NANA NOTES

MORE THAN I EXPECTED

I received a call yesterday from my cousin that his father had slipped peacefully away to heaven in his sleep about 6:00 AM.  When I thought about it I realized that I had waked up before daylight and could not go back to sleep.  I got up at 6:30 AM and put on my walking shoes.  I got both dogs and off we went for a walk.  I found myself praying out loud and I had included my three uncles (the one who had died) and my aunt.  It's getting close to our family reunion and I asked God for health enough for them to make it to our home and strength enough for them to enjoy it. They all have had health problems in the last year or so.  Tom and I made plans to come to Tishomingo for the services and we left early this morning.  I realized after an hour or so on the road that I should order some flowers.  My cousin had mentioned a shop in Burnsville and I called it.  I told the girl that I wanted something "wonderful, awesome and very different from the usual funeral stand--something my uncle would like."  Being an ex-flower shop owner and a master flower show judge, I told her that I would be there to see it (that scares them!).  Our trip was long but we enjoyed it.  Sometimes we talked and sometimes we didn't.  When we walked into the funeral home, this is what we saw when looking at the flowers.  I think you'll be as pleased as we all were.  It stood about four feet tall and looked like a tree in a flower garden.  The pot held a bird's nest fern and there was also a bird house with a blue bird perched on it. The flowers were tulips, gerbers, carnations, iris, daisies and roses with grasses and ferns.  It was a knock-out!!  If you ever need flowers close to Burnsville, MS call the Burnsville Florist!!  She can do the job.

Please pray for Hal Jr. and his family. They will miss Uncle Hal.

There were six--now there are two.

BEGINNING TO LOOK NORMAL AGAIN

I woke up early this morning and went out to feed BJ and Dooley.  It was a beautiful morning after a rain yesterday and I thought I would snap a few shots.  Landscapers are still working; painters are still working; termite people show up on Tuesday; pool pipe broke and flooded the pool house so pool people will show up some time this week; and things are beginning to look normal!!

Adding some spring color will definitely help.

THE END IS NEAR (repair people that is!)

Today I ran away. Four of us were supposed to go for a girl's outing but two couldn't go. Libby and I headed for Hattiesburg.  Spent way too much money and had too much fun.  Was so tired when I came home but I walked around the yard and looked at everything that has been done so far. Let me list it for you:    

1. All wood on the house has been replaced with "hardy board".
2. Most of the doors have been replaced.
3. Ed's shower has been torn out (yet to be fixed!)
4. The painters are repainting the house. They found termites in the shutters which will have to be repaired.
5. During the wood removal, termites were found.  The landscape people have cut down all the shrubs (azaleas, camellias, roses, etc.) and remulched the entire yard.
6. The termite crew is coming on Tuesday.
7. The pool sweep "Skippie" had a leak in the line.  Concrete torn up and line repaired.  Now we need new concrete in one area of the pool. (waiting on that!) Pool concrete will have to be painted since it won't match.
8. The roofers put on a whole NEW roof!!!
9. Had the entire deck replaced last summer.
10. The sewer line for the garbage disposal/washing machine backed up. Had to have it dug up and replaced.
11. I had a fire in the stove and the kitchen has to be repainted. (You can go back to that blog!!)
12. When Ed and I were coming in tonight, the garage doors went crazy. I was standing there trying to work them and some would work and some wouldn't.  A call to the "garage door man" will be on the list tomorrow.
13. Ed mentioned that I might get the elevator checked since we're having the reunion in five weeks.
14. The landscape people have to plant summer color in the front.  I decided none in the back.  Pots will have to do.

When I reread this it sounded like something Kelly wrote after she moved. I fully understand now Kelly how you felt.  "Murphy" is stalking us--if it can happen it will!

I'm going to take some pictures and let you see how pretty things are getting around here.  We're very happy with what's being done.  Hopefully we won't have to do this anymore!!

