Day 23 of Pinterest ~ Home Sweet Home

Day 23 of  …….

 

 

……. is for my parents, LOVE Y’ALL!!!!

 

My Dad said this ALL THE TIME!!!!

AMEN!!!!!!

Supporting KY wineries!

 

Home is where the heart is.

My heart’s in Kentucky.

 

 

Day 3 of Pinterest ~ My Husband’s Son

Here we go again ….. Day 3 of

 

This time, I’m getting mushy and sentimental ….. but don’t get excited, I don’t have an announcement.

My great-grandmother once offered a piece of relationship advice to my older cousins but my curious (and nosy) ears were open and listening intensely:

Never date someone you wouldn’t marry.

When I heard this at a young age, I didn’t realize the impact it would play in my later years. I didn’t “date” in high school,  wasn’t interested in complicated drama, and I was busy with competitive junior golf. Plus, I had really high expectations for my future husband. Afterall, according to Nannie’s formula, there would be just one guy worthy of a first date …. and a second, fourth, tenth, and the rest of my life. 

In 2002, I think it was July 15, I found him.

I’ll end on an extra-sappy note with this video from one of my favorite artists and someone you don’t hear from much but I will always enjoy his music:

Travis Tritt ~ I See Me

Husband says I’m crazy …. and I am …. because I look forward to becoming the mother to his son.

Amen.

 

Related articles

• 30 Days of Pinterest ~ Day 1 (mrshutchison.wordpress.com)

Tuesday Truths

It’s been quite a while since I last posted a round of Tuesday Truths ….. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. Let’s get this truth-sharing party started:

1. It’s so unbelievably awesome to see little green patches of grass growing in our yard. Last night, a couple of small thunderstorms and rain showers passed over our area. It rained hard enough that our satellite TV went out for about 30 minutes …. but the sound was so refreshing to my soul (not to mention our yard) that I didn’t mind.

2. I waste an incredible amount of time and energy on people and relationships that reciprocate nothing in return.

3. I want neighbors who, in times of need (i.e. last Friday night when I realized I was completely out of tea bags and had a caffeine-deprived headache from H-E-double-hockey-sticks), give a darn. Fortunately, two houses nearby are for sale. Please, somebody NICE buy them. Please.

4. Lately, I’ve allowed comparisons to steal my joy.

5. My mother and Neenie (dad’s mother) are coming to visit Husband and I this weekend. I will start cleaning our house today. It’s going to take me a while. This is a good time to clean baseboards, ceiling fans, cabinetry, and take a few bags of unwanted items to the local Goodwill.

6. There are two cutie-patooties at church, ages 3 and 6, who’ve taken a particular liking to me and call me “The Cupcake Lady.” They love that I have a mini-cupcake maker and have named themselves official taste-testers of anything baked and topped with icing. I’m still deciding which flavor creation(s) to bake for the Halloween / Fall Festival / Trunk-or-Treat at church later this month. Afterall, I have junior judges that take their cupcakes seriously. I don’t want to disappoint.

7. I’m becoming more and more addicted to Pinterest. Last week, I had around 250 pins. Right now, I have 667. Don’t judge me.

8. FIDDLE FART ….. don’t know who came up with this word, but I like it. A lot.

Me: Go feed, but come right back. Supper’s ready.

Husband: Alright.

(twenty minutes later)

Me: Stop fiddle-fartin’ outside and come eat before supper gets cold!!!!!

Husband: Oh yeah?! Well you fiddle-fart on Pinterest.

Me: Don’t go there.

9. Two weeks ago, I began leading a six-week DVD series with my Sunday School class. I’ve never been so nervous in my life. I’m still nervous. Sick-to-my-stomach nervous.

10. The forecast for today is sunny and breezy with temps in the low to mid-60s. I’m doing the Happy Dance. I’m really hoping Husband goes to the roping pen tonight for the specific reason that I can wear my hoodie sweatshirt. YEAAAA!!!!!!

Carry on about your day …… and if you feel so inclined to do so, please share a Tuesday Truth (or two, or four, or ten) with the rest of us.

Love ya!

Sunday: A Day to Catch-Up

If it seems like I’ve been M.I.A., you’re right. I’ve missed y’all!

Sunday is a day of rest, so I’ll sit on the couch, watch football, and write this catch-up post. A lot has happened in a short period of time …. plus, there’s lots more coming up!

1. While watching the national news (I prefer NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams) one night, I realized that the birth control pills I take were involved in a national recall due to incorrect packaging. Well isn’t that just wonderful. Thankfully, I called the company that provides my prescription medications and spoke to a sweet old lady that explained the five packs I had in my possession were A-OK. Thank you, Sweet Baby Jesus.

2. A week before I left for Kentucky, I received my first-ever Jury Summons. Excited does not even describe my emotion, I’m such a goofball!

