Country Charm

Merry Christmas to you.......

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Merry, Merry Christmas to you......Back to the New York City trip after Christmas....below are random pictures of some of my favorite things...
This wreath hangs in the den and tells the whole story.....

The Reason for the Season...Our Lord Jesus Christ.......

I didn't use the big pre-lit tree this year....just a pencil tree....

Another Nativity.....
One of my favorite cookie jars...

I bought this large dome cloche last week for a dollar....
Soup tureen....
Holly over pictures...
Some silver bling....
Kitchen table dishes...
When I was 15 months old, I wrote my first letter to Santa...this is really vintage....1942...I really didn't write the letter, I just told my Mama what to write.....well, not really.....
Shortly after making this picture, it fell off the easel, a few minutes letter the easel collapsed....the glass did not break....

Edward walked down the steps, knocked over some of the soldiers and commented the grandchildren would do the same. They had already been up and down several times without disturbing them. I think it's just a Pop thing......
These bring back sweet memories of our 'real' flock of sheep.

I bought this print to give as a gift but decided I liked it so well I kept it......

The grandchildren like to push the button to make Santa swing at the golf ball...
A nice cup of coffee or tea on my desk.....
Snowmen at the front door and I've just realized I didn't make a picture of the front door wreath....oh well....

Please have a safe and joyous Christmas with those you love and do remember our military who are serving on distant shores to protect our freedom and freedom around the world. Their families are heroes as well .....Betty

New York City here we come......

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:41:00 +0000

If someone had told me earlier in the year that I would be going to New York City I would have laughed in their face...especially flying...I've never flown and wasn't sure I ever would. When Edward was employed full time in his secular job I had been invited to accompany him on flights but I declined. Once I said 'yes' and a couple of weeks before we were to leave there was a terrible plane crash in Iowa and I immediately said, "NO WAY HOSEA".....

A cousin, Mary Jo, called about a month ago and said she and several friends were going to 'Christmas In The Big Apple' and invited me to go. Edward and I discussed it and I decided to go for it....

We left in the middle of night, well at 3:45 in the morning, to drive to a small airport where we boarded a small commuter plane to Atlanta. It was raining but not storming. I was in constant communication with my Heavenly Father but I wasn't afraid.

We arrived at the airport in Atlanta and boarded 'the big bird'....it just went on and on.

About two hours later we were in New York City. We've driven there before but it looks entirely different from the sky.....
As we deplaned, the Captain and Stewardess greeted us. I thanked him for a first safe flight and asked if I might make their picture. She instead made mine with him...I had requested Sully but...well...you know.....
Some of the scenery down at South Street Seaport....
A water taxi....
The Brooklyn Bridge in the background.
Lunch at the Pacific Grill....LaRue, Joyce, Susie, Betty, Mary Jo, Delores, Nancy, Wanda and where is Jane? That's a picture of her purse......

Here's Jane...the pretty lady on the bottom left.....

Brooklyn Bridge...
Chinatown...Later, we went back to shop, eat ice cream .......

After lunch we returned to our bus and expert driver, Dexter, to begin our interesting tour of Lower Manhattan..............to be continued.........

Happy Thanksgiving......

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:38:00 +0000

I have so much to be thankful for that I can't begin to enumerate all of my blessings...

I do wish you a wonderful day with your family and friends...

As we gather around our table and think of good times and good friends, I'll be thinking of my 'blogging family' also...

God Bless...Betty

The Cab Driver....Compassion at its finest......

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:42:00 +0000

This email has been around more than once, but such a lesson is taught.....Betty
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> I arrived at the address where someone had requested a taxi. I honked but
> no one came out. I honked again, nothing. So I walked to the door and
> knocked. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear
> something being dragged across the floor.
> After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood
> before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil
> pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.
>
> By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one
> had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets..
>
> There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the
> counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and
> glassware.
>
> 'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to
> the cab, and then returned to assist the woman.
>
> She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
>
> She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just
> try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated.'

