Just Horsin' Around

Poor Dying Blog

2011-09-30T14:30:00.000-05:00

***tap tap tap***

Is anyone still out there? Probably not, since I have unfortunately not updated my blog in almost :::gasp::: two years!

I have, however, started another blog to share my vegan journey and recipes. Follow me there and I promise to try to do much better.

http://vegancajun.blogspot.com/

Sunday in Nicaragua

2009-12-06T16:32:00.094-06:00

Excerpts from my journal:

We arrived in Managua last evening at 9 p.m. The ride from Managua to Diriamba took over an hour through crazy traffic and running red lights. We were told it was "better not to look." Our driver took us at top speed up winding roads into the mountains with the Pacific Ocean to our right and Lake Nicaragua to our left. Not that we could see anything. It was pitch black. I could only compare the drive to the old Disney attraction, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!

View Larger Map

Everyone was asleep when we arrived at the mission house, so I used my flashlight to go into the bathroom and change, then get myself up to a top bunk, as all the lower ones were taken. Between fear of falling off, fear of SNORING and waking someone up, and FREEZING (it was hot when we arrived - I only took a sheet as my covers for that night, then the wind started to blow - hard), I didn't get much sleep.

Our morning started before 5:30 with showers, then breakfast. Today's task was to sort toys, clothing, and personal hygiene items for the children.

There was a LOT of stuff! Many suitcases filled with items. (BTW, we left the States with two suitcases of deflated soccer balls - 50 in one, 25 in another. When we pumped them up, we had 150. I like God's math!)

We started making gift bags to be given away during the week. The team who had arrived on Friday had already bagged up thousands of pounds of beans and rice. (Final tally: 10,300 pounds of rice and beans.)

We were also invited to participate in a graduation ceremony at the school Nicaraguan Christian Outreach helped build. The ceremony was very sweet and included children graduating from both primary and secondary classes. The buildings themselves would be considered extremely primitive by American standards, but the children and teachers were very proud of their facility.

After going back to the house to work for a few more hours, we went walking down the road quite a way, then off onto dirt paths.

The cinder block houses were quite small, one of the larger ones was perhaps the size of our school room in our house, and the translator told us there were 9 people living there.

The kitchen was a little lean-to attached to one side. Outdoor toilet. No water or plumbing in the house, but there was a refrigerator, one bare light bulb, and a tiny TV!

The children are so beautiful and are grateful for whatever we had - balls, candy, Mardi Gras beads (those were popular with the women of all ages!) and the adults were so thankful for the large bags of beans and rice. They were so gracious and invited us into their homes.

I was so touched by what I saw, but so frustrated by my lack of ability to communicate. Oh, to tell them how Christ loves them and that they are not forgotten by their Father in Heaven. I will learn Spanish before I return. That will be my #1 goal for 2010.

He Gives Us Our Heart's Desire

2009-12-04T14:35:00.003-06:00

This past summer, our church's women's ministry had a summer Bible study that also included our junior high and high school girls. It was fun to participate in a Bible study with my girls. This was unlike any Bible study I had ever done before where you read a passage and expound on the meaning. This one was personal. What is God saying to YOU? What dreams and desires has God placed in YOU? Things like that. AND it included scrapbooking! You know I loved that part!

The first lesson was on dreams - the dreams God has placed on your heart. Few people outside my family knew that one of the dreams nearest to my heart was missions. Scrapbooking that page was EASY.

I even wrote a little letter to include in my page - it was a letter to God. A prayer, really. And I, again, reminded God of this dream, one I feel He placed in my heart more than a dozen years ago.

That was back in the summer. Fast forward to November 22nd. Our church was having a newcomer's dinner. I had no reason to be there. I'm not a newcomer. I'm not a pastor or ministry leader. I'm not a member of the cooking team. But for some reason, that morning I offered my assistance for that night. I arrived at 3 p.m. since Brooke had to be there for the youth worship band practice. The other volunteers and I set up the tables pretty quickly, then we stood around talking, waiting for closer to the time of the dinner to bring in the food. Out of the blue, I told my pastor, in the middle of a bunch of people, "Pastor Jay, do you know what I want to do more than anything? I want to go on a missions trip..." A lady whom I had never met quietly says, "I'm going to Nicaragua in three weeks and there are two more spots for ladies. Come with me!" I started crying, as did most of the people around me. So many reasons why I couldn't go - I had just gone on vacation to Washington, DC and surely couldn't get more time off work - I didn't have a passport - and, most importantly, I didn't have the money. But the people around me assured me this was God - and that He would open all the doors.

The next day, my boss approved the time off, saying, "How can you miss this opportunity?" Two days later, we booked plane tickets, still not sure where the money would come from. The next day, all the money was there, a gift from my Heavenly Father, wrapped with a bow! Then the following week, my mother-in-law, my girls, and I drove to New Orleans and got my expedited passport. I was on my way to Nicaragua!

Our church had been collecting pajamas for needy children in our community, but they decided to send the first 100 pair (or as many as they had collected so far) to Nicaragua with me. Arriving one day before me were 107 pair of PJs, courtesy of Journey Church.

It took me about four hours to roll 90 pair of PJs and stuff them into one suitcase. The remaining 17 were in Judy's, Carl's, and my suitcases.

This dream I had dreamed for so long was becoming a reality. I knew when God placed this dream in my heart that my mission field for that time was in my home, raising my children, who were little at the time. But this dream, this desire had never waned over the years. Rather, with the help of Sonlight Curriculum, it probably strengthened. My girls and I would read about different countries and their needs, especially for the Gospel. We would pray for different people groups and cities and countries around the globe. I had gone in my prayers. I had gone in my heart. Now my feet and hands were going to go. God is so good.

That's All for Football!

2009-11-05T13:25:00.017-06:00

Today was Morgan's last football game of the season. I took off work so I could attend. Since her games are on weeknights - and I work every weeknight - I missed most of them.

She has had so much fun. Now begins Basketball Season. Oh boy!

What a sweet bunch of girls!

She's Alive!!!

2009-08-29T11:48:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry, dear blog readers. I have been so terribly neglectful of my blog and I do apologize. (Tap, tap, tap) Hello? Is anyone there? Hello?

When last I left you, I was planning a tea party in honor of Tasha Tudor's birthday. The tea went off quite nicely. When reviewing my photos afterwards, I discovered I didn't take any pictures of the food. Very sad. It was very good.

Tasha Tudor Tea Menu

Herbed Quiche

Raspberry Cream Cheese Sandwiches

Lemon Ginger Scones

Dried Cherry Scones

Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing and Pound Cake Croutons

Lavender Honey Biscotti

Orange Curd Bars

Teas

River Shannon Irish Breakfast

Citron Oolong

Blackberry Fig

The big tea hit was the Blackberry Fig, which I ordered from The Jasmine Pearl Tea Merchants. It was delicious!!!

Here are some highlights of the morning.

This is the "under 18" table. There was sure a lot of giggling going on. I suppose that means they had a good time.

Brooke Nicole. Are you behaving yourself?

Who? Me? Of COURSE I am! Why would you think otherwise, Mother Dear?

I thought so, Brooke. You are always the epitomy of grace and decorum.

The grownups had less giggling, but lots of great conversation and fun! AND, most importantly, we ate! And drank loads of tea.

After the party, Stewart decided he wanted some tea.

Tea is not for kitties, Stewart. How about just a teeny bit of cream. This is a rare treat!

Kallie didn't want to be left out, of course.

Of course, after the cream, Kallie needed a nap. I'm SO glad my cats are obedient to the "no cats on the table" rule. :::sigh:::

I enjoyed hosting my first tea. I can't wait to do the next one!

A Tasha Tudor Tea

2009-08-20T02:14:00.004-05:00

I unfortunately did not discover Tasha Tudor until my girls were too "big" for her books. I plan on adding them to my collection to enjoy with my future grandbabies. I admire Tasha's art, her simple way of living, her love for a life lived slowly, yet fully. She was definitely a woman born out of her era. She loved the 1830's and harkened to recreate her own little slice of the 1830's in the woods in Vermont.

Clarice at Storybook Woods is hosting this little blog celebration. Hop on over to her blog and see what it's all about. I am so excited about having this tea with my friends on her birthday. Would you like to join me?

Love, Conditionally.

2009-07-26T17:49:00.001-05:00

I am so loved by my kitties. They love me so much that when I work, they sacrifice comfort to be near me.

Stewart, obviously reminding me to add cat food to the shopping list.

They just can't stand to be far away. Generally I have one cat sleeping on one side of my L-shaped desk and another cat on another side.

Stewart and Libby sleeping on the uncomfortable desk. Suffering for my sake.

If I open my lower desk drawer to get my reference book out, that is an open invitation for a cat to jump in and warm that cold, lonely drawer. Holding the place for the book, you know.

Libby looks so sweet when she is sleeping.

Kallie is behind me on the school table. (That table, BTW, was a steal from Pottery Barn for $124. It was a floor model and they didn't have the leaf. It fits perfectly in my school room/office and the black/distressed finish matched my desk.)

Kallie is making sure Morgan's puzzle pieces don't jump off the table and run away. She's right behind my desk. You know, in case I need her to drink the left-over milk in the bowl after the cereal is all gone. Helpful, that's what she is.

The nearness of my cats is because they love me so much and is not influenced at all by the little special surprises in my desk drawer. No, that couldn't be it. Could it?

Punkin Goes to Alabama

2009-07-05T09:38:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a young horse named Punkin who lived with a young girl named Marcie. Punkin learned how to run barrels. Marcie learned how to run barrels. They loved each other and had so much fun together.

After a few years, Marcie grew up and went to college. Her parents sold Punkin to someone who had more time to ride. But Marcie never forgot Punkin and missed her terribly.

Punkin then went to live with someone else who let her run barrels and poles and encouraged her to go really fast. But Punkin never forgot Marcie and missed her terribly.

After more years went by, Punkin came to live with the "C" family. Joshua rode Punkin and she went really fast because she loved Joshua - and running fast. Joshua took Punkin to many horse shows, including AQHA Youth World, where she went to the finals. Joshua loved Punkin very much and she loved him.

Then Joshua grew up and became more interested in girls and cars. Little Morgan started riding Punkin. At first, Punkin was too fast for Morgan, but Punkin was a smart horse and grew to know just how fast Morgan needed to go. Morgan loved Punkin and Punkin loved Morgan. But Punkin never forgot Marcie.

Punkin grew older and could no longer compete. Morgan still loved Punkin, but her life outside of riding became busier and busier. She loved Punkin so much she wanted her to be happy. And Morgan thought Punkin would be happier living with Marcie. And Morgan knew Marcie would be thrilled to have Punkin living with her again.

So Morgan had her mom make a call to Marcie. And early in July, Marcie came to pick up Punkin to bring her back home to Alabama.

