Country Roads Take Me Home

One of my favorite parts of being in Wisconsin is when we take the "backroads" whereever we go. Usually Rick and I do this when we go back to Wisconsin after getting Manny's Pizza, I mean, visiting my brother in my hometown, about 4 hours from my In Laws. I love driving the meandering roads, up hills and down, around many curves.
Many of the roads follow the old stagecoach trails and if you know where and how to look you can see them in the hills next to the roads. I didn't find any too take pictures of on our route, but I know where some are. One of the "side trip" we made this trip was through Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo. It's one of my top five favorite state parks. It's roads go up and down and around the gulleys and valleys surrounding Devils Lake. The red sugar maple leaves had mostly fallen when we visited, but the yellow trees were beautiful and lit the forest like a hidden sunshine.

 

All week long I tried to get a picture of the trees along Witter's Lake, not to far from the house. The weather just would not cooperate, being either terribly rainy, or gloomily overcast. To show the leaves true, bright, beautiful color you need rays of sunshine to illuminate them. Finally, on our way to the airport, the sun shone through and I was able to get this.

 

Several times on our trip we came across fields just full of Wind Towers. One the Illinois/Wisconsin border near Nora (Wisconsin I think) we saw some in the distance and I told Rick, "just start going toward the towers, I'll find our way back!" So off we went through cornfields and potholed gravel roads, toward the "Towers". Sound like a scary movie in the making? We got pretty close, but it was a rainy day so the pictures didn't come out. We did feel the winds from the towers tho, powerful! I did get us back on track afterwards, finding a road named "Stagecoach Road" of all things. Only makes sense it would go to a town, right?
But driving back to Milwaukee on the interstate we found these towers. Many more than we'd seen a few days before, tho not as close up. All those "sticks" you see are Wind Towers. Amazing.

 

It won't be soon enough until we go back. I love a good drive on an old country road.

Can Someone Stop This Rain?

We arrived in Wisconsin 6 days ago. I have 5 days left on my vacation here. Since we've gotten here it's rained 4 days. The 2 days it hasn't rained it's been cold and overcast. I know, I know, what did I expect Up North?
In the few moments of sunshine, I can see the beautiful colors of the fall leaves beginning to turn. I want pictures!!! But with grey overcast skies, fall leaves just aren't as pretty as when the sun is shining through them. Hopefully, in the next four days, I will have some sunshine. Even if it is, 30 degrees. I know, that's why I came to Wisconsin.
We spent yesterday's rainy day visiting my husband's great aunt Ruth in her assisted living facility. She's 95! What a hoot! She wouldn't let me take her picture because she hadn't had her hair done. She was a beautician, and always had her hair perfect. So since she thought her hair wasn't perfect (it was) no picture.
Ruth kept us entertained all afternoon with her antics and stories. The nurses (don't know what they are doing) the food (you would think they could give me some gravy), her "illusions".
Apparently her meds got a little mixed up and for a few days she had "illusions". She thought two men were in her room and each of them had a dog with them. One had a little black poodle, the other a little brown dog with a hairy face. She didn't mind the men, but those dogs just simply could not be in her room! But the nurses said their were no dogs or men, she was having "illusions". Too funny!
Auntie Ruth's mind was a sharp as a tack. She knew my husband and she hadn't seen him in a few years! When he tried to sneak out of the room without saying good bye (he hates nursing homes) she said, "where's Ricky? He didn't say good bye?" "make him come back and tell me good bye!" Too funny! I just love her.
I remember one of the first times I met Aunt Ruth, we were up here in Wisconsin visiting and decided to have pizza for supper. Aunt Ruth was in her late 60's and claimed to have never had pizza to eat. She declared it good, and wondered why she'd never eaten it. Now all she wants is gravy on her potatoes. I told her life's to short, eat her chocolate pie instead. She laughed.

Wonderings from Wisconsin

The Lodge we're staying in is quaint. It's one of those old mom & pop places that have passed down through the years from family to family. It's remained pretty much the same and has endearing little nuances that make you love it none the less. I think we have the best view by far, only obstructed by a few trees.