> 'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said. When we got in the cab, she gave
> me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'
>
> 'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.
> 'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a
> hospice'.
>
> I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have
> any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.'
> I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
>
> 'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.
>
> For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the
> building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
>
> We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when
> they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse
> that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
>
> Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner
> and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
>
> As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm
> tired. Let's go now'
>
> We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low
> building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed
> under a portico.
>
> Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were
> solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been
> expecting her.
>
> I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was
> already seated in a wheelchair.
>
> 'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.
> 'Nothing,' I said
>
> 'You have to make a living,' she answered.
>
> 'There are other passengers,' I responded.
>
> Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me
> tightly.
>
> 'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.
>
> 'Thank you.'
>
> I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind
> me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.
> I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in
> thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman
> had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?
> What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven
> away?
> On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important
> in my life.
> We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
> But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what
> others may consider a small one.
>
>
> PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, BUT THEY
> WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

> Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as
> well dance.

> IN GOD WE TRUST---

Happy Fall....Ya'll..........

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:50:00 +0000

Welcome to our home....fall is in the air and that makes me want to bring out the harvest decorations....the tractors are humming and the farmers are gathering the crops......

Mr. Scarecrow keeps an eye on the front porch......
The flag is very colorful.....
A bale of cotton, gourds, pumpkins...................
Colorful mums.....
If it stands still I'll tie a bow on it....

The window box in front of the den looks pretty outside as well as inside......

A swag of leaves and pomegranates with a raffia bow.....
The planters on the back porch have a fall touch.....

A scarecrow girl from a thrift store...a dollar.....
The window box on the kitchen window.....
Do you see the brown lizard behind the red bird house?
An old rustic birdhouse with iron bird and bunny....
Mr. Bunny stood still and got one tied on...why is this underlined and in blue?
A cornucopia and a turkey gourd.....
A ceramic cornucopia.....
A wicker cornucopia.....

I laugh everytime I walk by this turkey with her little head and tail...a gift from my friend Jackie...
These dishes are some of my very favorites...they look so 'fallish'....

A large arrangement of mums on the piano....A stuffed pheasant peeking out....
And last of all one of my favorite fall pitchers....

When I was a little, scrawny girl my grandparents lived a few blocks from the elementary school. I walked to their home for lunch one fall day. My Grandfather was a wonderful gardener and had a pumpkin patch. He offered me one and of course I chose the largest one. I started back to school carrying my gold cargo....I'd walk a little ways and sit down on my pumpkin....continued doing this all the way....finally I made it to my class room. We carved a Jack-O-Lantern and I was a happy camper. Do you have a pumpkin story?

Thanks for taking the time to visit with me...wishing you God's richest blessings.....

Heaven....................

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 03:08:00 +0000

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN

This is one of the nicest e-mails I have seen and is so true:

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels... My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.'

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, 'This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them.' I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed. 'How is it that there is no work going on here?' I asked.

'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments.'

'How does one acknowledge God's blessings?' I asked.

'Simple,' the angel answered. 'Just say, Thank you, Lord.'

'What blessings should they acknowledge?' I asked.

'If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.'

'And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.'

'If you woke up this morning with more health than illness... You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.'

'If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation .. You are ahead of 700 million people in the world.'

'If you can attend a place of worship without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world..'

'If your parents are still alive and still married ..you are very rare.'

'If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair.'
Ok, what now? How can I start?

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings , and if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are.

ATTN: Acknowledge Dept .
'Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people with whom to share it.

I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends!!

Monday Thrift Finds...Rhoda

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:14:00 +0000

Happy Labor Day........Please go by Rhoda's blog to see what everyone is showing on 'Thrifty Monday'........I found this table at Amelia Island when we were at the beach this summer....it really is vintage...I think the price was $15.00. My daughter, Melinda, liked it so now it belongs to her....
This is Arthur Court....I have other pieces that I enjoy...a couple of dollars....
This was the best buy of all...when we carried the garbage to the dumpster it was on the ground by the dumpster. I found it several months ago....cost....FREE...

Happy Thrifty......Betty

Happy Birthday to Me......

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to my birthday party! I am 68 today...I am the 6th child in my family line up...the youngest next to me was 14 when I was born so I don't think I was exactly planned. The oldest child was 25....gosh, I bet he was embarrassed......now I have one brother living....cancer has taken our siblings plus our mother....

