NANA NOTES

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!

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.

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"!

MISSION TEAM TREAT

There are about 100 teens and adults here from three churches in Texas doing local mission work in Franklin County.  They are sleeping in MUMC and using the school field house for showers.  Someone said they were a well oiled machine. Their leadership is awesome.  Ed and I had the priviledge of having them for a cookout and swim party tonight and we all had a grand time.  Ed cooked the best hamburgers with all the trimmings and Susan (or Bubba) and Dale made brownies.  Everyone ate until everything was gone and their were smiles on all of the faces. Ed said they broke the record for the largest number of people in the pool so far.  I also found out that they are doing work on some homes of people I know--deserving people and that made me happy. 

Steve [the guy with the glasses] is the leader of the team. He was here in May checking everything out and getting things ready for the team. This is only part of the kids. 

All of the people were very nice and seemed happy to be in Meadville.  They were very pleased with the help they were getting from Tyson's and folks around town.  Sheila is even going to keep the Snoball Stand open until late on Thursday night just for them.    Thanks, Sheila!

 

The burger line was as popular as the pool--especially the brownies. Thanks to Linda and Janice for all their help.  The team was actually upset that they didn't get to help.  

 

 There are about a dozen vans like this driving around Franklin County full of hard working teens and adults.  If you see one of them--give them a hug and say "thanks" for what they are doing.

And thanks guys for letting us serve you tonight.  We had a great time. God bless you all on this trip and others that you make.  Have a safe journey home and don't forget the Snocones on Thursday!!

A BLUEBERRY DAY!

I decided last night that I wanted to pick blueberries this morning.  I invited Haleigh to go with me but she opted not to go so Ya Ya went and we had a really fun time and spent a couple of hours picking the most awesome blueberries.  The sign directed us where to go even though we'd been there before. 

 

 

The bushes were loaded and we found our favorite spot.

 

You can see that the berries are huge and it didn't take long to pick all we could use. I'm sure we weighed more when we left cause you have to taste every bush!!

 

We did the right thing and put our money in the box for the berries and the grounds keeper who does a great job of making the area a clean place to pick. We told him that too!

I didn't want my picture made because I was very dirty. YaYa had changed clothes.  Aren't our berries beautiful?  We are blessed to have such a wonderful place to go (Thanks, Barry!) and I'm blessed to have YaYa who loves to go with me to pick anything that's fun!!

ANOTHER PIZZA HUT ADVENTURE

Ed and I took the boys [all four] plus Haleigh to Pizza Hut tonight while Jennifer and Shelly were at the funeral home.  The boys didn't want to stay there the whole time so we "occupied" them for a while.  You can always keep them busy eating!!  Ryan and Haleigh decided to go along and we were glad.  It's nice to have teenagers want to be with you.  They put a movie in and laughed the whole way there.  I think we ordered some of everything on the menu--even a new item which not everyone liked!  It didn't make the carry home box.  Ben and I always get a salad. We love our greens.  Sam tried the Pizza Rolls and did eat one, but said to leave them there.  Haleigh tried one but said "no thanks" to any more.  Haleigh will kill me when she sees this picture--she was tickled and saying "don't take my picture".  Ryan dodged out of the way.    The boys put money in the "junk" machines and got some really tacky toys.  Graham got "tracks" for his teeth and a "mood ring".  He said it was really hard to smile with his tracks on.  Sam got "floam" and had fun playing with it.  We're not sure what he had made here but he loved it.  Ben got a "Squidward" and he wasn't thrilled.  Some days you get it and some days you don't.  This wasn't Ben's day!!

Just for the record--this was the best service we've ever gotten at the Pizza Hut--our waitress didn't write down one single thing and she got everything right and it was FAST!  We had a fun time making memories.

WHAT I NEED TODAY!!