But Morgan never forgot Punkin and loved her forever because she was the best horse a little girl could ever ask for. Just ask Marcie.

The End.

June

2009-06-30T09:15:00.001-05:00

We have had quite a busy summer! One reason I have been so neglectful of my poor blog.

The month started with the girls and me volunteering at our church's first ever spa night! We had so much fun pampering all the ladies. My sister-in-law and mother-in-law helped out as well. When it was all said and done and the church cleaned back up, we needed a pedicure and a massage ourselves!

This is the only picture I have. Sorry it's so tiny. Morgan and Connie are helping out at the paraffin wax table. (Actually, I think Morgan is getting her own paraffin treatment!)

Then the girls volunteered to help with VBS. They had SO much fun! The youth girls were used for all the songs. Our theme was Crocodile Dock - quite appropriate for South Louisiana. (Again, sorry the photo is so tiny. It is the only one I have.)

I had scrapbook class in my "Upper Room" again. We have so much fun in our very own space!

I'll have to post pictures of the layout later. I need to go up there and take pictures of the recent layouts.

Morgan went to the beach with her BFF Gina. They had so much fun. Their lives have been so busy lately, they haven't seen much of each other. It was wonderful for them to reconnect.

These girls have been best friends since before Kindergarten. What lovely young ladies they have become!

So, there's our June in a nutshell. Busy, busy, busy!

What is it?

2009-06-01T02:49:00.000-05:00

For my birthday, my mother-in-law gave me a sweet little teapot. Wanna see it? It's here in this box.

Hey! That's no teapot! That's a stink-pot! Kallie knows the table is a no-no!

But she's not "on" the table, she's "in" a box! Cats can be just as legalistic as kids sometimes!

Birthday Celebration

2009-05-31T02:43:00.000-05:00

Birthdays are a big deal with my in-laws. My mother-in-law always throws a big family birthday party for each person's birthday, complete with a special meal, cake, and presents. Even though it's more than a week after the fact, this was my day!

Steve and me on the front porch before we walked over to my mother-in-law's. He looks thrilled, doesn't he? :::grin:::

Morgan and me. She smiled a little nicer than Steve. Now, off for BBQ!

Cats and Dogs

2009-05-28T02:35:00.000-05:00

Doing a little filing. What "cat-a-gory" should this be filed under? :::snort:::

Someone left the file drawer open just a teeny bit and Libby thought it would be a good place for a snooze. She scared me - I didn't know she was in there until I went to shut the drawer!

And a very shaggy Cosette was giving her toy quite a workout today. Cosette usually doesn't play with toys, but today was an exception.

She thought it was a pretty tasty toy! Love that tongue!

It's Time for Another Episode....

2009-05-27T02:02:00.001-05:00

...of "Name That Bug."

What IS this weird thing? It was enormous, too! Probably at least 3-4"! And it was very aggressive. See it raising that.....whatsit.....and it had big pinching mouthparts!

Do YOU know what this is?

Scrappy Birthday to Janet!

2009-05-23T02:20:00.000-05:00

My friend, Janet, turned 40 this year and decided to throw herself a big birthday bash! She set up a private crop at a local scrapbook store, invited her friends, and had it catered by La Madeline's. Yum!

Janet, Linda, me, Elen, Heather, and Cheryl

We had SO much fun, even though I didn't get the first page done in the entire 8 hours I was there. Yes, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. I didn't do one single little page. Not even a card. Not even a bookmark! But I had a BLAST!

Arianna, Janet, and Angie check out Arianna's pages.

Elen and Heather are hard at work!

Laura and Connie, cutting up - in more ways than one!

What better way to celebrate 40 great years than with good friends, good food, and scrapbooking!

Diplomas and Recitals

2009-05-15T02:06:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law, Susie, graduated from college today. We were all so proud of her. Here she is with her parents.

The Two Connelly Girls. (Note the scrapbooking magazine under Connie's arm. She knew the speeches would be boring. We both read the scrapbook magazines she brought and I was quite glad for the diversion. Rude? Maybe a little. But definitely more polite than the people conversing loudly during the speeches.)

Then we ran to get a bite to eat, then went right to the place for Morgan's piano recital. No pictures from that (Steve was manning the camera), but we got some good ones afterwards. Here's Morgan and Susie.

A proud father and his daughter.

Three generations of Connelly women. (Brooke was manning the camera.)

It was a busy day, but a good one!

Lovin' My Scrapbook Room

2009-05-10T20:32:00.001-05:00

Today was the first day I got to just to up into my scrapbook room and PLAY! No agenda, no class to plan for, just FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

First, I finished a birthday layout from my April Hostess Club. I didn't put pictures on it for my class because I wasn't sure if I had scrapbooked these photos before or not - and I didn't have time to look! (Actually I have, but only for Morgan's book. This layout will be for MY book!)

The layout incorporates a little flip book for more pictures and journaling. I will cut a window in my page protector so you can access the little book.

I made a Mother's Day card for my sweet mother-in-law. I loved how it turned out. The colors look bland and washed out in the photo, but it really was quite pretty.

I finished a camping layout I started, oh, three years ago or so.

Did this camping layout. My goal was to completely use up a very old camping themed Simply Scrappin' Kit. I did, plus have the beginnings of four cards that can be purposed for any occasion.

I also made copies of the pages for the kids' books. One page layouts for their books because I only scrapbook the pictures that they are in.

I had so much fun that I didn't realize the time! I looked up and realized it was DARK outside - it was 9 pm and I hadn't even thought of supper! Cereal for supper, anyone?

Yup, the scrapbook room is going to be GREATLY loved! I'll have to post pictures of the room itself next time! Who wants to come scrapbook with me?

You're So Vain...

2009-05-03T23:09:00.001-05:00

You probably think this blog is about you....

Don't you?

(My "surprise photos" in my camera that I general refer to as "Brooke's Vanity Pics." Taken of Brooke, by Brooke. Tweaked by Mom.)

Talk DERBY to me!

2009-05-02T23:37:00.000-05:00

We are big Kentucky Derby fans, even though we've never been to the "real" race. The week before, Steve and the girls generally check out the videos of the contenders and they pick their horse. My "pick" is generally just a whim - the name, the way the horse looks, where the owner or jockey is from, etc.

Last year, Steve decided that our first Big Event in the new house would be a Kentucky Derby Party! The planning started! In April, the hand-stamped and watercolored, printed invitations went out, lauding this event as our "First Annual."

The week before was very busy. I had a detailed list of what needed to be done each day. This was quickly thrown out the window bright and early Tuesday morning when the other daytime medical transcriptionist was transported to the hospital. In addition to all the party preparation, I had to work extra to boot! AND it meant I had to work the weekend. The weekend that I had invited a million people to my house for a party! (Okay, so it was more like 50.)

Last minute prep - in hat, dress, AND apron! The denim Pampered Chef apron did not go with the outfit. I need a frilly apron. (I looked. I couldn't find one.)

The food table. Well, one of them anyway.

The second, and most important, food table - the one with the desserts!!! The Mint Julep Brownies were AWESOME!

We had our own little impromptu "Red Carpet." Me and Elen.

She and her hubby look like they should be modeling, don't they? Such sweet friends. I went to school with Travis and lost touch for more than 15 years. We met again at a mutual friend's birthday party. Now our daughters are best friends!

Christina is not to sure about Brooke's hat!

Our neighbors, Cindy and Anthony. I went to school with Anthony, too! We had also lost touch over the years. I was so surprised when they bought a house on our street! They are great neighbors!

Isabelle and Joshua. Isabelle didn't have a hat, so she borrowed one from Joshua!

Everyone is gathered for the race. We had "high stakes betting" - everyone brought $1 and put it in a jar and wrote down their name and their horse. Earlier in the week, I wrote down my Top Three: Friesan Fire, Mine That Bird, and Chocolate Candy, in that order. When two men wrote down Friesan Fire, I decided to go for the long shot - Mine That Bird! Everyone teased me, especially when the horses walked in. "Look at yours, Ginger! He's asleep!" I told them he was just faking out the other horses and conserving his energy. They laughed at me.

Then he came from second to last place and won the race! No one was laughing then! And I won the enormous $16 purse! LOL!

After the race, we voted for the hat contest. Elen won Fanciest and Connie won Most Creative. Brooke won the prize for the Biggest Hat. Prizes were official commemorative glasses with all the past winners.

We had a ball and hope all our friends had fun, too. We're already making plans for our Second Annual! I can't wait!

Resurrection Sunday

2009-04-12T23:33:00.000-05:00

He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

My two beautiful girls. Steve and I both had to work today, but at least the girls and I were able to make it to the early service. Wonderful message.

Makeover Time!

2009-04-10T21:27:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, there was this little blue-eyed girl....

...with long hair...

...who decided she wanted a new look.

So off to the salon she went. And three and a half hours later, a young lady emerged.

This young lady looks sophisticated, chic even.

:::sniff, sniff::: My baby is growing up. :::sob:::

I'm So Glad...

2009-04-01T21:12:00.000-05:00

....that I bought Steve that "squirrel proof" bird feeder.

Par-tea Time!!!

2009-03-22T16:12:00.000-05:00

It doesn't take knowing me long to know I LOVE a good tea party! So when my mother-in-law invited me to come to (and bake scones for) a bridal tea party for a friend of the family, I was ready! We had some awesome food.

I made the scones - Chocolate/English Toffee, Ginger Lemon (my favorite, of course), and plain cream scones. My sister-in-law made the curd - strawberry and lime. My mother-in-law made everything else. (And I happened to be working that weekend.)

My mother-in-law had just painted the room and decorated it for spring. Very cute. And here are the gifts for the bride.

The ladies enjoying tea. We had a different tea with each course. Blackberry sage was my favorite!

Oh, look! Here is one of our elegantly dressed servers. Morgan, when did you become a young lady?

And who is this lovely young guest? That can't be MY little girl! :::sigh:::

It's Rough Being a Cat

2009-03-20T16:03:00.000-05:00

Boy, who would ever want to be a cat? They work so hard! Just imagine, in ONE day, Stewart had to do this....

....then he had to do that.....

....and that......

.....and more of this!

Yes, the life of a cat is definitely a rough one. :::sigh:::

Silly Girls

2009-03-18T00:28:00.000-05:00

My girls are so silly.

They wanted me to take their pictures the other night while they were goofing around.

They fight so much, it was wonderful to see them laughing together.

I like these times when they are having fun together, being silly, enjoying each other.

A glimpse of things to come? I hope so!

Just Call Him Hairy

2009-03-13T00:23:00.000-05:00

Morgan comes home from practicing her piano at Nana's and yells, "Get the camera! Quickly! And BE QUIET!!!"

So Brooke and I grab the camera and follow her - back to the field between the end of our street and my mother-in-law's house. "Look, there, by the tree!" It was a little armadillo, rooting around for bugs or grubs or whatever it is they eat. We followed him around, taking pictures, for probably 15 minutes. He really didn't care.

