HOW MANY SNOWS???

We started developing a tracking snow late yesterday evening. My mom-in-law Katie and I were just talking about this on Friday. If it's tracking that means THAT many snows. I do believe officially the tracking snow count is 29. We'll have to wait and see. This morning when I let the girls out this is what I saw.

There is nothing prettier than fresh fallen snow. That is until the girls run circles in it. This is my favorite tree in the yard. Especially this time of year. My neighbors think it's going to topple over sometime because it's a little side heavy. I love it.

This is my neighbor's magnolia tree. A few years ago after being newly planted, it looked like a no grow. Look at her now. She's becoming her own.

Last night I tried to get a picture of our window candles but my camera is smater than me. I kinda liked how this picture turned out, even though you can't see the candles. The snow was so pretty. Annie was ecstatic to fetch snowballs.

Weird Book TAG

I've been tagged by Carol at Charli and Me to list seven weird book facts about myself. This is the rule:

Share seven random or weird Book facts about yourself.Then tag seven other people.Notify the seven others that they have been tagged.

1. I have to say the weirdest thing this summer as far as books go anyway, has to be the Twilight series. Never in my whole life would I have ever picked up that book if my friend Toni hadn't made it sound so wonderful. And it was. However the third book made me want to strangle Bella. I was sick of her whiney, I can do anything, pitiful self. The fourth book made up for all that though. Vampires, who would've ever thought????

2. When I was in the first grade my teacher, Ms. Newlin, must have thought I was dumb. She always kept me in the lowest reading group. One day she decided to pay attention to me. I didn't like her, she was mean. But I guess it paid off. The day she decided to pay attention to me, she held me through all of the reading groups that day and acted COMPLETELY SHOCKED that I could read so well. I was too painfully shy back then. I knew I wasn't dumb, but that's how she treated me. I still feel ill thinking about her, God rest her soul. (For another interesting 1st grade teacher story continue reading or skip to the bottom.)

3. I loved almost all books when I first learned to read. But let me tell you something. The year I got the Little House on the Prairie books from Santa or my parents (I really don't remember) I was in book heaven. I cannot tell you how disappointed I was when the series ended. I wanted more and more of those books. Little House will always have a special place in my heart. I found that series not too long ago. They looked like they had gotten drenched and covered in yucky stuff. I had to pitch the books and the little decorative box. I was saddened, like letting go of a part of me from long ago.

4. When I was in the third grade I wrote a book myself and even drew the characters. I still have it. It's 80 pages long. It's about ghosts, friendly ghosts I characterized after my school friends.

5. My mom bought me my first biographical type book. It was about Liz Taylor, I loved it. However, Gracie a Love Story, by George Burns was the best. These two kicked off my love to read about people. Even Lee Iococa. I must have been in the 8th grade when I read that one. Kinda weird huh?

6. My best friend Erica loved to read even more than me. She read anything and everything she could get her hands on. So for her birthday one year, I think it was our 8th grade year, I gave her a Judy Blume book titled Forever. (We loved all of the Judy Blume books up until then.) Oh my! If I had known. Because there were several "sexual issues" in this book, her mom hit the roof and grounded her for over a week. She demanded Erica tell her where she got that terrible book. Supposedly Erica didn't snitch, couldn't have blamed her if she had. I felt terrible. I did not intend for that to happen and Erica didn't have the heart to tell me until I invited her for a sleepover. Then she felt she had to come clean. But, she did let me know whe LOVED that book. For my 18th birthday, Erica saved her money and bought me The Clan of the Cave Bear Series. I was so touched that she did that I know they were expensive and she was so proud. I loved those books too.

7.I hated, HATED the book To Kill a Mockingbird. I know it's a classic, I didn't like it, won't like it, NEVER will like it. My friend Gayla, who was my English teacher in high school MADE me read that book (with the rest of the class of course). I believe it was our sophomore year. That's okay Gayla, I lived through it, just don't want to again!! :)

I'm adding one more. I never, NEVER, EVER read the ending first. I can't. It's like knowing what you are getting for Christmas even before you open the gift. I have a friend who always reads the last page or two. I don't get it.

