the direction of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Most times I dread all the work that it entails and try to put it out of my mind. This year has been different!

Following Cracker Crop (mid October) I found myself with a Scrapin' and Stampin' Studio that looked as if a bomb had gone off! I'll tell you it was enough to make a grown woman cry!

Since moving furniture, for carpet cleaning, was first on the list I quickly unloaded two china cabinets and two glass top tables. Knowing my men they would have tried to move the cabinets and tables contents and all! As every woman knows, one thing leads to another so began the dish washing baseboard cleaning and cob web dusting!

Happily, I report that the reorganized furniture is to my liking and I don't have to ask for something else to be moved.

My son (22 y/o) began to ask why I wanted to switch the two tables and two cabinets, why did I want to change the furniture, on and on. His father stopped him by saying, "We don't ask why, we just DO IT!" 17 years later my husband has at least learned one thing!

Looks like all the holidays will be coordinated and held at the home of my husband and myself! He is a great help in the kitchen both in the cooking and cleaning up departments!

Last summer I decided to design and make my Christmas cards way ahead of time! "Well, the best laid plans of mice and men...". I think that I can get an assembly line type "build a card" and get my cards done. My favorite is to mail them the day after Thanksgiving! It seems that the only cards some folks are sending out are to people who have sent them cards....

Off track here so back to my achievement! I have spent hours, literally organizing and hooking up electronics for my Scrap Studio! I'm so tired of being in my left brain it hurts! I'm going to jump in and create this afternoon!

Here are the pictures proving I've done a pretty swell job at getting my things organized!

This is the view of my closet. Yes, the doors will close!

Given to me by a friend who owns a retail shop, this K&Company display case is awesome for holding lots of little goodies and has 12 slated slots at the bottom to hold projects and/or matching collections.

I'm a freak about saving anything that I think might be cute altered. These items are stored on this shelf. I've got everything from wood cigar boxes to tin dishwasher detergent boxes!

Finally my work area complete with holders designed to hold baby food jars and a Pampered Chef organizer that I use of pens and tools! All of my Stampin' UP Inks are at finger tips.

When I want to go online all I have to do is twirl around in my chair and log onto my laptop print pictures or program my Cricut!

I'm ready to rock and roll!

Saturday, November 8

2008-11-09T21:11:00.009-05:00

Finishing up my weekend blogs here on Sunday night! Saturday I went to the LSS to support a fundraiser for MS. I really didn't take anything to scrap but worked on their blog and other computer related details! By 1:00 PM, I had a headache that would not quit! I found a massage therepast I know, who happened to be booked solid, and she gave me five minutes of head meassage that helped some!

I came home and took Tylenol Migraine, although the h/a wasn't like those I've had in the past. I put ice on my head, took a nap and got ready for our picinic at . Todd picked up my favorite rye/onion bread. we had cheese, bread and wine before the concert.

Next to us was sitting a 4.5 y/o girl who recently took up ballet. Also a young boy who wanted to "show his moves! It was more interesting than the concert to see them dance!

There were no bugs out and the air was clear and cool. Following are some pictures:

Bok Tower Gardens\

A Fun Day With Tina

2008-11-09T19:16:00.010-05:00

Friday, November 7, I picked up Tina at her hotel near the Orlando Convention Center and together we went to Downtown Disney to meet Cassie!

Tina and I don't get to get together often but this was a rare day, our day!

After leaving Cassie and Company we headed to Seasons 52 for a fabulous lunch!

First we had drinks, I got my "guilty pleasure" drink of Grey Goose Vodka along with stuffed blue cheese olives. We started with an appetizer of broiled crab & shrimp stuffed mushrooms with roasted garlic and caramelized parmesan. We also ordered a cup of mushroom and wild rice soup! Since the entree's arrived before the appetizers the chef deducted them from our tab. NICE! Tina ordered the grilled sea scallops

ending witI enjoyed Gulf Shrimp & Fusilloni Pasta sautéed with market vegetables in a light lemon-basil sauce.

We love they way they present their delicate portions of desert without the large portions. Tine enjoyed Mocha Macchiato while I chose the more traditional southern desert of Pecan Pie with Vanilla Bean Mousse. We also enjoyed a cup of espresso!

After dining we took off to the Mall at Millenia. While walking around Tina commented that the difference between the malls she usually frequents in this mall people were not carrying packages! Yes, it's a fun place to visit but totally out of our financial league!

