Life in the Empty Nest

The Special Christmas Pillow

2011-12-01T14:40:00.000-05:00

When you get all snuggled into your bed
And upon this special pillow place your head
Put a smile on your face
And fill your heart with joy
When you think of these words spoken to each girl and boy
By a prophet named Gordon B. Hinckley.
I can remember his love for us distinctly.

"We can all be a little kinder, a little more patient,
a little more helpful."

Now, aren't his words delightful?

"We can reach out to ones who are in distress,
we can replace anger with love, and put out all selfishness.
We can get on our knees and pray
then stand on our feet to bless."

So, when you are ready for bed each night
And all tucked in tight
Don't forget to celebrate with kindness, patience and love: the real reason
For remembering our Savior this Christmas season.

- Joyce Messick

Little Lucy

2011-10-20T14:04:00.000-04:00

She was happy for a few minutes and the light coming through the window in the back bedroom was just right.

Ryan's Family

2011-10-07T15:06:00.003-04:00

I love living so close to family!! We had so much fun taking these photos. The barn in the background just called out to us, "Come and take your photos here!"

Daddy-daughter photos are priceless and my favorite. A vintage look...

Angel Face

Cute and Independent

Sweet Baby Face

Confident and Sophisticated

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

Shooting Photos in Salt Lake City

2011-09-25T08:18:00.000-04:00

The door knobs on the front doors of the Temple. No one goes in or out of these doors but many brides and grooms stand in front of them for photos.

Detail on the Joseph Smith Memorial Building

The Salt Lake City Temple. Freedom and Peace.

Peaches

2011-08-04T21:51:00.000-04:00

A cooler day.

No baby yet.

Beautiful hills of Virginia.

Family Reunion

2011-07-18T10:18:00.000-04:00

A week of glorious fun and relaxation at Lake Anna.

Living A Dream

2011-05-25T15:16:00.011-04:00

Having fun with a new camera and photo processing software.

My adventure in Online Dating

2011-01-06T17:12:00.002-05:00

I have tip-toed in and out of several online dating sites. I answered a few basic questions about myself - age, height, hair color, location, church activity and a few more boring details. I did the bare minimum by describing myself as – fun. Then with the excitement of a 14 yr old going to her first school dance, I did the advanced search for men, aged 56 – 62. The first searches showed the guys close to my hometown. I widened the search – read a few descriptions, got nervous, deleted my profile and logged out.

I will let you know when I get brave enough to add a profile picture, expand on the description of myself and keep my profile active for more than 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, I am having a great time with these cuties who live next door.

One Skirt = Three Little Dresses

2009-04-30T18:52:00.001-04:00

Now that I am an upcycler/recycler extraordinare, I don't see ready-made clothing as something to buy and wear. Oh no, they are just pieces of fabric. Designer fabrics that can't be purchased at my local fabric store. Fabrics just waiting to be fashioned into something smashingly cute.
Take a look at this skirt. When I saw it at my favorite store, my brain was telling me, "This is not just a BIG skirt - It is a skirt with a LOT of fabric for only $8.00."

Maybe with some clever folding, cutting and sewing, I could make a few of these little dresses:

You can do it too!!
From the waistband to hem, fold the skirt into thirds.

Then, from the waistband to hem, fold all the layers of the skirt in half.

Cut out a size 12-18 month 'swing' dress pattern.

It makes three of these:

Sewing Sassy Aprons

2009-04-28T18:59:00.000-04:00

My gift to you - well, some of you. To my girlfriends or brides-to-be or to someone who has been especially nice.

The Recently Seen G'Kids

2009-04-18T17:29:00.000-04:00

Avery: On the slide at the park. At the zoo wearing the inspiration for my Upcycle #1 project.
Jackson: On the ferry in Galveston. In the Gopher Tube at the zoo.

Ruby: Easter Morning. At home wearing Upcycle Project #3.

Frumpy to Sassy

2009-04-06T23:15:00.000-04:00

When Gina saw this skirt in the craft/sewing closet (aka the Magic Closet), she instantly said, "I always wanted a pencil skirt." And she proceeded to cut it shorter and sew about 8 inches off the sides.
In 30 minutes this skirt went from a frumpy size 14

To a sassy size 6.

Upcycle Project #2

2009-04-06T10:22:00.000-04:00

It was so easy to make this peasant dress out of the body of the shirt. Using bias tape I made a casing in the neck for the elastic. Then put elastic in the hem of the sleeves. The original hem of the shirt becomes the hem of the dress.

Upcycle Project #1

2009-04-03T16:40:00.000-04:00

This old shirt of mine was in the “give away pile”. After close inspection and some inspiration from Gina, I figured out a fun way to change it into a jumper for Avery. First, I cut off the ¾ length sleeves and the collar.

Then I sewed the sleeves together, using the cuff detail for the top of the jumper. The pointed collar adds a little detail to the straps.

Hula Hooping

2009-03-24T18:07:00.000-04:00

Forget your cares. Let the world go away. Veg out.
As a little girl I hula hooped, jumped rope, rode my bike and hopscotched all my little girl worries away.
I am hoping that this hula hoop can take me to that carefree place. This hoop works so much better than the hoop of my youth. The size and weight help to propel it around and around. I have made several and given away a few. Some recepients were less than enthusiastic; others were kind of excited. The hoop that I filled with mung beans creates the sound of rainfall. Then I got a little crazy and filled a hoop with water. It is pretty heavy but it is actually the easiest to use.

What will become of .....

2009-03-21T19:17:00.001-04:00

I love walking up and down the aisles of big do-it-yourself hardware stores. I can imagine a new chandalier in the dining room, see new golden paint on the walls of the upstairs bedroom and visualize new tile in the master bathroom shower. I can even conjure up a picture of something fun made out of these materials:

As you can see, I bought 100 feet of irrigation tubing, two rolls of electrical tape, 8 conectors and a pair of tubing cutters. I am going to make something fun and classic and it will be something that you want. I am going to make it (well, I hope to make one) tonight. By Tues. or Wed. I will be ready to unveil my creation - if I can pull myself away from all the fun I will be having with it.

