tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68398315984648661512024-03-04T21:53:48.627-08:00Seasons of Delight"Finding JOY in all the seasons of life!"DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-12275542154389276942011-01-07T04:52:00.000-08:002011-01-07T04:52:04.140-08:00Our Girls Day Out!<span style="font-size: large;">As part of a special Christmas gift and another way for my "girls" to spend quality time together, I devised a plan to take my granddaughters, daughter-in-law and stepdaughter out for a day of fun, relaxation, and a wonderful dining experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The day started with my first gift to the girls. We drove to Bastrop and I had made appointments for all five of us to have pedicures at the same time. It was a blast and we all chose different colors! I also had a sweet surprise for each of them. I had Steph (my beautiful stepdaughter) stop and let me out a Walmart. I went in and purchased a box of candy and a bottle of water for everyone. Poor Ashley ate nearly every piece of hers during the pedicure session! Huh!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Next, it was on to Surprise #2. We trekked on to Monroe and I gave directions to drive over the bridge to W. Monroe. Steph was driving and she just followed my directions and never asked what or where, like a good daughter should.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I forgot that I had heard about the particular place we were going was moving, so after driving past the empty storefront, I directed her to drive back across the river into Monroe. Finally, we arrived at our destination. We drove up to Bath Junkie and I treated everyone to a lotion, scrub, salts or whatever! The girls had a blast!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Moving on to the next destination, we had a little time to kill so we decided to "shop" in SteinMart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had already called to confirm our reservations at Warehouse #1 so we didn't have to wait for a table. I had requested that our table be where we would have a direct view of the river. After a wonderful appetizer platter, each of us ordered a different entree' and sampled all the delicious offerings. Ofcourse, the dessert was hard to pass up so we ordered three and shared.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After dinner, the last stop was Pecanland Mall for a very last minute gifts everyone had to pick up and then it was time to head home. I hope I can speak for the girls when I tell you I never have enjoyed my time with them more than that night. We laughed, told some secrets and shared some memories we will never forget.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOFcQH035EnJqfmK9wshpB9FWylORSzucFIUOvkiPw9fu9Y30pG9-FMEIU-HeoXdjiRq1P65orUPaQOEn7Q6WyF06iztnW6wM9uAu6-0BlyhMv-KeuDezmVxcnNx406lVsUjMqVqF/s1600/100_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOFcQH035EnJqfmK9wshpB9FWylORSzucFIUOvkiPw9fu9Y30pG9-FMEIU-HeoXdjiRq1P65orUPaQOEn7Q6WyF06iztnW6wM9uAu6-0BlyhMv-KeuDezmVxcnNx406lVsUjMqVqF/s320/100_2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislu7MX4E6VTLZ0CmUhIFe4UyZthDSh24Q6_8bmO23fAks0fhiRNTmxVvWHligUqW-At462WrjGOtv3HMzxHwI0vbeLyrimgxS1GpgxpdjGuQjiDdBZz-90mvzX1ipGOKkKBCC4uBT/s1600/100_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislu7MX4E6VTLZ0CmUhIFe4UyZthDSh24Q6_8bmO23fAks0fhiRNTmxVvWHligUqW-At462WrjGOtv3HMzxHwI0vbeLyrimgxS1GpgxpdjGuQjiDdBZz-90mvzX1ipGOKkKBCC4uBT/s320/100_2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy the pictures!</span>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-2947864102531413372011-01-04T05:17:00.000-08:002011-01-04T05:17:36.677-08:00Now for the pictures!<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday's post did not include all the stages of the Shrimp dish I shared. So here they are in all their glory.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9JX9ai_v7W4i39t3CUCnjgqbNxqfJtJ5UIt32uFP1NrWOf0auYIvVb5u1URPPhE1yQ0AxmLt1CllYcD3D6WzHTqpcmRs6fRydshlC_gJGsJjiIEhUlmPFVhWuqB00qhCCN1Y8B3f/s1600/100_0761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9JX9ai_v7W4i39t3CUCnjgqbNxqfJtJ5UIt32uFP1NrWOf0auYIvVb5u1URPPhE1yQ0AxmLt1CllYcD3D6WzHTqpcmRs6fRydshlC_gJGsJjiIEhUlmPFVhWuqB00qhCCN1Y8B3f/s320/100_0761.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrq8O-9h_f5vHIwc8LZlgtIf07asPwyxUeJIA2wX3DueEF5UuXI7lxrhGLJ1ZYoN6AV9q0SodUwtkIinPtOyScaQ7aSF7lcZi_-q9wbMgPDcEJuPoEFnGyog3sOPBuRQ9Tf8ByeUq/s1600/100_0762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrq8O-9h_f5vHIwc8LZlgtIf07asPwyxUeJIA2wX3DueEF5UuXI7lxrhGLJ1ZYoN6AV9q0SodUwtkIinPtOyScaQ7aSF7lcZi_-q9wbMgPDcEJuPoEFnGyog3sOPBuRQ9Tf8ByeUq/s320/100_0762.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEFTHzZHqVAJitSllkGHO87Hf8ROpWNzmLq1HKyFehlNjhdvwDbfVsdrRd3E-0_agmrMARj-QtVCVPXx8DKESL0ttAfz4xwFFLhUKJS2P8XAUgEHK_usbSn1YPiBNe_42ukpsXb_C/s1600/100_0763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEFTHzZHqVAJitSllkGHO87Hf8ROpWNzmLq1HKyFehlNjhdvwDbfVsdrRd3E-0_agmrMARj-QtVCVPXx8DKESL0ttAfz4xwFFLhUKJS2P8XAUgEHK_usbSn1YPiBNe_42ukpsXb_C/s320/100_0763.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPkuSr9fC3xaAqz4PNt6EPt6rPhf2LkA3-mMg0JLgylr5TK3eXH4I1dh-SvzLZNQiMWNE-rwfmC-hqNk11tkZmua3sWv58xJtklZdRzuq3-K_18iqbaqylokrJMOBNb03OGIvvJ0W/s1600/100_0764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPkuSr9fC3xaAqz4PNt6EPt6rPhf2LkA3-mMg0JLgylr5TK3eXH4I1dh-SvzLZNQiMWNE-rwfmC-hqNk11tkZmua3sWv58xJtklZdRzuq3-K_18iqbaqylokrJMOBNb03OGIvvJ0W/s320/100_0764.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please try this recipe, if you love Shrimp like we do!</span></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-50315775276958761002011-01-03T06:25:00.000-08:002011-01-03T06:25:05.337-08:00New beginnings....<span style="font-size: large;">Hello 2011!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been waiting for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's get busy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is my intention to do this "blog thing" right this time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have alot more time on my hands now than I had when I ended my last blog entry, and lots, lots, lots has been going on since then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, I am not falling off the face of the earth. I have ended my catering career, but that doesn't mean I don't have plans. I just want to rest a while and take in all my options.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My love for people and for food is still very much a focus for me as I scout out new possiblities. FOOD will never be a stranger to this girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, here's a little tutorial on a favorite dish at our house! I make it atleast once a month and always try to make it with fresh shrimp when I can get them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, I wanted to tell you where the recipe came from. Years, (many, and too many) ago, JJ and I went to Amelia Island, just off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida for a week of beach combing, sightseeing and eating!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was a small restaurant on Fernadina Beach which I can't remember the name of, but the food was all fresh seafood and I ordered a dish with pasta, shrimp, peppers, onions, and a strange thing to add, hot Italian sausage! I also tasted wine in the creamy sauce. I told JJ that I thought I could make this dish when we got home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, when we finally got settled back home, I went to the grocery store and bought anything and everything I could remember about the delicious dish I had eaten. I had the best time putting the ingredients together, having to sample as I went, and whoala! I thing by George I got it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since then, I haven't changed a thing about the dish. It really is simple and can actually be made in less than an hour as long as the shrimp are cleaned and ready to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, here it is. I hope you try it and give me some feedback on how it went for you. I bet even if you don't like Italian sausage, you will appreciate the taste it offers this dish. You can, of course, use mild in place of hot, but I hope you atleast try the hot sausage the first time.