Early Bird or Night Owl?

Isn't it funny how we fall into habits--comfortable habits? Johnny bounces out of bed at 5:00--every morning--without any alarm clock! He's learned to be quiet. The poor man married someone who believes that morning does not happen until the sun comes up and then, comes up slooowly and quietly. Shh.

All of my working life, I climbed out of bed at 5:30 in order to make it to work on time. High school teachers must report early. It is said that you will adapt. Well, I never got used to it.

Now, if left alone, I get up around 7:30 and head for my Mac computer. Johnny makes a fresh pot of coffee and brings me a cup. Ah, yes, I AM spoiled!





It should be no surprise that at night, Johnny is often ready to go to sleep much before I am. He's worn out. 

I like to watch Jay Leno.




Which are you? An early bird or a night owl?

Blue Monday - Blue Bowl

It's Blue Monday! To participate:

1. Post about something blue on your blog. It can be pretty, ugly, funny, old, or new as long as it's blue. Leave a link to this blog on your post.

2. Place the Blue Monday button on the top of your post so that people can easily spot it. Place another Blue Monday button on the sidebar of your blog.

3. Return here and link in with Mr. Linky by leaving your name and the Permalink to your post. To create a Permalink, click on your Blue Monday post title and copy all the stuff in the http window. It is a longer address so that people can find your post even later in the week--whenever they get a chance to visit. For those who just can't wait, Mr. Linky will be up after midnight!

Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

4. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment. I appreciate those who leave a comment for me.

5. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Blue Monday participants. (That's why the Permalink is so important.)
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Today I'd like to talk about the blue bowl that sits on our dining room table most of the year. When we moved into this new home thirteen years ago, our daughter gave us this floral arrangement that she had custom made. She picked the blue bowl because she knew that the favorite color for both her father and me has always been blue and cobalt blue is our very favorite shade of blue.

She originally had the bowl filled with beige and blue flowers, but I had her change out the blue flowers for more of the white/beige ones. I really like the balls of white with beige squiggles.


You can see the shape of the bowl here as well as the intense cobalt blue color. The bottom is a small clear pedestal.





Have a Happy Blue Monday.

Remember to check out my sidebar for book giveaways.

Blue Monday Participants

1. Lana G! 2. Karen 3. Mojo, NC, USA 4. Susan 5. Valerie, KC 6. ellen b 7. Libby TwirlandTaste 8. Theresa 9. Gloria 10. Elizabeth 11. Cindy @ Applestone 12. Sheila 13. Claudie@ Bubblin\' Over 14. Robyn 15. Barbara Jean 16. M 17. Cherie 18. Christine (xinex) 19. Linnea 20. Chandy 21. VisualVictuals,GA 22. CC 23. Lynda 24. marjorie

25. Anne Fannie 26. Mary 27. fitty 28. Gemma, Australia 29. Serenata, England 30. Sweetie 31. Knitty 32. Beverly 33. Shirls Rose Cottage 34. Jeanne 35. Kathleen M 36. charli and me 37. Heidi Pocketbook 38. Sandi 39. The Pagan Sphinx - Massachusetts 40. Darlene 41. Tink *~*~* 42. Diane @ A Picture is...... 43. Debra Kaye 44. White Iris Designs 45. bj 46. Cam 47. Hsa 48. Rhondi

49. Sue @ Life at Home 50. Russ\' Photo Blog 51. Villa Extra 52. Becky 53. LadyJane 54. Picket 55. Charlotte 56. ~Theresa~ 57. Sally 58. Black eyed susans kitchen 59. Kathy 60. Victorian Gourmet 61. Katrina~ 62. Florida Sue 63. Tardevil 64. Lisa 65. Pammie Jo 66. Tricia 67. Gayle 68. Blue Cottage 69. Linda 70. Ashley ~ 71. Ruby 72. Victoria @ Auction Girl Vintage

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Hello Pastor, I Can't Sleep, and I Have A Problem ...

You gotta love our dedicated pastors.

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Attention: Terrorist Cell Groups in United States Churches

Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and the most dangerous,  Bin Missin. 

Their leader, Osama Bin Lucifer, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy. 

However, there have also been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin and is reported as the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. This group appears to be very small. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return. 

Which cell group do you belong to?"

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Spiritual Sundays are hosted by Ginger and Charlotte. To visit other participants, click here.

Pink Saturday - Cavorting Bunnies

Beverly at How Sweet the Sound hosts Pink Saturday. Pause at her Place to see Plenty of other Pretty Pink items that Precious Pink Participating People are Presenting for your Pleasure.

Last week I showed you my white pitcher, filled with spring flowers given to me by Marilyn, my cousin. Today, I want to show you the bunnies playing at the bottom of the pitcher.



