I'm a klutz! Yes, I believe I am. I planned to add something to the Peggy Sue record. Instead, I got busy and didn't finish posting it! I guess some of you may be wondering why I put that up here. Well--Read on! Here's the post that was supposed to go with that last little YouTube bit of craziness!

I really I'm back to blogging. HOWEVER, I have been just a little busy! I'm having three bedrooms, the office, a small hallway, and a small bathroom painted this week. YOOHOO!

The painter does not take down wallpaper or border. :( Three of my rooms have either border or wallpaper. I believe the border in my bedroom was put up with SU*PER glue! I understand completely now why the painter no longer removes border or wallpaper. He has been most patient with me as I have tried to loosen the concrete, er, glue, on the wall in my bedroom. I still have to remove the wallpaper in the bathroom. What fun! Trust me--No more border in my house!

Now, you know you want to listen to this golden oldie. Go ahead--It will make you smile. Some of you will probably sing right along! Some of you may wonder about the technology. The little black thing going round and round is a "record." To be more specific, it is a a 45! It is being played on a contraption called a "record player." Enjoy!

Labels: Peggy Sue, Random Thoughts

Labels: Random Thoughts

Well, we DID get some snow. Actually it was kind of a faux snow! The sun popped out briefly and that ruined the peaceful beauty of the scant ground cover we had. Now it is just patchy and slushy. It was enough snow (and ice on the roads) for school to be cancelled. Lots of happy children and teachers--some of both in my family!

I know. I know. Why did they get out of school for just a little snow? It's the SOUTH, ya'll! Those of you who live in the really cold places with snow of the ground for long periods of time don't want to be on our roads when we get snow! Remember we don't have enough of the white stuff to have the clearing equipment/experience that you guys have. It gets cleared and we get on with life pretty quickly. But the first day of it is rough going!
I had really good intentions of getting a photo to share with you. I even sneaked out to the deck quietly to try to catch one of the neighborhood cardinals in my back yard. Good intentions! The battery on my camera was down! Of course, no replacement! Oh well!

The camera is a challenge to me in blogging. Lee has served as our main family photographer for years. We have always depended on him to bring the camera and actually remember to take pictures. Now that he has turned that responsibility over to me, we have fewer pictures! I am having to discipline myself to know where the camera is and, oh yes, remember to click it at a few appropriate moments!

You would think having the blog would help me get my photography act together. It's a BIG challenge, ya'll! Good thing I don't have to do the whole getting-film-developed thing. That would probably just put me over the edge!

Labels: Family, Random Thoughts

I am so far behind on reading and posting--I may have to reintroduce myself! I will be around to talk to friends as soon as I can. I appreciate the emails and comments I have received from some of my blogging friends checking up on me. Thank you for caring.

It just seems like life came crashing down on me and I needed some time to myself. So--for the last couple of weeks I have been staying in quiet mode. I have been reading some of my Fall Into Reading selections, doing some Bible study, and spending time taking care of Lee and me. Oh--and I started a never-ending closet cleaning project. Here's some highlights of my time off--in no particular order--

• I won an award!
My sweet dil gave me the Sweet Treat To Read Award. Thank you, Holly. I'm so glad I have the privilege of being your mil! Now to pass along this sweet treat! I'm sure several of you already have this award. I could name every single one of the people I read on a regular basis. I enjoy them all! However, that would take all day! So I'll just pick, hmmm? OK, here we go--
Kelli at There Is No Place Like Home Who doesn't love Show and Tell?! I also enjoy Kelli's pleasant and gracious way of inviting us into her home. There is always something lovely to see and admire! AND--She lives in the great state of Texas--can't get any sweeter than that!
Becky at The Butler's Wife Becky is truly one of the sweetest people I know--Blogging and IRL. She is kind, generous, and creative. On top of that, she cares about the environment! Her blog reflects all of that and more. I'm proud to call her friend!