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Pasta</span></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;">2 pounds of fresh large shrimp, washed, deheaded and tails off</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 pound Hot Italian Sausage</span>, <span style="font-size: large;">crumbled and browned</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 green bell pepper, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 medium yellow onion, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 fist full of fetticini, cooked al dente, and drained</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 pint half and half</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 tbsp. of flour</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup of good white wine, (not cooking wine)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5 tbsp. of butter (not margarine)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 cup of parmesan cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup Romano cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 can chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Creole seasoning to taste</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> In a large skillet or dutch oven, add butter, bell pepper and onions and saute over medium heat until soft. Add the cooked and drained sausage and stir well. Add the flour and stir to combine. Pour in the half and half and continue stirring until mixture thickens slightly. Add chicken broth, salt and pepper, Creole seasoning and the cheeses. Continue cooking until mixture is smooth and creamy. Add wine and stir.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Add the shrimp and pasta and toss until noodles are coated and taste for seasoning.</span>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-91784775154874788542011-01-01T09:33:00.000-08:002011-01-01T09:33:13.806-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here we are at the beginning of a new year! I can remember when I thought 2000 was a biggie. Boy, that was a long time ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Many doors are closing as I leave the past year behind and press toward 2011. My catering career has ended. I am looking forward to what lies before me and taking in all the options. I am not depressed, not by any means, but I am hopeful that I can find my place. It might be that I can only see my future in my past, but, I don't make any bones about it, I am done with what I did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I am also looking forward to the new baby about to come in June! It has been such a burden for me as a Grandmother to be so busy with working that I haven't been able to be the "bestest" grandma I know I can be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So, with a grateful heart, I am blessed and so thankful for the opportunities I have had these past few years. With an expectant heart, I am embracing the future with optimiusm and I know that God has a plan for my life.</span>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-31318511740773698252010-03-23T07:51:00.000-07:002010-03-23T07:51:52.908-07:00Let There Be Liberty!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaBzWB2G8E4Md96uUksXilyXWiIOpFRdPenkcK6_PNmm84cMx7P9hMG3h5V3TBwEZ3Si57rofCInFv9-n8_Rnn_j5NYUOeozPH5D5iremcaRXd97M6F1jGnhTQ_ABjlRA1yo0lj9v/s1600-h/61Xim4az-9L._AA400_%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaBzWB2G8E4Md96uUksXilyXWiIOpFRdPenkcK6_PNmm84cMx7P9hMG3h5V3TBwEZ3Si57rofCInFv9-n8_Rnn_j5NYUOeozPH5D5iremcaRXd97M6F1jGnhTQ_ABjlRA1yo0lj9v/s320/61Xim4az-9L._AA400_%5B1%5D.jpg" vt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6RtY6MYtyXZZ70AdKlZnmzojmTWD6YU9RqRqLk6xq-mmvLMSS6fxts8fS5CxbdijpJJA0gm5xKslf-noyO4-wl3QT8JXFAtcnPYxMlfCFdlL9qKrCQj0T0gRLJMQx84a38hxG_qA/s1600-h/61nQv9JgQUL._AA400_%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6RtY6MYtyXZZ70AdKlZnmzojmTWD6YU9RqRqLk6xq-mmvLMSS6fxts8fS5CxbdijpJJA0gm5xKslf-noyO4-wl3QT8JXFAtcnPYxMlfCFdlL9qKrCQj0T0gRLJMQx84a38hxG_qA/s320/61nQv9JgQUL._AA400_%5B1%5D.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div>We all are a bit exhausted from this weekends governmental issues, and although I have my many opinions about the whole healthcare bill, I couldn't help exploring other important news happening around us. I'm talking about home decorating people. Target has managed to give us all some relief from the drama on Capital Hill by introducing their new Liberty of London line of printed fabrics and home accents, all in those yummy bright colors! Just look at this peacock pillow! Couldn't you just dive into a bed covered to the hilt with some of these cuties! <br />
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I am planning a trip to Monroe this weekend and don't think for a moment that I am going home empty handed! If the good Lord is willing and the creek don't rise, I am bagging up these babies and bringing home the bootie! Our winter hum-drums are about to diminish around here! Let the color in and let it shine like a beckon of home on the horzion. I know what you're thinking, she's really gone over the edge this time. Well, be it so, I am ready for some change in my "interior" and "exterior".<br />
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Speaking of exteriors, I am about to embark on some "walking the dog" for exercise. No, not yo-yo's, but THE dog. We recently adopted a precious puppy Jack Russell Terrior. So, together, we are going to tighten up the old shoelaces and head out the door for some pavement pounding.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch7WRD6Xvf4jh20iit1LF_rCXJZZuPF6vXuwaaabFLGbGzZUeHXJkb0zlWnaPJa_0DfArayc-cG-VCzpDdFioqAThurlxx3yXki7LNbLEcdSYOH6qOf6ACG1T2uXtWKxS2Dc4dK8B/s1600-h/000_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch7WRD6Xvf4jh20iit1LF_rCXJZZuPF6vXuwaaabFLGbGzZUeHXJkb0zlWnaPJa_0DfArayc-cG-VCzpDdFioqAThurlxx3yXki7LNbLEcdSYOH6qOf6ACG1T2uXtWKxS2Dc4dK8B/s320/000_0003.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Harley Man!</div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-79920552030395131862010-02-24T14:49:00.000-08:002010-02-24T14:49:37.770-08:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUdX299SV_3iwQUMmBxNx3R6TkpTD_NRlBs7X3lGEDXnUphnjOxzYXZ1MUdg60wNnk73GlkXeDT7puQ6RsDUGbgTl0KOMvmqWrUCOD99sofjjpcqd42hATV3nPlzKsXbjRNsR2tV0/s1600-h/101_1489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidUdX299SV_3iwQUMmBxNx3R6TkpTD_NRlBs7X3lGEDXnUphnjOxzYXZ1MUdg60wNnk73GlkXeDT7puQ6RsDUGbgTl0KOMvmqWrUCOD99sofjjpcqd42hATV3nPlzKsXbjRNsR2tV0/s320/101_1489.jpg" /></a></div>My brother "George" celebrated his 40th birthday yesterday. He has gone by George since he was born, but his given name is Paul David. I can't remember exactly why he was called George, but it seems like I remember there being some argument between mom and daddy about the naming of this last child. Daddy had wanted to name him George and apparently this didn't settle well with the "boss". <br />
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George is the youngest of seven children. He was born with Celebral Palsy and has a mental disability. He attends a special Day School in my parents town. Everyday is a challenge for him, but, he makes it fine. This is a remarkable event for George. Twenty years ago, we didn't know if he would live from one day to the next due to critical complications from a medical condition that nearly killed him. He struggled for 63 days in the icu. <br />