I've never been one to eat much chococlate--certainly not chocolate cake, ice cream or candy. Every now and then I would but not as a rule.  I'd rather have lemon or any other flavor of dessert.  When I got sick last year one of the crazy things that happened to me was my craving for chocolate.  I still don't like chocolate cake, ice cream or cookies but I LOVE chocolate candy--good candy--the expensive kind and M & M's especially with nuts!!  Yesterday when I went to get the DIET Dr. Peppers I picked up a couple of large bags of M & M's [peanut and almond]. Today I am in heaven.  Tomorrow I may have a headache but today it's a good thing!  [Oh, and I don't like the new mouse--I'm taking it back!]

 

A VERY FUN DAY!

My friend Karen is a member of the Brandon Garden Club. Their major fund raiser is a Tablescapes Luncheon and Fashion Show. I was lucky enough to get a prized seat this year.  She says there is always a waiting list. Now I know why. It was beautiful, delicious and FUN!!  They sold a cookbook with all the wonderful recipes from their Tasting Teas and Luncheons--I will enjoy using that.  They sold raffle tickets for a beautiful table full of china and accessories [that I didn't win!] and had 25 outfits modeled by lovely ladies.    [To see the tables better remember that you can click on the picture to make it bigger.]

 

This table was where I sat with Karen.  It had a beach theme. The chairs had flipflops tied to them and our names were in buckets of sand with shells.

 

 

 

This table was all about aprons. The table cover and chair covers were made to resemble aprons and each place setting had the history of aprons printed out for them.  The pink and white was very femine and old fashioned.

 

This table was set for some of the officers of the GCM.  They were guests of the Brandon GC. One of the founding members of BGC is a past president of GCM.

 

 

 

Crystals, gold and candles made this table very beautiful. I can see this being used for Christmas too.

 

 

 

 

Halloween! This table was really fun. Love the cone hats and moss.

 

Sunflowers and black and white. Beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know the theme of this table. I guess if I had a complaint of the day it would be that there was no "program" with an explanation of the tables.  I'm getting a CD later so maybe I will know more.

 

This table had a Safari theme and my friend Karen worked on it.  I loved the colors and the uniqueness of it.

 

 

 

 

This table seemed to have a Western theme but there was a tricycle in the middle of the table. It was one of my favorites!

 

The pheasant in the center of this table was beautiful. The dried hydrangeas and green napkins with the burgandy china made the table gorgeous.

 

 

 

The Hummingbird Table was one of my favorites.  You can tell by the woman standing by it that it was very tall.  The structure was a flower pot stand with beautiful flowers and hummingbird feeders attached to it. They had glued hummingbirds to the feeders.  Although it was gorgeous, you couldn't see across the table to talk to your tablemate.

 

 

 

I must have really liked this table because I took about three pictures of it.  I call it the Topiary Table. The ribbons from the topiary were attached to the chair.  It was very feminine--a wonderful bridesmaids luncheon table.

 

"Save the Date"--a very chic table with black and silver.

 

 

 

Another example of "wish I had a script"--This table had glass blocks with silver chargers and a lace table cloth. On top of the glass blocks was a Santa.  It had to have something to do with snow and Christmas! :) 

As far as I know this was the only table that used silk flowers--a no, no in garden club flower shows--but this wasn't a flower show. It was done just for the beauty and as a fundraiser. The colors were "delicious"!

 

At first I didn't see the "old timey" bicycle on this table. It was done sort of like a May Pole. The napkins had bicycles stamped on them.

 

This table was done in the "French" style of Provence-fruit, wine, cheese, bread and flowers. LOVE the colors!!

A beautiful table with a cherub and ivy. The china was very delicate.

 

 

Loved the bird feeder table-they even got a cookie bird house as a happy! The chaircovers on each table setting at every table were amazing.

 

One of the most colorful and interesting tables. Getting daffodils to cooperate isn't easy!

 

Oriental red and black with chopsticks. Very simple and it really stands out.

 

Had to be a party theme with the presents. Very elegant looking.