But he never would give us a good smile. This is the only side of him we could photograph - his back side!

I think this is probably the only time I've seen a LIVE armadillo! Usually they are in the middle of the highway looking a mite poorly. I like this kind better.

Sad, Sad Day

2009-03-11T23:24:00.000-05:00

On March 10, around 10:30 at night, my cell phone rang. When I saw who it was, I knew it wouldn't be good. Calls that late usually aren't to impart happy news. The manager of our barn said Lady was colicking.

Brooke took these pictures of the horses on 2/17/2009. All three horses in a row - Punkin, Honeybee, and Lady.

If you don't have horses, you probably wouldn't know that colic is a VERY bad thing in a horse. I didn't. You think of babies with colic and you think "tummy ache." Nothing serious.

Later, when Brooke was looking at the photos, she was shocked to see that Lady was mimicking Honeybee's every step. In almost every shot!

But with a horse, colic can be deadly. I was still working, so Steve and the girls went immediately to the barn while I made phone calls to the veterinary service.

It is like they were synchronized - every step the same.

The vet contacted Steve to get the scoop once Steve arrived. After trying a few things that help for a minor colic, and those things not helping, they decided to bring the horse to the equine vet - a trip 45 minutes away. And it was now midnight.

Even here - all four feet off the ground at the same time - both horses. Weird.

The news at the vet's office was not good. It was very serious and she likely would not make it.

"I'm gonna get you, Honeybee!"

Steve and the girls arrived home around 4 a.m. Everyone was upset. By morning, things had worsened and Steve had to make the decision that no pet owner wants to make - we had to put her down.

Brooke with Lady in January 2009

Writing this today (1 April 2009), I still can't believe she is gone. She was just a few weeks shy of seven years old.

Me with Lady in 2007

I suppose it is every little girl's dream to own a horse. I didn't realize that "little girl dream" until I was 41. But while I owned her, she owned all our hearts. And we will all miss her dearly.

Warm House, Great Friends

2009-02-21T21:33:00.001-06:00

:::tap, tap, tap::: Anybody still there? I know I've neglected this blog for over a month. I may be speaking only to myself now. I'm going to try to update and keep it updated. A lot has happened in the last month.

One of the most FUN things that happened was our Housewarming! Our wonderful friend, Ashley....

and her sweet husband, Josh...

asked if they could throw us a housewarming party! How could we say no? We had SUCH a wonderful time and were blown away by the terrific party Ashley and Josh put together for us.

Ashley had some great special touches...she had come here to our blog and downloaded a bunch of pictures of us building the house and from our first few months in the house. She mounted these on little standing "frames" and put them all around. She also gave me the great cookbook stand in the back holding the housewarming party invitation. Ashley has a beautiful cookbook stand in her house and I always comment on it.

Because Ashley is a fellow scrapbooker (and that is actually how we met some 5? 6? years ago), she made this great scrapbook page for all the guests to sign and leave notes of good wishes and house blessings. When the party was over, she popped it into a frame. Steve couldn't wait to hang it up and it is in a spot where everyone can see it when they come into our home.

She also cross stitched this bread basket cloth and a tea towel with our name and the year of our marriage. All this in addition to the food. OH, the food! My, oh, my! Delicious beyond all delicious-ness!

There was a yummy pasta salad, an antipasto tray, hummus and artichoke dip for the bruschetta.

And tulips! She bought my favorite flower to decorate the tables! Lovely white tulips that she mixed with sliced lemons in the vases for the neatest looking arrangements! How clever!

My mother-in-law made chicken salad sandwiches and at the last minute decided to just "whip up" a small batch of jambalaya. LOL! It was delicious, though, and it is for sure that between Faye and Ashley, NO ONE left hungry! If they did, it was their own fault!

I felt helpless, so I asked Ashley if I could make something - dessert perhaps. She acquiesced. I think to hush me up. So I made some mini cream puffs, little brownie cups, and a lemon blueberry trifle. Joy and Jenna are discussing whether the cream puffs or the brownie bites are healthier. Joy picked the brownies since they had fruit on top. A good choice, Joy!

Although the lemon berry trifle was pretty good, too! Not that the cream puffs had to be thrown out or anything, mind you.

Here's Paige and Morgan. The FRIENDS were just as wonderful as the food at my party!

And family is pretty wonderful, too. Here's Joshua and his adorable girlfriend, Isabelle.

And not only did we have great food and great company, we even got PRESENTS! That was just the cherry on top. But the best gift was just gathering together with all our friends and relatives and neighbors. Love is always the best gift of all!

Thank you, Ashley, for showing your love for us in such a wonderful way! You and Josh are such a blessing to us and we are so grateful for your friendship! Thanks for the party!

(And they even cleaned up afterwards!)

What is it about BOXES?

2009-02-17T22:14:00.000-06:00

Kids and cats just love them! My kids are now too old to want to play in the boxes, but my cats are very glad I get regular shipments for them to play in. And they think the crinkly paper and packing peanuts are pretty cool, too.

Is it just me or is Stewart smiling in his box?

How Old is the Groom?

2009-02-16T16:42:00.000-06:00

No, we're not marrying Morgan off at 12. She has been bugging me to try on my wedding dress for a while now. She thinks she'd be interested in using the dress for her wedding, but she says, "These sleeves have GOT to go!"

Kallie will help with the train!

If you want to use that dress, Morgan, you best not grow much. It almost fits! I can't believe I weighed only 88# when I got married! I'll never see THAT weight again!

Happy Valentine's Day, Punkin!

2009-02-14T22:47:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago, we received a call from a lady who owned Morgan's horse, Punkin, when she was a young girl.

She wanted to come and visit. She owned Punkin when she was a 2-year-old horse and helped train her. Her family sold Punkin when she went away to college and she hadn't seen her since.

She came from Alabama to see her old Punkin. There were a few tears and lots of smiles.

After visiting with them at the barn, we all went to eat sushi. It was a great visit. Morgan enjoyed meeting her and hearing about Punkin's youth. I hope she visits again soon!

On Their Way to Mardi Gras

2009-02-12T22:42:00.001-06:00

The Budweiser Clydesdales stopped in our small town on their way to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. This was a big event, being listed in our little newspaper and everything. So my mother-in-law came to get the girls for them to see.

When we arrived, the line to have a picture with the horses was wrapped around the parking lot. Hmm...we thought NOT. We just snapped a picture from across the crowd, marveled at the beauty and size of the horses, and promptly left. We get to pet horses every day. The girls did not want to stand in that line just to pat them and for me to get their photo.

Still, a neat thing. We're not beer fans, but we are horse fans. And a Clydesdale is a LOT of horse!

Brooke + Horse Show + No Mother Present =

2009-02-07T22:38:00.000-06:00

The First Sunburn of the Year.

This is What We Think of the Groundhog....

2009-02-02T16:55:00.000-06:00

....and his six more weeks of winter.

Pretty Poodles

2009-01-26T16:51:00.000-06:00

You may recall that when we built our house, we put in a grooming room next to the shop attached to the garage. I groom the poodles myself and the grooming room was going to make that so much easier. Well, since we've been in the house, I have groomed one poodle, one time. I just don't have time to do it. And since I've been working, well....time is even scarcer.

So today, the "girls" went to the hair dresser. Here's Abrial, showing off her pretty gold bows.

And, to match your gold bows, you must have sparkly gold toes! What a pretty girl!

While it sure is cheaper for me to do it myself, time is money. And in this case, I had just a wee bit more money than time. Until I paid the groomer, that is. :::grin:::

Our Cats are Weird

2009-01-21T13:12:00.000-06:00

ALL of our cats are weird. All three of them. But they all have different areas of weirdness.

I was in the kitchen when I heard a VERY LOUD meow. I looked around the corner and saw this....

Libby, sitting in the water bowl. The EMPTY water bowl. I generally don't speak "cat," but I know this means, "Fill the water bowl, you stupid human. I'm thirsty."

So I did. And Libby was happy again. Well, as happy as she ever is. (Another item of weirdness for Libby - she puts one paw on the edge of the water bowl when she drinks. Can you see it?)

A Few of My Favorite Tuesday Things

2009-01-20T12:35:00.001-06:00

Delilah's cold nose. I love to kiss the top of it. I love it when she lays it on my leg...or on the arm of the chair so I can give her some love.

Delilah's Smile. She can smile when you tell her, but I love it when she smiles just because she is happy. Like when Morgan kisses her nose. Or gives her treats.

Delilah's favorite treats. They're Fruit Loops! She loves them better than anything!

My Hubby! He's my Favoritist Favorite thing. It's his birthday today!

Cookie cakes made and decorated by Brooke. Yum!

Back in the Saddle Again

2009-01-19T12:23:00.000-06:00

We've rearranged our schedule...again. Brooke now has a job six mornings a week working at a barn in the next town. She gets picked up between 6 and 7 in the morning and works for a couple of hours. She calls me when she's done and Morgan and I drive to our barn, where Brooke gets dropped off. The girls ride, then we come home, eat lunch, and start our school. Then I work (at home) from 5 to 11 at night. Busy days, but they work for us.

Here's a picture of the girls one COLD Louisiana morning. (I spend my time in the warm car, doing my Bible study homework or reading a book.)

January Hostess Club

2009-01-17T21:38:00.000-06:00

I may be slow, but I finally got my January layout posted. Unfortunately, because of horribly bad lighting from all the dreary, rainy days, it came out pretty blah. It looks really cute in real life, though. Really.

The Cricut letters and snowman made from punches and brads turned out really cute - the letters were all embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder and were very sparkly, although it doesn't show well in the photo.

The Felt Flurries received a coating of Dazzling Diamonds glitter, so they were sparkly, too!

Page Recipe: Paper: Frosty Day designer series paper, Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, and Basic Black (with an orange scrap for the snowman's carrot nose). Inks: Versamark. Accessories: Felt Flurries, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Iridescent Ice embossing powder, black brads.

Fire Cat

2009-01-15T12:05:00.003-06:00

We are finally getting some colder weather and yesterday I just could not get warm, even in warm clothes and turning the heater up. So when Steve came home, I asked him to start a fire in the fireplace. He was glad to oblige. We had a nice, roaring fire and I FINALLY got warm.

When I woke up this morning, I could hear the blower still going on the fireplace. I thought that was odd, because the fire should have died down in the night, causing the blower to automatically go off as it cooled. When I went into the living room, I saw that my sweet husband had put more wood on the fire and had brought in some logs for me to keep it going today. He must have been warming himself before work, because there was a chair pulled up near it. The chair was now occupied by Stewart!

He loves looking at the flames. I love how you can see his reflection in the glass!

Cats LOVE School!

2009-01-12T11:55:00.001-06:00

Or is it that cats love snuggling with a homeschooler who is intensely interested in her reading? We may never know.

