NANA NOTES

Beautiful Surprise

So much for the "Let's not get anything this year!"  I came home from town this morning to find a beautiful bouquet on the counter.  I should have known.  Surprises are the greatest and so is the man who sent it!!  What a great way to start the 39th year!!  Thanks, Papa!!

How Many Years. . .

"I take you Ed to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, forsaking all others, so long as we both shall live."  Thirty-eight years ago tomorrow I spoke these words.  I was giddy in love and probably didn't know what I was getting into.  It was an adventure.  This man said he loved me, would protect me and we would be happy together.  There have been good times, bad times, happy times and sad times.  We've weathered sickness and some things I'd rather not think about.  We have three fantastic children and nine terrific grandchildren and our lives are at their best.  I now know that love is the greatest of all.  We love each other, to  have and to hold, to cherish in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, forsaking all others so long as we both shall live.  Happy Anniversary Papa!!

Thanks for the Gift. . .

During the Reunion weekend someone left a magazine at the house.  When I went to bed on Sunday night I carried it with me to read before going to sleep.  The following was on a page.  I considered it a gift.  I'm sharing it with you.

                               Seven Days of Inspiration

1. Positive thinking is a gift you can give yourself and others.
2. The only part of you that might need a makeover is your self image.
3. Hope follows us wherever we go.
4. 95% of what we worry about never happens. And you can handle the other 5%.
5. Your thoughtfulness doesn't go unnoticed.
6. Failure is just something you pass on the way to success.
7. Stop procrastinating.  Do something nice for yourself.

Take one a day. . .and feel great all week!

Oh, What A Reunion- - -

The cars began arriving on Friday afternoon--cars filled with Southward relatives.  Bags packed with swim suits and church clothes--cameras and fishing poles.  Let the fun begin.  All of mom's living brothers were here. What a joy to be able to have everyone here at the same time and enjoy each other.  Saturday started out with the Great Bude Run.  (For the Southward Team it was the Great Bude One Mile Walk--I'm proud to say that I still hold the trophy--3rd place in my age group. ) Veda won a watch.  The others slept in.  Maybe we can get more to participate next year.  It's always fun--we feel like we can eat more because we exercised!!    After the race we headed home for Ed's great hamburgers.  That's always a treat.  Soon after lunch, Robert, Exal and Tommy started with the barbecue chickens. The crowd dispersed with fishing, swimming, shopping and eating some more.  Cass came out and took a family picture.  Shara took charge and got this whole family into "photographable shape" very quickly.  Ed came flying in like Lance Armstrong just in the nick of time.

(I'm doing a quick count and I think we're only missing about 16.)  That's not bad, huh?  I'm very proud of my beautiful family.  These are some of the sweetest people on earth.  I love them dearly.  And I love the man on the bike.  He has let me do this every year for the last nine years.

And this is my Mom--Gran to our children and Gee to our grandchildren, Aunt Sissie to her nieces and nephews and Sis to her brothers and sister in law.

It's for you Mom.  I love you.

Garden Girls Go Again. . .

Susie asked me three times yesterday, "Didn't you really enjoy that program?"  I have to admit that I really DID enjoy the Holmes County Arts Council Garden Program given by Felder Rushing, Dr. Dirt, Ralph Null and Phillip Watson in Lexington on Tuesday.  We left early (6:00 am) and didn't get home until 7:00 pm but we had a great time.  Dr. Dirt was a hoot and he had done an arrangement from "weeds" he picked from the roadside.  We all know that they were wildflowers!  The slides that Felder showed were good and he had good gardening tips--not necessarily those of a "trained" gardener--like he loves YARD ART and old tires and toilets and plants tomatoes in bags of potting soil in the back of his truck.  Cool stuff.  Phillip Watson is a Lexington native who has gone from New York model to landscape designer.  He commands huge prices because if "you dress like a yard boy and arrive like a yard boy you will be paid like a yard boy?"  And his designs are gorgeous.  They are mostly formal gardens but pretty just the same.  He now lives in Atlanta.  You could tell that Lexingtonians were proud of him.

Following a delicious lunch at the renovated Coco Cola plant Ralph Null, former floral design instructor at MS State, did his magic with "stuff" brought in from people's yards--gorgeous things blooming in Lexington and around the area.  Of course it didn't hurt that he had wonderful McCarty pottery and other beautiful pieces to work with.  Ralph is always entertaining. 

Cookie enjoyed the program too.  She's always willing to go to anything "yard" related :).  She loves working outside.

