Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Dutch Shoe

Diane at A Picture is Worth A Thousand... hosts 2nd Time Around. She's a creative and crafty lady. She finds what some may think is not worth much, and paints it or tweaks it a bit and creates a thing of beauty, function, and/or value for her home. If you'd like to join in the fun, click on the link.

I went bargain hunting at the local GW store. I will not go back there again because frankly, the store had a bad odor. However, I found this delightful blue "wooden" shoe. It's ceramic, so although it was quite dirty, it holds no odor.


The true color is the last picture. It closely corresponds with the blue and white vase.



I cleaned it up, and now will find a faux piece of greenery to complete the look.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Blue Monday - Proud to Be American

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. Mr. Linky will be up after midnight. 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.

4. Leave me a comment. I promise that I will visit you and leave you a commet. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment.

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With the 4th of July coming up, I thought that I'd spotlight the BLUE of our flag. I wish a happy and safe 4th celebration for everyone.







Blue Monday Participants
1. Kathy b
2. Diane@A Picture is worth....
3. Sheila
4. Carrie - Oak Rise Cottage
5. Elizabeth
6. Ivory Spring
7. Candy
8. bj
9. Robyn
10. Carrie @ Being Domestic
11. Sandi
12. Marsha Mpressions
13. Charlotte
14. Ita @Something To Share
15. Merrie
16. Anne Fannie
17. Shirley Corwin
18. lavoice
19. Fifi Flowers
20. Aussie Nikki NC USA
21. Mary
22. Maria Berg, Sweden
23. printersdevil~Felecia
24. Marjorie...Molly
25. sylvia extra from villa extra
26. Monica@The White Bench
27. irene, Singapore
28. NatureFootstep Photo Sweden
29. Gee
30. Barbara@Purple Goat Lady
31. Tammy518
32. Mojo, NC, USA
33. Janie at Southern Lagniappe
34. Becky K.
35. Knitty
36. Tam @ The Gypsy's Corner
37. Shirls Rose Cottage
38. Laura@White Spray Paint
39. Shelia @Notesongs
40. Tink *~*~*
41. Lana G!
42. Theresa @Take A SentimentalJourney
43. LadyJane
44. angie @ annies home (we are home)
45. Maria's Space
46. KayC
47. JD
48. ellen b
49. Lynn's Lovelies
50. Cindy
51. Susan
52. Mary@One Perfect Bite
53. Linnea
54. Jensmere
55. Bry at Trying to Reason
56. Dixie
57. Pagan Sphinx - Massachusetts
58. DailyLiving,Regina,Philippines
59. Barbara Jean
60. Terry
61. Debbie@Like a Rose
62. Geri@heartnsoulcooking
63. hip chick
64. charli and me
65. VickiS ~ FL
66. g.suzie
67. rantings of a woman
68. Rhonda~Scooterblu's Whimsy
69. Little Hillbilly Farm
70. Oma Nijn

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Sunday, June 28, 2009

Some Technology Should Be Ignored


I'm so blessed to be able to attend a growing church where people are happy to gather, hear the Gospel, and worship God.


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


See you tomorrow for Blue Monday!



Saturday, June 27, 2009

Pink Saturday - Beautiful Blooms

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.

This part of Florida is beautifully blooming. I snapped these crepe myrtle trees when we went out for a ride this past Tuesday.

Aren't they just gorgeous, so full of Pink blooms?



❤ ❤ ❤


Terry at Lady Liberty Patriot kindly awarded me the Fabulous Blog Award June 16th. She’s a Texan who loves horses, her husband, family, and antiques. I’m not too certain if that’s the correct order. Take a look at her blog and see if you can put these things in order for me.



I've received this award before, and I'm once again amazed that anyone would think this highly of my blog. Thank you, Terry. 

PS Sorry that it's not Pink!

❤ ❤ ❤


See you in two days for Blue Monday!


Friday, June 26, 2009

Abused China Cabinet

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!

We moved from South Florida to the Tampa area. I wrote about the experience with the movers here. Today I'm showing my damaged Drexel china cabinet, which we just discovered on Tuesday morning. What a disappointment. I've had this piece of furniture for over thirty years.





It seems that this is the sort of thing that happens when furniture is moved--even when movers are good people. We've found and hired a furniture repair person who will come and fix it on site. He's a busy man who promised to call when he has time. I hope that is not too many more days away. You KNOW I'll be posting on that experience, and I'll show before and after photos!