Thanks for coming by........

Thrifting.....

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:57:00 +0000

This is my first time participating in Rhoda's Monday Thrift Finds....but this is my cup of tea and I enjoy seeing the great things other people have found....

Hurry on over to Rhoda's......

A pair of Vaneli shoes...one of my favorite brands....cost....$3.00

Outdoor plastic American flag....$2.00
Staffordshire dogs...$1.99
New hooked rug $8.00 ....I had been looking for one to put on the faux brick painted floor in my little garden room....

White ceramic fruit topiary....ONE DOLLAR and it is quite large.......

What did you find interesting this week?

Edward is doing well...thank you for your prayers....A Sack Lunch....

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:24:00 +0000

Dear Bloggers,

Edward continues to do well...we give all the praise and glory to our Lord...thank you all for your prayers and good wishes...each one was deeply appreciated...
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I've received the email before about the sack lunches but I want to share it with you...even if you've already read it...we owe such a debt of gratitude to our brave men and women in the military as well as their families...

Our veterans through the years have given so such and asked so little...thank you...

God Bless the USA

The Sack Lunches

I put my carry-on in the luggage
Compartment and sat down in my
Assigned seat. It was going to be a
Long flight. 'I'm glad I have a
Good book to read. Perhaps I will get
A short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of
Soldiers came down the aisle and
Filled all the vacant seats, totally
Surrounding me. I decided to
Start a conversation.
'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.

'Petawawa. We'll be there for two
Weeks for special training, and then
We're being deployed to Afghanistan

After flying for about an hour, an
Announcement was made that sack
Lunches were available for five
Dollars. It would be several hours
Before we reached the east, and I
Quickly decided a lunch would help
Pass the time..

As I reached for my wallet, I
Overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he
Planned to buy lunch.
'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably
Wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base '

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other
Soldiers. None were buying lunch. I
Walked to the back of the plane and
Handed the flight attendant a
Fifty dollar bill.
'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed
Tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a
Soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up
The aisle to where the soldiers
Were seated. She stopped at my seat
And asked, 'Which do you like
Best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why
She asked. She turned and went to
The front of plane, returning a
Minute later with a dinner plate from
First class. 'This is your thanks..'

After we finished eating, I went
Again to the back of the plane,
Heading for the rest room.
A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it.
Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I
Saw the Flight Captain coming down
The aisle, looking at the aisle
Numbers as he walked, I hoped he was
Not looking for me, but noticed he
Was looking at the numbers only on
My side of the plane.
When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, and said,
'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I
Stood and took the Captain's hand.
With a booming voice he said, 'I was
A soldier and I was a military pilot.
Once, someone bought me a lunch.
It was an act of kindness I
Never forgot.' I was embarrassed
When applause was heard from all of
The passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the
Plane so I could stretch my legs.
A man who was seated about six rows
In front of me reached out his
Hand, wanting to shake mine. He left
Another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my
Belongings and started to deplane.
Waiting just inside the airplane door
Was a man who stopped me, put
Something in my shirt pocket, turned,
And walked away without saying a
Word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the
Soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them
And handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to
Reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich.
God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight
Feeling the love and respect of their
Fellow travelers. As I walked
Briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return.
These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only
Give them a couple of meals.

It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one
Point in his life, wrote a blank check
Made payable to 'The United States of
America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'

That is Honor, and there are way too
many people in this country who
no longer understand it.'

May God give you the strength and
courage to pass this along to
everyone on your email buddy list....

I JUST DID

What A Past Few Days!

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:31:00 +0000

We make plans and so quickly everything changes...Saturday morning I went for a hair trim and planned to return and get busy house cleaning, ironing and packing for a trip that we were to leave on Sunday afternoon for Vincennes, Indiana...

When I returned home Edward was sitting in his recliner in the den...I asked, "are you sick?...he replied,"I think I had a heart attack but I feel fine now." Awhile later he decided we needed to go to the ER. He was monitored and admitted late that afternoon. On Monday he had a Nuclear Stress Test and Tuesday he had a heart catherization and 5 stents. He spent the night in ICU and we came home today....He had never had a heart problem..