We had a good time just being together--I particularly enjoyed listening to the two of them talk about high school days when they were cheerleaders together.  Now that was a hoot!!

FOUNTAIN FROM HELL

(Lindey, can you say "hell" on the internet?)  For the last three days I've been painting our fountain.  I've tried to get it done by mentioning it politely to the landscape people, the painters, etc. but they never take the hint.  Sooooooo, I decided to jump in there and do it myself.  Knowing this is the "fountain from hell" and hearing the story would take far longer than I have time for--just trust me on this one.  For the ten years that we've lived here at the farm (almost 10) the fountain has been painted green, never level and almost always a problem of sorts.  I gave up on getting the people who installed it to REALLY fix it and our painters did the best job of stopping all leaks.  Anyway--------it needed a makeover.  I can do this!!  Well, today when I came home my dear sweet husband was filling our fountain with water.  The paint was dry, the plants were planted in new pots and it was ready for action.  Just in time for the family reunion this weekend.  It really doesn't look so bad, does it?

Critter Update. . .

I can't help but notice the birds when I come in from outside.  They are really growing.  Soon they will be leaving us--watch out water hose!!  I'm really not mean; I just want my porch clean. You get the idea--food in-food out!!  You can see they have their mouths open always waiting for food.  And here comes Mama, so patiently feeding one at a time. If we think we get tired, think about her.  At least we can fix dinner and have everyone fed at once.  Poor Mrs. Mud Wren has to make lots of trips every meal to feed her brood.  Thank God we don't have feathers!!

Ed's cat, Magic got into a brawl with Smoky again and his wound is opened.  I have poured the tea tree oil to it and will have to watch the cats with both eyes!  So much for the stitches.  We won't tell Josh unless he happens to read his mother's blog!!

On to the other critter--Shelly.  Ed and I went by a little while ago to check on him.  He's sitting in his recliner with his leg propped up on pillows with remote in hand.  He feels lucky that he isn't any worse than he is and we hope that he does what the doctor says.  I can't imagine those four boys without a strong healthy dad.

THE GOOD, BAD, AND THE UGLY. . .

Friday started out as a normal day--I had a meeting and Jennifer and Tiffany had to juggle eight end of the year programs for the grandchildren.  I could only make it to Emily and grab a picture so I relied on the girls to get photos of the other seven.  Isn't she beautiful and sooooo smart too!!    Her teacher had gone to the elementary for her child's program so Mrs. Carlock is with her in this picture.   This is the GOOD.

The rest of the day went as usual with everyone doing their thing.  Ed and I were eating our supper when the phone rang---"go get my kids, Shelly's broken his leg.  A horse fell on it."  Out the door we went to gather up Jennifer and Shelly's children.  Ryan went to the hospital with some friends and Jennifer called about midnight to say that Shelly was going to McComb and would have surgery this morning.  He broke the small bone in his leg right above the ankle (and now we hear that he may have shoulder problems as well).  This is the BAD.

This morning  we were eating breakfast and one of the children comes running in to say that there is a huge turtle in the swimming pool!  Exal said he saw it there but thought we had put it there so he left it!!!   Ben got the net out and went dipping for the turtle.  Ryan helped him and they succeeded.  He wasn't all that big but we didn't need him in the pool. Ryan turned him loose in the pasture so he could join his friends.  That is the UGLY.

We're just hoping Shelly does ok through his surgery and recovery because having four rowdy boys and a husband who is "down" will be tough on all of them.  Shelly is very "hands on" in the Cowart household and the boys love their daddy.

Fly Fishing at it's best. . .

Ed bought new fly fishing equipment when we were in Tennessee.  It was delivered yesterday and the boys couldn't wait to get it together.  We all went to the pond by the house to see if we could catch something and for the boys to learn how to use the fly rods.   For the most part Ben and Graham didn't have much trouble learning how to "fly" but those long poles and all that line wasn't as easy as it looked for Sam.  Graham was the only "fisherman" who caught a fish and I just ran around taking pictures and laughing. Sam kept loosing the handle to his reel and he had choice words to say to me about that.    I finally left them at the pond and walked home.  The water I was looking for was a good hot bath!

Vicki, double click on the picture of Sam.  You will love what you see!!

Another Redneck day. . .

Everyday I'm amazed at what happens around our house.  I was raised a city girl.  How could I have turned into this "barn goddess" so easily?  How many people do you know that walk out onto their decks and have peacocks strutting around!!   We sit at the table at lunch and there they are pecking on the window to get in.  They eat more cat food than the cats!!  What is this household coming to?!