We did wait until 4:00 PM when Blue Martini opened and sat outside enjoying the 77F weather and watching the palm trees blow in the breeze. The cheapest drinks were $12.00 each so we each only had two, only to find out it was "happy hour" and drinks were half price! I could have gotten my Grey Goose but enjoyed the fruity,Sex In The City
Van Gogh Blue Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Cranberry and Pineapple Juice and Mango Madness
Van Gogh Mango Vodka, Mango Schnapps, a splash of Pineapple Juice martinis. Tini chose the more creamy martini's starting with Caramel Swirl
Three Olives Vanilla Vodka, Butterscotch Schnapps, Irish Cream Liqueur, Caramel Syrup, in a Caramel Swirled Martini Glass and h Mochaccino
Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka, Starbuck’s Coffee Liquor, Dark Crème de Cocoa and a splash of Cream, garnished with a Rock Candy Stir Stick. We nursed these two drinks over two hours!

Being on a business meeting with her honey, I dropped Tina off at her hotel and drove home arriving about 8:00 PM! I was very tense in my neck from all the driving and getting lost looking for the resturant and hotel! All in all it was a wonderful day!

Meeting Cassie

2008-11-09T17:21:00.007-05:00

I've known Cassie for three or more years online! First it was Scrappers Galore and that message board went belly up! Now Cassie and a friend, Alicia have put together Scrappy Arts. We chat on and off with Yahoo IM! Cassie is great at helping me with techno questions, walking me through things as I head toward my goal of technogrannie wannabe!

Now Zack was shy, or pretended to be so while Mally was just as I expected, cute as a button and full of fun!

Cassie is so down to earth, friendly and a beautiful woman! I'll be keeping up with her as she is a professional photographer who does awesome work! She is a scrapper so she has that scrapper's eye and takes those candid shots every scrapper hopes for! I didn't have long to spend with them as they had to head off to meet up with the rest of their family! It was so great putting a face with a name!

Colorblind!

2008-11-06T09:53:00.007-05:00

Call me what you will, but I was so colorblind before the election that it really hit me off guard when watching Oprah yesterday afternoon I realized how the election of candidate Obama had turned into a "whole 'nother thing!"

Yes, I was alive, a little child, during the civil rights movement. My mother had to explain to me what "colored" toilet and "colored" drinking fountain was! For all I knew I'd prefer the "colored fountain" as it might just shoot out red Kool-Ade!

I was ashamed of how black people were treated, not by my family, as I was taught that each person has dignity and value because they are created in the image of God.

Yes, we had black people help us out around the house but they were the ones who wanted the work and we paid them cash money! My mom was good to them, she fed them, she took them home and picked them up. Whatever needed to be done.

I'm a WASP, when I dated a Puerto Rican guy in my teens my mom's housekeeper, Josie, went off on me! White girls can't date Puerto Rican's! Why?

I didn't and still don't think that president elect Obama has the experience to lead this country. Where did he come from anyway? Oh yeah, Chicago!

I'm glad that people of color can excel in this country! I'm glad that I don't have to feel ashamed of the way most white people treat blacks. I'm not even sure what the PC term for that skin tone is anymore!

I did what I could, I voted.

Once again I will say that I am happily sitting here in my own little world exercising free speech. I'm glad that my TV has an on/off switch too!

Cracker=The term used for a Florida native. Cracker is the sound of cracking whips of cowboys herding cattle. It's not derogatory!

Election Day Has Passed

2008-11-05T09:09:00.004-05:00

I woke up at 6:00 and turned the TV on to see the results of the election. Then I turned it off.

Now, being the good Calvinist that I claim to be I must accept that it is all God's will and plan that our president elect was preordained (predestined) by the God of the Universe. This is not what I would have chosen and frankly, I'm quite unhappy and frightened! I'm even fearful of turning the TV back on as I do not wish to hear all the commentary on the election. For now I want to sit in the quiet of my home, maybe read another chapter in "The Shack".

God's timing is perfect, maybe that's why my friend Lisa's mention of this book came so close to the election. I fear for our country's future, I remind myself of the system of checks and balances with the Congress, Senate, and Court System, and yes, the president.

Psychologically this puts me in the denial phase re: the president elect. Yet, here I sit writing, exercising my free speech.

This is the land of the free and the home of the brave, so I'll put on my brave armor of God and trust Him as He is in control. I'm so glad that I voted as I would kick myself if I had not! Everyone in my immediate family voted, even my children. For that I am proud!

