NANA NOTES

GRAND MARSHALL OF THE PARADE

Ed got home last night late from his hunting trip and today he's been gone since I got up.   He went to the office for a while and then went to the Parade Luncheon.  He was asked to be the Grand Marshall of the Bude Parade.  I really hate I couldn't be there to cheer him on but I feel like some of the grandchildren and friends will be cheering for me.  Jennifer took this picture and said that Sam was riding with MeMe who was right behind him in the parade.

Go Papa--looking good!!  Merry Christmas!!
  
 
  

THANKSGIVING SURPRISE

Our home was filled with family for Thanksgiving. We had lots of good food and fellowship.  When we were done and the guys were gone hunting, Becky came out with this beautiful plant--that had no blooms.  This is what welcomed me home today.  Isn't it beautiful?!  Thanks Becky and Hillary for the gorgeous Thanksgiving cactus!  I've never seen a yellow one.   

GRAHAM'S TURN!

Sort of a "right of passage" when the boys turn 12 Papa takes them to West Texas to Longfellow Ranch to mule deer hunt.  Ryan and I have been and they closed down last year.  Graham was much disappointed that he didn't get to go. They opened back up and this is his year!  Ever since he found out he was going he has been so excited.  Getting clothes together, planning, anticipating--that's part of the excitement and fun of the trip.  Making memories!  Today he and Papa left for New Orleans to spend the night so they wouldn't have to get up so early to catch the plane.  They felt it necessary to call and tell me that they ate supper at Middendorfs--one of my favorite places.  Graham had fried shrimp.  Sadie and I had frozen pizza and sugar free cookies!

 Jennifer saying goodbye to her #2 baby boy. He will always remember this.

 Sadie was less than excited for Papa to leave.  She's been sitting by the door listening for him to come home.  She's stuck with me however.  Maybe I can win my dog back!  I'll keep you posted on how Graham does with his hunting.  The chances of a big "kill" are good.  Ed has one of the best guides out there and the weather is supposed to be very cold!!
 

THE SEASON IS HERE!

You know how in the South people say we have four seasons--Football, Baseball, Basketball and Hunting!!  Well, the "hunting" one is here!  For the next month or so we will wade through a pile of smelly clothes and go running off to see the "kill" and take pictures.  The conversation always goes to "what did you see?" at the table after hunting.  Ben, Papa and Olivia Cox are the victors so far.  She was excited but didn't care much for the cleaning process.  She didn't like the "initiation process" either-even though David and Ed went light on her!!

 Congratulations, Olivia!  You're a real hunter now!
 
 

NOVEMBER GARDEN CLUB

I was lucky enough to get invited to Brandon Garden Club's Tablescapes Luncheon this year.  It was so fantastic that I wanted to share it with my club members. My longtime friend Karen is in the club and I asked her if one of their members would do a program for us. Charla, her mother and Karen came down and not only did the program but had lunch with Ed and me and toured the farm.  We had a wonderful day!  [I shared the Tablescapes pictures with you back in February.]   

 

BIKE TEAM HAS A REDNECK TIME!

The Herring Gas Bike Team finishes the season with a dinner at Cotton Branch each year.  This is a time when they all get together to "relive" the season and eat and visit.  It's a time when the wives and families come and enjoy being together.  Ed and I have a good time feeding our "family" and listening to the stories.  This year we decided to have a pig roast.  After all, we do have a pig cooker!!  I don't think they believed we were really going to do it but it happened. 

 Frank and Kenny came over to help Ed cook.  They did more riding around on the Ranger than cooking but they had fun.  

 As the crowd gathered the pig cooked.  I had a board cut to put him on and we didn't think about getting it through the door. That was a trip! But--the guys figured it out and got him in. 

 
 Candy couldn't resist getting a picture of the carrot tail; I choose the apple in the mouth!! :)   

 
  Kenny and Frank clowning around doing a parody of David and Laura (some of the other sponsors).   

 The most fun is talking and waiting for the food; Taylor is carrying the next generation of HGC bikers!!   

 Just as we were getting ready to eat someone noticed the sunset.  We went outside and watched it.  Nothing could have made the afternoon more perfect than seeing what God had created for us.  We went back in for the blessing and a delicious meal.  

 Bill's beans, cole slaw, hash brown casserole, pork and rolls.  Finished off by one of Sue Sullivan's cheese cakes and Gooey Chocolate Brownies.