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Here's to you Kid, on your big 4 - 0. May you have many, many more.DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-55050864941870410302010-02-17T18:35:00.000-08:002010-02-17T18:49:00.336-08:00Pitter-Patter Went My Heart!!!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtveiVC__PUAKbeURj3dWE8RQYRbbk89mNR5CATeBA9Zah_qkLCsTgxU-5Bvg7yMAYbbAksmXYpdag2DvoDWNvuRzfTmiAMDIBamFxY4oS8HGLG9P2y6omZKgUoVM5048ItzXVgdMP/s1600-h/100_1317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtveiVC__PUAKbeURj3dWE8RQYRbbk89mNR5CATeBA9Zah_qkLCsTgxU-5Bvg7yMAYbbAksmXYpdag2DvoDWNvuRzfTmiAMDIBamFxY4oS8HGLG9P2y6omZKgUoVM5048ItzXVgdMP/s320/100_1317.jpg" /></a></div>My sweet husband bought me <span style="color: red;"><em>FIESTA</em>!</span> accessories for Valentine's Day. <br />
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I happen to love <em><span style="color: #6aa84f;">FIESTA</span></em>! dishes and have a few...pieces...uh, quite a few in fact.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtZjivPv5OC6MqTTYuaIuGysIoxjrfJZjlrMYDCtKL8BdLNktMB2jOz8rbTUu5-aoh2YtTbQgcpkgIXbxHyfT7x40y1lvugxKrV9Qf0Ex073mBLhDcjbH6naC8DTnFMmJDLfqcfMI/s1600-h/100_1318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtZjivPv5OC6MqTTYuaIuGysIoxjrfJZjlrMYDCtKL8BdLNktMB2jOz8rbTUu5-aoh2YtTbQgcpkgIXbxHyfT7x40y1lvugxKrV9Qf0Ex073mBLhDcjbH6naC8DTnFMmJDLfqcfMI/s320/100_1318.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">BUT I ASK YOU...CAN ANYONE REALLY HAVE TOO MANY PIECES OF A COLLECTIVE ITEM.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">You do not need to answer.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red;">Red</span> is probably my favorite color, along with this lovely shade of <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Shamrock Green</span>. Then, there's <span style="color: #4c1130;">Chocolate</span>, and <span style="color: #e69138;">Tangerine</span>. Oh, <span style="color: #ffd966;">Sunflower</span> is mighty cheery. Mmmm....I can't pick! All I know is this...and this fact is undisputed...I will never tire of looking at it, and Lord help me if there is any on clearance. I even have the flatware to match my dishes. I found them at Tuesday Morning for a sweet deal!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>What is your favorite thing to collect? I suppose everyone collects something, even if it's just dust!<br />
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Whenever I watch "You Have Mail", I love the apartment that Meg Ryan lives in. I think she likes <span style="color: red;">Fiesta!</span> and probably had cabinets full of it. The reason I think she must have a thing for it is because in the movies she plays in they decorate her home with a nostalgic '50's kinda decor. Remember.."When Harry Met Sally"? There's <span style="color: blue;">Fiesta!</span> in that kitchen, I just know it! In "Sleepless in Seattle" she has this adorable little kitchen with an old fridge and teacups and a whistling tea kettle on that ancient stove. <br />
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Me and Meg need to talk real soon. We could compare our favorite colors and pieces.DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-19490492271591310532010-02-16T09:19:00.000-08:002010-02-16T09:19:54.244-08:00The River is deep, the River is wide..and rising!!!Okay, where we live there are definitely challenges. If it isn't one thing is another. For the past six weeks it has been one cold front after another. It hasn't been like the snow and ice that the rest of the country has experienced, but cold is cold, wherever you are. <br />
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We live right next to the Mighty Mississippi River and we always look over the levee around this time of the year to see what the Old Man is doing.<br />
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Well, the Old Man is rising! <br />
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Me and JJ took us a little drive over the levee this weekend to take a peek at the action and WOW is all I can say!<br />
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The water is already taking over most of the hunting land and by this time next week it will be at the bottom of the levee.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI611UuT9DUInwYJXIA6SJSh2prR8l3wO2CZ0F8ytv5tI8gk1PqDJoEVUpLdfojXGjQKGZIaXMMxoZ11pG1DyGNy5NHDiykQhgWQda16zsBWrbh89_ElotCD1IVx_lpHZkKpBgm42/s1600-h/100_1304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI611UuT9DUInwYJXIA6SJSh2prR8l3wO2CZ0F8ytv5tI8gk1PqDJoEVUpLdfojXGjQKGZIaXMMxoZ11pG1DyGNy5NHDiykQhgWQda16zsBWrbh89_ElotCD1IVx_lpHZkKpBgm42/s320/100_1304.jpg" /></a></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-44097614960780714562010-02-14T07:53:00.000-08:002010-02-14T07:54:50.965-08:00Cupid's Arrow Flies Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZ3SxE_S1hO6Q7AWC5r3X3NuMYskq9U00wu5sMxDEOXm509XaMkKHvHDH8e-6aJg9lQ1c63PsqzJFKG6JN2Rjz0xgX1Yoesv-hhNp8z-o0D2R5K7-5BjyMLpS4uMGIA1ujWTf7tY6/s1600-h/100_0844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZ3SxE_S1hO6Q7AWC5r3X3NuMYskq9U00wu5sMxDEOXm509XaMkKHvHDH8e-6aJg9lQ1c63PsqzJFKG6JN2Rjz0xgX1Yoesv-hhNp8z-o0D2R5K7-5BjyMLpS4uMGIA1ujWTf7tY6/s320/100_0844.jpg" /></a></div>Dear Johnny,<br />
This Valentine's Day is our 24th as a married couple and I wanted you to know that even though we don't need a special day to show one another that we are in love as much today as when we first met, I want to tell you I Love You. <br />
I am so happy that you choose me to spend the rest of your life with. Our children are a testament of that love...each of them are happy in the lives that they have, and this says alot for our family life through the years. It hasn't been perfect, and at times it was downright frustrating to go from one day to the next, but we always used one anothers shoulder to cry on, and when I couldn't bear the weight, you were there to take it for me. <br />
You are my best friend, my soulmate, my confidante. <br />
I love you with all my heart, body and soul.<br />
<em>Happy Valentine's Day JJ!</em><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
</div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-58351073984468977782010-02-07T13:38:00.000-08:002010-02-07T13:42:08.290-08:00CUPCAKE TRAINEE'SEverything I had learned bought me to this point. I had rehearsed a hundred times. So why was I feeling frightened and apprehensive?<br /><br />I checked myself on every point. This mission would require patience and skill, never mind nerves of steel. I kept asking myself "Am I ready".<br /><br />The answer was clear. My motive sincere. Now all that was left was ACTION!<br /><br />So, READY OR NOT....HERE IT GOES!<br /><br />I'm going to teach my grandson's how to bake cupcakes.DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-21394968125552664382010-02-07T13:25:00.000-08:002010-02-07T13:38:04.102-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr0f_kcHZGu_1k3c642b0xR9TFq3Y-urSH_iar1F_4bcBqEErbkZqQnoEsv1K4dgDwen7k2qDDHCQjB8FljdZimhCChSNfNXnOukovxySZdljR2il9gL794NBRD8GSDsEfwQWtKLV/s1600-h/100_1126.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435618945617717922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 376px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEr0f_kcHZGu_1k3c642b0xR9TFq3Y-urSH_iar1F_4bcBqEErbkZqQnoEsv1K4dgDwen7k2qDDHCQjB8FljdZimhCChSNfNXnOukovxySZdljR2il9gL794NBRD8GSDsEfwQWtKLV/s400/100_1126.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzLOSPSuPRsJswmYZw-XAQNL3RgKl-g9WjFj6fAlHMP12qulTYfjFgS_QRCq5GfNqrYpSn4V7UFlY5JOMVqD33N07M-jtattQM80cEAHBVKvFmYr3R3Z2A4VjOPflVQrf5yKW7BRI/s1600-h/100_1128.