Cranberry Flats

A Beautiful Night Slipping Away

2012-01-09T19:54:00.000-06:00

I met a wonderful lady several years ago after begging her, over the phone, to come speak to a class of offenders for me. Her name is Debbie. Unfortunately I do not get to visit with her anymore, we both have different jobs, but thankfully, Facebook lets us check in on occasion. One thing I have learned about Debbie is that she is an amazing photographer with the perfect subject. She lives on Holiday Acres not too far from my home town. There is nothing I want more than living on or close to the water. Debbie provides me with the opportunity to live vicariously through her. When she posted this picture on Facebook last night I knew I had to post it. A full moon, a beautiful night slipping away and this amazing reflection on the water. Delicious...

Thank you Debbie for allowing me to "borrow" your amazing gift!!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T00:50:00.003-06:00

December 31, 2011...just yesterday seems like December 1st. I have no concept of time anymore at all. 2011 was definitely a year of change and growth. Some things I wish I could do over...better...and some things I just wish I could do over to enjoy again. New Year's Resolutions usually do not work for me. So this year I have just a few things on my "to do" list that I truly want to make work. I wish 2012 is a prosperous year for you and yours...Lisa

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T08:14:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas!!!

Annual Carolers Photo

2011-12-21T09:42:00.001-06:00

Here it is our annual Carolers photo. For some reason, some of the carolers were absent. We missed them. They replaced the missing carolers with a cart of fake pointsettias. It as still fun!

Here's a Winner!

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite pictures from 2011. My Hubby, in the Mizzou shirt, and his teammates won a golf tourney. Hubby is happiest in his element of golf.

Meowy Christmas

2011-12-17T07:50:00.002-06:00

Reynaldo says "MEOWY CHRISTMAS!!"

Wave Your Hands in the Air...

2011-12-05T20:31:00.001-06:00

Wave Your Hands in the Air Like You Just Don't Care

Kenny Scruffs and hubby look like they are dancing and having a great time at Club Pogue. Kenny is standing on the couch performing his latest trick. Begging. He loves to beg.

I snapped another one shortly after the first. This time he sat down. All hubby has to do is lift his arms and Kenny assumes the begging position. After I took this, I was showing hubby the shot in the camera. We giggled about it and all the while Kenny begged. Gotta loves my guys!!

Living Windows 2011

2011-12-04T17:50:00.028-06:00

Living Windows 2011 took a full swing last Thursday evening. The weather was beautiful. Not really warm, but definitely not cold. This was such a change compared to the past few years we've attended.

This was one of my favorites. Unsure of who this couple was, but they sure seemed to have fun.

You could walk in this store and decorate your own cookies.

I caught Santa checking his list to see if this young fell in the bottom of the pick was on there. Fortunately he was not.

This is one of my favorite stores in Moberly. My friend Sandie and I went in just that afternoon. We didn't see any puppies like this, but the store looked amazing!!

This poor lil pooch had to have a bath before she was placed in the window. All the puppies were for sale.

A snowball fight. The one lady had on some cool goggles.

This was fun. I bet you can't guess who my hubby is? You got to pick out your own cookies and paid for them by the pound. All the money went to Stubbins Youth Facility. Great idea! My favorite thing was what I thought was peppermint bark. Only there was a lil peppermint on the top, a ribbon of toffee in the middle and almond bark on the bottom.

I just thought this was neat. I would love to have this piece to decorate with...

A new Corner Bistro and some lil angels in the windows.

One of hubby's favorite stores...we had to stop and gander...

Santa made it to the end of the street before we did. I imagine it was the picking out the cookies thing that slowed us down. It was a fun evening. Hubby and I don't go out too much, but events like this help make it special! Thank you Moberly for being so festive!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T15:39:00.003-06:00

I did not get any pictures of the table filled with food like grandma used to do, but I did get a shot or two of the table beforehand and her sideboard. I love mom's fall people. Only, just know as I type this I notice one little fella fell over. He must be full of turkey.

I'm Trying

2011-11-24T15:34:00.001-06:00

I am able to post to Blogger at my mom's house. For some reason I am unable to post on my own computer at home. Please do not give up on me. Hopefully, very soon, I can figure out this problem.

So, in the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas just in case I do not make it back by then!!

A Great Day

2011-10-30T18:35:00.003-05:00

Today we went to the dog park for the first time. After seeing this picture on my camera, I was so very happy we did. I think it's one of my favorites of all time. Kenny Scruffs had a great time. A little shy and reserved at first, but quickly proved to be the fastest dog there. We had not planned this particular spot to visit, but as we were driving through Rothwell Park I told hubby we might aws well stop. Kenny now knows BB, Foxy, Woody, Molly, Buster, Autumn, and a few more that whose names have slipped my memory. It was a great day to meet new friends.

I Love You Gayla So I'm Copy Cattn Ya!

2011-10-12T19:50:00.008-05:00

So call me a copy cat. After being friends with Gayla for so many years, I just feel compelled to copy her. A lot! She recently posted about the movie Practical Magic. One of my favorite movies. AND, to top that off, she posted a picture of the dvd Practical Magic sitting in the yard of a beautiful dollhouse that sits by her bed. I've always wanted a dollhouse! Always...

So anyway, ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be a witch. My mom would get a little disgusted at Halloween because my one request was to be a witch. One year she made me a fantastic witch costume. Cape and all. I was in Halloween heaven. Just so you know, I never wanted to be a bad witch just a witch to do cool, nice things. Even now I have moments of wanting to be a sultry, sexy witch for my husband. We were recently in Marshalls where there were so many cool witch hats. I melted. $10 of black lace, netting, black flowers and tulle, oh my my...I seriously thought of making one myself....anyway back to reality...

Sandra Bullock was a great witch in Practical Magic. But seriously...the house...the house spoke to my spirit. The nostalgic romance of that old Victorian beauty almost makes me ache. The location on the water...the outside sitting area under the arbor... sitting there watching the autumn stars twinkle. Wow...

I know the inside of the house needed some changes. But come on...the old aunts had it going on...really. Just look at this kitchen. Normally I'm not a fan of white kitchens, but just look...

I can picture me and my closest friends making margaritas and drinking some rum and dancing to "put the lime in the coconut and drink it all up"...mmmmhmmmm

Honestly Halloween influences me to watch this movie. Maybe it's just the time of year. Maybe it's just a dear ole friend who I know would be kicking it with me in that beautiful kitchen with coconuts and lime.

Supposedly this house was built on an Indian Burial ground. Set designers could not actually dig into the ground. All of the rooms inside the house were built in L.A. Whoever read the book and created the movie did an incredible job. Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite authors. I don't read much anymore, but when I pick up one of her books, I seem to be moved to another place and time.

So Gayla, when you wake up in the middle of the night and see those six little witches jumping off of the roof of that dollhouse (with their umbrellas and little striped socks) I just ask one huge favor...please get a picture...so I too can be moved to another place and time...

Picasa Change

2011-10-09T20:50:00.000-05:00

Golden Days of Fall

2011-10-09T20:43:00.003-05:00

I took this picture today through the tree in my mom's front yard. It's turning a golden color and is so very beautiful. Picasa could probably spice it up a bit, but I couldn't wait that long to show you. Happy Fall!!

Are You Sure?

2011-09-26T20:53:00.003-05:00

Do you ever hear old cliches or sayings that drive you up the wall? Probably one that has stuck out with me for the past year is, "my bad". Really?

I love words. Truly I do. So when new phrases or old phrases are stated, I either love 'em or hate 'em.

Now there is one cliche I hear quite frequently. It makes my skin crawl. Seriously, I would love to know the person that invented this one. After hearing it just recently, I decided to take my frustrations out on my blog.

Ready?

I bet you already know what it is...

Baby lovers beware...

Baby's mamas of boys sit tight...

Here it is...

"HE'S ALL BOY!!! HE REALLY IS!!" What in the hell does this mean? I've heard it said about brand new boy babies, boys who aren't quite babies anymore and toddlers who are definitely no longer babies. Really, is there some confusion somewhere? Or is it a relief? Or just some sort of resounding jubilation on the reporter that this young person really does have a penis?

Maybe, just maybe, this is where the obsession begins????

Very Talented Son-in-Law

2011-09-12T21:46:00.003-05:00

My son-in-law, Jason Wright, had an art exhibit last night in Florida. Hearing and seeing stuff like this makes me wish to live closer to Erica and her little family. Jason is quite a talented young man. Very creative both musically and artistically. You can visit his site and even order prints at www.jasonwrightstudios.com. Stop by for a visit!!

Famous In a Small Town

2011-08-14T20:21:00.019-05:00

Not too long ago I listened to the words of Miranda Lambert's "Famous In a Small Town" and it just plain hits home. I'm from a community of less than 700 people. Bevier, Missouri is a place of childhood dreams, belonging, and home. I lived here until I graduated from college. After my father passed away it was way to difficult for me to return very often. Even though some of my very best friends still live there, I just didn't return. Not even to one of the biggest small town fairs around, the Bevier Homecoming. Last spring I started missing some of those people, missing what life used to be, and missing my old self. As I've said in previous posts, I've made some changes this year. I could not wait for Homecoming time even though it rings the bell of summer being close to over.

Back to Famous in a Small Town, many of you are Facebook followers. The newest trend on FB is remembrances of your community. I've seen it for my small town, my friend in California, and many more. So when I read a post on Small Town Big Memories of Bevier, I had to laugh. A friend just named two old ladies who lived in town. Alta and Josephine. Enough said. If you are from Bevier, you know exactly who I am referring to...sisters who lived 2 houses down from one another on the same street. They did everything together. Seriously, when I read their names on Stacy's post, I had to laugh and think of this song. Everyone knows everyone. Everyone knows your business. Everyone is there when you need them. It's the best thing.

This is the best part of Bevier Homecoming for me...my family. The girl you see sitting by my husband is my Aunt Paula. She's not that much older than me and has always called me her little sister. I truly feel like her little sister. She lives in St. Louis, the older I get, the more I miss her. It's the weirdest thing. I told her and everyone else in her family, she needs to move closer...or I need to move to St. Louis.

Kenny Scruffs attended his very first Bevier Homecoming parade. He liked it until it got too loud.

A flyover just prior to the parade starting. It was beautiful weather. Absolutely beautiful as compared to previous HOT days.

And now it starts. I could not get over all of the emergency vehicles that made an appearance this year. We talked about how we hoped that some of these places did not have some kind of catastrophe or something. And it was great that they were there. These volunteers put in a lot of time for so many activities in their communities.

What is a parade without local queens. My cousins Emily and Abby joined me in attending the queen contest this year. I haven't been to one in years. We had a blast. I can't wait to do it next year. We all picked our top 3, I was off by one.

Floats are some of the best ever. This church always has a great float.

Chickens even...

This is one of my favorite pics, what's a parade without Dorothy? Isn't she lovely...

There were plenty of class reunions too. I'm thinking about getting in touch with my former classmates because our 25th reunion will be next year. We may be riding in the parade too!

This is small town for you. My friend Paul's son drove this CASE tractor. With difficulty. It wouldn't stay running. He finally had to pull it over. But voila...

In less than 2 minutes help arrived to move him forward. My aunt said in a big parade in the city, it would take 2 hours and a stalled parade before help would arrive. A lot of people will remember Luke and his CASE tractor stalling out. Famous in a Small Town!

This was awesome! These little ball players had a routine while they walked the parade route. Almost like a military drill. Whoever their coaches are, kudos for them making this even more fun!!

And, you always know the end of a parade when the horse trot by... This parade last 45 minutes. That's typical Bevier style parade time. A St. Louis visitor smartly remarked as we were leaving home to head to the parade that this would only last 5 minutes. I think he may have been a little surprised even.

I have more pics for another post on Saturday evening's activities. But just to put an ending on this I want to tell you about a conversation with my hubby as we were heading home that night. As we were driving out of town, he commented, "I bet the town people are happy when all of this is over." He was referring to the tons and tons of cars parked on the streets, people's driveways and yards in order to attend the evening's entertainment. For some reason I answered in agreement then told him no. It's not like that. The Bevier Homecoming is something that has taken place ever August for the past 78 years. Bevier locals look forward to it, prepare energetically and fill with a little sadness once it's over. I cannot explain what it's like unless you experience it yourself. People plan their vacations around it. For some, it's the only time of the year they return home to see family and friends. It's a time of celebration because, well you know, everyone is "Famous in a Small Town"!

More Kenny...

2011-08-01T18:55:00.007-05:00

)))))))))SIGH((((((((((

The Best Concert I've Ever Been To....