Happy 2009!

2009-01-01T11:22:00.000-06:00

New Year's is always a quiet celebration around here. Steve usually has to work - and this year was no exception. *I* also had to work, but thankfully I can wear my PJs to work if I want.

Morgan spent the night with a friend and Brooke and I watched a movie and then went outside to view the neighbor's fireworks display (which is NOT pictured above - that's a stock photo from the internet).

Here's wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and blessed 2009!

Remember That Rule?

2008-12-28T11:18:00.000-06:00

The rule about "No Cats on the Counter?"

The disobedience is running rampant. :::sigh:::

Setting Up

2008-12-26T10:59:00.000-06:00

Joshua graciously offered to assist in setting up Steve's new television. First decision: To read the directions or to just wing it.

Nah. Real men don't read directions until a last resort.

Discussing whether opting to not read the directions was really a good idea.

Evidently, no directions worked for these guys. Steve's reaction the instant "It Worked!" He was quite tickled.

First movie watched: "The Patriot." Yes, we ARE the ultimate nerd family. :::snort:::

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T21:45:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas to All! We had a great Christmas in our new house. We hosted Christmas Eve this year, as my sister-in-law has been waiting with baited breath to "turn Christmas Eve over" to Someone Else.

Steve, Ginger, Joshua, Brooke, Joshua's girlfriend Isabelle, and Morgan in their Christmas PJs on Christmas morning. (No, Isabelle didn't spend the night here - Joshua went and picked her up after she finished opening gifts at her house - wearing the PJs she opened at our house the night before was a requirement.)

We went to church on Christmas Eve, then back to our house for lasagna, spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and Italian Hazelnut Creme Cassata for dessert. I changed the cake recipe just a wee bit - I omitted the raspberry jam (for Steve, who hates raspberries) and hazelnuts on top (for my mother-in-law, who can't eat nuts). Even with the omissions, the dessert was delicious! Unfortunately (or, per usual) I didn't get any pictures of Christmas Eve.

For a slight twist this year, and totally unplanned by me, Steve did most of the gift choosing and buying. And the girls did most of the wrapping. I wrapped perhaps four gifts, total. I liked this! I hate to shop. And wrap!

Steve is always the hardest one for me to buy for. He never gives hints as to what he wants. Or either he mentions things that I couldn't possibly buy - like a Cessna or a small tropical island. And NO MATTER WHAT, he always guesses his presents. Like the time I bought him shoes and wrapped them in a computer box with two cinder blocks. Yes, he guessed it was shoes. No, he doesn't peek. But he just always seems to KNOW.

But this year, I was able to get him something he had asked for - a big TV. We have an old "fat" TV. Steve had the entertainment center in our new house, though, built for his Future TV - a 50" flat screen plasma TV. I was shocked when I looked at the sticker price on these monstrosities and knew there was no way I would be able to get him one. But, thanks to a good sale and 18 months interest free financing (and a new job), I finagled a way to buy his biggest ever wish.

However, it would spoil the surprise to simply wrap it and put it under the tree. And he would be suspicious if he didn't have anything to open. So, while picking up some driving gloves at Bass Pro Shop that he mentioned wanting, I got an idea. "What is the smallest amount you can put on a gift card?" I asked the clerk. She didn't know and thought that was the strangest question. I explained what I had in mind and she got with the game. "Let's try $0.05," she said! And it went through! I write on the gift card "$200" and wrap it up. I also told Morgan if her dad opened it and said, "Oh, how nice!" we'd know he was completely disappointed (which was what I was hoping).

Christmas morning, he opened his gifts from the kids. Then his gloves. Then the gift card. "Oh, how nice," he said. "I can buy lots of stuff with this." (He is very gracious, even when thoroughly disappointed.) Morgan is holding her side and trying to stop the laughter that is bubbling inside. "Hey. Did you open your red box?" I ask Steve. No, of course he didn't. The kids got right into the game, lifting up their empty boxes and searching through the wrappings. "Brooke, you didn't leave it in the guest room, did you?" She admitted she probably had, so Steve and all his entourage trek to the guest room. "It'll be on the shelf," I say. He gets to the guest room, opens the closet, looks up on the shelf, then looks down....

Do you see the look on this man's face? Do I need to tell you that when he ripped off the paper (he knew what was in it by the size of the box) that he assuredly did NOT say, "Oh, how nice?" And, to my great delight, he never found out, so it was TRULY a surprise!

Steve has worked so hard the past two years and has given so much. The best gift *I* received was watching my wonderful, darling husband receive his Christmas Wish.

The Transcriptionists in the Office.....

2008-12-21T21:26:00.000-06:00

...never have to deal with THIS!

Can you see what the little rascal is doing?

She has sought me out so she can suck on my fingers! While I'm typing!

Silly kitty!

So BIG!!!

2008-12-20T21:20:00.000-06:00

Remember this wee little flea-bitten, wormy thing that arrived in June?

She's grown a little.

And she LOVES to give kisses! It's the sweetest thing!

Tina? Is It You?

2008-12-15T21:08:00.000-06:00

When Delilah and Abrial need a grooming, we say they look like Tina Turner. The topknot just gets bigger and bigger and bigger.

See the resemblance?

Cosette, however, is never called Tina Turner. Her topknot doesn't get bigger and bigger - it gets flatter and flatter. Anyway, the above photo is a clean and dry, yet ungroomed Delilah. Quite the poof, wouldn't you say?

Still with the poof, but now with a clean muzzle. Where are those scissors, anyway?

Oh, much better! Nicely groomed. We can see she does have eyes! Ta da! And a new Christmas "collar" guarding the Christmas tree. There's my Delilah! See, it's not Tina after all!

Decorating Help

2008-12-14T01:20:00.000-06:00

Steve and the girls went out Friday and found the perfect tree. He strung the lights on it and now it's my turn. Only I'm missing some of my ornaments and don't now if I'll have enought - we've never had a tree this tall before - or one that needed more than 1/3 of it decorated because the only spot we had in the old house was in a corner with entertainment center and sofa around it. Just the front third needed decorating! Now I'm discovering I don't have nearly as many ornaments as I thought I did! And then there is that missing box.....

Kallie decided to help Steve with the garland. Actually, she was crouching down, thinking she was hidden. We got quite tickled at her.

Libby decided to squash the wreath. Good thing we weren't using that wreath this year!

Poor Snow Guy

2008-12-13T01:12:00.002-06:00

He is melting just like Frosty in the hothouse. To add insult to injury, Joshua accidentally bumped him with his car, causing his skinny little head to fall off. But it's all good - Joshua stuck it back on.

Looks like Snow Guy is going to be a puddle just like Frosty. Where is that Santa when you need him to put a Snow Guy back together?

(But can you believe that Snow Guy lasted until Saturday? And it snowed Thursday? Wow! A definite Louisiana record!)

December Hostess Club

2008-12-12T23:36:00.000-06:00

Something happened that has NEVER happened before - at least to my memory. We awakened to a bright, clear morning and the ground was covered with SNOW! I cannot believe it lasted more than 24 hours!

Everything was so bright white and beautiful! Okay, not my yard because I have no grass - it was just a brown mud hole. :::sigh:::

But the back was beautiful! Okay, this is not in my yard either. My yard was a brown mud hole all the way around the house. I just looked past all the mud, though.

So absolutely gorgeous! And by the time night rolled around for Hostess Club, it all still hadn't melted, especially back here.

I neglected to post November's layout, so I'll include it. I actually didn't even take a picture of it until tonight. The colors of both layouts came out very dull looking - I apologize for my photos' quality. It was late and I didn't care.

Page recipe: Stamps: Letterpress and Rough Edges Alphabets. Inks: Chocolate Chip and Almost Artichoke. Paper: Almost Artichoke, Naturals Vanilla, retired designer series paper, Kraft. Accessories: Vintage Brads.

Page Recipe: Stamps: None. Inks: None. Paper: Ski Slope Designer Series Paper, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White. Accessories: Season of Cheer Rub-ons. (That's what is decorating my title - in the picture, it just looks like little blobs on my white letters.)

Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland!

2008-12-11T22:11:00.004-06:00

My cell phone, as well as Steve's, started ringing right at 6 a.m. this morning. "Wake up!" yelled Joshua, "it's SNOWING!!!" Okay, it had been raining for four days and, although snow was forecast, I said last night that "I'd believe it when I saw it." So I had to walk outside and THIS is what I saw.....

Okay, I'm a believer! My father-in-law said it was coming down when he woke up at 4:30 this morning. A steady snowfall with very LARGE wet flakes kept up most of the morning. Very surreal for a Louisiana gal whose biggest amount of snow seen in her home state was not even two inches!

My little mailbox, all covered in snow.

Morgan rarely gets up at this hour. Only something like snow would have her up by 6 a.m.!

Everything was SO beautiful!!! It was truly like a winter wonderland! Although I wouldn't want this every day, all through the winter. It was definitely a nice treat, though!

My handsome hubby looks even more handsome when covered in snow! HE couldn't even believe how hard it was coming down!

My puppers have never seen snow. Abrial and Cosette were not sure of that white stuff, but Delilah loved it!

She would jump at it and bite it and then run back to Abrial and Cosette to try to get them to play with her.

Eventually they did. The kids, however, didn't need any encouragement to play in the snow. They went through quite a number of outfits after they became soaked to the skin.

My poor southern children were reduced to digging in their pajama drawers and layering as best they could. This will explain Brooke's unusual outfit. Look! A REAL snowball fight! In Louisiana! With real snowballs! Amazing!!!

Of course, with all this snow, us deprived Louisianians were able to make a snowman that stood taller than 18".

Whoops! By this time, the snow had changed to sleet! And our electricity had gone out at about 7 a.m. - trees that were weakened by the two hurricanes earlier this year started losing branches left and right. The entire top of one of the large trees behind our house fell. It sounded like a gunshot when it broke!

My girls and the neighbor children with their biggest snow guy yet! They were all cold and wet and decided the fire and some hot cocoa were in order. I agree!

No Cats on the Counter

2008-12-10T14:34:00.000-06:00

That's the House Rule. And they always obey.

Well, sometimes.

A Job for Stewart

2008-12-10T14:04:00.000-06:00

Morgan was babysitting for Baby R. today. But you know that she is only 12, not yet official babysitting age...

So I, Stewart, took it upon myself to supervise and make sure things went okay. Have you checked her diaper, Morgan?

Let's tuck that blanket in a little more securely. We may live in Louisiana, but it is COLD today!

Can she breath okay? Is her head covered? What does her hat say? Brrr.....how appropriate for the day!

Yup. I, Stewart, carefully supervised and was pleased to report to Baby R.'s mom that Morgan did an excellent job caring for her. With a little assistance, of course.

What's That Bug?