• I got great mail! I received one very special package. I feel a badly that I haven't shared it with you yet. In fact, I thought I might show you, in this post, the beautiful table runner that I won at Becky's giveaway on her 200th post. However, I have decided it deserves its own spotlight. I'm going to save it for Friday's Show and Tell. I know, I know, that makes it even longer that I will wait to share it. Please forgive me, Becky! It will make a perfect Show and Tell because I plan to treasure it always. Come back Friday!

• I read!
I decided my quiet mode was perfect for some reading. I used the time to do some of the reading on my Fall Into Reading list.

I finished Exile, by Richard North Patterson.
After that heavy reading, I turned to some--shall we say--"chick lit". Yes, I read rather eclectically! Debbie Maccomber is good when you are in the mood for some basically light reading with characters that you can love, or --in some cases--just want to know what they will do next. I don't love Will Jefferson or Warren what's his name, but it is interesting to see what foolish thing they will do next. The main characters--like Grace, Olivia, and company--are the ones you come to love.
Yes, I read the Cedar Cove Series


• I started the never ending closet project.
I'll do a post on this before long. I decided my closet needed a really good cleaning. It really did! I mean, who really needs about a million ugly black purses! Anyway--one thing has led to another and it took me longer than it should have to get things back in order! But--the results should be worth the effort!

• I enjoyed Bible Study.
The group of women who meet at my house on Monday nights is precious! We are having the best time with A Woman's Heart. I am woefully behind on my Bible Study posts about on the blog. I will be doing catch-up in just a few days.

• I have enjoyed the grandchildren--
Luke and Ella have been over a few times--along with their parents. Luke comes after school a couple of days a week. He and I get started on his homework; sometimes we play games. He comes through the door asking for ice cream. Some grandmamas bake cookies--I make sure there's ice cream in the freezer! I'm thinking it is about time for a visit from the other grandchildren--Looking forward to that!

• I spent time with husband, Lee.
An up-date for some of you Lee followers--yeah, you friendly lurkers are included! He is doing OK. He has recently had some lack of energy issues, but is doing somewhat better now. He also continues to have heavy congestion problems. That is an ongoing aspect of his condition and we have learned many ways to deal with it.

Lee also--as always-- enjoys visits from friends. If you are in that large group of people, you are invited to come by. If he is not up to a long visit we'll let you know.

If you know Lee, you know he is going to be doing something to advance the Father's Kingdom. Since his retirement he has been doing some volunteer writing for a mission effort called Christ to the World. He writes radio scripts that are translated into other languages and broadcast in Asia and Northern Europe. He has recently been able to complete a couple of these.

Lee wants all the blogging friends to know how much we appreciate your kind comments and promises of prayer at the loss of his mother and my brother. We really have felt lifted up. Thank you from both of us!


So there you have it--I told you it was a quiet time off. Just life! It's good to be back at the computer and I look forward to getting around to all my friends. See you soon!

Labels: Random Thoughts

Labels: Random Thoughts

Sometimes There is Power In Numbers?

Sometimes, life, or at least an event in life, doesn't turn out exactly the way you think it might. Maybe that's a good thing , maybe it's a disappointment!

For example--Just assume you are out for a stroll with your family. There you are, ambling right along, minding your own business. Suddenly life changes! You might have a warning, or maybe you don't. Danger definitely lurks! Maybe you cause it! Maybe you run from it. Maybe you try to stand it off. Or maybe...

Watch this little video to see what I mean! Then tell us in your comment what you learned. Be sure to tell us whose perspective you are taking.

Labels: Random Thoughts

Labels: Random Thoughts

Today I'd like to share several places in bloggyville that I have visited recently. There's a lot going on out there! I have found a few places you might enjoy going to meet new people, have a little fun, learn something, or even win a prize! So here goes--my little list of places I have seen in the last few days that I think you might like to visit.

• First of all--A new blogger to introduce--Holly at SoccerMom is a sweetheart who is just getting started with blogging. She intends to chronicle family events and I'm sure she will have some good ideas to share from time to time. She is a great wife, mom, teacher, cook, etc! I know Holly irl and I know that anything she sets out to do she does with gusto and does it well. Go on over and meet her. I love Holly--AND--The good looking men on her Saturday post are also very near and dear to my heart! I'm sure you'll guess why.