2011-07-31T19:12:00.025-05:00

Erica and I went to the big concert last night in KC. Got there early enough to park in a good spot and get to our seats before Uncle Kracker began. Thank goodness because so many tailgaters were partying long enough, a lot of them missed Uncle Kracker and Billy Currington due to the mayhem getting into the stadium. It was hot but not as nearly as hot as it had been in St. Louis a few days earlier. I was thankful we chose Kansas City instead!

Erica...her first really BIG concert. She said it was worth it. We got to see and smell LOTS of things, lol!!

Entering Arrowhead. My very first trip to Arrowhead. Hopefully it won't be my last...

I borrowed a smaller camera in case they wanted to confiscate my larger one...the rules ya know. The SandBar section was around the runway part of the stage. I need to save my dollars for that section next time!!

Uncle Kracker. He was GREAT!

He sang Kid Rock's "All Summer Long" and put me in the spirit immediately!!

Yep that's me, I had to get up off my feet for that one...notice the seating? A lot of people missed this part of the concert. Definitely their loss.

And oh baby, when I found out Billy Currington was in St. Louis I flipped. I thought for sure I made a big mistake by getting tickets in KC. Fortunately they were part of the venue too. Just not advertised when I got my tickets. He was greater...

and oh so cute! Bare feet and all.

Arrowhead filling up before Zac Brown Band. That many people and me in one place at the same time for the same thrilling reason was incredible!

I told Erica I bet ole Zac wears that stocking cap when he mows the grass. She thought maybe his wife does that job now.

This band was great too. Very entertaining and fun. The girl sitting in front of us said he has the most beautiful eyes. Couldn't see those from where we were sitting but I'll take her word for it!

The weather was hot, thankfully though, there was a breeze blowing. We drank tons of water. Unfortunately this guy drank TONS of Barley Pops. He was feeling no pain somewhere between Billy Currington and Kenny Chesney. I happen to start snapping these of him during the break waiting for Kenny.

Very Drunk Guy did a number of dances for our entertainment. Thankfully he was fully clothed. I wondered what he did for a living. He didn't have hard working hands. Not really muscular. So I figure a desk job plugging numbers into a computer maybe. Making enough money to spend at the places where he must have learned some of those dance moves...

The nice lady in the cowgirl hat is from Jeff City. Just down the road from me. She claimed she would NEVER spend this kinda money for this kinda entertainment ever again. Too many people and too many nitwits....very drunk guy did not impress her. Neither did her drunk sister. Who happened to find a handsome boyfriend sitting beside her at the concert. My friend watched their relationship progress to dancing, then pouting, then kissing, then possibly taking her to a hotel room if the sis' would let him, then he took her face in his hands and gently broke up with her during one of Kenny Chesney's great songs. He told her she was beautiful and was sure she was a nice girl, but he just couldn't....then he left. To go find the girl he came with to the concert. I'm sorry I missed all that. Sad thing is...that girl was my age...oh dear...her sis in the cowgirl hat says it happens quite frequently...

Very Drunk Guy doing his thang... It was amazing how many girls, who didn't even sit next to him or the guy in the red cap, wanted their picture taken with them. Oh the stories they will tell....

The curtain dropped as the roadies were setting up for Kenny...I love Kenny. My heart was racing. I was not about to make my way to the second level to use the restroom no matter how bad I had to pee. It just wasn't gonna happen. We mostly sweat out all of our water. But my bladder did quietly whisper..."maybe?" Nope, I didn't listen. I wasn't willing to take that chance. I love Kenny!

The jumbotron was just above us. So when Kenny was on the opposite side of the stage, it was like he was right in front of me. I love Kenny! That bald head...those arms...that smile has to sparkle so it can be seen in space smile...and that sexy bald head that I couldn't see....I love Kenny!

I only teared up when he sang "Anything But Mine" only a little. I love Kenny!

Kenny sang "She Thinks My Tractor is Sexy" as his encore song. THEN, the rest of the encore belonged to him and the Zac Brown Band. But before they started their first song together, he presented Zac with a huge Martini glass filled with a margarita and also presented him with his birthday cake. The whole crowd got to sing "Happy Birthday" to Zac Brown. It was amazing!! I love Kenny!

They sang several songs together. It was awesome to say the least. It seemed like we waited forever for this concert to get here. Ultimately we were there for 8 hours and it went by way to fast!! Oh to do it again this weekend!! I love Kenny!!! Until next time....

P.S. Have I ever told you just how much I love Kenny Chesney?????

KC to See KC!!!

2011-07-29T21:29:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to see this guy tomorrow night at Arrowhead Stadium. Scratch one off the bucket list. Uncle Kracker, Billy Currington, Zac Brown Band and KENNY CHESNEY all in one evening! I am so excited and cannot wait. My boss asked me to come in to work on Saturday night I immediately replied "NO"...being there is no real reason for any of us to come in I told him it was well worth going to jail for...he giggled. 16 rows back on the floor...oh my....

US

2011-07-20T21:35:00.002-05:00

This is my hubby and I attempting to take a good picture. I have to admit, this is probably one of my most favorite pictures of us together. He got a new gadget last winter and we had to try it out. A new cell phone. Maybe since we don't have kids or maybe because I am usually the one behind the camera, we just don't have many pictures of us together. I hate posed photos, but love candid ones. There's just something about emotion being caught on camera. That usually doesn't happen with posed pics.

Hubby said I only post mean things about him on my blog. I told him I was just happy he read my blog. I had no idea. So in case you are reading this my hubby, this is my favorite photo of us. Maybe YOU should take more pics!!

5 Years Ago Today

2011-07-17T16:52:00.003-05:00

Five years ago today I lost my father to suicide. The day was as hot then as it is today. The heat sweltering. It remains in my mind forever. I'll never forget that feeling as long as I live. Keeping in mind what he may be doing at this very moment keeps me going. As I've said before, I don't believe he's looking down keeping an eye on us, because I truly believe he has much better things to do. Picturing him with his best friend or loved ones, having a good laugh or two or some kind of intellectual fiber optic conversation is what I envision.

I was recently offered a promotion at work. I've never been so pleasantly surprised in my life. No kidding...life doesn't have very many good surprises, but this is one that made me think of my dad first. He would have been the only one to truly understand how I felt. And, I believe he would have been proud and would have wanted to help me celebrate. It was almost too ironic that this took place at this time of year. I've thought of him everyday this week. He would love my new title and probably offer some hefty advice.

Missing his laughter and thirst for knowledge has driven me to be a better person this week. I need to let go of what I cannot control and embrace those things that I adore.

Dad I can't wait to see you again. I can't wait to hear that laugh and be challenged to a game of Scrabble. I can't wait to tell you what it was like to attend the 2009 All Star Game. I can't wait to tell you how far technology has come since 2006. I can't wait to tell you about Kenny and Maggie. I can't wait to tell you what the new Camarro looks like and how I'd love to drive one. I can't wait to tell you how right you were about so many things in life. But most of all...I can't wait to tell you how much I love you and how much I've missed you...

Road Rage

2011-07-08T13:15:00.003-05:00

Road Rage. Yes, I suffer from it. Trying to keep this demon hidden within the core of my existence is a chore. However, it knocks on my internal basement door wanting out badly. BADLY. I can't relent even when I'm behind an individual driving like he doesn't have anything better to do. This afternoon I decided at the last minute to take off early and hit the lake. Alas! Not too quickly. Even though it felt like it, but I know it really wasn't happening, I thought it took 10 minutes to drive 2 miles. At first I thought the person was talking on their cell phone, but I don't really think that was the case. When whoever it was turned onto 63, I think they continued at the very same pace.

When I was younger my parents referred to these people as Sunday Drivers. Today is Friday. Not Sunday. My demons were knocking loudly. I wanted to honk. I wanted to fly the bird. I wanted to pass this person as fast as my car could take me. I didn't. I'm proud that I didn't. I didn't even scream cuss words in the comfort of my own vehicle.

You never realize how awful this is until you are with someone that exercises road rage. Unfortunately I have rubbed off onto my hubby. He used to be a silent road rager. He never really said a word. However he did began fighting demons the day I honked his horn. I vowed to never ever honk his horn again and I haven't. Some old lady took her time in front of him and wouldn't let him around her. So he mumbled something inaudible in frustration. So, being the helpful wife that I am. I reached over and honked his horn. Well the road rage demon quit knocking because the nagging bitchy wife demon beat down the door. That demon came unleashed on me in a way I had not experienced before. Under no circumstances was I to EVER honk his horn when he was driving. ok...is all I could muster.

That day has it's own special tag on my brain. I still giggle about it. The funny thing is...he's become a HONKER. Yes. He cusses too. All the things I used to do terribly, he now does. The sad thing is...he has really come across some pretty horrible driving experiences. I know because I don't drive when he's driving and I don't honk the horn. Instead I'm a quiet passenger wondering how long it's gonna take us to get anywhere. Therefore I know firsthand just how he's been treated as a responsible driver. I don't want hubby to lose his cool and have another heart attack over something completely stupid. And, most of all, I don't want him to have a heart attack over something he learned from his nagging wife.

So in honor of my stifled road rage situation today, I created a new blog post. Boring? Maybe. Honestly you can honk your own horn at that.

Running Like a Well Oiled Machine - Sorta

2011-07-07T22:33:00.002-05:00

I've had many trials and tribulations this year. Approximately one year ago I made it my goal to make some life changing decisions. Unfortunately one of them I did not follow through and have regretted it ever since. This past year hasn't been easy. Full of ups and downs and lots of heart ache. But I tread on. Some times you just have to thank God for unanswered prayers...and hopefully I will be thanking him for that very soon. However, that gloomy feeling continues to lull over my head like it did last fall. It's funny how our lives turn out.

So, I have decided to work a little harder on my bucket list. The goals and things that I like to do that make me happy. Having been able to already cross a few of those items off of my list already, I must say I'm really looking forward to one in the very near future. A Kenny Chesney concert in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. My best friend is going with me and we are making a weekend out of it. We have fantastic seats so I'm hoping for a great view of one of my favorite singers of all time. I have loved Kenny for many, many years. I warned Erica earlier this week that she should not report back to friends and family if I bawl my head off once Kenny hits the stage. She laughed. Hopefully she will continue laughing and will not be horrified when it happens.

Having something to look forward to is a necessity for me. It gives me drive and encourages my zest for life. Kenny Chesney is a huge mark off my list. However, it's those small things that keep life interesting. Like weekends with friends and family. A phone call. A text. A small town fair. A thank you. A big hello. And most of all, an I love you.

Soap Box

2011-07-05T19:13:00.003-05:00

We threw in the towel with our local cable company. They did not uphold their end of a contract so hubby said it's gotta go. So went my knowledge of where I could find what I wanted to watch on the ole tube. After 4 months you'd think I'd be able to remember what channels are what on this new system...but I cannot. I did find a fun and hip news channel in the mornings. Trying not to focus on whether it slants to a liberal view or conservative view, I just try to absorb the news.

Unfortunately two things have really stuck out with me over the past few weeks. The first being Gabrielle Gifford. Don't get me wrong. I'm glad she is healing and did not get killed in that horrific shooting in Tucson. However, every freaking time I see her face on TV I think about the other victims, living and dead. How their families must feel when they watch the same news clip that I watch. My heart aches for them.

The other issue is that dang Casey Anthony. I hope to be wrong, but I sincerely believe Case killed that beautiful little girl. But it is not for me to judge. Lord only knows I watched as a local jury found a pervert not guilty of raping his step-daughter 13 times. I believed that little girl when she described the nasty things her step-father did to her. She had faith in me to take care of her and make her situation better. I did as much as I could do with the help of her family. Unfortunately the old man on the jury who fell asleep during most of the trial didn't get to hear what took place. The young man who continued to roll his eye as if he had something better to do was probably not thinking about the little 12 year old girl who was pushed to testify and nervously describe these incidents. The one put together older lady later told a court official that the little girl just wasn't believable. Really? I surmise she was sexually molested as a child herself and just figured she could find a victim in a crowd. The reality was I was a children's service worker who should have been called on behalf of that 12 year old child. She should have never been pushed to testify. All of the medical experts, professional law enforcement people and myself should have painted the perfect picture without having to put a nervous, scared little girl on the stand.

That whole lotta words lead me to this...Caylee did not get a chance to tell her story. It was pieced together by law enforcement officials who had nothing to go on but leads. Caylee's secrets died with her. The only relief is that she is now wrapped in the arms of someone who loves her unconditionally, with no expectations.

I've always wanted a little girl of my own. Then I see something like this happen and I have to wonder why the world turns the way it turns.

Uncle Lentry and the Big 5-0!