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435618733208316658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzLOSPSuPRsJswmYZw-XAQNL3RgKl-g9WjFj6fAlHMP12qulTYfjFgS_QRCq5GfNqrYpSn4V7UFlY5JOMVqD33N07M-jtattQM80cEAHBVKvFmYr3R3Z2A4VjOPflVQrf5yKW7BRI/s400/100_1128.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8uJIibNcSqemE29MPv8fJMUE8W2vYTSnknqcITY_OCrEB1yB7d_vQP4u3_hrjgRtfNymcDHA_52DIF-nRWKp_kxO-x-08A9GnyZ2xWPTjEjIyIIRlzTg4FFICEkq8HjsibKnG833/s1600-h/100_1132.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435618336469547986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8uJIibNcSqemE29MPv8fJMUE8W2vYTSnknqcITY_OCrEB1yB7d_vQP4u3_hrjgRtfNymcDHA_52DIF-nRWKp_kxO-x-08A9GnyZ2xWPTjEjIyIIRlzTg4FFICEkq8HjsibKnG833/s400/100_1132.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y3jMWT7J7FQu0fm9MFHxawQi-jroBNls3ZLVK8YjwH-K26Cas4J-zZz4GMyFtX3GxY6CfEOWnci6MZWbborUigshv-Jv0aDf3kxSrzcdhpzhq4JzBSaT_LlbmQaF8I9ANUyBNGxs/s1600-h/100_1133.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435617978186769618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Y3jMWT7J7FQu0fm9MFHxawQi-jroBNls3ZLVK8YjwH-K26Cas4J-zZz4GMyFtX3GxY6CfEOWnci6MZWbborUigshv-Jv0aDf3kxSrzcdhpzhq4JzBSaT_LlbmQaF8I9ANUyBNGxs/s400/100_1133.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_Al9CIXL8a-l7IZE9Z2XogxyPZiOe4Jef3oujx3LeasgjMZw_lQYVBgn4tu37YcqkjL1-37a9UVLKEokuMHHp9v3jC_g55m1IAvNvIKynSrFVmkQaxYByOOyaSiCTE-9qLhYwuv4/s1600-h/100_1134.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435617626185897794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_Al9CIXL8a-l7IZE9Z2XogxyPZiOe4Jef3oujx3LeasgjMZw_lQYVBgn4tu37YcqkjL1-37a9UVLKEokuMHHp9v3jC_g55m1IAvNvIKynSrFVmkQaxYByOOyaSiCTE-9qLhYwuv4/s400/100_1134.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UodtC2wugVNg_z4cX5gfOZOGCIIM5veqAQROX_rmXEjzJ9alYc6-_nBbT-JMVFTUunT3dRea7Il0AGklA_u0JbuKaSLOryukkt8mdxel5h6CXk0jlElyJY4Go2dERqQIBgW6BaIk/s1600-h/100_1138.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435617264962326354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UodtC2wugVNg_z4cX5gfOZOGCIIM5veqAQROX_rmXEjzJ9alYc6-_nBbT-JMVFTUunT3dRea7Il0AGklA_u0JbuKaSLOryukkt8mdxel5h6CXk0jlElyJY4Go2dERqQIBgW6BaIk/s400/100_1138.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAeohdF1tebYsDcS7DZVNOFMDULBgTRaEKWN5_pDjQTDKBLRIKGaVH27cMmSs_3ThLGmJFH0V_mD9JmUYpWXEN5pO6CpyHZL64I2k4O2f0GJumevp2z2l9BqeJW86dVXqfLTvcnvQ/s1600-h/100_1139.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435616889400748466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAeohdF1tebYsDcS7DZVNOFMDULBgTRaEKWN5_pDjQTDKBLRIKGaVH27cMmSs_3ThLGmJFH0V_mD9JmUYpWXEN5pO6CpyHZL64I2k4O2f0GJumevp2z2l9BqeJW86dVXqfLTvcnvQ/s400/100_1139.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZnehBg_8L0PuiqrAqF1JAG1wPWN0Sgk2t0p06IIjsWUrgGtQcE5ibNnE4YGVbdy4fL-MDCCKgcjGv9Hm5UaFOR3d_AsnZ5tjIbgQVOHYq4QIrhe0lE0k7XciHjuP2a8qN6ZEI29G/s1600-h/100_1141.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435616523453488114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZnehBg_8L0PuiqrAqF1JAG1wPWN0Sgk2t0p06IIjsWUrgGtQcE5ibNnE4YGVbdy4fL-MDCCKgcjGv9Hm5UaFOR3d_AsnZ5tjIbgQVOHYq4QIrhe0lE0k7XciHjuP2a8qN6ZEI29G/s400/100_1141.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqstJMc-JpR04bUiN9zM7T09sZx87guBqLpBO8IwmDaVycfuhVcF2ry_48M1rIhE0CE5Fljj7WiS6EBVlskzx21fT6tjQJv__6LHaC0qKYeQMk7yU_JyT5hSQrUEo5rJPeMpj6Y0HQ/s1600-h/100_1142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435616322485577282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqstJMc-JpR04bUiN9zM7T09sZx87guBqLpBO8IwmDaVycfuhVcF2ry_48M1rIhE0CE5Fljj7WiS6EBVlskzx21fT6tjQJv__6LHaC0qKYeQMk7yU_JyT5hSQrUEo5rJPeMpj6Y0HQ/s400/100_1142.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-86377444669796570612010-02-05T17:09:00.000-08:002010-02-05T17:19:30.915-08:00Wild Thing...You Make My Heart Sing!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fvRd7cmD3J-8svVCq_RiLmIfCtJxb2P8rybP_sRcmHnn9yjESV1DiqPeD0csDpaiEnAV1p1pBRF24Z2en2VI658bKoZztfmGiV1IaL2-knU5xEBubksGrq5ZgJejzT7czp2Uyx4G/s1600-h/100_1263.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434932044521428706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fvRd7cmD3J-8svVCq_RiLmIfCtJxb2P8rybP_sRcmHnn9yjESV1DiqPeD0csDpaiEnAV1p1pBRF24Z2en2VI658bKoZztfmGiV1IaL2-knU5xEBubksGrq5ZgJejzT7czp2Uyx4G/s400/100_1263.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm acting alittle bit wild these days! This is my new rug I ordered off of Amazon.Com last week for my next decorating project! It's a secret right now...but, here's a hint of the look I'm going with...Modern! YEAH! I'm talking chrome and glass baby! Oh, don't get too excited...I don't mean COLD, HARD and LIFELESS!<br /><br />It's going to be different from the rest of the house. I'm shopping for a really cool piece of ARTWORK right now. I'm not sure if it will be a POSTER or maybe a clock....but I am sure I will know it when I see it.<br /><br />I was in Office Depot the other day and spotted just the right piece of furniture...GLASS! That's going to be a really hard one to get used to...but I'm ready.<br /><br />But this rug is TO DIE FOR! And the best thing is I got it for under $60.00!<br /><br />Nothing like decorating on a budget to help you seek out great bargains of good taste!DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-65090025328726673092010-02-02T15:51:00.000-08:002010-02-02T16:03:11.422-08:00Just Thinking Out Loud<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdVG9GFQRc74dhne5nmvc95-DWnvKYHLpCVzurSJaoZ_Limmy5Lg6vuFEoWbCsQfPe2a_Hfq-OrAk9oRKvp_g42_5xpawcWG7m7TGauSE4Ex6adg4z1TitUgiBSYYYAbLhN5qdAHB/s1600-h/Paul.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433798533105018674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdVG9GFQRc74dhne5nmvc95-DWnvKYHLpCVzurSJaoZ_Limmy5Lg6vuFEoWbCsQfPe2a_Hfq-OrAk9oRKvp_g42_5xpawcWG7m7TGauSE4Ex6adg4z1TitUgiBSYYYAbLhN5qdAHB/s400/Paul.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is a picture of my oldest son...can you see him? Doesn't matter really, I know he is in there. I look at this picture often to help me remember that he is proud of what he does. Right now he is on an assignment somewhere, not sure where. I keep hoping today is the day he will call and let me hear his voice. </div><br /><div align="center">He is a soldier, a pilot, an american, a husband. He is the father of three boys and a friend to many. He is a son, a brother, a mentor. He is my little boy too! No matter that he is 33 years old. If you are a mama, you know what I'm talking about.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I named him after his father and I sure hope he is watching from heaven, seeing this boy of his grow and mature as a man. I wonder if my son thinks like that too.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">It doesn't get any easier to let him go, over and over again. I never get used to that. </div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Catch and release</strong>!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Have a good day son, wherever you are. Do your best, follow your heart, be the best you can be, pray everyday and think of all of us sometime. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong>We Love You!</strong></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-778790253250867092010-01-26T10:03:00.000-08:002010-01-26T10:19:08.850-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-t3aqjecmTF1LsCiZbVYJmPdtzCWZv94gsmdS4nGspB5JAyDUIeuxnoYZ7DYNmSidjrAa1DDsB1sDJilHF4y_RP5phypBCaCYsnWD3y9lYxrEuQXaflAxFF2gvLUVVwoy8i7oZbw/s1600-h/100_0903.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431114065194925554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-t3aqjecmTF1LsCiZbVYJmPdtzCWZv94gsmdS4nGspB5JAyDUIeuxnoYZ7DYNmSidjrAa1DDsB1sDJilHF4y_RP5phypBCaCYsnWD3y9lYxrEuQXaflAxFF2gvLUVVwoy8i7oZbw/s400/100_0903.