NANA NOTES

A VERY FUN DAY!

My friend Karen is a member of the Brandon Garden Club. Their major fund raiser is a Tablescapes Luncheon and Fashion Show. I was lucky enough to get a prized seat this year.  She says there is always a waiting list. Now I know why. It was beautiful, delicious and FUN!!  They sold a cookbook with all the wonderful recipes from their Tasting Teas and Luncheons--I will enjoy using that.  They sold raffle tickets for a beautiful table full of china and accessories [that I didn't win!] and had 25 outfits modeled by lovely ladies.    [To see the tables better remember that you can click on the picture to make it bigger.]

 

This table was where I sat with Karen.  It had a beach theme. The chairs had flipflops tied to them and our names were in buckets of sand with shells.

 

 

 

This table was all about aprons. The table cover and chair covers were made to resemble aprons and each place setting had the history of aprons printed out for them.  The pink and white was very femine and old fashioned.

 

This table was set for some of the officers of the GCM.  They were guests of the Brandon GC. One of the founding members of BGC is a past president of GCM.

 

 

 

Crystals, gold and candles made this table very beautiful. I can see this being used for Christmas too.

 

 

 

 

Halloween! This table was really fun. Love the cone hats and moss.

 

Sunflowers and black and white. Beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

I don't know the theme of this table. I guess if I had a complaint of the day it would be that there was no "program" with an explanation of the tables.  I'm getting a CD later so maybe I will know more.

 

This table had a Safari theme and my friend Karen worked on it.  I loved the colors and the uniqueness of it.

 

 

 

 

This table seemed to have a Western theme but there was a tricycle in the middle of the table. It was one of my favorites!

 

The pheasant in the center of this table was beautiful. The dried hydrangeas and green napkins with the burgandy china made the table gorgeous.

 

 

 

The Hummingbird Table was one of my favorites.  You can tell by the woman standing by it that it was very tall.  The structure was a flower pot stand with beautiful flowers and hummingbird feeders attached to it. They had glued hummingbirds to the feeders.  Although it was gorgeous, you couldn't see across the table to talk to your tablemate.

 

 

 

I must have really liked this table because I took about three pictures of it.  I call it the Topiary Table. The ribbons from the topiary were attached to the chair.  It was very feminine--a wonderful bridesmaids luncheon table.

 

"Save the Date"--a very chic table with black and silver.

 

 

 

Another example of "wish I had a script"--This table had glass blocks with silver chargers and a lace table cloth. On top of the glass blocks was a Santa.  It had to have something to do with snow and Christmas! :) 

As far as I know this was the only table that used silk flowers--a no, no in garden club flower shows--but this wasn't a flower show. It was done just for the beauty and as a fundraiser. The colors were "delicious"!

 

At first I didn't see the "old timey" bicycle on this table. It was done sort of like a May Pole. The napkins had bicycles stamped on them.

 

This table was done in the "French" style of Provence-fruit, wine, cheese, bread and flowers. LOVE the colors!!

A beautiful table with a cherub and ivy. The china was very delicate.

 

 

Loved the bird feeder table-they even got a cookie bird house as a happy! The chaircovers on each table setting at every table were amazing.

 

One of the most colorful and interesting tables. Getting daffodils to cooperate isn't easy!

 

Oriental red and black with chopsticks. Very simple and it really stands out.

 

Had to be a party theme with the presents. Very elegant looking.

 

 

What can I say, Peacock feathers!!

 

"Shellseekers" was one of my favorites. Under the glass plate there was sand--I wish I had taken close up pictures of all the elements. It was beautiful.        

 

This table was just perfect for a ladies luncheon.  The yellow and white roses and napkins were perfectly matched.

This was the table of china and all the accessories that was put in the raffle--beautiful.  I guess I really didn't need it after all.

 

My place card at our table--wasn't it cute?

 

The table topper was so cute on our table that the girl that sat next to me and I inspected it closely.  We decided that we could definitely make some.

Thanks to my friend Karen for the lovely morning of beautiful flowers and fun. We didn't coordinate our outfits either!! :)

2009 - A GREAT NEW YEAR BEGINNING

Ed and I have never been much for going out on New Year's Eve. We can't stay awake that long and we're really not rowdy people.  We went to bed early and woke up about 4:00 AM to someone knocking on our door. A young man from Vicksburg had wrecked his vehicle in front of our home and came for help.  We carried him to the hospital.  After looking at his vehicle we realized he was a very lucky guy.  There wasn't anything about it that was recognizable. He had angels surrounding him.

We had plans for about 24 people for lunch--the usual New Year's fare-roast pork, baked chicken, black eyed peas, cole slaw, potato salad, green beans, sweet potato pone, cabbage, mexican cornbread, pecan pie, blueberry cake--just the normal little lunch!! :)

After lunch we all settled in to listen to Anna Grace and Sarah [High Road] do a little playing and singing.  When we looked at the clock it was nearly 5:00 PM.  The guys didn't even miss the football games; they enjoyed the music so much.  We all did.  Jennifer is hoping that John Robert playing her new guitar rubbed off on the guitar and she will be able to get some of the sounds out of it. :)

These girls have great talent--some of which I will keep a great secret-unless I'm bribed to tell !! :)  Only a few shall know!!

By now Jennifer probably has a video on her blog that you can see. Please check it out.  And--buy their CD; you'll love it!!

