Eye Candy

One of my favorite places to "shop" locally is the Randolph Co. Mercantile. I love that store!! Here's just a few pictures. I got too busy looking at everything I forgot to take more pictures.

I'm on a mission to find the perfect doll to sit in front of my fireplace. I looked at this angel several times, but I'm still thinking along the lines of a primitive Raggedy Anne. The search continues...

Rain Rain Go Away

I love water. I love the smell. I love the sound. I love everything about it. HOWEVER, enough is enough. I cannot believe how much rain we have gotten in the past few days. HWY. 63 was overcome with water about 10 miles south of where I live. In 13 years I cannot remember the water running over the top of the highway. Me and several other vehicles sat roadside hoping the water would go down so we could make it to work yesterday morning at 6:25am. I was almost too chicken when the highway dept. finally gave us the okay to drive through. The Mustang in front of me looked like it was sinking.

The hubby and I went to a local state park to see how it looked. Long Branch State Park has a beautiful lake. I haven't seen it this full in a very long time.

No beach, just a volleyball pit.The jetty was underwater alright. Next we went to the city lake. It has a spillway just off of HWY 36. Rarely does this spillway ever have water flowing over it. The water was raging Wednesday evening. Plus, it had gone down since earlier in the day.That's the city swimming pool in the background.I'm not sure who this man is, but he sat here for quite a little while. He may be contemplating the water or he may be "searching" for fish. Who's that good lookin' guy in the baggy pants and pink shirt. I believe I heard him say several times yesterday, "real men where pink". hmmmm...Right here on the hill to the lake, was so peaceful. You couldn't really hear the raging water. The swimming pool and tennis courts sit in the background.

With My Fairy Godmother's Help

Cielo, at The House in the Roses, always has wonderful, romantic posts. Whether it's roses, gardens, or stories of fairies. This time she's singing my song. She's singing the song from Cinderella. "What's your color?" she asks. I love color and I love romance. So Cielo, if my Fairy Godmother should appear and I could have the body of Gisele Bundchen, my Fairy Godmother would be working her wings off. I'd try on every dress I have ever dreamt about.

My Fairy Godmother is giving me the chance to do whatever I want. So I will start with RED. I love red. Nothing speaks like red. You are right Cielo, red is the color of the cupid and of the devil.

It depicts romance to me and my Fairy Godmother. We'll leave it at that. The Devil will see us after hours. hmmmm....

Blue. Sky Blue. Electric Blue. Beautiful Blue. From beautiful blue to beautiful blush. I love this. I'll keep this one on for awhile...Oh wait, just a minute. I'm feeling playful. MEOW...nope, not Cinderella material. But fun to try on...Green is generally not my color. But I love this. I have to try it on, my whimsical side is stirring....I've heard black is not a color. Can Cinderella dance in this?I've also heard white is not a color. This one makes me feel like a beach angel. The ocean breeze can sweep me away...

Oh, I must catch my breath. Champagne. A perfect color for a perfect skintone. The Fairy Godmother is getting close. In fact she's on fire. I can't make up my mind. Just one more...My carriage awaits. I love you Fairy Godmother!

Thank you Cielo for bringing back the Fairy Godmother, it's been too long!

Impromptu Picnic

Last night, after running around all afternoon we had a little impromptu picnic at mom's house. So I decided I would take some pictures of her new landscaping. This is where she and my dad moved to about 12 years ago. Mom added the new front porch last year. I have to admit, she knew what she was doing. Makes the front of the house look a whole lot better.There are numerous hostas growing on the North side. Notice the planter my Uncle DL made for mom a couple of years ago. Lots of pretty pink impatients have taken to life here.This is my favorite area. Grasses, azalea bushes, geraniums, and a few other items I'm not sure of. I think there may be a boxwood there by the step.The patio was completed last year. It's starting to take on a new life of it's own. We found some awesome new "fiery" geraniums. Mom put them in planters on the steps.

This concludes the tour of landscaping. The canine above lives across the street from mom. His name is Shamus, a full blown Labradoodle. He was watching me take pictures so I didn't want him to feel left out. He said hello several times while I was taking this picture.

Joy

This is my mom and Joy. Joy is the first doll my mom made several years ago. I think mom has created about 4 dolls. Joy has a special place in a high chair in mom's dining room. She has on a new yellow outfit mom found for her yesterday. Her eyes have changed color somewhat, but she is still a cutie!