Here's a close-up so that you can see how cute they are with their  Pink ears and their Pink noses, and their Pink feet. They're holding Pink flowers with Pink ribbons.



Cathy at Melodies and Hymnsongs has presented me with the Keativ Blogger award. In the past, when I have received an award that I'd already received, I simply included the giver's name on my sidebar. This award is a repeat, but it has occurred to me that not to show my appreciation is thoughtless. Besides, this award is Pink! Thank you, Cathy, for honoring me.



Have a Happy Pink Saturday!

Check that sidebar for the book giveaways!

Plan to come back for Blue Monday.

Show and Tell Friday - Apples

Kelli from Kelli's House hosts Show and Tell Friday. If you have something special to share, this is the place to show it. It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Go to her place to join in the fun!

I collect apples and today I'd like to show you my kitchen apples. We bought this oven dress at a craft fair this past fall. I spotted the red apples and had to bring it home.



Several years ago, we bought this cookie jar at Cracker Barrel. That store has the cutest things.



A good friend gave me this a few years ago just because she knew that I collect apples. I keep it on top of my refrigerator.



Here's a closer look. It says, "Lord, keep me as the apple of your eye."



These are three of my kitchen apples decorations.

See you for Blue Monday!

Male or Female?

You might not have known this, but a lot of inanimate objects are actually either male or female. Here are some examples I got in an email:




FREEZER BAGS: They are male, because they hold everything in, but you can see right through them.






PHOTOCOPIERS: These are female, because once turned off, it takes a while to warm them up again. They are an effective reproductive device if the right buttons are pushed but can also wreak havoc if you push the wrong buttons.









TIRES: Tires are male because they go bald easily and are often over-inflated.








HOT AIR BALLOONS: Also a male object because to get them to go anywhere you have to light a fire under them.










SPONGES: These are female because they are soft, squeezable, and retain water.




WEB PAGES: Female because they're constantly being looked at and frequently getting hit on.










TRAINS: Definitely male because they always use the same old lines for picking up people.






EGG TIMERS: Egg timers are female because over time all the weight shifts to the bottom.













HAMMERS: Male because in the last 5000 years they've hardly changed at all and are occasionally handy to have around.










THE REMOTE CONTROL: Female. Ha! You probably thought it would be male, but consider this: a man would be lost without it, and while he doesn't always know which buttons to push, he just keeps trying.

Be sure to check out my sidebar.
I have a book giveaway going on.

What's That?

Driving down the road, I saw this and grabbed my camera. As soon as we stopped at a traffic light, I snapped a picture. I started chatting away telling Johnny that I bet the truck was carrying that cross to some church for an Easter pageant.

 "But," I said, "it's really not very tall. They should have made it a couple of feet taller. I'll bet they're going to put it up on something higher so that it looks taller."

"Sally," he told me, "that the way the truck is built--it's a tow truck. That attachment is on it to lift the cars it carries."

Join Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for more outdoor Wednesday posts.

Free Gardener

Jeanne at Backyard Neighbor took this picture of forsythias that are now in bloom all over the mountainside where she lives. The blooms are so bright and cheerful in her cobalt blue container.

My mom always loved to see the forsythias bloom. I married at an early age (17) and never paid much attention to outdoor things. In Florida, we can't grow forsythias. Although each spring my mom would write about the crocuses and forsythias blooming at her home in Maryland, all I could remember was some purple and some yellow. 





Once, when I was visiting her, I noticed a bush that was nothing more than ugly sticks. It had sprawled over Mama's walkway and brushed against my legs.  It looked even worse than this one below. There was no yellow at all  on Mama's ugly bush. See how it spawls all over the place?


As a favor, for a surprise, I trimmed her bush back--waaay back. I cut off every single stick until it was about 12" high. It took a chunk of time; I worked hard on that ugly thing. Later, she told me that her ugly bush of sticks was her prized forsythia bush! It had been full of buds, and she was looking forward to a particularly beautiful spring. 

Mama's forsythias did not bloom at all that year and not so nicely the following year, either. In fact, she moved before she ever saw it come back to its former glory. She was a little miffed at me!

I work for free. Would you like for me to come do some pruning at your place?

Blue Monday - You're a Good Egg

It's Blue Monday! To participate:

1. Post about something blue on your blog. It can be pretty, ugly, funny, old, or new as long as it's blue. Leave a link to this blog on your post.

2. Place the Blue Monday button on the top of your post so that people can easily spot it. Place another Blue Monday button on the sidebar of your blog.

3. Return here and link in with Mr. Linky by leaving your name and the Permalink to your post. To create a Permalink, click on your Blue Monday post title and copy all the stuff in the http window. It is a longer address so that people can find your post even later in the week--whenever they get a chance to visit. For those who just can't wait, Mr. Linky will be up after midnight!

Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

4. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment. I appreciate it when you take the time to leave a comment for me.

5. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Blue participants. (That's why the Permalink is so important.)
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I want to share a good egg with you today--a blue one!  See it sitting beside the rabbit? 

I can hear some of you expert crafters gasping. Oops, I see one fainting. I told you folks that I was not crafty, and now here is proof. The rabbit is a wooden one that I bought many years ago. I spray painted him beige. That's it. Nothing more. No ribbon around his neck, no flowers pasted on his ears, no color for his eyes. Now you believe me, don't you? Not a speck of craftiness in me.


Anyway, the topic today is all about the blue egg. It's a good egg because I did not have to do anything but purchase it.

Look how lacy it is. I really like lacy ceramic things. I always have.

Here's the pretty top. Now, to ease back into the outer edges of blogland, I'll tell you that I bought this good blue egg at Dollar Tree for $1.00.

 (Oh, good, I see your smiles and hear your applause.)

Happy Blue Monday!

Be sure to check out my sidebar.

I usually have a book giveaway going on.

Blue Monday Participants

1. Theresa 2. M 3. Claudie @ BUBBLIN\' OVER 4. Elizabeth 5. Kathy b 6. Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa) 7. VisualVictuals,GA 8. Susan 9. bj 10. Cindy @ Applestone 11. Lana G! 12. Tee 13. anne fannie 14. Deborah 15. Victorian Gourmet 16. Chandy 17. Cam 18. Gie 19. Linnea 20. Linda 21. Gemma, Australia

22. Sandra 23. Kim (mom-musings) 24. Judith, UK 25. Jeanne 26. Nell - Aust 27. Kathleen M 28. Shirley@Plum Bush Cottage 29. Tricia 30. Karen :o) 31. Beverly 32. Mojo, NC, USA 33. Carrie - Carola Nativity Gallery 34. The Pagan Sphinx - Massachusetts 35. Sandi 36. Judi 37. Tink *~*~* 38. Debra Kaye 39. LadyJane 40. Shirls Rose Cottage 41. Teresa 42. Marjorie

43. JLS Hall 44. Knitty 45. Angie @ Annies Home 46. charli and me 47. Christine (xinex) 48. Becky 49. Gloria 50. black eyed susans kitchen 51. Mary 52. Valerie K 53. Ginger 54. Lynda 55. Valerie 56. Kathy 57. Ivory Spring 58. Barbara Jean 59. Libby TwirlandTaste 60. katrina 61. Kady

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Church of the Future

Technology is terrific, but I'm not sure I'd like this. How about you?


Spiritual Sundays are hosted by Ginger and Charlotte. To visit other participants, click here.

Pink Saturday - Favorite Cousin

Beverly at How Sweet the Sound hosts Pink Saturday. Pause at her Place to see Plenty of other Pretty Pink items that Precious Pink Participating People are Presenting for your Pleasure.

I have a cousin, Marilyn, who has always been my favorite. She's eleven years older than I, and never seemed to mind whenever I was a pest. When I was five years old, I kept kissing her while she tried to put on her makeup for a date. I'm sure it was irritating, but she wouldn't say a word. Finally, my mother scolded, "Now, Sally, let Marilyn alone!"

I stuck out my lower lip and said, "I YUST wanted her to tie my bow!" Everyone laughed at that lie, and it turned into one of those family sayings.

Marilyn is the kindest person I know. She's standing on the porch of the house where I was born. At that time, it was my grandparents' home. Marilyn and her family owned it after our grandparents died. It stayed in the family for decades, but now it's owned by someone outside the family.



Marilyn lives way too far away in another state, and I don't see her very often. However, I think of her almost every day when I see this display of flowers.

When we moved into this house thirteen years ago, Marilyn and her husband came for a visit, along with his two sisters. During the visit, I described what I wanted in this spot. (Of course, I never thought that she was going to do this for me!) When she got home, she hunted until she found just the right container--this sweet white pitcher. (I wanted a white pitcher with plain lines, filled with soft pastel Pink flowers.) Then, she commissioned a florist to create this special assortment and had this beauty sent to me. It was exactly what I had envisioned!


Aren't they beautiful? For all these years, I've kept them here, except for Thanksgiving through Christmas. I look at this arrangement and think of Marilyn.


If you're interested, I'm having a book giveaway.

 Check my sidebar.

See you for Blue Monday!

Show and Tell Friday - Chocolate Bunny

Kelli from Kelli's House hosts Show and Tell Friday. If you have something special to share, this is the place to show it. It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Go to her place to join in the fun!

Last week, a blogger (sorry, but I don't remember who) showed her faux "chocolate" bunny that she bought at Dollar Tree. I dragged my husband there the very next day. They had four left. I bought this one and placed her in my cloche. (She has a pink ribbon on her neck, so it must be a she.)