Our apartment looks like home. All boxes have been unpacked except those in the warehouse. Pictures have been hung. The kitchen cabinets are not organized, but the cabinet doors are shut. So we look a good bit more settled than we are. And, yes, I'm tired.

To answer Picket's question about toilet paper from yesterday:  I did have a box clearly marked "master bathroom" and another clearly marked "guest bathroom." Both of those boxes had some TP in them. Those boxes were opened first. Then the bed got set up and made. That way, no matter what else happens, we can sleep!

See you in a few days for Blue Monday!


Thursday, June 25, 2009

Father's Day & All Our Grandchildren

My son's three daughters worked with the three-year-olds in Sunday school this past Sunday. Because it was Father's Day, the children made paper ties as presents for their fathers. 

My granddaughters got "into it" and each made their father a tie. Here's a picture of him wearing all three paper ties as he stands outside the church, where everyone could see him. Ah, love!



❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Here is a picture of all seven grandchildren, taken in our new apartment on Father's Day. Johnny and I are so proud of them. Each one is a delight! From left to right, there's Lauren, Caeli, Zachary, Jenna, Pierce, Brittany, and Ara. They're ages 20 to 10.)

What a special time this was for the whole bunch to be together to celebrate Johnny's birthday and Father's Day for the three fathers (Johnny, our son, and our son-in-law).

PS Picket (and others) want to know, and I will answer on tomorrow's post!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Comic Relief

Dixie at French Lique hosts Wordless Wednesday. The rules are simple: NO WORDS!
























Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Movers: My Report

I promised to give you a full report of our move, and here it is. We hired Flat Rate Movers, and were satisfied*(see NOTE) with their professionalism. They were close to on time, cheerful, and came fully prepared with an abundant supply of clean movers' quilts, boxes, and tape--tons of tape. This is a shot taken of our garage. Notice the stacks of quilts folded up on the left side.

We packed all of our stuff except large pictures and lamps. The movers took care of those things. Five men used dollies such as these to load up the heavy furniture. As you can see, it was a beautiful day, without a cloud in the sky.


Here's a shot of our king sized mattress after it was wrapped. Notice that after the quilt is wrapped around the bottom, tons of tape is placed around the quilting to fully contain it.


Here's four of the men collaborating on moving my china cabinet. They first removed the top from the bottom, packaged the glass shelves, and then quilted the bottom and top of the china cabinet separately before rolling the pieces out to the truck. Unfortunately, there is a place that sustained a bad chip in the front top of the china cabinet. We just discovered it this morning! Ah well, that's why God makes furniture repairmen.

Our sofa ready to be loaded. Johnny is at the sliding glass doors trying to take a good-bye picture of our lake. (It didn't turn out, but I took one that I'll show you.)

The sofa being placed onto the truck. Notice two guys holding on to it. They were so careful with our things.

They loaded up everything quickly. Rather than wait until the following day, Johnny and the movers decided to go ahead and finish the move the same day! So the movers zipped up the road to our new apartment. I had to make some hurried phone calls to get our apartment and warehouse available a day ahead, and fortunately, everyone cooperated.


Johnny and I went to closing and then left for Tampa. The movers met us at the apartment, unloaded, and set the furniture exactly where I directed. They then took two upholstered chairs and about two-thirds of the boxes to our rented air conditioned warehouse. (We gave away and donated some of our furniture to reduce the load.)

Here's my final good-bye shot of our lake. We left our pretty plants; the new homeowners much appreciated it. I admit, I already miss this view. However, Father's Day with our two children, two in-law children, and seven grandchildren was definitely worth it! Family is important.

I'm glad we went with Flat Rate Movers. A stressful day was actually turned into a day of smiles!

*NOTE: I have since discovered several pieces of abused furniture that the movers damaged, so now I wouldn't recommend them.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Blue Monday - Magic Blue Tape

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. Mr. Linky will be up after midnight. 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.

4. Leave me a comment. I promise that I will visit you and leave you a commet. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blue tape works almost like magic. It indicates the destination of filled boxes!


All boxes were numbered and items placed into each box were listed on a legal pad. I posted about that here. Boxes going into our apartment were marked with Blue tape that was placed under the box number. That way, we can easily see any box without the Blue tape should be kept on the truck to be taken on to the warehouse for storage. Those boxes are filled with items we will not need until we move into our new home.