• It's Tuesday, which means sometimes I would be over at Seeds From My Garden or Many Colored Days participating in Woman to Woman. I really recommend that you go over there and read what some lovely ladies have to say about today's topic. This is how Morning Glory described the topic:
I usually write a few words to share. Today's topic is dear to my heart, but I just have not had time, or maybe I should say--taken time, to do it justice. Or maybe I could say I am working too hard on my marriage to take time to write about it. I can sum up for you in a couple of sentences my suggestions for marriage.


I have blogged several times about our marriage and our life today. You can find some of those thoughts here and here. I will also be honoring my husband in a post in a couple of days. Somebody has a birthday coming up! :-)

Anyway--run on over to Morning Glory's and Lei's and find what others have to say today. There are always a variety of perspectives on the given topic. I think you will enjoy your visit. I'm going over a little later today to read. Hope to see you there!

• Someone we know is celebrating the anniversary of her 29th birthday. Leigh Ann is not really old enough to worry about how many years she is from 29, but she is funny, funny, funny and extremely creative. She has been celebrating her day by giving other people gifts! Today is the last day to get in on the Birthday Giveaway so you better hurry over! You can find her at Living to Learn and Learning to Live. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEIGH ANN! Thanks for sharing the fun and your special day with us.

• Overwhelmed is launching a new Bloggy activity this week. She is hosting Pay It Forward Book Exchange. If you are a reader you will probably want to get in on this one. The first book she is offering is Lucky, by Alice Sebold. She suggests that other bloggers might like to grab her button and do their own Pay It Forward Exchange. Head on over tojoin the fun! Note: I am supposed to insert Overwhelmed's button here. I cannot get it in! I will continue to try, but Blogger is currently refusing it with a quirky little comment. Sorry.bout that!

• Barb at A Chelsea Morning is giving away a set of Debbie Macomber 's series, Cedar Cove. Ya'll that's six books! On second thought, don't go over there--She probably already has about three hundred people signed up--And, Anyway--I want this one!

• Those of you with little girls might want to go over to Skimbaco and link up for the beautiful child's eternity necklace they are giving away in their weekly contest. I just know it would look delightful on my little granddaughter, E Girl!

Labels: Family, Just Having Fun, Random Thoughts

How 'Bout Those Bloglines, Rolls, and Readers


Thanks for the comments about organizing the blogs you read. Seems like bloglines is the choice for most people. I tried to sign up with them, but we are stuck at the point where I'm supposed to respond to an email they say they sent me. I never got it! So--I am on Blogrolling for now, but I am not sure their service gives me everything I want. I'm still looking. I may try Google Reader. It has a couple of extra perks I might like. And--who knows--bloglines might decide to let me on!

Labels: Just Having Fun, Random Thoughts

This is who I have been the last couple of days. Grandmamachick! Both sons and their families were with us for an early Fourth-on-the-Third celebration. We had an All-American meal of fried chicken, potato salad, layered pea salad, baked beans, fruit/melon mixture, and ice cream with what I called Cherry Nut Crunch.

After dinner the grandchildren participated in a time honored, family-get-together, cousin activity. You know the one--See who can run the fastest, kick the farthest, yell the loudest, and still be the precious children we all know them to be! They loved being together and I loved every minute of watching them!

On the 4th I went to the mall with one dil and one grandson for a few hours of that Great American Tradition--SHOPPING ON THE HOLIDAYS! It was fun and we found some bargains. Spoony, J's younger brother, spent part of the day with his cousins. (Someday I will explain that child's name--Spoony. He's the one I also call S Guy). Son and Poppy spent time together--watching a movie and talking about whatever dads and sons talk about when the children and women are gone. (Wonder what that is?!)

It was a nice, quiet--well, four children are not quiet--but quiet is highly overrated. Any way it was great family time. The grands and their parents all went on to other fourth celebrations later in the afternoon. That left Poppy and me with some of that highly overrated quiet time--with the sounds of neighborhood fireworks serenading us in the background.