Now I have to pick 7 people to pass this on to so here it goes.
1. Gayla, Oatmeal and Whimsy, only cause you made me read the book I hated. Oh, and also only because you read possibly more than anyone I know. I very interested to see your list.
2. Kat, JustaBeachKat, I know she's mentioned some of the books she's reading in some of her posts.
3. Monique, Eye Candy, she's a new dear friend and I'm nosey to see what she reads or considers weird.
4.Becky, Hospitality Lane, this busy mom finds time to read, I don't know how, but she does.
5. Terri at Lakewood Manor, another busy lady who has a lot of books on her book shelfari I'd like to take the time to read myself.
6. Nanci, Quilting at the Cottage, makes wonderful, beautiful quilts. Lets see if she has any "weird" book stories.
7. Anyone else who would like to play. Leave me a comment so I can visit you and see what your list is like.

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Okay, for a little sidebar story that really has nothing to do with anything. However it does have to do with reading somewhat. Since "that" teacher didn't think I was a good enough reader. It's about her. She was mean. I'll never forget her. As she got older I would imagine that she never really thought of herself as being mean. I did. Most of my first grad classmates would agree I'm sure. I remember putting my lunch box away on a bottome shelf by the door. The shelf was recessed into the wall and I grabbed the door frame to balance myself when I put my lunch box away. She shut the door. I howled. Literally. Then I had to listen to how irresponsible I was for hanging onto the door frame. She sent me to my seat in terror. I thought I had done something wrong by what I did. Remember I was too painfully shy to tell anyone and didn't tell my parents for a long time. I remember how bad my fingers hurt that day. Okay, here's the story I want to share. It was snowing crazy one afternoon and we got out early. My dad picked me up in his brown truck. It was parked at the corner. He helped me into the truck and went around to get in himself. Ms. Mean Teacher was preparing to walk across the street. Her feet had other ideas. All of a sudden I saw her feet fly up in the air. She slid on her back almost under dad's truck. I didn't howl this time. I flat out laughed harder and louder than I had ever laughed in my first grade life. Dad jumped out of the truck to help her up. As soon as he got back in he yelled at me to stop laughing and tried to explain why I should. Too late. The more he explained the harder I laughed. To this day if I fall down or witness anyone falling down I laugh. I stifle. I leave the room. Ms. Mean Teacher and my dad are the reason for my rudeness. But at least I laugh at myself too when I fall. Just ask the hubby, he doesn't think it THAT funny.

Commandments and Awards

Good evening everyone. I thought tonight might be a good time to post A Pet's Ten Commandments. I saw this for the first time on Kat's JustaBeachKat blog. I thought it was fantastic. Since a close, personal furry friend of mine recently passed, I felt it would be a great time to do this post. Also, this is the season for pet giving. Please remember, all pets require a lot of attention. Not just for love, but to adapt to their new environments. I used to work with a girl whol loved puppies. But when she got bored with them, she found reasons to get rid of them. I gave her my own personal opinion on that, but she did what she did anyway. Please be responsible when you make the big decision to bring home a new member of the family!!

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

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Now for some wonderful awards. As always these awards require me to pass them on. But, it gets harder and harder to do. Especially when I have met so many new and interesting people recently. Then, I still love my old blog friends that helped me get up and going and gave me a chance. I adore all of you. So please, as a reward to me and to yourselves, I want all of you to accept these awards on my behalf. Please post them proudly on your blog as well.

Becky at Hospitality Lane and Nicole at Heart 4 My Home presented me with the Butterfly Award. Nicole was too nice as she presented me with one more, the Marie Antoinette Award.

This award is passed to those who are brave enough to be transparent in blog land. I love the Marie Antoinette story, so this one is kinda cool.

Becca at I'm Me What More Do You Want was also in a very giving mood and gave me the following three, yes I said three awards:

You guys, err gals are so good to me. Bloggerville is a wonderful place to be when the world is so swamped with busy-ness and so many other things I am not going to get into right now. The first thing I do when I come home from work is check to see what my blogger friends are up to. To see the interesting things they are doing and the wonderful places they are going, plus, the hardships and trials we all share. You guys are the best. Thank you for presenting me with these and I do hope everyone who stops by Cranberry Flats takes each award with them!!