Boxes filled with items we will need during the next five or six months were marked with Blue tape.
In addition, I wrote the room (office, bedroom, kitchen) where the box should be placed on its top. Note that this box has "Fragile" added to the four sides and top.

You may notice that my home seems empty. That's because we have given away our six-piece sectional sofa and our kitchen table and chairs. Some of our furniture was placed into storage before we listed our house (as suggested by HGTV).

Here's a couple of shots of the kitchen just for BJ. She wanted me to show my kitchen. Here ya go, BJ!

Some boxes were not yet sealed in this picture. The kitchen cabinets are Sanibel maple.

It's easy to see that these boxes dressed in their pretty Blue tape are headed toward our apartment. I'll give you a full report on the movers tomorrow.

Good stuff, that Blue tape.

Blue Monday Participants
1. Lana G!
2. ellen b
3. Shirley Corwin
4. Becky K.
5. Susan
6. Sheila
7. hip chick
8. Tina @ Enchanted Rose Studio
9. Mary@One Perfect Bite
10. Mojo, NC, USA
11. Iris
12. Charlotte
13. Lynn
14. Chandy
15. Marjorie...Molly
16. printersdevil~Felecia
17. Fifi Flowers
18. Barbara Jean
19. lavoice
20. Elizabeth
21. Ita @Something To Share
22. Mary @Boogieboard Cottage
23. Aussie Nikki NC USA
24. The Explorer, Philippines
25. Maria Berg, Sweden
26. Barbara@purplegoatlady
27. NicoleB Hungary
28. irene
29. Gemma
30. Janie at Southern Lagniappe
31. Ginger~Wilmington, NC
32. Tink *~*~*
33. Becky
34. charli and me
35. Sandi
36. Shirls Rose Cottage
37. gee
38. Knitty
39. Jeanne
40. The Pagan Sphinx - Massachusetts
41. Susan M Hickam
42. Cindy
43. TheOldPostRoad
44. bj
45. Marty Mason
46. KayC
47. Helen
48. Monica@The White Bench
49. Carrie at Being Domestic
50. LadyJane
51. Ivory Spring
52. Regina,Philippines
53. Light Impressions
54. Lindsay-Ann
55. Lady Katherine
56. Rantings of a woman
57. srp
58. Jensmere
59. Ninnu, Finland
60. Debbie@Like a Rose
61. Martha - Menagerie
62. Terry
63. Mary
64. Kim @ Querer-Viajar-Vivir
65. Linnea
66. Robyn

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Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!



I suppose you could say that Adam was the first man who made shopping difficult.

We are in our apartment. With the help of our son, daughter-in-law, and one of our granddaughters (two others were attending a church meeting) we have the apartment looking like our home. Two-thirds of our boxes are being stored in an air-conditioned warehouse until our new home is ready. Most of our furniture is in the apartment. Some we gave away and some is stored in the warehouse.

After church, I am so blessed to celebrate Father's Day with my husband, a wonderful father. Joining us are our two children, their spouses, and all seven grandchildren. Three fathers (Johnny, our son, and our son-in-law) are celebrating Father's Day. In addition, Johnny's birthday (June 17th) is being celebrated. What a special day of celebration!

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

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Pink Saturday - Happy Dance

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.

Today I'm in the Pink and doing the Happy Dance because the BIG MOVE is over! After over 45 years of living within the same ten mile area, we have moved!



Notice please, that parts of the musical notes are Pink!  No doubt, parts of the alligator's insides are also Pink. (Work with me, people.)

Happy Pink Saturday!
Take a look at my sidebar for the book giveaways.


See you for Blue Monday!


Friday, June 19, 2009

We're On the Road!



We're chugging down the road today, and we should be loading our furniture into our apartment, with the overflow going into a warehouse. I'll visit all who have left comments as soon as I hook up my computer--tonight or tomorrow. 

Don't worry; I'll make sure those truck doors are closed!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Bye-Bye House


Today is the BIG day--closing day on our South Florida home. Off we go on our new adventure! We're moving to the Tampa area--four hours northwest of here.

I promise to respond to each and every comment, but I may need a day or two to get back online.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Here Comes the Movers!

Did you really think I'd have a picture?
The REAL movers will be here tomorrow morning, and I don't expect to have time to take and upload/download any pictures. I'm sure that they'll be smiling, just as these fellows are.

I'll let you know how things go. I will be specific with my review of the movers, and I'll name names--good or bad. 

