NANA NOTES

For the last few days we've been driving in the mountains sightseeing and enjoying the wonderful colors of the leaves.  All of a sudden we've gone from short sleeves and flip flops to sweaters, coats and uggs!! Rain and cold weather moved in fast. We wished for a fire place and some wood!  Of course that was the day we chose to shop.  We drove to a lovely little shopping area in Pigeon Forge.  The most interesting shop for me was one with a 30 year old embroidery machine that a man used to do monograms by hand.  It was amazing to stand there and watch him form the letters freehand since I just program my machine and it creates the letters for me.  It doesn't take much to entertain me I guess. In this picture he was monogramming "Nana" on my watermelon colored sweatshirt. I love it!  We came back to the Apple Barn and had a late lunch and went to find apples.  We met a very sweet man on the side of the road who was selling apples out of the back of his truck. He said they were picked that morning. The apples are delicious and we bought a lot!! He grew the apples in his orchard. They still had leaves on them.  Don't these just look delicious??? I'm thinking fried apple pies!!  This was made the morning before we left for home.  We made one more round of shopping to see if we needed anything else to fill the car! Notice that I did not mention how many times we stopped for fudge or show pictures of dessert.  In the whole time we were gone we only had dessert twice--because we had fudge everyday!!  Ask us if we like the pumpkin!! Three crazy ladies turned loose in the Smokies; we had a wonderful, memorable, terrific time together. I am so blessed to have sweet friends.

2011 GATLINBURG TRIP CONTINUED

 

We left off at Cades Cove and I don't think we went to be any night before midnight.  I had to watch an episode of "Chopped" in order to get to sleep!! :)  The following day we drove up to Clingmans Dome. The colors were just as beautiful or maybe more so.  I haven't enhanced these photos either!!

The mountains were beautiful but I loved driving through the roads looking at the trees and streams.  We still had short sleeve weather on this day. The rain was supposed to come in the next day. I saw evidence of bears but because of some people's sensitivity I will refrain from putting that picture up!! :) Yes, I took a picture!  During one of our outings we were "sort of" lost in the mountains. We rounded a curve and at least 20 turkeys were feeding on the side of the road.  I started screaming, "stop, stop, I've got to take a picture." People were honking for us to move so we did, but I got one on my phone so I could send it to Ed and a couple with my camera.  You know how I love my turkeys!! 





Every time we drove through Pigeon Forge I kept telling Ed I saw the Titanic. He'd say, "Barbara, the Titanic can't be there, it sank." (That's a joke with us--when the movie came out--long story.) Finally, I got pictures.

Tomorrow--rain and cold weather moves in. To be continued---

JOLLY JINGLES JOURNEY

 

On Saturday a group of friends wandered down to Gonzales, LA to a shopping market called Jolly Jingles.  It was a very small version of Handworks or Mistletoe and we had a fun time. After shopping we had lunch and made a stop at our next best friend--Hobby Lobby.  It was a nice change of pace to spend time with the girlfriends.  We missed having Libby with us. Maybe next time. Lunch at Mike Andersons was delicious!! Was that a huge crawfish or what???  Always keep your girlfriends close!!  They can lift you up when no one else can! I thank God for my "sister girls"!

A VERY NICE DAY!!

Melody invited me to attend a meeting of the Garden Club of Jackson to see Sharon McGukin of Carrollton,GA.  She was doing a design program based on her book Flowers of the Heart (a bride's guide to choosing flowers for her wedding). Since we're having a wedding this summer and I love flower design I was delighted to be invited.  I saw several garden club friends and others that I knew.  We enjoyed a delightful lunch and then went to Fresh Market for a few purchases. Here are some pictures of the program.

 

 Lovely yellow lilies, orange roses and pussy willow in a silver container.

 

 

 

  

Roses and orchids with fern.

 

 This arrangement was done on the OUTSIDE of the container. Just a few pieces of greenery were inside.  Very interesting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The yellow roses, purple iris, English dogwood and phlox are in a simple container and were picked from the "yard"--very simple and beautiful. 

This is the finished product with the orange roses and pussy willow. She used bells of Ireland, pink stock and white orchids.  The pussy willow formed a cage of sorts in the middle.

 

 









Limbs with yellow lilies, roses and ealyagnus--simple yet pretty.

























White lilies, orange gerbers, flowered branches in the coolest container.  A little "messy" for me but I love the container!

                                                                                                      

This is the finished design using the pussy willow and orange roses. She added yellow lilies and protea. 

The flower show judge came out in me because I thought some of her designs were too large for her containers--but I had to remember that I was there as an observer and it was for entertainment and for home use!!

The program was delightful and I thank Melody for inviting me.  You can never get too much of God's beauty!!