We are so thankful that we were not enroute or even at our destination when this happened. Edward has had two very serious surgeries and our hospital has all his records and our surgeons are familiar with all his problems...

Our church family, friends and family rallied around us and surrounded us with love, prayers, food and everything we needed...God is so good...an ever present help in time of trouble.

We covet your prayers, too.....

Give away from Sandi.....Six things about me....a busy summer....

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:29:00 +0000

The first thing I saw when I opened my package...and
I am certainly enjoying every delightful surprise.......

Back in June I was delighted to win Sandi's giveaway...
We were out of pocket for several days so I'm just now showing the beautiful items contained in my package.....do visit Sandi...she has a gorgeous blog and you will certainly enjoy all the interesting posts....The theme of my 'win' was birds....vintage sewing things...name tags....

Beautiful laces, bias tape, vintage buttons...
Beautiful bird name tags....and a sweet note from Sandi
A package of nest of eggs napkins...
Gorgeous egg soap.......

Many thanks to you Sandi for making my day.....
My pictures don't do justice....I'm sure it's me and not the new camera.

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Along about the same time a fellow blogger, Betty, asked me to tell Six Things About Myself .....I've done this previously but it has been quite awhile back so here goes....

1. Most importantly, I strive to live each day to glorify my Savior. Many days I feel that I've been a failure but each new day brings new opportunities and a new beginning.

2. I took Karate many years ago and enjoyed it immensely.

3. Out of my five siblings four have died of cancer, the fifth is in remission and my mother died of cancer also...

4. I do not eat eggs...I cook with them but I don't eat eggs as eggs...

5. I have never flown in an airplane...my husband traveled and each time I would decide to accompany him just prior to our leaving there would be a plane crash .....I hope Edward and I will visit our friends in Wales sometime in the future...

6. I began playing the piano in church when I was about 12 years old...music is manna to my soul...

An one extra:

My touchstone is to gaze up into the blue sky with the fluffy white clouds each day...that re-assures me of my Heavenly Father and that He loves me...and you.....

I am not tagging anyone in particular so feel free to participate...please leave a comment if you do so I can learn more about YOU.......

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We've had a busy summer as all of you have I'm sure. Sorry I've been so slack in posting the past months. I hope to do better.

Happy 49th Anniversary To My Husband....Beautiful Anniversary Gifts From Wales....

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:20:00 +0000

On June 19th, 1960, Edward and I were married on a beautiful Sunday morning immediately following worship service...it was Father's Day and I told Edward his Daddy received the best Father's Day gift ever....me....just kidding....

After we undecorated the car, well as much as we could, we left for Amelia Island, Florida on our honeymoon....we encountered a National Guard Convoy and each vehicle waved us around and applauded....we had quite a motorcade.....

I remember our first meal together as husband and wife was baked ham with raisin gravy....

I had been sick with appendicitis all week and didn't know if I would go to the hospital for surgery or to the church to get married....the latter prevailed...

For 49 years we've gone to Amelia Island....when our daughters were growing up and now for a week in the summer we take all fourteen of us....we make so many memories. I hope our grandchildren will always remember the good times we share.

Our friends, Marion and John, from Wales remembered our anniversary with a beautiful Laura Ashley wall clock, CD's, anniversary card and a 'This England' magazine....

The colors are beautiful as well as the scripted numbers....

The clock has found a place in our bedroom and every time I look at it I will think of the dear friends so far away in distance but so near in our hearts....

Magazines are one of my pleasures in life...this one is a treasure trove of history, beautiful homes, recipes and so much information in general....it along with English Homes would be my two favorites.
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Our twin granddaughter, Erin the photographer, is having a photo contest and she invites everyone to participate....so go on over to Erin's Artistic Expressions and check it out...
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HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO EDWARD, CHIP, CHAD AND TO ALL THE GODLY FATHERS WHO ARE ROLE MODELS FOR OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.......
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Yay! I won a giveaway........Kath Kidston pillows

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:44:00 +0000

When I entered Florida Sue's giveaway I had no idea that I would win...In the years I've blogged I've won twice....

