NANA NOTES

"CHRISTMAS CHAOS AT THE NURSING HOME"

The MUMC Jolly Elders did their annual Christmas play tonight. "Christmas Chaos at the Nursing Home" was written by the Jolly Elders and portrayed what they thought they would be like many years from now.  The "Front Door Sitters" were Quent, Doc, Beverly and Madelene.  They were so friendly and it took me a few minutes to realize what they were doing. 

If you've visited the nursing home you know what I'm talking about.  Joddie did a great job of playing the Activities Director [who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent!].  
One of the activities was to decorate the tree.  The "residents" brought out Easter, Halloween, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day and Christmas decorations to put on the tree.  Madelene kept looking for "Leroy" who was going to marry her. Doc kept insisting he was a doctor and "had to make rounds".  Ed Y. was flipping light switches and wondering why the lights kept going on and off.  Margaret lost her false teeth and insisted on singing. Beverly insisted that everyone (including the audience) take pills to get their "yearly cleanout" that her mother always gave her and her siblings.  Nancy was the Administrator and gave a lovely talk. Joddie read a book about what God wants for Christmas.   
 
 

Madelene's flower holder was of particular interest!!  She was ready for her wedding!

Katherine Jones had been an "Inflatable Santa" last year.  She heard they were putting on a play and thought she was supposed to be Santa! [Joddie said, "Katherine, that was ten years ago!"]

Quent was building a bicycle and going to "ride to Alasker" to see Sarah Palin.  He tried to ride out the front door which is a no no!!

 

Joddie explaining to Margaret that she had to give Betty back her teeth!!

 

The top of the Jolly Elders Chaotic Tree!

The entire Jolly Elder group.  During Nancy's talk Ms Inez picked up Baby Jesus out of the basket.  Beverly walked over to her and put the baby back in the basket.  Seems like I saw Stephenie Sullivan do that once.  We're all destined for the same scene!!  I love it!  Merry CHRISTmas Jolly Elders; thanks for sharing your time and talents with us!!  And thank you Joddie for all that you do!

A FACE ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE!!!

Cotton Branch has a new family member!  We seem to be the home for everything that comes along and couldn't resist the challenge to raise this creature.  If you go any further in reading this blog, it comes with a warning--what you're about to see is something only a mother could love!! :) When we got him he was about half this size. If you think he's naked, think again.  He was less covered than he is now!!  His eyes weren't open and his mouth was bigger than his head.  He has outgrown his home and been put in a bigger box.  When we first heard about him, he lived in the styrofoam cup!  Are you getting curious yet???  We feed him every four hours with a special syringe that is inserted into his throat or "crop" with stuff that looks like "throw up"!!  Ed says after he's fed he looks like an old woman with droopy boobs.  Now you just have to be getting curious!!  :)   

 

Hopefully this is what he will look like soon.  
You've probably noticed I keep saying "He".  We are looking for a name. Do you have any ideas?  We need some help.  Send me your suggestions. The ones coming from folks around Cotton Branch aren't very acceptible!!

See Joann, I told you it would be a doozie!!  This one should really make your day!!  Thanks for encouraging me to keep telling the stories!

 

COTTON BRANCH IS A WINTER WONDERLAND---AGAIN!

"They" said it was coming but should we believe it?  We watched the weather all day long.  At dark, the call came.  "It's snowing outside!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The flakes were big as quarters and were falling fast!  It looks like we got about three inches on the deck.

What a beautiful gift this was!  I walked outside several times expecting to hear Christmas Carols being sung by the angels.

   Christmas came early and I'm sure the children will have a cold, wet, fun morning in the snow. 

Thank you Lord for this beautiful covering for our little world on Highway 98.

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.   

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!
 

 
 
 

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!!
 

CC's tutu

 
CC's birthday was a few weeks ago and I made her a "tutu" that I had seen on Martha Stewart.  Now I surely don't claim to be MS but I did print out the instructions off her site and for a first effort it turned out ok.  Ryan and Haleigh finally brought her by here and she wouldn't have any part of it. When she did put it on, she loved it.  Of course, it didn't really match her Halloween shirt and jeans but you get the idea.  Haleigh called me today and wanted one for a little friend of theirs.  I had enough material to make another one and I "did my own thing" with it.  I might have to remake CC's to look like the one I made today.  I think it turned out very well.  I'd show you but it's a gift and they aren't giving it to her until tomorrow.

VOTE FOR ZOE

Stephanien Sullivan sent out an email telling us about this.  We helped Batson's win a gameroom makeover--let's help Zoe get into the Cherrios box!!

The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School is one of 13 books competing in the Spoonful of Stories campaign, sponsored by General Mills and Simon & Schuster. The top 5 winning books will win a spot inside of Cheerios boxes everywhere! 

The illustrator of this book is our own Bentonville Dad—Ard Hoyt.

He has daughters in kindergarten and third grade at Central Park, one in seventh grade at Washington and one at Bentonville High.

Vote Daily until the end of October. 

This is all you have to do.....  

1 -- Go to: http://promo.simonandschuster.com/cheerios-poll/poll.php 

2 -- Click on "more books" (bottom right hand corner-twice) till you get to Zoe. It's the last book on a page by itself.  I tried to put a copy of the cover but couldn't.

3 -- Click on VOTE. I voted more than once.

4 -- Tell everyone you know.  

Please help Zoe win her special place inside a million Cheerios boxes!

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!

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!

PLEASE VOTE!!

Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children at the University of Mississippi Medical Center

Mississippi's only Children's Hospital is a seven-floor, 250-bed facility where more than 150,000 children come from all of the state's 82 counties for treatment. Children's Hospital houses the state's only Level I pediatric trauma center, intensive care unit, Level III newborn intensive care unit, children's cancer clinic, rehabilitation center, child psychiatry unit, dental clinic, child development center and surgical facility-a state-of-the-art unit with seven operating rooms.

The Children's Miracle Television Network is giving a Playroom Makeover to the Children's Hospital with the most votes.   http://xbox.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/    Please click on the link, register and vote--you can vote ten (10) times at once every day until it's over.  Please help get our children's hospital a make over.  We've all been touched by this hospital.  Please vote!!

 

NEW BIRTH AT CB

Yesterday I got a call from the barn for "help"!!  "There are rabbits everywhere".  I went running to the barn after I grabbed my camera and sure enough we now know that we have one mama rabbit and two daddy rabbits.  The mama rabbit had given birth to seven babies who were scattered all over the place.  We gathered them up and put them with the mama in the cat carrier.  I tried to feed them to get them started and put the fur that she had pulled in the carrier.  I kept putting them under her and I think she's accepted them.  The tiniest one died and I buried it in the flower bed.  It's hard not to  bottle feed them but she needs to accept responsibility for her children.  They seem to be doing ok.

I don't know that we have even named the rabbits because we didn't know what they were. Here is the mama rabbit.

You can't see all seven of them [now there are six] but they are there. I hope they make it cause they really are cute.  And I plan to share with Jeanne cause she's the one who gave them to me!!

 

 

 

Update on baby rabbits:  Jeanne, you're safe.  I'm sorry to report that all of the babies have gone to rabbit heaven.  I gave them a Catholic funeral after choir practice tonight.  The mama is doing fine and back with the two other rabbits.  You know what that means!  :)

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.

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"!

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.