Happy Birthday, America!

Thank you, Lord. for time with people we love so much!

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I need a little help! Anyone??????

This blogging gig is fun, but it can be frustrating on some levels. I need some suggestions from some of you very organized people. The main thing I need to know is how to keep up with the blogs I read in order to keep my blog life a little more simple and organized!

Just talk to me about bloglines, blogrolls, or bloganything that helps you keep up with the blogs you read. What do you use, how does it work, why do you use the service you use--or whatever plan you have developed on your own? Anything you have to say on the subject of keeping up with he blogs you read! What does a fairly new blogger like me need to know? Can you tell I. NEED. HELP!

Have at it--Give me some answers in the comments--or if you have a lot to say you could write a post at your place and let us know--I can link back to you. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you have!



BTW--For a chick similar to the one I have up there at the top you can go here to make one).

Labels: Family, Random Thoughts

Well, Hello There!

I didn't really mean to take a Blogging Break. But seems like the real world just crowded the computer out for a couple of days. I guess it was just a little mini-break.

We celebrated our anniversary on Thursday--Not a big to-do, just a sweet day. Lee and I had a steak dinner and later Greg and his family came over for a while. They brought fudge pie! Yum! Kevin called to wish us a happy, happy--They will be visiting in a few days.

Lee sent me a bouquet of daisies--one of the flowers we used in our wedding--and some wonderful chocolate goodies. His gift from me was my anniversary post. We had an agreement of no gifts because we had just made some purchases of things we both wanted. He cheated!

Thank you to all the blogging friends who came by Cherish. . . and read/commented about our wedding and anniversary. We also had several emails from friends and family who read Cherish. . . the word! but do not comment.

Friday was one of those strange days. You know, the kind of day when you start the day with a definite to-do list, or at least a plan? At the end of the day you realize you were busy, busy--but you didn't necessarily complete anything that was on your list. It was all good, but I just didn't have time for the computer. I didn't even put up a Show and Tell post. That's one of my favorite blogging activities, so you know I was busy! I will get around to see most of the treasures from everyone else--I promise!

I love blogging, but the grands win over the computer every time! Luke and Ella were with us for part of the day yesterday. Then, in the afternoon, one of Lee's childhood friends came for a visit. Lee was about ten and his friend, Gary, was younger when they played together! They have seen each other a few times as adults, but it has been more than twenty years since they spent time together!

The connection that Lee and Gary had in childhood is sort of unique. Gary's grandparents lived near Lee's family in Virginia. Gary grew up in Tennessee, but visited his grandparents every summer. The boys had a summer friendship spent playing back and forth across the street.

Gary's grandmother, Rose Smith, was Lee's teacher while he was educated at home the first four years of school. He actually went through six grades in those four years--that's another story for another time! I wish I had a picture of Lee and Gary from those days, but in all the thousands of pictures we have I don't believe there is one. However, we do have a photo of Lee and Mrs. Smith from that era. Lee has fond memories of learning with Mrs. Smith as his teacher. Her daughter, Peggy, was Lee's next teacher. Actually, Gary had a copy of this same picture with him when he came to visit!


After the anniversary day and the visiting day I have returned to the blogging world. I found out some of you sweet people have been really busy! I will post again soon--maybe even later today--to comment on some of the goings on I discovered when I returned. I also have a lot of visiting and reading to do. See ya soon!

Labels: Family, Precious Husband, Random Thoughts

I have been trying for some time to scan some old photos. You may have read about that here.
I had scanner woes! I have woes no more!

In that older post I said we would have a photo fest at Cherish . . . when I solved the problem. Well, get set! Tomorrow the fest begins! I didn't solve the problem by myself. My husband--bless his sweet heart--took pity on my misery and said, "Let's just get a new one!"

You gotta love a man like that! I really think he had a good idea! The solution is much better than the two older models that were not cooperative with me. Here's the solution machine! All practice scans have been successful!