Aunt Karen's Flower Gardens

My Aunt Karen moved back here from Florida a few years ago after her hubby retired. She's misses Florida more than anyone can imagine. Since they've been back, they've purchased some property in the country and started anew. Not my idea of retirement, but theirs and that's all that matters. They have levelled off their land and have made many flower beds to keep busy. Mom and I buzzed out there tonight, but they were gone. We snuck around the property and took a few pictures. Next time I will get one of them. Due to the weather being a little uncooperative this spring, she didn't get a lot of flowers planted like she normal. These yellow daisies have taken over. Yellow is her favorite color.This is one of my favorite spots in her yard. I love the autum sedum. The sign reads "Thrive". Notice the "teepee" in the background. I thought it was funny and looked very appropriate in the woods. The bigger picture turned out too dark, but I'm glad you can see it in the distance.Mom found this fella a couple of years ago. She came out when Aunt Karen wasn't home and stuck him in the garden. Aunt Karen was standing at her window when she noticed a huge, fat rabbit sitting in her flower bed. By the time she got outside she realized he wasn't real. Aunt Karen needs glasses. :)Just past her Hosta garden sits a real life bunny. No one needs glasses to see him.Two of my favorite colors, hot pink and purple. She's found some old pots to plant them in. I believe she even found them while walking through her property before they levelled it off.More old pots, a windmill and a mailbox. That one was new to me. I hope she didn't steal it!! Ha, really Aunt Karen is NOT a criminal. She just likes to sneak a drink of fine wine on occassion, but don't tell Uncle Dave. Notice a new upcoming flowerbed in the rear. A bed of Cockscombs. This is new. She is apparently still working it. Looks like a hillbilly grave, but don't tell her, she'll dig it up and start all over. Trust me, it won't look like this in a few weeks.I love this picture. It just needs a hammock with me laying on top reading the books my nice friends told me I should read this summer. It looks like a park. You can see the wrap around bench Uncle Dave made for one of his trees. I cannot remember what flowers were planted in this bed.

Aunt Karen has tons more flowers planted around her house. I didn't get a picture of her home or the other flowers because it was getting dark. Next time. I know she'd rather have palm trees and key limes and who knows whatever else she stuck in the ground in Florida. But, I do believe she has worked her fingers to the bone without a lot frilly things. This yard is beautiful in the summer and fall.

Bandits Wanted

Hi Everyone, it's me Annie P. again. I'm needing some help. That danged ole cat is driving me and the other girl insane. 'naldo keeps biting my tail, paws, nose, you name it and we are getting tired of it. I've been thinkin' hard 'bout what to do. After racking the old noodle I remembered something my brother Frankie Beans told me. He was the dawg of the house when I got here from that Wal-Mart place. He was a kind, wise old guy. He tolerated me and showed me some ropes. This is Frankie Beans:
Frankie Beans (Beaner) January 19, 1996 - May 11, 2004

Frank was a good guy, I miss him. Mom says she thinks about ole Beaner everyday. I'd never know that with ole 'naldo in the house now. Let me get back to my story. I remember Frankie Beans telling me about another cat mom had long before Beaner and me came along. This cat's name was Pusser. Pusser was an old cat mom had for quite a few years. I wish I could find a picture to show you. Talk about one hairy cat. Mickey didn't look like that. 'naldo doesn't/can't come close. Pusser had long hair that was almost blue. Frankie says Pusser was a nice guy. Apparently nothing like this milk guzzling, private bathroom owning Tom that has moved in on our territory.

Anyways, Beaner said one day when mom was outside he heard her scream and cry. Dad ran outside to see what the heck was going on. Mom had found old Puss after his ninth life had ended. She was upset. Beans said old Puss was starched in time like he was running from a heart attack or somethin. Since it was later of an evening, dad didn't have time to bury old Pusser and decided to put him in a bag so he could bury him proper the next day.

The next day came and dad asked mom what she did with old Pusser. Mom said, "nothing". Dad said "did you put him in the trash can by mistake?" According to Beans, mom gave dad the look of death. Dad figured the coons came up from the woods and snatched old Puss away. They searched the yard and couldn't find him. Frankie Beans said it must've been the raccoons coming up in the yard. They used to steal Puss' cat food on the front porch and mom would have to shoo them away. Can you believe it? The coons snatched old Pusser.

Well, let me tell you. That story put a big idea in my head. Me and the other girl have been tossing this idea around for the last few days. If I could get away from the family for a few, I'd go over by the woods and see if I could find me a couple coons to do a "job" for me. The other girl already located a bag. I figure we could fit 'naldo in the bag, hang it on the doorknob when mom and dad leave for work on Monday. The coons could come for a visit and no one would be the wiser. My tail would feel better and the other girl wouldn't be so blue. Maybe our family would be back to normal. Mom might be sad for a minute, but she'd forget once she got her wits about her. What ya think?

Boy I dunno. This chicken dog's feathers are startin' to grow again. Maybe I'd better think about this "job". If mom found out I'd be out of the house, no more assignments for me that's for sure. I think I'll just look at my puppy picture with the candy cane sweater (it was my favorite) and see what tomorrow brings. Maybe 'naldo isn't all that bad?