When I grow up...

2009-03-20T13:21:00.000-04:00

I want to be a Family Photographer. That means that I need to buy a camera - one that has lenses that screw on and off. My brain is so confused - is it the camera or the person behind the camera that takes a good picture? I keep hearing and reading that you need "good glass". That means expensive lenses!!! I have aperture, ISO and shutter speed all floating around in my head. Here is what I decided for now. This is what is most important. If you don't have this - well,then just don't bother to take the camera out of the bag. The most important thing -- CUTE SUBJECTS!!!
Just wanted to share a few photos taken with a Sony Super Steady Shot DSC-H5. It has been a great little camera. But I need a Nikon or a Canon or an Olympus or a Fuji.

Vintage Dress

2009-03-16T15:01:00.000-04:00

While on a high school theater trip, Rhonda bought this dress at a vintage clothing boutique. It was made in the 1940 - 50s. She wore it to the Homecoming Dance and looked gorgeous in it.

The workmanship is truly a work of art. I just love the pleated details.

In February, Tammy and I tried to sell it to a vintage clothing store. We just wanted to find a happy home for this organza beauty. The store buyer loved the detail and styling but noted that the fabric is falling apart. She offered me $20.00 saying that she would have to put it on the clearance rack. I decided to keep it.

This morning I came up with this great idea:

Tyson's Thai Friend

2009-02-19T21:13:00.000-05:00

Using a few gestures, Tyson ‘asked’ this little Thai girl if Collin could have a ride on her skateboard.

Hayden wanted a ride, too. Seeing that crooked wheel made me a little nervous that we might have broken her one and only toy.

But, once Hayden jumped up to trade places with her the wheel recovered nicely.

Now it is her turn.

Hayden didn't get a chance to pull her before she got nervous and hopped off.

Definitely not the Dumbo Ride at Disneyworld

2009-01-26T20:56:00.000-05:00

The boys are perched 9 feet above ground waiting for their ride to pull up beside them. Isn't she a beauty? Each comes with its own driver.
Passengers can purchase fuel for a few cents.
All buckled up and ready to ride.
Our driver sensing my nervousness is giving me the "thumbs up".
A shrine for good luck and prosperity.
I was happy to say a little prayer in their behalf. Down the cement staircase and into the river.
At this point we hung on for dear life as the elephant gracefully stepped off the 4 foot ledge into the river.
The up-and-down motion combined with the back-and-forth swaying was quite relaxing.
Traversing the slippery staircase up to the rubber tree forest was terrifying.

Playing Photographer in Phuket

2008-12-03T00:49:00.000-05:00

At the resort, there were so many great photographic places to take pictures of Tyson's family.
I love this first photo. We had just finished breakfast and were walking back to the room so everyone could change into their photo-taking-clothes and decided to stop for a few candid shots.

Look. No kids in this picture.

All I said was, "OK everyone just sit in this big chair." They quickly figured out good positions. I complimented Ashton on how nicely he put his hand on his hip and stated clicking. I love how the chair and the tile floor give a sense of unity.

When I suggested to the boys that they should hold hands, I was happily surprised that they reached out to each other and took hold without complaining. Or hitting. Or kicking.

Danger on the Beach

2008-12-01T20:46:00.000-05:00

How terribly disapointing. No swimming on the beach. Do you see the red flag? There must be high waves. High tide. Or a rip tide. What is going on here? We came to Phuket to swim in the warm water. To feel the tropical breeze on our face. To get a tan that everyone would envy.
But just hold on a minute - what do I see? Beach Massage for 400 Bhat. A quick calculation in my head tells me that 400 bhat is about 12 US dollars. Forget the beach. Who wanted to go to the beach anyway?

We are in luck. It looks like Massage Lady is getting ready for work.

The boys settle in for a 15 minute massage.

The special back bend treatment is for kids only.

Do you see the big palm tree? Our room at the JW Marriot is just behind it. A perfect location for a short walk to the beach or to the massage parlor.

Postcard 2

2008-12-01T03:05:00.000-05:00

Scenes at the beach

Details of the resort

Postcard From Phuket, Thailand

2008-12-01T02:27:00.000-05:00

We are not having any fun in Phuket. No, Really. No fun at all. It is no fun at all to order lunch and have it brought to us beside the pool.

These two are not having fun. No siree.

Watching baby elephants on the beach - No Fun.

It would be more fun if you were here.

Gina's 1000 Markets Shop

2008-11-21T22:41:00.000-05:00

Check out Gina's new shop where she makes and sells adorable little girl dresses and hair clips. She is also doing a give-away promotion.

The Chic Dragon Fruit

2008-11-21T21:37:00.000-05:00

The dragon fruit, while exotic on the outside, is quite bland on the inside. The white part and seeds are edible. It tastes like kiwi and has the texture of a pear.

Arab Street

2008-11-20T22:02:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, Natalie and I ventured out into the big city by car. It doesn't seem like a big deal but, driving on the wrong (left) side of the road in a city of 4 million people crammed onto a tiny island can make your head spin or in Natilie's case - hurt. After we dropped Ashton off at the Canadian school we simply wanted to drive the 6 miles to Arab Street. Nothing simple about it - not even with the GPS telling us clearly to "keep left at Bukit Timah Road". One hour and several U-turns later, we were finally in Fabric and Rug Heaven.

Street lined shops. I purchased the cotton sateen fabrics at Royal Fabrics - on the right.

There are hundreds of thousands - maybe millions - of scarves to choose from.

You can choose a little bottle and have it filled with the essential oil of your choice.

Natalie and I shared this appetizer sampler at a Greek Cafe. Everything was delicious!!

Our waiter - luring in the patrons with his good looks.

Sultan Mosque is the main Islamic place of worship for Singapore's Muslim community.

Fabric High

2008-11-20T21:36:00.000-05:00

I get so giddy when strolling through bolts of fabric. I love to feel each piece and can imagine each made into lovely items. For a fabric-o-holic shopping on Arab Street near downtown Singapore is like being in Fabric Heaven. I can't wait to create something from these cotton sateen pieces from Japan.