2011-06-11T22:41:00.002-05:00

This is me and my Uncle Lentry at my cousin Amy's wedding. I had completely forgotten this day was also his 50th birthday until I overheard my cousin Daniel tell him he would spank him and if he lost count he'd just start all over again. Then it hit me. Lentry is 50 years old today. It's so hard for me to believe. Lentry is my mom's little brother. I can't ever remember him not being around. Mom used to tell me how he would have to come visit her and sit on her lap after mom and dad got married and moved into their own place. I guess when I came along that changed. Lentry used to have to walk me home from school. His long old legs took huge long steps to my little short ones in the first grade. Feeling as though I was running and could never keep up as I walked to grandma's house with him after school. I'm sure he hated escorting me home. Lentry is about 6'4". I wasn't even close.

I can remember him eating hot dogs and rocking back and forth sitting on the couch while he scarfed them down. Grandma would scream at him, "Lentry Ray you are gonna choke to death if you don't sit still." He'd just grin that silly grin and keep eating hot dogs. Grandma was pretty short and attempted to scare him to death to get him to do something he was suppose to do. Such as mow the grass. She threatened one day that even though she was much smaller than him, he still needed to know she would tie him to the tree out front to beat his ass if she needed to. She didn't crack a smile during this violent threat. I pictured this whole setting while Lentry grinned that silly grin eating his after school snack. All of these antics took place while Grandma Mildred watched the Cardinals, the Royals or Gunsmoke on the television.

As I grew older Lentry versed me a little in basketball. The one thing for which he had a passion. He showed me how he could palm a basketball. When I was in the 8th grade I practiced until I got it right. One thing that I could do that Uncle Lentry couldn't was palm a basketball with both hands. I delighted in that respect of doing something he couldn't. But I'm sure it was something he told all of his friends about. Every once in a while he will remember to ask me if I can still do that. I haven't tried for a few years, I may just have to in honor of him turning the Big 5-0. (Keep in mind this was before there were women's regulation size basketballs. I must be old, this was when we all used the same size ball. Whatever happened to that?)

Uncle Lentry fished, hunted, and played sports with another cousin of mine. I can remember him taking walks on the railroad tracks to the ole reservoir to fish. Sometimes he came back empty handed, sometimes not. He was a fixture in my life. Jokester and all.

Uncle Lentry eventually met a girl and fell in love. He got married and I got to be a candlelighter in his wedding. Later he and his wife Wanda had 2 boys of their own. Michael and Matthew. If they are half as great as their dad, they must be pretty darn good!

Happy 50th Birthday Uncle Lentry! I love you!!

Kyle and Amy

2011-06-11T22:32:00.004-05:00

June 11, 2011 a celebration of love and friendship. A beautiful day for a beautiful couple!

My cousin Amy married the love of her life, Kyle Harvey. I wish them a world of happiness and adventure. May they never get bored and always make their friendship a priority. Best wishes to this young beautiful couple!!

FEET

2011-05-29T10:11:00.002-05:00

Let me begin by stating, "I hate feet!" Very few people have great feet. It has taken me years to show my feet in public. It all started when I was very young. My mother bought me a pair of blue sandals. I remember them to this day. She loved them. Thought they were cute. I wore them. Well, you know, kinda felt like I had to. I believe I may have been around 5 years old.

I went to play with my best friend. Needless to say, I had on my new blue sandals. We were in the bathroom (I remember this also to this very day.) She was sitting on the toilet when she alerted me to the fact that she hated my sandals. WHAT? I couldn't believe she hated them when my mom loved them. The she proceeded to share with me that I had the world's ugliest feet. That was the beginning of me not showing my feet for years to the public. I may have had to wear those blue sandals a time or two after that, but probably I despised every darn minute of it.

Through the years I would see people wearing cute shoes. Feet, toes showing and all. Some of them shouldn't...

Only within the past 8 years have I begun to show my feet, not minding what people think. Yes they swell. No they are not pretty. But I have learned there are so many more feet out there that are so much uglier than mine. To my best friend from many moons ago who taught me how to loathe my feet, I bet her perfect little toes are really no better than mine. So what if my second toe is a smidge longer than my big toe. Doesn't that just mean shoes will fit me better? I see little skinny women with the fattest little sausage toes. I wonder how that happens. Really? Can they fit those little box feet in cute shoes? Maybe. Maybe it just doesn't matter.

All of this leads to 42 years of my life and I finally got my very first spa pedicure yesterday. WOW!! Really. WOW!!! My favorite part was the paraffin soak and massage of that warm wax on my arches. Holy cow...I...am...hooked!

So now I dare to show the world my feet. They aren't perfect, but they are mine. They say a lot about me. Cause you know the old saying, "if you don't take care of your feet, you probably aren't taking care of other things either!"

Yes I bought these shoes this spring. I could not wait to wear them. My hubby laughed because he remembered a time not so long ago when I would try on shoes and say, "they show too much toe." He thought that was crazy. I guess I am too. The one thing I have learned in 2011 for those who take care of their feet, but have never gotten a pedicure. Now is the time. I promise from the bottom of my feet, you will not regret it!!!

YUCK

2011-05-23T21:59:00.003-05:00

So tonight on my walk I see this yucky snake as I approach. It made me sick and I had to do some check, from a distance, to make sure he was really dead. This is the second dead snake I've seen on this route. I hope NOT to see any alive. Since my hubby loves this kinda stuff I was brave and took a picture of this ugly thing and sent it to him via cell phone. He had to ask me all about it when I got home. Yeah right...like I could possibly pick him up, look at him long, or even know what his name is...

Funny thing is, I saw him on my first trip. The second trip I must have forgotten about him. I thought my heart was gonna explode. I thanked my lucky stars that I did not meet any traffic to where I would have stepped off the asphalt. My heart would have really exploded, dead or not...

Annie Peanut, I Will Miss You Always & Forever

2011-05-20T16:48:00.002-05:00

Dearest Annie,

I will never forget that day I called your future daddy telling him I saw you at Wal-Mart and asked if it would be a good idea to bring you home. Both of us fell in love the minute we held you in our arms. You were such a meek, quiet little puppy who loved to run as fast as your little legs could go. It didn't take long for you to get used to Big Boy Frankie and his monstrous stride. How you loved to run and play together. When we got Kia you tried so hard not to be jealous. But that little female venom got the best of you at times. You learned to love her sharing car rides and walks. Jumping in the lake and swimming to my raft so you could be by my side still tickles me. I've never seen a little do swim so far just to share a raft and soak up the sun. My biggest regret was not letting you be a mommy. You were such a caregiver and had a big concern for others. You understood grief, happiness and wanted to console those emotions for us. Even today on the way to the vet, I tried so very hard not to shed a tear on the way there. And, what did you do? You crawled to me to tell me you loved me with those big chocolate eyes. Annie, you've seen me through so many ups and downs over the past 7 years I cannot thank you enough for being there. You have always made me happy. (Minus the time you ran your little tail onto Sunset in front a huge Ford pickup, just missing you by inches. But I quickly forgave you for scaring me.) My biggest memory was the night I took you to Grandma and Grandpa's. You sat between me and mom almost hidden from view. Dad walked in and was so surprised to see you. I'll never forget what he said when you sat on his lap. Those words rang in my ears everyday, especially since he passed away. He said, "Annie, you are going to be such a joy." That my dearest Annie has echoed for you each day of your life. You have been such a joy. I love you my little friend. A spot in my heart has Annie emblazoned forever.

Always,

Your Mama

Oh Dear!

2011-05-18T20:41:00.002-05:00

This is me and my co-worker Dennis. What a sad little photo, but I love it. We had quite a time yesterday visiting parts of the institution we normally don't get to see. It looks like we had quite a day doesn't it?

Meet Our Newest Family Member

2011-05-15T21:35:00.002-05:00

This is Kenny Scruffs. Fortunately for him and us, our neighbors found him starving to death at the local lake. He could hardly walk and his ribs were sticking out. They brought him home, picked off tons of ticks and cleaned him up. We watched him for one night while they went out of town. We fell in love. Keep in mind my hubby and I are both animal lovers. He spent the night and the very next morning we got up early to go garage sailing. I took him back to the neighbors how thinking I would return from our morning run in time to bring him back to our house for the last little fun we could have with him. Hubby and I found a couple of toys for him. I couldn't wait to give them to him. Everything was so new to him since he'd been dumped.

To my disappointment, the neighbors had returned from their overnight trip by the time we got home. I told hubby I thought I was gonna cry. He giggled cause he knows me as well as anyone. He told me take the dogs toys to him so he could have something to play with. Then I dropped my big question: If the other people don't want him, do you care if I tell Tracy and Terry that we want him??? Of course hubby said he didn't care. So away I went.

I told the neighbors the puppy had been on a car ride, visited with my mom, spent the night with us and was really, really a good puppy. Then I told them if the other people they had found to take him, didn't want him, then, we would take him. Got that? They looked at each other kinda funny and my first thought was they didn't want us to have him. But then Terry said, "we'd rather you take him than the other people." I snatched my boy up and took him home, waving goodbye to Tracy and Terry, the foster parents, all the way.

We named him Kenny. Not that hubby wanted him to have that name, but he couldn't come up with something better. He's named after my second favorite bald guy, Kenny Chesney. At an Easter dinner with my Aunt and Uncle it occurred to me that he looked more like Ozzie Osbourne or Alice Cooper. Then hubby said he liked the name Ozzie, but Kenny had already stuck. Kenny Scruffs has added so much delight to our little home in just a few weeks he's been here.

I believe things happen for a reason. Annie Peanut has been ill for quite some time. Very soon we will have to make the last decision about her. If Kenny gives us as much joy as Annie has, we will be so very lucky he came into our lives when he did!! Welcome home Kenny!!

Suicide

2011-04-30T09:45:00.007-05:00

Last weekend, after encountering some comments about people who commit suicide, I decided to tell my story. Suicide is not something you can hide, ignore, or brag about. At some point in your life you have to deal with it ---whether it be a family member, friend or even friend of a friend. It's not a topic to share with someone who doesn't understand. For those that are left behind, we deal with so much gossip and senselessness. We bite our lip and hide our insecurities. If there is anything I can accomplish from this post, it is just to advise and educate people about those left behind and how we feel.

For me, it was my dear ole dad. It happened on July 17th, 2006. It was a super hot day, and I had a tremendous headache unlike any I have experienced since. Every time I get a headache, anytime it is super hot and humid outside, and anytime I hear the word suicide, I think of my father. He helped create me. I am a part of him. Therefore, when I hear people make rude and uncaring remarks, I feel violated and hurt --- especially when those remarks come from family, close friends, and co-workers.

My dad had been physically ill for quite some time and emotionally drained. He did not commit suicide to punish those he loved. He did not commit suicide because he was crazy. He did not commit suicide because he did not love us. My dad committed suicide because he saw no other choice than to end his suffering. It may not have been the right thing to do. It may have hurt a lot of people. However, he is my father. Do not judge him.

Last weekend I spent some time with my husband's family. After Easter dinner the conversation somehow turned to suicide. It made my heart race and my stomach jerk. I could not believe some of the things being said --- especially in light of knowing my dad did this almost 5 years ago. I listened to comments that described people who commit suicide are crazy or they would never do such a thing, how they are not in their right minds when they do it, how it must be like for people to have to pick up body parts that have been blown all over the place. Those are just some of the comments I remember. I chose to sit in the living room by myself and started texting my best friend for distraction.

After 5 years one would think I could finally just ignore comments like that, but considering it was "family," I was more inclined to be furious at myself. Furious for allowing myself to get so angry for not speaking up to them and ask them why they were talking about my dad. Furious that my husband wouldn't tell them, "Hey, let's talk about something else." Furious because he rolled his eyes when I asked him for truck keys so I could leave. Furious for not educating them on my feelings.

Two weeks after I returned from funeral leave from work, I got to sit and wait on a daily morning meeting we have at work. My boss, along with another co-worker, said some things very, very similar to what my husband's family said although knowing full well what I had gone through. I chalked it up to their being complete jerks for hurting me like that. It's something I will never ever forget. Thank goodness, the Superintendent came in, asked what they were talking about, looked directly at me and changed their conversation. Later my boss even told me, "You know your dad was out of his mind to do something like that." Really? I'm so glad she informed me of her opinion. Interestingly enough, I believe in Karma.

I'm sure I can speak for any person who is left behind. We take those comments personally. We feel like we have failed. Failed for not telling them we love them before they walked out the door for the last time. Failed for not telling them all sorts of things good, bad, and indifferent. Failed mostly because we couldn't save them.

So please keep these things in mind when you encounter someone left behind from a suicide. We don't want to be ignored when some else commits suicide. Don't be afraid to tell us about it. If you do say something completely stupid, just apologize to us. We know those things happen. Just don't keep talking about it.

