In a worrisome, troubled world, people took comfort when President Hinckley said, in his fatherly, assuring way, "It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out."

Saturday, November 29, 2008

GO TIGERS !!!

PAW POWER FOREVER !!!

Clemson is bowl game bound!


We hung the big Clemson flag outside, the little flag inside, the Clemson quilt on Bryan's recliner, and a Clemson fleece on each couch.
Bryan was wearing his lucky shirt, hat, and his Clemson watch.
We had recorded the game so we could skip the commercials.
Are we fanatics?
YES WE ARE.
We bleed orange blood.
I think Bryan may be getting to old for this kind of stress. I had to remind him several time about the house rule "NO kicking or hitting furniture" after a bad play or a bad call by the referee.
Tomorrow he will wear his orange tie to church. He does that when Clemson wins. When they loose, well we just pretend they didn't play that week.
This was a super important game.
First it was against our rivals, the University of South Carolina gamecocks.
Second if Clemson won they went to a bowl game, if they lost the season was over.
We have an interim coach, Dabo Sweeney, who is hoping to nail the job permanently. He may have after today.
In case anyone was out shopping today Clemson won 31-14.
GO TIGERS !!!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Ready, Set, Cook

OK, so I usually overdo it with making a holiday meal and this year is no exception. I take a few short cuts, but most things are "made from scratch".

Sunday was clean out the fridge day. I threw out all the packets of fast food sauces etc. Why do i save those things. Next to go were the "mystery" leftovers and then anything past its expiration date. My fridge was now ready to be filled with yummy things.

Monday was shop, shop, shop. Ingredients were bought and loaded into the "Blue Goose" (For anyone who doesn't know that is the name of my mini van.) The guy who loaded my van was so careful about not squishing anything and keeping cold things together. I was feeling thankful for so many things that I tipped him. He was grateful and I felt good. Bryan unloaded the van and piled everything on the dining room table. I started to wonder why I hadn't just ordered a complete meal from K&W Cafeteria.

This is my menu:

Turkey - This is one of my cheats. We are buying a fried turkey from Bojangles which is better than worrying about the guys playing with a pot of hot boiling oil in the yard

Cornbread dressing - One of my recipes that everyone insists be made from scratch with no shortcuts.

Maccaroni and Cheese - Again my from scratch recipe

Mashed potatoes with LOTS of butter

Greenbean casserole

Sweet potatoes

Corn

Cranberry sauce

Watergate salad - I think Bryan may be the only one who likes this

Deviled eggs

Yeast rolls from scratch

Gravy

Desserts: Apple pie, Pecan pie (bought from the bakery)


Today is cook, cook, cook. Anything that can be made ahead of time.

Tomorrow is a bit more coking, but mainly clean the house.

Thursday is finish cooking and watch the Macy's parade on TV.
Then most important EAT EAT EAT.
Next we check the sale ads and plan our attack strategy for Friday's shopping frenzy. Then we finish the day with a movie. This year we are going to see the new James Bond movie.

Friday is shopping.

Saturday is clean the kitchen from all the cooking etc.

Sunday is church.

Monday is collapse and recover.

OK, I have to get back to my kitchen.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone

Friday, November 21, 2008

SNOW

OK everyone knows I like Fall best and second best is winter. I also love snow. If I had to deal with it on a regular basis it might be different, but since we rarely see much of the fluffy white stuff here in the south it seems almost magical. Today we had flurries for the second time this week!! When the snow started on Tuesday morning, my neighbor called and said "Sherrie, quick look out the window before it stops" She loves snow almost as much as I do. The flurry on Tuesday only lasted about ten minutes. This morning the snow was a little heavier and lasted for over an hour. It was too warm for any to stick, but it was fun to watch. Now the sun is shinning. Oh well it was fun while it lasted.