3. Husband discovered a water leak in the yard between the house and the barn. Three days later it was fixed. I don’t even want to count the number of times we visited the local Home Dee-Pot. They know us on a first-name basis now.

4. I hosted a book club introduction luncheon and ten, yes TEN, ladies attended. It was great fun and the ladies are all wonderful and very excited to read and discuss books.

5. I went to Kentucky.

6. Nana (that’s my mom’s mom) fell and broke (fractured?) her shoulder in three places. At first, the doctors thought her injuries would require surgery, but they changed their minds and sent her home with a sling and pain meds. She’s as comfortable as an 80-year-old blind woman who can’t sit still for two seconds can get. Crazy woman. I’m giving her bubble wrap for Christmas. I love you, Nana!

7. I personally congratulated the new couple, Mr. & Mrs. Steele …. their wedding and reception were just wonderful and beautifully decorated. I’m so glad to have attended the joyous celebration of two wonderful people who are going to have lots of babies. I told them to practice on their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic!!!!!

8. Fall is my favorite time of year in Kentucky. The hot and humid days of summer are over and autumn is approaching with its beautiful colors and cool, crisp air. It’s also the busiest time of year for farmers. That means, if I want to see my loved ones I have to be willing to get in their environment. So, I went to the farm and captured fall in a whole new perspective.

9. The day before I returned to Texas, I received an email explaining my civic duty of serving on a jury had been cancelled. I’m still bummed about this.

10. The morning after I returned, Husband and I discovered our kitchen floor was flooded from a broken water/ice dispenser on the refrigerator. A few hours later, Husband purchased a new one. For a moment, I felt like a professional chef with two fridges and two freezers. Then I realized the ridiculous scene in my kitchen. Plus, the stainless front is not magnetic and this is the first time in my entire life the front of the fridge is not covered in pictures, mementos, and magnets from various cities. Sad. So very sad.

Gourmet Kitchen ..... Redneck Style!!!!

On a positive note, if you’re nearby and interested in a fridge that’s in perfectly working condition (except for the water/ice dispenser), send me a message …. I’ll make you a super-duper deal!!!

11. Went to book club’s first “official” gathering where we discussed The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It was a loverly day!

Geeesh, I’m tired just thinking of all that I’ve done in a short period of time. But, alas, there’s more planned…..

I need to work (substitute teaching) more often ….. I’m draining my bank account. Quickly. That’s not a good thing. Fortunately, I’m meeting with a local middle school social studies teacher who’s pregnant and she’s asked me to be the long-term substitute during her absence. That’s a very good thing.

Later this week I’m going with a group of retired men (and some women) to Perkins School of Theology on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas for a tour of the Wesley Foundation and Museum. I love history, I love the United Methodist Church, and I love old men ….. this “field trip” is going to be a blast!

There’s a slim possibility that I will go to the State Fair of Texas for the first time this week too. I’ve never been to this “world wonder” so it should be fun. Of course, the day we’re planning to go is also Senior Citizens Day …. the old folks get in cheap, Husband found me a discounted ticket, and the crowds won’t be insane.

I’ve also been invited to a young adult conference, sponsored by the United Methodist Church and the Central Texas Conference, to Austin later this month. I don’t turn down an opportunity to visit Austin, it’s the closest thing I’ve found in Texas that reminds me of Kentucky. I’ll have to make sure my standing reservation at Kimberly and Sabbath’s Bed & No Breakfast is available!

I think that’s all for now. Plus, I need to peel myself off this couch and fold the clothes in the dryer. I also need to clean the shelves inside the old fridge and get ready to sell it. Seriously, if you need a fridge let me know!

xoxo,

Nicole

Happy Grandparents Day!!!

This Sunday, September 11 is Grandparents’ Day (celebrated on the second Sunday in September). I realize this honorary post is a bit premature, but I have big plans for a 9/11 tribute and I want to give my lovely grandmothers the recognition they deserve.

So, let me introduce you to Nana and Neenie. These women are the beez-kneez. They are all that … and then some. They are charming and delightful, sinfully sweet, and oh-so-gracious and kind. They are hard-workin’, straight-shootin’ Southern Belles from the Bluegrass fields of Kentucky. One is even named after the Queen!

 

Nicole with Nana & Neenie on her wedding day ~ March 31, 2007

 

On the left wearing the gaw-geous aqua blue vee-neck tailored jacket is Rose, but she prefers to be called Nana. And, on the right, adorning a beee-u-tee-ful string of freshwater pearls and purple-embroidered suit is the one and only Queenie, otherwise known as Neenie. Nana and Neenie are the BEST grandmothers a granddaughter could ever want.