 





 

TOAD HOUSE GRAND OPENING/OPEN HOUSE

April 1 is not just April Fools Day! It's the Grand Opening of the Toad House! There have really been some changes going on around there lately. I went in today and lots of new booths have opened and the place is looking good!  We're fortunate to have a "neat" place like the Toad House to share our hobbies and our "stuff"!  As you come in the door Belle's Bliss greets you with this beautiful display.  Sweet Chondabelle can do everything!!  She bakes cakes and does this beautiful work!! The list is way longer and we love her.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The burp pads are two of the new ones I've added to my booth. I love the "little birdie"! 
Every girl needs a Towel Wrap!  This cute one has a smiley face sun appliqued on it with ribbons.  They can be appliqued with initials or monogrammed. The pink one has a daisy with ribbons. I've used so many ribbons I need to visit the Ribbon Jar.

What's the old saying, "be there or be square". I'm just saying~~be there or miss Nana's homemade million dollar chocolate chip cookies!!

And Rhonda doesn't pay me a thing for all this free advertising!! :)

 

 

CROP CONNECTION JULY 2010

The first ever Summer Crop Connection was held this weekend. Four of us from here and two from Hattiesburg got to attend.  There was lots of talking, scrapping, shopping, laughing, a little eating--very little sleeping, talking and did I say shopping!!  We had a wonderful time. The three ladies that put on the event are masters of hospitality and graciousness!  Here are a few pictures.

Pat giving Vana some tips on her pages.  We entered them in the double page layout contest.

Robbie and Tammy shopping the "sale" table.  Robbie has Franklin County connections.

My friends Lenore and  Gina from Foley, AL. Gina has an awesome scrapbook store called GiGi's.

My scrapbook hero, Anna Bess.

The three lovely ladies who organize this event: Andrea, mom Nadene and Deanna.

Our scrapping group: Susan, me, Vana, Debbie, Pat, and Tammy.  We missed Libby, Sharon and Beth.  AND we're looking forward to a September event in Mandeville with a new scrapper!!  Be getting ready girls!!

 
 
 
 
 

OH, HAPPY DAY!

A huge 18 wheeler pulled into our driveway today and dropped off seven (7) big pallets of white shrink wrapped "stuff"!!  I've been waiting on it for two months.  Looks pretty strange doesn't it?

 

 
I knew what it looked like, but Ed and Ryan were anxious to get a peek. "Let's just open one, Nana." And you know where that led! We spent the next hour or so opening and unloading all the wonderful new, colorful POOL AND PATIO FURNITURE!! 

 
Those chairs go in the circle by the baby pool. They are really comfortable.

The tables are all aqua and the chairs are pink, lavender, blue and aqua. The guys decided we should have one chair of each color at each table. Ok by me. They are cafe height meaning they are a little higher than a regular table but lower than bar height.

 

The new umbrellas are a combination of all the colors and look really good with the tables and chairs.  We've waited a long time to get the new furniture. I could never find exactly what I wanted but when I saw this, it felt "right". The cushions for the top of the deck will be the same fabric as the umbrellas.  It's going to be a fun summer.

And this furniture is so heavy--it won't be blowing into the pasture like the old furniture!! 

PATIO FURNITURE

 

  This is awesome furniture.  I went to purchase a grill today and found this cool and very colorful adirondack furniture.  You know that I love funky and fun and this definitely fits the bill for that.  The colors I've picked out are pink lemonade, lilac, seafoam and lemon. What else could you want to go with a pink house?  The umbrellas will be green and blue. I think it's going to be fun.  Let's see what Ed will think about it!!
 

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!!

SCRAPFEST WEEKEND

A huge room filled with 200 scrapbookers-each one with tons of "stuff"-you have NEVER seen the amount of scrapbooking accessories and equipment some of these women had!  I hate to think of the amount of money in that room just in supplies!  It was way over the top!!  Talk about collectors and addiction--this was a convention of addicts! And I thought I had a lot!!  There were 11 at our table and we had arranged to sit together-all friends or friends of friends---now all friends! :)

Two were missing from this picture but this is the majority of our group. The girls in blue are from Petal [Hattiesburg area] that met Pat and Melanie in Natchez. They have all scrapped in Jackson together. 

We finally rounded up Treasure for a picture. Don't ya just love our "Scrapping Sisters" shirts??  We had lots of comments about them-especially the fact that we had scripture on the back. Everyone liked them.  AND, we were easy to see! 

The first day I entered a challenge--not something I usually do. They gave the first 25 women who came up a package of "stuff" [awful stuff] and they had to make something with it.  It had to be turned in by a certain time and all of a sudden I realized I had about 30 minutes to get it done because we were taking two classes back to back and wouldn't be finished until 6:00.  I hurriedly took pictures of a lot of "stuff" and did this page. "It's all about the stuff"--I came in second.  My friend Treasure beat me. I told her a naked baby will do it every time.  Her layout was beautiful and she altered everything.  That always does it too. I'm learning everytime I go.