My theory is that since we had flurries twice an it isn't even Thanksgiving (we don't usually have even a chance of snow until January) that we will have lots of snow this winter. At least that is what I am hoping for.
THINK SNOW !!!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Basically Healthy

One of my "pet peeves" is people who assume that overweight people are a ticking time bomb health wise. Regular people with this attitude are bad enough, but health care professionals are worse. Some doctors assume that everything from a hangnail to a head cold is because of your weight. I wish they would consider the possibility that my weight is maybe a result of something other that laziness. I'll be the first to admit that I am not just over weight I am what those oh so caring health care professionals call "morbidly obese." There are things that are more difficult for me, but I am Not a lazy couch potato. I do my own shopping and house work. I lead two women's groups at church, I edit and print our Sunday bulletin etc.

My only two health problems are fibromyalgia and arthritis, both of which I would have no matter what my weight.

This year I have had my yearly eye exam, my twice yearly dental check up, my mammogram and my gynecological visit and a colonoscopy. All were completely normal.

This week I had a complete physical and blood work.
My cholesterol was 174. Normal should be below 200.
My good cholesterol was high and my bad was low.
My blood sugar was 86. Normal is 65-99.
My thyroid, red and white blood cell count, calcium and everything else you can think of was great.
My doctor was impressed.

So when you see someone who is not exactly "normal" size, don't judge.
We may be more healthy than you.

OK, enough of my rant.
Everyone have a god day.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

New Friend

My new friend arrived Sunday from China and will be staying with us indefinitely.
Bryan is completely OK with this new arrangement and even paid the airfare. My friend is totally awesome; fast, dependable, there when needed, and patient with me learning to speak this new language. I see a long, happy relationship ahead for us.He is taking me places I have never been before and showing me things I have only dreamed about.This friend is there for me day or night.

My new friend's name is Lenny.
He is a Lenovo ThinkPad computer. Lenny has 3 GB RAM and a 2 Duo CPU @ 2.40 GHz. Totally amazing.Lenny's touchpad is taking some getting used to. I am used to a trakball and Lenny is very touch sensitive.It will take me while to get all my old programs installed, but I am trying to be patient.

A BIG thank you to Brandon and Lisa for helping me acquire Lenny and to Bryan for footing the bill.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Christmas is Coming

Christmas is coming!!!
It is only 41 days (six weeks) until Christmas.
I have started making my "To Do" lists. I am much better at making the list than I am at actually accomplishing the things on the list. I think my good intentions should count as something. But I have made a pretty good start.

Every year we give plates of cookies to friends and neighbors. Of course I can't just let it be a plain plate of cookies.I add a small ornament to the plate to dress it up and so they have something after the cookies are gone. One neighbor actually has saved the ornaments and puts them on her family tree every year.

This year I made Yo Yo angels. OK before you mind goes to "How can she possibly make an angel out of a child's toy yo yo" I'll explain. The Yo Yo is made out of a small fabric circle. I have tried these before, but they were pretty time consuming.
I found an amazing gadget at Michael's that makes it so much easier. I can turn out my yo yo so fast while I'm watching TV at night that I had a pile of the little cuties before I knew it. It takes such a tiny piece of fabric that I am able to use all my scraps that I couldn't bear to part with. I knew I was right not to throw them away. Sometimes being a Pack Rat pays off. It takes three yo yo to make an angel. So far I have made 18 angels. They are pretty cute if I do say so myself.
I also printed a card with a poem to be attached. Yes I know, I know don't know when to stop.
Yo Yo making is addictive so I'm looking for more project to use them.
Someone told me about their Grandmother making a quilt with them.
I don't think I am that ambitious. Anyway here are some pictures of my cuties.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

In Memory of "Unc"

On Thursday, October 30 my Unc (Richard Tumbleson) died.
He had been on dialysis for a while, but this was so sudden and unexpected.
It caught us all by surprise. He was one of those people who you never think about losing. I know it sounds like a cliche, but he was so full of life.
Unc was an MP Sergent in the Army for twenty years.
He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
After the Army he drove a Krisy Cream truck for many years.
My family is addicted to Krisy Cream donuts because of him.
Unc's nickname was "Tumbleweed" probably because his last name was Tumbleson and he grew up in Texas and Oklahoma where there are lots of tumbleweeds.
Unc was married to Mama's sister, Louise so he was technically my Mama and Papa's brother-in-law but he was always just their "brother". He and Papa called each other "Bubba". Their are NO "in-laws" in our family. Family is family.
The only way to describe Unc was that he was a fun loving character.
He always had a least one new joke to tell every time he saw you.
It was usually a bit "off color" but for some reason it never seemed offensive when he told it. It was just Unc's personality.
Some how you always knew he loved you.
I know he missed Aunt Louise very much and is excited to be with her again.
She is probably giving him a hard time about taking so long to join her.