Fruit or Flowers?

2008-11-20T19:41:00.000-05:00

Although some of you may have guessed that these are flowers - these beautiful gems are Dragon Fruit. Stay tuned - Later today, when the house helpers, Anna and Rachel, finish cleaning the kitchen, I will cut one open and show you the perfectly cute and chic color scheme mother nature blessed this delicious fruit with. Can you guess the two colors we will find inside?

Singapore Suburbs

2008-11-19T02:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning, when the effects of jet lag hit, I really wanted to climb the three flights of stairs to my mother-in-law suite and take a long nap. I had been warned that taking a morning nap would be precisely the wrong thing to do when trying to acclimate to a new time zone. Especially a time zone that is 14 hours ahead of my home town time. So, with map in hand, Natalie coaxed me out the front door, down the steps and through the gate to do some exploring of the Singapore suburbs all by myself. After passing the back entrance of the Singapore American School where Hayden attends the 2nd grade, I continued, as instructed by Natalie, to the local shopping area. I didn't buy anything but had a great time looking around.

Harvest Table

2008-11-12T19:23:00.000-05:00

Having my breakfast room table decorated for the Thanksgiving Season helps me remember all that I am grateful for and gives me an excuse to break a long standing rule in this household. My kids have heard it a thousand times. No. Eating. In. The. Livingroom. Well, I just threw that rule right out the window. Why mess up a nicely decorated table when I can sit on a comfy sofa with a bowl of cereal precariously balanced on my lap? It is just a risk that I am willing to take. But don't you get any ideas for when you come to visit. We will sit together at the table.

It was Sew, Sew Great

2008-10-27T20:28:00.000-04:00

Ten friends and I met in Round Top, Tx (Population 77) for a scarpbooking/sewing retreat. Nearly all of them are young enough to be my daughters. What a hard working bunch of girls. Really, your husbands, who so willingly stayed home with the kids, need to know that you stopped for nothing. Well, nothing but to eat and sleep. I am a witness to how diligently you cut, pasted, organized and created page after page of wonderful memories for your families. We ooooed and aaaahed over the cutest pictures. I was the odd man out – the only one who brought sewing projects to work on. Not because I don’t have any photos to scrapbook. But, because I have 35years of unorganized, unscrapbooked photos to work on. It will take much more than a 2 day retreat to whip that project into shape. Not only did we scrapbook and sew, we talked and laughed and listened to music. After listening to Tim McGraw I decided that I liked him – I mean I like his music. And the one married to Nicole Kidman – I liked him too. I fell in love with Il Divo – no really – I am in love with them – all of them. It just makes me happy to hear them even when they are singing in Italian – especially when they are singing in Italian. I wasn’t aquainted with Journey – and I have to say I was happy when the Journey was over.
Want to see what I acomplished??

14 soft flannel swaddling blankets
3 quilt bindings
1 fleece car seat blanket
1 retro swing dress
1 green daisy dress

It's a Big Country

2008-10-08T15:24:00.000-04:00

Tammy took me on a trip across the country. Together we drove her car and belongings from Utah, the state of her college education, to Virginia, the state where her Big Brother and her Big Sister live and where she will live, find a job, friends, entertainment, and lots of museums. We made several fun stops along the way but mostly we were content for mile upon mile to gaze upon the never changing scenery.

I lied. Really, that was not all we had to look at. Oh, no. There were miles and miles of corn fields. And - I almost forgot - the miles and miles of trees. I really expected more variety. Where were the purple mountains majesty and the waves of amber grain and the friuted plains?? Does corn belong to the fruit family?

There is Beauty All Around

2008-09-05T20:27:00.000-04:00

When a camera is hanging around my neck, I am reminded to look for the beauty all around.

I spotted these beauties while walking in my parent's neighborhood in Medford, OR.

Grown-Up Conversation

2008-07-19T18:22:00.000-04:00

Some of you young moms have posted conversations you have had with your children. I have truly enjoyed them all. They are adorable, silly, and sometimes hilarious. I thought it might be enlightening to someone out there to hear this conversation between me and my 22 year old daughter. So, listen up and learn a thing or two about grownup children and what you have to look forward to. Now, I love this girl to death but she has just spent way too much time going to school in what we call “Happy Valley”. It’s a place where you can trust everyone, feel comfortable getting help from a stranger when you break down on the freeway and never get mugged.

Tammy has been in Houston this week attending a Museum Conference in downtown Houston.

She called me Saturday afternoon:

Tammy: I can’t find my car (it is not her car; it is MY CAR). It is not where I parked it this morning.

Me: What do you mean? Did you forget where you parked it?

Tammy: No. I parked it in the same lot that I parked it in on Wed. But it is not in the space that I parked it in this morning.

Me: Ok. So, tell me what happened.

Tammy: Well, just like on Wed the guy just took my parking fee and then told me which space to park in. Oh Shoot!! He took my MONEY!!!

Me: Ok. I get that he took your money. But where is MY CAR? Did he give you a ticket to put on your dash?

Tammy: Uhhh…. NO! He scammed me and took my MONEY!!!

Me: Ok, Tammy I understand that he took your measly $5.00. Now, find out where MY CAR is.

My car was towed and impounded. Two hours and $200.00 later she was following me out of downtown Houston into the suburbs.

Three and Four Down

2008-07-16T09:10:00.000-04:00

Four new grandbabies in less than 6 months is so much fun!!
Here is #3 - Ruby - I really, really want her to have red hair.

Here is #4 - Collin - He and his family will be moving to Singapore on July 27th. That is 10,000 miles away!!!!

Strawberry Jam

2008-07-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share my newly invented recipe with you. I wanted jam with less sugar and didn't want to spend $3-4.00 on pectin. So here is what I came up with. It is so easy and it comes out perfect!

Ingredients:
2 cups crushed strawberries
1 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 package unflavored gelatin

Directions:
Crush strawberries with a potato masher or in a food processor.
Put all ingredients in a sauce pan. On medium-low heat stir until
sugar is dissolved. Ladle into jars, zip lock bags or plastic containers.
Stores in fridge for a few weeks. Stores in freezer for about 6 months.