 

 

What can I say, Peacock feathers!!

 

"Shellseekers" was one of my favorites. Under the glass plate there was sand--I wish I had taken close up pictures of all the elements. It was beautiful.        

 

This table was just perfect for a ladies luncheon.  The yellow and white roses and napkins were perfectly matched.

This was the table of china and all the accessories that was put in the raffle--beautiful.  I guess I really didn't need it after all.

 

My place card at our table--wasn't it cute?

 

The table topper was so cute on our table that the girl that sat next to me and I inspected it closely.  We decided that we could definitely make some.

Thanks to my friend Karen for the lovely morning of beautiful flowers and fun. We didn't coordinate our outfits either!! :)

2009 - A GREAT NEW YEAR BEGINNING

Ed and I have never been much for going out on New Year's Eve. We can't stay awake that long and we're really not rowdy people.  We went to bed early and woke up about 4:00 AM to someone knocking on our door. A young man from Vicksburg had wrecked his vehicle in front of our home and came for help.  We carried him to the hospital.  After looking at his vehicle we realized he was a very lucky guy.  There wasn't anything about it that was recognizable. He had angels surrounding him.

We had plans for about 24 people for lunch--the usual New Year's fare-roast pork, baked chicken, black eyed peas, cole slaw, potato salad, green beans, sweet potato pone, cabbage, mexican cornbread, pecan pie, blueberry cake--just the normal little lunch!! :)

After lunch we all settled in to listen to Anna Grace and Sarah [High Road] do a little playing and singing.  When we looked at the clock it was nearly 5:00 PM.  The guys didn't even miss the football games; they enjoyed the music so much.  We all did.  Jennifer is hoping that John Robert playing her new guitar rubbed off on the guitar and she will be able to get some of the sounds out of it. :)

These girls have great talent--some of which I will keep a great secret-unless I'm bribed to tell !! :)  Only a few shall know!!

By now Jennifer probably has a video on her blog that you can see. Please check it out.  And--buy their CD; you'll love it!!

Thanks everyone for a great New Year's Day celebration.

PS:  The young man checked out fine at the hospital; when I talked to the nurse at noon he was waiting for someone in his family to come and get him.  They said he had a "reality check".  I'm sure he did.  He will be very grateful for 2009.

FRIDAY GARDEN CLUB

Third Friday is always Pine Burr Garden Club meeting.  This Friday we had a wonderful design program featuring a friend from Hazlehurst-Joanne Newman.  She brought another friend who will do a program later in the year.  We had a great crowd and a guest or two.  Here are some of her designs.  The refreshments were good too!  :)

   

FUN TIME WITH FRIENDS

Last week Ed and I had a fun evening with Matt and Mary Kay--she cooked dinner for us and we got a tour of their home.  Their home is actually the home that my Mom lived in. The house was redone last year for them to move here from outside Chicago.  It was truly a step of faith for them to move to MS but I think they are enjoying the pace of "Southern living".  Dinner was delicious-right down to the home canned peaches and awesome dessert.  We had some lively conversation and MK told us about her Ebay yarn business [Ed was saying "no Barbara" the entire time!!].  They recently had made a furniture purchase and the story was amazing-truly a "God thing".  Ed and I enjoyed sitting in the "snuggler" that they brought back from Tuscaloosa.  I could get used to having one of those!  We look forward to many more dinners with the two of them--at our home or theirs!

 

GOOD TIME OF THE YEAR

Friday when I got home from Natchez [and after lunch] Linda and Janice and I went to pick "possum grapes".  Ed and I have been watching them since early spring.  Linda is always willing to get out and go on an adventure. Janice on the other hand is "not a woods girl".  She went and at one point said, "I can't see my feet!" I think she was ready to go! She hung in there with us though and we picked a basket full.

Just in case you're curious--the white paper pinned to our shirts is "Bounce" which is supposed to keep the bugs away--it does not, however, keep the wasps away because I got stung on my ring finger and can't get my rings on because of the swelling. 

