NANA NOTES

WE ALL THOUGHT IT WOULD BE PAPA!

I was headed home from the drug store today and remembered that Jennifer had "carried the wrong kid" to school yesterday!  I knew that she would be there today with Sam.  My car automatically stopped.  The only camera I had was my cell phone and I was hoping to get a shot.  She called me and asked me what I was doing there (she had seen my car!). I told her and she had her camera.  Not only did she lend me her camera but also her child :) so I could get some pictures of his Registration Day.  I have been waiting for this day for so long so I could have some "Nana Time" to do things I wanted to do.  YaYa may have to watch the Naked Brothers Band and eat grits and eggs with me--at least until I get adjusted. Sam is the third Cowart kid for Ms Debbie.  She is excited to have him. Do you think the Cowboy theme is by accident!  The room was all decorated and there was a flag outside the door.  Sam and I looked at everything: he showed me his nap mat and the snack he brought for the class next week and we even found his name on the door.  Jennifer said in "the speech" to the parents, Ms Debbie said that she wanted no parents in the classroom for the first six weeks and that if the child was crying just hand him/her over and please leave. She promised everything would be ok.  She could handle it.  Please note that she did NOT say GRANDPARENTS!! :)  After all, he IS the baby.  I just hope his excitement lasts.  He's thrilled to be going to school with "his boys".

COUNTRY RIDIN'

YaYa talks about her family going "country ridin" and I guess Ed and I do that a lot.  This afternoon after lunch we rode around to check out some things on the farm. This is my usual view through the windshield.  Ed's front seat is soooo comfortable and I prop my feet up and just let the wind blow through my hair.  How do you like that "Deer Valley Spice"?

We went to check out the possum grapes.  We happen to find them on one of our rides and now we're keeping check on them.  I see lots of jelly in our future and I can't wait.  We love Possum Grape Jelly!

We found a "Chokeberry" tree. I broke off a piece and came to look it up.  The birds should love it because of all the berries.

There are lots of Maypops all over the farm.  Ed said he used to eat them when he was a child. He said they get yellow and soft and are sweet and gooey. I just think the blooms are pretty. If you look closely you can see a bumblebee feasting.

Good church service, birthday lunch with Cookie, and a Sunday ride. . .it doesn't get much better than that.  It may be boring for some but for us it's a perfect Sunday.

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!

TRUCK DRIVING; PRETTY PARTY & YOUTH GROUP

How many times have you answered your phone to hear someone say, "I'm not talking to you!" ?  My answer to that was, "then why did you call me?" :) It was Jennifer and she said that she did want to talk to me but she was in a bit of a pickle at the moment for me to look out my window.  This is what I saw. With Ryan's help (he's 15 and had his license for how long?) she hooked up the 24' trailer and loaded up the bleachers and carried them to their barn and unloaded them and drove to our house to show us she could drive the truck with the trailer. When did she have surgery? OMG!!  She can do anything she WANTS to do!

Abby and I had a "Pretty Party" today.  We both had a pedicure. Abby got a  beautiful French Tip and loved every minute of it.  She had never had a pedicure before.  While I was getting mine, she painted her fingernails a lovely color.  She felt so pretty!

Maybe this is why! :)  The Youth Group (a combination of several churches in the area) came for a swimming party and cookout!  They had a great time eating hamburgers, hot dogs, brownies and watermelon.  The pool may have a little less water in it with as many "cannonballs" as we watched.

Whenever we get to do something like this we always talk about how thankful we are to be able to have a home to share with others. God has blessed us with a wonderful family and a great place to have fun with our friends.  Thank you Lord, for your blessings.

FUN AND A MAKEOVER. . .

Abby mentioned wanting to get her hair cut and her Mom has been in the hospital and unable to carry her.  We went to the beauty shop on Tuesday morning and "Oh la la"!  Isn't her hair pretty?

When we got home Sam was here and wanted her to "play checkers"! You'll notice that Sam seems to be winning. He said that Abby just "didn't know how to play good".  Abby thought that was funny.

We've been to McComb almost everyday for something.  The youth group is coming out on Thursday night for swimming and eating.  Abby may go bowling tonight with some of the youth group.  I think she's having fun "in the country"!

THE BLUNT TRUTH!

This little raccoon has been eating all my cat food.  He was (and I repeat--was) nice and fat! I caught him Sunday morning in my trap and someone came and got him.  He won't be eating any more cat food.

Today when Ed came in we did our usual "ride around" the farm to check on the bees, check out the wild life and plots. Abby and Ryan rode with us.  We were laughing and talking and all of a sudden Abby said, "Ya'll must be country or something."  I asked her why.  She said, "well, you ride around talking about tractors and bees and look around in the woods. That's what country people do."  We laughed and Ed said, "yeah, then I guess we're country cause that's sure what we do."   We saw lots of birds and deer and wildflowers and you don't see that on city streets.  We're safe and God is  evident everywhere.  Thank God I'm a country girl!

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.

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.

SWEET SUN AT LAST!

Due to the fact that we all cleaned up a pint each of Haagen Dazs, Debra, Terri and I got up and walked for an hour this morning.  (They've been good girls and done it every day--but not me!)  The sun was beautiful; the sky was gorgeous and I decided we needed some beach time since we hadn't had any. We walked back to the condo, put our suits on, got Amanda up, packed up the beach "stuff" and took off.  We were there by 9:00 or a little after and left about 1:00.  It was Perfect!!  Amanda has the picture on her camera so I'll get it later.  We shopped our way home and arrived here about 11:00 pm.  It was totally a fun trip.  Now it's back to real life--Jennifer's surgery, getting the boys ready for school, hosting the DOT/Lake group for lunch and waiting for Ed to get home.  I can't wait to hear about his trip.