I Miss my Sweetheart

2008-07-14T14:34:00.000-04:00

Everyday I think of him. Many, many times. And I miss so many things about him.

I miss how we always sat close to each other in church– often holding hands unified in our faith. Our children always sat on either side of us - never between us.

I miss the therapeutic-on-demand foot rubs. In the most unladylike way, I would thrust my feet into his lap and know that without complaint he would soothe the cares of the day away.

I miss sharing fajitas and conversations on the patio at Café Adobe.

I miss his loving devotion to his mother which led him to call her every week to chat and express his love and concern for her.

I miss being a participant in his weekly Sunday School class where he carefully and thoughtfully taught new members and investigators of the church. Through his gentle inquirys he guided each student in discovering their own thoughts, feelings and opinions.

I miss working on a project with him and the shared feeling of accomplishment when the task was completed.

I miss answering the phone and hearing one of our children ask to talk to him when his advise or encouragement was being sought.

I miss his companionship in everything I do. His gratitude for meals. His laugh while watching silly movies. His enjoyment of running errands with me. His instructions while paying bills. His opinions when discussing issues.

I miss hearing him say to others “Welcome to church.” “How is your family?” “I appreciate all you do.” “You are doing a great job.” “Do the best you can.”

I miss hearing him say to me “I appreciate all you do.” “You are doing a great job.” “I just want you to be happy.” “I love you.”

Veldon, I miss you.

Love, Joyce

My Sweet Husband and Wonderful Father to Our Children

2008-05-12T21:58:00.000-04:00

This sweet man is losing his four year battle with cancer. After submitting himself to 4 different chemo therapies, enduring stereotactic radiation to lesions in his brain, several seizures, surviving radiation to a tumor in the lung and too many CT scans, MRIs, blood tests, and parking fees to count, he is now at MD Anderson Cancer Center one last time where the Drs. are trying to help him with his shortness of breath and the anxiety that it brings. Our family has created Veldon’s Blog to honor him and to keep friends and family informed about his condition.

Five Year Olds Crack Me Up

2008-04-25T21:23:00.000-04:00

Just look at this concenration. Writing a story using words with three or fewer letters is tough work. Reading what you wrote is tougher.

What is Wrong With this Picture????

2008-04-22T11:36:00.000-04:00

Take a good look at this picture. What is wrong with this picture??? There is Gina looking all calm and holding Jackson tenderly so that he won’t get nervous and feisty when the Physician’s Assistant starts the procedure. He needs the 6 stitches removed from his forehead. (He calls it his threehead – of course, because he is 3) After jumping on the bed and breaking his head, we had him stitched up at the local hospital ER. Obviously returning to the ER was overkill so we pulled into the local Urgent Care Facility while running errands one evening.
Gina was in charge of helping Jackson get through the event uneventfully. I was in charge of documenting the event and did a great job of getting pictures like this one.

And I was in charge of baby Avery. So, we were just a little bit distracted and didn’t think we had to be in charge of making sure the PA followed correct medical procedures.
What is wrong with picture???? Did you notice? No gloves!!!! The PA is not wearing gloves!!!! I didn’t notice because I was distracted by his very shaky hands holding very sharp scissors near my precious grandson’s head. He was finished with the procedure before Gina and I realized that we never saw him wash his hands, he applied the antibiotic cream with his bare finger and he touched the bandage pad with his thumb.
After we calmed down, we assured ourselves that Jackson is going to be OK.
But we were mad at ourselves for not being more vigilant and aware of what was going on. We have every right to be watchful, to ask questions, to walk out or to talk to a superior. I sent a letter to the Dr./Owner of the facility documenting the vagrant oversights of the PA. Do you think I will hear back from him? Should I call him? Should I make a complaint to the Texas Board of Medical Examiners? Should I ask to get the payment returned? What do you think?
Now, if you live in my town and you are headed to an Urgent Care give me a call and I will let you know which one to avoid.

Collaging the Collages

2008-04-21T12:55:00.000-04:00

How fun is this?? In photoscape.com you make four collages then use them to make another collage.

Keeping Jackson Busy

2008-04-21T12:43:00.000-04:00

When someone asks "Can you...? OR Can I...?" I like to say yes whenever possible. So when Jackson asked if he could help me decorate the wedding cake I was working on I told him he could decorate his own. Gina filled a piping bag with pudding and I cut a piece from a cake I had in the freezer. Jackson not only got to decorate a cake but eat it too.
The crayon shaped popsicles were small enough that when Jackson asked for one more we could say "yes".
Feed the ducks? - "of course"
Keeping him busy was so much fun.

Cute Avery

2008-04-21T12:32:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun taking pictures of Avery. While she was here she learned to suck her thumb. I love thumbsucking babies.

We love the Houston Zoo

2008-04-21T12:05:00.001-04:00

Gina posted a few zoo pictures on her blog. I just needed to show off my collage making skills.

Jackson really liked the white alligator, komodo dragon, pushing Avery in the stroller, chasing pigeons and wearing Gina's sunglasses.

Yard Work - the after photos

2008-04-20T20:39:00.000-04:00

Here is what we used in the landscaping
Boxwood against the house
Chinese Fringe – the dark purple bushes
Light green monkey grass in addition to
Dark green monkey grass
Knock Out Roses in front of the Crepe Myrtle
Tall Grass(I don't know the name of it) behind the Crepe Myrtle
Annuals – begonias and marigolds.

What is under the Patio?

2008-04-20T20:14:00.001-04:00

Whenever family comes to visit we always go to dinner at our favorite Mexican Restaurant. We are addicted to the place. Because it was a beautiful evening we chose to sit at an outside table overlooking the pond nearby. We have sat on the patio a bunch of times - observing the ducks - observing the kids feeding the ducks -but until we followed Jackson to the sidewalk at the edge of the water we never would have seen the porcupine(Gina's guess) but wait there are no quills on his back. I thought it was a muskrat. No, no, ... its a NUTRIA. And he lives with his older brother under the patio decking. And what are those under there? Duck eggs? Here is what I learned - follow a little boy around and you will see a lot more and learn a little.