I gave her some grass to stand on, and put my mother's black plate underneath. I do love the pretty edges of this plate.

Doesn't she look sweet? It's a good thing the cloche protects her, as my grandchildren might be tempted to nibble!

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Susan has presented me with The Daydreamer Award, a special award given by  A Southern Daydreamerer along with her sincerest thanks for my making so many comments on her blog. Imagine! I'm being thanked for talking so much! Thank you, Susan, for this beautiful gift.

Sorry, but I cannot share this with you, as it is against Susan's rules.  

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Vikki from Magnolia Memories gave me the Lemonade award for “great attitude or gratitude.” I’m honored to receive it, Vikki. Thank you.


I'm supposed to "nominate up to ten" bloggers to receive this award. As I am a rule bender--never breaker, I will offer the Lemonade award to any person leaving a comment with “a great attitude.” If you would like it, just mention me when you post it on your blog (after you've left that "great" comment!)

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Now, for anyone interested in a FREE BOOK, check my sidebar for my giveaway.

 I hope to see you on Blue Monday!
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Grandpa's Needle and Safety Pin

Suzanne, my blogging buddy at Colorado Lady has a meme called Vintage Thingies Thursday. I usually participate in another Thursday meme, but today I'm joining in with VTT. If you have something vintage to post about, join in.

In 1949, when my grandfather was 78 years old, his wife, my grandmother, died. After that, Grandpa came to visit us every year for three months. He'd get bored just sitting around, and that first year, he decided to reupholster my mother's wingback chair. He had never attempted to work with any material before, but he was sure that he could figure it out.

My mom bought the material, and Grandpa went to work on the chair in the basement. After breaking several needles, he decided that he needed some special items. He used this needle and safety pin, along with heavy duty "carpet" scissors and an ordinary hammer.



The needle is 4" long and bent so that he could work it through the fabric.


The safety pin is 3" long, and I've been told that he crafted it by hand. It looks too good to be handmade, but I've never seen another one like it. Have you?


Take a close look.


Here's another angle.


Here's the opposite end close up. *Added later: Some bloggers have suggested that it might be a kilt pin. Grandpa was Scot-Irish, so that may be correct.

The chair turned out beautifully, and Mama used it for years. I used it in my living room when I first married. It's long gone now, and I'm sorry to say that have no pictures of it.


Check out the book giveaway in my sidebar!

I Have A Problem

Do you see my problem? Look closely.




Here's another shot, taken at night, with the lamp turned on. See the problem now?



I'll turn the shade around so the problem is right in front. Yes, it's a hole in my lampshade! I have no idea how it got there. One day I noticed it. I've had two of these lamps forever. So, I set out to replace the shades. It seems to be an awkward size because I can find larger shades, and I can find smaller ones, but none that quite look right.


After looking for months--yes, months--I stumbled upon a solution. New lamps! I found two of these at Kirkland's on sale for $12.99 each.



Now my problem is, what do I do with the old lamps? Just toss them? Save the seashells? Any creative ideas, Blogland?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A part of me is Irish, and I'm proud to celebrate my heritage today. As a small child, my mother always made certain that I wore some green on this special day.  Join in the fun of the Green day whether or not you've any Irish blood to brag about.



Pinching is a relatively new thing; we did not do this when I was a youngster. I understand it's totally an American invention; the Irish tsk their tongues at us!

I recently discovered that Danny Boy was written by an Englishman!

If you're looking for some fantastic music to go along with the celebration, click below. See if you can hold still while you listen. I sure can't!



I hope that you have a corned beef and cabbage dinner tonight!

Blue Monday - Girl with Lamb

It's Blue Monday! To participate:

1. Post about something blue on your blog. It can be pretty, ugly, funny, old, or new as long as it's blue. Leave a link to this blog on your post.

2. Place the Blue Monday button on the top of your post so that people can easily spot it. Place another Blue Monday button on the sidebar of your blog.

3. Return here and link in with Mr. Linky by leaving your name and the Permalink to your post. To create a Permalink, click on your Blue Monday post title and copy all the stuff in the http window. It is a longer address so that people can find your post even later in the week--whenever they get a chance to visit. For those who just can't wait, Mr. Linky will be up after midnight!

Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

4. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment. I appreciate it when you take the time to leave a comment for me.

5. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Blue participants. (That's why the Permalink is so important.)
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Here is a Lladro that I have titled, Girl with Lamb. Johnny bought her for me many years ago. Her colors are soft blue, tan and white. My curio cabinet is mirrored and you can spot some blue in the reflection. There's the cobalt blue art glass vase that I've shown, a blue coffee table book titled, Alpine Americas, and my soft blue pillow.