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46HxPU94650GbAzw2qkMINX7-cmEEwrhrFI2IuvQE8io9erm6gNGh8tdbYcLA8Niu3qi4jP6eWuctxhykySr6a4pB_n1q-I0mbLkOBSSFUxHftmo2RKqUyLoXzM3f5XC5G1_UNoba/s1600-h/100_1002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431113561395233458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 347px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46HxPU94650GbAzw2qkMINX7-cmEEwrhrFI2IuvQE8io9erm6gNGh8tdbYcLA8Niu3qi4jP6eWuctxhykySr6a4pB_n1q-I0mbLkOBSSFUxHftmo2RKqUyLoXzM3f5XC5G1_UNoba/s400/100_1002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgOi4fZ8KlFWRpox5mP0O1Yd93g2WzHbrSrPs0_4IYXbw5l3yqIMwAKGiPy6UTRRMUen0cHqygd0FDP_yvrNJp9IafQ6efPkgj58_gRxYRpMfYlv237NdiDTqxx_Wirho-6RcuIzJ/s1600-h/100_0947.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431113294290497698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 358px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgOi4fZ8KlFWRpox5mP0O1Yd93g2WzHbrSrPs0_4IYXbw5l3yqIMwAKGiPy6UTRRMUen0cHqygd0FDP_yvrNJp9IafQ6efPkgj58_gRxYRpMfYlv237NdiDTqxx_Wirho-6RcuIzJ/s400/100_0947.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeuiJss9wayLBoN1L_RL-kN0zjARGdCcKkIem2bsM3LE_5NmQ-VdqkSUlFRDVesuF_zGzE4fAgO3XftpWUjR38qbYR1XI94Cp9OWL7K53T7Gn_c7hQrnf7pNbWdPfE3rgkdu6InNZ/s1600-h/100_0939.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431113012158851602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 342px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeuiJss9wayLBoN1L_RL-kN0zjARGdCcKkIem2bsM3LE_5NmQ-VdqkSUlFRDVesuF_zGzE4fAgO3XftpWUjR38qbYR1XI94Cp9OWL7K53T7Gn_c7hQrnf7pNbWdPfE3rgkdu6InNZ/s400/100_0939.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1cU3zq8o2uYP6YW_-fbmtQf7xTyIO69IRPrfaj7Dikg7xjiBFCWOZ1T6BG3ZsLR1zT-GBy3ZdVYRA_cQ783bziZUNvJNbMq_G-Q5AaDBB9GtZ3Hllps5TFDHqSyYFp-r2F5BYAWK/s1600-h/100_0987.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431112766335970834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 397px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1cU3zq8o2uYP6YW_-fbmtQf7xTyIO69IRPrfaj7Dikg7xjiBFCWOZ1T6BG3ZsLR1zT-GBy3ZdVYRA_cQ783bziZUNvJNbMq_G-Q5AaDBB9GtZ3Hllps5TFDHqSyYFp-r2F5BYAWK/s400/100_0987.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pxhGjsfDm_b3F3TkDYI2v4Q0D2du1fTI7bU-khCNI-qqXFtad7mQTIgF250Ml8xaSysRSeYatKadwiQTVRMkP0GXRzC-cMMV1-4jKUSgVh6l60W-GqZqRePI-EGEozUVamejPRe_/s1600-h/100_0835.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431112261268865394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pxhGjsfDm_b3F3TkDYI2v4Q0D2du1fTI7bU-khCNI-qqXFtad7mQTIgF250Ml8xaSysRSeYatKadwiQTVRMkP0GXRzC-cMMV1-4jKUSgVh6l60W-GqZqRePI-EGEozUVamejPRe_/s400/100_0835.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05yLyvTa1irFy82M_39kW5p_GRyLSxTcbY9RVbcGE3MtOG642QF7-y7i9YGL0ff5gmqP0BLPNyLzpPbfQCB6hKJneYdEaErYYOq-oD-e8ijdiNMo9lBYrlNmIJjNQid8LWiYiZ7e4/s1600-h/100_0827.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431111878432024466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05yLyvTa1irFy82M_39kW5p_GRyLSxTcbY9RVbcGE3MtOG642QF7-y7i9YGL0ff5gmqP0BLPNyLzpPbfQCB6hKJneYdEaErYYOq-oD-e8ijdiNMo9lBYrlNmIJjNQid8LWiYiZ7e4/s400/100_0827.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMjjqlh2-JFfJoD_hnnd0wJYbHDbIwYvuAF7yx0IxNGnqMZ1Mzhg6BOz4Kw0KYKpg2Wkj7HXR15V7hxpek9KBHYpmTtppH3lK1OqkS6XoUR9hjcWgKYvirvY4rTxtrGIFtNAAprXZ/s1600-h/100_0826.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431111674041608626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMjjqlh2-JFfJoD_hnnd0wJYbHDbIwYvuAF7yx0IxNGnqMZ1Mzhg6BOz4Kw0KYKpg2Wkj7HXR15V7hxpek9KBHYpmTtppH3lK1OqkS6XoUR9hjcWgKYvirvY4rTxtrGIFtNAAprXZ/s400/100_0826.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_Y_9IKs0UhOY-sTFw5XpOV8JzqF2mlYwZUrjR8HR86ZZAmuo5P_AndsLibl_quOfH9-5fHQLLZh-rsD51itHJ59lkslPmvBtVp0MI5oGD_gBYfk5Tsezao802VQ03qmsBoun4Z3m/s1600-h/100_0811.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431111322625489522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_Y_9IKs0UhOY-sTFw5XpOV8JzqF2mlYwZUrjR8HR86ZZAmuo5P_AndsLibl_quOfH9-5fHQLLZh-rsD51itHJ59lkslPmvBtVp0MI5oGD_gBYfk5Tsezao802VQ03qmsBoun4Z3m/s400/100_0811.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Just wanted to post a few of our family pictures from Christmas. It was a wonderful season, full of good memories.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-86128267952102651442010-01-24T07:26:00.000-08:002010-01-24T15:14:42.148-08:00If Furniture Could Talk...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5dp27jmHcnTjbnqMhUKyU8jEW8DaWouobTm7WWjNm71SUIL5bDZ_tHero6jH2UxZUZuaG8DippNgQmA0fR2qDiIDO3jnNX69Eqo34NmPJk1rkdwGKbvfasLU75-PjHHXtfiDectG/s1600-h/100_0937.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430328593879130242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5dp27jmHcnTjbnqMhUKyU8jEW8DaWouobTm7WWjNm71SUIL5bDZ_tHero6jH2UxZUZuaG8DippNgQmA0fR2qDiIDO3jnNX69Eqo34NmPJk1rkdwGKbvfasLU75-PjHHXtfiDectG/s400/100_0937.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...I just wonder what the story this little green cabinet would tell.<br /><br />I was on my way to Oak Grove back before Christmas and passed by a yard sale in progress on the way. I literally drove to the next place I could turn around safety and went back to check it out! There she was...standing in the driveway, looking alone, wanting someone to take her home. I couldn't just leave her behind. So, I paid the price on her tag and loaded her up. I asked her "Where have you been;?" She politely told me she had once belonged to a young woman who used her to hold kitchenwares. She went on to say, "Times were hard and money was scarce, so people used what they had." I asked were her coat of green came from and she told me that someone gave it to her. I can remember when I was a young bride with few dollars to pay the rent, much less buy a new coat. I told her about when my husband and I rented a little green shack across from The University of N. Alabama in Florence. It was so tiny and lacked of any redeeming qualities, like kitchen cabinets. It had none, zip-O, notta! So, we put concrete blocks and boards up in the kitchen to hold my dishes, canned goods and pots. One thing I do remember, though, is how happy we were. I mean, we didn't have cable, so there was no television to watch. We played cards and "air quitar" before Guitar Hero was even thought of. Our son was a baby, barely walking at the time, and we would sit in the floor of the livingroom, which was buckled in the middle so it felt like some kind of a "fun house" at the carnival, and play with him. Life was a struggle for a while, but it was what it was and we made it through the tough times together.<br />So, I asked where the young woman was now and the little green cabinet told me that the lady had died a year or so back from cancer and that her daughter had taken her into her tiny home so that she wouldn't be tossed to the side of the road for the trash to pick up. She told me of the young couple that lived in the home, how they too had a small baby girl who was a joy to them and her grandparents. When I asked her how she ended up in the drive with a for sale sign stuck to her chest, she said that the couple wanted to make a little money to buy Christmas for their baby, so they sacrificed her to the cause.<br />How many times have I done just that. We all have I suppose. There was alot of "lean years" when we didn't even have money to buy a Christmas tree, but, Christmas came anyhow. I wish I could have all the dollars back that I have spent on crazy stuff that eventually ended up in a yard sale. I could probably provide Christmas for someone else or spend it on my aged parents a caregiver.