Goodnight Lacey Littlefeet

Lacey Littlefeet

1995-2008

Dear Lacey, I remember the day I picked you up to introduce you to your new human family. I wasn't sure what your new parents would think. You were a little bigger, a lot more bull, and a little shy. Mom and Dad came to my house to pick you up. You jumped in their car like you owned it and licked dad's glasses. I knew from that moment he'd found a friend for life. Literally. You have brought so much joy, a little frustration, and so much love to our family. God couldn't have given a better gift to mom and dad. You fit right in. One memory of you is the night mom brought you over to play with Frankie Beans. Mom and I decided to go out for a bite to eat leaving you two canines alone in a cozy little house. When we arrived home finding the curtains torn off ALL the livingroom windows, cushions off the couch and pillows strung all over we did not know what to think. But, you guys were happy. Wagging your tails and smiling from ear to ear. It was a free ticket to Disneyland. You went home quite content while Frankie Beans watched me clean up a HUGE mess. Mom laughed pulling out of the driveway. I saw her. Really, that was a great doggie day. Playing with Frankie, colliding in the air while playing chase was always a hoot. You two were the best of friends. Not only that, you were a best friend to my dad who absolutely adored you. He put your picture up in his office and bragged to all his friends. And just how many miles have you walked with mom in all these years? Your little paws could walk and walk. Trash day was the greatest wasn't it? You just had to pee on every trash bag you walked by didn't you? Your friendship to Mom in the past 2 years alone has not gone unnoticed. You were there when she needed you most. You'll never be replaced my furry little friend. This morning was a morning I will never forget. I was blessed to have been with you. We have been blessed to know you.

We will always love you. Our Lacey Littlefeet.

Love Your Human Sister, Lisa D.

So What's Your Favorite?

It's that time of year. Christmas carols resonate in Wal-Mart. Garlands are getting hung, trees are already being decorated and shopping is underway. One of my very favorite things to do for the past several years has been to plan a day for me. By myself. Wrapping gifts. In front of the television. Watching my favorite holiday movies.

My friend Gayla got me started with, "It's a Wonderful Life". I love that movie because she loves that movie. Probably if Gayla jumped off of the Missouri River Bridge in Jeff City, I would too. Just kidding, I'd try to stop her first.

I do love spending a day with my furbabies watching and wrapping. I can't take too much of The Christmas Story with Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB Gun, but I have to watch bits and pieces. At one time, I loved that movie. Now I like The Family Man with Nick Cage. It just makes me feel like I need to appreciate the things I take for granted. The Holiday is a warm and fuzzy romantic comedy with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. This one makes my heart yearn for a cozy cottage in England at Christmas.

I remember when I was young. I could not wait for the Charlie Brown and his Christmas Special. Not to mention Rudolph, Frosty and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The Grinch should be included too, even though it made me a little nervous. The anticipation of just knowing they were going to be on soon was something else. I'd love to have those feelings again.

So, with that being said. What is your favorite Christmas Movie? Is it a cartoon or a movie? Do you like the actual Christmas ones or maybe it's just your time to take in a flick of your choice? I associate movies with Christmas. I'm not a big movie goer, but I always think I need to take at least one in during the holidays. I'd love to see your responses. This way, I may figure out a new movie to watch this year!!

The Mulberry Tree and Lemon Drops

Yesterday someone offered me a lemon drop. It took me back to a time in my youth when it was summer with my cousin Julie spending the whole summer with my Aunt Sadie. Aunt Sadie had a huge Mulberry Tree beside her huge garden. It was a wonderful tree that provided a lot of shade. Underneath the Mulberry Tree was a dilapidated, old wooden table about 6 feet long. Julie and I spent several summers under that Mulberry Tree concocting all kinds of goodies. You see, that table and Mulberry Tree was our summer kitchen. Aunt Sadie and my mom would give us old pots, pans, and dishes. We'd use them to create magnificent mud pies. We had the best black dirt to use from the garden which was only a couple of feet away. Buckets of water would be drawn for mixtures and to wash dishes. We had so much fun mixing pies, cakes, and treats of all sorts with that fabulous, thick, gooey mud. We'd decorate them with rocks, flowers, and mulberries. Sometimes we would "sneak" eggs from home to add to the mix or "borrow" goodies from the garden to garnish. Adding the eggs was the most fun. It made that mud turn to pure goo. After all the mixing and decorating, we'd put them in the sun to "bake".

When our goodies were done, we'd pop them out of the pans onto a special dish. Aunt Sadie would often sit down for a spell and pretend to have lunch or dinner with us. My dad would also show up to see what we were baking. Uncle Ralph refused to take part. We always asked getting a big hoot out of his predicted response, "nah, why in the hell would I want to eat that?" Grinning like a crazy monkey the whole time he said it. (He was just created to torment those he loved, and we knew it.) We'd laugh and go on cooking.