 

Rick and I enjoyed the rainy, chilly day hanging in our room. We both brought books to read and we stayed updated by everyone's progress here by text message. It was the best of the old and new worlds. Once everyone arrived, we decided to find a small tavern to pass the early evening in. The guys and kids played pool, the girls chatted, catching up on the gossip. The beer was cheap, conversation good. And they had the cutest little beers, 7 ounces! Yes, we drank lots of those.

 

After a few hours and lots of memories, we returned to the lodge for dinner. The Silvercryst is well known for it's broasted chicken, and steak sandwiches. Yummy chicken! I need to get out of here before I weigh 400 pounds!
One of the great things about little taverns that dot the Wisconsin frozen tundra, is the microbrewerys they have.

 

You just can't come to Wisconsin without drinking a Spotted Cow. New Glarus Brewery is one of those little brewerys that is growing in popularity. I saw their Spotted Cow on the menu and knew it would be perfect to go with my broasted chicken. Tonite, I think I'll try an Oktoberfest from Steven's Point Brewery.
It's going to be a great vacation!

Meanwhile, Here in the Frozen Tundra

Frozen is an overstatement. It's brisk, rainy and gloomy. The leaves are beginning to turn, so hopefully before we leave we'll see some good color.
We arrived here at the hotel about 7, just after Rick's parents left here after having dinner. Our worry was we'd run in to them. They aren't supposed to know we are here after all. It was a nice drive from the airport and my GPS on my blackberry worked like a charm. I was glad to have a chance to try it out, knowing where I was going, before I needed it to get where I didn't know I was going.
I was chilly when we got here, glad I brought my flannel jammies. But before you laugh at my Florida blood being to thin to be in the frozen tundra, I have to tell you it feels good to be a bit chilled. It's only cold when the wind is blowing, and they are having a rainstorm, so it's damp too. But I am loving it!
Can't wait for daylight. Our room has a great view of the lake. I'll have pictures in the morning. The boys arrive around noon, as should the rest of the family. My brother is driving up tomorrow night to surprise the boys. He'll go home Saturday. I know he's bringing my niece, and I think my nephew and his wife are going to try to come too. It will be good to have all of them here.
I'm going to unpack. Good thing we don't have to be anywhere in the morning and can sleep in. I did spy a few places that would look good for breakfast....

When You Wonder Long Enough

I know, long time no blog. But I'll do better, Promise.

So I always wonder. I wonder if all the things, good and bad that I did for and with my kids as they were growing up were the right things. Such a damn huge responsibility those kids are. They sure didn't come with a manual. So I always wondered. Did I get it right? Do you ever stop wondering that?

Just when I get busy thinking about something else, like what's for dinner? Will that blazer look good with those pants? Where in the heck did I put my favorite nail polish? I get an answer. In what seems like a small insignificant conversation. I know I got it right.

It started as a simple FB message, told me the answer I'd been looking for. The conversation was with my middle son's girlfriend. She said she was home alone, so she could shop now for his birthday present. She wants to get him a plate. A plate for grilling. It has to be a Packers plate tho. But he wants a plate. Because at our house we have one specific plate that is used for our grilled meat. It's not used for anything else, ever.
It didn't come into this world to be a grill plate at our house. It is an old plastic plate I bought back in the 70's at McDonald's. Heck it may have even have been free, but I think I paid 79 cents for it. One of those crazy, spur of the moment things that teenagers do. Or I did, didn't you? It is golden arch yellow on the edges and I think it has a beach scene with Ronald McDonald on it. Tells you what an heirloom it is, I don't even know for sure what's on it. But it's just an old plastic plate. Oh wait, here's a picture! See, it's a pretty nondescript plate.

I probably gave to Rick to use so he wouldn't drop one of the hundreds of corelle plates on the ground and break it. But every time we grill, that's the plate the meat goes on. Very classy, yes? But Kevin told Erica he wanted a grilling plate for his birthday that he could keep forever, because we had this plate forever and that's kinda cool.
So while it wasn't exactly a tradition I planned to start, it's a tradition he wants to carry on. Sometimes you just have to wonder what goes on in their little ole heads. Now I know what did.

New Toys, Thanks Boys!