I probably should tell you that it rained all day Thursday and over ten [10] inches on Friday.  Saturday was an absolute bluebird day but cooler. I also should tell you that that building was the coldest building I have ever been in and I carried in a blanket and wore three shirts.  I also probably should tell you that going off with these two women (Pat and Sharon--we missed you Libby!) is one of the most fun things I can do. There is never a dull moment.  We truly are sisters-scrapping or not!

HGC Christmas Tree

My good fortune--shopping for the HGC Christmas tree and ornaments!!  We're having an Open House on Thursday, December 11 and the tree we had been using got lost in the move to the new building.  Spending OPM [other people's money] is always fun for me and this was no exception!!  Two of my good friends and I went shopping and we had a blast looking for the tree and spreading out boxes of ornaments all over the floor matching coordinating colors.  The girls at the office put up the tree and decorated it.  This picture may not do it justice but it's done in brown and gold with cream.  Not exactly my Christmas colors but wonderful for the office.  Come by to see us between 3:00 and 5:00 PM on Thursday.

MISTLETOE AND E WOMEN-My Last Hurrah [at least for 6 weeks!]

November 7 was "Mistletoe Day". Libby didn't get to go so Pat and I went and hurriedly walked the isles.  She ran across so many people that she knew that we didn't get much shopping done but we sure had fun! [And I was the one who grew up in Jackson and lived there most of my life.] Libby would be proud of us because we only bought candy!!  I did manage to pick up one Christmas gift and a couple of stocking stuffers.  I really would have loved to go back today but the Friday night session of the EWomen Conference was so good and we knew that today would be even better.  We were right!! 

We met up with Carolyn, Sharon and Dana [back row] and a few more from our wonderful community.  It's great to sing and laugh and cry with friends.

  Pat was sweet enough to take my picture with Chonda Pierce.  This woman can make you laugh and cry at the same time.  Thanks, Pat.

The Children of Hope are always a delight. They are children from Africa.  You have a chance to sponsor children whose parents have given them up or cannot raise them usually due to HIV. Their dancing and singing always bring a smile to your face.

 I especially liked Avalon this year. Their music wasn't as loud and was more to my liking.  They did new versions of old, contemporary hymns. I loved the version of "I'll Fly Away".

Karen Kingsbury did a wonderful job. I don't think I have read any of her books but she has a book out that I definitely plan to buy. [They ran out before I could get one today.] I think Barbie will change from Dr. Suess to this one for the Seniors on Graduation Sunday!

 

Angela Thomas is just about my favorite.  This girl gets right to your heart with laughs and tears.  She said we're all "little Jesus girls"!  I love that.

 

I got to walk down the hall with Thelma Wells. We were coming from the "product room" to the sanctuary and I happen to see her.  I spoke to her and we started talking.  When we started down the steps, she took my hand.  A couple of years ago she had cancer and was very sick.  She's doing fine now.  Her story is incredible.  And-we learned today that she has a beautiful singing voice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did not know Mark Schultz. His plane was late so he was the last on the program. He did about 20 minutes worth of music and flew out again.  His music is very good. Pat and I decided that he should find Anna Grace in Nashville and they should work together.  Stranger things have happened!  The next E Women's Conference in Jackson will be in 2010--but we know the way to Baton Rouge or Birmingham for 2009!  Don't we Libby?

MUMC ANNUAL BAZAAR

After months of work the MUMC Annual Bazaar is history.  The announcement in church this morning deemed the bazaar a big success.  Over $4000.00 was raised for the Building Fund.  Lots of people participated; lots of people shopped and LOTS of sausage and biscuits and hamburgers were sold.  Below are a few random shots. The ever popular "Jelly and Pickle" table. 

The "Bakery" table with delicious cakes and pies!

Ohhh, the Homemade Bread!!! Janet and Pat really know how to bake the bread!

 

 

 

Doc's Cross Stitch is always in demand.

We have the "Craft"iest folks in town!

 

 

 

 

The "Jolly Elders" always come through with great ideas! Their cards were awesome!

 

Bubba's handcrafted cradle was auctioned for a nice price.  It is a beautiful piece of workmanship.

 

David's woodworking is always beautiful.

 

 

 

We were all very excited to see our old friend Anna. She brought her homemade cinnamon rolls. She made our day very special and made the bazaar perfect with her visit.  Thanks, Anna!

JENNIFER WORKS HARD--SUPPORT THE CAUSE!!