The Hubby

I've tried to no end to get my hubby to pose for me. He promises, but hasn't come through yet. All I asked was for him to swing a golf club so I could snap a picture. I thought it would be great to catch him in his element so I could show him off for his birthday. Since that didn't happen and promises always seem to scatter, I snapped this picture tonight. It's the hubby and his new reel mower. He's been wanting one for quite sometime. Truth be known, he's kinda in his element here. He's become quite the lawn caretaker and works very hard at it. If he pushes with the gas mower it takes over 2 hours to do it right. Needless to say, the rider takes much less time and is much more fun for him. Gas prices will have us doing things a little differently this year. I have to admit, the reel mower did a mighty fine job. Here's the hubby: Pay no attention to the striped golf shirt with the redneck camo shorts. Notice Annie. Since I didn't walk her tonight (she walks like a drunk dog, Kia is much better), she took it upon herself to walk laps while the hubby mowed. Back and forth, back and forth.

The hubby is really pretty simple. He likes golf, the St. Louis Cardinals, bowling, eating, shopping for funky tennis shoes and golf shirts and watching TV. Keep in mind this is in no particular order and I'm sure I'm forgetting something. One of these days I will show you just how funky his golf shirts can be. I've been known to "bury" one. It won't be seen for weeks. Then the next thing I know he's wearing it. I remember one officer at work yelled at me, "I really HATE that shirt he wears", "me too", I replied. He chuckled.

I met him 10 years ago, had no idea I would ever marry the man. I think he tricked me. We became friends right from the start. There was no romantic interest on my part at first, at all. I think he felt the same way. He asked me to come down and watch him shoot darts. I thought to myself, "now why in the world would I want to drive 20 miles to watch someone play darts?" It did not sound appealing to me. Nor did I consider it a date. After asking me a few more times, I finally rallied and agreed. But not enthusiastically. It just sounded very boring to me. As the weekend grew closer, he acted a little different. Since we worked together he wanted to know if it would bother me or if I was prepared for the backlash our friends might give us. Then I knew. I'm stupid. I wasn't really going to watch him play darts. I had accepted an offer for a date. I never thought I was THAT slow.

Our life is uneventful and we prefer it that way. The older we get the more we are content staying at home and not doing much. We spend a big amount of time together. We share rides to work and work in the same field. We practically do the same thing. It's almost ironic it has worked for us. I can't say it's always peachy and I would love to tell you we go together like peanut butter and jelly. Maybe it would be best to say we are more like Roseanne and whatever her TV husband's name was - Dan? We bicker, we play, we joke, we bicker. I'm not sure I fully believe people when they say their relationships are picture perfect and they've never argued. How boring. My hubby and I both have lots of opinions and we are both a little stubborn. But that's okay. Keep in mind, he's much more laid back and I'm wound tight.

I'm his number one fan. That's why he's never taken me golfing. I can't keep quiet at any sporting event. I'd be chanting from the cart, "hole in one, hole in one, hey hubby get that hole in one". If he putted a good one, shot a bogey, a birdie, or a who knows what else golfers call their stuff, I'd be doing a cartwheel down the fairway. Can you imagine the wife, almost 6ft, chunky, attempting to do a cartwheel in front of his golf buddies? He might never go golfing again. It's his time. He doesn't need a cheerleader. But I always ask, "how did you do today?" The hubby always gives me one of these responses, "not good, but not bad", "so-so", "I could've done better" and my favorite, "uhhhhh". Then the next day at work someone will ultimately say, "did the hubby tell you what he shot yesterday?" "Uh, of course", with a sarcastic edge. He's humble, which I admire. And I hear he's quite good at this golf thing.

He's my hubby. We are about to celebrate out 3 year wedding anniversary. He had a big heart attack on June 4th, 2006, very early in the morning. When they loaded him up on the helicopter to send him to Columbia, I was scared out of my mind. We were both entirely too young to know that feeling. Given he had a major artery 100% blocked, he came through like a true golfer that he is. Life wasn't easy for the next few months after that, but he adjusted, we adjusted and he golfed.


If he wasn't/isn't golfing, there's always the St. Louis Cardinals. He's no fair weathered fan, he's a die hard(I think I said that in an earlier post.). When we first started dating he had issues with the Cards' manager. He could talk for hours about this issue. If his buddies were around, they could talk for hours about this issue. Only the hubby was adamant his opinion was the one that really mattered. I think he's since gotten over it. At the time I thought it was endearing.

The hubby is really pretty sweet in a funny sorta way. He's the kindest person I know. I admire that about him also. He takes pride in his job, doesn't take life too seriously, and doesn't believe he's any better than anyone. They say opposites attract? We did. He likes Bud Lite, I'm practically a tee-totaller. He likes, er LOVES Pizza, no green vegetables, well preferably just no vegetables. I like vegetables. He's a night person. I'm a morning person. He's very hard of hearing. I can hear very well. He's a whisperer (mumbler), I'm a screamer. He chuckles. I laugh from the bottom of my feet. Get the picture?

That's the hubby. There's something about him. In fact, I traded in my Royal blues for Cardinal reds. So there must be...