There is an old saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. If so, I'm on the superhighway. I fully intended to accomplish two things yesterday. One was to check out the new scrapbooking store here in Pensacola, and I did. The other was to clean my room and closet out. Since I bought new clothes last week, I've had a closet explosion in my room. I have got to get some things out of there, so I can put some things in there. Yes, I'm about to purge.
The trip to the scrap store was nice. She had LOTS of nice things, but no new things. Everything was last year's or before old. Which is okay, it's still usuable and in good shape. She had great prices on most of her stuff too. But I didn't buy much, as (ahem) I already have it. But it's still a nice little store. I'll go back.
It was a nice two hour outing with my friend Sharon. We both needed some out away from family time. We also visited Scraphappy. She's getting ready for a fantastic ScrapPink event next week. I can't go, we have too much to do before we go out of town. But from the looks of it, it's going to be a great time! I did find a bunch more stuff there I had to have. She got the cutest Halloween stamps in from Clearly Arts and Making Memories. Of course I bought them both!

I came home with full intention of starting that closest. But then #1 son called and said he was stopping by. He has his truck project almost finished. They got the engine and transmission hooked together yesterday. I'm sure there was more too it than that, but all I know is it's all in the truck.

We got to talking about phones and such and how everyone thinks I need a new one. They ganged up on me, those two boys and convinced me since our carrier was having a huge sale. I needed to go. So we went. 15 minutes after I walked in, I was buying a new phone. I don't think I had to say 10 words to the salesgirl. The guys did all the talking. We ended up getting Patrick a new phone too. (yes, I think it was a planned plot) But it was free and with all the rebates etc., we ended up with 2 blackberry storms with cases and protective screens for less than $100. Now that was $100 I really didn't want to spend right now. But I think it's a good thing. So here's the new toy.

 

What do you think? Yes, all Touchscreen, but I think I like it. Of course, it has a learning curve and I feel so old and stupid. I spent all afternoon playing with it. It felt like Christmas with both of us playing with our new toys. Patrick has moved me into favorite parent status again. Since he reaped the benefit of the freebie phone. The only thing I did pick out was the green cover. I think I'm going to look for a Packer sticker for it too.

I wonder if it can make calls from Hell?

Listening to the Rhythm of the Fallin' Rain

Still. It's raining, raining every day this week at some time or another. It's not a constant rain. But enough of a rain to interrupt the day somehow. It's also not a heavy rain all the time, mostly a gentle rain. Enough to fill the world with puddles, humidity and grey skies.

Our football game last night was a blowout, and not in our favor at all. The team couldn't make a right move to save their lives. That's why there's next week. We'll try again.

I had a nice evening before the game. Picked up a new book, Dan Brown's The Lost Icon. It's going in my stash of things to take on vacation next week. A friend gave me Pat Conroy's Beach Music. The two of those should keep me busy. I'm also going to take my Photoshop for Dummies book and learn about the photoshop program I have had on my computer for a year and rarely use. I know how to make Blog titles and that's about it!

My friend, Sue and I walked the mall a bit before the game. I hadn't been there in ages! I did get some more antibacterial gel. It seems like lately you can never have too much of that. We met up with Sue's husband, Greg and a few other friends at Moe's to eat before the game. Such fun!

Well, I'd better get moving. I said I would clean out my closet today, and I'm off on an adventure to a new scrappin' store with a friend. Of course, there's always a moment to listen to the rain too!

So What Has She Been Up To?