Unc, we love you and miss you.
We will be waiting to hear a whole new batch of jokes when we are all together as a family again.

Friday, October 31, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANA

On October 31, 1976 the most perfect,
most beautiful, baby girl in the
existence of the universe was born!
Dana Lorraine Page
Loving
Caring
Talented
Smart
Sweet
Stubborn
Independent
Amazing
Strong
Resilient
Daring
Adventurous
And will always be my "Baby Girl"


Thursday, October 16, 2008

I've Been Tagged

OK Lisa, you tagged me so here are my answers.

Ten years ago I was:
1. I was younger.
2. I had fewer gray hairs.
3. I was not a grandmother. (I adore my grandchildren)
4. OK I'm too old to remember ten years ago.
I can't remember what I had for breakfast.

Five things on today's to do list:
1. Get a flu shot.
2. Work on the Sunday bulletin for church.
3. Go out to eat with friends.
4. Brush Mushu.
5. Go to a craft group meeting.

Five snacks I enjoy:
1. Anything CHOCOLATE
2. Anything lemon.
3. Mama's pound cake.
4. Ice cream
5. Krispy Cream donuts

Five things I would do if I were a millionare:
1. Pay off my kids student loans.
2. Set up a college fund for grandchildren
3. Pay off mortgage and buy a house on the beach.
4. Pay off/buy homes for kids.
5. Travel


Five places I have lived:
1. Columbia, SC
2. Florence, SC
3. Marion, SC
4. Conway, SC
5. Goldsboro, NC

Five jobs that I have had:
1. Long distance telephone opperator.
2. Assistant to an interior decorator.
3. Assistant teacher for second grade.
4. Cafeteria manager for a private school.
5. Home daycare

Wendy added other random things so here are mine:
1. I "LOVE" being a Grandma!!
2. I have the best husband, kids (this includes in laws), and grandkids.
3. I am a craft-a-holic
4. I buy more crafts material than anyone could use in a lifetime.
5. I love to read.
6. I do NOT like housework of any kind.
7. I love animals.
8. I don't like wearing dresses.
9. I am shy.
10. I agree with Wendy, naps should be manditory for everyone.
11. I am addicted to gadgets/tecnology.
12. If I had the money I would build a sunroom, enlarge my kitchen and add a BIG craft room to my house.
13. I own "6" sewing machines. Two are antiques, two are regular machines, one is an embroidery machine, and one is the machine Mama and Papa bought me in high school. I guess that one is almost an antique too.
14. I lose track of time when I am in a craft store or a book store.
15. I can't think of anyone with a blog except Lisa and Wendy so I can't "Tag" anyone. :(

Friday, October 10, 2008

Priceless Pottery






These museum quality ceramic art pieces are "one of a kind" creations by the soon to be world famous brother/sister team of Emma Louise Howald and Hunter Thomas Howald. While these remarkable artists are new to the medium of ceramics, their incredible talent is apparent. The use of color is unprecedented in artists so young. These pieces are priceless and can only be seen in the exclusive Howald Museum located in picturesque Gladstone,Virginia. One can only imagine what the prodigies will create next. The art world eagerly awaits.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Pottery Play House

Dana, Richard and their kids were here recently. Dana and I always have a million things we want to do when she comes down from Virginia for a visit. This time was no exception. One of our first stops was "Once Upon a Child" to look for Halloween costumes for the kids. Emma has a Tinkerbell costume. Emma is a fairy all the time now. She even talks in her "fairy voice" Sooo cute. Hunter wants to be a pirate. So I suggested that he could be Captain Hook. We just have to find him a hook. If I can find a pattern for a toddler Peter Pan costume, Fisher will be Peter Pan. I think Dana should be Wendy and Richard could be the crocodile that is always after Captain Hook.

