NANA NOTES

HANNAH AND HER FRIENDS!

I actually got a question about my lack of blogging lately!!  We've been busy [Ed and Ryan working on the farm] me-never still but not accomplishing anything! On Friday we had some friends come for the weekend and our front doorbell rang. I then remembered that Hannah had asked if she could come and play the piano with some friends. I have the CRS disease--can't remember stuff--and I'd forgotten.  What a delight it was! Hannah's sister got married at our home and we've known Hannah's family for over 40 years. I knew Hannah's mom when she was Hannah's age!! [I think I'm right on that!!]  Anyway, here they are and I found out that Hannah's best friend, Julia, is the granddaughter of a sweet friend of mine who does sewing machine repair. She also won the 4H chicken show one year and Ed bought her prize chickens.  They had their picture in the paper together.  Also, her dad and Jody fish together.  The piano playing was a "ruse" to get her to Hannah's home for a surprise party for her. They were so sweet to include us in that process.  We love having  them come and play. The whole family is so talented.

Isn't she lovely and plays so well. And sings too!

Julia, Hannah, Gabe's friend (I'm sorry I can't remember her name) and Gabe. Aren't they all just wonderful?? I hear they had a lovely party and I was the recipient of a wonderful CD that was made for Mr. Lester's birthday this year. I'm so blessed!!  Thank you all for being my friends!!
 
 

NATCHEZ TRACE DISTRICT MEETING 2010

The spring Natchez Trace District Workshop meeting was held in Brandon on Wednesday of this week.  Carol May and I went together. The Brandon Garden Club did an excellent job of putting on the meeting.  The church was decorated beautifully and everything went smoothly.

These are the beautiful ladies of Brandon Garden Club. Many of them have become friends over the years and I hope they are friends for many years to come.

I loved the center pieces! They were silver paint cans with "bling" and black furry stuff  attached and fresh ferns with daisies in all colors. This was sitting on a square of black and white animal fabric.

When we returned to our tables after the workshops these lovely boxes were sitting at our places.  Lunch!  Cute, huh?

 

There were door prizes for EVERYONE!!  I got a gardening/cookbook. I can't remember what Carol got.  We sat with a friend from Vicksburg and two ladies from Fayette.  The Brandon members were supposed to "fill in" and my friend of over forty years sat with us. Karen retired several years ago and has become an avid garden club member.  She would make an awesome Board member!!

 

Carol and I had a fun day. I especially enjoyed hearing her tell stories of all the places she has lived and things she has done.  We're lucky to have her in the garden club. She is a talented lady.  Thanks, Carol for going with me.
 
 
 

A FISH HOOK WHERE????

 

 I got up to let Sadie out this afternoon and someone said, "Ms Barbara". Casey was sitting there with Sam in a chair with a HUGE fish hook in his foot!  He wasn't crying and was very calm. I called Jennifer and she sent Shelly to get him. Shelly and I took off for the hospital. They saw him instantly and a very nice plastics resident looked over the situation.  He was from New York and said he didn't have much experience with fish hooks! At first he wanted to xray Sam's foot and make a small incision to remove the hook.  The barb was nearly through the skin so I suggested that after he deadened it that he push it on through and cut the barb with wire cutters and pull the hook out from the end.  He thought about it and said, "that might be easier on his foot."  Shelly got his wire cutters out of his tool box ( probably not the most sanitary thing to do, but the doctor did clean them) and everything went smoothly. Sam did cry a little when the Dr. gave him the first deadening shot but was a real trooper through the whole ordeal. He came home with us and is spending the night and tomorrow.  He even has an excuse for school that says, "please excuse Sam from school because he had a fish hook removed from his left foot."  There will be NO MORE FISHING WITHOUT SHOES!!  He got a tetanus shot so he's good for five years.  Hopefully nothing else will happen to him that he needs it.  Just to let you know Casey: I'm glad he was with you! Nobody else would have carried him all the way from the pond like you did!!