Monday Late Post!

2008-11-03T22:56:00.006-05:00

Today, Dh took a "day off" to help complete the projects we started yesterday,changing furniture around. It's amazing what a new look you can achieve without spending money! We put the antique looking dining room table, chairs and hutch into the family room and put the, and put the smaller white hutch and dining room table in the living room to make way for the Christmas tree.

We're having the company Christmas party at our home, once again so I hope to "jump the gun" and be ready before the party! Next w/e I hope to put up the fake Christmas tree and fluff it before decorating it!

I like the new look of our home having clanged the semi-formal family room to a better look and make our living room a bit more formal! It's late so, like Alicia says,Lights out! More, with pictures, maybe, tomorrow!

It's November!

2008-11-01T09:08:00.003-04:00

The time will change tonight and the sun will start going down earlier and coming up sooner. Why do they have "dayliight saving" time anyway? Fall isn't bad with the "falling back" part but "Springing Ahead" kills me every year!

The weather holds cool here. I'm thankful for the break in the heat but the q-tips are returning and our town is swelling!

Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here and gone before we know it! I feel more like a Maxine than a Martha this year!

Friday Fill In!

2008-10-31T08:56:00.003-04:00

1. My1. My favorite food seasoning is vanilla.
2. You don't have to cook tonight is music to my ears.
3. Lucky is better than good.
4. My marriage is something I take very seriously.
5. Many people think marriage is disposable.
6. Coke was the last thing I bought at the store.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being home, tomorrow my plans include emptying the china cabinets and Sunday, I want to rearrange some furniture!Lucky

Cold in Florida?

2008-10-29T09:56:00.002-04:00

It's true, it has been cold at night here in the Sunshine state! We have the sunshine that warms us up to about 70F in the daytime. Last night DH and I actually had two quilts on us. One cotton quilt and midnight he pulled up the comforter that covers our bed. Time to put the electric blanket? I think not! Monday is supposed to be back into the 80'sF! I enjoy the cool, dry weather and do not wish it away. My two little dachshunds are shivering and burrowing under the comforter!

I have been so tired following Cracker Crop, not allowing myself time to rest as I try to rush back into the groove of a SAHW! This morning with my aches and pains I had DH bring me an Aleve in bed. I stayed in the bed nestled with Rustie and Josie until almost 10 AM. Now up and at 'em time to tackle my studio and replace all the items I took to Cracker Crop in thier rightful homes. First I plan to actually clean the room even sweep the floor of all the chad, glitter, embossing powder and sand that gets tracked in. Once I do that I can set up my computer, printer and Cricut straighten my stash and go back to creating!

The cold weather has brought out the crock pot. Chili on Monday and chicken with noodles last night! Tonight may be left-over night! I still hate to cook and be in the kitchen. I must make myself unload the dishwasher and tidy up the house so that I can get on to cleaning the house another day this week.

Staying home, while I'd hate to go back to work, sometimes is lonely and boring! My girlfriend time is very important to me not to exceed my time with my husband! He's gone 10 to 12 hours a day, commuting about the state with his Civil Engineering Inspection job. He goes to Winter Haven, Bartow, and Tampa primarily, although of recent he has been going to Orlando and Kissimmee as well. Thank God he has a company truck and fuel!

Enough of my rambling and up and at 'em! I think I need some perky music to motivate me!

Thank You Amy

2008-10-27T16:31:00.003-04:00

Thanks Amy for helping me pimp my blog! I spent days, literally composing the Cracker Crop entry and I apologize if it is difficult to read! I'll be using larger font and black lettering from here on out! I just can't go back today and change the blues to black!

It Was So Much Fun I had to do it again!

2008-10-26T21:48:00.000-04:00

Word Mix

2008-10-26T21:40:00.003-04:00

Click on the title Word Mix it will take you to a place that you can add your words and they will appear in random form! I think it would make a great scrapbook page~

Friday Fill In!

2008-10-24T12:47:00.003-04:00

1. Right now, I'm feeling tired but fulfilled.
2. Right here is where I want to be.
3. How does one acquire more energy?
4. My medication keeps me on track.
5. Please don't tell me you're going to come to visit and not come.
6.Jesus fills me with joy.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to seeing my husband after 12 days, tomorrow my plans include resting and enjoying the beach and Sunday, I want to go home and see my dogs!