A NIGHT OUT WITH SAM

It's not often that we get a one on one with our grandchildren.  Last night we took Sam to Natchez to a Master Horseman class.  We picked up Mr. Phil and Ms Jimmie Lou and went to the Mexican restaurant. Sam really liked Jimmie Lou cause she loves ice cream.  They got a huge sundae to go and ate it in the back seat of the car on the way to see the horses.  We went to Double C Farm out on Kingston Road and there were several people with their horses ready for the meeting. That's when Sam first met his new mare--Natchez Lenabelle--who will now be known as Belle.  Mr. Phil and Ms Jimmie Lou have given Sam, Ben and Graham horses ready to ride. What a blessing that is for the boys. Sam sat patiently and watched David Carter do his "horse whispering" and it was very interesting--especially when he saddled the horse for the first time. The horse went crazy but only for a few minutes.  David kept asking Phil if he wanted to ride the horse.  He and Sam both said they would but didn't.  After the presentation, Sam got to lead Belle around the round pen.  Their hair is the same color and they are a perfect match.  I think this will be a pair for a long time to come. Phil and Jimmie Lou have made Sam one happy fellow.  We can't thank you enough.  You can see the love.

WOW!!!

I guess I found out that my "readers" don't care much about the horses! They'd rather hear about what's going on with the family. :)  We're such an active bunch!!  Saturday was a beautiful day around here for many reasons.  The weather was lovely and Ryan and Haleigh came by in their "finery" to show us how they looked.  They had been to the winter formal but this was "first prom" and it was exciting for all of us.  Jennifer had boys scattered all over SW MS doing ball games and rodeos.  She managed to spend time with Ryan while he was getting ready.  It was a special time for them.  The years have flown by and it's hard to believe he's getting to prom age. I may be prejudiced but---- this guy is so handsome and his Mom is beautiful. She was beaming when she looked at her son. The feet look nice. How about the rest of them?   It was hard to go through as Jeanne said, "a gazillion" pictures to find only one to show you. They were all beautiful.  Haleigh wears bright colors well and the orange was "right on"!!  We had to have a shot with the three of us.  Look how tall Ryan is!

I missed the Navigator limo--would I have enjoyed that!! Can't wait to see the pictures and hear the story.  Gotta love this guy; he's so sweet and cooperative.  Whatever Haleigh wants is what he does.  I'm sure they had a great time. 

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

It seems that while waiting for Lou to have her baby she got left out.  She was late in delivering and other things were happening that took precedence over her post.  She didn't seem to mind; she's a good mother and her baby is a boy--a "one holer" as the boys would say.  He is a beauty, but then all of the babies are beautiful to me.

Ed and I rode over to Cracker Barrel today for an early supper.  After we got home we took some things to the dump and rode through the farm.  We saw a turkey, six deer, two quail and the usual horses, cows, donkey, geese and peacocks.  As we pulled up to the house Ed counted what we had seen.  As he said, "all is right on the Branch".  That's a good feeling.

PINE BURR FLOWER SHOW--"FLORAL THERAPY"

The biggest day of the year for the garden club is "flower show day".  Friday was THE day.  Our members worked hard on Thursday getting ready.  I had treatment so I was MIA.  On Friday everything went smoothly.  We had some dark clouds and rain but the show was beautiful.  We had a luncheon for the judges (most members attended) at Georgeanne's with china and silver. It was both beautiful and delicious. Thanks Judges' committee.   The entry had a sign with "Olivia", boots, a shovel, and a planted container--a welcoming sight. My design was in a category called "Whimsical". I got a blue. I entitled it "Please Don't Eat the Daisies." 

Beverly Gabbert was in the "Tranquil" category.  She won the blue and the Award of Design Excellence.  I fussed at her for winning over me, but it was all in fun.  I am VERY proud for her. The design was great and she deserved it.  I might add that she also won the Barbara Herring Design Award.  That pleased me too.

Paulette Jones won the blue in her category.  I think it was her first.  She was very happy and her design was a gorgeous traditional design.