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.

DAY TWO--WHO LET THE RAIN OUT?

Well remember yesterday when I said there is no bad day at the beach.  There isn't but---we really wish the rain would stop. The rain came and then stopped and the rainbow came out. I almost didn't catch it.  We've watched movies until our seats are tired and then we brought out the crafts.  The busy bees are sorting beads to make crosses. We all made one and I think they are beautiful. Just what I need--more stuff to collect and use. Debra did mention the church bazaar was coming up soon.

We're holding out for tomorrow.  The map doesn't look that good but I still have Stampin' Up in the bag!  We're having a great time no matter what.

EVEN A BAD DAY. . .

at the beach isn't a bad one!  This is what it looked like today--our first day at beautiful sunshiney Orange Beach.  We listened to thunder and watched the rain fall.  During this time we watched (I've lost count!) lots of movies and I've almost finished an 8 x 8 scrapbook for a friend.  We had a delicious breakfast, lots of snacks and a terrific dinner of steaks, baked potatoes and salad.  The Haagen Dazs for dessert was to die for!  Tomorrow is another day and we're looking forward to going to the beach.  Positive thinking will get you everywhere!!

PAGE OF THE WEEK. . .

Snap and Scrap is having the best thing going on this summer.  It's called "Page of the Week" and we're loving it!  Libby, Sharon, Cookie and I are all addicted to "getting our page".  This picture was made a week or so ago when Sharon couldn't go--now that I mention it--she hasn't even been with us!  Anyway, we had a great time and are loving the pages.  We hope they keep them going even through the fall and winter. This is a page we worked on one time we went.  This is Maureen's of "sweet Maggie" but you get the concept anyway.  If you don't scrapbook or stamp--get busy!  Snap N Scrap (McComb) or Scrapbook Friendzy (Brookhaven) are my two favorite places.   Do you think that will get me brownie points?!

WHY?

Sometimes Ed and I watch the "Running of the Bulls" in Pamplona, Spain (when it is shown before the Tour de France) on the sports network.  I often wonder why people do that; it's dangerous but I understand that some people like dangerous things.  I was reading the headlines on the web (It's easier than reading the newspaper) and saw about the bull running pictures.  Why did I look at them?  Why would people put their lives in jeopardy for a little adrenalin rush? Then I got to thinking about it.  Living in New Orleans is a lot like the running of the bulls.  Consider Mardi Gras without the bulls--or is it? Bulls in people clothing.  Watch out!  It's a dangerous world.

Edit:  I had a reason for this post.  Things are turning out ok.  I still believe NO is a dangerous place.

ALL OR NOTHING--GUNG HO--OBSESSED!

If you've been reading my blog at all you know about Papa's new hobby--bee keeping.  The UPS people are making regular deliveries of "stuff" that have to do with bees.  I couldn't find him today and went to the barn.  He was in the office with LOTS of boxes having a ball. He needed a certain size nail so I suggested going to McComb to eat supper, getting the nails, picking up some books that had come in at the book store (and sneaking in a WalMart trip).  He was so "antsy" that he couldn't eat!  We ran our errands and came home so he could BUILD! This is the man who doesn't do tools!  I helped him and we built five "supers" (where the bees store the honey for your use) and 30 frames where the honey comb is made.  We have five more boxes to build and 20 more frames to build.  I love tools so I'm having fun helping.  I got a new nail gun (not one like construction guys use--a smaller one for projects like bird houses, etc.).  I can shoot some nails!   Don't his boxes look good?  He's going to paint them. I told him about the paint that Lowe's has that people order and don't like. You know--the colors that don't work!!  He bought three gallons of rather interesting colors.  Not only are the boxes built in top notch fashion but they will be designer colors too!  More to come in the Cotton Branch Bee saga!

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 !

CENTURY PLANT UPDATE

I had a request for an update on the Century plant at the vet's office.  You can see that it's fully opened at the bottom and turning brown. I didn't take a full length shot but you can scroll back and find it in an earlier post.  It's going to be sad when it finishes blooming out. I've enjoyed watching it. It's a fascinating plant and a beautiful bloom (if we could get that close up!)

Have a safe and happy 4th of July and remember to be thankful for your freedom.

HOW TRUE IS THIS?

Well, here I sit playing with the computer while Ed and Josh watch a movie (Josh dumped my stack of magazines and got disgruntled and left). I came across this scrapbook page on 2peas and really liked it.  It caught my eye because of the colors and design and then I read it.  I thought about the saying--not so much in terms of bad habits--but in terms of being brave and branching out.  I'm a safe kind of girl. I resist change; I like security. As a few of my "closest friends" would say, I'm sheltered and protected.  I happen to like it that way.  I want to be adventurous and try new things but that nagging little voice holds me back.  As I sit here thinking about it--maybe I'm adventurous in some things:  I drive a tractor!  I clip pastures!  I have championed causes and raised lots of money for them!  I'll take on anyone who brings harm to my family!  I'm loyal to a fault and if I believe it in my heart, I'll never let go of it.  "If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got.  So what's wrong with that?  Absolutely nothing!  If you live, love, laugh and praise God--life is good.