Three Down - One to Go

2008-04-20T20:08:00.000-04:00

I’ve been pretty slow to announce that Ruby Gayle was born March 27.
For cute pictures see Rhonda and Greg’s blog. When Rhonda comes to visit in a few weeks, I plan to take a zillion pictures which will get posted here. Total # of grandchildren – 8.

Yard Work

2008-04-03T11:10:00.001-04:00

The azaleas in front of our house look pretty for about 10 days every year.

Then they just look straggly and unkept for the rest of the year.
So, I am not at all sad about having Rocindo, our yard man, dig them out and put them on the curb for the garbage man. Gee, I didn't realize until just now how many men we have in our lives. The garage door man - not my favorite fellow - he fixed the garage door but-whew-he sure charged a lot to replace a little cylindar thing that drives the doohicky. And the electric man - I like him better - he fixed a few problems caused by the painter/self-proclaimed electrian and put in several new outlets. And the appliance repairman - I like him best - he fixed the ice maker. Without ice in the summer, I get pretty cranky.

What were we talking about? Oh, ya, azaleas. I feel a little naughty for tearing out them out especially when they are so highly honored in many ares of the South and Southeast. In the spring when the azaleas are supposed to be blooming, the garden club in the River Oaks neighborhood of Houston sponsors an annual Azalea Trail when you can tour the homes and gardens of the rich and famous. In an effort to help the tourists see the azaleas during peak of their short blooming time, concerned gardeners and weathermen give daily updates on the azalea blooming status.

Columbus, Mississippi is famous (not only because our family lived there twice - a total of 12 years) but for its Pilgrimage. Again it is all about touring homes and gardens and azaleas. But in Columbus the homes are Antebellum Homes - built before the Civil War. Isn't this a pretty place. It is called Amzi Love and it is a Bed and Breakfast. What a nice place to spend a few relaxing days.

This one built in 1838, Twelve Gables, is famous for being the meeting place of local ladies who met in 1866 to plan a special day to decorate the graves of Confederate War dead in Friendship Cemetery. This ceremony lead to our country's Memorial Day. It is owned by the Dr. and Mrs Ray Gildea, Jr. Trudy Gildea was Gina's 1st violin teacher.

Congrats to Jenny and Christian

2008-03-27T12:16:00.001-04:00

The cake is done and I think it turned out pretty good. Kind of whimsical and fun don't you think?

Today's Goal

2008-03-26T10:55:00.001-04:00

I am not very good at coming up with my own creative ideas but I am great at copying others. So, when I saw this cake on carriescakes.com, I wanted to try to make it for Jenny's wedding shower tomorrow. Isn't it so cute!! Today I need to turn this -

Into this.

A Teen Cheerleader Lives Next Door

2008-03-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

Much to the chagrin of our friends, church leaders and the parents of our friends, TPing of their homes was great entertainment for my best friend, Maureen, and me on many Friday nights when we were not asked out by our most recent crush or invited to a party (not that we were bitter – we were just bored and a little creative). We would go on the prowl searching for just the right victim of our white Two-Ply. Not only did we throw the rolls over the trees and over the house, we wove the TP from bush to bush, from the house door knob to the car door handle, from tree trunk to garbage can. It was a beautifully created web of pure white. Only once were we caught by the police. The victims sleepily answered the door and asked the police to let us clean it up and be on our way. One night we dove to the ground behind some bushes as the police car slowly passed by. Maureen and I were the good girls – well, all of our friends were good but we were the goodie-two-shoe girls. Our friends were not happy about having to clean up our Friday night shenanigans and accused each other of the misdeeds. We finally confessed. We wanted the glory and recognition of being the best TPers in the small town of Palmdale, CA in 1969.

Special Occasion Cakes

2008-03-18T21:14:00.000-04:00

I like looking at cakes I have made and decorated for special occasions. In most cases I have also been asked to "cut the cake". It is very sad to put a lot of planning, cooking, and decorating into the finished product only to start stabbing and cutting it within minutes of delivering it to the party. So, I make sure the cake tastes delicious and after I eat a piece I am happy again.
Check out photoscape for making a collage of your pictures.

Bargains from my Friend

2008-03-12T12:52:00.000-04:00

Check out my friend's blog at
http://peapodbargains.blogspot.com/
She is a genious at finding great bargains.

Pandora Radio

2008-03-04T13:15:00.000-05:00

What is your music preference? Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong or Judy Garland .. Well, just tell Pandora Radio what you like and it will create a radio station just for you. Two of my favorites are Josh Groban – swoon - and Enya – ahhh.

Geek Squad

2008-03-01T13:25:00.000-05:00

It seemed like a good idea when Veldon turned off the computer during a big – I mean ginormous – tornado producing thunderstorm. Happily the storm blew through producing no overturned trees, cars or cows. Unhappily the computer would not turn on. After a quick call to Dell, Veldon took the computer to the Geek Squad at Best Buy. With lightening speed they diagnosed the problem and installed a new power supplier thingy in 10 minutes. Then we sang and danced and hooped and hollered with delight.

Tulips

2008-02-29T15:24:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, a good friend brought us a pot of tulips. So, I practiced my Macro Photo taking skills on them. Then I used Picasa to fix them up a little bit. It is amazing that such a simple to use and free program can give such great results. What do you think?
Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Steaks and Shakes

2008-02-28T18:56:00.000-05:00

First, an apology to Tammy. Sorry honey. I know how squeamish you can be about meat. I know you watched as the Hmong shopped at the slaughter house in Minneapolis last summer. The sights, sounds and smells were frightening – maybe sickening is a better word - and hard to forget. So, you might want to skip reading this blog. Go paint your toe nails, or eat an orange or prepare for your college graduation.

The official name of my kitchen is now Joyce’s Steaks and Shakes.

