NANA NOTES

THE TIME IT IS A FLYIN' AND I AM GETTIN' BEHIND! CATCHIN' UP!

Ed and Ben left on their hunting trip (you saw the picture of them when they left) and Libby and I decided to treat a friend to dinner out.  Deb needed some "girl time" so we went to Natchez and ate supper, looked around Walmart and came home.  So much for a night on the town!!

On Wednesday afternoon the Elementary School held a painting class to raise money for the Relay for Life.  Jennifer, Libby and I took the class.  I should have carried my camera but I didn't.  I did however take a picture of the "picture" I painted.  We had a good time and plan to do it again soon.

It wasn't the hardest thing I've ever done, but it wasn't the easiest either. But it sure was fun.  I found out that things don't have to be perfect to be pretty!

Now for the exciting stuff!  Ben and Ed had a wonderful hunting trip.  The first day Ben killed a 14 point mule deer.  The second day he killed a 9 point mule deer.  The third day he killed a havalena. To get Ben to be excited is like melting ice so I'm guessing he had a good time. He said he did!! 

 
This is the 14 point and the guy with him is the guide Randall. Randall has been Ed's guide since he first started going to Longfellow many years ago.  He knows three of our grandsons. I hope he gets to take the other three on hunts as well.

All this and getting the house ready for Christmas, doing a little shopping and starting to bake and make candy for trays to deliver, along with hours and hours of choir practice have filled the days and nights for me.  It's a blessing to be able to sit here and tell you about our little adventures and thank God for them.  Love to you all.
 
 

 
 

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS INDEED!

The weather might not have been holiday weather but it didn't stop the Herring clan from getting together and having a wonderful day. My camera sat on the counter all day.  I got up early thanks to Ed and Sadie and put the turkey on to cook. I somehow managed to get everything else done on Wednesday so I crawled back in the bed and watched a Christmas movie and was served breakfast in bed when Ed came in from hunting. (Did I mention blessings??) Things started to pick up around 10:30 and I finished up just as everyone showed up. This Thanksgiving was as uneventful as any we've ever had.  The most unusual thing was Shirlee pulling Sam's tooth. It was hanging by a thread and she somehow got it and he didn't even know it. After it was over, he said, "I'm glad that's out. It was kind of agrivatin'." He got paid big time. 
Now all he wants for Christmas are his "two front teeth"!   Ed got up early on Wednesday and found the deer that he had killed the afternoon before. He somehow had missed it when he and the boys were looking for it.  Sadie tried to tell them but- - -  It was a nice deer and weighed over 200 pounds. Too bad he couldn't save it.  

While the guys and girls hunted this afternoon, Shirlee and I did our "Black Friday" shopping at Walmart. There was no one there.  We looked around a little bit and got a few items and came home just in time to welcome the hunters home and feed them.

Ben killed a coyote that spooked his deer and Graham killed the deer that Sam had wounded a few days ago. He let Sam claim the kill since he had already hit it. (Brothers can be nice sometimes.)

It's nice to go to bed with a comfortable, loved feeling knowing that you've had a wonderful day with family and awesome food. We are blessed beyond belief to have the things we have. When we said our blessing today we truly meant it.

Now let's get those ornaments on that tree!! 
 
 

 

#9 GETS #1

Saturday was opening day of youth weekend for deer hunting. I was attending a scrapbooking event and Ed called to say that Baby Sam had killed his first deer. He is the last (and youngest) of the grandchildren to kill a deer. I promised him I would cook it for him and I did that Monday night. My stuff was still packed up from the scrapping event so we used Ed's phone to take pictures. Here is our supper. 

 
Sam sat at the head of the table and after we said the blessing we all thanked Sam for providing such a wonderful dinner for us all.  He was very proud of himself and enjoyed telling us the story of his hunt.

 

HERRING GAS BIKE RACING TEAM PARTY 2010

Saturday was the annual HGC Racing Bike Team party. It's something they look forward to each year after racing season. They are like family to us and we enjoy having them. It's been fun to see them grow as a family with the addition of children and some with empty nest!  Ed did a great job of cooking chickens on the grill and the appetizers were devoured by everyone!  The guys and girls rode the Rangers all over the farm like kids enjoying the beautiful weather. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to have these talented riders as our friends. Here are some pictures from the afternoon.

 

 

 

 

Last year we cooked a whole pig. They said nothing this year with heads or tails. Ed had trapped two coons and a possum that morning and told them that was the appetizers. No need to share what they said!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't you just love those boots?

  

  

  

 

 

 

 











 

 

 Other than the appetizers, the Ranger riding, the visiting and the fun in general--dessert is their favorite thing.  After months of watching what they eat, it's all or nothing at the party. Thanks guys for a fun day! We look forward to next year. 