This is the prize we were after.  We didn't get as much as we thought but there are lots more to ripen! Another trip coming soon.  I did however, make 71 half pints of jelly today.  There will be that much or more with the second picking.  Haleigh's dad happened to be at the right place at the right time and got the first jar.  I hope Jeanne fixes biscuits! 

SCARY WAKE UP!!!

This morning at church we were having a bridal shower/luncheon for a young couple and I put a roast in the oven ON LOW last night which I have done many times before.  I was in that dreamy sleep of early morning when the alarm system went off.  I broke and ran to the oven and opened it.  Like flames from the dragons mouth fire licked out at me.  I screamed for Ed and closed the oven. Smoke filled the house and I ran to the control to shut off the alarm. Of course the phone rang and central control was asking if we were alright.  I told her what was happening and she asked if she needed to send a fire truck. I assured her that no, she didn't need to send a truck, we could handle it.  I opened all the doors and went back to the oven. It took four pot holders to get the hot pot out of the oven.  I carried it out to the steps and came back inside to hear the alarm system go off again.  This time the upstairs fire alarm went off.  Phone rings again--central control--are you SURE you don't need a fire truck???  No, I've got it under control.  I'm just trying to cook and it isn't working!!! :)   Ed's dog had a wonderful breakfast and supper and I started over.  I made a chicken pie that turned out great.  In the meantime, we've had windows open, Lampe Bergere burning and fans running trying to get the smoke smell out of the house. 

It was while I was getting my bath that I realized what a blessing having no hair had been.  Normally my hair is hanging down in my face and if it had been it would have caught on fire.  I got out of this with only a burnt pot, a little smoke smell and a blister on my finger.  In time all of this will go away.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is god's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thes. 5:18

$2.00 A DOZEN AND A NEW BABY!

We are a family that is used to having LOTS of "homegrown" eggs--big, beautiful, brown, yard chicken eggs!  Not too long ago I picked up the grocery list and read the word "eggs" on it.  Of course, I asked, "why am I buying eggs when we have a fridge full at the barn?"  That's when I learned about cold weather, length of daylight, etc. and egg laying!  Forget the fact that we're buying 200 lbs. of feed a month and they are still eating all day, every day--without producing!  And then like a miracle---aren't they beautiful?  See the little banty egg on the right?  I'm so proud of my sweet little chickens!

Last year we had a mare that didn't want to feed her baby.  I wasn't going to let it die so I became the "Mom" for a few days and bottle fed her.  I named her Dr. Pepper [because I had to feed her at 10, 2, and 4--you youngsters can get your parents to explain that to you!!]  Today Dr. Pepper has a sibling. We haven't been able to get close enough to tell what it is but like all our "newbies" it's beautiful!       This baby in the stall is "Pop A Top Charm's Dixie".  I've enjoyed getting to know her.  I can't wait to put a halter on her.  (You can click on the pictures and make them bigger).

POSSUM GRAPE JELLY!!

Well, I guess I'm back to the real world--Linda, Jeanette and I had the day off on Thursday and we had a blast.  After my walk with Debra, the three of us took off in the Ranger and found possum grapes Ed had been keeping his eyes on.  The more we picked the harder it rained!  We got soaking wet and we laughed till our sides hurt. Needless to say, we didn't look our best in this picture.  We cleaned up and had lunch and got started washing and cooking the grapes.  Later on during the day I started the jelly making process.  I do love to make the jelly--and we do love to eat it!

I ended up making 98 half pints of Possum Grape Jelly.  (Diana--you're getting your share!!)  I have two more batches to make [I ran out of jars and couldn't finish yesterday.]

What a blessing to be able to spend the day enjoying God's outdoors and laughing and having fun and getting to reap the benefits of it all. Oh, that jelly will be enjoyed by all.  It's good to be home.