I have a picture of what the pig looked like when we finished but I just can't show it.  There was nothing left but head and bones.  Frank took the head.  I don't even want to know what he did with it.

 Even Sadie got into the act--Cagney put the wig on her and she posed!!

We're already looking forward to next year but I don't think we can measure up to this one!  :)  Congratulations guys on a good season.  You're the best!
 

 
 
 

MUMC BAZAAR WAS GREAT!!!

The MUMC Bazaar was tremendous.  Not a huge crowd but enough to have a wonderful day.  Here are a few pictures to show you what was there.  For those of you who will be at church on Sunday, you still have a chance to purchase the items that are left.  Thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a great one!!

Cakes, pies and peanut brittle!

 

Chocolate cashew clusters that even had samples!!  Yummy!

 

 

 

Treat filled decorated paint cans for special occasions. Very cute!

 
  

 

 

Beautiful homemade aprons!!  I thought of that last year after the bazaar but forgot about it.  I'm glad Suzie did them. They were gorgeous!! 

 

Heritage Candles--smell good! Sold well!

 

MUMC Coffee Mugs--perfect for my Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate Mix!!

 

Ms June and Mr. Mark did a  wonderful job with biscuits and sausage and the awesome "West Burger" for lunch.

 

Those wonderful "Pot Scrubbers" are back!!  Cute blankets and burp pads too.   

Grandma's attic was in the pavillion.  What a wonderful place for that.  Barbie did a great job.  Maybe we should move the whole Bazaar out there if next year is as beautiful as today was!

 

Thanks again to everyone for making the Annual Fall Bazaar a good one!

And Doc, you took my Diet Dr. Pepper!!

**The report at church today was that we made over $4000.00 for the Building Fund.  AWESOME!!

BAZAAR ITEMS BY NANA

It's almost Saturday and the Meadville UMC Bazaar is going to be a good one.  Here are some of my items and I can't wait to see everyone elses.

 Tacky Yard Art Flowers made from cooking utensils!  They are adorable. Limited quantity--early bird gets the worm!!

Monogrammed towels--have lots of these in lots of colors and patterns and initials. They are adorable and wrapped already!!

Peppermint Mocha Hot Chocolate Mix--so good on a cold night. Makes a perfect Teacher Gift!!

Very limited number of pendant necklaces--another good Teacher Gift.

The Bazaar will also have baked goods (homemade bread, cakes, pies, candy, casseroles)

Breakfast--sausage and biscuits

Lunch-Mr. Mark's hamburgers

Woodworking, Candles, Pot scrubbers, Grandma's Attic and much more.

Saturday, November 7 from 8 until 2 in the Meadville UMC Fellowship Hall.
 

 

HERE COMES THE BRIDE~~

The rehearsal was yesterday and today was a gorgeous day for a wedding.  The air was crisp and cool and the sun was shining.  As the day progressed things around here became more beautiful and more "hectic". People appeared out of nowhere with food, flowers, and more food! :) A huge cake was put together in the kitchen and decorated.  The atmosphere was one of love and family.  Two big families were about to become one huge one!  Angela Moak-daughter of our friend Wanda Moak and sister of Brad Moak became the bride of Glen "Boo" Mire today at 2:00 pm out by the pool.  The ceremony was beautiful.  Gorgeous music, flowers and people.  Here are a few of the pictures that I took.  I can only imagine what the "real" photographer captured.  She was a fun person as was the wedding coordinator!

 Wanda, Angela, Boo, and Mr. Doug

Aren't they all very nice looking?

 

Angela's family-her two brothers and her grandmother along with part of the children. Tim's son Mason was taken to the hospital yesterday and his wife was with him. We pray he is getting better.

 
  

Braedon [and I hope I spelled that correctly] Moak. Have you ever seen a sweeter face?  She needs to meet Sam Cowart!!!

 

The beautiful brides cake! It was enough to feed an army!

 

 

 

The grooms table--do you think he likes LSU???  There were FIVE kinds of cheesecake on this table!!  I didn't eat a bite! Now I wish I had some.

They did the "Sand Blending" instead of the Unity Candle. LSU colors and I loved it!!  The story Brad read about the sand was very sweet.

 

Sweet couple who looks very happy.   

 

Angela's grandmother is a beautiful, fun lady. She's welcome at our home anytime--especially if she brings fudge!!  :)

I was in charge of the truck keys but I couldn't keep Wanda away from the back of the truck!!