Slow week. . .

After the last six weeks I feel like I'm in slow motion.  April is always very busy for me.  I call it Garden Club month.  With GCM state convention, flower shows to judge and participate in I am always moving.  Last week Sam and I planted six flats of bedding plants.  We're getting ready for the Southward reunion the last of May.  This week I am helping Susie and Anna Grace work on a project--doing something I enjoy.  I want to go to the kid's ballgames and I have a school program or two to go to. Ed is riding his bike regularly trying to get ready for the mountain ride in June. We have gotten in a little fishing but that's another post.  Life is good.

Our menagerie is growing. . .

When      we came home from church today I noticed a nest full of what I call "mud wrens".  I think they are really barn swallows but anyway!  Their only redeeming factor is that the mothers are wonderful with their young and YaYa (my housekeeper) won't let me wash away their nests.  Their worst not so redeeming factor is that they poop A LOT and it gets on my porches and my deck.  Anyway, back to the nest full.  The eggs had hatched and I saw five (5) little beaks sticking up waiting to be fed.  Mother wren was faithfully flying back and forth with food in her mouth feeding each one. They were confident that she would return with their food and they would have their turn.  Kind of reminds me of how God takes care of us and keeps on watching over us and how we just expect Him to be there. Today has been a good day.  At times it was emotional but overall good.  I have talked to all three of my children, told them I loved them and they know where I am when they  get hungry.

Mother's Day Blues- - -

This weekend is a little bittersweet for me.  Josh has been home for a week now and I took him to the airport today to return to Fort Lewis, Washington.  I'm not good with airports but I did ok.  It wasn't a sad goodbye just a "I'll be back soon, Mom, I love you."  He's been away for several months and took a week for sun and fun before coming home.  He enjoyed hanging out at home eating and sleeping and playing with his nephews and nieces.  They had some quality "Uncle Josh" time.

Jennifer and Shelly will be with Shelly's mom tomorrow.  That is a good thing.  They should be.  Jody and Tiffany will be with Tiffany's mom.  That is a good thing.  They should be.

For my Mother's Day I received a gift certificate to Aqua Day Spa and a Sunday that I will not be cooking.  You don't get it much better than that.  I intend to have a BLT fixed by the best bacon cooker in the world and an afternoon in bed with the newspaper.  Happy Mother's Day to you all!

   

Another day in the life of- - -

Kelly I'm not trying to "one up" you.  This is just how it is in the life of the Herring's!!  Ed brought home a street cat back in October.  He quickly became the major house cat which we've NEVER had.  Josh's two cats had lived here for three years and thought they owned the place.  Bandit never gave Magic a second look but Smoky on the other hand hated his guts!  He never misses a chance to get a lick in and I don't mean with his tongue.  You have never heard such growling and hissing as these two do at each other.  When Josh came home this past weekend suddenly it got worse.  I don't know if Smoky was trying to prove that he really did own the place or if he just wanted Josh to know that he was taking care of things.  Monday Smoky attacked Magic and opened up a hole on Magic's hip.  We checked it out and knowing that cats can take care of themselves figured that he could do that and be ok.  Tuesday went fine.  On Wednesday all *%$# broke loose.  They were both in the house at the same time and got upstairs.  Linda heard them and hollered at me "they're fighting!".  I went running upstairs and tried to shoo them down.  They went but went to our bedroom and started up again.  I finally got Magic outside and Smoky stayed in (the "it's my house" thing again).  Josh came home, found Magic bleeding and it was off to the vet.  Magic now has SEVEN stitches, a shaved butt, and a cervical collar to keep him from ripping the stitches out, an antibiotic and itch medicine!!!!!  How pitiful is that!?!   When we brought him home (at 10:30 pm last night) he was snookered!  I've never seen a drunk cat but that's what Melanie said (from the meds).  If it hadn't been so funny it would have been sad.  He's doing fine today--not happy that he has to stay inside or wear the designer clothing but he'll make it.  Next time I think I'll let him take care of himself!!