I've decided the past week or so has been so blah. Maybe it's the constant rain, the constant routine, the fact that the first thing I think of in the morning is how I can't wait to come home and go back to bed.
It could be the beginning of summer was so fantastically fun at the beginning, with all the travels and visits, that the rest was a bit of a let down. It could be that the rush of school starting is over and things are settling down. I don't know how to go at a slower pace?
It's just been blah. I went to the HS game Friday night. We lost but were in it the entire game. It was a bit hot and muggy, I can't wait for cooler weather. I enjoyed the game, seeing friends, cheering the guys. The school we played was the HS the two older boys went to, so it was a bit like old home week. Saw lots of friends, LOTS.
Had a great dinner out with a few friends before the game. But hubby wasn't there, so not as much fun for me. He had to stay with his guys.
It rained all weekend. I don't think I left the house except to get groceries on Sunday. Which in a way was nice. Except I felt like a slug. Which really I wasn't. I did a lot of odds and ends around here. Put out the fall decorations, except the really Halloweeny ones. I'll wait for that. But the leaves are out, the pumpkins, gourds and fall scented candles.
It rained some more today. Rained hard and fast, lots of ditches overflowing, intersections and such. Hubby thought he was a U Boat captain and tried to drive through a big puddle. He conked out mid way. And I thought he retired from the Navy, apparently he misses it.
Everyone at work is sick, coughing, hacking, stuffy head, sick. Of course who gets all the paperwork they handle? Yep. Me. I have threatened them. If I get sick for my vacation, I'm going to be just a teeny bit mad. So far it's half and half as far as the staff being sick. If I get sick, I'm staying home. I wish they would.
Didn't that Packers look good??? I loved that game! Our defense was awesome. Crybaby Cutler pouted most of the game. I hear he did get a new endorsement last night. Illinois Lottery called and wants him to endorse their new ticket, the Pick (off) Four. teehee! Thanks baby bro for that joke.
Okay, I've rambled long enough. If something exciting happens, I'll blog it, if not, it may be another week.

Labor Day Laboring

I'll probably put more Labor in today than I have all weekend. Not that I've been a total slug, but I/we've got things to do today. It promises to be a rainy day, so all my projects will keep me busy while it rains.
First some much promised pictures. Yes Teri, I was on my way to do this, when you reminded me to!
The banana nut muffins. Little but delish! I accidentally poured the baking soda into the wet stuff, instead of into the dry stuff like you are supposed to when I was making them. So I didn't get the "rise" that I usually get. But trust me, they were just as yummy!

Then there was the Bo Bunny Friends book I made. Not going to bore you with all the pictures. But here it is,

I would show you pictures of the Holly Jolly book and the Christmas tree book, but you really need to check out Linda's site, Hilltop Memories . She's got an awesome crop coming up on October 16-17-18 that you really need to attend. Creepover is soooo much fun!
Okay, so, because you maybe spider quesy, I'm not going to show that picture yet. I'm going to blog about today and then put the picture at the bottom, so that you won't get freaked and not finish reading.
SO, today is Labor Day. I said I was going to sleep in, but I was actually awake before the alarm went off to wake hubby up for football practice. So, no sleeping in for me. Which is fine really. I love mornings, especially mornings I can relax and enjoy. I've already got supper in the crockpot, Spareribs and sauerkraut. So if you're hungry, come on over! It's one of the guys favorite meals, and they've been craving it. It's not a hot weather meal, so since it's cooled off a tad, I'm cooking it!
I've got one load of laundry in the wash, several more sorted. When I get off of here, I'm going to make a batch of biscuits and gravy, using my much older sister's secret gravy recipe. And no, for those of you who know my sister, and know she doesn't cook much, it's not out of a can.
After Hubby gets home from football practice and showers, we're headed to the base. He needs a haircut, I want to shop some in the exchange. We've also got to stop at Lowe's for sheetrock. He's finally fixing the hallway wall that some teen age boys who shall remain nameless, punched a hole in a few years ago. But that's what happens when you have three hormone charged boys living in a small space together. Or so I'm told. And really, when they are at that stage in life, is there a space big enough for 3 of them? You thought lions fought over control of the pride? They have nothing on three brothers! But don't let anyone else harm one of them, then you will see ferocious!
So that's my day in a nutshell. Shopping, Avoiding work in the hallway, and laundry. Now for Mr. Spider. So if you are arachnophobic, this is where you sign off.
Yesterday I had a "teachable moment" with some young neighbor kids about our spider. Patrick had been upset the past few days because he's noticed that they were throwing rocks and sticks at the web. So when I saw them doing that, I went out and asked them not to. Like most normal children, they were concerned the spider would bite them. I assured them he wouldn't if they left him alone. We spent 20 minutes talking about spiders. I think they won't bother him anymore. Here he is. Not the best pictures, but you get the drift.
Here's the bottom half of his web. It is hard to get a good picture of it. It measures a good 5 feet around.

