NANA NOTES

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!

HAVE I EVER SAID LIFE IS NEVER DULL AROUND HERE??

I won't tell you why we bought more Santa Gertrudis; I'll just tell you that we did--eight "three and ones" that look pretty good.  Especially one bull that I just love.  Too bad he won't get to stay here and Ed has already sold a couple of the calves.  Ryan went the other day and brought back a bull.  His name is Creel's Christmas Chunk and boy is he--a chunk!!  I made it to the barn just after he'd been unloaded from the trailer.  The three of us rode out to look at him and they we're kidding me about not making him mad--at least I think they were kidding me. 

I never could get a "lone shot" of him because the other bulls were curious.  He's already taken over as the "head honcho" of the crowd.

This afternoon Ed called me and asked me what I was doing.  That was pretty much a moot question since on Saturday's lately I don't do anything! I have become such a lazy person.  He said bring my camera and meet him outside--he had something I could blog about.  I have to say that he's never been filed under the heading of "neat" when he gets into the paint can and today was no exception!!

He decided to start marking a property line and didn't want to wait for Ryan to help him.  Not only was the paint on the tree line but also his glasses and his most favorite shirt!

You gotta say that when my man gets into a project, he gives it all he's got and really "gets into it"!

With 22 more miles of property line to go, wonder how much paint he'll use?  :) 
 

I WAS ASKED TO POST THIS AGAIN--PLEASE VOTE!!

Tomorrow is the last day!!  Please, please vote!!

PLEASE CONTINUE TO VOTE EACH DAY. WE HAVE DROPPED TO #4 AND NEED YOUR VOTES TO PICK US BACK UP. YOU KNOW YOU WANT OUR KIDS TO GET THE GAMEROOM MAKEOVER!!

Gameroom Giveaway

Source: xbox.childrensmiraclenetwork.org

Microsoft has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network to provide three Children’s Miracle Network pediatric hospitals an Ultimate Gameroom experience - YOU could win an Xbox 360 as well!

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!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!!

 

 October 1, 2009 is the beginning of a brand new year for my sweet husband.  I won't tell you how old he turned today but he and Herring Gas were born the same day and that was in 1946.  He spent the morning at the store and the afternoon on a tractor fluffing hay for Ryan. Tonight we attended the first night of a Bible study.  That's how birthdays go when you get this age.  It's been a good day. He heard from all the children.  We look forward to many more.  Happy Birthday, Papa!
 

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!!

SOMEBODY'S "DOGGIE" MAY BE IN TROUBLE!!

Linda called me from the bedroom this morning to come and see what had happened. This is what I found!  

Sadie had torn up all of Ed's toilet paper in his basket and drug the hand towel to the bedroom.  I guess we weren't paying enough attention to her. She's not taking to the potty training very quickly but this is ridiculous--she doesn't even use toilet paper!!  Neither will we if she keeps tearing it up!!

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.  

LUCKY NEEDS A HOME

Last Friday Megan and I took Libby to Natchez. We dropped her off for an appointment and ran some errands. At a red light we saw something moving about on the highway.  Of course I stopped and we both got out of the car and looked around--only to see nothing.  We went on to the store and looked under the car--still nothing.  We picked up our items and Libby called.  We picked her up, told her our story and went to lunch. [We were all starving!] We kept on talking about looking for the kitten we had seen dodging car tires and hoped it was ok.  We got in the car and backed out of the parking place. Yes, you guessed it--there was the little black and white kitten huddled against the sidewalk.  I ran into the restaurant and got a box and a pair of gloves. They gave me water and came outside with me after I "made a long story short".  I picked up the kitten and put him in Libby's car. From there I called the vet and she said, "bring it on".  She cleaned him up and guessed that he's about 10 weeks old. He's eating well and is litter box trained.  She wanted to name him "Budweiser" since I brought him home in a Bud box but I told her I thought his name should be Lucky since he had survived the highway and a trip across Natchez under a car.  Here he is: 

Today Ben went to the allergy doctor.  He is allergic to cats, dogs and horses plus everything else that grows or flies through the air.  The carpet has to come up in their house.  None of us want to get rid of him but Ben's health comes first.  They won't be getting rid of their horses and their dogs stay outside. But absolutely NO cats!  Somebody please take pity on us and take this sweet baby.  He's too precious for some sweet family not to have him.  Email me [bherring@ftcweb.net] or call me [601-384-7192] or comment on the blog.

PHOTO SHOOT [sort of]

                              

                             

 

Leigha got her hair cut a week or so ago.  Libby didn't have her camera and I jumped in the car and took off to the beauty shop to catch some photos.  We ended up at the drug store and had an impromptu photo shoot.  She is eight years old and this was her very first "real" hair cut.  After the photos we went and got snow cones.  It was a fun afternoon for three "girls"!

ALWAYS A GROUPIE

All this week there has been a big red bus parked outside at the condo.  We've been curious but not enough to ask--until there just happen to be an opportunity--and we took it.  Turns out that the bus belongs to The Simmons Brothers Band from Nashville.  Can't say that it meant anything to me but maybe you know "Party Like a Rock Star".  They were here in Orange Beach making a video and did a few "gigs" at several places around town.  Here is a picture I lifted off their website. 

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS. . .

I woke up a little late this morning and heard my phone beep.  It was Jennifer with this "tweet":@nananotes: Go to the Orange Beach Welcome Center and say "GS/OB makes me flip" and win a flip video camera. I read it to Libby and we laughed.  I said, 'what the heck, let's go' and we did. Before that I twittered Jennifer and asked, "Will I be entered in a drawing or win it right then?"  I got a twitter back that said: "The first (non-res) to reach the location and say the right phrase will win a Flip Video camera.  Just show them your drivers license to prove you are a non-resident.  They don't have a winner yet." Then: @Nananotes: THEY DON'T HAVE A WINNER YET!  HURRY!  The first twitter was at 9:07 am and at 10:13 am I was the proud winner of a gorgeous little flip video camera!   