I will be unplugging my computer tonight, so that Johnny can pack it. We're taking this baby in the car with us; however, I have posts scheduled so there will not be a gap. I expect to be online Friday--Saturday at the latest, and I'll respond to each and every comment left. 

 I'd like to ask for you to pray for Johnny and me as we leave our happy South Florida home and hit the road to the Land of Tampa.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Clean House

It may not be sparkling clean, but with all of this packing, it's sure getting cleaned out!

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Blogger love coming this way!


Carrie at The Natural Kitchen gave me the One Lovely Blog award June 10th. Carrie is a homeschooling mom who cooks up a storm. She takes great pictures of her recipes in various stages. Now, if I could only wangle an invitation to dinner ...

If you are going to comment on this post, you must be a lovely blogger, and therefore, must have a lovely blog! So, please help yourself to this pretty cup of pink Blogger love from me to thee.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

On June 6th, Sandi  at Sandi’s Yellow Door shared this Two Rag Dolls award with me. Aren't they the cutest? Sandi is one of those sweet ladies who constantly thinks of others. Please take a little time to go visit her.

I would like to share this award with those of you who are on my Followers list. 

Monday, June 15, 2009

Blue Monday - Closing!

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. Mr. Linky will be up after midnight. 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.

4. Leave me a comment. I promise that I will visit you and leave you a commet. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



We close on our South Florida home this coming Thursday. I hope our skies are this blue and that the new owners will enjoy this home as much as we have.

We'll move into our temporary apartment in the Tampa area this week and wait for our new home to be built. It'll be good to say, "Ahhh" at the end of this hectic week.

I will be posting each and every day, so please plan to come back. I always return visits and comments.

Blue Monday Participants
1. Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer
2. Lana G!
3. Mojo, NC, USA
4. mary @Boogieboard Cottage
5. Ita @Something To Share
6. A Beach Lovers Place (Blue Crab)
7. Iris
8. Claudie @ Bubblin' Over
9. Barbara Jean
10. Carrie - Oak Rise Cottage
11. CuisineKathleen
12. Mary@One Perfect Bite
13. Aussie Nikki NC
14. Anne Fannie
15. Coloradolady
16. Linda
17. Fifi Flowers
18. RobinfromCA
19. Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage
20. NatureFootstep Photo
21. Gemma
22. hip chick
23. Ninnu, Finland
24. Shirls Rose Cottage
25. Sandi
26. Susan
27. fitty
28. srp
29. Yira
30. Becky K.
31. Candy
32. Beverly
33. Jeanne
34. charli and me
35. Mason Mason
36. Christine (xinex)
37. Robyn
38. ellen b
39. DeAnna
40. Kathy's Red Door Welcome
41. gee
42. Debbie@Like a Rose
43. Kimberly @ Altering Life
44. Knitty
45. Susan M Hickam
46. Linnea
47. Maria Berg, Sweden
48. NicoleB Hungary
49. Ashley ~
50. Terry
51. Cindy
52. Elizabeth
53. Maria's Space-
54. Pink and Green Acres
55. Sandi
56. Angie @ Annies Home
57. amanda guthrie
58. The Explorer, Philippines

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Sunday, June 14, 2009

Paid in Full




Jesus chose death on the cross to pay the price for my sin and yours. When we accept this free gift, our debt is paid in full.


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



Saturday, June 13, 2009

Pink Saturday - Pink Tree

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.

As we prepare to leave our home, one thing I will hate to leave is this view of our pink crepe myrtle tree in our backyard.



Trees

I THINK that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Joyce Kilmer 1886–1918

Friday, June 12, 2009

How Would You React?

These pictures were sent to me in an email.

Here's a ceiling mural in a smoker's lounge. Would it be enough to stop you from smoking?



Imagine you are at a party on the tenth floor of a high rise building, and you visit the bathroom. You open the door ... Remember, this is just a painted floor! Would you be able to function?



This is a picture of the outside of a public toilet in Houston.



Here's the inside, made entirely of one-way glass.



Thursday, June 11, 2009

Top Signs You Picked the Wrong Moving Company

Great price? Check.
Friendly? Check.
Careful with the China? Check.
Asked for your new address? Uh, oh.

Mime Movers is a great concept, but those invisible boxes don't seem to work very well.

The first load they took was your entertainment center, home computer, and jewelry. That was two weeks ago.

The phone number on their business card connects you to the Crime Stoppers hotline.