I thought I had won one Kath Kidston pillow which thrilled me....this week when I opened the package I found two beautiful pink and green pillows....

I use these colors in our bedroom along with rose printed fabric so they compliment each other perfectly....

My photographs don't do them justice......my granddaughter, Erin, is the talent in our family....and my husband.....

The larger pillow....they button so they'll launder easily.....
If you haven't visited Florida Sue you are in for a treat...she has so much energy....posts almost daily and has such a variety of subjects....check out Luxe Lanai ......

Thank you so much Florida Sue......Blessings....Betty

Our twin granddaughters' Graduation Garden Party

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:40:00 +0000

Recently, our twin granddaughters, Erin and Elisabeth, graduated from high school. They have been rays of sunshine in our lives...

It was our pleasure to honor them with a Garden Graduation Reception on a gorgeous Saturday in May. Approximately 100 friends dropped by to congratulate them and wish them Godspeed...

Guests entered the backyard.....
A display table with kindergarten graduation pictures, high school diplomas and guest books and gifts...
Some younger guests and a Dad.....
The food table minus the food....take my word, it was delicious and plentiful...the old fashion popcorn popper was a BIG hit especially with the young guests but really everyone enjoyed a bag of popcorn at some point...
Elisabeth and Erin with their beautiful white cake festooned with a chic brown and pink bow and pink flowers...
The cake was designed and baked by a friend, Rachel, and given by Rachel and her Mom and Dad...a delicious gift.
The party colors were pink and brown ....

Lemonade, tea and water..........
It was great to see friends that we hadn't seen in a while...

This is Beth...she coordinated, cooked and kept everyone on track...so many friends helped make this indeed a special day.

Wesley, brother to the twins......
Fred and grandson Gene...Twin sister Alana around somewhere....

Well, that's what happened on a Saturday in May at our house...
Thanks for dropping by....

Some of my 'bloomers'.......Life........

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:25:00 +0000

Isn't spring time a wonderful time? All the flower beds wake up, as well as the pesky weeds and grass....God's creation just puts on a show....the beautiful trees....and my favorite....the gorgeous blue skies with the fluffy clouds...how can we not say,"Lord, thank you and I love you!"This has become one of my favorite tree roses...Belinda's Dream.....very fragrant.

This isn't a bloomer but unique....a Staghorn Fern.
One of three planters on the back porch...
Another planter....
This is an area I'm working on...years ago we had concrete rectangles poured to use in a wet area....recently we intended to pour a walk way here and then I remembered the slabs so we used them instead...now we will pour river rock around the slabs...I re-arranged the wrought iron arbor and added the recently purchased large cast iron urns....a steal at $50.00 each. They are planted with Bacopa, Lobilia and Geraniums.
A new crop of lemons...
In the south bottle trees are not uncommon...
Cleome or Cat's Whiskers.....
An old, old bunny .....
One of the new Hibiscus......
Bird nest and cast iron bird....
A David Austin rose....I have others that have been absolutely gorgeous but are between blooms now....
One of Edward's day lilies....
Windchester Cathedral....I think....a David Austin rose....

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As you know, well you do if you've been a previous reader, our new den floor flooded not once but twice when we had almost 19 inches of rain in a short period of time...it has to be replaced. We recently honored our graduating twin granddaughters with a garden reception so the yard became our priority rather than the inside of the house. It will be the end of June before we get the floor done, Lord willing...

Life gets in the way of many of our plans and has to be dealt with immediately...other things get done when they get done.

What have you been doing this spring? I'd love to hear about your projects....

For all the blogging sisters............

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:46:00 +0000

We all need a laugh so here are a few for today...Betty

Pregnancy, Estrogen, and Women

PREGNANCY Q & A & more!

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q : I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q : What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q : My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q : Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word 'alimony' means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q : Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q : Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

'ESTROGEN ISSUES'

10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE 'ESTROGEN ISSUES'

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You 're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: 'How's my driving-call 1- 800-'.
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from 'outer space.'
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND
10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

AND, the Number One thing only women understand:

1. OTHER WOMEN

WE ALL NEED A SMILE!

Wishing you a blessed Easter.........