I truly love spring- - -

Carol Hall (Jennifer's sister-in-law) put some pictures on her blog of her azaleas when they were in full bloom.  They were beautiful.  I was inspired on Sunday to walk around in my yard and take pictures of the beautiful flowers that are in the flower beds.  I can never seem to get enough color--I just keep planting.  I guess I should be an English gardener; they have beds crammed full of gorgeous plants that bloom profusely.  The only thing is that they aren't necessarily neat with their "English gardens" and I like mine weed free!!  I don't always get them that way but I want them to be.  Having a pink house doesn't always make it easy for planting either.  The color of the flowers has to be considered.  We've learned to be very creative in our planting.  Containers are quite popular now everywhere and here is no exception.   These pots came from Ed's mothers house and they are out by the pool.  I think they look good out there.  The Louisiana Iris are near the drainage ditch and look very naturalized.  Purple is one of my favorite colors so of course I enjoy those.   One of my favorite views is out of my kitchen window.  It's there that I seen God's glorious sun sets each day.  It's there that I watch the birds feed on the great feeder that Robert Brown made for us.  It's there that the beauty of the Little Jim Magnolia shines for me in the sunlight. The Sweet Bay Magnolia is also a favorite.  It smells wonderful.  Oh, and Jennifer would be totally mad if I left out the gerbers!!  We do love those.  See how hard it is to stop.  We really are garden girls.

May Birthday Party

Sunday we had a reason to celebrate more than just birthdays.  Josh is home for a week and we celebrated his birthday and Jennifer's.  After church we had the usual Sunday dinner and homemade ice cream and pound cake (with two candles--the house would burn down if we put 62 candles on the cake--you do the math!)  After lunch we all went out and sat by the pool and watched the boys swim.  Jennifer had purchased a "boat" which Jody, Josh and Ryan put together.  The boys guessed a number to see who would ride first.  Sam WON!!  He was amazing.  He thought he was on a Seadoo.  It will be interesting to see how long it lasts.

I am truly having fun with this "blog thing".  Several people have told me they enjoy it.  I'm glad because I love doing it.  I love bragging about my family -- they are such "neat" people.

You're a Redneck if---

you have a coach pitch baseball team with your name on it, half the players are in your family and your in-laws coach the team!!  LOL  That's pretty much how it is with the Herring Gas Coach Pitch Baseball team.  And they're GOOD!!  (Not to mention cute, funny and loved by Nana and Papa!!)

Left to right-front row:  Shelby, Ben, and (fourth child) Sam--really the bat boy but thinks he's on the team!!

Left to right second row:  Third child--Graham who has recently gotten his "mojo" back!!

Back row in the middle:  Tiffany Herring--our Coach in law!!

Oh, and the picture was made by Jennifer--mother of the three Cowart kids.

Relay for Life Auction---

For reasons most of you know I support the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in a big way.  Franklin County has been holding a relay since 1997 when Jennifer wouldn't take no for an answer.  The 2006 Relay is next Friday night (May 12-13) and Bank of Franklin has their silent auction going on.  One of the items is an altered clipboard that I made.  I wanted you to see it.   Please support the Relay for Life.  Besides having fun, you'll be doing something good!!

We've been spoiled---

Oh, the places you go!!  I don't know if it's just been a long time since we've been any where really nice or if I just needed to get away but Ed and I just came back from somewhere that's next to heaven.         Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN is so fine!!  We were just plain spoiled.  The grounds were exquisite with beautiful buildings, wildflowers, horses, trout streams and don't forget the great Smoky Mountains in the background.  Sleeping on huge feather beds wasn't that bad either--with a lovely fire in the fireplace and breakfast delivered to your "cabin".   Melody and I spent the day at the spa while Ed and John went fly fishing.  I don't think I would be out of line to say that Ed may have found a new "hobby".  He did enjoy the beautiful water with the trout.  Rob Fightmaster was the guide and was recently written about in Southern Living.  They caught over 100 trout and everyone seemed to be talking about them.  Could it have been because they were good ole' Mississippi boys who knew how to fish?  Melody and I also walked many of the trails on the farm.  We took lots of pictures of wildflowers and I plan to scrapbook them.

There were lots of "heavy" hills and we climbed them like troopers.  Oh, and did I mention the food?  I can't even begin to tell you all about it.  Let's just say--we didn't go hungry!!  Desserts were to die for and the service--wow!!   We had the sweetest girl named Laura who was our server for the whole trip and we tried to bring her home.  She was a dream.  She always brought  me the dessert menu first so I could check out how much room I needed to "save".  I could go on and on about this trip and how much we enjoyed it.  I kept a journal and I will probably read it over and over to relive the trip.  It was a peaceful, beautiful place to renew your spirit--you could clean out the cobwebs and start fresh.

Yep, I'm spoiled--and Blackberry Farm suited me just fine.  Thanks, Papa!  I loved it.