 

MY BEST FRIEND'S (son's) WEDDING

I just sort of skipped over this Saturday post. For some reason the week after the wedding was hectic for everyone.  Ed was out of town and I spent a lot of time with Libby getting ready for the rehearsal dinner and taking some pictures of the rehearsal and wedding.  I've known Libby's children since they were young and Sonny since before he was born. He has been a blessing to Libby. Megan has become a very good friend and I got to help her with the wedding--I was the "researcher" while she was finishing up her Master's Degree. I researched flowers, cakes, candy, invitations, napkins, food--almost everything.  I made her Bridesmaid's gifts and loved doing it.  The wedding was beautiful and very sweet.

Bride and bridesmaids at the rehearsal. (Megan has on a long dress.)

Libby and me before the wedding. Doesn't she look beautiful? I had the pleasure of going with her to pick out her dress. It was my favorite color and she looked great in it!  Beautiful mother of the groom!!

The candy station!!  I loved this and plan to use this idea soon. 

 Their cake was  beautiful and delicious. It had two lemon filled layers (and everyone knows that Libby and I love lemon filling!!), a raspberry filled layer, red velvet, and Italian cream. The purple crystal "B" was gorgeous!

Beautiful bridesmaids!

The handsome groom with his beautiful bride. They made it to their honeymoon destination, had a great time and have returned to the "real" world. Thank you both for letting me be a part of your special day.

Just thought I'd show you the towel wraps. Cute and colorful! 
 


 
 


 
 
 
 

THE MOST FUN IN A LONG TIME!!

Saturday we cooked hamburgers for all the family for lunch. After that Jody and Ed put something in one of the ponds to take the oxygen out of the water so the fish would come to the top of the water. He's wanting to restock the pond and we decided we'd have a huge fish fry (if we got any fish!). Shelly decided to put the pontoon boat in the 3 acre pond !! and Jody had a small flat bottom boat.  We had about eight dip nets, eight children, eight adults and three dogs!!  You have never seen or heard as much laughing, hollering and people having fun as we had.  The small fish started coming up first.  Then the bass (some seven and eight pounders). I caught a cat fish that weighed at least 10 pounds. It was absolutely the fattest thing I had ever seen and certainly the biggest fish I have ever caught (or netted!!).  The boys began to compete and they would see fish and try to get to them first. Bryden and Zach actually dove off the boat to get a fish!!  Naturally all the boys ended up in the pond (which thankfully wasn't over their heads due to the drought) and we didn't see any of those "creepy crawlers".  Everybody pitched in and we had an awesome supper.  Jody cooked and it was truly wonderful.  The whole day was fantastic.  There's nothing better than spending time with your family having fun.  We just don't get to do enough of it. Hopefully that will change now that the boys are getting bigger.  Here are some pictures of the day starting with lunch and ending with dinner.

  
 
  
 

 

 

 

    
 
 

 
 







 

All the pictures of me and my fish were made on Jody's phone and were small for the blog. I did catch a few bass that were nice but it was just tremendously fun to watch the kids have such a good time.  Supper was awesome Jody, Jennifer and Dona.  Thanks for a wonderful day!!









 

 

STRETCHING A BIRTHDAY!

Papa's birthday was Oct. 1; I cooked burgers on the grill for lunch and baked him a cake. Those that were here for lunch enjoyed it. On Saturday we went with Jimmi Lou and Phil to "Hot Tails" in New Roads, LA to eat "lupper" as Josh called it when he was little. Jimmi Lou's birthday is the day after Ed's. The drive down was enjoyable and we took the ferry across the river on the way home. Sunday after church we had most of the family for lunch. There was lots of talking and laughing and we planned another fun time together. I love it that the grandchildren are getting old enough to enjoy doing things together with us. Here are some random photos of the extended birthday. 
The waitress made this one on Jimmi Lou's phone because we didn't take our cameras.

Ed's crawfish poboy was way more than he could eat.  Their crawfish was awesome!!  As was their fried crab claws--and their catfish!!

Loading onto the ferry. It runs every fifteen minutes and it didn't take that long to load and get across.  It's been a very long time since I crossed a ferry. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed spending it with our friends.

Part of the "Sunday crowd".  We missed the ones who were not with us.

Now Papa has a camera to record his hunting trips that are coming up.

Josh cut this out with his saw. I'm impressed. I think I need one of those saws!!  Papa likes it. 
 
AND a new wallet since his has been washed twice lately!!  Isn't it fun to get things you really need???  Happy Birthday, Papa!!  Next year the government will give you a CHECK!! 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 

WHAT ON EARTH???

I came out of choir tonight and several people were waiting for me to come out to my car.  They were laughing and saying how they wanted to see what I was going to do.  I was sort of stunned when I looked up and saw this starring me in the face--

Someone who loves me very much had made my car look like I had just gotten married!  That's what I'm going to believe anyway!!  Thanks for the laugh guys! And I hope your Mom doesn't run out of toilet paper any time soon!