They don't use peanuts to pack your fine crystal--they use peanut butter.

They assure you that your stuff will get from NY to LA before you do--assuming there's not much traffic in the Panama Canal.

Upon arrival at your new home, you notice that the driver's new uniform looks an awful lot like your wife's old wedding dress.

They offer a "Bordello rate" if you allow them to make use of your bed during transport.

After you call Big Top Movers, a Volkswagen Beetle shows up and 13 clowns reeking of elephant dung climb out.

Insists that Swiss cheese, not Styrofoam, makes the best packing material, and proceeds to wrap china in individual slices.

Their slogan: "100% satisfaction or your silverware back!"

They keep flicking ashes in Grandma's urn.

The guys from One Glove Movers show up wearing surgical masks and proceed to carry each item in one gloved hand while they hold their crotches and moonwalk to the truck.

The first question they ask: "Paper or plastic?"

"Starving Students" were booked solid, and "Thirsty Fratboys" didn't seem like such a bad idea at the time.

An hour after the truck pulls away, all your stuff is listed on eBay.

The box marked "TV" is barking.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Light at the End of the Tunnel


We've purged and thrown away so many things that we once thought were worth keeping. We've donated tons to Salvation Army; I can't wait to see some of your posts showing me my stuff that you've found to take home and cherish. And, we've packed. Oh, how we've packed! Would you believe, we're STiLL packing!

We've visited favorite restaurants to say our good byes, and spent time with special friends, who we've encouraged to come visit us.

Now, I begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and boy, does it look bright! Closing is close: the 18th. Then on to our temporary home--the apartment.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Ole Ole

Johnny and I love Mexican food, and Ole Ole is our favorite place to get it. When we move, we will miss this local eatery. We went a few days ago, and I took my camera.

We've been coming to this place so long, we don't even need to look at the menu. We know what we want.

Johnny gets two enchiladas, one beef and one chicken. Notice his cute Florida Marlins (baseball)  shirt. The salsa doesn't burn and the chips are thin and crispy. Of course, the platters come with rice and beans, and we always drink iced tea.



I get the special crab enchiladas. They come stuffed with lump crabmeat. Ole Ole won an award for this dish, and oh! is it ever good. (You may remember that I love crab. Of course you do.)

The place is decorated in a typical Mexican decor with a little twist. I had to work hard to avoid getting customers in the pictures. 


Murals are all over the walls. Look at this one over the door.


Yep, we'll miss this place. What eating place would you miss the most if you moved?

Monday, June 8, 2009

Blue Monday - More of Rose's Porch

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. Mr. Linky will be up after midnight. 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.

4. Leave me a comment. I promise that I will visit you and leave you a commet. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've shown you sections of my friend, Rose's amazing screened-in back porch located in Florida here and here and here, and you've clamored for more. Since I am one to please, here's some more Blues from that fun place to visit. This is the last I have, so look closely. Notice the cushions, pillows, lamp trim, table top, and rug.

The same table, taken from a distance so that you can enjoy the total package. Notice those Blue shutters in the background.

Here's another corner of the porch. See the Blue bowls, napkins, and chair seats.


There's color everywhere, and of course I see Blues. Why, even the ducks are dressed with touches of Blue.


Rose has told me that she's read all of your comments and is so delighted that she may just start blogging! How 'bout that; a convert!

Thanks, Rose, for letting me share your whimsical porch with Blogland!

Blue Monday Participants
1. Sheila
2. Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer
3. Barb~Bella Vista
4. Fifi Flowers
5. Mojo, NC, USA
6. Charlotte
7. Barbara
8. Mary@One Perfect Bite
9. ellen b
10. Ita@Something To Share
11. srp
12. Lana G!
13. Maria Berg, Sweden
14. NicoleB Hungary
15. sylvia extra from Villa Extra
16. RobinfromCA
17. The Explorer, Philippines
18. Anything Goes Here
19. anne fannie
20. Elizabeth
21. Gemma
22. NatureFootstep Photo Sweden
23. hip chick
24. Debra Kaye
25. Serenata in England
26. Cailin Marie
27. Yira-early morning peace
28. Monica@The White Bench
29. Tink *~*~*
30. Knitty
31. Sandi
32. Theresa
33. Lisa @ Another Day Today
34. Christi at A Southern Life
35. Ginger~Wilmington, NC
36. Robin~All Things Heart and Home
37. Shirls Rose Cottage
38. Marty Mason
39. Jeanne
40. Carrie @ Being Domestic
41. Cindy
42. bj
43. Ivory Spring
44. Susan M Hickam
45. LauraBeth
46. Iris
47. ~CC Catherine
48. Amanda Guthrie ( Calif, USA)
49. Terry
50. Aussie Nikki
51. Kim
52. Rantings of a woman
53. Robyn

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Sunday, June 7, 2009

Back Seat Driver


Johnny would tell you I'm guilty of this activity--back seat driving. I call it "helping."