As I reread this post I realize it didn't turn out quite like I had planned. However, I do believe I got my point across. I love my dad and miss him like crazy. Sometimes I think about having one last conversation with him. Sometimes I think about all the people he's missed in his lifetime and visiting with in Heaven right now. That makes me happy!

A Very Special Easter Bunny

2011-04-24T10:24:00.004-05:00

When I was home from college for Easter many, many years ago...there came a knock on our door very early Easter morning. Mom came into my room and said there was someone at the door for me. I knew, but I didn't know. I knew Aunt Sadie had to be up to something because her son-in-law, my cousin Pete, was in town. Sure enough, it wasn't Pete. It was the Easter Bunny. There was no missing his big ole head and fuzzy white ears with huge eyes looking right at me through the door as I approached. He waved. Never thinking that bunnies really don't speak, he continued to wave until I opened the door. He handed me a bottle of bright pink nail polish and blew me a kiss. Around the corner he disappeared. Around that same corner were those sparkling blue eyes of Aunt Sadie dancing and laughing watching the expression on my face. Come on. How many 21 year olds actually get a real live visit from the Easter Bunny? I remember that day like it was yesterday.

However, for that Sweet ole Easter Bunny, the day continued. He made a trip south of Bevier to visit some very special little ones. His chauffeur, better known as cousin Jackie, parked the car at the end of the drive way for an easy getaway.

Easter Bunny knocked on the door and gave Tristan and Calvin some Easter goodies. Like me, he waved goodbye to them and skipped on down the drive way to his chauffeur driven car. The best part of this whole story is, Tristan and Calvin watched the Easter Bunny from the front window of their home. It had been a nasty rainy weekend. So to watch the Bunny in action was a dream come true. They kept their eyes on him.

They kept their eyes on him as he opened the car door, trying to slide as gracefully into the car as he could with his big ole head and ears. Tristan and Calvin's eyes were shining in complete amazement. Who knew? Who knew the Easter Bunny had a Chauffeur driven car? We never thought about that. We just knew he appeared at night while we were sleeping. Kinda like Santa. Only now, Tristan and Calvin actually knew he was driven around in his own private automobile by a beautiful blonde lady.

They kept their eyes on him as Jackie, the beautiful chauffeur put the car in drive.

And went no where.

Her wheels were spinning.

The Easter Bunny's chauffeur driven car was stuck in the mud. Tristan and Calvin continued to watch in amazement. Who would have ever thought. What would happen next.

The Easter Bunny got out of the car driven by that beautiful blonde. His big floppy ears hanging from his wobbly big head. His huge bunny paws and huge, I mean HUGE bunny feet walked slowly to the back of the car. The Bunny was hoping the children did not have to watch. But they did.

Tristan and Calvin watched with HUGE eyes as the Easter Bunny pushed his chauffeur driven car out of the mud. The beautiful chauffeur smiled lovingly. After a few pushes, the Bunny carefully, gracefully with his mud barren huge feet, hopped back into the car.

Tristan and Calvin watched as he drove out of sight...

Cousin Pete 2011

This is the Easter Bunny today. Some 20 years later. I miss him. He must've gotten a new outfit that is travel friendly. May the people of Schaumburg love you as much as the folks in Bevier. I love you Easter Bunny, BAWK BAWK!!

#8 A Pic That Makes Me Laugh

2011-04-09T22:11:00.002-05:00

This was our first Opening Day at a Cardinals game 2 years ago. It was snowing and very, very cold. So of course they had these 3 young studs dance a hoochy dance. The winner earned the most applause. The skinny guy in the middle sat behind us. He didn't win. But the other skinny guy with his hands on his head did...it was a great day!!!

#7 My Most Treasured Item

2011-04-08T20:22:00.003-05:00

SURPRISE!! My most treasured item is my Ipod. I LOVE it. Hubby gave me my first Ipod almost 5 years ago. I have to admit, my first thought was, "what the hell am I gonna do with this?" But I didn't say that. It took me over a month before I would finally sit down and learn how to use it. And, I haven't looked back. He gave me my second Ipod 2 Christmas' ago. This one holds a lot more songs, has a pedometer, a camera and much, much more. This dear item of mine has gotten me thru a lot of great to rotten moods over the past several years. I don't know what I'd do without it!!

#6

2011-03-28T19:32:00.003-05:00

A Picture of a Person I Would Trade Places with for a Day

I had to really think about this one. Numerous people ran through my head. My favorite thing in the world to do is laugh and be happy. When I watch Paula Deen on the Food Network or any talk show for that matter, I love her energy and upbeat personality. She is one person that seems to be who she is no matter where she is, if that makes sense. I have a feeling the Paula you see on TV is the same Paula you would have a Diet Coke with sitting on the patio. Looking at her today and knowing what she has done to get this far is pretty darn amazing. She must be proud. Her guests are unique and fun. Just one day in her shoes and her kitchen with her oolala sons, would just be pretty darn memorable!!

60 Snapshots of Me

2011-03-27T18:22:00.009-05:00

A Picture of A Favorite Memory

Anyone that knows me knows that I am indecisive and cannot pick just one. So, I've picked just a few of my favorite memories. There are more, but here are some that stand out in my head.

Mt. Baldy in Indiana. Such a creature of nature. Very steep and absolutely beautiful! That's me in the dark blue. I believe it was the summer after the 4th grade. Seeing Lake Michigan at the top was well worth the exercise to get there. Mom said I claimed that I wanted to build a house at the top. My guess is I still would...

My "Surprise" 16th Birthday Party. Who knows what is going on there but I have a feeling that is my friend Debbie standing on Katy's back. My best friend Erica is pointing at the action.

My first adult vacation to Las Vegas. This was 1993. Renee, a college friend, and I went to Vegas. She puked all the way there. I wondered what on earth I got myself into.

Any memory of high school involves basketball. We were a small team, but did we have fun. This was my sophomore year. Surely there are some girls missing or maybe they quit and I just can't remember.

Just a note, I have a lot of memories that do not have pictures. Some of those are the best!!

Snapshot #4

2011-03-20T19:34:00.002-05:00

A Picture of My Night

Tonight I took some pictures of Annie Peanut. She is sick and won't be with us a whole lot longer. We are enjoying her as much as we can while she still feels frisky.

Snapshot #3

2011-03-19T08:03:00.000-05:00

Snapshot #3 - A Picture of the Cast of Your Favorite Show.

I loved each and everyone of these characters. This show came on a few years after I graduated from college. Every Thursday evening I had my place in front of the TV. Television hasn't been the same for me since the series ended. I miss my Friends!

60 Snapshots of Me

2011-03-18T09:16:00.002-05:00

#2 A Picture of Me and the Person I've Been Closest to the Longest.

This is my mom Linda. This pic was taken last fall during a money making event for a friend who had a heart transplant. There was no question to who should be in this snapshot. Mom has been with me since Day 1!

60 Snapshots of Me

2011-03-17T18:36:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine recently started 60 Snapshots of Me on her facebook/blog pages. Lauren is very young, energetic and a very wonderful, wonderful person. I'm not young. I am not energetic. And, I am not even close to being half as wonderful as Lauren. However, since she is such a great person I thought I would copy from her and do this on my own blog. Unlike Lauren, I cannot promise this will get done everyday, but I promise to try my hardest.

Today's Snapshot is a snapshot of me with 15 things about me. I'll start with one of my favorite pictures of me taken when I was in college. My crazy friend Denise talked me into getting this picture taken. Even though I really like this picture, Denise said she really didn't like it. She said I wasn't smiling. "Lisa, your smile is upside down and your eyes aren't sparkling," Miss Know It All told me. Hmmm, looking at this picture now, she was exactly right. In fact she was so right, I would say I looked like this because I really didn't want my picture taken. Keep in mind this was in 1990. Wow, I'm old.

Fifteen Things About Me

1. Getting to a Kenny Chesney concert is about all I have on my mind right now. That's not completely true, but close.

2. With my left hand, I can reach around and grab my left shoulder blade. I never thought that was weird until someone at work saw me scratching my shoulder blade.

3. Music absolutely motivates me.

4. I wish I could write for a living. That means making money off of what I write.

5. I am completely unorganized, I like to blame it on my creative side.

6. There isn't a day go by that I do not laugh.

7. Since I'm living in the moment, I'd love to have a VW Convertible Bug. This moment has lasted almost 2 weeks.

8. I really dislike lazy people. Really.

9. I believe they should make a Snickers candy bar without the chocolate. I think that would be awesome!

10. My sense of humor is very dry.

11. I have never smoked pot, but for some reason, my friends don't believe me.

12. I'm extremely opinionated, but I will tell you I'm not.

13. When I laugh too hard I puke.

14. I reconnected with my best friend from grade school last summer. We picked right up where we left off. She will always be the sister I never had.

15. I have something to tell you, but if I did, you'd never believe me.

A Doug Story

2011-03-15T21:00:00.003-05:00

This is Doug. Doug works for me. Doug knows a lot about people. Doug knows a lot about a lot of things. However, Doug does not know his boss has a blog. So I'm going to tell you a Doug story. This story made me laugh so hard yesterday morning I cried. I will never be able to tell it like Doug, but I'm gonna try. Doug is a free spirit who lived in California for many years. He has a passion for music and plays the guitar and sings with his band. He's been in several bands over the years and has lots of stories to tell. Like being ornery during gigs and changing the words to songs and noticing that know one notices. But I think this one had to be one of my favorites.

This takes place when Doug was living in San Diego. His band was playing in a bar. He said it was crowded and went on to explain how close the front row was to the stage. Doug described about 7, yes 7 absolutely beautiful women walked in and he couldn't stop looking at them. "These girls were hot and dressed to the nines. Lo and behold, they sat in the front row just a very short way from the stage." Doug was happy. He knew it was his night and was gonna give this show all he had because he just knew he was gonna get lucky with one of those girls that night. He described the music he was playing. Standing on that stage, "throwing everything in but the kitchen sink." Doug was front and center. The girls just arms length away.

Doug told me he was kicked back playing that guitar like heck with his eyes closed looking cool. Hoping one of those hot chicks would be impressed, he wanted to peak at them. So, he opened his right eye just a little to get a gander. Guess what he saw? He could not focus on those sweet girls because all he could focus on was a long string of drool coming from his mouth all the way to his guitar strap in front of him.

Needless to say, Doug didn't get lucky that night.

What's Good for the Goose Is...

2011-03-12T19:21:00.002-06:00

This morning the toilet paper holder fell off the wall. This continues to be a series of things that have fallen apart at my home. A series of things that are added to my THIS WILL NEVER GET REPAIRED LIST. So I have a mini meltdown on the toilet. Yes I did. I dropped the F bomb. Hubby was not concerned when he heard the nickel wall piece fall on the tile. However when the F bomb exploded I heard him wrestle himself out of the computer chair. "What happened?" he quizzed. I quickly contemplated telling him, "something else that I HAVE to add to my THISWILLNEVERGETREPAIREDLIST", but I did not. Instead I said, "this F bombing thing fell off the wall." He watched as I pulled up my capris and replied, "you used to never say the F bomb, but you say it all the time now you need to quit!" I simply state, "okay." Again, he repeated himself stating, "you never used that word, now it's all you say, you really need to quit." Again, I simply state, "okay." Fearful that he may have made me mad he did these goofy things to try to make me laugh. I didn't. Gave him a quick peck on the kisser at his request and left the bathroom. Yes, I left the bathroom thinking, "THE TOILET PAPER HOLDER FELL OFF THE WALL. I TRIED TO FIX IT BUT COULDN'T, NOW I WILL ADD IT TO MY F BOMBING THISWILLNEVERGETREPAIREDLIST!" He returned to his computer chair and I returned to the kitchen vowing to never voice the F bomb in his presence ever again. As long as he's happy to NOT to have to listen to the F bomb, I guess I will learn to be happy adding things to my never repair list. HOWEVER, I will listen patiently for the F bomb to drop from his mumbling tongue. And, keep a silent tally. I have never fully understood rulemakers. I guess I never will.

Tragedy

2011-03-11T08:42:00.003-06:00

This morning I got up early to let Annie out when I turned on the television and found that Japan had a major earthquake. I couldn't stop watching. The footage of the devastation in progress made me speechless. Those poor people. My heart goes out to all of them and the others who are anticipating tsunamis. What I always think of in times like this is when a tragedy happens, the world just keeps going on. No stopping for 20 minutes to catch up. Life continues...may God be with these people.

Give A Girl...

2011-03-03T21:24:00.002-06:00

"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world." Marilyn Monroe

These old pinups are so much more sexier and feminine than the stuff we see today. And who can resist and old Marilyn pose? I "borrowed" this from Fredericks of Hollywood facebook page. Not sure if I need to get the right shoes, right bikini or an anti-gravity chair...