Here he is. He has a bright yellow body, black head and eyes that are white. They call these banana spiders, probably because his yellow body resembles a banana. He's as big as my hand, about 5-6 inches long. His body and head are about the size of my little finger.
I was in a woods once north of Mobile Alabama, where the it was just full of these spiders and their webs. It looked archaic and magical with all the webs hanging all over the woods. But spooky too.

Catching UP!

I've been going to blog, with pictures for several nights. But I can't seem to find the cord to my camera to hook to my computer. So before I find it, I'll blog with out pictures. So turn on your imagination with pictures.
Last weekend I made some delicious banana nut muffins. They are better than Otis Spunkmeyers. Rich banana, spicy cinnamony, nutty, sweet, eat them with out butter they were that good. I even took pictures. Don't you wish you had taste imagination too? And I think I've eaten them all myself. How do I know that? I took the bag of them to school with me. I ate at least two a day, with two more for tomorrow. Okay, I shared, with our Curriculum Coordinator. So do you see the picture in your mind of the dozen banana muffins, fresh out of the oven, cooling in my vintage cupcake pan? UMMMMM.

Then I took a picture of my big biscuit day. I got my order from HilltopMemories . I love ordering from Linda. Her service is T O P S! I ordered and had it in my hand in less than 3 days. So close your eyes and see the new Maya Road Christmas tree book. I even tried to upload a picture I borrowed from her and it didn't work. So just go to her site and check it out. And while you are there, check out the other thing I ordered, the Bo Bunny Holly Jolly kit. What a pretty book! Can't wait to make it. And BUY something from her! She's a fantastic lady and deserves your business.

Of course I couldn't buy something if I hadn't finished something. I finally finished BoBunny's friends book that I bought and started in North Carolina. It's done in pinks, blues and greens. Lots of fun! Of course, no picture. Well, the picture is in the camera.

In between all this, I'm fighting the sinus stuff that everyone here seems to be getting. It's that time of year and the torrential rain we had a few days ago didn't help. But the torrential rain's didn't destroy the humongous spider web that's growing in our big oak out front. Mr. Spider himself is a good 6 inches wide. The web is a good 4 feet wide. I have pictures, I'd love to share them. but there's that camera cord issue!

So I guess I'd better get off of here and see if I can find the cord. I know you'd love to see the pictures. Especially of the spider!

Saturday Statements

Another busy week comes to an end, and I say TGIS! I enjoyed my week really. It's great to see something you are a part of exceed expectations from naysayers. GSTC is full to the brim, overflowing into the high schools with programs, and rockin'!

Last night's football game, while a loss, showed us some good things, and things to work on. But I have to ask. Why do idiot children from the other team, have to walk our side of the field with their school mascot? I'm talking thuggy looking kids, not a good representation of their school. One of our school board members was sitting in front of me, and these kids sat on the row in between me and him. Our QB's dad was sitting to the right of the the SBM. These fine students from the opposing school further showed their intelligence by harassing the father of our QB about his school shirt he was wearing. Why do they insist on showing their stupidity? They turned around to me and was about to start in on me, when I gave them the "Don't even start" look. It must have been a good look as they got up and left. This always happens at this school, and it's not even one of the "bad" high schools. So sad. Okay, off the soapbox.

Enjoying this Saturday. I was up at the crack of dawn, which is fine, I can sleep in tomorrow. I did nap a bit on the sofa this morning, but now that I have a bit of caffiene in my system, I'm awake! Both my guys took off this morning early. Patrick's off tubing with some friends. Rick had Defense Coaches meeting this morning. That left me all to myself this morning.

I made myself some scrambled eggs and settled in to watch the Smurfs. Love the Smurfs! I had a friend in HS whose little brother collected every single one of the Smurf figures. I wonder if he still has them? I napped through the home improvement shows, but not before I learned how to take tile off a wall. Look out Rick, you may just come home to a det-tiled bathroom one day!

Hubby walked in about 11:30 just as I finished cleaning the kitchen. We shared a pot of coffee and talked about the week. I've been so exhausted at night that by the time he gets home from practice, it goes in one ear and out the other. I sorted laundry and started that, cleaned the scraproom and sat down to scrap. So midway through the day, I'm having a great one!