2008-12-08T22:26:00.001-06:00

Blog Contest!!! If you can identify these moths, I will send you......hmm......okay, the winner gets something that has NOTHING to do with moths - a copy of "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry." Why? Because I have three of them, that's why.

And because I've looked at approximately 4,723 pages on the "What's that Bug" website and STILL can't find them. They were about 1 1/2 inches from stem to stern. And I'm curious, that's why.

Aren't they cute? They look like they are wearing little black and red furry scarves!

No Cats Spoiled Here

2008-12-03T22:18:00.000-06:00

And Libby would definitely not be spoiled. No way. Why would you ask?

Horses? On THIS Blog?

2008-12-01T00:59:00.000-06:00

They've become quite the rarity lately, haven't they?

Today, Morgan was behind the camera. I think she did a pretty good job, considering the lighting wasn't the best.

Then Brooke took over the camera and there was a whole series of what I call the "I'm so vain" photos - the Self Portraits. Here's one of Miss Thang with her pink highlights. (They are only clip-ins. Whew!)

Growing Up

2008-11-30T00:53:00.000-06:00

My newest baby is getting to be a big girl. I was looking back at the pictures of when she first arrived in June. She was such a tiny little peanut. Now she's getting big and beautiful, with a definite attitude.

Brooke took these pictures with hopes to send one in to a contest. Of course, she couldn't just take pictures of Kallie. Libby might be jealous.

Oh, those eyes!

It's 3 PM on Thanksgiving Day....

2008-11-27T23:00:00.000-06:00

....do you know where your turkey is? Here's mine!

Steve's family eats Thanksgiving Dinner at High Noon. In fact, Steve's mom called me at 10:30 this morning saying she was STARVING and couldn't wait until time to eat! Since this was the first Thanksgiving I've hosted in the new house - and only the second Thanksgiving I've EVER hosted - I wanted to take loads of pictures. But I forgot. :::sniff, sob::: So you get my AFTER Thanksgiving pictures!

By 3 PM, we had eaten, cleaned the kitchen, finished taking the meat off the turkey carcass, and I had him in the pot making stock! Here's the cleaned up kitchen....

On my bar below, you can see the pies and other things that didn't have to be refrigerated, covered and lying in wait until we descended again for supper.

And here is my dining room. It was beautifully set with my china and my grandmother's silver. Now all of that is back in the china cabinet and the linens are in the laundry room.

And poor Brooke....here's where she spent Thanksgiving afternoon and evening.....

....in my bed, lying amongst the cats and tissues, because she caught a terrible cold while working as a counselor at "horse camp" earlier this week. It takes Louisiana a while to really get "into" winter - instead, it dips a toe in periodically and we have temperatures ranging from hot to cold and back to hot all within less than a week's time. And everyone comes down with a malady known as "The Crud" because of it.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It is my favorite of holidays (and I've been crazily avoiding all the radio stations who have prematurely been playing Christmas music - it makes me feel like poor Thanksgiving is getting pushed aside). Here are a few of the things I'm thankful for this year....

my faith - how people make it without Christ, I do not know;
my family - how blessed I am with a wonderful husband and great kiddos, my parents and all my siblings, as well as in-laws who love me as though I were a daughter;
the members of the armed services who selflessly put themselves in harms' way for our country's sake - thinking of them today brought tears to my eyes;
and last, but not least, I'm thankful to be FINISHED building this house! Whew! It took way too long!

What's Cookin'?

2008-11-27T01:15:00.000-06:00

Here's my contribution to our Thanksgiving menu:

Brined and Herb Roasted Turkey
Oyster Dressing
Drunken Carrots
Green Bean Casserole (yes, the one off the back of the can of French Fried Onion Rings - Steve loves it!)
Cranberry Relish
Cranberry Chutney
Brooke's Butternut Squash and Crab Bisque
Molasses Cranberry Crinkle Cookies
Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie

Steve's mom made:

ham
sweet potatoes
her cornbread dressing
fruit salad
pumpkin and cherry pies

Steve's sister, Susie, made Brussels sprouts and his other sister, Connie, and her husband brought homemade wheat bread and loaded mashed potatoes.

For recipes, you can click on some of the things above - I've linked to my old recipes or those that are online. The cookies were okay, but not my favorite. They were sort of plain - I think I expected more of a cranberry taste, and I couldn't taste them at all. The molasses overwhelmed them.

I combined recipes for my turkey and it was delicious and juicy. Here's what I did:

Brine:

1 cup kosher salt

1 cup granulated brown sugar (I just had it and had never used it - you could use regular brown sugar)

4 lemons, quartered

6 sprigs of thyme

4 sprigs of rosemary

small handful of peppercorns

1 15# turkey

First, I dissolved the salt and sugar in 2 gallons of water on the stove, just heating the water enough to melt everything. I used a big brining bag from Williams-Sonoma. You could also put the turkey in any non-reactive container, such as a large stock pot or clean bucket. If your turkey is larger and you need more brine to cover the turkey, use 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup brown sugar for every additional gallon of water. Add the lemons and herbs, zip up the bag and put it in the fridge. I put mine in an ice chest with ice because I needed the fridge space for other stuff. Anyway, let the turkey sit in the brine for 24 hours or so, turning the bird over halfway through.

You'll need some turkey broth for the gravy. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the turkey neck, heart, and gizzard to the pan and saute just to brown, about a minute. Add:

1 large carrot, coarsely chopped

1 onion, coarsely chopped

1 large stalk of celery, coarsely chopped

1 small bay leaf

Saute the veggies and bay leaf for about 2 minutes. Then add...

4 cups low-salt chicken broth

2 cups water

Bring to a boil; lower the heat to medium-low and simmer until the stock is reduced to 4 cups, about an hour, adding chopped turkey liver to the pan during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Strain the stock into a large measuring cup or clean pot. Separate the meat from the veggies. If you like giblets in your gravy, then chop them and take the meat off the neck and chop it up. If you're like me, you'll pull all this meat off to give to your Standard Poodles.

After your turkey has brined, you'll preheat the oven to 325°, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse well in cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel inside and out. Place breast side up in a heavy roasting pan. Mix 1 stick of butter with 1 tbsp sage and 1 tbsp thyme and a little salt and pepper. With your hands, loosen the breast skin and rub half of the herbed butter under the skin. Rub more on the outside of the bird. Save the rest - you'll melt it and use it for basting. Stuff the inside of the turkey with a lemon or orange, cut into 1/8ths, 1 large onion, cut into 1/8ths, 1 stalk celery, cut into 1" pieces, 1 large carrot, cut into 1" pieces, 2 bay leaves, 2 sprigs of thyme, 2 sprigs rosemary, and 4 sprigs parsley. If you have some fresh sage, shove it in there, too. I didn't have any. You'll also need about 2 cups of chicken broth for basting.

Roast the turkey in the oven for approximately 2 3/4 - 3 hours, basting turkey every hour with alternating stock and melted herbed butter, until internal temperature is 165°. Let rest for 20 minutes.

For gravy:

Pour off pan juices from the turkey. Skim off the fat (there will be a lot because of the butter). Place the roasting pan on 2 stovetop burners over medium heat and heat the pan juice and 1 cup turkey broth and 1 cup white wine to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the remaining cup of broth and bring to a simmer, then transfer to a measuring cup. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Stir in 1/4 c flour and stir constantly, making a light roux. Add hot stock to the roux, whisking constantly, then simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add giblets and neck meat to the gravy if you so desire. Or feed it to your Standard Poodles. They will love you for it.

I think the hit of the day was the apple pie, though. I sent a plate of leftovers to the manager of our barn, including a big slice of each of our pies. He called me today and said because of the apple pie, he cleaned all three of our horse stalls out for us! I may make him pie every day! :::grin::: This received rave reviews from everyone - it was delish. It is from a 1997 Better Homes and Gardens magazine. I've saved it all these years. Why didn't I make it before?

Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie

1 recipe Pate Brisee (Short Crust Pastry):
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled, and cut into 1 inch (2.54 cm) pieces
1/8 to 1/4 ice water

In a food processor, place the flour, salt, and sugar and process until combined. Add the butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse meal (about 15 seconds). Pour 1/8 cup water in a slow, steady stream, through the feed tube until the dough just holds together when pinched. If necessary, add more water. Do not process more than 30 seconds.

Turn the dough onto your work surface and gather into a ball. Divide the dough in half, flattening each half into a disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about one hour before using. This will chill the butter and relax the gluten in the flour. On a lightly floured board, roll dough into a 12" circle. Transfer to a deep dish pie plate. Trim and crimp edges as desired.

Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt. Take your handy dandy Pampered Chef Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer and slice up 6 Granny Smith apples. (If you don't have a handy dandy Pampered Chef Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer, you need one. Call your Pampered Chef consultant today. Seriously!) Toss the apples with the sugar/flour mixture until the apples are all coated, then turn into your pastry-lined pie dish.

Sprinkle with the Crumb Topping, which is a combination of 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup quick cooking oats. Cut into this 1/2 cup butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Cover the apples with this yummy mixture. To prevent overbrowning, cover edge of pie with foil. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes.

At this point, I evidently stopped reading the recipe, because in typing it here, I realized I skipped a whole step. My pie was only half-baked! LOL! I did NOT cover the edge of my crust with foil, but just opted to watch it. Because my crust wasn't over browned, I was good. Now when reading the original recipe, I see that I was supposed to REMOVE the foil and RETURN THE PIE TO THE OVEN for an additional 25 minutes! ROFL!!!! SO, you can just take it out and eat it "half baked" like we did - and everyone raved over it - or try putting it back in! Whenever you take it out (half-done or fully done), sprinkle it with chopped pecans (I omitted this because my MIL cannot eat pecans) and drizzle the top with 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping. Because it's just not sweet enough. :::snort::: If you make it fully baked, tell me how it turns out.

I'll be chuckling over this all night long......

Ladies in Waiting

2008-11-13T11:11:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we went on a field trip to the opera. It was good, but the rowdy public school children surrounding our group made it difficult to pay attention. I corrected children who did not belong to me MANY times (and even one teacher because I thought she was one of the naughty children - oops!).

We don't go on many field trips, but this week we had two. Today we ALL (Steve included, which was a treat) to the Renaissance Festival with a group of homeschoolers. A fun time was had by all.

Steve and one of the boys in our group tried wearing a different hat. Hmm...maybe not, guys.

Of course there was jousting.

P. got a bird's eye view! Aren't we glad Steve came along?

Brooke decided to be a Lady in Waiting. She enticed her friend and her sister to join her.

Is this my cowgirl? Really?

Morgan looks so thrilled. Not!

Teeny looked like a lovely gypsy lady.

A Letter to President Elect Obama

2008-11-09T21:04:00.003-06:00

****Disclaimer****The following post is my opinion. I can state it. This is MY blog. You may disagree with me, but if you leave me an ugly comment, it will be deleted. I moderate my comments.