Veldon needs to gain weight or at least maintain his weight. Yes, I know, I know we all would like to have a problem like that. But having radiation treatments every day for 3 weeks is a crummy way to lose your appetite and feel nauseous all the time. So, when the nutritionist asked if he liked steak (the protein helps to heal the radiated area) he got this sudden craving for … you guessed it – Steak. Then she asked if he likes milk shakes (plum full of calories if made with Blue Bell Ice Cream, chocolate sauce and whole milk). So, wouldn’t you know it he got another sudden craving for…… you’re right - Milk Shakes. Well, I feel very competent in the Milk Shake making department. I first started making them in our olive green blender and raised 5 shake-drinking children. But for TWO reasons I was a little apprehensive about cooking a steak
1. I have never cooked a steak before.

2. That very same morning the newspaper headlines screamed “U.S. Orders Its Largest BEEF RECALL”. Throwing caution to the wind I headed straight to Kroger and bought New York strip steak then fired up the broiler. You need:

Rub both sides of steak with some oil then sprinkled on some salt and pepper.

Broil each side for 7-8 minutes.

After taking steaks out of the oven shake on a little garlic powder.

A finished steak will have a little pink in the middle.

I just didn’t know it could be that easy. And taste that good. Now I have a craving for steak. Bought some rib eye steaks. They were good. Went back to the store for some T-bone steak (my favorite). Pretty good too.

I just have to wonder if there is any correlation between the largest beef recall and the low, really low prices of steaks at Kroger through Tues Mar.4th.....

Walgreens Free Stuff for March

2008-02-28T12:13:00.000-05:00

It is time to go to Walgreens again. Free things this month : Listerine Smart Rinse (the ad says it is available on the 9th but I found it at my local store yesterday), Garnier Fructis Hair Styling Product, Toothpaste, Face Lotion, and Body Butter (it doesn’t list it as Free but it is Free) Vitamins (I had no luck finding the right size) Oral Rinse (they were out of this)
Retail price of these 7 items – up to $52.70
Here is what you do:

Purchase these items before, 29 Mar 2008
Once you get into the store, Grab the Easy Saver Catalog (not the weekly sales flyer)
The free items are listed on the bright yellow pages (page 32)
Pictures of the free items are on pages 30, 31, and 37

Before you go –
Address and stamp an envelope with the following address

Walgreens/March 2008
Easy Saver Catalog
Offer #439-308
PO Box 200003
El Paso, TX 88520-0003

1. When you check out – hand the cashier the items in the same order that they are listed in the catalog. . It will make it easier to number the items on the receipt.
2. If you purchase other items – buy them separately so you have a separate receipt in the event that you have to return something.
3. Follow the instructions for “How to get your Rebate Savings” on page 36.
4. Put the receipt and Total earnings sheet and the customer info form in the envelope – Mail it when you get home. In a few weeks you will get a check from Walgreens.

Two Down – Two to Go

2008-02-26T14:34:00.000-05:00

One more girl for Ryan and JaNae
The many cute, cute faces of Alice Eliza

Big sister Hayley

Maya loves accessories

Walgreens Free Stuff for February 2008

2008-02-07T15:03:00.000-05:00

I love to get things for free. With a little work on your part you can get shampoo, deodorant, a Venus razor, travel contact solution, and shower soap for FREE.
Retail price of these five items - $28.75.
Here is what you do:

Purchase these items before Feb. 23, 2008

Once you get into the store, Grab the Easy Saver Catalog (not the weekly sales flyer)
The free items are listed on the bright yellow pages (page 32)
Pictures of the free items are on pages 42-44

Before you go –
Address and stamp an envelope with the following address

Walgreens/February 2008
Easy Saver Catalog
Offer #439-208
PO Box 200003
El Paso, TX 88520-0003

1. When you check out hand the cashier the items in the same order that they are listed in the catalog. It will make it easier to number the items on the receipt.
2. If you purchase other items – buy them separately so you have a separate receipt incase you need to return something.
3. Follow the instructions for “How to get your Rebate Savings” on page 36.
4. Put the Receipt and Total Earnings Sheet and the Customer Information Form in the envelope – Mail it when you get home. In a few weeks you will get a check from Walgreens.

You Know You Are a Hippie When….

2008-02-06T18:03:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been wondering if a little bit of some inner Hippie characteristics have been creeping to the surface of my being. I just wasn’t sure if grinding wheat into flour, making whole wheat bread, eating a lot less meat (I don’t have anything against eating meat but when I have a choice between eating bread and or eating anything else I tend to choose bread – especially homemade bread), knitting, wanting to buy less, consume less, and produce less garbage was part of the Hippie lifestyle. So when I found The Hippie Handbook on the clearance shelf at Half Price Book I knew I would find the answers within its flower power pages.
Here are the Hippie Things I Have Done In My Lifetime
1. Worn my hair like Joan Baez – long, straight and parted in the middle

2. Anthropomorphized (a great new word I just learned by reading this enlightening book) an inanimate object. Yes, I did. I named my car Bart and talked to him “How are you on this cold morning?” “Do you think your engine will start for me today?” “Sorry about the whole hood-flying-up-ordeal while driving around the point of the mountain.”
3. Macraméd many groovy belts for my hip hugger bell bottom jeans.
4. Spouted an avocado seed in a jar.
5. Owned a sweet hippie ride – a 1965 VW Beetle named Bart.

6. A Sun Salutation – a series of yoga positions.
7. Danced around the May Pole.
8. Made a dandelion crown.
9. Used a cable spool as a table.

10. Read The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

None of my five children but all four of my granddaughters have acceptable Hippie names. Haley, Maya, Avery, and Alice

Man, what a bummer. I guess being a hippie it is not my bag. I am not down with the many new things I would need to do to be a true Hippie like – Flash a Peace Sign at appropriate times, Howl at the Moon on occasion, Build a Compost Pile, Panhandle, Hitchhike, Take care of Birkenstocks, Draw Psychedelic Letters, Tie Die a T-Shirt, Employ a Mantra while Meditating, Paint a Mural of rainbows, sunrises, or unicorns on the side of my house, Tree Sit, Smoke Bananas and Say things like “Can you dig it?” “I have to split.” Peace.