 

 

 

PBGC LUNCHEON MEETING 2010 and BEN'S BALLGAME

Today was the last meeting of the garden club for the year. We met at Wilma's and made 'hypertufa' pots. That makes you wonder, doesn't it? It's a strange mixture of peat moss, concrete, perlite and water-kind of like making mudpies.  After we made the pots we had a wonderful salad potluck lunch and enjoyed fellowship with each other.  It will take a couple of weeks for the pots to cure but I'll show you pics of us having a great time.  Two friends from Brandon came to teach us the technique for making the pots. That's Joan on the left.   Wilma and I enjoyed our pot making time. I even made one for Libby! My friend Karen [also from Brandon] worked really hard!

We all finished up about the same time and cleaned up the lovely work area under the trees. Wilma's home is so inviting. Her kitchen is her "domain" and it's beautiful!

 

 

We had a wonderful lunch and finished with a brief meeting. Thanks,Wilma for hosting our meeting. We had a wonderful time! Thanks Joan and Karen for teaching us a new idea!

BEN'S BALLGAME

My day was hectic. The boys came after school because Jennifer was working graduation. I had to get Ben to his ballgame at 4:00 so we all went.  It was tense until the 5th inning and it blew up. Ben's team lost but they tried hard. He made some good throws from third to first for outs but his hitting was off. There will be other games to win!!

 All in all--a very good day!  Blessings abound.

   

BFF's LAST CHEMO! YEA!!

Monday was a celebration day! Libby had her last chemotherapy treatment. Our lives have been consumed for the last two years with trips to the doctor.  We only know how to get there and back!!  We went with each other when we could and were always there to lean on. She's held on like a trooper and made it with a smile on her face.  We look forward to hair-growing, eyelashes and trips to anywhere-as long as it's not a doctor!!  The final injection.

 Tiffany is a wonderful chemotherapy nurse. She told us she never wanted to see us in that room again!  We both agreed--at least not as patients!!

QUENT'S PHOTO OF MADALENE AND ME

I mentioned earlier in my Twitter that I had attended an 80th birthday party for one of my "young" friends on Sunday afternoon at the church. Her daughter totally surprised her with a party.  Lots of people attended and she was thrilled.  I left home in such a hurry that I forgot my camera but a friend took this photo of us.  Now I could tell you some "stuff" about this woman but I'll just let you believe that she's the beautiful lady you see in the picture! :)  There's never a "down" moment around her. She keeps you laughing.  Your birthday was wonderful, Madalene. I hope you have many more.

GIVE MY REGARDS TO BROADWAY-PINE BURR GARDEN CLUB FLOWER SHOW

The Pine Burr Garden Club members proved they were "grace under fire" on Friday as they exhibited their annual Standard Flower Show. Due to unforseen circumstances we had to dismantle an hour early but the show was beautiful and those that came were truly appreciated.  The hard work and effort that was put in by the members was never more evident.  There were 24 designs and probably due to our unseasonably cold weather "only" 85 pieces of horticulture. The blue ribbon and big award winners are show here minus Melody Maxey. Go to the photo album entitled "Give My Regards to Broadway" to see pictures from the show.  Thanks to all who participated. 

 
Shown left to right are Paulette Jones, Barbara Herring, Wilma Holland, Beverly Gabbert, Evelyn Lee and Becky Nix.

 

LOVED MAKING THESE!!

I loved making the tea towels almost as much as I enjoyed reading the 29 comments. I've never had so many!!  Here are the towels and Betty, yours should have been delivered this afternoon to the flower shop and Shara, yours is in the mail. The rest of you--you never know when a surprise might show up at your door!

 

THE VIEW FROM MY PERSPECTIVE!!

The Franklin County Bicentennial Celebration was this past weekend. I got to do the Fun Run/Walk and see the parade and listen to some of the music.  This was what I saw of the race!!  And I did not finish last. It wasn't a timed race; it was done just for fun.  We laughed and walked and had a good time.

The parade took forever [can you believe a parade in Meadville took forever???]! This is my sweet friend Mary Bryan riding with my other sweet friend Jimmy in his favorite car!!

I stayed and heard the CoLin Stage Band and High Road! Couldn't miss my girls.  They played again at 6:00 but didn't get to go back and hear that. I'll soon have to have another "private concert" cause they have a new CD coming out!!  Stay tuned for that.

I hope to post my pictures to an album but if you are impatient and can't wait check out the Facebook walls of Mandy Wilson, Pat Jones, Cookie Stroud and of course mine.  We all have Bicentennial Albums on there.
 

Thursday's Meme --A Day Late

Thursday's Meme

Thrown at me by Cindy...