It was County Fair week while they were here. We couldn't miss hot dogs, cotton candy, and my personal all time favorite "FUNNEL CAKE" What is it about the fair that makes me crave a huge piece of fried dough covered in powdered suger. And yes I can eat the whole thing all by myself. Of course my stomach doesn't feel to good afterward, but I still have to do it every year.

One of my favorite things that we did this visit was take Emma and Hunter to The Pottery Play House. They picked out a piece of pottery to paint any way they wanted. Hunter created a lovely multi- colored frog. Emma painted a rainbow hued pony. Dana and I painted gingerbreadman Christmas ornaments. It was very messy and lots of fun. I'm going back this week to pick up our projects and make something else.
Maybe a "Purple Cow"
I never saw a purple cow,
I hope I never see one,
But I can tell you any how.
I'd rather see than be one!

Dana and the kids also brought me a very sweet prsent. When all my kids were little I would recite a poem about a purple puffin. Dana found a book with illustrations along with the peom. It is so cute, She has been reading it to her kids and they almost have it memorized. Emma says the words along with me when we read to book.

I read the fourth book in Stephanie Myers' Twilight series. I think it is my favorite. I can't wait until November when the first movie comes out.

OK everyone, what should I read next?

Monday, September 8, 2008

Home Again

I just got home from spending a week in SC visiting my parents.
Now comes the part I hate about traveling "unpacking".
When I got home yesterday Bryan has actually straightened up things. Well as much as most husbands do. The bed was partially made. The dishes were in the dishwasher, but it hadn't been turned on. Most of the dirty clothes were in the hamper. Most important, he fed all the pets.

Now time for me to get back into my regular routine; shopping, cooking, cleaning.
I live such an exciting life. Actually I like my life. I am just what I always wanted to be when I grew up. (not that I am grown up) I'm a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grand mother, a mother-in-law, a friend and I'm "ME". Sometimes I'm not sure who the real "ME" is, but I'm still exploring that.

Since my lil sis (actually my sister-in-law Wendyfru) has learned a new craft and already started working on Christmas presents I guess I better get started too. I can't let her out do me. So if anyone has a request you better let me know in a hurry or you just might get something a bit wacky like a collection a my extremely rare dust bunnies. Apparently they have been multiplying while I was gone so I have a few extra.

OK, enough "rambling". Time to get back to unpacking etc.

Monday, September 1, 2008

RUB-A-DUB-DUB

Rub-A-Dub-Dub
Three Socks in the tub
A blue, a black and a brown
There's never a match
At the end of a load
It makes me want to frown

Everyone knows that there is never an even number of socks in a load of laundry. So what do you do with the orphan socks? Do you make sock puppets? You can only use so many sock creatures. Do you stuff them with cat nip for kitty toys? Do you use them to dust furniture? Not in my house! Dust bunnies are almost sacred here. We wouldn't think of wiping them out with an old sock. Are there foster homes for unmatched socks?

And why is it never possible to have ALL the clothes, towels, and sheets clean at one time? I mean if you do five loads of laundry on Saturday, why is it that by Saturday night the laundry hamper is overflowing again? Just once, for a little while, it would be oh so nice to see all the laundry done and the hamper empty. Is there some law of physics that I never learned that declares the laundry hamper must never stay empty more than five minutes? It seems like the only way for this to happen would be to have every member of the family strip naked, stand in the tub, and stay there while everything is washed. Not a pretty sight I'm sure. Then I could bask in the glory of a pile of neatly folded, clean laundry and an empty clothes hamper. One can only dream of course.

Also why in the world when I put the last load in the dryer on Saturday night does my husband come up with a white shirt with "ring-a-round-the-collar" that he has to have for church on Sunday morning?