<br />I promised the little green cabinet that I would give her a home. I said that she could hold my Fiesta platters and casseroles, my treasured set of Fiesta tea pitchers and those little blue bowls I once gave to my husbands mama for Christmas years ago. I promised not to change her coat of green, that she had earned it proudly. Oh, how happy she stands now in my kitchen. And we both have made a new friend!DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-74141694093092843702010-01-18T06:28:00.000-08:002010-01-18T06:39:30.510-08:00Boy-Oh-Boy-Oh Boy!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmUswLhPkRFWTaYA-L8LPtfGcUzPrAVtAr0RGwXB00tsjLaLSXjLiSp1uvGTwJoAYp4CS09u0YJE9cL5N-GFd_HKO87eOhq3JFmUyHHlp5xKNZS9-gFM_LHgRDJxt8gb1kRA-aVMS/s1600-h/100_1082.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428087319345529074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmUswLhPkRFWTaYA-L8LPtfGcUzPrAVtAr0RGwXB00tsjLaLSXjLiSp1uvGTwJoAYp4CS09u0YJE9cL5N-GFd_HKO87eOhq3JFmUyHHlp5xKNZS9-gFM_LHgRDJxt8gb1kRA-aVMS/s320/100_1082.jpg" border="0" /></a> These two cutie pies are my grandsons Niki and K'b0(which is short for Caleb). I made my way up to Idaho to see them a couple of weeks ago and had a blast! I was late coming into Boise so I got a room at the Hampton Suites which just happened to have an indoor pool. Lucky boys, they got to spend the entire afternoon with me swimming, jumping and playing in the hot tub. As I listened to them laugh and play pretend stuff that only boys know about, I was taken back to when I was a little girl and my brothers and I played games like Marco Polo and freeze tag in our pool. They were so mean to me...did I mention I am an only girl in a mix of 6 boys? Anyway, these kiddos had a wonderful time, and they even took time out to include me in there busy schedule of splashing and diving to tell me "look Nonna, I'm swimming underwater, which by the way they didn't do anything but stick their little faces under for a few seconds, but, who cares!<br />I love these little tigers, and their older brother Tyler. I miss them terribly. There is alot of things they miss out on not being near their grandparents, like spending the night and eating whatever they want, reading stories by flashlight under the covers, and taking nature hikes to look for clues of buried treasure. But, I will take what I can when I can. I love you little boys to pieces!<br /><div></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-75403607483698210982010-01-17T12:11:00.000-08:002010-01-17T12:23:11.746-08:00Welcome to the Cougar Club Kellye<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TW11xhY-2h76UWgpxG6OuGyEH4FhFt9x_oFuLhLpNSpVs0GCTgJhSMM0CYc3NsUpRfmTpnWjskAXAJxTHHaOfp7WerftnQH8VewaHtMDE-gtEhZjnWGd9AZpAPcq9aKU9s9NOCSE/s1600-h/100_1179.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427805437782948146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TW11xhY-2h76UWgpxG6OuGyEH4FhFt9x_oFuLhLpNSpVs0GCTgJhSMM0CYc3NsUpRfmTpnWjskAXAJxTHHaOfp7WerftnQH8VewaHtMDE-gtEhZjnWGd9AZpAPcq9aKU9s9NOCSE/s320/100_1179.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGzKzh8QmtOUxMxHWksBu16dtg7Ypakh0yeShkvLHpi6FF_B5krAdYozSnugEnxxbiY6M-GSW1YdH6HHGQVAdebiFSOzx3hT0P6a3G61rtNbVFOu5zRCMf0Kc6kCXdc1zj7vFoMbI/s1600-h/100_1180.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427805039902805650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGzKzh8QmtOUxMxHWksBu16dtg7Ypakh0yeShkvLHpi6FF_B5krAdYozSnugEnxxbiY6M-GSW1YdH6HHGQVAdebiFSOzx3hT0P6a3G61rtNbVFOu5zRCMf0Kc6kCXdc1zj7vFoMbI/s320/100_1180.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqWhuhUYPxD43xBHVX9sa2qfplJIlSy29v4W6g4NB25VFfFw8sRuKt576GU_twJLM7Cc1JSd4QbOtOHQsoYyVW023frSh0GqUNQN-PEKHUl-m__i2sbgS5OV82Kz2JH6FGKIRfV-L/s1600-h/100_1173.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427804662101831586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqWhuhUYPxD43xBHVX9sa2qfplJIlSy29v4W6g4NB25VFfFw8sRuKt576GU_twJLM7Cc1JSd4QbOtOHQsoYyVW023frSh0GqUNQN-PEKHUl-m__i2sbgS5OV82Kz2JH6FGKIRfV-L/s320/100_1173.jpg" border="0" /></a> About a month ago, my cousin Kellye Clark's hubby called me and asked me to make a very special birthday cake for Kellye. You see, Kellye was turning 40 and she was dreading the day. Why, I know NOT! Kellye is a beautiful woman that doesn't look anywhere near 40. Anyway, I asked Dwayne what he had in mind and he told me about a cake he had seen on the internet. So, he emailed the picture to me and woola! This is Kellye Clark's 40th Birthday Cake.</div><div>I delivered it this past Saturday morning in the parking lot at her hair salon and Dwayne was pleased I think. It was a fun cake to make too. I am experimenting in more difficult avenues. It is like being one of Duff's team. Thanks Dewayne for the order...and I certainly hope you got the pictures of her expressions when she saw it.<br /><br /><div></div></div></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-37390649128163600652010-01-17T11:58:00.000-08:002010-01-17T12:10:48.474-08:00Missing...one tired Momma!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDfidPFggkAK_95xGKTFtM1yWWvy45NCRxeO6ccY8TOIQCO66Fk77dBUKhpCKfJFY9Xt6ARchPcszgGS6AmpZRlqVWCXnQGFSxld-_SUrkkr1g0agXuu2if9FNXHKpHaBKRAC10Dn/s1600-h/100_0926.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427803749273311650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDfidPFggkAK_95xGKTFtM1yWWvy45NCRxeO6ccY8TOIQCO66Fk77dBUKhpCKfJFY9Xt6ARchPcszgGS6AmpZRlqVWCXnQGFSxld-_SUrkkr1g0agXuu2if9FNXHKpHaBKRAC10Dn/s320/100_0926.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz0uFDFhMO5wM2i1e1tIGa-DJAeqak_8yih9RrZ-GmAaWG4ntx19bhJyeuHwnaPXeSaY5cNUAOk0R-HilpxHAo-XDIhNupF7FTJ_hBdkFI1OzcFqUl803MZA_9Y5DJxQwUO8_dc9x/s1600-h/100_0927.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427803354406234514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz0uFDFhMO5wM2i1e1tIGa-DJAeqak_8yih9RrZ-GmAaWG4ntx19bhJyeuHwnaPXeSaY5cNUAOk0R-HilpxHAo-XDIhNupF7FTJ_hBdkFI1OzcFqUl803MZA_9Y5DJxQwUO8_dc9x/s320/100_0927.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8HiR7-8SnTsu8oZgjdzsId6OrUzJrURDLCMzAM3f3Whdu9RWw0wD3y5gaDrSF7fFk9DV-vZ5Pi-dqU_EFOXsT2TaRjbl1toobxD06NWUT1HgtDu_1CAOdInie_TJzoPvjqoe89sZ/s1600-h/100_0928.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427803038282451810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8HiR7-8SnTsu8oZgjdzsId6OrUzJrURDLCMzAM3f3Whdu9RWw0wD3y5gaDrSF7fFk9DV-vZ5Pi-dqU_EFOXsT2TaRjbl1toobxD06NWUT1HgtDu_1CAOdInie_TJzoPvjqoe89sZ/s320/100_0928.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxjOg_jMzKyj5tT7W5qKQxpsN3RNd2rMiQ1Tke3cbL6029oNBk4WfKUqEyccNMUE-vGWhXpG9yIVGhn26RIcwz-fjftD_I3I1bxR8QmBd99t4EJWALlAg8oIPo2OFFTpTXI1w_pTB/s1600-h/100_0924.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427802664259052306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxjOg_jMzKyj5tT7W5qKQxpsN3RNd2rMiQ1Tke3cbL6029oNBk4WfKUqEyccNMUE-vGWhXpG9yIVGhn26RIcwz-fjftD_I3I1bxR8QmBd99t4EJWALlAg8oIPo2OFFTpTXI1w_pTB/s320/100_0924.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Where have I been? It has been a long, long, time since the last post...and I vaguely remember anything before October, which is when the Holiday season officially kicked off for my business. As you mind know, my friend Charlotte and I have a Catering business. Need I say more.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Anyway, alot has been going on in my life and I want to try to pick up where I left off. So, without further ado....here is the redecorated room for my college kid/son. I am very happy with the results. The room is a bit small, but, with it being empy so much...it works. I love the colors of this room. It is jazzy without being overdone. The furniture was my mother-in-laws and while it isn't exactly what I would have picked out, I think it is just fine in the room. When I can get a weekend free, I intend to move to the office which is just a step off of this room. Pictures to follow.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Thanks for stopping by.