I've Been Tagged

2008-02-04T19:41:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged by my niece, Melanie, and have been asked to write a blog with 10 weird random things, facts, or habits about myself. And now I am supposed to choose 10 people to be tagged but I will only tag 3 people. Read to the very end where you will learn if you have been tagged.

1. Recently I have been obsessed with making bread. Lots of bread. Plain bread. Bread with cinnamon. Bread with nuts, seeds and cooked wheat berries. There is no room for meat or frozen veggies - the freezer is stuffed with Bread.
2. I need to travel more. I’ve only been to 40 of the 1000 places to see before you die. My favorite places are all in Italy.
3. In 1975- 76, as a stay at home mom, I earned enough money by making and selling bread dough baskets, sock monkeys, and quiet books to pay my hubby’s tuition to Brigham Young University for 4 semesters. Go Cougars!!

4. I love fabric – especially flannel – don’t forget you can buy it the day after Thanksgiving for $.99 per yard.
5. I love yarn and taught myself to knit when I was about 14 yrs old.
6. I really don’t like jewelry. Of course I love my wedding ring and the 5 diamond (small diamonds) ring that reminds me of my five brilliant and shining children. I also wear my hubby’s wedding ring. Oh, I didn’t get my ears pierced until I was 41 years old.
7. I still cut my own hair and my hubby’s. I used to cut all of the kid’s hair. Now when I travel to see my girls I always take my scissors with me.
8. When I was about 6 I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle. More on this story later.
9. I hate having to wear reading glasses but since I love to read, I am happy that I can purchase them at the Dollar Tree. My all time favorite book is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
10. I love Walgreen’s Free Stuff. Watch for my Blog on Thursday when I will share with you how to get your own Free Stuff.

So, Gina and Rhonda and Natalie, if you made it to the end of the random things about me you now know that you have been tagged.

Cupcakes by Gina

2008-02-01T19:06:00.000-05:00

You have got to see the fabulous cupcakes Gina made. The best part – the frosting is FAT FREE. And it is so easy to frost the cupcakes. All you do is hold the cupcake upside-down and dip it in the frosting, turn the cupcake right side up and TA DA you have a cupcake with a cute curly cue on top. Sprinkle on the colored sugar and you are done.

Things I am Proud of..

2008-01-31T10:49:00.001-05:00

1. While driving, I have never hit any of the many squirrels that scurry across our neighborhood streets.

2. One spring just before Gina was married I planted flowers, very pretty impatients, in the front yard for the deer to eat. Well, I didn’t want the deer to eat them but I am proud of myself for still loving the deer.

3. Although I said I would never do it, I started a Blog.

4. I figured out and love Google Reader – at a glance I know if one of my blogger friends has posted something new on their Blog.

5. I signed up for Google Analytics – I am proud to announce that as of Jan. 21st I have had 37 unique (not like weird) but different visitors to my blog. It is kind of fun to know stuff like that. You don't all post a comment. I wish you would. It would be fun if you did. But it is OK that you don't. It is enough for me to just know that you have been here, took a glance, or stayed and digested every morsel of thought and wisdom humbly provided. The end.

Ta Da
You can stop clapping now.
Thank You

One Down Three to Go

2008-01-26T14:56:00.001-05:00

With the recent birth of Avery Jane, we now have 6 grandchildren. And we are happy to announce that there are 3 more on the way. Two more granddaughters and 1 more grandson.

The many faces of Avery.

Cakes

2008-01-26T14:44:00.000-05:00

I forgot to paste the feet and toes onto the top of the cake. Luckily none fell off during transportation to the party. This little piggy went to market, this little piggy fell on the floor, this little piggy was smushed into Lisa's carpet. Whew. good fortune was smiling on me.
Julie's Baby Shower Cake - It's a Boy

Clark and Teresa's Wedding Cake - April 2007
It was such a pretty cake - I had to show it off again.

Wish I'd Thought of ...

2008-01-24T14:15:00.000-05:00

I learned about these clever needles and hooks last night while watching a middle-of-the-night TV show in the ER room with Veldon. He had a fever and the nurse insisted that I take him to the dreaded ER. “Can’t he just take a cool bath?” I pleaded. “Or turn down the electric blanket? Or drink ice water?” No amount of whining would sway her. After several hours of channel surfing I settled in on The Big Idea. People share their stories of how they made a million dollars on things like......

Lighted Knitting Needles

Lighted Crochet Hooks

Check them out at La Knitterie Parisienne
After 2 anti-biotics, blood tests, Chest X-ray and an EKG, Veldon was released. We were home by 3:00am. We snuggled into bed. I picked up the remote, looked for more million dollar ideas but they weren't out there anymore. Good Night.

Wheat Bread for One Year

2008-01-14T17:18:00.001-05:00

After performing some very tough Mathematical Equations by dividing and multiplying ounces, pounds, cups and tablespoons, I figured out how much stuff you need to make 6 loaves of wheat bread (or wheat/white bread) once a week for a year. And it is not that much stuff. I was surprised. And it is so cheap. And it tastes so good. Here is what you need. And where you can get it.

A combination of 40 cans of WHEAT BERRIES and WHITE FLOUR. Bishop’s Storehouse has both. Cost for 20 cans wheat berries- about $44.00. And 20 cans white flour $46.00. If you don't have a wheat grinder, you can get one at K-Tec for about $200.00. You can also order wheat at Walton Feeds.

2 gallons plus 2 quarts of OIL. Total Cost – about $15.00

2 gallons plus 2 quarts of HONEY. (35 pounds) Seven of these from Sam’s Club. Cost - $9.00/jar

4 packages of YEAST. (4 pounds) Sam’s Club $2.00 each.

4 round containers of SALT (6 pounds) Cost $.50 each

Total Cost for Wheat Bread for 1 Year = $178.00
Cost per loaf = $ .58.