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:02:00 +0000

Dear Friends,
This is a re-post from last year but the message is timeless....Wishing you a blessed 2009 Easter....

Nails, such as these, did not hold our Savior to the cross....His love for you and me did that.......

Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter............

He is not here.....He is risen, as He said He would............. the Lord of Lords and King of Kings..................

Second time around,,,,flooded floor,,,,Happy Birthday to my husband Edward...

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 12:57:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to Edward today...he's a wonderful, unselfish husband and I'm blessed to have spent 48 years as his wife...

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Last night our den floor was flooded for the second time since Saturday....we have had 14 inches of rain. Another system is suppose to come through on Sunday.

My brother and sister-in-law moved back from Murfreesboro, TN on Monday and he was admitted to the hospital yesterday, Thursday, with Congestive Heart Failure. I had spent the day with him at the hospital and had been home a short while when the water began coming in. Edward had bought a wet and dry shop vac so he used it and I started the towel brigade. Chad and Amy came and helped...when finally the rain slowed and everything seemed to be over I was moving the vac ( full of water)...the top wasn't secured, it tipped over and water was once again everywhere...so out came more towels....

The piano and other pieces of furniture are in the middle of the den...one bedroom ceiling has some damage...but it could be worse...
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Sad news for our new den floor....Life At Home Giveaway....

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:45:00 +0000

We've enjoyed our new den and new floor for a month...I was away Friday and Saturday to attend grandson, Drew's Perfectly Polished Spring Formal...We received 7 and 1/2 inches of rain in a short period of time....the water seeped in around water pipes in the utility room my husband thinks, ran into the den and ruined a portion of the wood floor. The insurance adjuster was here yesterday and called it flood damage. Of course, we don't have flood coverage.

We had several inches last night and today and tomorrow's forecast is for lots more...another system comes through on Sunday...but we aren't the only ones with problems and some much worse than ours...

On a happier note...please visit Sue at Life At Home for a delightful time of reading and she also is having a Giveaway....beautiful blue and white objects that I want to win!

Wishing you all a blessed week...

God's Cake.......

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:41:00 +0000

This is a recent email that I received and I think it's worth sharing...Betty

God's cake...

This is about the best thing I've ever read as an explanation. We all wonder many times over WHY?

Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did God have to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'

'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers.

'Yuck' says her daughter.

'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!'

'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?'

'Mom, those are all yucky!'

To which the mother replies: 'Yes , all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! '

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

Finished.....finally....den remodel.................

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:33:00 +0000

I really feel that I should re-introduce myself because I haven't posted since January.....we removed a wall between our den and sun room....well, as you can imagine, that led to many other things to be done.....we had cypress paneling in the sun room and I didn't want it taken down so we finished the walls with painted veneer paneling.....laminate floors and brick pavers at the back door and fireplace......as our family has grown, our need for space has changed so OUT WITH THE WALL!
This is as you come into the den from my little garden-music room....not a good picture but then I'm not a good photographer!

This looks to the east side of the den, formerly the sun room....the blinds have been installed in this picture...other pictures were made before blinds....I like mirrors propped against walls...........

This cabinet had been in the sun room...It was given to me years ago by an elderly lady...I will paint the inside and shelves or paper them....what color do you think would best with the ironstone?

This is a replica birdhouse of the house I grew up in...the man who bought the house after my Mother died made it for me....it's a treasure to me...

I have a plate rail on each side of the header......

A table made by my husband several years ago .....

The tv cabinet.....
Looking toward the original part of the den.....I'm looking for a companion rug to the large one shown....

Another view......

A sitting area by the fireplace...........One of my favorite fabrics......

Left end of the hearth...seashells are among my favorite things...
Right side....looks like a heavy pot but it's actually papier mache...
A chest that my Mother and Daddy started housekeeping with...to the left of the steps going up into the kitchen...I have plates to accentuate the mirror. We were in Atlanta last week and I found the black checked shades at Ballard's Designs along with some other goodies...a wonderful place to visit.....