Check this out:

http://cowartgang.blogs.com/cowart_gang/files/schedule_tshirt.pdf

 

ON LINE SHOPPING. . .

Online shopping is getting to be a habit with me.  With gas prices I find shipping very cheap. My latest adventure was bidding on

One of my grandchildren gave me a hint of something that I had no idea what it was.  I researched and discovered that it was sold out EVERYWHERE!!

One of my friends is a big "eBay"er.  I can't let her outdo me.  After several attempts at bidding---I finally won.  I figured that what I spent for the gift and the shipping was well worth what the gas would have cost me going everywhere to look for something that was NOT to be found anyway!

I am one happy grandmother and we will have a very happy grandchild on Christmas.  Now if FedEx can just locate the PINK house!

COMPARISONS

Christmas Jubilee in Mobile was a bust.  It was a huge building with stuff that wasn't very good.  People were not friendly--no one spoke--if you wanted to buy their stuff, fine--if not, move on.  The only person who was nice was from Mississippi and we bought some gifts there.  The decorations were beautiful.  Huge fresh flower arrangements and things I can't describe.  Too bad they didn't want customers.

Mistletoe Marketplace in Jackson was the complete opposite.  It was almost like they had too many vendors.  I actually heard someone say that.  They had TONS of stuff--lots of repeats--and I did buy a little bit--I have a few regular places that I frequent.  They changed up the decor and I don't actually remember what it looked like.  It must have not been outstanding.  The crowd was too much for me.  We did it in record time.  You couldn't get in most booths so we just did a run through.

Handworks is in a couple of weeks.  I think that will be the place to go for unusual gifts.  And don't forget Chimneyville.  They always have neat stuff.

WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT. . .

Another good nights sleep and wonderful beach breakfast.  We decided to get up and get out today.  The weather was beautiful and I needed to walk.  Shopping seemed to be the best solution.  We went to the local (wonderful) scrapbook store and then on the mall.  They have enlarged it and we walked the WHOLE thing.  We weren't looking for anything special--walking was the issue here--but as luck would have it we both found CHRISTMAS gifts!  I was soooo excited.  I got some of my hardest ones finished.  That made me happy. I haven't heard from Papa--he must not have cell service.  I hope he and Jody are having a good time.  It has turned cold here at the beach; they are expecting a freeze tonight.  I only hope it's that way at home.  Tomorrow is "go home" day.  We'll probably leave early enough to shop a little on the way. Mobile is having their version of Mistletoe Marketplace.  I think I hear them calling our names.

LAZY ? SATURDAY

Today I slept a little later than normal and watched a couple of my Tivo'ed shows.  The guys came in and we had our normal Saturday pancakes and then it was off to Snap n Scrap to pick up my auction items that hopefully I had gotten. The proceeds were going to the Pregnancy Crisis Center in McComb. Of course I felt obligated to do my part! :)

When I came home Ed had the tractor all ready for me to clip the Cotton Branch "bottom".  I love tractor drivin' and I got in some good cutting today. Some of the stuff was taller than the tractor but Ed assured me that there were no holes or ditches.  Just as I finished it started raining and Ryan came in and said we got 2.2 inches of rain.  Of course we did--he had hay on the ground.  Ed and I both were too lazy to get cleaned up to go eat our favorite Mexican food so we settled for what was in the fridge.  I think we ate our LAST fresh tomatoes and we're a little sad about that.  Maybe I can plant some more before cool weather comes. 

Rest, Fun, Family, Peace, more blessings from the Lord.

Tomorrow is Cookie's birthday.  I won't say how old she will be--forever young! Happy Birthday Cookie!

TEENAGER IN THE HOUSE. . .

Our niece Abby is visiting for a few days. We've been trying to get her down here all summer.  I picked her up in McComb this afternoon.  I'll probably be getting in some pool time with her and we might do some shopping.  I have a friend in Brookhaven who has a daughter Abby's age and I plan to invite her over.  She's "crafty" and we plan to do some "crafty" things.  I went to the grocery store this afternoon so I stocked up on teenage food and the first thing she asked for was Aunt Barbara's rice and gravy.  Maybe a movie will be included in the week.  It's been a long time since we had a teenager in the house--it should be a good week.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH. . .

the tough go shopping! After waking up to thunderstorms for the third straight day, we decided to get out for a while. We hit Tootie Green's and GiGi's and then found a Yellow Box store.  We couldn't miss the photo opportunity to show off our flip flops.  Then it was off to Sunplace Else for a very late lunch or very early dinner and back to the condo for ice cream and movies.  Tomorrow is go home day and we will shop our way home.

Ed has called three times from Argentina on Charlie's Blackberry!!  Now I wish I had gotten one.  They are having a ball.  I hope someone is taking pictures.