</div></div></div></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-41837127011669313722009-10-25T17:49:00.000-07:002009-10-25T17:59:29.277-07:00I'm Changing Things Around At My House<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRq5333Pwqzv5TpkuBlx1jEl_9AJBI8umlKfLZtnZmQsi2U3dWTmY3EryHHhoGfO65Fvj013dytb2KAHPZQNXaoyQfYwf0GwPmhFcb0vV1AeDUfiEeSE-XuHhnV1IQ_ZvVdlah_sn/s1600-h/100_0322.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396706271018070962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRq5333Pwqzv5TpkuBlx1jEl_9AJBI8umlKfLZtnZmQsi2U3dWTmY3EryHHhoGfO65Fvj013dytb2KAHPZQNXaoyQfYwf0GwPmhFcb0vV1AeDUfiEeSE-XuHhnV1IQ_ZvVdlah_sn/s200/100_0322.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYfcoBX6PP0ygP5IY0E2QAF8cIthwvVco7G6gov7J5E7beRFObUinZoAld07sybbY1Yg8oL5aUqlGg6AA4xWBCchnRdp5-UxkYD_3SkfJnE-SrJf7i8-EztYQgIvH1p-_0NY388Yh/s1600-h/100_0321.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396705960639643666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLYfcoBX6PP0ygP5IY0E2QAF8cIthwvVco7G6gov7J5E7beRFObUinZoAld07sybbY1Yg8oL5aUqlGg6AA4xWBCchnRdp5-UxkYD_3SkfJnE-SrJf7i8-EztYQgIvH1p-_0NY388Yh/s200/100_0321.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVsXfZ1RXqxH8lJFC-u0awBmrh1sw6pGldvdqnnTOfObtOZPtjkShAOemPccEVQklVMWP9aFeATwJBFVK92mrPk1uObPWJ9Ek_OLSlf8_qJ-IZoK-G_nzXonyyq7zHeGAZ-6ApQae/s1600-h/100_0320.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396705613289408434" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVsXfZ1RXqxH8lJFC-u0awBmrh1sw6pGldvdqnnTOfObtOZPtjkShAOemPccEVQklVMWP9aFeATwJBFVK92mrPk1uObPWJ9Ek_OLSlf8_qJ-IZoK-G_nzXonyyq7zHeGAZ-6ApQae/s200/100_0320.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSK2f1zSSuemcAGVrTnIEsBIO-So2rsqQGovHh2h8R2CgzuSkvoBa6Cjokb6ifzTrX4aUbnd9nzud8wfrMdurnTpGYPlwGsHo5IhXN-SPW4FmsBckotZZfemcBTSzZsXWiTqbiq3q/s1600-h/100_0319.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396705263681912258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSK2f1zSSuemcAGVrTnIEsBIO-So2rsqQGovHh2h8R2CgzuSkvoBa6Cjokb6ifzTrX4aUbnd9nzud8wfrMdurnTpGYPlwGsHo5IhXN-SPW4FmsBckotZZfemcBTSzZsXWiTqbiq3q/s400/100_0319.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is my new project. This is my youngest son's bedroom. Pitiful is the only word I can come up with to describe it. But I have big plans to revive it. The awlful green paint is already history and there is furniture and pictures, new organization ideas...just wait. It's going to be totally awesome when I get through! Hurry back soon to check out the new room.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-25104656322710016852009-10-14T08:01:00.000-07:002009-10-14T08:08:06.685-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBPOvUXEmldVxlPrQhdTeEScMq5w_u4h3BSErbhE-37llctdbSdOM6lKbiId-FV4k6DmNz69Ph4ogSXY5gUPjfUtYT8-dDNV94rBzheYYGDLpx9HuVL7GSnz2cr9iia19qc8HgMPQ/s1600-h/Autumn+Leaves.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392471173685300674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJBPOvUXEmldVxlPrQhdTeEScMq5w_u4h3BSErbhE-37llctdbSdOM6lKbiId-FV4k6DmNz69Ph4ogSXY5gUPjfUtYT8-dDNV94rBzheYYGDLpx9HuVL7GSnz2cr9iia19qc8HgMPQ/s320/Autumn+Leaves.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br />Today is special to me. It is a new beginning. God has reminded me today that I am loved. He calls me to be calm and rest in knowing that He loves me and He is here with me. I am living, breathing and moving by His might, not mine. I am weak without His power surging through me. I need not worry about past regrets or what the future might bring. Today is all I need. It is His gift to me. Yesterday is past, the troubles I have endured are behind me now. And while I wait patiently for tomorrow, I will not carry any expectations about what it might bring. God gives me this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">abundance to enjoy today. </span>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-3303723969500528272009-09-25T08:30:00.001-07:002009-09-25T08:43:55.778-07:00San Francisco, Here I Come!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT-jLJ8-7XsLWjc42nXql2c22ndmPTi5ZouQmBA_HH8a_8TuCJI-tPa3GcyDUqX-f6HS2hhwm68T2t7Ge6vWktPsazEVDHoQuCCbmU61pRhNCO7qk3kupbVehl8r6Aupcm3tamJH1/s1600-h/cable-car.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385428147070564994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 161px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 137px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT-jLJ8-7XsLWjc42nXql2c22ndmPTi5ZouQmBA_HH8a_8TuCJI-tPa3GcyDUqX-f6HS2hhwm68T2t7Ge6vWktPsazEVDHoQuCCbmU61pRhNCO7qk3kupbVehl8r6Aupcm3tamJH1/s400/cable-car.jpg" border="0" /></a> I'm counting down the days till I leave in that big jet airplane headed west to San Francisco! My catering partner and I have planned this trip since early summer. It's been years since I have been to California and I have always said I wanted to stand at Fisherman's Wharf and watch the sun go down, melting like butter in the ocean. I guess this is the beginning of my "bucket list". There are so many wonderful things to do and see that I am not sure how I will fit it all in to four days...but I'm sure going to do my best.<br />One thing on my list, is of course, to ride on the infamous Cable Street Cars. It's like that old commericial for Rice-A-Roni...."It's The San Francisco Treat!"<br />Another sight I must behold, according to my mother, is Lombard Street! I can't believe people ready live in such a magical spot.<br />Then there's Alcatraz! This is got to be one of the scariest place in the world...atleast to this country girl. I can't imagine what it would be like to be jailed there...it would be enough for me to want to not commit crimes. Yet so many were housed there. And to think they actually tried to swim the waters! Just give me my tin cup and I'd just stay right there!<br />Oh, and Chinatown. My friend and I are going to devote a whole day here. I want to smell, taste and feel the energy here.<br /><br />Have any of you been to San Francisco? I would appreciate any insiderer tips you may have that I need to know of before I leave in November.<br />I'm putting pennies in the jar, saving up my "allowances" and saying a prayer that I will have the experience of a lifetime. Wish me luck!DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-58304333185111397362009-09-22T14:32:00.000-07:002009-09-22T14:50:25.514-07:00First Day of Autumn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmmj7e5TY5rsqjtTRtoEccmtCj1osIfZrs6et_7tHWFAsboX-41Z8QIc30elhubDNY1Uk-FiKzChzwQ63SY4N3EzRVaImxHiyn0P2W4GTgUY35HMfDnemqD_r2KtYGH7qa_C_qBDW/s1600-h/100_0293.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384408347568101778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmmj7e5TY5rsqjtTRtoEccmtCj1osIfZrs6et_7tHWFAsboX-41Z8QIc30elhubDNY1Uk-FiKzChzwQ63SY4N3EzRVaImxHiyn0P2W4GTgUY35HMfDnemqD_r2KtYGH7qa_C_qBDW/s400/100_0293.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's been awhile since I've posted anything, obliviously, but I've been a little busy. First thing, my youngest moved into an apartment on campus this quarter and if any of you have experienced this right-of-passage then you know what a chore this is. To compound things, he's nearly two hours away. All I can say is I hope he has everything and if he doesn't, then there's Dollar General.<br />Today is officially the first day of autumn and while it doesn't feel much like it, I hope for cooler days soon. We've had two weeks of rain and I'm not going to complain because our neighbors out in Georgia are really suffering today. My prayers are will all of you who may be affected by the flooding. Our God has not turned His head and He will make provisions. Trust Him with your very lives and He will not disappoint you. These are difficult times and we will all be tested.