A jelly cupboard Edward made several years ago...We had a slight uneven floor problem at the back door area that had to be remedied...Danny, our builder, came to the rescue with brick pavers...they don't really look as red as the picture...neither does the floor....it's that photographer again...
The piano previously was against a wall but I like it like this...the toile chair needs to be recovered, probably in a plaid...
A cabinet across from the fireplace.......the picture was made in lamplight....

This picture was made by lamplight and the reds look brown...I'm trying the little white tea table in this area and I'm thinking of painting it the color of the settee....what do you think?

Well, that's what has been happening at our house....not a big project compared to most....but it was MAJOR to us!

A Look At What's Going On At Our House......

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:00:00 +0000

As I mentioned earlier in the week, we are in the process of removing a wall between our den and the sun porch...we've enjoyed having the sun porch in years past but as our family has grown our needs have changed....we presently have 14 people in our immediate family....eight grandchildren....when everyone is here at the same time, we have very close communion....

......this is the den wall................

This is the other side.....on the sun porch side....it's really an insulated room.....already being packed....
The day finally arrives....wall today.......
Wall gone..............
Danny our talented builder and Andrew....his assistant......

New sheet rock ceiling.........

Looking from the porch part into the former den.....
Looking out into the former porch section....
Matching windows on each side........I can see dollars signs for window coverings.....the den has plantation shutters and I would really like to have them in this part.....maybe later....

The porch has a hand painted brick floor that I did years ago....but all the floor will have wood laminate with brick pavers at the back door entry and the fireplace hearth......

Choices, choices, choices...... the walls are painted 'Water Chestnut'...a Sherwin Williams paint....I've had this color on walls in two homes and I never tire of it.....

Hopefully, the flooring will be put down this week and I can straighten up and clean up.......

A Chuckle and a "do you remember when?"...........

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Hello,

We are still in remodeling chaos....the young man helping our builder gave us a chuckle the other day.....he saw me with my laptop....He said, "I see you have a laptop, do you know how to use it." I said, "yes, I do"....he asked, "do you have a cell phone?"...I said, "yes".....he asked, "do you know how to use it?"...again, I said, "yes".... I almost said, "I have a debit card and I know how to use it, too." Maybe I impressed him a little when I told him that I'm a blogger....wonder if he can do that?......hmmmmm.......

This email today reminded me of our conversation....because I remember almost all of these.....do you? I realize to the young, we do seem old but I still have a young heart and spirit I hope....Betty

NO Cheating- don't look at the answers until you take the test!!!!

History Exam...
Everyone over 50 should have a pretty easy time

at this exam. If you are under 40 you can claim a handicap.

This is a History Exam for those who don't mind seeing how much they really remember about what went on in their life

*** Get paper & pencil & number from 1 to 20.
****Write the letter of each answer & score at the end.

Then before you pass this test on, put your score in the subject line. Send to friends so everyone can HAVE FUN!!!!

1. In the 1940s, where were automobile headlight dimmer switches located?
a. On the floor shift knob.
b. On the floor board, to the left of the clutch.
c. Next to the horn.

2. The bottle top of a Royal Crown Cola bottle had holes in it. For what was it used?
a. Capture lightning bugs.
b. To sprinkle clothes before ironing.
c. Large salt shaker.

3. Why was having milk delivered a problem in northern winters?
a. Cows got cold and wouldn't produce milk.
b. Ice on highways forced delivery by dog sled.
c. Milkmen left deliveries outside of front doors and milk would freeze, expanding and pushing up the cardboard bottle top.

4. What was the popular chewing gum named for a game of chance?
a. Blackjack.
b. Gin.
c. Craps.

5. What method did women use to look as if they were wearing stockings when none were available due to rationing during WW II.
a. Suntan.
b. Leg painting.
c. Wearing slacks.

6. What postwar car turned automotive design on it's ear when you couldn't tell whether it was coming or going?
a. Studebaker.
b. Nash Metro.
c. Tucker.

7. Which was a popular candy when you were a kid?
a. Strips of dried peanut butter.
b. Chocolate licorice bars.
c. Wax coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside..

8. How was Butch wax used?
a. To stiffen a flat-top haircut so it stood up.
b. To make floors shiny and prevent scuffing.
c. On the wheels of roller skates to prevent rust.