Plans are to go out to dinner, and I have stuff I want to create. I think it's going to be a good Saturday, don't you?

Well, Wednesday's Over!

Will it be downhill from here? As in an easy slide that is. Registration has been fast and furious, our students all in their places with bright shiny faces. After a summer of quiet shops, it's good to see and hear them buzzing with activity.

Most of our classes are full, the other's are filling fast. I think only a fifth of our classes are not full. Our enrollment is the highest it's been for a starting week since I've been there. Certainly our best start since Ivan.

I've still surprised myself in keeping the records straight and filed. Of course it's taking 12 hour days to do it, but it's working.

The guys cooked me dinner tonite. Okay, it was only hotdogs and cheeseburgers but it was still good! We had a nice movie night all that was missing was a group hug. I tried, Patrick just wouldn't have it. So I smothered him with love and kisses. Which I think he hated too.

Thursday Rick heads out to scout some teams with the coaches. I'm heading to a friends to show her how to upload pictures. Then it's FRIDAY! Ah! A weekend! I can hardly wait!

I Feel as Washed Out as She Probably Is

After I took care of my family duties on Sunday, I escaped to the beach for a few hours of total relaxation before the chaos that is the first day of school. It's become a tradition with my friend, Linda and I, to spend that last real day before students come back, at the beach. Even tho she's moved on to a higher educational facility, we still stay in touch and continue our wonderful traditions.

By the time we got the cooler packed, chairs loaded and sunscreen on, it was almost 2:00 p.m.. A great time to arrive at the beach if you ask me. Most of the tourists have long been burnt to a crisp, the families have headed home for naptime, and only us older folks are just staking out our spots.

A family that had been there earlier had created the mermaid. It's funny how out of the whole beach, we sat down right next to her before we realized she was there. A father and son drew our attention to her, the young son asking questions about why she was there. And there she was.

It was a wonderful afternoon to be at the beach. The waves were calm, visibility was so clear. We watched a lost beach ball float out to sea for a good half hour. We could see the oil rigs off shore of Alabama, a good 15 miles out. The dolphins and pompano were jumping all afternoon, probably enjoying the cooler air brought on by a cold front that passed through during the night. We watched a tourist get caught on the finger by a crab. His peril for catching the critter in the first place.

We wiled away the hours, people watching, talking, eating pringles and enjoying our beverages. We solved the problems of the world, at least ours anyway, with the ease that comes from being at the beach. I fought off biting flies by throwing sand on my legs as they landed there. Finally they took off for sweeter meat sitting 10 yards away.

And tho I feel as washed out as she probably is now, I'm glad for our afternoon with the mermaid. It was a great prerequisite for a first day of chaos at school.

Enjoying the Last Weekend of Freedom

I remember this as a child. We wanted to cram all the fun we could into this last weekend of summer. Our school supplies were bought, new shoes waiting to take us to school, backpacks loaded and a fresh new lunch box that we were sure was the coolest one on the rack.

We wanted to run, and ride and go til long after sundown. Our parents wanted to get us into the "school routine" of going to bed early. It was so hard to go to sleep those last few days. I wanted every minute of my summer, but the excitement of going back to school and seeing friends kept me awake also.

Now, I just want every minute of peace and quiet, relaxation and rest I can get before Monday morning. All my friends are back, the teachers started this week. We've lunched out every day, enjoying that privilege that won't happen once students return.
I don't have any new clothes, yet. No new shoes, not even a hair cut to show off. Working 12 months at school takes some of the excitement of the first day of school away.

I'll get excited when I go to the first "real" football game next Friday night. I'll get excited when drop/add period closes and students are in their classes for nine weeks. I'll get excited when I can finally breathe because registrations over, books are bought and financial aid is all taken care of. Give me a few weeks, then I'll be excited!!!

For now, I'm just trying to be peaceful, relaxed and rested, in the midst of chaos. It's not the excitement of friends, new supplies or eaking out that last minute of summer that's keeping me awake. It's the OMG thoughts at 2 a.m...are schedules right? did I remember to schedule every class? is that student full time or part time? Did I give everyone their attendance sheets??? Oh the joys of the first day.