Ya'll come back tomorrow! We'll be having a little mini photo fest celebrating a very important date in the House of S. It will feature a young, happy, and pretty much clueless couple!
In traveling around the blogoshpere I have noticed several giveaways. I thought I would remind you of some of those. I'm sure there are more. these are the ones I have seen most recently. Don't forget to sign up!

Mrs. U at Making a House a Home is celebrating the First Anniversary of her blog Lots of goodies for the dedicated, or would-be dedicated homemaker.

Five Minutes for Mom--The Moms say they will be posting a dozen contest in celebration of the Fourth of July. You will need to keep checking back to sign up for each contest. Now you don't really have to sign up for the swimsuit one--I need that! Well, the ice cream one looks good , too. Maybe you should just ignore this and move on to other things--Don't ya'll need to clean a room, read a book, or at least write another post! :-)

Overwhelmed With Joy has a book giveaway going on--The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards. I have read this book. You will be swept into a story full of family secrets and the consequences of life-changing decisions. You will stay engaged to the very end. Go on over and get in on the fun.

We probably shouldn't mention Barb's wedding favor giveaway. It's almost time for it to be over and she has about three million people signed up for thirty wedding favors from that beautiful wedding she planned with and for her daughter! Well, go on over if you really want to risk the odds. You know the way!

I'm sure there are other contests out there. Let me know if you see another good one!

Labels: Random Thoughts

You Are Indigo

Of all the shades of blue, you are the most funky, unique, and independent. Expressing yourself and taking a leap of faith has always been easy for you.

Labels: Book Talk, Just Having Fun, Random Thoughts

Mama Roar gave us this nifty little quiz a few days ago. I share it here again just in case you didn't see it. AND I thought of a little story about my West Texas twang. So--If you haven't already, why don't you take the little quiz and meet me back here.when you finish.

OK, now you know how you speak--like you didn't already know. But it is kind of fun to see it on the map--Right! My map showed me just what I already knew--From the south!

Yep that's me. I was born, and mainly raised, in West Texas--with some time spent in North Central Texas. Some people don't consider Texas the true south. It's considered Southwest. But in the large scheme of things, it is in the south. As a young adult I moved to Tennessee--which is definitely the SOUTH!.

So, naturally my speech is Southern--but how far south? When I speak I hear a little Tennessee and a lot of Texas. I once met a man who told me just by listening to my speech exactly where I was from.

Several years ago I was attending graduate school at a university in Middle Tennessee. I had been in class and with a study group all of one Saturday morning. About six or seven of us had gone to a little diner/coffee shop near the campus for lunch. We sat talking for awhile after we had eaten and were preparing to return to campus for the afternoon class session. I stopped at the pay phone (this was in the days before cell phones) to touch base with my husband about our late afternoon/evening schedule. Our conversation was about our children, soccer games, and movies.

When I got off the phone a man sitting nearby on a stool at the counter asked me if he could ask me something. Well, I'm not in the habit of speaking to strange men, but he looked safe and I was with a group, so I stopped. He said he had been listening to me and he wanted to know if I was from Lubbock, or Amarillo, Texas. I was somewhat surprised, because there was nothing in my conversation on the phone, or at the table, that had anything to do with where I was from. So I asked why he would think I was from one of those small cities. He explained that he was a linguistics professor and liked to try to match people to their town of origin by listening to their speech. He said that his best guess for me was Lubbock, but there was a hint of something else and he thought I might have lived in Amarillo.

I was born thirty miles from Lubbock and had lived in Lubbock more than anywhere else for most of my growing up years--including going back there to college! I explained my West Texas background and added that I had lived some other places in Texas (DFW and between Wichita Falls and Amarillo) and had been in Tennessee for about 17 years. He said those years could account for the little difference he was hearing!

He went on to nail, within at least fifty miles, the hometowns of two others in the group. One of them had lived in or near Baton Rouge, LA all of her life. I figured that was a no brainer for someone with that skill! The other was a little more difficult--a small town in Illinois.

That's just a little random story about speech, geography, graduate school in the eighties, and a man who either had a real talent for language or too much free time!

Labels: About Me, Just Having Fun, Random Thoughts