Everyone who knows me knows I'm a poodle person. Standard poodles. Owning three myself makes this an obvious statement.

I belong to a Standard Poodle email group. After last week's election results, someone posted that the Obamas were on the lookout for the "First Dog" and, because of one child's allergy issues, they were perhaps looking at a Doodle - a something crossed with a poodle. I shot off a reply saying I hoped he didn't. I have NOTHING against mixed breeds. But I do have a big problem with people breeding two dissimilar breeds ON PURPOSE (not a "father jumped the fence" issue) and then selling the "designer dogs" with very high price tags. If you want a mixed breed, go to the pound. Or get one of the puppies someone is giving away in front of WalMart. Please don't pay $1000 or more for a mongrel. If you're going to spend the money, get a well bred Poodle or well bred SOMETHING.

Today I discovered a letter from the Golden Retriever Club of America. They have written a letter to President Elect Obama. I hope they mailed it to him. I wanted to post it here, because it says it very well.

Dear President-Elect Obama,
It is well known that you have promised your children a puppy when you move into the White
House. Due to consideration of allergies, it is rumored that the selection may be a Goldendoodle.
As President of the Golden Retriever Club of America, the largest AKC member breed club, I
discourage this choice as well as the selection of any deliberate crossbreeding of AKC breeds.
The current fad is the production of “designer” dogs, most of which are bred without consideration of genetic problems and sold to consumers at outrageous prices.

There are several AKC breeds which are less likely to exacerbate allergies; these breeds may be
found at www.akc.org/about/faq_allergies.cfm. A Parent Club rescue is also an excellent source
for dogs that, because of varying circumstances, may need a new home. This can be a
wonderful opportunity to obtain a nice dog, with out going through the trials of puppy hood.

I would like to share with you a statement which is published on our web site at www.grca.org.
The Golden Retriever Club of America is dedicated to the health and welfare of the Golden Retriever breed while conserving the original breed function - that of a "working retriever." A purebred dog offers to his owner the likelihood that he will be a specific size, shape, color and temperament.

The predictability of a breed comes from selection for traits that are desirable and away from traits that are undesirable. When a breed standard or type is set, the animals within that breed have less heterozygosity than do animals in a random population. The Goldendoodle is nothing more than an expensive mongrel. Because the genetic makeup is diverse from the Poodle genes and the Golden Retriever genes, the resultant first generation (F1) offspring is a complete genetic gamble. The dog may be any size, color, coat texture and temperament. Indeed Goldendoodles do shed. Their coat may be wiry or silky and may mat. Body shape varies with parentage but tends to be lanky and narrow. Behavior varies with the dog and within a litter with some puppies poodle-like in attitude and others somewhat like the Golden Retriever.

The Golden Retriever Club of America is opposed to crossbreeding of dogs and is particularly opposed to the deliberate crossing of Golden Retrievers with any other breed. These crossbreds are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public with the idea that there is an advantage to these designer dogs. The crossbred dogs are prone to all of the genetic diseases of both breeds and offer none of the advantages that owning a purebred dog can afford.

Compared with the problems you will face when you assume office, the selection of a pet is very
minor. However, this choice will have a far-reaching effect in the dog community. I urge you not
to endorse the crossbreeding of any “designer” dog, especially Goldendoodles, by bringing one
into the White House.

Respectfully,

Dianne Barnes, President and the GRCA Board of Directors

Well said. Very well said.

How Kittens Homeschool

2008-11-07T22:02:00.001-06:00

1. Homeschooling kittens like to start the day with a cup of coffee and a quick check of their email.

I was just sitting cross legged in my chair and Kallie jumped up and laid across my leg. Although I do think she wanted to be close to the coffee cup. She loves to get in my coffee.

2. Kittens like to check the Instructor Guide to make sure they are finishing all their assignments. Kallie was being tutored by Libby, who obviously is an expert.

3. Kittens like to suck a friend's finger while doing their math. Sometimes math can be overwhelming and finger-sucking can help calm you down.

Kallie is a big-time finger sucker. She loves to suck your fingers at night and will hunt under the covers for your hands if you perhaps think you are going to hide them from her. Trust me on this.

4. Kittens always make sure to incorporate naptime in their home school. Naps are good for brain development. Trust Kallie on this one.

New Bed for the Boss

2008-11-06T21:58:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday, OUR new bed arrived. That evening, I took some pictures, but haven't had a chance to post them. This is the first brand new bed Steve and I have ever bought since we've been married (more than 23 years).

Steve was first to try it out.

Do you think he likes it?

Now we need covers to actually FIT it! Do you have any idea how much king sized sheets cost? :::gasp::: I had no idea! Good thing I just got a job!

Baby Shower

2008-11-05T21:41:00.001-06:00

My friend and co-Stampin' Up! addict - I mean demonstrator - Kim is having a baby. A third Stampin' Up! person (who is also a Ginger) and I decided to give her a baby shower. The shower was last Sunday, but I'm just getting around to posting this. Sorry. I've been busy.

Here is the card I made for her. I've wanted to make this card forever! The little babies are suspended in the punched window with a length of cord - two babies are cut out and glued back to back with the string in the center, then the cord is taped between the white card and the colored cardstock. The background stamping on the pink and yellow pieces doesn't show up, but it did in real life. I promise.

This scrapbook layout was our last Hostess Club layout. Because our family never takes pumpkin pictures, I knew from the moment I decided on this layout that it would be Kim's.

The shower was a crafty shower. I made scrapbook pages for her to simply add photos to (this is the only one I thought to take a picture of). Others made baby blankets and cards. And one wonderful person brought her an insulated tote filled with frozen dinners! Every new mom needs a friend like that!

Suspended Baby Card Recipe: Stamp Sets: Retired sets Occasionally and Double Line Doodles. Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, Certainly Celery. Inks: Basic Black Craft. Accessories: Crystal Clear Embossing Powder, Stampin' Markers in Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, and Certainly Celery, Square Punch, Silver Cord, Stick Strip to hold the whole thing together.

Pumpkin Page Recipe: Stamp Sets: Retired Newsprint Alphabet. Cardstock: Brilliant Blue, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Kraft, Naturals Ivory, Chocolate Chip. Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie. Accessories: Hemp Twine, Coluzzle Cutting System to cut ovals for the pumpkins. Oval punch and scoring blade for making leaves. Old Olive button and scrap of patterned paper for hidden journaling box.

On the McDonald's Side

2008-11-04T11:38:00.004-06:00

Did you do this today?

You better!

I voted right after getting up this morning. I had to wait about 45 minutes in line because I live on the McDonald's side. Yes, you read that right. When the line finally got into the school cafeteria, there was a large pole with two signs. One pointed to the left that read "This line if you live on the Burger King side of Hwy. #." The other sign pointed to the right said "This line if you live on the McDonald's side of Hwy #." LOL! This is Louisiana, people. We don't need to know no stinkin' "east" and "west."

Okay, in smaller letters, it did say east and west. And, for those who are DYING of curiosity, the line was longer for the McDonald's side of the highway. I guess those folks are just more civic minded than those Burger King guys.

Oh - and did I remind you?

Where Are The Horses?

2008-10-31T00:54:00.000-05:00

Here's one! That's MY beautiful baby! I love her glossy coat and NOW I know what Brooke was talking about when she'd say how much she loved the smell of horses. I used to only smell stinky barn smells - you know, the manure and wet shavings. Ugh.

But since Lady has been mine and I've spent more time at the barn, the icky smells don't bother me anymore (well, Coppertox still makes me gag - I'd actually rather smell horse poop) and I now LOVE the smell of my horse. Sweet girl.

Oh, yeah. There were some other horses at the barn today as well. Somewhere. :::grin:::

New Bed for Brooke

2008-10-29T00:36:00.000-05:00

My children are deprived. They've never known the thrill of picking out a brand new bedroom set of their very own. Up until now, they've always had second-hand furniture (not that there is ANYTHING wrong with that). Brooke picked a black sleigh bed with a chest, desk, and nightstand.

The cats approve of her choice. And they just LOVE her new silver, gray, and black covers! I just hope Brooke loves removing cat hair from it! :^D The sticky roller will be her new best friend!

What is All That White Stuff???

2008-10-27T00:32:00.002-05:00

Could it be snow flurries? In South Louisiana?

Wait! It's not January! That's the only time there are ever possibly a few flurries. But they never stick on the ground. What is that?

Ah. Yes. Packing peanuts from the boxes that were stacked outside. Who knew a cool front would literally BLOW through? There are hundreds of packing peanuts now scattered over our backyard.

Any teenage girls want to be sassy? I have the perfect punishment. Muhahahahaha!

Beauty Treatments a la Brooke

2008-10-25T23:25:00.002-05:00

Brooke decided to search on the internet for some homemade face masks. And she decided to make one.

She mixed half an avocado, mashed,

and 1/4 cup of honey,

warmed it just slightly in the microwave, and brushed it on. The directions said to leave it on for 10 minutes.

There. Aren't they beautiful? :::giggle:::

I guess I should have taken a REAL "after" shot.

Love is in the Air

2008-10-21T23:18:00.000-05:00

Today I was sitting on the sofa working on my laptop. I looked over and saw a sight I never thought I'd see. Because, you see, Libby pretends like she cannot stand Stewart. She acts like she abhors the very sight of him. And poor Stewart loves her to pieces. But I caught them napping together.

I love how Libby is using my John Grisham novel as a pillow. Too funny. (Oh - and the blankets are on the sofa BECAUSE of the cats - when we decided on leather for our sofa, we never thought about our cats' back claws - we didn't think of their claws at all. The sorrier for us.)

I quietly called for Brooke to bring the camera. She took a few shots, then got the bright idea to remove John Grisham and add another, more appropriate title. Heeheehee.

I like this one best. "Man and Wife For Life." Yup. That's Libby and Stewart. Snuggling one minute. Fighting and clawing the next. Must be a match made in heaven.

Get the Disinfectant!!!

2008-10-19T23:12:00.000-05:00

Do you remember the Peanuts cartoons where Lucy was licked by Snoopy and she'd run around like an insane person, screaming for disinfectant? Well, that was me today. But I hadn't been licked by a dog. It was worse. Much, much worse.

Today I was viciously attacked by this guy.

Oh, yeah. He may seem like he's innocent and sweet, but when I went to move Morgan's scooter, he was on the handle. And he CRAWLED UP MY ARM!!! I jumped and screamed and shook my arms until I dislocated both shoulders. (Okay, not really.) And when he was flung across the carport, he scurried as quickly as he could to the top of the storage room doorway. And sat there, looking innocent. But *I* know the truth.

Gee, I hope no one was watching me. :::sigh:::

Celebrations, Scones, and Snakes...and All Before NOON!

2008-10-13T21:58:00.004-05:00

Today my Brooke is 14 years old! I cannot believe my little girl can be that old! Can I turn back the clock 10 years, please? Where did the time go?