9. Before inline skates, how did you keep your roller skates attached to your shoes?
a. With clamps, tightened by a skate key.
b. Woven straps that crossed the foot.
c. Long pieces of twine.

10. As a kid, what was considered the best way to reach a decision?
a. Consider all the facts.
b. Ask Mom.
c. Eeny-meeny-miney-MO.

11. What was the most dreaded disease in the 1940s and 1950s?
a. Smallpox.
b. AIDS.
c. Polio.

12. 'I'll be down to get you in a ________, Honey'
a. SUV.
b. Taxi.
c. Streetcar.

13. What was the name of Caroline Kennedy's pony?
a. Old Blue.
b. Paint.
c. Macaroni.

14. What was a Duck-and-Cover Drill?
a. Part of the game of hide and seek.
b. What you did when your Mom called you in to do chores.
c. Hiding under your desk, and covering your head with your arms in an A-bomb drill.

15. What was the name of the Indian Princess on the Howdy Doodyshow?
a. Princess Summerfallwinterspring.
b. Princess Sacajawea.
c. Princess Moonshadow.

16. What did all the really savvy students do when mimeographed tests were handed out in school?
a. Immediately sniffed the purple ink, as this was believed to get you high.
b. Made paper airplanes to see who could sail theirs out the window.

c. Wrote another pupil's name on the top, to avoid their failure.

17. Why did your Mom shop in stores that gave Green Stamps with purchases?
a. To keep you out of mischief by licking the backs, which tasted like bubble gum.
b. They could be put in special books and redeemed for various household items.
c. They were given to the kids to be used as stick-on tattoos.

18. Praise the Lord, & pass the _________?
a. Meatballs.
b. Dames.
c. Ammunition.

19. What was the name of the singing group that made the song 'Cabdriver' a hit?
a. The Ink Spots.
b. The Supremes.
c. The Esquires.

20. Who left his heart in San Francisco ?
a. Tony Bennett.
b. Xavier Cugat.
c. George Gershwin.
----------------------------- -------------------------------

ANSWERS

1. (b) On the floor, to the left of the clutch. Hand controls, popular in Europe, took till the
late '60's to catch on.

2. (b) To sprinkle clothes before ironing. Who had a steam iron?

3. (c) Cold weather caused the milk to freeze and expand, popping the bottle top.

4. (a) Blackjack Gum.

5. (b) Special makeup was applied, followed by drawing a seam down the back of the leg with eyebrow pencil.

6. (a) 1946 Studebaker.

7. (c) Wax coke bottles containing super-sweet colored water.

8. (a) Wax for your flat top (butch) haircut.

9. (a) With clamps, tightened by a skate key,which you wore on a shoestring around your neck.

10. (c) Eeny-meeny-miney-mo.

11. (c) Polio. In beginning of August, swimming pools were closed, movies and other public gathering places were closed to try to prevent spread of the disease.

12. (b) Taxi, Better be ready by half-past eight!

13. (c) Macaroni.

14. (c) Hiding under your desk, and covering your head with your arms in an A-bomb drill.

15. (a) Princess Summerfallwinterspring. She was another puppet.

16. (a) Immediately sniffed the purple ink to get a high.

17. (b) Put in a special stamp book, they could be traded for household items at the Green Stamp store.

18. (c) Ammunition, and we'll all be free.

19. (a) The widely famous 50's group: The Ink Spots.

20. (a) Tony Bennett, and he sounds just as good today .

SCORING

17- 20 correct: You are older than dirt, and obviously gifted with mental abilities. Now if you could only find your glasses. Definitely someone who should share your wisdom!

12 -16 correct: Not quite dirt yet, but you're getting there.

0 -11 correct: You are not old enough to share the wisdom of your experiences.

Send this to your ('old') friends with your score in the subject line.

Can't find my laptop because of all the clutter....just kidding.....

noreply@blogger.com (Betty) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:39:00 +0000

Sorry I haven't been around the last couple of weeks....we are in the process of a remodeling job.....sheetrock dust, clutter and everything else you can imagine that goes along with it.....

I'm taking pictures so hopefully I'll get a posting together about it.......

PLEASE come back.......I miss you all!......Blessings, Betty