<br />The sun will shine again and you will be stronger. <br /><br />I haven't relayed this piece of information about myself...but I am part owner of a catering business called Two Friends Catering. My partner and I started this little business for the fun of it. And FUN is exactly what I'm having. We do alot of baking, mostly due to the devastating loss of our bakery in town. I am a self-taught decorator and far from being a professional. But I like to experiment with the different mediums of cake decorating. For years I worked at a job that was very demanding and after 60 plus hours per week, I didn't have alot of time to do these things. Finally, I'm able to relax and have fun.<br /><br />Maybe I'll take up skydiving next!!DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-52901434571042045382009-09-04T19:29:00.000-07:002009-09-04T19:41:20.057-07:00RUSHING FALL!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYo0neCiHMkNxWE8I1_fXBT_PoUNmlceSCPMrkSxH4jhorZ-BwaCJ5vF92KPITLtZuRZ_cAgxQG9QTUtHAPBCvgzguU2laHLOpzxcLgCBRmuIsZL3gW5xJL_I2B5Bl_JCBYktt0GA/s1600-h/R1-18A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377805666880033570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYo0neCiHMkNxWE8I1_fXBT_PoUNmlceSCPMrkSxH4jhorZ-BwaCJ5vF92KPITLtZuRZ_cAgxQG9QTUtHAPBCvgzguU2laHLOpzxcLgCBRmuIsZL3gW5xJL_I2B5Bl_JCBYktt0GA/s400/R1-18A.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1j8Y9vFEEB2EzUByynD3rXqfoS8NIS8TanfnidvKWFRRc3pT7JnPuw-9bYEheOD87tuoWLrrNvj253lUa1fJBELdkKd1mvU6B5pNB1yyKZFFiviGVdiXrquH5x5w-3kmqhxmXf3j/s1600-h/R1-10A.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377805278796517954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA1j8Y9vFEEB2EzUByynD3rXqfoS8NIS8TanfnidvKWFRRc3pT7JnPuw-9bYEheOD87tuoWLrrNvj253lUa1fJBELdkKd1mvU6B5pNB1yyKZFFiviGVdiXrquH5x5w-3kmqhxmXf3j/s400/R1-10A.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>I can't seem to help myself. I want to rush the <span style="color:#663300;">F</span><span style="color:#ffcc33;">a</span><span style="color:#663333;">ll</span> <span style="color:#999900;"><span style="color:#663300;">Se</span>as<span style="color:#cc0000;">o</span>n</span> so bad. The cool nights are teasing me even though the days have warmed up a little. I don't care, it still seems like the trees are beginning to display their brillant colors and I have the strongest desire to start the trek to the mountains to take it all in.</strong></div><div><strong>These pictures were taken last year when JJ and I took a day trip up the Natchez Trace. When I think about what a beautiful trip that was, it makes me long for a sweater, a picnic basket and my camera!<br /><br /></strong><div></div></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-86726169352455070082009-09-02T10:26:00.000-07:002009-09-04T19:43:52.990-07:00Bring on the fall season!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgOsRJ6iSJODVBzgyfSPUv32RJKynEcQXVFs-a6tgQCYINm4wrec6yWV52TZkVnXQExaril3c0SpAZQ35FWmMxRj2YyNd8hLbzQsaY-kISLCAsUCSzPKZBbwRnCmigSjuL_fcHH3g/s1600-h/100_0227.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376928060305761906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgOsRJ6iSJODVBzgyfSPUv32RJKynEcQXVFs-a6tgQCYINm4wrec6yWV52TZkVnXQExaril3c0SpAZQ35FWmMxRj2YyNd8hLbzQsaY-kISLCAsUCSzPKZBbwRnCmigSjuL_fcHH3g/s320/100_0227.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK1sLaLHPw2b6epFL7n6IL-Dz17HYD7aC902cH42YR-7aO0YAc4y3_6DNF2nZgLbn9_ftoAT2L_z0W13XSpsSP0Vpf_3D0FPT0calTsppY_j3KKqRcD9EPVMrP_nbQ9pesRjeUyCo/s1600-h/100_0224.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376927728585356210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK1sLaLHPw2b6epFL7n6IL-Dz17HYD7aC902cH42YR-7aO0YAc4y3_6DNF2nZgLbn9_ftoAT2L_z0W13XSpsSP0Vpf_3D0FPT0calTsppY_j3KKqRcD9EPVMrP_nbQ9pesRjeUyCo/s320/100_0224.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbpQp8OsX36UzDk_ldYWDNCIaes-GVrV1GWlSsmIckRT9cQxO0DNueJ_K4mJwLsK3ZfoD9peLOP6lO13JQbvHjrqFqzr-oX5r_aN9RRQHdLFIpoJvox9PlleXwl6oPPfnDyHfPl7J/s1600-h/100_0225.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376923535713710882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbpQp8OsX36UzDk_ldYWDNCIaes-GVrV1GWlSsmIckRT9cQxO0DNueJ_K4mJwLsK3ZfoD9peLOP6lO13JQbvHjrqFqzr-oX5r_aN9RRQHdLFIpoJvox9PlleXwl6oPPfnDyHfPl7J/s320/100_0225.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#993399;"> <strong>The last couple of days here in N.E. Louisiana have been absolutely gorgeous! The humidity, which in this area can choke a elephant, has been very low and the sky is blue. I love this time of the year more than any other. The fields are being harvested of their bounty and folks are pulling out the firepits and shopping for sweaters. Kids are back at school, and next week our youngest is off to college at Louisiana Tech in Ruston. Our house is about a mile and a half from the high school and last Friday I listened from my front porch the firing of the cannon, which is our way of celebrating a victorious score over our opponent. </strong></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>I have always tried to rush the seasons, and I am not going to apologize for nothing. I drug out my ceramic pumpkins and I made a special trip to the corner market to purchase mums for my front walk. I can't wait for the real pumpkins to get here. I love all the varieties we have available to us now. The pale chalky ones and the jasper green ones are really cool. I even like the ones with "warts". </strong></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>My oldest son, Paul, has three boys (God bless their mama) and he gets into carving pumpkins like you've never seen. He puts a table up outside and gets a wide array of "carving tools" and goes at it. The eyes of those kids nearly pop out watching him. He does one for each of the boys, and even one for Katie and him.</strong></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>We do not celebrate Halloween, the gross stuff and all, but I love pumpkins and I carve pretty ivy designs and words on mine. I just love the glow that a lit pumpkin gives the outside walk. </strong></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>It is time to gather some wood for the firepit. This weekend will be the first time we light ours and I plan on sittin' a spell and enjoying the starry sky.</strong></span></div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>I encourage you and yours to make a memory of your own this week. Children love it when the house is decorated for the season, even if it isn't anything but a mason jar of candy corn. So, have a good time with family and friends this week!<br /></strong></div></span><br /><br /><div></div></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839831598464866151.post-22924794261930449272009-08-31T09:48:00.000-07:002009-09-01T07:40:41.338-07:00Picture This!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPq5EgeeI89N4Bp2jKf8GvuoBOsDfsLyuvyT6wl4a08d_syztrR7ZjegBi5gDl6tqoWU1AeXrqMOTfHH4kNEZK9V_XOPWoAqdsCTuuiELMmiu82k0CWZLcYYtkow_2qhuaz9UeGyL/s1600-h/FH000004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376171427998722802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPq5EgeeI89N4Bp2jKf8GvuoBOsDfsLyuvyT6wl4a08d_syztrR7ZjegBi5gDl6tqoWU1AeXrqMOTfHH4kNEZK9V_XOPWoAqdsCTuuiELMmiu82k0CWZLcYYtkow_2qhuaz9UeGyL/s320/FH000004.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>I can remember this like it was yesterday</strong>. Our youngest son, Michael, graduated in 2008. This was the scene I created for his high school homecoming the fall before. I collect old stuff...my husband calls "junk" but to me it is nostagia. The truck is not ours (darn it!) but everything else is. I love old picnic hampers and tins from the 40's & 50's. When I look at this picture, I can see girls in there poodle skirts and guys in leather jackets. And the fall flowers and pumpkins give me a feeling that fall is not far away. Hey!<br /><br /><div></div>DONNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17724627469894459620noreply@blogger.com1