Back to Bloggin'

2008-10-10T10:06:00.003-04:00

It's been a long week for me! Friday is here and I didn't make the Reminisce DT! My style is my style and I'm not changing it for some fly by night one photo page trend! My scrapbooks tell my story. They each have a title, plenty of journaling and lots of pictures. I sure could have used that $500.00 prize to go to Scrapology in January! Maybe I'll be able to make, save up my cash, something as I need to get my air tickets and train ticket from STL to KC! I love going somewhere cold in the winter time! It's so refreshing to get away from this never ending Florida heat! I'd like to have a dozen wool sweaters and be able to wear turtle neck cotton t-shirts! I'd love to wear socks with my crocks!

My Cracker Crop is coming up quickly! I have lots of work to do, still! I don't think it's as bad as it seems but there's so much I want to do for the girls who are flying in from all over the country and driving 3 hours each way to the Atlantic coast of Florida to crop for 5 days! I'll love hugging their necks and laughing and giggling like girls into the late night!

I'm so excited and will be even more excited once I get all of my gadgets packed and ready to roll!

Friday Fill In!

2008-10-10T09:49:00.003-04:00

1. One of the best concerts/plays/movies I ever saw that I really didn't think I'd like was Mama Mia.
2.DH made mojo criollo chicken, stir fry green peppers and onions, rice and black beans last night and I enjoyed it mostly because I didn't have to make it! Is a meal DH recently made (or meal I recently ordered) that was delicious!
3. It's time for a "cool change".
4. Sweet tea is quite refreshing.
5. If I never hear the words mama, I need money! again, it'll be too soon.
6. To one side of the curving road was a golf cart, and on the other was a kid on a bicycle.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chillin', tomorrow my plans include Scrappin' at the ABC House with friends and Sunday, I want to pack for Cracker Crop!

On Pins and Needles

2008-10-06T10:43:00.002-04:00

Today the announcements for the Reminisce design team began! I for one am on pins and needles waiting for the announcements!

Today Reminisce announced the fourth runners up and honorable mentions. I was not among them. Is this a good thing! Think positive, Jan!

Tomorrow the third runner up, Wednesday the second runner up, Thursday the first runner up and Friday the winner!

Oh the suspense!

Live Out Loud with products from Reminisce

2008-10-04T10:16:00.004-04:00

So, a post is incomplete without pictures? Here's a sneak peak of my designs I'm submitting for Reminisce!

I tore the kit apart and redesigned it as I was having difficulty obtaining Reminisce Products locally! Below are my own designs made with Reminisce Products (primarily):

The Little Things
12X12 Layout

Collage Page
12X12 companion page for The Little Things!

Star Card front and inside.

You Card front and inside.

Circle Card Front and Inside.

Friday Fill In!

2008-10-01T21:44:00.005-04:00

1. Cracker Crop and my birthday are some of the things I'm most looking forward to in October.
2. Sometimes I have a melt down.
3. I do things I thought I'd never do, and that's why there is a saying, "never say never"!
4. When I'm down, I "face the music".
5. Home is where you'll find me most often.
6. A rainy day is good for scrappin'.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to sleeping, tomorrow my plans include more house work and planning for Cracker Crop and Sunday, I want to resting!

Signature Series

2008-09-30T11:57:00.005-04:00

This 8x8 double layout was created using the Signature Series Orlando and matching Florida Phrase Stickers, The flip flops are Toes in the Sand from the Coastal Passion collection all from Reminisce. I created a pocket using mounting tape to add tags showing more about Florida than this small layout would allow.

Welcome to Florida with tags showing, there's journaling on the back.

Welcome to Florida with tags tucked in.

Coastal Passion

2008-09-30T11:49:00.004-04:00

This small Circle Journal double layout was created using Shell/Wave paper and stickers from Reminisce. The topic of this circle journal is "What Do You Do When You're Blue".

Enchanted Autumn

2008-09-25T09:49:00.003-04:00

From Reminisce this 12X12 Layout was created using the Enchanted Autumn paper line.
Good Deal

I also created from the same paper line this 12X12 LO

My Ghoul's

My Jungle Safari by Reminisce!

2008-09-22T12:17:00.004-04:00

Below are two items created with Reminisce product line My Jungle Safari.

First a single page 12X12 page.

Giraffe

Altered 12X12 album cover that's "kid friendly"!
"Its Your Day" Let's Go To the Zoo"

Monkey Business by Reminisce

2008-09-22T12:12:00.003-04:00

Below is a 12X12 double layout designed with Reminisce product line Monkey Business!