Rest

2011-03-03T13:52:00.001-06:00

What Can I Say?

2011-02-24T01:00:00.000-06:00

Princess Puss

Question of the Day

2011-02-23T18:45:00.002-06:00

This morning on the way to work me and my deaf/mute husband were listening to some country radio station with the question of the day. It was: What is every great guys quality he seeks in a woman? I ask my husband who responds with a "huh, I didn't hear that." So I repeat the question, "what is every great guys quality he seeks in a woman?" Hubby responds with an "dunno". "you have to know something," so I ask again.

He shrugs.

I ask, "big lips?" He gives me the questionable looks and says, "no, men don't really get into big lips." I say, "REALLY? Then I get the you-don't-know-anything-look.

So I offer, "a great laugh?" Thinking sense of humor has to be a priority. He shakes his head, "no, maybe sense of humor." "Maybe, no, yeah, maybe, I dunno." By now I'm getting bored. AND thinking he couldn't possibly believe that sense of humor would NOT be at the top of the list.

Continuing, I go on, if he's a great guy then he had to have some top quality when searching for a woman. Meaning me back in the day. He takes a minute to think. He says, "well I dunno, but it would probably be..."

Are you ready for this?

Apparently I was not...

He finally answers my question by stating, "white."

Therein lies the answer to all of our marital issues.

I am overqualified.

Oh, and if you are curious about the answer to this question, it was Lustrous Hair. Yes, the answer was Lustrous Hair.

It's no wonder men get so tangled...

Things I Ponder

2011-02-08T22:05:00.002-06:00

For the past several weeks I have not come upon anything blog-worthy. So I have been very neglectful. Then the other morning at 2am, I thought what the heck. I don't force people to read this. If they get bored or offended they can click to something more their style. Then I just pondered until 3:30am of many things that ran through my mind. So here are just some of those things:

What did we ever do without cell phones? I mean really? I've become the person I hated the most in restaurants, public restrooms, walking in the gym, you name it, I've become it...technology is really rude.

You may really not like hearing my pet stories, but I really dislike hearing about your boring kid stories.

Why does there have to be money? Are we so hardened and lazy we have to be rewarded to do things?

I think playing the saxophone on stage with a band would have to be like winning the super bowl, world series, Miss USA and the presidency all rolled up into one.

I have come into contact with my best friend from childhood and it's the best thing I have done in a very long time. It's amazing how we can pick right up where we left off.

If someone tells you they love you, but then cannot give you any reasons why they love you, do they really love you?

Why is it when old people shuffle five feet into the Wal-Mart front door they turn around and look behind themselves? Grandpa did this once I said, "keep moving, keep moving grandpa" he said, "huh?" I said, "keep moving" he replied, "i am", "no you're not keep moving", "ok". It must be a right of passage or something. Or maybe it's practice going through the BIG gates...

How is it possible that olives have fat in them?

I need a haircut. I'm afraid I'm reaching the point where my mom used to say, "when you are in your 40s you shouldn't have long hair." Truth is, I don't feel my age, but sure wish I was 30!

I've been recently disappointed in someone I thought was a friend. A friend for a long time. Wrong, I have a tendency of giving 100% of my trust to giving none at all. Lesson learned.

Why is it when the stoplight finally turns green, cars can't all take off at once. There's always one idiot not paying attention and holds everyone up.

I bought the Pioneer Woman's new book, even knowing I can read her blog...there's just something about holding a book.

To be copied is a compliment, but doesn't always feel like it.

It amazes me how many people come in my office and just start talking. They tell me all kinds of things. I listen and I remark. But very rarely do they ever ask how I am or if I had a good day. When I die I hope they just don't say that I was a nice person. I hope they say, she really loved to laugh.

I miss my family terrible right now. I'd give anything to converse with my dad and my Aunt Sadie. Anything...

A Sunshiney Morning

2011-02-05T10:06:00.003-06:00

Callee is enjoying the sunshine while I play on the computer this morning.

Cutie

2011-01-22T09:08:00.001-06:00

Jason and Timmy

2011-01-21T05:30:00.002-06:00

Oh my goodness. When I saw that Erica had posted this picture on Facebook last night I knew I had to have it on my blog. I told you about her new camera...this is just one of the great things she is doing with it. It really cracks me up. And what cracks me up even more, is that Timmy is pretty darn used to all the crazy antics so he takes it in stride...reaching for the keyboard. Thanks Erica!! I cannot tell you how happy this picture makes me!!

Timmy

2011-01-20T22:47:00.001-06:00

Timmy...my step-daughter Erica was blessed with a great camera for Christmas. She has been snapping some wonderful, absolutely wonderful shots of her family in Florida. This is one of them. I want to reach thru the computer and snatch him up bad!!

Union Cover Bridge

2011-01-17T20:44:00.001-06:00

A friend of a friend took this photo and worked his magic with PhotoShop. I have no patience when it comes to Photoshop, but do appreciate those that can manipulate and create wonderful things. The Union Covered Bridge is such a piece of history in our area. The colors he chose to create this beauty makes me wish for a blanket, diet coke and a great book. Or maybe just a sweetie to snuggle up to...

Emily and Andrew

2010-12-26T20:56:00.002-06:00

Remember my post about cousin Emily and a dress she needed to choose for a military ball? She found one she couldn't resist. Kudos to her, she did a fantastic job picking it out! AND, she did get a new one. No thanks to Uncle Dave, just a little of her own hard earned money. Well worth it too I might add. I would love to have seen her in person but this is the best we can do. Tonight is the big night. May she and Andrew have a magical evening!

Roger

2010-12-17T19:33:00.002-06:00

These are my office neighbors. My hubby in the background and Roger in front. Since 2 weeks ago today, our workplace hasn't felt the same. Roger has been diagnosed with cancer. He went for a test 2 weeks ago and found he had colon cancer. The following Monday they removed what was left of his colon and found it had spread to his liver. Doctors have given Roger til possibly Christmas or the end of the month. Maybe even more. Thankfully Roger has a strong Catholic faith and made the decision to return home to his family and celebrate life with them. (he has 3 little boys under the age of 11)

Yesterday we had a bake sale on his behalf. It was amazing how much food was brought in and how much was purchased. My co-workers should be commended for coming together like they did. We had the biggest bake sale we've ever had. I brought home the money and counted and recounted and took it to the bank today to have it officially counted and to get larger bills. We raised $2300!! I was so excited. The bank teller asked the reason of the bake sale. She was excited too. All I can say is thank you to my work family for pulling together for such a great reason. Roger.

Another co-worker, Dennis, and I took Roger his money and cards today. Offenders from Roger's wing in the housing unit even wrote messages on a card for him. I gave him a card with a package of chocolate kisses. The funny thing was, he knew immediately that I had done that. We saved the big card for last. He didn't count his money, but the look on his face was fantastic. He stated he had no idea that many people cared about him. Dennis and I quickly told stories of every one's reaction to Roger's health news and how much we miss him. Roger appeared surprised. I wish I could be a fly on the wall when Roger's family counted the money for him tonight. I hope they use it for something fun and memorable. I hope they have a great Christmas next week. Roger's birthday is tomorrow. He will be 43. May he have 43 Christmas' and special time with Mikey, Danny and Timmy.

The best news of this whole journey with Roger is his outlook. He explains it as a "win-win situation". If he dies he goes home to be with Jesus. If he stays, he goes home to be with his family. What more can one ask for?

We love and we miss you Roger!!

My Trip to St. Louis and A Dress for a Ball

2010-11-27T13:56:00.017-06:00

I had such a great time in St. Louis I did not want to come home. I cannot recall a time I've ever gotten teary when I hit city limits. Then again, there aren't many trips I've been on that I wanted to return home. Weird huh? Once I'm here I'm fine. And, I do love my own bed! But I like to be out and about. As you can tell from the picture of my knee, I fell down like a total rock star without my guitar. Splits and all, bouncing down an incline in the splits position making a noise kinda like, "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooohhhh" the whole way. NOT the first time I've ever fallen, but the first time in a public parking lot. I'm a laugher when I fall. My husband says it's not funny (I've fallen twice on the very last step at his mother's house laughing my head off cause I was just sure I looked and felt ridiculous.). Luckily cousin Abby had her Nurse -friend Lauren with us so had I broken anything or split in two, she would have known what to do. Thankfully I didn't need her.

I love this picture of Nurse Lauren and Cousin Abby. They were fun and reminded me of how much I miss my silly friends!

The biggest event for me was a fashion show that was put on by Cousin Emily. She was asked to a Military Ball the day after Christmas. Emily must wear a dress..."a cocktail one"... as Julia Roberts stated in Pretty Woman. Uncle Dave and Cousin Joel were watching the Mizzou game and didn't really get the gist of the fashion show nor did they care. Uncle Dave left us, without inviting us, to see The Kinks movie. Yes, I kinda woulda liked to have seen that, but that's okay Uncle Dave. The fashion show was worth the stay!

Nurse Lauren is also the family stylist and hair doer. Every family should have a Lauren.

First was a prom dress dated 2009 I believe. A bit too weddingish. But beautiful just the same. The military man may soon want to run to Annapolis should he spot this one coming down the staircase.

This little black number had most of our votes. Very stylish, very elegant and very Audrey Hepburnish. Plus it looks perfect on 6'1" Emily. Would be perfect with a small peep toe heel. Even Bailey could tag along and match perfect!

Next was Aunt Debbie's prom dress circa 1975? Vintage is the rage they say. Or so they say.

Now if a cocktail one was not in order, I would definitely suggest this one. This number in black looked fabulous on Em. I believe Bailey thought so too since her tail is up in the air.

The green number. Yes I liked this one. Not for an important military ball, but I do like this one. What I liked was when Em picked up the glittery black overlay and you could see the true color of the green. It was nothing like it looks in the picture (or in person). It was a really weird green color.

I just wanted to get another picture of Nurse/Stylist Lauren doing her job. And then there is Aunt Debbie providing input.

Next came Aunt Paula's prom dress from 1977 or 78? Truth be know, I like this one.

OoLALA is all I have to say about this one. Very figure flattering, but possibly not cocktailish enough. Some heels, drop earrings and a sparkling bracelet is all this one needs.

OOOoooo La La!!! Please be prepared for the final dress. We all oooed and ahed over this blue number. It's the one we liked. Emily wasn't so sure. But it sure did look like her...

All she needs is a picnic basket and red sparkly shoes. Bailey was just in the other room.

I'm gonna go Emily's bond and agree that maybe she does need a new dress for this so called ball she is attending. Big sales are happening EVERYWHERE UNCLE DAVID!!! But in case this doesn't happen you can leave me a comment and tell me which dress you vote for Emily to wear to the Military Ball with her handsome date. Family members can leave me an anonymous comment in order to leave a comment, but please include your name if you do so. This way, Emily will know who you are.

PIctures by Toni

2010-10-10T07:57:00.003-05:00

Toni's Keen Eye

2010-10-04T16:28:00.003-05:00

Remember the beautiful pictures my friend Toni took several months ago? I was tickled pink when I opened my mail this afternoon to find these gems. She has quite an eye. And, I suspect she could do a little moonlighting as a photographer for someone. I love the look on kitty's face. And to catch all that's going on in the bottom picture makes me turn green with envy. I have a few more I'll post throughtout the week.

Standing for Those Who Stood for US

2010-10-02T19:20:00.019-05:00

Today was one of those days that made me appreciate family even more than I probably normally do. Aunt Debbie and Shane came up from St. Louis for a quick visit and was able to stand with us to honor our local fallen hero Adam Smith.

The funeral began at 1pm, the community came out to show their support for the family very early in the morning. Numerous Patriot Guards spent the night and were buzzing around town up until it was time for their escort.

Helicopters hovered the area. Thankfully I heard of no unrest of the fanatical Kansas Church that threatens to protest funerals such as Adam's.

Our local acting police chief led the way with the MSHP following as well as the Macon County Ambulance Service.

Patriot Guards carried large U.S. Flags leading the procession in front of Adam and his loved ones.

I tear up every time I see this photo...thank you to those for protecting Adam and his family.

There were many vehicles with family and friends. Many with uniformed soldiers paying their last respects.

Having no idea how many riders brought up the rear of the procession, I would guess possibly hundreds.

To the Patriot Guard for protecting this family, we thank you. To the soldiers and Adam, thank you for upholding a country we believe in...

Adam O. Smith, We Honor Your Sacrifice

2010-10-02T11:07:00.005-05:00

October 2, 2010, our town is busy with visitors from the Patriot/Freedom Riders and just good ole American citizens wishing to honor our fallen Navy Seal. It amazes me how much support comes out to block the unethical fanatics who want to protest a day such as this. Maybe I should really say it amazes me how unethical fanatics want to protest a day such as this. I believe since this war began, the majority of US Citizens do what they can to support fallen soldiers and their loved ones. But when it hits home, it really hits home. Thank you to all the men and women who come for miles to honor a true hero...