This was me looking up on the phone what I was supposed to say when I got to the Welcome Center.  The people there were very nice. 

I got a bag of goodies (shirt, hat, and pen) and was interviewed for the newspaper and also had my picture taken.  If I had known that I would have put on some make up.  What a nice way to wake up on a beautiful day at the beach.  Thanks, @AlabamaBeaches for a great morning! You now have a new follower!!

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!!

SADIE UPDATE

Ms Sadie will have been here two weeks on Wednesday and she is fitting right in with our family.  She is definitely Dooley's sister.  It's amazing how much alike they are.  Ed and I both need protective gloves because her teeth are so sharp and we'd forgotten how much they love to play and bite your hands. We'll be glad when those baby teeth come out and the "big dog" teeth come in.  They won't be so sharp. She would make an awesome glucose monitor!  I'm having trouble adapting to the fact that she's a girl. We haven't had a girl dog in a long time.  We look forward to having her grow and be with us for a long time.  In the meantime---we're working on the potty training thing!!  And how could I get mad at something that looks that sweet!!???

PLANTED IN FRONT OF TYSON'S!

Early in the spring I stopped by Tyson's Hardware to check out their first load of plants.  There was this funny looking plant sprouting out of their flower bed between the sidewalk and the street.  I asked someone what it was and they said it was something that didn't sell last year and they had stuck it in the bed.  I mentioned that it looked like a thistle and he gave me some long botanical name.  I just said "hmmm" and smiled. The leaves were pretty and I made note to watch it as it grew.  Today I rode by there and noticed it was blooming.  Of course I didn't have my camera with me but I had my phone.

Here it is.  The common name is Milk Thistle. Ed said we had them everywhere on the farm and you see them everywhere on the highway. I have to admit--it does look pretty growing in front of Tyson's Hardware.

PROUD OF MY BOY!

Jennifer and Shelly's #1 son graduated last night--an honor graduate who's made us all proud.  He's been my heart since the day he was born and will continue to be so until I am no longer here.  I'll leave the details for Jennifer to blog but here are a few of my candid shots.  Jeanne and Jennifer have much better ones I'm sure.  They had the "big" cameras out.

As he was coming in to the Processional.

I never tire of seeing the flag flying and hearing the National Anthem.

It's official--diploma in hand!!

 

When I left them Ryan and Haleigh they were very happy and deciding where they were going. I pray for all of them a safe and happy life.

God bless and I love you.

Nana

TIME HAS MOVED WAY TOO FAST

It seems like only yesterday that Ryan was born.  There are so many memories. I wish we'd written all those things down--like Jennifer and me riding him around at three in the morning to get him to sleep and our cell phone ringing--it was just some kind of phone check.  Kindergarten programs, first bike rides, singing for the Cotton Branch cow sale when he was about five--and I could go on and on.  We had a party for him and Haleigh last Sunday with mostly family. With our two families that ended up with quite a few people. And it was FUN!!  Haleigh graduates on Thursday of this week--Ryan on Friday.  And then they are off to new adventures.

Tim said he wouldn't be wearing an apron but I did get him to pose with it. He and Papa cooked our burgers.  They were delicious.  Handsome cooks, don't you think?? 

Haleigh and Ryan are really sweet about having their pictures taken.  Both of them have mother's who are photographers. They are used to "posing"!  Now, you know they are cute!

All four grandmothers were at the party. I'm glad Dona wanted to get this picture.  It's special.

Part of the crowd before the blessing--they were ready for the burgers.   

The pool was a popular place for all the children.  Ella loved it. Come back soon, Ella!

 

 

 

Footnote:  On Awards Night Ryan received Honor Cords, his Four Year Beta stole (in three years), an ACT scholarship, the Billy McGehee Scholarship, a Franklin Education Corporation scholarship and a Herring Gas Company scholarship.  Haleigh had her Awards program on Friday and I know she received a Herring Gas Company scholarship. She didn't tell me anything else.  They both had bacculaurete at their churches and schools today.  Graduation for Haleigh is Thursday and Ryan's is Friday.  Congratulations to you both.

EARLY ARRIVALS AND BOARD DINNER AT COTTON BRANCH

For years I've been wondering what my spiritual gift was.  Others have always said it was "hospitality".  I'm beginning to believe it.  Ed and I both are always opening our home to others--we love to share what we have been blessed with.  A year ago I didn't realize that the Pine Burr Garden Club Flower Show and the Garden Clubs of MS State Convention would be the same week and I volunteered to have the Early Arrivals and Board Dinner at our home. We'd done it once before and had a wonderful time. No problem!!  Well---nine years ago I was younger and could maybe move faster! :) AND--stress wasn't in my vocabulary even though I've always overloaded my schedule.  BUT--with the help of Pine Burr members and Linda and Janice and don't forget Ed!!--we pulled it off!  The dinner was beautiful, delicious and wonderful in every way.  Eighty seven people were absolutely delighted with our "Dinner at Cotton Branch Plantation".  Here are a few pics to show you.

These ladies were from New Albany. Doesn't the table look pretty? 

This group is from Brandon and my friend Karen is peeking out from the back right. 

Ed loved this group of ladies-three sisters and their Mom.  They are all sweet and special ladies.

 

Here she is--our new State President as of tonight--Gay Austin and her husband Will with Ed and me.  A group of us started out years ago going to judges' schools and traveling together.  We've been friends a long time and I wish Gay well.  Ed and I were delighted to have the opening even of Gay's special week at our home.

Tomorrow--the terrific Design Luncheon!!