Judy Holland did a great job. She also got a blue.

Lugenia Scarbrough won the Dorothy McGehee Design Award. That award is for the design that best depicts the theme of the show. The title of the show was "Floral Therapy."  

These girls were all smiles after winning blue ribbons in Design.

The Horticulture "Big Award" winners were smiling too. I guess it's ok for me to tell you that I won the Sweepstakes Award (most blue ribbons overall) and the Pauline Herring Horticulture Award (most blue ribbons in horticulture).  I'm very proud of that one.

We had lots of visitors and the entire show was beautiful.  Thank you Pine Burr Garden Club for making our county proud.

GOD'S GIFT

My week of anxiety ended today. Dr. R greeted us with his usual warm handshake and started asking questions.  I couldn't stand it. I stopped him and blurted out--"cut to the bottom line; what did the pictures say?"  He took us to the room where the scan pictures were and began to explain them. This is what he said (the bottom line): my tumor has decreased 50%; the cancer markers have decreased 20%; there is no lymph node involvement at this time. We will continue with the course of treatment and rescan after two more treatments. 

This morning I got on my knees and asked God to please let me hear good news from the doctor if that was His will. If that was not His will, I asked for the grace to accept the news I received.

Dr. R told me before we left that my prayers were being answered.  I told him "no, everyone else's prayers were being answered."  I find it very easy to praise God for what He does and to pray for others.  It's very difficult for me to pray for myself. The prayers that are being said on my behalf are being felt by me on a daily basis.  I feel surrounded by a soft, warm blanket and I am very thankful for that feeling.  I told Ed today that I want very much to live. God's grace, Dr. R's knowledge and treatment and your prayers will make that a reality.  Thank you.

TRYING TO STAY BUSY. . .

Ed has been doing all he can to cheer me up this weekend.  It's not that I'm sad or down, it's more like I'm preoccupied--just not myself.  I guess it's because I had scans last week and tomorrow we get the results.  That's a little exciting and scary at the same time.  One of those--I want to know but I don't want to know--kind of things.  I was looking through my pictures looking for something to blog (trying to keep busy) and saw the picture of my bottle tree.  It was (and I say "was") really colorful and pretty.  A storm blew it over and broke most of my bottles.  You don't find orange, blue and pink bottles very often. [And for your "Northerners who are reading this--bottle trees are a Southern thing--yard art, we call it!!] So, I don't know why I picked this picture and what it has to do with me being anxious but it led me to these scriptures. God knew.

Humble yourselves, therefore under God's almighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.  1 Peter 5:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Phil. 4:6

GIVING IS THE BEST. . .

I think I told you that Ed purchased a mare from Dixie because they didn't have room for so many horses.  "Charm" has been quite happy here on Cotton Branch and delivered a beautiful baby.  In fact, if you ask Shelly, he'll say it's the best baby we've had all season.  Ed made the decision early on to give McRae (Dixie's daughter) the filly.  We were just waiting until they could come down and see her.  Everyone knew it was going to happen but McRae.  We rode around and looked at all the newborns.  McRae was all smiles when she saw Charm and her baby.  Then Ed told her the news--- She was thrilled to hear that the baby was hers.  I am still wondering who was the most excited Ed or McRae.  We'll keep her until she's weened and then she'll go to live with McRae.  I'm sure that she's already working on the barn.                                                    

Aunt Pauline came down with Dixie and the children.  We were glad to see her and she enjoyed the pasture ride.  When I grow up I want to be just like her!! :)

Now, McRae, have your named your filly?

SCARY WAKE UP!!!