First thing this morning, I surprised her with a tea party. Her best friend spent the night last night and we called Nana to come join us this morning.

Teeny gave her a great necklace - a swirly blue guitar pick that said "pick Jesus" on the front with a scripture verse from Romans on the back. And lots of yummy smelling tarts from Yankee Candle for Brooke's electric tart burner.

We had "blooming tea." My sister-in-law bought me a box of them for my birthday and I've been saving them for a special occasion. This morning, I discovered a special occasion. I let Brooke's friend pick which one and she picked "Heart of Love." It was a yummy rose jasmine tea.

I made Mango Scones. We all adore scones and Brooke adores mango. What a great combination!

Mango Scones

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

5 tbsp cold butter, cut into cubes

1 cup whipping cream (you see, this is a low calorie scone - hahahahaha)

1/2 cup peeled, chopped mango

Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly spray scone pan/baking sheet with non-stick spray. Skip this step if you use a well loved Pampered Chef pizza stone.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Stir in whipping cream. Add mango.

On lightly floured surface, knead dough 5 or 6 times. Roll dough into 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into triangles. Place dough triangles on prepared pan. Brush tops with either a little cream or an egg wash.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with Devonshire Cream and lemon, orange, or lime curd. YUM!

Then when I was bringing Cosette out to potty, she stopped to sniff something just off the concrete right at the back of the house. All of a sudden, she jumped back and I saw a snake strike at her. Thankfully, it missed and I immediately called her to me and put her inside. I called the girls to bring me three essential items - my keys, my cell phone, and my camera.

This is the snake. It is a southern copperhead. That is a venomous pit viper, for all you uninitiated. If they feel the least bit intimidated, they strike rather than retreat. It kept striking the whole time I was snapping pictures, calling my policeman neighbor, and watching the snake with hoe in hand, afraid to hit it for fear my blow wouldn't kill, but only make it turn on me. And his reach was about as long as mine. The policeman neighbor came with a very sharp shovel and the copperhead was separated from the copperbody. :::snort:::

Whew! Not quite noon and I was ready for a nap! Later in the day, we spent quite a while at the barn. Brooke and Morgan rode. Then it was homemade pizza and Pioneer Woman's Best Chocolate Sheet Cake. Ever.

Now I'm off to the hospital to pick up Steve, who had to unfortunately work a 16-hour shift today.

Happy Birthday, Brookie Girl!

Remember That New Rule?

2008-10-12T14:32:00.004-05:00

The one about "no animals on the sofa?"

Remember the one who said it? He's the one ignoring the poodles and walking out the back door. Yeah. New rule. Uh huh.

(And the blankets are on the sofa because of the CATS, who need some soft caps on their back nails.)

A Sofa!!!

2008-10-12T14:28:00.004-05:00

Hurray! We have had only a folding camping chair and two borrowed bean bags for seating in the living room! On 10/3 our sofa arrived!!!

Steve said we needed a new rule - no animals on the sofa.

Abrial didn't receive the memo.

Queen Delilah

2008-10-12T14:26:00.001-05:00

Look at her, lying amongst the cushions. Where are her slaves who should be fanning her and feeding her tasty morsels? (Um, I think she was taking the photo.)

Only Two Weeks

2008-10-12T14:19:00.003-05:00

Remember little Kallie cat? Who arrived in the beginning of June? Steve said she could only stay two weeks.

Because he doesn't like cats.

Doesn't like them at all.

Your two weeks are almost up, Kallie. :::giggle:::

Brooke's Chicago Trip

2008-10-12T13:45:00.006-05:00

Hey! We have a computer AND internet!!! Hurray!!! So I'll be trying to catch up a bit.

Here are some pictures from Brooke's trip to Chicago in September. When she was in Illinois with my mother-in-law, her aunt and her boyfriend came to visit and brought her on a day trip to Chicago.

When Steve, Morgan, and I went to Chicago last year for Joshua's Navy graduation, Brooke elected to stay home, so she was excited to get to the Windy City.

Here are some of snapshots of her exciting day.

She went to Wrigley Field.

Ate Chicago Deep Dish pizza at Dagostino's.

Went to the Tribune Tower. Saw the Nathan Hale statue.

Rode on the "El."

Saw very strange creatures...(what IS this thing?).....

....and mummies at the Field Museum.

Went to Millennium Park. Saw the "Bean."

Was AMAZED at the sheer number of people.

And fell in love with the Chicago skyline at nighttime.

I'm so glad she was able to experience Chicago. Thank you, Mike and Susie, for showing her a super time!

Where'd She Go?

2008-10-01T16:17:00.003-05:00

I have been quite the absentee blogger, haven't I? So sorry. Our Internet service transfer to the new house was put to the back burner by the cable company, as they thought getting hurricane-ravaged areas' service back in business more important. Although I do agree. But I missed my online access!

To make matters worse, my main computer received a zap when the electricity blinked off and on two weeks ago. And the camera was plugged in when it happened, so now my computer AND my camera are not working.

Computer goes to the hospital tonight. Working on the camera issue. I'll keep in touch!

Landscaping by Gustav

2008-09-06T17:13:00.001-05:00

Last year, I took this picture of the little path from our new house through the woods. Gustav thought we needed a little challenge.

Here's the same path, only with the new "pond and bridge" look. The pond is all the water from the torrential rains. The bridge obstructing the path is an enormous uprooted oak. When things dry up, I'll have to walk the path with my camera. Morgan looked out from the back patio and said, "What happened to the woods?" Gustav happened, Baby.

Gustav also decided our neighbor needed a new fence. He did the "deconstruction" for her. This picture was taken during the storm.

The "landscaping" in our backyard.

Thankfully, no branches or trees hit our roof. The damage is relatively minor. Just lots of stuff to pick up. Some of it will require a chainsaw to cut into manageable pieces.

A Week of Firsts

2008-09-05T17:03:00.001-05:00

First hurricane of 2008 to make landfall in Louisiana. First night in the new house. First power outage while in the new house. First time cooking by candlelight. First dinner guests. First overnight guests.

Sorry about the cold baths, First Guests. And the lack of air conditioning. And the lack of furniture. Oh - I see you brought your own spot for lounging!

:::giggle::: For having such weird circumstances, I must say this was a pretty fun week, all in all. I'm glad my sister-in-law and her husband live just two doors down. We enjoyed lots of yummy food (thanks to stuff thawing, but also thanks to a gas stove to cook it on). We enjoyed watching The Sound of Music on a battery-powered DVD player. We enjoyed watching the cats and poodles being silly. We enjoyed working on a puzzle in the daytime (puzzles by candlelight can make you feel a bit blind). We enjoyed a few nice, cool nights thanks to the gift of a loaned generator and window a/c unit from my dearest of friends who drove an hour to bring it to us (along with two cases of bottled water and 20 gallons of precious gasoline for the generator).

Even in the midst of a disaster, we are so very blessed.

Cousin It

2008-09-04T19:40:00.002-05:00

Meet my new friend......

...Cousin It.

Nah! It's just Brooke with dark hair!

We miss you, Beautiful Girl.

Where in the World is Brooke?

2008-09-03T16:40:00.002-05:00

She's definitely not at home. She missed all the "fun" of Hurricane Gustav. She missed spending the first nights in the new house. She missed the week without electricity in hot and sticky South Louisiana. What a shame.

But where is she?

Right now she is at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. She and her grandmother are visiting with relatives and they took today to do some sightseeing.

On their way, they stopped to eat at Lambert's, Home of the Throwed Rolls.

Brooke made a new friend, Marley. He belongs to Aunt Louise and Aunt Georgia Lee. Marley decided Brooke hung the moon and I am told he follows her everywhere. That's my girl - the Animal Whisperer. She also got to do some volunteer work at a local no-kill animal shelter.

And Nana did what Nana does best - cook! I know the aunts enjoyed that! Some yummy Cajun cooking up in Illinois!

But you guys were really wanting to be down here in Louisiana. Enjoying the steaming weather. Without benefit of air conditioning and lights. Yeah. I know. You guys are jealous. Terribly, terribly jealous. What, with all that nice fall weather and everything. Umm hmm.....

Candlelight Dinner, Anyone?

2008-09-02T19:40:00.001-05:00

Eating by candlelight is generally quite romantic. Unless you are also COOKING by candlelight! That makes it much more difficult. And not quite romantic. Especially with Steve stuck at the hospital. At least HE has power.

But, thanks to my gas stovetop, we ate well. My sister-in-law and her husband stayed with us after the hurricane. I was SO glad my sister-in-law made pre-hurricane brownies. I think this should be a staple for hurricane preparedness. We used it as a base for the ice cream that was melting in the freezer!

Raining Cats and Dogs

2008-09-01T17:51:00.000-05:00

Gustav hit South Louisiana with a vengeance today. It came ashore at Cocodrie just one mph below a Category 3 storm. The eye passed between Lafayette and Baton Rouge, putting the Baton Rouge area on the "dirty side" of the storm. And, boy, was it dirty. One million people without power, trees down everywhere, and the storm spawned many tornadoes.

We had minimal shingle loss to our new home and our poor chimney cap was battered and will need to be replaced. But we had no loss of loved ones and no family or friends with trees in their homes, so we are very fortunate.

Our electricity went out at about 11 a.m. and remains off. There are numerous trees on power lines on our street and three blown transformers, so who knows when it'll come back on. Steve will stay at the hospital - the roads are too dangerous to even attempt to pick him up, not that the hospital would let him go home. But they have power and a/c, so he'll be more comfortable there than here.

Here's what the dogs were doing during the storm:

They would go from one window to the other, watching the wild wind and rains.

Kallie took a more casual approach to the storm.

And this brave little cicada decided to watch from my back patio step.

He stayed there during the whole day, barely moving. Once things calmed down, he bid us adieu.

Movin' In, Hurricane Style

2008-08-31T17:40:00.002-05:00

Hurricane Gustav is due to make landfall in Louisiana tomorrow. Because we KNOW our old roof leaks horribly, I have decided to ride out the storm with Morgan in the new house. Steve was dropped off at the hospital at 6 a.m. with five changes of clothes. He'll be there until an undetermined date. We just don't know what to expect from this storm.

Morgan has her mattress and I have an AeroBed. The cats and dogs have been moved, as have candles, water, and food. We have a gas stove and turned the a/c on 65° in preparation for losing power. This is what my kids remember most about hurricanes - me freezing the house the day before. :::grin:::

So we are moved. Kind of. Here's Morgan (freezing) sitting in our fine living room chair. Ha!

Poor Libby is sure missing her Mommy!

Who's the Naughty Cat?

2008-08-30T17:35:00.001-05:00

Morgan caught a little guilty someone, lying near the evidence.

They do say that criminals always return to the scene of the crime.

Carved in Stone

2008-08-29T02:29:00.000-05:00

Well, not carved exactly. More like etched.