PS: Thanks to all of you who commented on my last post. I really enjoy my blog and would love to know you're checking in from time to time.

CHURCH KIDS SWIMMING PARTY

This weekend we had a Lay Witness Weekend at the church.  On Saturday the kids came out with the Youth Leaders to swim.  They brought pizza and drinks and enjoyed about three hours of fun together.  I made them snow cones and that really surprised them.  The young couple that were leading them were from Arkansas and were very sweet.  Hopefully they will come back sometime soon.  Here are a few shots from the day.

It never fails to surprise me how God works when people from all over come together. Things just seem to work out right, don't they??
 
 

ANNUAL DOVE HUNT 2010

The Saturday before Labor Day is always the opening of dove season. This year the crowd is slim--well, not really, but the kill was awesome.  Over 500 birds!!  Wonder how many cases of shells that took?? I had all the fixings ready and all they had to do was put the shish kabobs together.  Breakfast was on the table when they came in.

This was the "killer crowd" that cleaned and readied the birds.  The guys in process of putting the shish kabobs together. We had quite a kitchen crew.  The girls went to town to The Toad House and supported the local economy while they did their work.

This guy was the "hunt master"!  I'm sure he did a great job putting people on good spots and having the area policed after the hunt!  Now we're just waiting for the cooking and eating!! 
 

 Can you believe this grill?  Almost 100 "dove kabobs"!!  The cooking crew did an awesome job!

It was actually cool under the trees while the doves cooked. Vivian and I put the finishing touches on the rest of the meal while the afternoon hunters finished up and the others gathered in.  The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day and a house full of friends and family to share the day.
 
 
 

THE HERRING GIRLS

 
 Some friends hosted a reception/shower for Cookie's daughter Stephanie (far right) last night.  We had a huge group of "Herring Girls" but this is the only picture I've been able to hack.  That's Cookie in the middle with her daughters on the front row and that me in the middle in the back with Jennifer and Tiffany.  It was a lovely party with good food and fellowship and everyone enjoyed meeting Steph's new husband.  We wish them all the best!

I DIDN'T FACEBOOK IT, GRAHAM!!

Ed and I were riding around in the Ranger (surprising to you, right?) and saw a friend at Shelly and Jennifer's.  We pulled up and the boys came out with their poles and started fishing.  Sam threw out a few times and then Ben threw out.  On the second or third cast he got hung up (with Graham's bait) and Graham told him he had to go get it.  Poor Ben stripped down and out into the pond he went.  He said the bait was on a huge log and he needed help. That was all Graham needed to hear. He stripped down and headed out to the water.  Someone mentioned a rope and then someone mentioned the wench on the front of the Ranger. Graham took the rope and the wench and hooked it to whatever was in the pond.  Papa cranked it up.  Our friend mentioned that this was when I really needed my camera. I thought about my phone.  Graham saw me and said, "Nana, don't you take those and put them on Facebook, I'll never get a date!"  We whooped at that!  Well, at least they're not on Facebook!!  :)   

  You can see the bream that they found in the tractor tire and they also got the bait back.  Nothing like a little "dip in the pond" to cool off on a hot afternoon.

SADIE GETS A BURGER!

After having spent a relaxing weekend at the beach Ed, Libby, Sadie and I were traveling home today. We had a very good "beach breakfast" and left the beautiful beach headed home.  I drove while Ed and Sadie held down the back seats. Libby sat up front with me and finished her book.  We usually stop in Hattiesburg at Back Yard Burger cause we're ready for "junk food" (and I really love BYB's!). We walked Sadie and watered her.  We all went in for our food and as we finished Ed said he thought he would get Sadie a burger. She has strange travel habits--she doesn't eat or drink much when she travels.  We went on to the car (which had been left running and locked so she wouldn't get overheated!!)and out Ed comes with her bag. He starts breaking off pieces of burger feeding it to her piece at a time.  My camera was in the back of the car but my phone would work.  Here is Sadie with her burger!! 

She loved her burger and slept all the way home.  And for the record--BYB is NOT "junk food"!!

FUN AT THE BEACH!!

 This is what greeted us as we crossed the bridge on Monday afternoon.  It's anchored at the GS airport.  Don't know what it's doing here. A fun sight to see though.

Didn't make it to the beach today but it was a beautiful day! Looking forward to going tomorrow.

Vin and Cathleen are here visiting and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Gulf Shores Steamer at San Roc. Tiffany will flip when she sees this!!  We loved it!  A freezer of Nadene's Homemade Lemon Ice Cream was waiting on us when we got back to the condo. We had a great day in heaven!! 