A Navy Seals Memorial Service to honor those who passed in the Black Hawk Helicopter crash on September 21st. May you rest in peace Adam O. Smith. May you understand the depth of gratitude we have for your unselfish choices for a country you love...Rest In Peace...

R.I.P. Adam Smith - Navy Seal

2010-09-22T20:04:00.002-05:00

This war makes my heart heavier than anything. I've been in Jeff City since yesterday afternoon and came home this evening to find out a hometown boy was killed in a helicopter crash yesterday in Afghanistan. Adam Smith served the Navy Seals with such honor and dedication, making the ultimate sacrifice for a country he loved. God Bless his mom Michele Jorgensen and father Eric Smith and the numerous other family and friends that were blessed to know him.

I will always remember him as a little blonde crumb cruncher with the cutest little grin. His mom is a sweetheart and step-cousin, so to speak, to me. May Jesus wrap his arms around her and carry her through this terribly tragic time. You are in my thoughts and prayers...

Kenny Chesney - The Boys of Fall

2010-09-18T20:17:00.003-05:00

Nothing catches my attention more than a sexy bald man with a sparkling smile and twinkling eyes. Kenny Chesney equates eye candy and great music. Just recently I've started listening to country music again after making a long road trip with a co-worker. He quickly turned the station after taking over the wheel. But I did learn one thing on that trip. Country music is quite profound. So is Kenny Chesney. You get the point...

August 29th debuted his video "Boys of Fall". I had previously heard the song but it really didn't do much for me until I watched the video. Then I cried. this song sparks the memories of so many people who live for a sport they love passionately. Fans who yearn to be young again to live the moments of Friday nites...

Thank you Kenny for a wonderful song.

I Love Being an AMERICAN!!

2010-09-11T08:06:00.001-05:00

God Bless the USA

A Trip to Weston, Missouri

2010-09-05T20:57:00.017-05:00

Mom and I ventured out today a little unsure where we were headed. We've been wanting to go to Weston for quite some time, and today was the day. Perfect weather made for a relaxing stroll throughout town. I must say, Weston is a beautiful little town that I would seriously consider moving to. If I hit the lottery, it very well may be my next summer home. The town was clean, pretty and the homes were fantastic. From the picture above I think you can tell it looks like an All-American town.

As soon as we parked our car and turned around, there was this beautiful home. A little big for me, but absolutely beautiful. Yellow is one of my favorite colors for houses. And it fit this one perfectly.

Mom liked this brick one. I chose the white one beside it. Maybe some day we can be neighbors.

The little shops were eclectic and fun. This one had a fantastic window display.

Oh, of course this beautiful town had my favorite dog breed. He didn't seem to like me as he barked when I took his picture. I think he preferred to drive.

Just like Mayberry U.S.A. there must be a police department.

A local Kansas City Artist made these witches. The gourd on the left was actually grown in her garden. I would love to have bought one of these for my friend Gayla at Oatmeal and Whimsy. When I win the lottery...

This candle shop was fantastic. Many, many fragrances including Tighty Whities (which believe it or not smelled amazing), Big Girl Panties (yes, amazing too), Candy Corn, Witchy Woman and my fav Pumpkin Spice.

This chalkboard made me feel like I was sitting in the front pew at church.

A very lovely church, something I think brings such peace to any community.

The parsonage.

Weston had many Bed and Breakfasts and pubs. A very entertaining community.

This is one of my favorite views as we were walking back to our car. I think another visit is in the near future.

Family and Friends

2010-09-02T20:42:00.014-05:00

Work. Many don't consider work as family. Fortunately for me, I do. I make myself at home where ever I am. Therefore, work is my second home with my second family. As frustrating as it can be at times, it's my life. It's our life. I read somewhere once that people tend to know their co-workers better than they do their own spouse. This makes so much sense to me because generally we are on our best behavior under the worst of circumstances. Sometimes at home we cannot say such.

Forrest and I many years ago before I had wrinkles around my eyes. Forrest retired August 31st. Every retirement leads me to believe the future will never be the same and what on earth will we do without the retiring one. We make it. We make it until the next retirement and I will forever think the very same thing all over again. And the wrinkles will continue to add to my character...

This is me, with wrinkles around my eyes, and Paul. He grumbled when I asked to take a pic of him. So I offered to get in it. Since I liked it of me and he did not of him, I kept it. Cause I'm the boss. Literally.

This very well may be the Insane Posse or something like that. Two of the orneriest people I know are sitting to the left. The middle one wreaks of trouble.

More bosses. We need them. Trust me.

Then there are people you can't wait to see because no matter what kinda mood I'm in, I know they'll make me laugh. The majority of this picture makes me laugh. Always.

Watch out for creepers. They are everywhere...

I did say everywhere...

The friends we make lasts a lifetime.

This is baby Forrest in 1980. I bet he didn't really think he'd last 30 years.

Little did he know, he would. And I hope Forrest considers us family and will miss us like we will miss him. I will miss him approaching me at least once a week asking something to the effect of, "Lisa, will you please check on this #@!% thing for me? I know it's in there somewhere!"

Change is good. Isn't it? I try to convince myself I like change, but honestly I do not. I like comfort with a little spontaneity. We will muddle through without Forrest and be envious of his newfound freedom. Best of luck to you my old office neighbor. I'll forever miss hearing the trading post radio show thru the walls of our offices. May your wife not strangle you when she has to listen to that everyday...

Hanging on to Summer

2010-08-23T15:33:00.013-05:00

One thing that gives me complete peace is the lake. My father used to love to go to the lake and watch the water and everything about it. Me too. The sound of the waves crashing, the gulls in the air, and on this particular day, the voices of community service workers painting the handrails on the steps completed my picture perfect peaceful day.

The beach was filled with so many butterflies today. This one was my lucky shot. He danced and danced, teasing me. I was just grateful to get his one picture of his prideful pose.

Not sure about this little fella. He was a dancer too. Having fun in the sun was his agenda for the day. I felt as though I must have known him in a previous life, if that's possible. He'd tickle my hand, bounce to my beach bag, fly a few feet away and come back to me.

He's striking a skinny pose here. I really like how he matches my bag. Maybe that's why he kept hanging around.

I was about to leave, but my Ipod insisted I stay for one more song. Then...

these boys showed up. They had a "skin board" and was trying to perfect their surfing on the water's edge. I asked if I could take their pictures while they "surfed". One boy replied I'd have to ask the one who owned the board, the one that smoked the pot. Okay, so this old lady didn't take the bait. Instead, I just started snapping pictures. Take notice of the one holding the skin board. He was fun and didn't mind enlightening me thru the course of the surf.

I wished I had asked his name. He was a toot. Toot even invited me to try to surf several times. Toot asked, "do you think you can do it?" Teasing me with the cutest grin only an ornery boy can possess, I had to reply, "of course I can do that!" "Well COME ON THEN!" he yelled.

I believe this to be the owner of the skin board. He got it in California. After asking him if it was a piece of plywood, he giggled and said, "yeah, it is."

The boys got on a roll and put on a show for me. They surfed and did some awesome flips in the water. They were getting loud and crazy. Their energy mounted. The more their adrenaline pumped the better they surfed. My camera even started to overheat.

Then...

my batteries went dead...

the story of my life...

Meet Maggie May

2010-08-22T21:31:00.003-05:00

Meet Maggie May. Mom's new addition to her little home. Maggie came home the second week of June. After lots of adjustments and a mini meltdown, she has earned to right to a happy home. Maggie has to be one of the most loving dogs I have ever been around in my life. She is quick to learn and very intuitive. She is a worker. Mom needs to find more jobs for her to do. It seems as though a long walk increases her energy. I hope to have new pics soon, but thought it was past due since I've been a lazy blogger lately. Welcome Home Maggie!

Family Fun

2010-08-21T22:11:00.003-05:00

Japanese Garden

2010-08-08T21:16:00.024-05:00

Aunt Karen's Gardens

2010-07-03T18:17:00.015-05:00

Not sure if you remember my post showing Aunt Karen's gardens from last year or not, so I went back the other night to see what was new. The little garden above is one of my favorites. I love Autumn Sedum and she had large mounds here. There were several in other areas as well.

This one is probably my absolute favorite. The purple Cone Flowers have spread so much they absolutely dance when one looks at them.

oops, I say that and then I'm reminded of this one. This beauty is new. A tree had to be taken down and my aunt requested stumps be left so she could create this masterpiece. I love it. In another few weeks I hope to go back and get her picture in front of it.

Liatris, mmmmm, so pretty!

Also plenty of black berries ripening on the vine.

This was a short tour of her gardens. One day I will return during daylight hours and take more pics.

Aunt Karen and Uncle Dave are headed to mom's house tonight for a little 4th of July celebration. Can't wait!

Happy July

2010-07-01T07:16:00.002-05:00

This coming weekend brings us to Independence Day. A time to reflect on our freedoms and choices. The picture above is one of my favorites of George Washington, The Prayer at Valley Forge. If our forefathers had any idea our country would end up like it is today I wonder what they would think.

cats, frogs and old men

2010-06-28T19:24:00.002-05:00

After spending several weeks at home I am finally getting really, really bored. I spend today at the lake, thinking about anyone and everyone I could call and bug, but didn't. Instead I enjoyed the view wondering why I didn't buy batteries for my camera. The weather has been amazing, hot but amazing, just the way I like it. As you can tell in the picture above, my sleepy boy just woke up. A cool hiding place until the fatgirl finds him to boot him out.

*********************************

A few days ago my mother tells me, "I'm beginning to think you don't like old men." I had to laugh and I think she's right. And, I think she knows where I get that from. We were eating in a diner for breakfast when a nicely dressed older man was being completely obnoxious. He was loud and a sexist pig. Neither one I really mind, but from him, it just ticked me off. He was talking about some hot sweet thing he had seen at the city office and how, "THIS OLD BULLDOG JUST ABOUT BROKE HIS CHAIN!!!" Gag, me and another old woman kept rolling our eyes at each other while other idiotic older people laughed at him feeding his ego. Mom thinks he might have heard me say that "bulldogs stink", but I doubt it. Secretly I hope so. And, I think mom is right. Maybe I really don't like old men.

On that note, today is my 5th anniversary. I got my hubby a really cool St. Louis Cardinal jacket. I got a card with a frog on it. In my next life I vow not to marry and, if I don't have to have sex, I might even be a lesbian...

Thunder Booms the Night

2010-06-18T23:58:00.002-05:00

Tonight we are having lots and lots of storms and this little blondie is just downright nervous about it. The thunderbooms and lightening are keeping me up as well.

This is what Callee thinks...she's happy she's not having to find shelter like last summer. She lets me know in her very own way. Trust me.

On the Mend

2010-05-31T22:38:00.004-05:00

A week ago this coming Wednesday I had that dreaded, yet welcoming female surgery. A hysterectomy. Knowing I have pretty much followed in my mother's footsteps for the "nature's way of life" I knew this would eventually happen. I just didn't expect it so soon. It started like the flu and grew into what felt like a bunch of aliens invading my southern hemisphere. After numerous tests and confusing results, those aliens were trapped, put to death and transported for dissection at a Columbia hospital.

Life isn't always fun, but I am so thankful for good results. What I didn't expect was to be so sick to my stomach. I'm a weak baby when it comes to pain and being sick. The older I get, the bigger of a baby I become. Mom took care of me for a few days at her house. Oh how I miss to be waited on and spoiled. She is an excellent nurse. I really tried to be a good patient, but I'm not sure I was completely.

My boss surprised me with a visit to the hospital right after my surgery and brought me a smiley, sunny bouquet. Another co-worker came for a visit which made time go by so much quicker that evening. I was so happy to see her, she really cheered me up. Due to all my queasiness, I wasn't allowed to leave the hospital until 5:30pm the next day. I was trying to stifle it so I could go home. And what is it about the person transporting a sick one manages to hit every stinking pothole on the way home? It happens to everyone I know.

While I was at mom's, hubby brought over a box of flowers that my sweet step-daughter Erica sent me. The were gorgeous. I wish I had remembered to send for my camera. All of the flowers had bloomed and I missed the whole beautiful bouquet, which would have made an amazing portrait. There were 3 each of yellow, white, coral and pink. Mom and I watched them bloom in that exact order too. They were just small buds blooming into a huge flower. Erica, I love you and thank you so much for that surprise. You are a real sweetie!!! (I still wish you lived closer though, hint hint)

The picture you see above was given to me by my supervisor Sherry. They were perfect to look at during my long night in the hospital. It really helped a lot.