Monkey See

French Kitchen by Reminisce

2008-09-22T12:05:00.006-04:00

Below are my 12X12 double layouts created with the French Kitchen paper line from Reminisce!

Hen Scratch Farms

Berry Sweet

Wine Tasting

Friday Fill In!

2008-09-19T08:55:00.002-04:00

1. There is no need worry.
2. Where in the heck did the time go?
3. I wanted to exercise 3 times this week, 3 is all I managed to do.
4. Prospects for my fundraiser for the Clearlake Family are full of effort and I hope it helps them.
5.Keep trying is the message.
6. Simplicity and tranquility are results of a hard days work and a gift not to be taken for granted.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to will someone else please fix supper, tomorrow my plans include a 12 hour crop at my LSS, and Sunday, I want to veg, but I'll be doing the laundry if I don't do it today!

2008-09-18T20:50:00.003-04:00

So! I'm not giving my atta girl blinkies for working out at water aerobics! When does the extra energy kick in? Woman, the water is so warm that I don't feel refreshed after a workout at the "Y"! I did it I worked out again, so far twice this week! Gotta go tomorrow so I can reach my goal of 3/week! The computer can suck the energy out of you! I love my water aerobics classes!

It's Been a Long Day!

2008-09-17T21:37:00.002-04:00

I've been round and about soliciting online contributions for Kris and family! Tomorrow I will post more SJ kits while waiting for other non scrapbook related items to be donated! I can't imagine that I am more tired than Kris and Nick! I talked to her this afternoon and they are packing their belongings for storage! This is a long process posting auctions, but waiting for that insurance check to come in should be about 4 months, according to my conversation with Kris!

For tonight, it's lights out and lots of goodies to add to the Auction blog tomorrow! Remember to mark the page in your favorites and to check back often!

Auction Site Up and Running!

2008-09-17T08:49:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was an overwhelming day for me as I wanted to do all I could as quickly as possible to get the Auction site for the Stratos family up and running! Gleaning pictures of my personal scrapjammies kits, then posting each item with a number for auction. Other's are slowly finding out about this site! Offers of donations for auction are coming in. Suzanne, and Jodi were not affected too badly, though they are busy clearing debris and clearing tree limbs all without air conditioning! They're running generators to keep their freezers going. Jodi said due to the lack of gasoline they're only running their generator two hours at a time. I know, having been through 3 hurricanes in 2004 Charlie, Frances, and Jeannne, one every two weeks, that living without air conditioning, waiting in ice lines, and trying to sleep while fighting mosquitos isn't a fun camping trip at home. Not my idea of a Staycation!

I've put my efforts for the design team at Reminisce on the back burner but still hope to complete some more projects to show before the call ends September 30.

As of now, the tropics are quiet! Let's pray they stay that way as hurricane season doesn't end until November 1st!

Many people across this nation have experienced flooding, power outage, and tornado's. I wish I could help them all.

Kris and Nick, along with their son Trey are near and dear to my heart! Kris and our little group try to get together at least once a year. This year we chose Manitou Springs, CO! It was a wonderful happy time. I'm sure that we will have more in the future!

Kris and Nick's home is condemned!

2008-09-16T08:22:00.005-04:00

Last evening I was able to talk to Kris on the cell phone. She and I broke into tears as she told me of the devistation that had gone on at their home. Along with Kris I cried too feeling at a loss of how can I help her? What do they need now? What will they need in the long run? Here is a snapshot of the water in her townhouse. And another of the devistation to her downstairs living room.
Even a picture of the drawer full of water under their oven!

They'd moved most of their electronics and all of Kris's scrapbook supplies and albums up there! Thank God the roof did not blow off! Here's a shot of Trey's bike and his room piled full of possessions Nick and Kris put upstairs.

Here are some shots of Nick boarding up their home and the innocence of a child, Trey oblivious to the upcoming events that would be soon to come!

Kris said they finally allowed Trey to go back to their home to see the damage. She found Trey crying in his room.

Following are various pictures of the devistation around their townhome complex. The complex is on the water. Although many of the boat's owners do not live in the complex, there were many in the parking lot! You know, the one for cars!

Look carefully at this picture, can you see the man taking pictures in water higher than his waist?

There was even a little bit of humor to lighten the heavy load on the shoulders of the residents of Clearlake!

There were even news crews setting up to tell the story.