Three physical things you like about yourself
1) my eyes
2) my teeth
3) my feet  (go ahead and laugh!)

Three physical things you don’t
1) my belly
2) my arms (yes, I got them from my mother!)
3) my hands

Three things that scare you
1) something happening to one of my children or grandchildren
2) drowning or dying in water

3) fire

Three of your everyday essentials
1) my cellphone
2) mascara
3) diet dr. pepper

Three things you are wearing now
1) t-shirt
2) sweat pants
3) gray socks

Three of your favorite bands or musical artists
1) High Road
2) Sugarland
3) Lady Antebellum

Three things you want in a relationship
1) honesty
2) sense of humor
3) trust

Two truths and a lie (which is a lie?)
1) I plan to publish a book
2) I love to drive fast
3) I love to watch football

Three of your favorite hobbies
1) gardening
2) scrapbooking
3) crafts/woodworking/anything with my hands

Three things you want to do really badly right now
1) get well and stay that way
2) get settled and find a project to work on
3) be really content

Three careers you are considering or have had
1) secretary
2) flower/gift shop owner
3) wife/mother

Three places you want to go on vacation
1) Italy
2) Italy
3) always Orange Beach, AL

Three things you want to do before you die
1) see my grandchildren grow up
2) travel up the east coast to see the leaf color
3) go to Italy

Three people you are throwing this to next
1) Sharon
2) Libby
3) Pat

CROP CONNECTION SCRAPPING RETREAT WITH FRIENDS

We've waited a year for this weekend and it finally came. Even the snow didn't keep us from going and having a good time.  There were eight of us from the Meadville area and six others that we met up with from other towns.  Thirty six or more hours of continuous scrapbooking with a little sleep thrown in, lots of laughing and talking, a little shopping for supplies with the venders and some eating thrown in.  The ladies that put on the event surprised us with a "Bops Ice Cream Party" on Saturday night.  Talk about good!!  Here are some pictures of the event.  

 We didn't have anyone to take a picture of the six of us so I took this one. Pat, Beth, Sharon, Cookie and Libby.  Sharon made the sign for us to display.

 Look at all the "stuff"!!  A room full of happy "scrapping" women! And we loaded and unloaded it all!   

Silent auction to benefit the Ronald McDonald House--everybody got a door prize but there was some fierce bidding on the auction items.

 Aren't we a good looking bunch of "scrappers"?  I wish I had a count of all the pages that we all did while we were there.  We all donated items to the Ronald McDonald House and some of us made cards for the military. The scraps of paper we had left over were left for the school students to use in their art projects.  Nothing was wasted this weekend.    

Anna Bess Simmons is a wonderful scrapbooker and sweet friend. She taught a quick "make and take" class on Sunday afternoon and several of us took it.    

 Cute little Valentine embellishment--I made one for Tammy. I didn't have any change and she loaned me a dollar!  :)  I think that's the story!!
   

FIRST PROJECT FINISHED!!

We finished our first sewing project on Thursday. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it all pressed and laid out to see.  Everyone made the same thing but we all used different fabric and they all looked very different.  Some were made for little boys and some for little girls.  Some of us just made one.  These three are mine, Libby's and Marley's. (Marley is Ms Edwina and Mr. Hershel Price's granddaughter!) Such a sweet, precious girl!  She made hers for her little boy.  I loved it!!

This week we get our pattern out for our pajama pants. Libby and I have our material but I can't find my pattern.  May have to buy a new one.  I'm still enjoying the class and "Ms Sue" called me her "star pupil"!!  That was a funny one!

SEWING CLASS?????????

Ok, so I've been sewing since I was eight years old. I've took home economics from the seventh grade until my sophomore year in college.  SO, I'm taking a beginner class in sewing!!  YES!  Everyone needs "refreshing" now and then and besides--Libby and Debbie are taking it and my skills are rusty!  Once a week for four weeks will be fun and I'll get a pillowcase and a pair of pajama pants out of it!! :)  I've met some sweet new friends who seem to be having a good time too.  I'll post the finish products later. 

 Debbie is the girl in the middle.

 The proper way to use a rotary cutter.  We didn't have those when I took sewing years ago!   Libby and I came home and finished our "homework" and are ready for next week.  It should be fun. We'll be learning the "jellyroll method" of sewing up a pillowcase! FUN!
 