This morning at church we were having a bridal shower/luncheon for a young couple and I put a roast in the oven ON LOW last night which I have done many times before.  I was in that dreamy sleep of early morning when the alarm system went off.  I broke and ran to the oven and opened it.  Like flames from the dragons mouth fire licked out at me.  I screamed for Ed and closed the oven. Smoke filled the house and I ran to the control to shut off the alarm. Of course the phone rang and central control was asking if we were alright.  I told her what was happening and she asked if she needed to send a fire truck. I assured her that no, she didn't need to send a truck, we could handle it.  I opened all the doors and went back to the oven. It took four pot holders to get the hot pot out of the oven.  I carried it out to the steps and came back inside to hear the alarm system go off again.  This time the upstairs fire alarm went off.  Phone rings again--central control--are you SURE you don't need a fire truck???  No, I've got it under control.  I'm just trying to cook and it isn't working!!! :)   Ed's dog had a wonderful breakfast and supper and I started over.  I made a chicken pie that turned out great.  In the meantime, we've had windows open, Lampe Bergere burning and fans running trying to get the smoke smell out of the house. 

It was while I was getting my bath that I realized what a blessing having no hair had been.  Normally my hair is hanging down in my face and if it had been it would have caught on fire.  I got out of this with only a burnt pot, a little smoke smell and a blister on my finger.  In time all of this will go away.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is god's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thes. 5:18

CAUTION: BEE KEEPER AT WORK!

Debra and I arrived home from the doctor on Wednesday to find Ed all in a tizzy!  He was scurrying about trying to get his bee gear, "he had a swarm"!!  I went to the house and got the camera.  He somehow roped Exal into helping since I wasn't about to get into the bee business; I figured I didn't need bee stings since I had been stuck twice that day.  The pictures below show the process. He placed the box underneath this HUGE swam of bees ( there must have been thousands of them).  He put the "honey super box" on top and then sprayed the bees down with sugar water to calm them down.  You can see the dividers lying on the ground.  They have a mild honey smell to them that sort of fools the bees.   While Ed held the Magnolia limb Exal cut it with the clippers.  I forgot to ask him how heavy it felt.  Can you imagine standing there holding thousands of bees in your hand? 

After getting the bees into the box they gently put the top on.  I think I was so absorbed in watching that process that I forgot to take the picture.  I have also forgotten to ask Ed if he took the tree limb out of the box.  That could be a comment for another post.  Oh, and there were NO bee stings!!  So far the bees are still in the hive and all is looking good.  We look forward to some honey this summer.

BETTER THAN I DESERVE. . .

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.   Margaret Atwood   Somehow I've been too busy at the end of the day--here sit the plants to prove it.  My energy level has been 90 to nothing and I've been going strong.  I got to go shopping on Tuesday with friends and went AWOL today after having a CAT scan.  Tomorrow is a PET scan and I can hardly wait until next Wednesday to get the results. I have another treatment on Thursday the 17th.  I'm feeling GREAT!  God is good.

I have two great posts planned.  For now I'm going to bed because I HAVE to get up early to eat bacon and eggs--can you believe that!!  NPO after 7:00 AM-can eat all the bacon and eggs I want before!!  Wish someone else would be here to cook them and I could just sit down.  My eyes don't open before 10! :)

DOOLEY'S HAIRCUT AND BJ

Ryan and I tried to get a good shot of Dooley but he wouldn't cooperate.  He's got a perfect "Scottie" hairdo. The groomer even tied a bandana on his neck (which he took off the minute he came home).  He does look beautiful. Such personality this little puppy has!

When Ed came in this afternoon BJ came in with him. Dooley immediately perked up and started barking.  BJ came to the bedroom and I managed to snag this shot.  BJ out weighs Dooley by about 70 pounds but they are the best of friends.  Dooley has his bluff in and BJ has some scars to show it. But in the end they are there for each other--like all the invisible angels--wouldn't it be nice if everyone was like that?

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you. . .It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart;    Phil. 1:3,4,7

TAGGED BY KELLY

Who are you?

Tagged

I was tagged by Kelly to play a “who are you?” game. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people, posts their names, and then leaves a comment on their blogs, letting them know they've been tagged.

What was I doing 10 years ago?

We had only been in our house for a few months so I was probably working in the yard.