I know, I know, at least I don't have to scrub the clothes on a rock in a river to get them clean.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

















Remembering Chloe


When Dana was in high school she insisted that she needed a dog of her own. We had a dog and a cat, but she wanted a pet that was "hers". There was an ad in the paper for a beagle, which of course Dana decided would be perfect. We went to "just look" at the beagle. Never go to "just look" at an animal. You will immediately fall in love. Now most beagles are brown, black and white, but remember that the most famous beagle "Snoopy" is black and white. Our Chloe is the only other beagle I have ever seen that is black and white. When Dana went away to college, Chloe became mine.

Chloe never was the smartest dog we have owned, but she was always one of the sweetest.
She barked at every piece of papper that blew across the yard.
She sometimes would bark at the setting sun until it was out of sight.
Chloe never met a child that she didn't love and every child who met Chloe loved her. Our grandchildren and the neighbor children like Chloe better than our other dogs. Chloe was always very patient with their hugs and pats.

Chloe was with us for 15 years. He hearing and sight were failing. She had arthritis and spent her days lying in the sun.
Chloe died on Monday, August 25, 2008
Her doggie companion of more than 6 years, Toby mourns for her.
We all miss Chloe very much.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Rats, Cats and BATS, Oh My!!!


Ok, so I don't actually have bats, but they sure look like them. What I have are birds in my chimney.
Not to be confused with "bats in the belfry"

Last summer I heard a strange sound in the fireplace which was also driving my cat completely "batty" (pun completely intended) It sounded like .... well it didn't really sound like anything I had ever heard before. Kind of a scratchy, squeeky, flapping noise. So being the brave, independent, modern woman that I am. Yeah right. I opened the fireplace door just a tiny crack, but I couldn't see anything. I opened it a little more and I saw IT. There clinging to the side wall of the wood stove was "A BAT".

Well I thought it was. I let out my best late night horror movie scream and slammed the door shut. My heroic cat jumped to my aid. Actually all I saw of her was a yellow streak as she dashed under the couch.

A few hours later my knight in shinning armor, dh, came home and assured me that there was no way that a flock of bats were partying in our chimney. As I stood on the couch armed with a broom, he carefully opened the fireplace door. Of course there was nothing there. He gave me "the look". Then I saw It clinging to the door. I screamed, he jumped, It made it's hideous noise. Hubby bravely got a plastic bag, picked the creature off the door and carried it outside. My country boy hubby patiently informed me, city girl that I am, that it was only a bird called a chimney swift. They nest in unused chimneys and eat insects. Sure sounds like a BAT to me. Well apparently they liked our chimney because all summer we had a family of them in our chimney. It was hard to explain to guests what the weird sound was coming from our fireplace. Hubby never did get the chimney capped so once again this summer we have "batbirds" in our chimney. I don't have the heart to call an exterminator even for "batbirds" so after the babies have flown the nest I will call someone to cap the chimney and just hand hubby the bill.
BATBIRDS ARE CREEPY !!!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Can't sleep

I am NOT a night person! I like to go to bed early and get up fairly early. So why am I starting a blog after midnight? Because for some reason known only to the sandman, I can't go to sleep. So, here I sit at my computer rambling through the thoughts of my mind. MY MIND. That is sometimes a very confusing place to be. My mind is like my life, cluttered. Cluttered with all the past memories, thoughts and dreams. Cluttered with the should haves, could haves and why didn't I of my life. My mind is filled with useless trivia, but is also filled with dreams and hopes for me and my family.

I live a VERY ordinary life. I have been married for 38 years to my wonderful husband. We have three married children and four grandchildren. We currently share our home with 3 dogs and 1 cat.

I love crafting, sewing, scrapbooking, machine embroidery, and crochet.
I like Disney movies and romantic conedies.
I like to read almost any type of book.
I do NOT like housework of any kind.
I sometimes like cooking.

Ok, so those are the ramblings of my mind at 12:30 am. Not a very interesting place to be right now. I promise that there will be more amusing thoughts when I am fully awake.

Good Night all