(Just kidding, she was just holding the cans up for the picture!)

 

And out they come and off they go--or so we thought!  In the middle of cleaning up we looked up and there they were.  All comfortable and happy!  Best wishes to you both.

 

Thanks to all of you for letting Ed and me share in this wonderful day.

I'll add an album to the blog of more pictures--just click on "Angela's Wedding" on the sidebar.

THERE'S A WEDDING TOMORROW!

We offered our home [actually our pool area] to a friend for the wedding of their daughter who wanted to get married outside.  Today they started setting up and had the rehearsal late this afternoon.  This was as "low key and easy" as any wedding we've had here.  I know tomorrow will be a beautiful day for Angela and her groom.

 

Lots of pretty white chairs are surrounding the pool and the reception will be on the deck.

 A sneak peak at the rehearsal without giving away too much detail.

The bride's bouquet is gorgeous. Her mother-in-law to be did the flowers. How lucky am I to have a cooler! It's full of beautiful flowers! Stay tuned--tomorrow I'll post wedding pictures!! And tell you who it is!

LATE BIRTHDAY DINNER W/ FRIENDS

For the last few years Ed and Jimmie Lou have been having a birthday dinner together. His birthday is on the first of October and hers is on the second.  This year we went to The Caboose and Libby and Josh and Cagney went with us.

 

We all enjoyed our food and conversation.  We didn't have dessert at the restaurant.  Jimmie Lou loves "Walmart" birthday cake!! 
We stopped and got one and came home for cake and homemade ice cream.  Another fun birthday for two great folks!!  Happy Birthday, guys!

THE LAST TRIP HAS BEEN THE BEST!

This weekend has been the most fun.  I finished up my dental work--Thursday was the worst, then checkups on Friday and Saturday.  Now my teeth look wonderful and I'm glad it's finished.  Ed and Dennis went fishing and had had a great time. 

Alma and I toodled around Boca Grand and did a little shopping.  I even found a couple of Christmas presents.  We went out to eat on the boat and saw some beautiful homes.  

The colors are so beautiful and the homes are HUGE!!  

Nothing like living on the point and having water all around! 

This one is awesome. It has a screened in porch that coveres two floors and the pool.  Loved it!

Naomi, Dennis and Alma as we were loading onto the boat to go to a restaurant to eat dinner on Friday. Aren't they a lovely family?

Ed and me on the boat ride to the restaurant--wind blown hair and all! But don't we have beautiful teeth??? :)

We ate bananas off the trees in their yard and I learned about "sea grapes".  I bought a jar of Sea grape jelly to benefit Relay for Life.

  

 

    This picture shows the sea grapes when they are green.  They ripen to a purple red and are wonderful. My plan is to get some to see if they will grow in MS.

We fly out tomorrow and life will get back to normal.  What's normal?????

ANNUAL DOVE HUNT 2009

The only day we dove hunt is opening day.  It turns into an event very quickly.  It's usually family and a few close friends from out of town.  Having nine grandchildren that love to hunt already makes a crowd!  The week before opening day is like the day before Christmas!  Everyone is hustling around getting shells, looking for just the right hunting clothes and making sure their guns are ready.  I'm usually making trips to the grocery store and more trips to the grocery store and cooking for several days getting things ready for the big "dove cooking".  I can only remember one year that I had to make a run to the grocery store for CHICKEN!! 

                 Top picture Jody 3rd from R; bottom, Sam B. 3rd from R.

Jody and Sam B. took turns taking pictures so that's the only difference in these two pictures.  I didn't want to leave anyone out.  There were five other hunters but they were gone when this was made.  Quite a motley looking crew!!  They came through with the product though.  Ed said it looked like "restaurant quality" and I agree.  After being on the grill for a while cooked by expert cooks they were delicious. Nobody does it better!! 

175th CELEBRATION at MUMC

After months of work the day is finally arriving--the 175th anniversary of our church--Meadville United Methodist.  The committee has spent countless hours working and planning for this day.  Although I wasn't on the committee, I got to work on a couple of projects for the event. I designed and sold tshirts. So far that has gone well.  We've sold almost 100.  I also got to put together four bulletin boards for the church--this let me put all my scrapbooking equipment to good use!! 

I picked up a couple of fall wreaths for the doors and Beverly added the bows. It made the front look so inviting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This board is in the front foyer. I wanted a border but couldn't find one I liked. My theory is "when in doubt-don't" so I left it plain.  The emblem in the middle is on the back of the tshirt.  The Military board has to be one  of my favorites.  It has the sons and friends of our members in the military on it that we are praying for.  Be sure to check it out.