The reason why the lemon drop from yesterday took me back to these great memories was because Julie brought a bag of lemon drops to the kitchen one day. She thought they would be great to use with our baking. Imagine the excitement of being able to decorate with real lemon drops. Julie, the most adventurous cousin I know, decided she would try a lemon drop dropped in mud. No eggs that day. Just black dirt and water. Mixed with who only knows what else. Julie took that first mud covered lemon drop and declared, "it's good try it!" Okay. I did. It was not good. But I got a kick out of Julie continuing to eat several, maybe even numerous mud covered lemon drops that afternoon. Probably the more I laughed the more she ate. Aunt Sadie just about pooped a brick house when she realized what Julie was doing. She took the lemon drops and hid them. I really don't remember Julie ingesting anymore mud after that either.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Please feel free to leave me a comment, I love to know what you have to say.

2. When I hang laundry outside I can't help sniffing it occasionally.

3. My favorite thing to cook is pizza, because I know the hubby will do backflips.

4. Rock-n-Roll is something I can't get enough of.

5. That's the thing I love most about about that thing you do.

6. 85 Degree weather always makes me think to myself, what the heck?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching a movie (Walk the Line, I'm in the mood after that awards show), tomorrow my plans include going to a craft show and Christmas Open House and Sunday, I want to do laundry and fix a good meal!

Country Music

Most people who know me, know my love for music. Not necessarily country music. However, tonight I'm in the mood for just that. The Country Music Awards are on. My family has always enjoyed watching any music award show on tv. (I'll never forget watching Michael Jackson moonwalk for the first time. My dad and I both freaked out!)

Danny, a co-worker, claimed once that Garth Brooks helped country music when it really needed help. I pondered that because I'm not a big Garth fan. I wanted to disagree. But, Danny's right. Garth opened a whole new chapter for country music. It's been on fire ever since. That's a great thing.

As I sit here tonight and watch Carrie Underwood in her many dresses and wonder what it would take to sneak on Kenny Chesney's bus (I do love that bald headed man!), I selected a few of my favorite country songs to play on my playlist. Enjoy them if you like country music. If you don't, kindly turn your sound down.

Veteran's Day 2008

My grandpa, United States Army, WWII. Wasn't he a handsome young soldier?

A worthy tribute to all veterans everywhere. Please take the time to remember those who have served and are serving for our country, our freedom.

November 10, 1948

My dad would have been 60 years old today. It's been a little over 2 years since his passing, but November 10th will always be dear to my heart. Unlike some families, birthdays were a big deal in our family. It was your very own, personal, special day. Ten years ago my mom and I surprised him for his 50th. He was working in Kansas. We loaded up their dog Lacey Littlefeet, a homemade birthday cake and pondered the weather all the way there. He was working in the office when we arrived and tickled pink when he saw who was waiting for him. I was thrilled we made the trip that day. The weather was so nasty the night before, we didn't think we'd make it. That was one great birthday I have to admit.

Following are some photos of my dad. One was taken for his senior year in 1966. The other is of him and mom dancing together in 1995.

Because I do not know how to crop appropriately, I had a difficult time getting these together. The following pictures are of dad and his 3 younger sisters. In the picture is Aunt Sue, Dad and in the front row, Aunt Paula and Aunt Debbie. I'm not sure the year in that one. The one below that is of dad and grandpa - 1997. Dad lost a front tooth when he was around 10 in a baseball mishap. He trained himself not to smile much afterwards.

I just want to share one story about my dad. It's my favorite. Most of you already know I'm an only child. It was just dad, mom and me for years. Although, there was a boy in my class who lived just a few blocks away, who for some reason, always had a special place in my dad's heart. His name is Robert. Robert was a card, very entertaining and maybe a little misplaced at times. You couldn't help but like him. Looking back now, I think Robert and my dad had a lot in common. Robert would come over, hang out with dad or run to town with us on occasion.

Sometimes when Robert would come to visit, he'd come the back way. Meaning he could follow the creek (really a big ditch, but I liked to call it a creek when I was young) through the woods to get to our house. There was a fence line following part of the property. I believe we were in the 6th grade. It was very cool and gloomy that day. Dad was watching football when Robert knocked on the door all upset. My dad asked him what was wrong. Robert declared, "Johnnie, my cat is hung up in the fence out back, I just saw him!!" Robert was crying buckets. Dad went to get some gloves and took some sort of tool and left with Robert. They were going to try to get the cat out. Hopefully alive and intact. I didn't want any part of that. Mom and I stayed in the house sometimes peaking out the kitchen window to see what we could see.