It never ends.

Will Scrap For Food

Last week I sent the Wedding/Travel/Journal to Texas so that it could go to St. Lucia to the wedding and to meet it's new owners/newlyweds, Jesse & Lori. They are probably still honeymooning somewhere in the Caribbean. Let's hope the tropical storms leave them alone.
When Lori's mom,Bee, received the W/T/J, she called me in tears. She loved it that much. She kept saying that every time she looked at it, she saw something she missed the time before. That's cool, because that's what I was trying to achieve.
We never discussed payment really. I have a hard time putting a price on something I love to do. Especially when it makes someone happy. That's my payment. But she insisted, so I said reimburse me for supplies and shipping, and we'll call it even. Which she did. Plus she tucked in a little something extra from Coldwater Creek, so this momma will have some stylin' new clothes for school! I thought that was pretty darned cool, and really more than enough!
Then today, I came home from work to find this on my doorstep

This box contains the most important ingredient to the best meat pie I've ever tasted.


That's right, Oliverio Peppers! A whole case of them! With Bee's meat pie recipe, we'll eat "High on the Hog" all winter long. Oliverio peppers are not available just anywhere. They are a small mom & pop company in West Virginia. But they are soooo good! I may not wait for cooler weather to make meat pie.
And Bee? I think we are more than even!

Another School Year Begins

Tomorrow, our teachers return. It's been just a few short months since they left, this summer went so fast! I think this has been the fastest summer I've ever had and it sure was a busy one. A roller coaster of a summer for sure.

My summer began with the big office switcheroo at work. I'm in a quieter office now, out of the way of traffic coming in the front door. It's a bit smaller, but the biggest office in our hall. I don't rate this office because I'm a SOMEbody, I just have to have lots of stuff to do my job. Stuff like file Cabinets, a huge paper shredder, printer and the like. Not to mention my big desk, to spread all those wonderful state reports around on. It's been different, but I love where I am now. I get the morning sunshine and not the blistering afternoon sun on my south and west wall, like I had before.

I had several weekend retreats of one kind or another. My first was the birthday crop in Valrico. Susie and I had a fun trip down to see the Hilltop girls and crop with them. Teri brought her daughter, Sara with her to spend the day with us. We had so much fun with Sara, she's a hoot! Then Teri came back and spent the night too! I just love Teri, she's so serious sometimes and a blast to be around all the time! Linda's crops are the BEST. I love those women and cherish the many great memories we've made at Hilltop Crops.

Next was the Girl's weekend at Jill's in North Carolina. From the pink limo, to the trip to Archiver's (twice) to just hanging on her back porch playing LCR. It was a weekend I'll never forget. Definitely on my fab 5 things I've done with the girls. Jill & Scott were such wonderful hosts, they have a beautiful home that makes you feel comfortable the minute you walk through the door. Thanks JILL! I'll never, ever forget your kindness.

I got to fly home for my nephew's wedding a short time after that trip. It's hard to believe he's grown with a wife and home. It seems like just yesterday he was a little twerp who was always looking for batteries to run his games. The wedding was one of the most beautiful I've ever been to. His new wife and her family are wonderful people and we feel blessed to have them join with ours. Again another wonderful weekend with wonderful people in a wonderful place.

The very next weekend was Teresa Collin's class at Ruban Rouge. WOW! What can I say. Such a talented scrapper, such a down to earth woman, I'm such a fan now. Her daughter was with her and what a lovely young woman she was. Just a joy to be there. Thanks to Kip and her lovely hospitality. I am so thankful she opens her home to me and it's just such a laid back, relaxing, homey time. No fuss, no muss, what you see is what you get, that's what I love about her! And her boys, Max & Mudgey, love those boys! They always greet me with licks and love (well after Mudge comes out from under the chair & Max is done trying to take a chunk our of me) But I just love them. We had such a great time that weekend with all the girls, pizza afterward, laughing and carrying on. Just what a girl needs.

So now school begins again and I must get my nose to the grindstone. It's been such a great time, filled with many memories. So many of my friends return to work tomorrow, cept Kip! because in case you haven't heard, SHE'S R E T I R E D! Have a great retirement friend!