The Girl with the Lamb makes me think of William Blake's poem,

The Lamb

Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed,
By the stream and o'er the mead;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee,
Little Lamb, I'll tell thee.
He is called by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and He is mild;
He became a little child.
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by His name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee!

Blue Monday Participants

1. M 2. Anne Fannie 3. ellen b 4. Charlotte 5. Susan 6. Olive Rue 7. Mojo, NC, USA 8. Kathy b 9. Jacaranda Cottage (Amanda...aka Cottage Contessa) 10. Linnea 11. Shirley 12. bj 13. VisualVictuals,GA 14. Linnea(again) 15. marie 16. Christine (xinex) 17. Libby TwirlandTaste 18. Lana G! 19. Jeanne 20. Charlotte 21. Sheila T 22. Marjorie

23. Robyn 24. Nell - Aust 25. Judith, UK 26. Karen~ 27. Barbara Hilbrich 28. Janie at Southern Lagniappe 29. charli and me 30. Knitty 31. Judi 32. Tink *~*~* 33. Shirls Rose Cottage 34. Carolyn 35. Heidi Pocketbook 36. Becky 37. Theresa 38. the wild raspberry 39. Elizabeth 40. RoseChicFriends ~ Lorena 41. Rhondi 42. JudyBug 43. LadyJane 44. Chari

45. Lisa 46. Helen 47. Amanda 48. Pammie Jo 49. Lauralu/Hidden Promise 50. Kathy 51. Sandra 52. Barbara Jean 53. Cam 54. Megan @ Live. Love. Laugh. 55. Nancy@MyCraftyLittlePage 56. Pagan Sphinx - Massachusetts 57. Beverly 58. becky@AdultDeprived 59. JLS Hall 60. Mary 61. Shelia @ Note Songs 62. Florida Sue 63. Carrie - Oak Rise Cottage 64. Sherri

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Take a look at the Book Giveaways on my sidebar!

Computers & Irish: You Gotta Love 'em

What's amazing is that it is possible to have our errors forgiven!

Spiritual Sundays are hosted by Ginger and Charlotte. To visit other participants, click here.

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner, I'd like to share this poem.

What Shall I Say About the Irish?
The utterly impractical, never predictable,
Sometimes irascible, quite inexplicable, Irish.
Strange blend of shyness,
pride and conceit,
And stubborn refusal to bow in defeat.
He's spoiling and ready to argue and fight,
Yet the smile of a child
fills his soul with delight.
His eyes are the quickest to well up with tears,
Yet his strength is the strongest
to banish your fears.
His hate is as fierce as his devotion is grand,
And there is no middle ground
on which he will stand.
He's wild and he's gentle,
he's good and he's bad.
He's proud and he's humble,
he's happy and sad.
He's in love with the ocean,
the earth and the skies,
He's enamoured with beauty wherever it lies.
He's victor and victim, a star and a clod,
But mostly he's Irish—
in love with his God.

Pink Saturday - Bird House

People! Beverly at How Sweet the Sound hosts Pink Saturday. Pause at her Place to see Plenty of other Pretty Pink items that Precious Pink Participating People are Presenting for your Pleasure.




I was out and about Thursday, and I spotted this bird house. I stopped to get a picture to share with you. You may see a Pink tree, but I see a beautiful Pink bird house.


Look at little closer and you'll see the birds in their home.



Here's an even closer view of the birds and their Pink flowers.



Wouldn't it be lovely to always have fresh blooms like these in your home?

Check my sidebars for BOOK GIVEAWAYS!

Greening Up My Home

Kelli from Kelli's House hosts Show and Tell Friday. If you have something special to share, this is the place to show it. It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Go to her place to join in the fun!

I'm having so much fun with my apothecary jar. For St. Patrick's Day, I bought a leprechaun and placed him on top of some clear and green stones. Look closely and you'll spot some of the gold he guards.



Then I bought some St. Patrick's Day ribbon and made a bow for the top.0



Then, I placed his "pot" of gold close by.



Inside my cloche, I placed a Colleen and surrounded her with crystal marbles on top my mother's black plate. Colleen's dancing an Irish jig to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.


Doesn't she have the sweetest face?


It's fun to place with touches of green.

Check out the BOOK GIVEAWAYS on my sidebar!

Booking Through Thursday - Movie Potential

If you would like to join in, click here.

Today's question:
Tami inspired this week’s question:

What book do you think should be made into a movie? And do you have any suggestions for the producers?

Or, What book do you think should NEVER be made into a movie?


My Response:
My mind clouds with plots, characters, and titles. There are so many good books, and any good book would make a good film. Of course, a film would have to cut some good parts and characters; after all, that is why a book is superior to a film! I can't list all the possibilities, so I'll give one example of a recent book that would make a fun film.