After about 30 minutes (or less in 6th grade time) Dad returned without Robert. The cat didn't make it. Dad sent Robert home to get something to make a cross. Then he and Robert were going to bury the cat in our family pet cemetery near the railroad tracks. Dad found a box and waited for Robert. I even remember Dad saying something like, " if Robert was that upset about his cat, he must be a good kid".

Robert knocked on the door a little while later. I followed Dad to the door because I wanted to check out the cross Robert made. I fully suspected he made it out of tree branches. Dad opened the door and asked, "Robert, did you find something to make the cross?" Gleefully Robert answered, "I didn't have to Johnnie, when I got home I found out that wasn't my cat!" Dad just giggled kinda funny and walked back through the house shaking his head.

I do not know what they did with the strange dead cat that day, but I do know that was a side of Dad I wish everyone knew.

FRIDAY

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/

1. My blueprint for success includes hmm, maybe that's my problem, I can't read a blue print!!

2. __Wintergreen Mint___was the last candy I ate.

3. The best facial moisturizer I've ever used is Oil of Olay Regenerist_.

4. A deep tissue massage___ can be good therapy.

5. I'd like to tell you about ___my love for my pets.

6. Fairness_ is my strongest characteristic.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _blogging____, tomorrow my plans include _going to Christmas Open Houses in town___ and Sunday, I want to chiiiiiilllllllll__!

Thank you Monique!!

Monique, my friend from Eye Candy presented me with this sweet award. If you haven't yet, you need to go visit her. She makes some awesome jewelry!! I need to find her Etsy shop to see what else I can find. Quite a talented, busy, busy lady. Thanks Monique, I'm so happy to have met you! She's also putting me through a little test. I have to answer the following question to earn her award: Name 5 things you've always wanted to do, but haven't done yet.

1. Go to Hawaii. It will always be #1 on my TO DO list. ALWAYS!!
2. Write a children's book with my old dog Frankie Beans as the narrator.
3. Get the dark circles under my eyes permanently removed or filled so I don't have to hear people tell me how tired I look.
4. Sing karaoke, I never will, but have always wanted to. I just cannot sing. Can't and won't.
5. Go to a movie all by myself. Two of my friends do this, I never have. I'd like to try.

Okay Monique, do I have to tell which one I commit to? Can I keep it all to myself so no one knows I've failed, hee hee.

I always feel like I sound so goofy when I answer these questions. They are fun though, I love to learn trivial things about people.

Now guess what? Yep, I get to select 3 people for this award. So, I select:
Merrie, Where the Blackbirds Sing
Tam, Yakiddy Yak Yak
Diane, Where the Foxgloves Grow

You ladies have to follow the rules:



To receive your award -Name 5 things you've always wanted to do, but haven't done yet.

Commit to doing one of them before this season is over!

Then go ahead and copy and paste the award to your blog, and then send to 3 other Autumn Friends.

Voter Tuesday

Yes I voted. Late, but I voted. Our plan was to get out early as soon as the polls open. Plans change so we voted after work. This is the first time I really remember actually seeing "I Voted" stickers on just about everyone I came into contact with today. I am eagerly awaiting the results. Since our house is a split ticket it will be interesting to see what happens. A lot has changed in my own life in the past few years and I have changed my attitude tremendously on some issues. I knew from early on who I was leaning towards. The more I heard particular views on pending issues, the easier my decision became more concrete. Maybe it's age, maybe it's confidence or even ignorance, but I am choosing more and more to let people know why I disagree with them. I work to pay bills, to grow as a person, and to enjoy life. I'm tired of other people taking advantage of that!!

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Now on to brighter topics. My friend Toni sent me more pictures last night. I have to share.

Don't you just want to throw down your blanket, lay down and read a book? I love this old barn. It's gorgeous!! I bet it has lots of stories!! Thanks Toni, I eagerly await new pictures!!!

Don't Forget To Vote

Don't forget to vote!!! You cannot complain unless you do. So DO IT!! VOTE!

A Long Walk Around the Neighborhood

The weather warm and perfect. A fall day for November 2nd, didn't really seem like fall at all.

Kia and I decided to take a walk late this afternoon. I took the old, blurry camera and away we went. Look, she's a little miffed it's taking me so long to get myself together. She's always ready to stroll.