If you decide, and who wouldn't, to turn some of the dough into cinnamon rolls you’ll need these:

JaNae's Wheat Bread

REALLY EASY WHEAT BREAD
(SOFT CRUST)

This is a 1/2 wheat 1/2 white recipe.
Mix:
7 cups wheat flour
5 ½ c hot water
2 ½ Tbl yeast

Mix in:
2/3 c honey
2/3 c oil
1 ½ Tbl salt

Add:
5-6 c white flour (until dough is no longer sticky)

Divide and place in 6 medium loaf pans (7x3x2).
Raise for 40 minutes
Bake at 350° for 30 minutes

Directions:
No real tricks...super easy. You just have to experiment a little if you haven't made bread so that you learn what consistency dough should be. Don't give up if you fail on a batch....although you'll want to. Your first batch won't be your best.

Another note: I also like to raise and knead at least one more time than the recipe says (how many...depends on how much time I have that day!). I think really kneading hard gives it a better texture--less crumbly. And letting it sit for a few minutes when you first mix it up will help the flour absorb...then come back and finish adding the white flour.

Photo Make Overs

2008-01-14T10:31:00.000-05:00

Here is my new way to spend a great deal of time having fun on the computer. Look at how a simple, free photo editing program, Picasa, can improve your photos.
Do a little Cropping – it is always good to get rid of the extra stuff you don’t need in a photo. Use the Fill Light. Sharpen. Soft Focus can be a lot of fun to use. See how it adds fuzziness to the edges of a photo. And for extra fun - Use the Focal B/W – it turns the photo to a Black and White then it lets you put color in one spot.

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Download the Picasa program at Picasa.com
Have Fun!!

Backdoor Cat

2008-01-05T10:17:00.000-05:00

After your mournful pleas, I almost opened the door a sliver to slip a bowl of milk out to satisfy your hungry cries. I had to count the costs – not of the milk, that would be silly – just pennies –well, maybe more since organic milk has taken up residence in our refrigerator. I had to consider the toll you feline creatures take on my eyes, nose and throat. Your loving appreciation causes tears, snot and wheezing. Then I would have to take a Benadryl and then a long nap. Hmm, the nap sounds nice. The throat constriction doesn’t.

No, I will not come out and rub your belly

Bread Making

2008-01-04T18:42:00.000-05:00

Our east coast daughter-in-law makes delicious wheat bread. Eating and eating it while we enjoyed the Holidays in her home added a pound or two to my medium sized frame and instilled a desire to come off my 20-year bread making vacation. So, out of the dark recesses of my bottom kitchen cupboards I pulled my Kitchen Mill Wheat Grinder and my Bosch Bread Mixer. So, are you two trusty small kitchen appliances as excited as I am to try making bread again? 20 years ago we worked together like a well-oiled machine. Each week, we made bread and cinnamon rolls for a family of 7. Twice a week our oldest son churned out wheat bread delicacies and sold them to the neighbors.
Well, let’s get started on a renewed culinary adventure.

I think we have gotten off to a slippery start

Nativity Sets

2008-01-04T09:32:00.000-05:00

This is the newest addition to our Nativity Set Collection. I loved it the minute I saw it. Joseph's tenderness. Mary's obvious love for her baby. But wait, is it really a nativity scene? Where are the wise men who followed the star and the shepherds who watched by night?

It finally dawned on me. This figurine depicts The Flight into Egypt and I love it.

We have a variety. Elegant

Whimsical

Simple

From Spain with glowing halos

Sweet

The Playroom

2008-01-03T19:29:00.000-05:00

Yikkes! This disaster is entirely my doing. I have no one with which to share the blame

From the disaster came a few funished products. A "rag" quilt made from hubby's no-longer-needed work and church shirts and my skirts and jumpers from the early 90's. No, I haven't been wearing them since the early 90's. Really, I haven't. I promise I am not the same skinny size I used to be in the early 90's when I was raising and chasing 5 kidlings. I saved them for this successful moment. I have a habit of seeing cast-off items fulfilling a future, useful life. May the shirts and skirts and jumpers go forth and produce warmth for our frosty laps and toes.

Scrappy Quilt. After our clever college daugther rescued fabrics from the give-away-pile and made a quilt like this one, I copied her and made one to match.

A fleece doll carrier for our east coast granddaughter's baby dolls.

Folded Flannel. I love flannel. On Black Friday, when all good shoppers are pushing and shoving for good deals on TVs, cameras, and other electronic toys, I can be found at JoAnn's Fabric store fighting for flannel. Pink flannel for girl blankets.

Did I mention that I love flannel. Blue flannel for the boys.

Yards and yards of fleece for future warm and fuzzy car seat blankets.

I could hear the words ringing in my ears, "Go to your room and don't come out until it is clean." Can you come and play?

Big Weather Day

2008-01-01T22:34:00.001-05:00

This is what we woke up to on Dec. 17th. - about 1/32 of an inch of frost that had to be scrapped off the windshield of the Honda Pilot that my wonderful husband bought for me last year.

It is not that we don't have a one of these - a detached 3 car garage - to protect the Pilot from big weather events.

The problem is this - no, not the handy husband. But, the cute 1960 corvette. Our good friend owns 4 antique corvettes and needed to park this one in our garage to protect his baby from the elements.

Food Storage

2008-01-01T22:27:00.000-05:00

This year we figured out Food Storage. Yes siree, we have got it down. It is simple. Figure out what you eat and store it. We figured out that we were eating the same dang thing for breakfast every morning – so we decided to store what we were eating. Steel cut oats, almonds, raisins, other dried fruits and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Veldon is in charge. Since he is a stay-at-home-husband, he needs something to be in charge of. After all, when he was a working man, he was in charge of spending 300 million dollars on improving chemical plants. He needs to spend, track, implement and see results. I am not ready to give up doing laundry. He is allowed to wash dishes, clean the kitchen, clean toilets, pay the bills and cook on occasion. But not the laundry. So, since he is in charge, he buys, inventories, and cooks the oats in big batches that last all week in the fridge. Each morning he warms his oats, sprinkles on the goodies, pours on the milk and enjoys. I eat mine cold with the goodies and milk. We love our breakfast and haven’t tired of eating it. It is kind of nice to get up and while the brain is getting in gear to not have make a plan for breakfast. It gives a sense of security – no worries – just a happy start to the day.