5 things on my to-do list today

1.      finish garden club cards

2.      walk

3.      go to McComb

4.      rest

5.      eat at Cock of the Walk

5 snacks I enjoy

1.      cookies

2.      my homemade trash

3.      ice cream

4.   more cookies

5.      popcorn

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire

1.      buy YaYa a PT Cruiser

2.      put all the grandchildren through college

3.      have a private jet

4.      have a massage therapist on stand by

5.      give to the church

5 bad habits

1.      saying “YES” to often

2.      over obligating

3.   not being outspoken enough

4.      speaking before I think

5.      worrying about things that I have no control over

5 places I have lived

1.     Jackson MS

2.     El Paso, TX

3.    Fayetteville, NC

4.    Meadville MS

5.    Ridgeland, MS

5 jobs I've had

1.      Secretary

2.      Flower and Gift Shop Owner

3.      Wife

4.      Mother

5.   Grandmother

5 people I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG):

1.      Libby

2.      Debra

3.      Jan

4.      Sharon

5.      Debbie

Edit:  I only accomplished three of my five to do's today--the garden club cards, walked a little and rested a lot--because I ate cookies and I have discovered that sweets do not agree with the treatment!  There will be no more cookies and more cookies for me--maybe I should try salty as someone suggested.

Tagged

I was tagged by Kelly to play a “who are you?” game. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people, posts their names, and then leaves a comment on their blogs, letting them know they've been tagged.

What was I doing 10 years ago?

We had only been in our house for a few months so I was probably working in the yard.

5 things on my to-do list today

1.      finish garden club cards

2.      walk

3.      go to McComb

4.      rest

5.      eat at Cock of the Walk

5 snacks I enjoy

1.      cookies

2.      my homemade trash

3.      ice cream

4.   more cookies

5.      popcorn

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire

1.      buy YaYa a PT Cruiser

2.      put all the grandchildren through college

3.      have a private jet

4.      have a massage therapist on stand by

5.      give to the church

5 bad habits

1.      saying “YES” to often

2.      over obligating

3.   not being outspoken enough

4.      speaking before I think

5.      worrying about things that I have no control over

5 places I have lived

1.     Jackson MS

2.     El Paso, TX

3.    Fayetteville, NC

4.    Meadville MS

5.    Ridgeland, MS

5 jobs I've had

1.      Secretary

2.      Flower and Gift Shop Owner

3.      Wife

4.      Mother

5.   Grandmother

5 people I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG):

1.      Libby

2.      Debra

3.      Jan

4.      Sharon

5.      Debbie

Edit:  I only accomplished three of my five to do's today--the garden club cards, walked a little and rested a lot--because I ate cookies and I have discovered that sweets do not agree with the treatment!  There will be no more cookies and more cookies for me--maybe I should try salty as someone suggested.

A LITTLE NAP TIME

Today has been a busy day for me. It started out with a meeting this morning, lunch at noon with Ed and several guys who "dropped in", the "home going" of a dear friend this afternoon, and another meeting after that.  I finished up about 7:00 PM.  HOWEVER--this was the sight I left after lunch and couldn't resist taking a picture of two of my favorite guys!!  Papa has been so busy lately he has neglected his short snooze after lunch.  His foot isn't any better (going to a sports meds doc tomorrow) and he decided to take a nap.  Dooley wanted to nap with him.  I have not seen him sleep like that and I fell out laughing.  What more could a man want--his dog (or mine), a blanket, and the remote!!!

Life at CB has slowed down to a fast pace--We only have carpenters, and painters, (soon roofers, termite treaters, and flower bed mulchers).  We could have built a new house for what is going on around here.  Thank goodness when all this is finished, hopefully we will NEVER have to do anything to this house again!!!!!

Quick update:  I am feeling really well.  Little or no nausea, good appetite and only slight tiredness.  I definitely know when I overdo.  When people say they are praying I believe it.  I CAN FEEL IT!!!  I love you all.