 

ASHLEY AND CASEY'S WEDDING

 
The weather outside was frightful but that didn't stop people from coming out to Ashley Hancock and Casey Hammack's beautiful wedding today at the Meadville United Methodist Church.  I didn't ask permission so I guess I'll ask forgiveness tomorrow for posting these pictures!!  The rain didn't make a mess of anyone involved.  All the ladies were gorgeous and the men were handsome. 

 

Casey waiting on his bride.  Does Terry look nervous??

 
Beautiful bridesmaids in their lovely fern green dresses with red roses.

Handsome guys: preachers-David Cox, Brad Moak- and the groomsmen, groom and father of the groom. 

Lighting the unity candle. I only wish we could have seen their faces as the music played. We could tell they were happy.

What happened to my "kissing" picture?  It's gone on my camera!!  He "dipped" her and it was so precious!

 Mom and Bill look relieved that it's over. Doesn't Ruthie look beautiful? Loved your dress, Ruthie!!  

Betty Jean and Terry look very happy. Betty Jean's purple dress was awesome and Terry looks more relaxed now that the wedding is over!!  

And the winner is--you guessed it--Mr. Bill and Ms Inez!!  He said he was so proud of his granddaughter. He said she was so beautiful and he did a great job of walking her down the isle.  Ms Inez, you have a wonderful, sweet husband and you look gorgeous!

Can't forget the wedding cakes--

 Casey's was chocolate with a horseshoe on top and Ashley's was a white cake with white icing. It had two horses and riders on the top. I grabbed a piece as I left and wish I had a big chunk right now. It was delicious! That's a hint, Ruthie!!  I loved the portrait of Ashley that was on the easel by the cake too! 

The church was running over with guests; the food was delicious and everyone was happy.  Rain or not--it was a beautiful day!  Congratulations to you both!!
 
 
 
 

 

ROAD TRIP!!

Libby and I left today to travel to Alabama to pick up my new toy. I'll share more about that when I get it but for now I want to share something we saw today going through North Jackson.  I grew up in North Jackson and you just didn't see things like this when I lived there.  We seemed to be more "refined". These scenes were more for country living--like Franklin County--my home now!  I was actually talking to Ed on the phone when we spotted it and he laughed at us trying to catch up with the truck to see the size.  It's a "country thing"!! 

 The funniest part was Libby trying to get the pictures as I was speeding along catching up with him.  We'd make good "paparazzi"!

Tomorrow we're going to pick up my new toy and go to the "Coon Dog Cemetary" outside of Florence, AL.  It's supposed to be a popular place for top notch deceased coon dogs.  I'll let you know. :)
 

BUDDIES!

Sadie and Ed are together most of the time.  She's rather ride the farm with him than stay with me. The only time she wants to be with me is in the morning to wake me up with her cold nose!!  She really gets mad when he leaves her home.  She sits at the door and waits patiently or she tears something up just to let me know she's unhappy!  How do our pets get so pampered and spoiled and how do we get so attached??  I'm grateful for having her in our lives.  She's a source of joy and love. And who could resist those two sweet faces!!! 

RIDGE POINT CHRISTMAS 2009

I've spent the last four hours downloading and labeling the pictures from the "Pirate Christmas" at Ridge Point today.  The pictures will have to speak for themselves because I am exhausted!!  We had a great day and enjoyed every minute of being with family and eating and playing games with gifts.  There was lots of laughter and hugging.  If you don't have family, you miss out on a lot. Thank you Lord for giving us such a big extended family!!  Check out the Ridge Point Christmas 2009 photo album on the left sidebar!!  You can also [maybe] see it on my Facebook page.

"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!

 

THE SEASON IS HERE!

You know how in the South people say we have four seasons--Football, Baseball, Basketball and Hunting!!  Well, the "hunting" one is here!  For the next month or so we will wade through a pile of smelly clothes and go running off to see the "kill" and take pictures.  The conversation always goes to "what did you see?" at the table after hunting.  Ben, Papa and Olivia Cox are the victors so far.  She was excited but didn't care much for the cleaning process.  She didn't like the "initiation process" either-even though David and Ed went light on her!!

 Congratulations, Olivia!  You're a real hunter now!