And it's not stone either.

It's concrete.

And we are DONE!!!

I was up at 5:30 a.m., wondering if that sound I was hearing was the pump truck over at the new house. It definitely was. We drove over at 6:02 on the way to bring Steve to work. I wanted to take some pre-dawn photos of the work being started, only to discover my camera battery was dead. Completely dead. So I could only get "finished" pictures.

Hurray and Praise God! I'm SO glad we are done. Although "done" is relative. Because, like all homeowners, the to-do list never ends.

Gearing Up For Gustav

2008-08-27T23:41:00.004-05:00

Hurricane Katrina was but three short years ago. The small city in which we live, and the larger city nearby, haven't been the same since. And now here comes Gustav, appearing like he is going to visit the same area. We are praying that this storm does not strength.

Today we prepared by finishing dirt work for the driveway. Yup, we are going to try our hardest to get the driveway poured before this weekend just in case.

But I did want to share some "wisdom" of hurricane preparedness. Truly, hurricanes are no laughing matter. But sometimes you just need a little levity.

"We're about to enter the peak of the hurricane season. Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological points:

(1) There is no need to panic.

(2) We could all be killed.

Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Louisiana . If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by 'the big one.' Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan:

STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least three days.

STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car.

STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Halloween.

Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Louisiana .

We'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:

HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE: If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements:

(1) It is reasonably well-built, and

(2) It is located in Nebraska .

Unfortunately, if your home is located in South Louisiana, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place. So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house. At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Georges, I have had an estimated 27 different home-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys.

SHUTTERS: Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets. There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:

Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.

Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December.

Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.

'Hurricane-proof' windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska .

Hurricane Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles.

EVACUATION ROUTE: If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says ' Louisiana ,' you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.

HURRICANE SUPPLIES: If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Louisiana tradition requires that you wait until the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM. In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies:

23 flashlights.

At least $167 worth of batteries that turns out, when the power goes off, to be the wrong size for the flashlights.

Bleach.(No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for, but it's traditional, so GET some!)

A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.

A big knife that you can strap to your leg. (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.)

A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Camille or Katrina; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.)

$35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.

Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the Gulf and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the Gulf."

Dear Mommy...

2008-08-27T03:27:00.006-05:00

Where did you go?

I meow at your bedroom door, but when the Servant opens it, you aren't there.

I watch out the window. Cars come to the house. But when the Servant answers the door, it's not you.

The Short Servant tries to hug me and snuggle with me, but it's just not the same.

So I will dream of you until you come back home to me. I love you, Mommy.

Yours truly, Libby

The Cat's Outta the Bag!

2008-08-26T03:19:00.000-05:00

I was hearing noises and when I went to investigate, this is what I found.....

Kallie found a new toy AND a place to hide. She was having quite a ball with this bag.

She is thinking, "No one can see me!"

She kept attacking the handles of the bag. This kept her occupied for quite some time.

So sorry to disturb your fun, Kallie. Carry on.

Arachnophobes, Beware!

2008-08-24T02:27:00.003-05:00

We had a LOT of rain from Tropical Depression Fay on Sunday. Right at three inches. Which is definitely NOT what our poor driveway needed.

We also had quite a bit of wind. During a particularly windy and rainy period, Steve went outside for something or other and called Morgan and me to "come look, quick!"

Near our door, swaying precariously in the wind, was an enormous banana spider, spinning her web.

Okay, in researching this spider I found that what we call a banana spider is scientifically known as an Argiope aurantia. There are quite a few other spiders commonly known as banana spiders, some poisonous. My little lady is quite harmless.

Supposedly, her mate will be nearby. He should be significantly smaller with no markings. I'll have to look for him tomorrow.

Our lovely spider's zigzag in the center of her web (the stabilimenta, which, oddly enough, does NOT add stability to the web) is not nearly as neat as generally seen. I think that's because she was doing her spinning during a wind storm. I believe we can overlook her messy web this one time.

The Birthday Celebrating Continues...

2008-08-23T02:57:00.000-05:00

Today was another meeting of the Birthday Club. We celebrated the three May birthdays (mine included) and one for August.

We had a blast, but unfortunately I forgot my camera and don't have any pictures. Ashley took some, but hasn't shared them yet. I'll add one here when she does.

I did, however, take a few pictures when I got home. Here's one:

My sister-in-law made cookies for each of the birthday girls in their favorite animal shape and color. Ashley had blue-iced cats, purple elephants for Elen, green froggies for my froggy friend Janet, and pink poodles for moi!

Connie also gave us the cookie cutter with our little package of cookies. Very cute!

SOMEONE decided to be a little smart-aleck in her gift-giving.

Hmm....they don't LOOK like geckos!

Didn't taste like geckos either! NOT that I'd know what a gecko would taste like, for goodness sakes!

(And I was just teasing about the "smart-aleck" part - Elen gives wonderful gifts! A great smelling candle and a puppy dog magnetic frame went along with the yummy chocolates.)

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2008-08-22T02:04:00.002-05:00

Brooke has wanted to darken her hair for quite a while now. I have been very resistant because (a.) I think she is too young to start coloring her hair and (b.) I really LIKE her natural hair color. I tell her it looks like molten honey. My verbosity is rewarded with an eye roll, an "Oh, Mom," and a deep sigh that can be best interpreted as "My mother is so weird."

However, all things considered, hair color is a fairly minor thing. When I was her age, I used lemon juice and, later, Sun-In to change my hair color. So we decided to let her do a color that will wash out in a few shampooings.

The process......

The results. Not bad. But I still like her molten honey hair.

Mmmmmmooooooooommmmmmm!!!!!

And tomorrow she leaves with my mother-in-law to visit relatives in Illinois for a few weeks. Good-bye, oh dark haired stranger! Good-bye!

(Okay, so it is really not THAT different from her natural hair color. For that, I am grateful.)

Scary!!!

2008-08-21T01:34:00.001-05:00

There is usually a chair sitting next to my computer desk. It was generally KitKat's favorite place to nap.

It has recently become someone else's favorite place to nap.

I also found little Miss Kallie stretched out in KitKat's special square of sunshine the other day. It was very disconcerting to walk into my bedroom and see another tortishell cat in KitKat's old spot.

Very strange, indeed.

It's a Lake!

2008-08-19T17:23:00.002-05:00

No. :::sigh::: It's just my driveway. Or where my driveway is supposed to be, if it EVER stops raining.

Forecast for the next 10 days? Rain, every single stinkin' day. :::sigh:::

Happy Birthday, Friend!

2008-08-18T17:18:00.000-05:00

Today is my friend Elen's birthday!

She is such a great person, fun to be around, sweet, honest, loyal. All the best qualities. And she scrapbooks! What else could I ask for in a friend? :::giggle:::

Hope your birthday is wonderful, Miss Elen! We love you!

This IS My Coffee!!!

2008-08-18T14:10:00.000-05:00

I don't drink cokes (which means any fizzy, carbonated beverage to all you non-Louisianians), but I do have a vice. I love coffee. And my favorite coffee is NOT McDonald's iced coffee that I had on Saturday. Yuck.

My favorite place for coffee is Starbucks. But because it's not cheap, and because we are still paying construction loan financing instead of a regular mortgage, I haven't had Starbucks in more than a month. But today I decided to treat myself.

THIS is MY coffee! Starbucks Venti Coffee Frappucino. Yum!

Saturday Morning

2008-08-16T14:03:00.004-05:00

I don't do mornings well. I'm more of a night owl and prefer to start my day at a decent hour. Like 9.

Unfortunately, Steve's truck is dead. And I need to be able to feed horses while he is at work. This means I get to wake up and bring him to work. (And pick him up, but we do that after feeding horses.)

Do you know that nurses' shifts start at unholy hours like 7 a.m.? And because Steve is a conscientious employee, that means he wants to get there early. We live about 15 minutes or less from his hospital, but he leaves the house at 6 a.m. Yes, one solid hour early. "Because you never know when there may be a wreck or something." :::sigh:::

So I have been awakened at 6 a.m. to bring him to work. This morning I also received news from Brooke (who takes after her dad and gets up early enough to rouse the roosters) that I needed to bring HER somewhere at this ridiculous hour.

Across the street from the hospital and medical office buildings is a large pond with a walking track. There are LOTS of ducks in this pond. And they waddle everywhere, including across the street to the hospital. The ducks have the right-of-way, obviously. But lately, the ducks have had some visitors.

This morning we saw an enormous number of Canada geese in the parking lot and crossing the street to the pond. There were so many that they stopped traffic (not that there really was much at 6 a.m.) in both directions. Fortunately I had my camera and Brooke (who was NOT bleary-eyed and attempting to drive) jumped out of the car for some photos.

You can see that the sun was not quite awake in these pictures. I understand how it was feeling. I wasn't quite awake either.

After dropping Steve off, Brooke asked me to take her through McDonald's for some breakfast. She has been working for a neighbor doing yard work and wanted to buy something quick. She knows better than to ask me to spend my money at McDonald's. I just don't. But it was her money. And since I was suffering this early morning hour and had to drive her even deeper into Baton Rouge, I decided I deserved a coffee. I ordered one of these. Courtesy of Brooke. :^D

Not my hand. Not my car. And not my iced coffee.

Yuck! I think they dropped the grounds on the floor, swept them up, and used them anyway. It was the worst stuff I have ever tasted. So I came home and rewarded myself with a nap. And a GOOD cup of coffee!

Here's Your Sign!

2008-08-16T13:44:00.005-05:00

We are not the only house under construction in the neighborhood. There is this house across the street:

Last year for Christmas, the husband had one log left over and wanted to carve it into a bear for his wife as a surprise. She was surprised alright. With a hospital bill after a trip to the emergency room. The chainsaw slipped and almost cut his fingers off. He had quite a number of stitches. He was very fortunate tendon and muscle damage didn't occur.

Since The Accident, the bear has been hidden under a blue tarp. Until recently. I don't know why he was "unveiled," but the blue tarp disappeared a few weeks ago. I think the new neighbor needed it to cover construction materials.

Another neighbor, whom we'll call Jokester, asked Steve about the bear. Steve told Jokester the story and Jokester said, "Oh! The bear needs a sign! I think I'll make one!" Steve chuckled at that and went back to work on our new house.

This morning when I drove over to the house, I saw the bear. And the sign. Can you read it?

It says, "I fought the law saw and the law saw won."

The new neighbor saw it this morning, too. And thinks his coworkers did it. :::giggle::: Now THAT'S funny!

It's Working!

2008-08-14T13:41:00.000-05:00

The a/c guys came and it's working! Hurray! Cooler temperatures are on the way!

Steve has also fixed all the electrical glitches, so we also have a fridge!

Oh - and my tub works GREAT! Two days with electricity and two days of a long soak in the whirlpool tub! If anyone wants to find me, I think you'll know where to look.