The first picture that lead to all of this, is from 3 of my co-workers and 3 supervisors. A huge bouquet of all kinds of flowers. It's really funny how flowers can pick us up when we aren't quite feeling so well. I know for men it may be golf balls or movies, but flowers really make me appreciate the big picture just a little bit more. But even more than that, are the friends who take the time to do these kind things. I've received lots of notes, calls, facebook comments and flowers. Thank you so much to everyone. One of these days I hope to pay it forward.

Pink

2010-05-25T19:23:00.002-05:00

For the past month we have looked and looked at some of the prettiest flowers I've ever seen. Then I fall back to the flower I absolutely hated growing up. Petunias. Don't ask me why, but I hated them. Now I love them. I hope I can continue to make them look like the photo above. The pink is very showy too!

This is my big project for the summer. I purchased the tall, greenery at a Mennonite greenhouse for very little cost. I had some other flowers already at home without pots, so I put them all together. Hopefully this Missouri humidity and a little love will produce wonderful blooms for us this summer.

Up to 47

2010-05-23T21:10:00.002-05:00

Last night my hubby was attempting to show me a 4 leaf clover he had found. He stuck a stick near it, but unfortunately, Annie knocked it over. He was looking in the area and I went a little further from him. Luckily, I found one too.

This afternoon while I was messing with flowers, Hubby continued to hunt for his lost clover. He found it! Not only that one, but 5 others. I hope this is a sign...

Goodbye Bag

2010-05-21T14:57:00.003-05:00

Some time ago, mom and I went shopping at the Lake of the Ozarks. She purchased the special blue bag that you see above to get an addition 15% off of the items she was buying. And also any future buys as long as she brings the bag back with her. Since it was one of our favorite shops we thought it was a good idea. However, Reynaldo had other ideas. The minute mom brought over something in this bag and sat it on the floor, ReyRey claimed it as his own. We both forgot about it and it soon made it's way into my bedroom. I called mom to let her know and even sent her a few photos with Rey sitting inside the bag in the hallway, the bedroom and who knows. She gave up on this bag and let him have it. He was happy. Last winter he slept in it beside the bed.

This morning I was cleaning my bedroom and found the bag under the dresser. I sat it on the bed. Rey just found it and made himself at home. He mews and cries a little until he gets himself situated.

After all that, don't bother him. If he hears you come near him or hears me turn my camera on, the ears turn backwards.

A Kiss is Just a Kiss

2010-05-12T20:51:00.002-05:00

We've had a lot of thunderstorms lately. They seem to be making Kia anxious so she needs a little extra TLC. The funny thing about this photo, I cannot believe my hubby let her get this close to his face.

A Cat Story

2010-05-11T21:22:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago I neatly folded up my favorite fuzzy blanket and placed it at the end of the couch. Hubby called me into the living room and said, "Look at Rey." Rey figured out he could crawl in between the fold and be nice and cozy. I asked Hubby if he put ReyRey there and he said, "no, he did it himself."

Even though he looks like a homeless cat, ReyRey had a nice hour long nap between the folds of my favorite blanket.

A Mother's Day Excursion Part 2

2010-05-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

After all the ooing and awing we did at Strawberry Hill we cruised on over to Vintage Hill Farms. My husband's father was laid to rest not too far from this place. It's on a huge hill that is absolutely amazing. I'll take green mountains over snow covered mountains any day!! Vintage Hill definitely had some very unique items. The owners have a beautiful vintage home place too. Mom and I talked about how much fun (and work) it would be to have a place just like this. It took our breath away.

I'm not real crazy about the darker petunia, but had to think really hard when I saw it mixed with the lighter pink. It made both colors really pop. My pics just don't do it justice!

If only we had room in the car. A car that was already filled with several baskets.

The back of the owner's home place. Truly breathtaking!!!

A small lily pond in the back. Only to be independently wealthy with lots of books and a comfy chair...

Loved this one too.

When we saw these, we knew my hubby would enjoy this trip. He could watch the birds while we browse.

Gorgeous!

Pink and purple, two of my favorite colors!

I had to laugh when I saw this. It reminded me of having deer antlers hanging on the wall. I'd take this over that any day!!

Mom found a huge Christmas cactus type flower. And, it even matches her outfit!

I have a plant like this, but the leaves are not nearly as long. I need to work on that one.

Another birdcage with an interesting topper.

This was only a little bit of the pots they had there. Really cool things to plant your flowers.

ReyRey's live in girlfriend Callee must have some relation down in this here part of the woods. Had to be. This little err big girl ran right up to me like she knew me.

Lots of frog statues. Great ones too! Mom loved them!

A Wisteria to die for, makes me want to curl up in the little cubby area and take a nap!

Mom asked me to take a pic of the horse. I wish I had zoomed. This was taken as we were leaving the property.

The front of the home place. I love this place!!!!

The get to watch two of these big guys in the side yard too! There had to be some more animals behind the property too. We could hear some strange animals sounds while we were looking at the back of the property.

It was one of those trips I didn't want to end. As we were pulling out of the long drive way my mom said, "this was a great Mother's Day".

And that my friends, was my favorite part of the day!!

I love you Mom! May we find many more side trips to enjoy!!

A Mother's Day Excursion Part 1

2010-05-09T22:13:00.019-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful mom Linda!! Yesterday after a quick trip to Sam's in Columbia, I told mom we should return on Sunday to go to Strawberry Hill Nursery. A quick check on the net and we were on our way early this morning. And believe me, it was so worth the second trip back to Columbia in 2 days.

Years ago when I went to thru Colorado with my parents, I suffered in the back seat while listening to my mom say, "Mercy, MERCY ME!" every time we turned the curves on the mountains. I was so sick of each view of the mountain(s) and the I-lost-track-of-the-number-of-times mom would chant her Mercy Me mantra. I vowed never to return to Colorado. Just so you know, I haven't. I have no desire to see another mountain for as long as I live. (Unless someone wants to pay my way of course.)

Today we shared a mantra. When we first walked into the greenhouses at Strawberry Hill we couldn't help but to exclaim "how beautiful" and "oh my goodness" while taking in the blooming beauty of the flowers and plants. A lot of love and care has gone into each one of those beautiful plants. The prices were quite lovely too!!

Purple is mom's color this year. We packed home some purple petunia's to add to her color scheme this season.

Lots and lots of Portulaca's. LOTS. Beautiful in every Portulaca colors!!
I brought home a mixture of 3 colors. It's already huge and it's not even the middle of May yet.

If we could have fit all of these in the car. Maybe next time.

When we were leaving I had to snap this pic since this is the first view we had of the first of many greenhouses.

The gorgeous farm across the road was very inviting. It made us wish for a home in the country.

After this stop, we headed north to Booneville to the Vintage Hill Farms Nursery. Lots of unique plants and amazing countryside. I took lots of pics there so I'll share those with you tomorrow.

Opening Day 2010

2010-04-20T20:07:00.002-05:00

Brent and I were fortunate to celebrate Opening Day in St. Louis last week. It was a quick trip and started a little late, but we made it. So of course, since as long as I can remember, the epitome of St. Louis is prancing in the picture above. My heart flutters every time I see these guys in person. If I had the money, I'd be more than happy to shell out for their appearance. I just hope August isn't rolling over...

A Visit from Florida

2010-04-17T21:16:00.002-05:00

We eagerly awaited Erica's arrival from Florida. Our visit went entirely too fast. We spent one afternoon at the Rothwell Park in Moberly. It was a hot springy day. Looking back on these pictures which were taken just after Easter, the dull trees are now filled with greenery. It's amazing how fast nature flourishes. Timmy is a perfect example of that...he celebrated his 2nd big birthday the very next weekend.

Looking for Easter Eggs

2010-04-16T05:56:00.002-05:00

I took this sweet picture of my niece Candace while she was searching for eggs.

Sweeties

2010-04-15T21:52:00.001-05:00

Erica and Julian

Fun Day at the Park

2010-04-07T17:49:00.001-05:00

Isn't it funny how I take an awesome picture and some unknown kid always shows up? It happened to me in Olde St. Charles when I had to ask a kid to get out of a pic with my cousin Emily. Yesterday it happened when I tried to get a pic of my stepdaughter Erica and grandson Timmy. She slid down a long curvy slide with him having such a good time. The unknown kid behind them must've jumped on board as soon as they took off. But what a great pic!!

My Favorite Study

2010-03-24T13:46:00.013-05:00

Reynaldo came into our family almost 2 years ago. He's a quite a cat. He's my favorite study. It's as if he can see the depths of my soul. Reynaldo watches me intently like he's reading my mind. I can sit and watch him, wondering what he is thinking. He's curious, he's independent and he's skinny. He has a need to know our every move.
Regal.

Distracting.

Suspicious.

Understanding.

Protective.

Lazy.

Flirtacious.

Intent.

Wistful.

Loving.

Convincing.

My favorite study.

Reynaldo.

Happy Birthday Aunt Paula

2010-03-08T17:04:00.006-06:00

Aunt Paula celebrates a big birthday today. She's 50! I cannot believe it. Aunt Paula is only 9 years older than me. Since I spent a lot of time at my grandparent's home, Aunt Paula always let me hang around. We played, we cooked, we laughed. There was even a time or two she wanted to see a Disney movie. Using me as an excuse to go, Aunt Paula and her friend would take me to see the latest Disney flick. She taught me the real reason why girls painted their toenails. She practiced makeup techniques on my face while we listened to Peter Frampton. She volunteered to take me to the Bevier Homecoming to ride the kiddie rides, that is, until boys came into the picture. There were times she'd get home late from a date (with an excuse quickly at hand), sewing an outfit for home ec class, telling about her day, her love for animals and going to college made me admire her and want to be just like her.

Aunt Paula is beautiful, smart, witty, fun loving and nurturing. If it weren't for Aunt Paula, I doubt I would have taken some of life's paths that I have taken. Grandma and I helped move her to NMSU, now Truman University, (Actually I was probably in the way, but I got to tag along) and see her meet her first college roommate. It was so exciting watching her leave the nest. Even though she was only 40 minutes away, she would send me an occasional letter. How I would cherish those letters and read them over and over. My parents never pushed me into anything. If it weren't for Paula, I highly doubt I would have gone on to college. She made it seem fun and exciting. I knew that's what I needed to do. I copied her love of playing the saxophone, music and dancing. If there is a person I want to emulate, it would be Aunt Paula.

We have the same nose, teeth, and smile. We share the same love of animals, music, cooking, humor, being in the sun and most of all family. At my grandfather's funeral, she introduced me as her little sister or described me as being like her little sister. I loved that. Always wanting a huge family with brothers and sisters, my parent's families were as close as I was going to get. That was/is good enough for me. Because I have Aunt Paula.

When the day came for Aunt Paula to grow up and move away I was sad. She was no longer close, moving to that city so far away, St. Louis. From there she grew and claimed new roles as wife and mother. She and her hubby have raised a wonderful family of one son and two daughters. They are tall. And they are truly wonderful kids. All because my Aunt Paula is one tremendous mother. I'm happy to know her! I love her with all my heart. Happy 5oth Birthday Aunt Paula. I love you!

Oops

2010-03-06T10:22:00.001-06:00

Lisa notified me that she was redirected when she tried to click on timbuck2. I have tried several times and I have also, apparently there are some difficulties I will notify Tim about. I'll let you know once he gets this straightened out.

Timbuck2

2010-03-04T20:00:00.002-06:00

Another friend of mind has decided to start blogging. He caught me by surprise when he had some questions. I've gotten to know him quite well in the past two years and I am tickled pink about the whole ordeal!! Tim is a one of a kind, gentleman, teddy bear and every great adjective I could ever write...that's Tim. Or as we like to call him in facebookland, Timitot. Today he shared with me his love of writing. So, of course, I fell for Timitot all over again!! After this month I won't get to see Timitot so much. I'll miss his stories, his enlightenment's and just being his bossy boss. When he shared with me about his new found hobby of blogging, I was overjoyed. Now I can "follow" him around without being bossy and even leave a note or two for him. How cool is that. When you have a minute check out Tim's blog, Timbuck2 (link found on my sidebar, just click Timbuck2) , and give him a huge welcome to blogland!!

Mama Coop's Blog

2010-03-03T19:29:00.006-06:00

Recently I've reconnected, via Facebook, with my very first college roommate Becky. We had a lot of similarities, both being only children, February babies, and a love of reading. She more than me, as she is an English teacher. Trust me, once we reconnected and shared our stories of having blogs, I told her NOT to pay any attention to my bad grammar, punctuation and the occasional misspelled word. She agreed. Therefore, I love Becky.