So It's Saturday!

I'm cleaning and doing laundry and actually enjoying it. It's theraputic and I must be a sick individual. Most of my friends are at a great crop, Fried Green Tomatoes in Sebring Florida. So maybe I'm just convincing myself I'm enjoying cleaning.
I picked up a treasure the other day, This!

I know it doesn't look like much, but it's more of a sentimental value than anything. My mom had this exact cook book. It was probably one of her original cookbooks as it's dated 1947 around the time she married. I wanted it, it has alot of the recipes she used cooking for us when we were growing up. Many of the old Penn. Dutch and German recipes, that I'm sure were handed down through the family came out of this book. So it's invaluable for that, where else would she have learned to cook Pork Ribs and Sauerkraut? Yep, it's in this book.
It also has great recipes from all over the U.S.. Great Gumbo from the Creole section. Fried Chicken from many parts of the country, and coastal recipes from the Atlantic.
So since I didn't win that battle when we split up the household stuff, I've always had my eye open for this book. A few weeks ago when I was home, I copied down the title, author and publisher and began my search. I paid $20 for it on alibris.com and had it in two days!
I sent a picture to my brother saying look what I have now! I know his heart stopped a minute thinking I'd "borrowed" his copy. But he said my copy is actually in better shape. Mine came with the original paper cover also. Looking for an odd, old recipe your mom or granny used to make? It's probably in here!
I'm back to cleaning house, doing laundry, and I'm craving the ribs and sauerkraut too. Maybe that's what I'll make for dinner???

Jesse & Lori's Album

This is an album I made for a friend whose daughter is getting married this weekend. She wanted something simple to document their world travels the past few years, and also serve as a sign in for their wedding this weekend in St. Lucia. I also added a few pages for them to add pictures of their first dance, the Father/Daughter dance, and a few bridal photos.
Not shown is some added mini pages, envelopes, and little sign in pages that were added later. I didn't like the way the book was bound the first time so I redid the bindings and added some pages. I'm hoping Denise will take pictures after they add pictures from the wedding!
I had such fun doing it, even tho I've never met them! It was different for me to scrap with pictures and for someone I didn't know. Denise (the friend, mom of Lori) called me when she got it in tears. She said I captured them perfectly and she's sure they will love it. I hope they do!

Well It's Wednesday!

Can I just say I was exhausted by the time I got home on Tuesday? I think I was walking on autopilot from 5 p.m. on. It was all I could do to eat dinner and do two loads of laundry before I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. we registered over 300 new students. About 10 a.m. they pulled me off the computer and put me in the room with the guidance counselors to be a guidance counselor. Wow! It was steady all day and we didn't get to eat til 4 p.m.. Our two guidance counselors kept teasing me about making sure the paperwork was right (I'm always on them about that). They loved finding my mistakes! But we pulled through and got everyone done.

I enjoyed the one on one with each student. Most were so excited to start this new venture in their lives. Some were nervous, but I think I made them feel better. It's scary for them, especially older people coming in after being out of school so long. We did register a 79 year old lady for Culinary class. Can you imagine.

It feels good to be here today. I just got to Tallahassee and am in the hotel with my feet up. Tomorrow starts our F U N meetings. I'm just trusting the process........

Monday Monday

I'm trying to keep up this ole blog in between all my comings and goings. It's not easy! When I'm home I'm trying to spend time with the hubby and take care of some things here in the house. Cook a meal or two, dust, sweep, you know the routine.

I had a wonderful time at Ruban Rouge with Teresa Collins' Class! She is an awesome scrapper! A very down to earth girl, not pretentious at all. I love her! It was good to see great friends again. I never get enough of that!

As always, Kip was the best hostess. We had a great time with the girls after class, eating pizza, chatting, sharing ideas. I wish I lived closer to these wonderful women!

I haven't downloaded the camera. I came home inspired and scrapped most of the evening. Plus the hubby time, the kid time, and a few odds and ends here.

Today is first day of registration at school. I'm staying to get all the data in, at the latest 8 p.m.. But since I'm out of town this week W-F, I want to get as much done before I leave as I can!

I hope your day is a great one!