God is good. We took another trip to the Tampa area and found an apartment to rent for the time between houses. 

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


Saturday, June 6, 2009

Pink Saturday - Rose's Teacup Chandelier

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.

We've been gone for the past three days. We've found a place to rent with a six-month lease, got a Tampa telephone number, and rented a warehouse (because the apartment won't hold all of my stuff.) Whew! Now, back to packing.

Rose and I have been friends for over forty years. I've shared pictures from her screened-in porch located in Florida here and here. Today I have a few more. Take a look at the tea cup chandelier hanging in the center of the porch. (You can peek to see Bob's chair in the right lower corner.)



Rose puts candles inside each teacup at night for a special glow.



This teacup holds some FAUX tea. It sure looks real, doesn't it?



Isn't this a fun place to sit and visit? I have some more to share from Rose's porch this Blue Monday.

Happy Pink Saturday!

Take note on my sidebar of the books I am giving away.
If you're interested, click and enter!


Friday, June 5, 2009

Daddy and the Bisque Baby

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!

My father adored my daughter--his first grandchild--to the point of allowing her anything her heart desired. One day, when Debi was about one year old, my mom and I went shopping and left Debi with Papa. When we came home, she was on the floor playing with this: Mama's prized bisque baby.


Mama made a squawking sound and snatched it up! "Vince! Why did you give her this?" she demanded as she replaced the precious baby back into the china cabinet for safe keeping. 

Daddy replied, "She wanted it, and I was sitting here, watching her play with it. She didn't hurt a thing!"

By now, Debi began to voice her objection to having "her" baby taken out of reach. Mama thought fast and explained that it was breakable, and that she would keep it safe, JUST for Debi. "One day, when you're a BIG girl, I'll give it to you. It'll be yours." That placated my child and time passed.


Each time we visited Nana, Debi would point and announce, "MY baby!" All would nod and agree with her. Mama turned it over to me when Deb was in college. I've had it for years.


Now, I've carefully packed it up for our move. Since Debi is grown with four children of her own, I probably should turn it over to her when I unwrap it. Think it's time? I know what Daddy would say! "Let her have it!"

Take note on my sidebar of the books I am giving away.
If you're interested, click and enter!


Thursday, June 4, 2009

Search and Smile

We had to pause in our packing to search for a place to live after June 18th--that's the magic day we close on this house. (Notice, I'm calling it "house" instead of "home." That's to help me emotionally get ready to leave. I consider the buyers to be blessed people.

The last time we sold a house to have this one built, we rented an apartment. It was so easy. We simple went a few blocks away and did it! Our former house is only two miles from this present house.


This time, we're moving over four hours away. Now, we must go OUT OF TOWN to search for an apartment. Not so easy. To further complicate things, we only need to rent for four to five months, and everybody wants us to sign a 12-month lease. However, with God's help, I have full confidence that we'll keep smiling.

This makes me think of the song:

"When You're Smiling,
When you're smiling,
The whole world smiles with you."

☺ ☺ ☺


Do you realize in about 40 years we'll have millions of old ladies running around with tattoos? (And rap music will be the Golden Oldies!)

☺ ☺ ☺


I am giving away three books.
If you're interested, click on a book cover and you will be taken to my book blog to enter!


Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Snapdragon





There is this lady who was born a natural blonde, and she is so tired of people making 'blonde' jokes about her that she dyed her hair brown. 

One day she was driving down a long country road, and there was a herd of sheep with a farmer next them. She stopped her car and got out. She said to the farmer "If I can guess how many sheep you have, can I have one?" 

The farmer thought about it for a while and replied yes. He didn't think that anyone could be that clever. 

The lady guessed there were 329 sheep, and the farmer was amazed that she had guessed the exact number. He told her to pick out the one she wanted, so she did. 

A few minutes later the farmer walked up to the lady's car and asked, "If I can guess your natural hair color can I have my dog back?"