Not wanting to delay the website that I am setting up with auctions on it I'll sign off for now! Look for a link to this auction website coming soon! Place a bid and let's help raise some money for this family whose home has now been condemned!

Kris is OK!

2008-09-14T08:28:00.003-04:00

Kris wrote" We r alive but its bad bad bad got water in bottom floor 18 inches b4 Nick had to get out. Just pray it stopped there no power Just pray will b in touchc, Kris! via text message.

Last night I got a phone call from Kris, we lost signal but she said that her downstairs is flooded 18". She hopes her new stove is okay as she thinks that the working parts were not affected! She sounded calm, stating that Trey had slept through most of the night in his "safe place"! I think that Kris is still in shock or denial on the damage clean up that she faces! She's thankful that she and hers are safe! Stated that Nick was awakened by their dog Merry about 3:00 AM as he had fallen asleep on the sofa! When he stood up the water was "knee deep". Nick took Merry and stayed on the phone with Kris while driving to Kris's parents home where they are staying! Kris said that she had to help him know where to turn as the wind and water were so bad! Nick got to the parent's home safely! I guess Kris and Nick went back to their home! She doesn't know yet but thinks their town home will be condemned! Her upstairs where her albums and scrapbook supplies along with the electronics were stored are okay! I told her I just want to know what she needs NOW and in the future! She just didn't have any answers! I'm still praying for all of our Houston friends as they finish riding out the wind and rain! It looks like Suzanne near the AK boarder in LA is getting hammered now! Jodi's phone just didn't go through, no message to leave, just a busy signal after about 20 rings! Will update as I find more about what's going on with the Texas Trio! No word about Chrissie or Wendy! I expect they are evacuated and out of touch. I do not know their phone numbers! It will be a long haul to restore Houston to normalcy!

Free Personal signatures - cool!

2008-09-13T16:06:00.001-04:00

TEXTAREA_ID

Josh Sings with the Smokey Mountains

2008-09-13T14:30:00.002-04:00

Again, you are going to have to turn off my music to appreciate this youtube clip. It's one of my favorite songs and places, it reminds me of my father and mother who took my sister and I as kids to camp with the bears! We go back as often as possible!

Be Still My Soul

2008-09-13T09:56:00.002-04:00

You're going to have to turn off my music player by hitting the pause button to enjoy this peaceful music! I'm thinking and praying for all those affected by Ike, especially 3/5 of my Chi 5 Sisters, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Scissors!
God Bless You!

Tiffany! She's got a rockin' PIF!

2008-09-12T10:11:00.002-04:00

Tiffany has a portable Epson Printer that she's giving away! WOW! Do I ever ever cross my fingers that I will win! Won't it be awesome to have that to take on my cropping trips! I have wanted a portable printer for ssssooooooooooooooooooo long! This Epson really rocks!

Friday Fill In!

2008-09-12T08:46:00.003-04:00

1. I enjoy scrapbooking.
2. How my mother ticks is something I wonder about often lately.
3. In your heart, you knew I should have never married my ex, even at the time.
4. Take bleach, add a little ammonia and you end up with a chemical cloud of deadly fumes in your bathroom.
5. Life has gifted me with a comfortable lifestyle.
6. A weekend alone with my husband and no house work to do is an instant vacation.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to my husband coming home after a week away, tomorrow my plans include slipping in sideways a little scrapbook time and Sunday, I want to wear my KC Chiefs football shirt and go watch the game at The Blue Lagoon!

Long time no blog!

2008-09-11T09:34:00.003-04:00

While watching Ike I've been hard at work on a design team submits. I'm waiting for my product to arrive from the company as I've had difficulty obtaining the needed product locally! I thought the deadline was Monday the 15th of September! Today an email arrived reminding me that the deadline is September 30! Can you here me sigh that big sigh of relief? I expect the product that I ordered to arrive today, meanwhile, I've rummaged through my kits from SJ's and absolutely tore them up remaking them into my own designs! Cross your fingers for me! This is a good one! They pay in good old American dollars! Check back as I am going to post my entries here on Cracker Scraps!

The SITS Recipe Site

2008-09-09T13:54:00.003-04:00

Now listed on my side bar is the link to the SITS recipe site! I did not make an entry for the Cricut but have added it to my side bar so you can go straight on over and see if you can win yourself a brand new Cricut!

Sara Evan's Fans?

2008-09-08T20:39:00.000-04:00

Click on the title of this entry and enter to win dinner with Sara Evans!