My home and my neighbor's home. A peak of a few leaves we need to work on.

Gotta remember to look both directions. Then we'll across the other neighbor's driveway. She has her home for sale. I miss her.

This is her home. I always thought of her as my neighborly Martha Stewart kinda gal. I hope not to insult her by saying that, but she can do anything. She's worked her fingers to the bone updating, digging and changing things around. Her house is awesome and she has a HUGE fenced in backyard. Perfect for mutts...

Here we go, this pic turned out well because Kia was using the potty so to speak.

These are just a couple of homes up the street. It's funny how different houses are along this street.

This is one of my favorites. A photographer lives here. We never know what we'll see when we go by. Families, little kids, brides in full attire. It's fun to sneak a peak at them. I have to get another pic closer to Christmas. The home just sparkles in white lights. Rumor is that many moons ago the little boy from the Munsters had grandparents that lived in this home. I hope that's the right rumor anyway. (It could be the Adam's Family?)

HELLOOOOO Gorgeous. Two fellas are taking on a big project. Actually two. This is the first. It's the house behind THE HOUSE. I believe it must be where housing staff must have lived years ago. I love what they have done to it. I need to meet them so they can give me a tour. THE HOUSE is coming...

I didn't get a very good picture of the gates. There are "W"s on the gates. The yard it huge and surrounded by smaller iron fencing.


THE HOUSE. It used to be the Wardell Mansion. It has been through many families since then. When I first moved into the house I live in now, my mom came to visit. She left heading in the direction of this home. On the second floor she could see about 7 little girls around the ages of 11. They were standing in a line in front of a big picture window "sunning" cars as they went by on the curve. (There is a big picture window on the left side of this shot.) Anyway, these fellas have a big job ahead of them. It will be wonderful when they get finished.

Condos are coming up like dandelions around our little town.

This home is so unique. I love it on the outside anyway. Curious to know what the inside looks like. I'm a chicken. The owner was just sitting on his lawn mower at the edge of the yard, so I quickly snapped these.

Our Courthouse. Kia and I made a big circle, you'll see the back/side view later.

An old church downtown near the courthouse.

Another favorite home of mine. This one was on the market recently. I envy the new owners. If I were single and didn't have a care in the world, this one would've been mine!!

A street headed downtown...

The Catholic School...

I love this pic. Kia got to crunch the leaves...

Front view, I was able to catch this one when the owner started mowing the other way. I was too embarassed to take a pic with him watching.Side view, isn't it something. A lot of work has been put into this one.

The trees so pretty in their disappearing color...

A garage to a quaint little home. Chicken again, I think the owners were nearby.

Monkey boys in the tree. I didn't see them at first. One yelled, "why are you taking pictures?" "Because I want to send them to my family to show them the town where I live," I lied. "That's cool," one said. I didn't want their mom or dad to think I was a perv or anything. I asked if I could take their pictures. They were more than happy to oblige. They were sweeties...

I wish I got a better shot of this one and the next. So pretty, the yard is amazing. Should be, he's the local landscaper.

A grassy hedge seperates a home from a Bed and Breakfast.

There are a lot of functions here. Marriages and parties take place on the

grounds. I kind of wish the hubby and I would have gotten married here. It's really neat. It used to be Judge Belt's personal home. I worked with him some when I was a Children's Service Worker. He made homemade bread to relieve stress. OMG, was it good!!!

The hubby has gotten some really nice golf shirts at this one's garage sale. Talk about one clean garage!!

I love this one too. Very Martha-esque. Reminds me of her Turkey Trot Home.

Another Bed and Breakfast.

Someone told me once that this house does not have any corners in it. I find that hard to believe.

I made Kia walk to the Sheriff's Dept and County Jail. Yep, this is it. Something was going on with some people on the steps so we didn't get to close and personal. Kia preferred it that way.

The back/side view of the courthouse. Okay, I'm preparing you for the next few block or two. You'll see... a beautiful tree...

sweet, cozy homes...

and then...

take a breath...

I don't lie...

Dunno...Nestled in the heart of our small town. This Aztec/Picasso home has been here for years. They must be very creative and artsy.

Getting closer, we've made a full circle now...

The curve pointing home provided Kia with relief. She knew water was close...

It was a warm one today. I know there are a lot of pictures here. I hope I didn't bore any of you. Next time we'll walk the other direction...