Due to technical difficulties, I am unable to copy her blog so you can just click on it and go directly to her site. I was able to post it on my Berry Favorites sidebar so you need to take a look and click on MAMA COOP'S Blog. If you love to read, you will most definitely find her take on books interesting. Plus she may be telling you about a book that just may tickle your fancy!! If you check her out, please tell her I sent you!

Wake Me Up When Winter's Over!

2010-02-28T22:20:00.002-06:00

Italian Meatloaf

2010-02-27T11:28:00.002-06:00

Here is the recipe from "Our Italian Family Tradition" Cookbook. I hope you find it as yummy as I did.

Italian Meatloaf

2 lbs. hamburger

1/2 lb. sausage (I used pork, not Italian)

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 whole medium onion, chopped

1 1/2 c. oatmeal (quick oats)

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. basil leaves or 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2 c. water

mozzarella cheese

ketchup

Mix all ingredients and put in a loaf pan. Spread ketchup over top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until meat tests done.

(I waited until the meat loaf was almost done before I added the cheese.) For the rest of my meal I had salad, cauliflower w/cheese, and homemade crescent rolls. Enjoy!!

Not Just Meatloaf

2010-02-26T20:23:00.004-06:00

Don't ask me why I have such weird hangups. I have several of them. Can't explain them, I just know I have them. Maybe we all do, but just so you understand I'll describe a few:
~Cats, I only like my own. There's something weird almost personal when a strange cat sashays around my legs.
~Round earrings. I'm an eighties baby, they were all the rage when I was in high school. In fact I wear very large hoops nearly everyday. But I hate to see round earrings lying flat on earlobes or hanging just underneath. KOMU has a cute little a.m. broadcaster who is attempting to bring back those ugly 80s earrings. She looks ridiculous. Weird, I know.
~People who park in front of the door at any C-store. It is NOT a parking space, nor is the area 10ft in front or behind you when you park there. This is wear my hubby likes to park when he wants to fetch himself a paper or lottery ticket. I've thought seriously about making myself a sign to hide under my seat. In the worst of parking times, I can pull it out and show people: "I TOLD HIM NOT TO PARK HERE!" Again, weird, I know.
~Finally the reason why I'm writing this post: compressed meat. If it's not a hamburger, I do NOT want my meat smashed together. The texture of meat being held together with anything other than itself almost makes me a little nauseous.

No balls in my spaghetti. No croquettes for my salmon. Got the idea? I've just explained all of this...then...I must digress...

There is a compressed meat that must be served in Heaven. Then again, maybe not. It's Italian Meatloaf. It just may be sinful. Very, very sinful.

During the summer of my freshman year of high school I dated a young, fine looking Italian boy who was visiting relatives for the summer. He stayed until it was time to return to school in Kansas City. Fortunately for me he invited me to his big Italian family dinner on Sunday. I sincerely looked forward to the wonderful meal I knew would be served that day. The minute I got out of the truck I could see the hustle and bustle of everyone moving about. They were such an energetic, loud, and fun bunch. All of this was centered around the afternoon meal. I asked Mr. A what was being served. He sweetly replied, "meatloaf". If any of you know me, you know I wear my heart on my sleeve. There is no doubt in my mind my face dropped and my pupils became fixated into laser beams. "MEATLOAF?" was all I could think. Why in the heck would this huge Italian family fix freakin meatloaf? I just knew I would starve until I got home that evening.

We visited with friends and family until it was time to eat. The dreaded meal. I watched as the helping of meatloaf was placed on my sad little plate. My stomach was rolling. I knew my tongue would feel something of unknown origin when that piece of meat hit my taste buds. After avoiding the dreaded lump of protein for quite some time, I had to...one of his aunts was asking me if I liked it. I couldn't be an insult because this boy had too big of a gorgeous smile for me to lose out to meatloaf.

I so bad wanted to pinch my nose, close my eyes and swallow. But I was paranoid that all eyes were on me. I knew it would be bad. I KNEW it would be bad. My fork would cut a piece in half. Then in half again. Then in half again. Finally...it was time...I had to make the approach from the sad little plate to my tongue. My stomach was ready to explode or implode, I was not sure at this point. My taste buds were trembling in terror. I could feel their goose bumps. But I did it. That one teeny, tiny little taste grabbed the attention of every single taste bud in my mouth. The taste bud angels rejoiced...they sang for more. This Italian dinner was worth it after all.

That was 1984. It was the only time I had a tummy friendly meatloaf until this past Sunday. One of Mr. A's aunts created a cookbook a few years ago. I received it for Christmas and found that yummy meatloaf recipe. Mom couldn't believe I wanted to make her and hubby a meatloaf for supper. My family really liked it and it will be added to my favorite recipe collection for keeps!!

If there is any interest I may post this recipe later this weekend.

Run Annie Run

2010-02-22T14:37:00.002-06:00

Run Annie Run! She's running up the slope of our driveway. Fortunately we have a really sweet neighbor behind us (who does NOT have a dog that barks all night) blades our driveway with his little John Deere mower. However, due to all the snow that has accumulated recently, he can no longer push the snow any further out. After last night's blowing conditions, our driveway has drifted to a very narrow lane. I was able to get out about an hour ago to return movies and pick up much needed contact lens'. Annie and Kia got to go outside for a bit of fresh, cold air and to play and potty. After shoveling snow around my vehicle, I realized why people with heart conditions are warned NOT to do that. Good grief I really have got to get in shape before I start walking outside again.

I love this picture of Annie. Her ears rarely, if ever, stand up. Unless you offer her an unexpected treat. They tend to lay flat like a propeller. Stay warm everyone. It's suppose to be extremely cold temps all week in my neck of the woods!! For those of you living on sandy beaches, are you sure we aren't related???

A Retirement Realized

2010-02-20T10:12:00.003-06:00

She finally did it! After just over 40 years of working for the same company, mom retired on January 29th. She didn't want any parties, no Pomp and Circumstance nothing. Except maybe a dinner at the Pear Tree sometime in the near future, there was no big celebration. In fact her exact words were, "they didn't know when I started, they don't need to know when I'm leaving." I begged to differ, but lost. Not very many people can say they've worked at the same place for over 40 years.

Mom started working at Con Agra after I was born in 1969. I remember when she worked evenings and was thrilled when she finally got to work days. She was promoted as a supervisor taking on the responsibility of products and employees. If her job was anything similar to mine, the product was the easiest! The hardest thing, I think, would be having to get up at 2:30am every morning. The last several years she work until mid afternoon and sometimes 6-7 days a week. So if anyone deserves any rest and peace, it's mom.

Mom has earned her way to a new found freedom. May she have lots of rest, adventure and enjoyment on her future ahead! Congratulations, I love you!

The Best Snowball I Ever Threw

2010-01-12T19:11:00.003-06:00

(No disrespect to my current husband, but this is a picture of me and my dad at my first wedding. It's the only one I could find of us together. My mom has tons of photos at her house I really need to remember to go through sometime. So bare with me, one of these days, I'll get new photos, err, old photos.)

The current weather conditions remind me of my childhood when school would shut down for the day. Typically dad would have a day off too since he worked outside when I was in junior high. We would traipse up to my grandparents house together so he could have a cup of coffee with them. I loved those days. However, usually on the way there or the way back he would hit me with a snowball. Without a doubt, near the facial area too. I hated that. No matter what, I could never, ever hit him like he hit me. Even though he drove me crazy during softball season to play catch, I never could get my aim down throwing snowballs. EVER!

That is until this particular day. The snow gods blessed me as they never will again. My grandparents house was just up the hill from ours. Not a big hill, not a small hill. In the snow, deep snow, it felt like a big hill. If I remember correctly, dad left a tad earlier than I did. He was almost to the bottom of the hill as I just approached the top of the hill to walk home. Knowing I'd never get him, I created my only amazing, magical snowball.

Dad was walking his usual stride in the snow...hands in pockets, cap covered head down, walking fast. I pitched that snowball watching it make the perfect arch in the air. To my amazement it travelled the length of that hill. I continued walking and watching. My beautiful, magical snowball landed between the back of my dad's neck and the collar of his coat. It was cold. I wigged out because I knew what was coming. I lost control and couldn't stop laughing. When I laugh, I lose contact with anyone and anything. I hit the ground. A very short time later my dad was burying my head in the snow. Saying the whole time, "I'll getcha, I'll getcha!!!" His getcha's were never fair. How many times did I have to be gotten before I could ever get him back, then he'd quickly return the gotcha. I could never keep up.

Remembering that perfectly pitched snowball that day always warms my heart when I see the falling snow.

Old St. Charles and Lots of Fun

2010-01-10T17:16:00.058-06:00

Finally I've sat down long enough to put these photos in a little order. Mom and I went to St. Louis the weekend before Christmas to visit some of my dad's family. Mom has never been to Old St. Charles at Christmas. After several years, we finally figured out a good time to go. Now we both hope this is a new tradition for at least the two of us. Maybe hubby too next year. He kinda just gave us the big eye when we told him he should go. We'll see.

It was a perfect day for a nostalgic Christmas Parade and shopping. The weather was dreary with snow lightly falling. Perfect. I didn't get the name of the shop below, many, many moons ago it used to be a church for the spaniards. A man dressed in costume told me the whole story while I took pictures of him. He just kept talking and I kept telling myself to remember the whole story. I didn't. However, we thought it was very cool to know it used to be a Spaniard Church.

Would you look at this airplane. I wanted to get it for our grandson, but the price tag was waaaaay more than I could think about. It was awfully heavy too.

Some of the architecture...

I believe he told me his family was Danish, but don't hold me to that. He was a very nice talker...

The old buildings are beautifully decorated. It's such a romantic feeling to get caught up in the old time spirit of Christmas.

We had to stop and sing with the carolers...

Cousins Abby, Emily, Aunt Deb, Aunt Paula, me and mom, plus the happy Caroler family. Many thanks to them for letting us join in...

Cousin Abby practicing her modeling skills with Mr. Nutcracker...

Shopping at the Flower Peddler. One of our favorite stores. Ooolala...

Some super sweet photographer snapped this of Cousin Emily. It's amazing how it has a European touch to it. I feel as though I am in Paris just looking at the happy couple.

Notice the kid in camo, the super sweet photographer had to ask him to move. He was standing right in the middle of Emily and Mr. Romeo's heads. Either he wanted his picture taken or he really is ignorant to the fact there were others around. Betting on the latter...

The parade, I was soooooo excited...never having been to the parade anytime I've been to Christmas in St. Charles, I couldn't wait for it to start. So many Christmas and winter characters. I wish I could step back in time for just a day or two during this time of year.

Lots of different time period Santas too...

In case you are wondering, like me, she is the one who teaches reindeer how to fly. Thank you for the FYI Aunt Deb.

I felt so privileged. Most of these characters posed for me as if they were getting paid to do so. It was so much fun!

An ice skating park was created down by the Missouri River, just behind the building in the background. This cute little fairy was spotted skating with little children when we were leaving. The only word I can use to describe it, is "MAGICAL". The children looked like they were having a blast.

How I wish this one would've come out clearer...

Oh, and you've read about this place before. It's my favorite store. Your remember, the one that speaks to my soul. I want to go inside, shoe everyone out, kick my shoes off and relish in the home I wish were mine...goodness how I love this place!!!

Her pricetag was too big for me to put in a sack...I had to leave her...I held back the tear that wanted to fall...

Excuse me, I'm having "favorite-store-house-ever-built-withdrawals", I'll be back in a minute...

I believe this is the Amish Peddler, another great store. But, NOT as great as my favorite store.

Cousin Emily buying chestnuts which had been roasted on an open fire. Wish I could report to you just how tasty they are, but I just can't...

Smiling for the camera...

What a sweet picture of this Santa.

We always take mom in the Doll Shop.

A gift of cake. It was like a movie...watching through the windows of a sweet shoppe...

She whispered my name, but, I left her too...

I have this sneaking suspicion that ole Jack Frost is still lurking in Missouri...

What a wonderful day we had. We decided to start the day with lunch at the Olde Mill Brewery. It was hysterical. I replay lunch and how much fun we had over and over in my head. After shopping, people watching, parade watching, cookie eating, more shopping, we headed back to the hotel. Later we met up again with everyone to go through Our Lady of Snows Christmas lights in Illinois. Lots of tiny white lights and lots of waiting. Very beautiful, I'm happy to say I've been there. Then we went through another showing of lights in St. Louis. A huge park with buggy rides and lots of traffic. Very whimsical and fun. I cannot wait for next year!!

One of Uncle Dave's famous Gingerbread Houses. Aunt Paula wanted me to take it home, I knew I'd have a disaster on my hands getting it back home. It's pretty cool, it made me want to do one of my own.