  
 
  

 

CROP CONNECTION JULY 2010

The first ever Summer Crop Connection was held this weekend. Four of us from here and two from Hattiesburg got to attend.  There was lots of talking, scrapping, shopping, laughing, a little eating--very little sleeping, talking and did I say shopping!!  We had a wonderful time. The three ladies that put on the event are masters of hospitality and graciousness!  Here are a few pictures.

Pat giving Vana some tips on her pages.  We entered them in the double page layout contest.

Robbie and Tammy shopping the "sale" table.  Robbie has Franklin County connections.

My friends Lenore and  Gina from Foley, AL. Gina has an awesome scrapbook store called GiGi's.

My scrapbook hero, Anna Bess.

The three lovely ladies who organize this event: Andrea, mom Nadene and Deanna.

Our scrapping group: Susan, me, Vana, Debbie, Pat, and Tammy.  We missed Libby, Sharon and Beth.  AND we're looking forward to a September event in Mandeville with a new scrapper!!  Be getting ready girls!!

 
 
 
 
 

THIS NANA CAN FISH!!

Now I may not be as good a fisherman/fisherwoman as Jody or Ed, but I can catch fish.  I'd rather it be called "catching" because I'm not really happy when we're not getting anything.  Ed and I have a secret spot where we go every now and then and it usually turns into a competition.  That's all I'll say about that.  He caught a very nice fish today.  Here's mine. Ed made the picture with his cell phone so this is as big as it will get.  I was happy.  And Sadie is so funny--she runs from one of us to the other as we catch a fish. She is worn out.  A fun hour on a late, hot summer afternoon.

I HAVE AT LEAST ONE FAN!!

This afternoon after lunch Sam and I went to get haircuts. As we were getting out of the car I snapped this picture. 
We both had let our hair get too long and "Aunt Sharon" even washed his hair after she cut it.  That was his first time to have it washed at the beauty shop and he liked it.  He told Ben "don't mess with the do"!  It's hard to believe he's seven and will be going into the 2nd grade.  To me he's still the little "red circle hair boy"!! I love you, Sam.

As I was coming in from the pool, Josh drove up. I was thinking he was staying in New Orleans tonight since he had two meetings there--one today and one tomorrow.  I asked him what he was doing here and he replied, "I live here." I said, "yes, but aren't you supposed to be in New Orleans tomorrow?"  He threw his hands up and laughed. He said, "it's ok, Mama, I don't have to be there until 9:00 in the morning. I can handle it."  After we came back from feeding the fish (and Josh scrounged around for his supper!) he came in to see if his Dad would be up in the morning to help with his tie.  Ed decided to hold class in how to tie a tie!  That's when Josh said, "get your camera, you haven't blogged in a month!"  How could I miss an opportunity to catch this!!? 

First pull the fat side. . .

Then loop around and pull through . . .

 

 

Then push the knot and pull the short piece . . .  Josh rarely wears a coat and tie. Tomorrow is his big interview and he needs to look nice.  Plus every guy needs to know how to tie a tie. As far as that goes, I guess women should know too!  After watching this class I think I could do it but I don't know how it would look.  Papa said he would be available in the morning to check him out!  Good luck, Josh!

GIRLS BEACH TRIP

 
The girls left for the beach on Wednesday. Josh was kind enough to take our picture. A couple of them couldn't go and we're missing them but we're having a great time. Fun, sun, food, more fun, a little shopping and lots more sun. And did I mention food!!

Some teacher friends from Natchez were there having fun in the pool. They were practicing their synchronized skills!
   Deb and Libby relaxing in the pool!  Of course, there had to be "retail therapy"! Deb brought beautiful things for the new baby that's coming soon.   Today we spent some quality time at the beach.  We saw very little yucky oil but there were lots of people working to keep it clean.  This is one of the oil booms stretched out on the water.  One of the cranes out behind the condo used to lift the loads of oil that are collected.  The people are working 24/7 to keep the beaches clean.  So far we haven't noticed any less people here.
 
 
 
 

BIRTHDAY LUNCH SERENADE

My birthday was on Tuesday and the boys were there for lunch. Ed, Josh, Ryan, Graham, Ben and Sam all sang happy birthday to me and presented me with a bowl of homemade ice cream with fresh peaches on top.  Who could ask for more on their birthday??!!!  Gotta love it when the work stops and you're the center of attention!! 
I'm thankful for one more year to enjoy family and friends. Being older doesn't bother me; I'm still 29 in my heart!! :)

LONG TIME NO POST!

  
Father's Day was rather quiet this year. The kids were gone and I gave Ed a gift on Saturday. They trickled in over the weekend with their gifts and he had a good weekend.  He's reading his card (or rather listening to it).  It played the theme from Indiana Jones--saying he was a real adventerous guy--even doing his own stunts!! He knows what I mean--like getting the tractor stuck, running over trees, etc.  Can't help but love a guy who loves his equipment!!  Hope all guys had a Happy Father's Day!