This is really a good one--and I can't take full credit for the idea. But--I did do it with my own creative additions. It's on the board going into the Fellowship Hall. Check it out!    Downstairs in the Sunday School foyer is this board.  I thought it turned out well.

Today when I carried my food to the church there were beautiful flowers everywhere and the video with pictures was tremendous. I know the music is going to be good and the sermon and other speakers should be wonderful as well.  I hope I can take my camera tomorrow and get some shots of the day. This will be too good to miss.  Muffins and coffee at 9:30 AM with church to begin at 10:30 AM.  Come if you can.  You won't be disappointed.

CAN YOU SAY "SURPRISED" ?

You all know my story of cancer and how my friends rallied around me. I wanted to do the same for my dearest friend Libby who is fighting the battle now.  A few of us got together today and surprised her [and we REALLY did!!!] with a small party to show her that we love her and are supporting her. Debra and I 'dropped in' with some tea that she'd been wishing she had.  We were sitting there drinking tea when others started "dropping in" too!  They brought food, gifts, balloons and "tacky wigs" to model! :)  The next two hours were filled with fun, food and laughter.   I think you can see that she was surprised. And--she looked beautiful in her pink hat and bandana.  Her biggest surprise was when her cousin from Covington County came in--there were a few tears shed then. 

 

You can't have a party with this bunch without good food and everything was delicious.  Mary Kathryn brought a beautiful bouquet of zinnias from her garden.  She always has gorgeous zinnias!!  You can't have a party without presents and Libby got a table full--lotions, tshirts, books, homemade cinnamon rolls, and gift certificates for pedis and massages.  She will be well pampered for a while--and that's just what we intended!!  The highlight of the afternoon was a "Wig Style Show" to show Libby how gorgeous she could be with the choices of wigs available today!! Leigha chose a dark blonde one and Sharon was describing it.                       

Mary Kathryn looked especially lovely wearing a blonde long wig and sun glasses; her stage name is Marilyn.  I'll stop there or I'll give away the best part!!  Sandra Geter was "Suzette" and wore a dark blonde wig. She was extremely lovely with her quiet demeanor and beautiful smile. 

 

Alisa was "Alexandra the Hippie Chick".  Her wig was black and curly and she came back later with peace sign earrings and sunglasses.  You know Libby will wear that soon!!  My used to be friend Pat was somebody from Paduka who not only attended the race but rode in it! [You had to be there!] She said if I put her picture on here that she would not be my friend any more.  I think she'll forgive me. I didn't put the crazy one!! :)  And yes, I modeled one too.  Sharon made me.

They all agreed that I looked better BALD!! 

Of course, we had the pink balloon ceremony. We all said a silent prayer and let it go with the balloon. Glory bumps galore when those balloons go up!! 

Libby and her girls: Mimi, Libby, Alisa, Katherine, and Leigha

For a look at all of the pictures take a look at the photo album labeled "Libby's Party 2009" on the sidebar of the blog.

We love you, Sister!!

AND THE WINNER IS--------------------------------------

AMY!!!!!

Please get in touch with me [you know all the ways!] so I can get your great, awesome, tremendous HIGH ROAD cd to you! Congratulations!! Your name was drawn from the group in a totally annonamous drawing by a wonderful guy--out of the candy jar!!

The rest of you don't be disappointed--there may be another give away soon.

TREE PLANTING ON COTTON BRANCH

How does it happen? Or why? Who knows but it's always a fun experience!  Ed read about eucalyptus trees being good for bees and this could turn into a long drawn out story but the short version is that a group of people from the University of Florida have come to CB for four days and we've had a blast.  In this picture (l to r) Paul, Ed, Donnie, Sam, Dr. "Rock", Ryan and Exal.  

Even Sandy got into the job. Copper watched over a field they planted yesterday.  They've worked hard and eaten a little bit and we now have 1500 + two eucalyptus trees that will hopefully grow and flourish into a beautiful forest.  Papa cooked a beautiful whole ribeye on Friday and there was enough left for Copper! 