I Love my ipod/MP3 Player

2008-09-07T22:13:00.002-04:00

Sanyo Katana DLX

I've got a lot of "stuff" on my MP3 player on my cell phone! I listen to it every night while winding down to sleep!

Do you have an MP3 player? Do you like it?

SITS Recipe!

2008-09-06T22:06:00.005-04:00

E. Taste test by wrapping 1-3 pieces first.1. Cut the lumpia into 3 pieces.2. Fry and taste. (You can deep fry but I usually just shallow fry.)3. Adjust mixture, if necessary.4. Proceed to wrap the rest of the meat mixture.F. Fry the lumpia. Remember, for every 1 lumpia, you can cut them into 3 pieces. Typically, if eaten with rice and the sweet and sour sauce, I can eat 10 pieces.G. Freeze the raw lumpia. You can then just thaw, cut and fry later.1. Store the lumpia in separate freezer bags so that you can use just what you need at a time.2. You can thaw the raw lumpia before frying. Or you can dunk it in straight (but be careful of oil splatters!)3. Cut the raw lumpia into 3 or your desired size.That's it! Have fun making the lumpia.For me, I usually eat the lumpia with rice, cucumber and the sweet and sour sauce. Yummy!!!I would love to know how yours went, so let me know!

Grits!

2008-09-06T21:31:00.006-04:00

What Is Grits? Nobody knows. Some folks believe grits are grown on bushes and are harvested by midgets by shaking the bushes after spreading sheets around them.

Many people feel that grits are made from ground up bits of white corn. These are obviously lies spread by Communists and terrorists. Nothing as good as a Grits can be made from corn.

The most recent research suggests that the mysterious Manna that God rained down upon the Israelites during their time in the Sinai Desert was most likely Grits. Critics disagree, stating that there is no record of biscuits, butter, salt, and red eye gravy raining down from the sky, and that God would not punish his people by forcing them to eat Grits without these key ingredients.

How Grits are Formed. Grits are formed deep underground under intense heat and pressure. It takes over 1000 years to form a single Grit. Most of the world's grit mines are in South Carolina, and are guarded day and night by armed guards and pit bull dogs. Harvesting the Grit is a dangerous occupation, and many Grit miners lose their lives each year so that Grits can continue to be served morning after morning forbreakfast (not that having Grits for lunch and dinner is out of the question).

Yankees have attempted to create a synthetic Grits. They call them Cream of Wheat. As far as we can tell the key ingredients of Cream of Wheat are Elmer's Glue and shredded styrofoam. These synthetic grits have also been shown to cause nausea, and may leave you unable to have children.

Historical Grits As we mentioned earlier, the first known mention of the Grits was by the Ancient Israelites in the Sinai Desert. After that, the Grits was not heard from for another 1000 years. Experts feel that the Grits was used during this time only during secret religious ceremonies, and was kept from the public due to it's rarity. The next mention of the Grits was found amidst the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii in a woman's personal diary. The woman's name was Herculaneum Jemimaneus (Aunt Jemima to her friends.) The 10 Commandments of Grits

I. Thou shalt not put syrup on thy Grits

II. Thou shalt not eat thy Grits with a spoon or knife

III. Thou shalt not eat Cream of Wheat and call it Grits, for this is blasphemy

IV. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors Grits

V. Thou shalt use only Salt, Butter, and red eye gravy as toppings for thy Grits

VI. Thou shalt not eat Instant Grits

VII. Thou shalt not put ketchup on thy Grits

VIII. Thou shalt not put margarine on thy Grits.

IX. Thou shalt not eat toast with thy Grits, only biscuits made from scratch .

X. Thou shalt eat grits on the Sabbath for this is manna from heaven.

How to Cook Grits For one serving of Grits: Boil 1.5 cups of water with salt and a little butter. Add 5 TBsp of Grits. Reduce to a simmer and allow the Grits to soak up all the water. When a pencil stuck into the grits stands alone, it is done. That's all there is to cooking grits.

How to make red eye gravy Fry salt cured country ham in cast iron pan. Remove the ham when done and add coffee to the gravy and simmer for several minutes. Great on grits and biscuits.

How to Eat Grits Immediately after removing your grits from the stove top, add a generous portion of butter or red eye gravy. (WARNING: Do NOT use low-fat butter.) The butter should cause the Grits to turn a wondrous shade of yellow. (Hold a banana or a yellow rain slicker next to your Grits; if the colors match, you have the correct amount of butter.) In lieu of butter, pour a generous helping of red eye gravy on your grits. Be sure to pour enough to have some left for sopping up with your biscuits. Never, ever substitute canned or store bought biscuits for the real thing because they caused cancer, rotten teeth and impotence.