Edited:  This afternoon after a quick trip to Wally World for more canning jars, I made three more batches.  The total count is now up to 125 half pints.  I sent some home to Mimi with Ryan.  And I just found out that Jennifer has been stealing it!!  Now there's plenty!!

SUCCESSFUL LAKE LUNCHEON

There's nothing more fun than cooking for a group and having them enjoy the food.  Ed and I enjoy sharing our home with guests and are always delighted to host county functions.  The "Lake" is almost ready to be opened and a group of officials were in town today for a tour and lunch.  Cotton Branch was asked to host the lunch. They may look "official" here but when they got to the house it was "no holds barred".   The Honey Pecan Chicken, Jalapeno Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans, Yeast Rolls, Homegrown Sliced Tomatoes with fresh basil, Brown Sugar Pound Cake or (and in some cases both) White Texas Sheet Cake and Fresh Peach Homemade Ice Cream did them in.  They all wanted a nap after that.  Without the help of friends Debra and Buddy (along with Jeanette) I couldn't have gotten through it. They came and were willing and able to do what needed to be done.  Thanks guys for your help. And thanks, ML for letting us share in the Lake project.

BTW:  Ed called as I was finishing up the chicken and wanted to know what I was doing.  He didn't remember that today was the luncheon and  he wanted to know what I was cooking.  He repeated everything I said to the guys he was traveling with and you could hear them groaning.  I have a feeling I will be repeating that menu soon for the hunting group.  He'll be home tomorrow. 

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY--LIFE HAS RETURNED. . .

I'm waiting on Amanda's beach picture so I can post but today started out with a two mile walk (talk about sore calves!!), preparing the garlic green beans for Friday, going to the hospital to be with Jennifer, coming home and preparing the bacon, pepper potatoes and peach homemade ice cream for Friday, going shopping with Josh and getting pizza for supper.  I am officially exhausted and need to close my eyes and get to sleep.  Jennifer made it home and is doing well.  Things should be much better for her now.  She was up doing laundry when I went by earlier.  She wasn't moving very fast but I know she will not over do. Shelly is very sweet to help her.

Tomorrow will be baking day for Stampin' Up and MDOT luncheon.  I'll get all the routine stuff out of the way and Friday will be fun.  I imagine the weekend will be for crashing!

UPDATE:  For those of you who are interested, I have added more photos of Holli and Pascal's wedding to the album on the right.  Just click on the album and then click on the pictures.

THANK GOD I'M AN AMERICAN. . .

The cake is made; the ice cream is in the freezer; and the watermelons are iced down.  The ribs are on the grill and it's raining cats and dogs!  Thank God for the rain.  I woke up to 5 gallons of squash, potatoes, cucumbers and tomatoes.  Thank God for friends and fresh vegetables.  Whoever shows up can eat what Ed has fixed--I told him I would burn the bread! :)  I found this beautiful fireworks picture on the web and decided that could be our fireworks for the day.  The list of all the things I'm thankful for would take too long.  Being a Christian, being alive, being loved, having my family close, having friends, living in a country that allows us freedom. . .and the list goes on.  Thank God for this day and every day.

                                      HAPPY JULY 4, 2007 !

EATEN MY WORDS. . .

I will not say "doing nothing" ever again!  There are no pictures to prove it BUT the Cotton Branch bunch has "done" 1300 ears of corn since Friday.  We shucked, brushed, washed, cut, cooled and bagged it---93 quarts of beautiful GOLD!!!  Let's just pray the freezers don't go out.  I would be one sad little puppy if they did.  Butterbeans and peas come the last of this week or the first of next week.  Blueberry jam is on the list as well as apple jelly.  The work of summer sometimes is not fun but the rewards are many.  Seeing the grandchildren enjoy the meals we prepare are well worth the effort.  We are blessed to be able to have fresh vegetables and "store" them for the winter.

Now if the EGGPLANT will just grow!!!