Last Mango in Texas by Ray Blackston is written in first person narrative, and this humorous Christian chick lit couples an oil man with an environmentalist. That's creativity! The Texas man, Kyle, and the tree-hugging Gretchen are strong characters who pull apart toward their own special interests while being drawn together romantically.

Imagine an escape from a fraternity during a frat party. How could it happen with the brothers watching? What background music will be playing? Ah, you'll have to read the book--or see the movie--to see the answers those questions. If you're interested in a FREE copy, check my sidebar.

What title did you suggest?

Purchase of Poison & Good Book

The small gold mining town had only one drug store. A respectable lady went into the store, calmly walked up to the druggist, looked into his eyes and said, "I would like to buy some cyanide."

The druggist asked, "Why in the world do you need cyanide?"

"I need it to poison my husband," the lady replied.

The druggist's eyes got big and he exclaimed, " Lord have mercy! I can't give you cyanide to kill your husband. That's against the law! I'll lose my license! They'll throw both of us in jail! You CANNOT have any cyanide!"

The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a photograph of her husband in bed with the druggist's wife.

The druggist looked at the photo and replied, "Well now, this is different. You didn't tell me you had a prescription."

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I reviewed this funny book. Check this out.

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Book Giveaways!
See my sidebar.

Max and the Man & Award

We pulled our car to the curb so that Johnny could jump out and search for his cellphone. He went around to the passenger side and opened the back door to see if it had fallen there. While looking, a cat came out from behind a pillar, took a couple of steps toward Johnny, and loudly meowed in a desperate manner. Johnny finally found the phone, right where he'd dropped it under his seat, and returned to the driver's seat.

Meanwhile, the cat returned to his hiding place. A man walked down the sidewalk with several grocery bags. He stopped, reached into one of the bags, took out a can of cat food, opened it, and tried to entice the cat. The cat came out from behind the pillar, but would not get close to the man or the food. The man dumped the cat food onto the ground and walked away. Then the cat began to hungrily gulp the food. I grabbed my camera and snapped some pictures.


I'm working with a new camera, and I couldn't seem to get a good shot. This one is not much clearer.



The man walked over to our car and explained. A lady used to regularly feed the cat that she called Max, but she had not been seen for quite a while. The cat had not eaten in three to four days the man said. He went to the store to buy food for his cats, and he bought an extra can for Max. He allowed me to snap this picture.


What do you think? Was he being a good Samaritan or should he have left Max to fend for himself?

P.S. This is a feral cat and not suitable for adoption.

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Monica at Monica’s English Version has presented me with Let’s Be Friends award.


These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Thank you, Monica.

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Book Giveaways!
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Grandma Test & Review: Confessions of A Shopaholic

A grandmother was out walking with her four-year-old granddaughter. The little girl picked up something off the ground and started to put it in her mouth. The grandmother took the item away from her and I asked her not to do that.

"Why?" the granddaughter asked.

"Because it's been on the ground. You don't know where it's been, it's dirty, and probably has germs," replied Grandma.


At this point, the little girl looked at her grandmother with total admiration and asked, "Grandma, how do you know all this stuff? You are so smart."

Grandma, thinking quickly, answered, "All Grandmas know this stuff. It's on the Grandma Test. You have to know it, or they don't let you be a Grandma."

We walked along in silence for two or three minutes, while the small one pondered this new information. "Oh...I get it!" she beamed, "So if you don't pass the test, you have to be the Grandpa."

"Exactly!"



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I went to the movies Sunday afternoon with my granddaughter, Brittany to see Confessions of A Shopaholic. Brittany and I both enjoyed this chick flick and give it a thumbs up.



It's the story of Rebecca Bloomwood, a shopaholic, living in New York and desperate to work for a fashion magazine.


She's deeply in debt and the moral is that things are not as satisfying as people. In our materialistic society, with the instant gratification mentality, it's worth your time to see it with all of your teenagers.

It's not preachy, but rather a light-hearted look at credit cards usage. There were laugh-out-loud moments, and of course, a happy ending. It's rated PG.


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Blue Monday - What's for Lunch? Part 2

It's Blue Monday! To participate:

1. Post about something blue on your blog. It can be pretty, ugly, funny, old, or new as long as it's blue. Leave a link to this blog on your post.

2. Place the Blue Monday button on the top of your post so that people can easily spot it. Place another Blue Monday button on the sidebar of your blog.

3. Return here and link in with Mr. Linky by leaving your name and the Permalink to your post. To create a Permalink, click on your Blue Monday post title and copy all the stuff in the http window. It is a longer address so that people can find your post even later in the week--whenever they get a chance to visit. For those who just can't wait, Mr. Linky will be up after midnight!

Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

4. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment. I appreciate it when you take the time to leave a comment for me.

5. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Blue participants. (That's why the Permalink is so important.)
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Johnny and I had lunch this past Thursday at Scruby's Bar-B-Q, a local restaurant. It's one of his favorite places to eat. I told you about his lunch this past Friday. Now, it's my turn.

First, let's take a look at the huge mural across one wall of the restaurant. I could only show you a portion because the wider view showed the customers, and I have to respect their privacy. You can see that it's a Southern outdoor scene. There is a good bit of blue in the sky and water.

Here's the full mural, taken when it was first completed by the Scruby's folks.



This will show you some of the detail. It looks so real you want to touch it. Here's the left panel. It's a screened porch with a comfortable rocking chair. Notice the big tree with the initials carved into it, along with the red apples in the corner of the screen.



This is the center panel. Notice the sky and water have that special color: blue.



The right panel contains even more blue. See the ducks swimming in the blue water?



Here's what I had for lunch: ribs, sweet potato, cole slaw, and garlic bread. I sure wasn't blue that day!



Check out my sidebar for the latest book giveaway!

Blue Monday Participants

1. Susan 2. Kathy b 3. ~CC Catherine 4. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) 5. M 6. ellen b 7. Karen :o) 8. Heidi Pocketbook 9. Karen 10. Sweetie 11. Baba 12. Helen 13. Marjorie 14. Charlotte 15. Lana G! 16. Theresa 17. My Rose Retreat 18. Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa) 19. Nell - Aust 20. Christine (xinex) 21. Sheila 22. Deborah 23. Sandra

24. Mojo, NC, USA 25. Gemma 26. Gie 27. becky@AdultDeprived 28. Barbara 29. Shirley 30. LadyJane 31. Pagan Sphinx - Massachusetts 32. Lisa 33. Diane @ A Picture is...... 34. Beverly 35. Gina Jo 36. Elizabeth 37. Debra Kaye 38. Shirls Rose Cottage 39. Mom in High Heels 40. bj 41. Judi 42. Jeanne 43. JudyBug 44. Tink *~*~* 45. Helen 46. JLS Hall

47. Lisa 48. Shelia 49. Ginger 50. Robyn (imjacobsmom) 51. Janie 52. Kathy 53. Becky 54. Linda\'s Blue Gate 55. Sherrie 56. Tricia 57. jenjen 58. Mary 59. Maurine 60. charli and me 61. Susan 62. Joy (Doodlebug) 63. Florida Sue 64. Elaine 65. Maurine 66. Victoria @ Auction Girl Vintage 67. Mozi Esme

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Crash Landing

It seems that life is zooming by, and then I realize that it's me rushing around that is making it hectic. I need to slow down, enjoy my surroundings, and thank God for them.



Spiritual Sundays are hosted by Ginger and Charlotte. To visit other participants, click here.

Pink Saturday - Visitor from Gainesville

People! Beverly at How Sweet the Sound hosts Pink Saturday. Pause at her Place to see Plenty of other Pretty Pink items that Precious Pink Participating People are Presenting for your Pleasure.

One of my granddaughters lives in Gainesville and attends the University of Florida. That's 325 miles away from us. She came to South Florida with a busload of Gators on a field trip. They were booked at a youth hostel on South Beach, but because we live close by, we zipped over there so that she could visit with us. She spent one of the nights with us, and we drove her back early the following morning. Here's a picture of the front of the not-the-best hotel. Do you notice something Pink?



Ah, yes! It's a giant Pink flamingo with Pink background walls and a dirty Pink sidewalk. (How Florida!)



Here's our pretty Caeil (KAY-lee) on the right with her friend, Kelly yesterday. Caeli is wearing a Pink backpack and carrying a Pink bag. She's our daughter's oldest and a delight to her grandparents.

What's for Lunch? Part 1

Gollum at Designs by Gollum is hosting a Foodie Friday.


Go to her place to join in the fun!





One of my husband's favorite restaurants is Scruby's Bar-B-Q. They have a great way of bringing in happy customers. If you are seated before 12:00 noon, each person will receive $2.00. In addition, they have daily specials.



Their menu shows that their prices are reasonable, and I can vouch that the food and service are terrific.


Johnny ordered a pork plate. It came with sliced pork, cole slaw, french fries, and garlic bread--all for $6.79. However, the day we went, it was the daily special, and it cost $5.59. The giant drink is $2.00 and is refillable.


It's a good idea for these hard economic times! On Monday, I'll show you what I had!

Traveling on the Train

There was an Irishman, an Englishman and Claudia Schiffer sitting together in a carriage in a train going through Tasmania. Suddenly, the train went through a tunnel. As it was an old style train, there were no lights in the carriages, and it went completely dark.