 Ben, Sam and Ryan along with Exal and Papa have been working right along side of Dr. Rockwood, Gail, Donnie and Paul--the official eucalyptus tree planting crew.  They arrived on Thursday and met the Cotton Branch crew. We started out with shrimp, potatoes and slaw with brownies and homemade ice cream.  After a good night's sleep, we got up (way before I'm used to!!) and they had breakfast and went to the field.  Sam and Ben fell right in and worked.  We had a houseful for dinner and got up early on Saturday.  Today turned out to be a little cooler, at least for the early morning, and they finished by noon.  

    I got two trees planted in the yard--one of each species--just so I can watch them grow.  Tonight we're all going to the Mexican restaurant and enjoy being finished. Tomorrow they will travel back to Florida and finish up some other projects. 

Meeting new friends, learning new things--always a fun time at Cotton Branch!  Sam was a "tree totin" dude!

Gail as she leaves the last field! Finished at last!!

A COMBINATION OF EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

Ed is having some dental work done by a friend of his who is a dentist in South Florida. He somehow talked me into going along to see if I wanted to be checked out. Sounds good--a little beach trip with some friends and good food.  We called Josh and Cagney got us a room at the St. James Hotel. We went down on Wednesday night and had dinner with them at a lovely place called Irene's. Talk about awesome food. 

Of course I pulled out the camera--you can see our desserts: bread pudding, strawberry cheese cake, creme brule and tiramisu for me. That's after we had eaten some tremendous entrees!

  My salad was sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil and red onions with balsamic vinegar dressing.  And for someone who doesn't eat pork chops, this was terrific!!  It was a double cut pork chop filled with granny smith apples slices and walnuts with a sweet potato and apple gratin on top of the most delicious turnip greens I have ever had.

Cagney, Josh and Ed had a beautiful steak. I tasted Ed's and it was delicious too.  We were stuffed when we finished. They took us to see their house and then we went to the hotel.  We had an early flight.

 

 

After an uneventful flight to St. Myers, FL we visited with friends and went out to dinner at the "Temptations Restaurant" in Boca Grande. The movie Deja Vu was filmed there with Denzel Washington.  Another awesome meal and an early bedtime because of Ed's all day dental appointment.  This picture was made with my Blackberry because I forgot my camera.

 

 Dennis and Ed relaxing at their indoor pool while Alma, Naomi and I rode around on the golf cart taking flower pictures.

This is Naomi--Ed's little honey.  She will be three soon and she really took to Ed. She calls me Nana and that's just fine too.

We look forward to going back soon.

 

A flight for Ed and me wouldn't be complete without an hour on the runway without A/C and a return to the terminal for a change of planes.  Better safe than sorry and I am not a great fan of flying anyway.  We made it to New Orleans only two hours late but still in time for a great dinner at Middendorf's.  We met a nice couple who knew some people we knew and had a nice visit.  Every day we find out that the world is getting smaller.

After proofing this post I guess I should have called it "How We Ate Our Way To Florida and Back"!

THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF HER LIFE!

I've been writing "twitters" and blogs about "my friend" and now for those of you who haven't a clue, I'm revealing who it is.  We are at the Dr.'s office and she's having chemo for the first time.  She's handling it very well.  She has even fallen into the "talking and carrying on" with the other patients. I love that!!  Please pray for Libby (as I know you already have been) as she goes through these treatments. As Ed said a little while ago, "She can do it". 

Tiffany was very gentle with her and Libby didn't even holler! You know I would have!!

The first day---we had fun during my year---this one will be the same way!  Friends always have fun!

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

SURPRISE FOR LEIGHA!

My friend Leigha took part in the Brookhaven Little Theater Drama Camp for the last two weeks.  Their production this year was "Alice in Wonderland"  Libby and I enjoyed hearing her tell us each day what she had done at camp each morning.  She came home one day telling us she needed a costume--right up my alley and her Mom is a very busy lady.  Megan (her Uncle Sonny's girlfriend) and I came up with just the right "stuff".  She wanted to be the  "Ten of Diamonds".  How easy could that be!!!  My scrapbooking materials were all we needed and a couple of pieces of foam board with some red ribbon.  Oh, yea, it's coming together.  It took all of thirty minutes from start to finish and after Megan had fixed her makeup I have to say she made a perfect "Ten of Diamonds".  I didn't get to see the production but I heard she did a great job.  Daniel Youngblood was the Madhatter and I heard he was terrific too.  I believe there were others from FC but I don't remember who they were. [I'm sorry.]  Here are some pictures I "lifted"off of Sidney's Facebook.  It's better to ask for forgiveness than it is permission.  Thanks, Sidney.