Thanks everyone for a great New Year's Day celebration.

PS:  The young man checked out fine at the hospital; when I talked to the nurse at noon he was waiting for someone in his family to come and get him.  They said he had a "reality check".  I'm sure he did.  He will be very grateful for 2009.

FRIDAY GARDEN CLUB

Third Friday is always Pine Burr Garden Club meeting.  This Friday we had a wonderful design program featuring a friend from Hazlehurst-Joanne Newman.  She brought another friend who will do a program later in the year.  We had a great crowd and a guest or two.  Here are some of her designs.  The refreshments were good too!  :)

   

FUN TIME WITH FRIENDS

Last week Ed and I had a fun evening with Matt and Mary Kay--she cooked dinner for us and we got a tour of their home.  Their home is actually the home that my Mom lived in. The house was redone last year for them to move here from outside Chicago.  It was truly a step of faith for them to move to MS but I think they are enjoying the pace of "Southern living".  Dinner was delicious-right down to the home canned peaches and awesome dessert.  We had some lively conversation and MK told us about her Ebay yarn business [Ed was saying "no Barbara" the entire time!!].  They recently had made a furniture purchase and the story was amazing-truly a "God thing".  Ed and I enjoyed sitting in the "snuggler" that they brought back from Tuscaloosa.  I could get used to having one of those!  We look forward to many more dinners with the two of them--at our home or theirs!

 

GOOD TIME OF THE YEAR

Friday when I got home from Natchez [and after lunch] Linda and Janice and I went to pick "possum grapes".  Ed and I have been watching them since early spring.  Linda is always willing to get out and go on an adventure. Janice on the other hand is "not a woods girl".  She went and at one point said, "I can't see my feet!" I think she was ready to go! She hung in there with us though and we picked a basket full.

Just in case you're curious--the white paper pinned to our shirts is "Bounce" which is supposed to keep the bugs away--it does not, however, keep the wasps away because I got stung on my ring finger and can't get my rings on because of the swelling. 

This is the prize we were after.  We didn't get as much as we thought but there are lots more to ripen! Another trip coming soon.  I did however, make 71 half pints of jelly today.  There will be that much or more with the second picking.  Haleigh's dad happened to be at the right place at the right time and got the first jar.  I hope Jeanne fixes biscuits! 

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

$2.00 A DOZEN AND A NEW BABY!

We are a family that is used to having LOTS of "homegrown" eggs--big, beautiful, brown, yard chicken eggs!  Not too long ago I picked up the grocery list and read the word "eggs" on it.  Of course, I asked, "why am I buying eggs when we have a fridge full at the barn?"  That's when I learned about cold weather, length of daylight, etc. and egg laying!  Forget the fact that we're buying 200 lbs. of feed a month and they are still eating all day, every day--without producing!  And then like a miracle---aren't they beautiful?  See the little banty egg on the right?  I'm so proud of my sweet little chickens!

Last year we had a mare that didn't want to feed her baby.  I wasn't going to let it die so I became the "Mom" for a few days and bottle fed her.  I named her Dr. Pepper [because I had to feed her at 10, 2, and 4--you youngsters can get your parents to explain that to you!!]  Today Dr. Pepper has a sibling. We haven't been able to get close enough to tell what it is but like all our "newbies" it's beautiful!       This baby in the stall is "Pop A Top Charm's Dixie".  I've enjoyed getting to know her.  I can't wait to put a halter on her.  (You can click on the pictures and make them bigger).

POSSUM GRAPE JELLY!!

Well, I guess I'm back to the real world--Linda, Jeanette and I had the day off on Thursday and we had a blast.  After my walk with Debra, the three of us took off in the Ranger and found possum grapes Ed had been keeping his eyes on.  The more we picked the harder it rained!  We got soaking wet and we laughed till our sides hurt. Needless to say, we didn't look our best in this picture.  We cleaned up and had lunch and got started washing and cooking the grapes.  Later on during the day I started the jelly making process.  I do love to make the jelly--and we do love to eat it!

I ended up making 98 half pints of Possum Grape Jelly.  (Diana--you're getting your share!!)  I have two more batches to make [I ran out of jars and couldn't finish yesterday.]

What a blessing to be able to spend the day enjoying God's outdoors and laughing and having fun and getting to reap the benefits of it all. Oh, that jelly will be enjoyed by all.  It's good to be home.

Edited:  This afternoon after a quick trip to Wally World for more canning jars, I made three more batches.  The total count is now up to 125 half pints.  I sent some home to Mimi with Ryan.  And I just found out that Jennifer has been stealing it!!  Now there's plenty!!

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.

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 !

EATEN MY WORDS. . .

I will not say "doing nothing" ever again!  There are no pictures to prove it BUT the Cotton Branch bunch has "done" 1300 ears of corn since Friday.  We shucked, brushed, washed, cut, cooled and bagged it---93 quarts of beautiful GOLD!!!  Let's just pray the freezers don't go out.  I would be one sad little puppy if they did.  Butterbeans and peas come the last of this week or the first of next week.  Blueberry jam is on the list as well as apple jelly.  The work of summer sometimes is not fun but the rewards are many.  Seeing the grandchildren enjoy the meals we prepare are well worth the effort.  We are blessed to be able to have fresh vegetables and "store" them for the winter.

Now if the EGGPLANT will just grow!!!