Take note on my sidebar of the books I am giving away.
If you're interested, click and enter!


Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Organization

Many ask how I'm keeping up with blogging when life is so hectic. Organization is my answer. We no longer have a little cute dog (as pictured) nor children, so we have no other obligations. I spend time each day visiting those of you who have been kind enough to leave me a comment. I have not been going down my blogroll to each and every blog as I used to do. I do miss seeing so many of my blogging friends, but at least I don't miss everyone. I schedule posts in advance, so that on days when I know that it will be impossible, I am "all set." This way I don't have to "take a break."

With packing,  I do have Johnny to help. We are plugging away making sure that each day we've made some progress. We look at every item to decide if: 
  1. we should toss it into the trash,
  2. donate it to Salvation Army, or
  3. pack it into a box.


I number each box, fill it, and I write on a legal pad the box number along with its contents. In that way, we'll be able to tell when we get where we're going, which box(es) we want to open next.  For instance, if I want to find the afghan, I locate it on the legal pad beside box number 10, and I know that if I open box 10, I'll have my afghan!

We plan to rent a warehouse to store things we won't need until we have our new home finished. So we are separating boxes that will go into the warehouse from boxes going with us into the apartment. We still have to find an apartment to rent!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Blue Monday - Rose's Whimsical Back Porch

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. Mr. Linky will be up after midnight. 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.

4. Leave me a comment. I promise that I will visit you and leave you a commet. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment. Comments always make my day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last Saturday I posted about my friend, Rose, and her whimsical screened-in back porch. Today I want to show some more of that fun place to visit.  Here's a corner of Blue ceramics. Even the display rack is painted Blue.

The decorator made a spot for my friend's husband. Bob's overstuffed chair is just out of the camera range. He sits there and reads the newspaper every day. Notice the Blue cabinet.

Here's a table and chair set with several colors represented. How many Blues can you spot?


The lady who painted the pieces in this room is a decorator who said she always wanted to do something like this. The lace on the table top is painted! Look at the precise details!


Here's the base of that table. Notice the Blue chairs. See that bug on the bottom?


Here's a close-up of the lady bug.

I sure enjoyed sharing Rose's play land porch with you. I've saved a bit more for next Pink Saturday and next Blue Monday. Meanwhile, here's a picture of my friend Rose and her husband, Bob. Please note that Bob is wearing a Blue shirt!



I'm linking in with Rhondi today to celebrate the porch. Check it out.

Happy Blue Monday! Please remember to leave me a comment.

I have THREE books listed for giveaways! Check out that sidebar!





Blue Monday Participants
1. Lana G!
2. ellen b
3. Knitty
4. Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer
5. Claudie @ Bubblin' Over
6. pam
7. Carrie - Oak Rise Cottage
8. The Bliss Journey
9. Sheila
10. Libby TwirlandTaste
11. Mojo, NC, USA
12. Mary @ One Perfect Bite
13. Debbie~Delightfully Wed
14. Charlotte
15. Barb~Bella Vista
16. Chandy
17. Fifi Flowers
18. Kady@Life on the Edge
19. Iris
20. Robyn
21. Sharing with Sherri
22. Barbara Jean
23. RobinfromCA
24. Maria Berg, Sweden
25. Gie
26. Ivory Spring
27. Beverly
28. Heidi Pocketbook
29. NatureFootstep Swe
30. hip chick
31. Gemma
32. Tam @ The Gypsy's Corner
33. Barbara, The Purple Goat Lady
34. Yira-early morning peace
35. QueenB- The Queenz Blahg
36. Marjorie...Molly
37. Christine (xinex)
38. Elizabeth
39. Tink *~*~*
40. Marty Mason
41. Candy
42. Judi
43. Christi at A Southern Life
44. Joyce
45. Carrie @ Being Domestic
46. Jeanne
47. Shirls Rose Cottage
48. Tesoro Fino ~ Fine Treasures
49. Rhondi
50. Becky K.
51. Linnea
52. Helen
53. Amanda Guthrie ( Calif, USA)
54. Sherrie
55. charli and me
56. Florida Sue
57. Barbara Jean
58. Mary @Boogieboard Cottage
59. ButterYum
60. Sandra
61. Terry
62. Cindy
63. Ashley ~
64. angie @ Annies Home
65. Baba,s babies are special
66. Aussie Nikki
67. Itajeff

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