Next, add salt. (NOTICE: The correct ration of Grit to Salt is 10:1 Therefore for every 10 grits, you should have 1 grain of salt.) Now begin eating your grits. Always use a fork, never a spoon, to eat Grits. Your grits should be thick enough so they do not run through the tines of the fork.

The correct beverage to serve with Grits is black coffee. DO NOT use cream or, heaven forbid, Skim Milk.) Your grits should never be eaten in a bowl because Yankees will think its Cream of Wheat.

Ways to Eat Leftover Grits: (Leftover grits are extremely rare) Spread them in the bottom of a casserole dish, Cover and place them in the refrigerator overnight. The Grits will congeal into a gelatinous mass.

Next morning, slice the Grits into squares and fry them in 1/2' of cooking oil and butter until they turn a golden brown. Many people are tempted to pour syrup onto Grits served this way. This is, of course, unacceptable.

IRISH BLESSING BEFORE EATING GRITS" May the lord bless these grits, May no Yankee ever get the recipe, May the lord bless these grits, May no Yankee ever get the recipe, May I eat grits every day while living, And may I die while eating grits. AMEN

Check this out!

Friday's Fill In's

2008-09-05T09:41:00.003-04:00

Those of you with multiple blogs or private blogs...if you could add a link to your blog when you comment, that would be GREAT!

This week I'm going to use rather obscure song lyrics; you can fill them in with the correct words if you know 'em...but wouldn't it be more fun to do it a bit differently?

And...here we go!

1. If I was to walk into your life, today?

2. Catch a bright star and place it where you lay.

3. And you can send me anywhere.

4. Yet you cheated without a care, but I'm dealing with a memory that never forgets.

5. I'm the innocent bystander / Somehow I got stuck with another man who never asks to be forgiven.

6. What's keeping us apart isn't selfishness, it's the broken trust.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to once again being with you, tomorrow my plans include a cleaning spree, along with a load of laundry or two and Sunday, I want to just be with you.

Yikes! Look out for Ike!

2008-09-05T09:00:00.003-04:00

Hanna is bring to us breezy weather with light rain. The air is much cooler and skys cloudy. She's headed up to the Southern Coast of North Carolina where some of my roots began.

My paternal grandmother lived right on the sound on a peanut plantation. Her mother died at an early age so Daisy was left to raise the young 'uns! She worked hard all of her life and died of Alzheimer's many years ago. She could make biscuits without a recipe. She made them every meal! She taught us how to eat lots of vegetables and to respect black people, even before the civil rights movement. Each summer my sister and I would be escorted to Raleigh by my great aunt Diana and then we would spend a couple of weeks being doted on by grandmother. She had an ice crusher and always had ginger ale for us to drink! She worked for Trailways, which was a bus company like Greyhound, so often our trip with Aunt Diana would be on the bus.

Once we took the train and ate Rice Krispies with sugar and real cream! Wow was that ever good.

Oh, this was supposed to be about Ike! Since we're still dealing with Hanna, I'll write about Ike when I know more.

Daisy Belle Atkinson

Tropical Triraid!

2008-09-04T09:06:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year when we watch the tropics! We got TS Fay straight on and dodged the Hanna bullet (hope posting this before she passes us won't jix us)!

Hanna expected to skirt the state and make landfall in NC
Ike now a Cat. 4 145 mph winds moving at 17 mph
Josephine too, soon to tell!

Where are the comments?

2008-09-03T12:58:00.005-04:00

I suppose that it's just me writing and reading my own blog but that's okay! I can look back and remember things in my life that have gone on and get a sense of timing! It also helps me when I try to remember what to journal when making my scrapbook pages!

Today I finally went back to water aerobics only to find that the class is suspended for the week beginning Monday! So, it's lap swim for me!

When I come home from the "Y" having finished my workout I feel so relaxed and rejuvinated. Right now I'm waiting for the extra energy to kick in that is supposed to come with exercise!

Gotta go see the big "O", kindly I refer to this MD as Big "O"'s bar like in Gretchenn Wilson's song, Pocohontas Proud! He keeps me out of depression with his magic pills and I keep showing up to let him know it's workin'!

We're on the map!

2008-09-02T13:13:00.001-04:00