Then there was this kissing noise and the sound of a really loud slap. When the train came out of the tunnel, Claudia Schiffer and the Irishman were sitting as if nothing had happened and the Englishman had his hand against his face as he had been slapped there.







The Englishman was thinking: "The Irish fella must have kissed Claudia Schiffer and she missed him and slapped me instead."











Claudia Schiffer was thinking: "The English fella must have tried to kiss me and actually kissed the Irishman and got slapped for it."






The Irishman was thinking: "This is great! The next time the train goes through a tunnel I'll make another kissing noise and slap that English idiot again."

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As we get closer to St. Patrick's Day, I have a question for you.

Are you Irish? Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? If so, how?

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It may not be Irish, but I have a new book to giveaway.
Check my sidebar

A Problem with Pigeons

Pigeons live from 3 to 15 years, depending on environment, and they breed during all seasons. The female lays 1 or 2 eggs. The incubation period is 16-18 days. The young leave the nest at 4 to 6 weeks of age. More eggs are usually laid before the first young are weaned. Simple math will have you head spinning!


Pigeons have decided that they like our house. They can quickly become a nuisance. They like to perch right over our front door. Guess what they leave behind?

Johnny thought of a solution. He placed some wire mesh on the ledge; he used concrete nails to anchor it. So far, it's working!




We like to keep a pretty plant to the right of the door. We've had to throw out our latest because of the pesky pigeon droppings. Now, we can go shopping and make our entrance a welcoming one again.

Mother Goose Tells The Truth About Middle Age

Diane, my friend from A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words hosts a meme called Second Time Around Tuesday. If you have something to share, join in by clicking on her link.

I got this in an email, and I simply had to share it. I hope you get a chuckle of two.

Blue Monday - Tulips & Teapot

It's Blue Monday! To participate:

1. Post about something blue on your blog. It can be pretty, ugly, funny, old, or new as long as it's blue. Leave a link to this blog on your post.

2. Place the Blue Monday button on the top of your post so that people can easily spot it. Place another Blue Monday button on the sidebar of your blog.

3. Return here and link in with Mr. Linky by leaving your name and the Permalink to your post. To create a Permalink, click on your Blue Monday post title and copy all the stuff in the http window. It is a longer address so that people can find your post even later in the week--whenever they get a chance to visit. For those who just can't wait, Mr. Linky will be up after midnight!

Do NOT link in until after your post is up.

4. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment. I appreciate it when you take the time to leave a comment for me.

5. Check back later to make certain you visit all the Blue participants. (That's why the Permalink is so important.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Today,

I want to share some fresh tulips with you. I bought these at the Walmart for just $5.00 this week. Since March is here, and Easter is coming, I just had to get them. For Blue Monday, I have them displayed in this vignette.



Check out my book giveaways in my sidebar!

Blue Monday Participants

1. ellen b 2. Lana G! 3. Cindy 4. M 5. Lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart 6. Susan 7. Diane @ A Picture is...... 8. envoy-ette 9. Gloria 10. Elizabeth 11. Anne Fannie 12. Sweetie 13. Theresa 14. Fifi Flowers 15. Robyn 16. Kathy b 17. Elaine 18. Maya (Sailing the Blue Seas) 19. kristenscreations 20. Linnea 21. Kathy\'s Red Door Welcome 22. Kady 23. Mojo, NC, USA

24. Nell - Aust 25. Gie 26. becky@AdultDeprived 27. Barbara 28. Judith, UK 29. April 30. Lorrie 31. Karen :o) 32. My Rose Retreat 33. Judi 34. charli and me 35. Beverly 36. Jeanne 37. Heidi Pocketbook 38. Debra 39. Tink *~*~* 40. MeganSloan 41. Melissa 42. Shirls Rose Cottage 43. Lisa 44. bj 45. Cam 46. Charlotte

47. Sherri 48. Shelia :) 49. Judybug 50. Ro 51. Knitty 52. LadyJane 53. Becky 54. Nancy 55. JLS Hall 56. Kathy 57. Barbara H. 58. killlashandra 59. Christy 60. Carrie - Oak Rise Cottage 61. Marjorie 62. Carla 63. Linda 64. Waterlilies, Fireflies & Friends 65. Vikki 66. Mozi Esme 67. Gemma, Australia

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Be Careful Little Mouth . . .

Do you remember the children's song that warned us to be careful? Each verse began with "O be careful little ... "

eyes what you see,
ears what you hear,
hands what you do,
feet where you go and finally:

O be careful little mouth what you say
O be careful little mouth what you say
There's a Father up above
And He's looking down in love
So, be careful little mouth what you say

That last verse is the toughest verse to live.

Spiritual Sundays are hosted by Ginger and Charlotte. To visit other participants, click here.

I just heard from Dixie that Paul Harvey died at age 90. Heaven is richer.