In order to satisfy all disclosures, I am the ONLY granddaughter belonging to these wonderful and witty women! Yep, I am a lucky girl. If you think I’m spoiled, you’re right. But just a little bit. I don’t want to damage my delicate ego.

There’s so much I could say about each of these ladies, but I’ll share a funny story about each of them:

 

When I was a very young girl, Neenie and Papaw (my father’s parents) lived on the family farm outside the city limits of Sebree, Kentucky. Neenie had lots of shoes, drawers full of makeup, and a particular box of jewelry that I loved to peruse and adorm my sweet self to the point of bedazzlement. As if I weren’t sparkly enough!

Neenie had a particular diamond ring that she wore on her left finger beside her wedding band. Now, it wasn’t just a ring, it was a DIAMOND ring. I made those letters big ‘cuz the stone is BIG. Miss Priss (that would be me) decided she’d take The Ring home with her. So, without a word, when Mom picked me up at the farm, she took me and The Ring with her.

The next day, Mom dropped me off at Lollipop Campus, a daycare and preschool center. I took The Ring with me. I showed it off to all my friends and decided The Ring was worthy of being shared with my friend, Aimee. So, Aimee took it home with her that afternoon. Later that evening, my mother received a phone call from Aimee’s mother about a particular piece of jewelry seemingly out of place for a four-year-old to be wearing.

“Charlotte, are you missing any jewelry? Aimee has a beautiful ring that she says Nicole gave to her at school today.”

“Nope, not mine!” my mother replied. And a few minutes later the conversation ended.

Less than 10 minutes pass when the phone rings again. It’s Neenie and she has a calm, but concerned tone and is looking for a misplaced piece of jewelry.

“Charlotte, I went to put my jewelry on today and I can’t find a couple of pieces, including my diamond ring. I know Nicole was playing with them yesterday, did she by any chance bring them home?”

OH-MY-DEAR-GAWD-SWEET-BABY-JESUS

Fast forward about an hour and The Ring was promptly picked up from Aimee’s house and returned to Neenie without damage or harm.

As it goes in family heirlooms, my Father currently has possession of The Ring ~ only he removed the stone from its original setting to create a beautiful pendant necklace. One of these days ~ when I am mature enough to keep precious belongings in my own possession ~ I hope my father entrusts me enough to pass along this treasure. That’s the plan anyway … I’ll let you know if it works in my favor!

 

People, this is a true story … you can’t make this stuff up! It’s only by the grace of God that I’m alive to tell this story, and Aimee’s honest mother. I was a young soul at the time, but I was a-singin’ the Hallejuah chorus that night when The Ring was returned to Neenie!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Not many stories can top the one above, but Nana and I share a bond like none other. I don’t just consider her my grandmother, she’s the Matriarch and the sparkle to our family gatherings. Earlier this year, for her 80th birthday, I sent her a card with “80 Things I Love About My Nana.” Inside were lots of tid-bits and tiny treasures, specific memories, and memorable moments of the times we’ve shared. They don’t mean diddly-squat to anyone else, but to Nana and I they mean the world. I’ll share a few from her card …. which she had framed and showcases in the home she shares with my Aunt Georgia!

• Nana says “bread-n-butter” when walking around something … and I don’t know why!
• Nana loves my husband
• Nana drinks Bourbon
• Nana is a Christian role model of love and acceptance
• Nana let me use her Chevron credit card
• Nana took me to Disney World and the beach for the first time
• Nana likes fine dining … and passed this trait on to me!
• When making chicken noodle soup for my uncle, instead of adding a few drops of yellow food coloring, Nana used green ~ but it still tasted good
• Nana calls me Princess
• … and she says my “toots” smell like roses

 

So, there you have it. A small tribute to two wonderful and witty women who have blessed me beyond measure and I love them more than words can describe. Fortunately, I get to see both of them later this month.

 

I love you Nana!

 

I love you Neenie!

 

Peace, love, and grandparents,

 

 

 

 

Please leave me a comment … I’d love to hear about your grandparents too!

Empress Smart-as-a-Whip!!!!!!

Say what?!

That was my nickname at tonight’s “Cocktails & Create” held at The Art Barn Studio!

This place is fantastic and tons of fun. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be Picasso Jr. to create custom, colorful, and creative keepsakes. Tonight was the third time I painted a piece of pottery at The Art Barn. I’m enjoying it more ~ and building my confidence! ~ with each visit.

 

Photo courtesy of TheArtBarnStudio.com

Hilary, the owner, and her staff (Lindsey, Adriene, and Katie) make sure each visitor has an enjoyable experience. They offer great suggestions and helpful techniques for a variety of projects, including paint-your-own pottery, barn art, mosiacs, and even wearable art (clothing and jewelry). They also have silver jewelry-making and their adding canvas projects to their “menu” of options. There is a wide array of items to suit your fancy!

The Art Barn Studio has also recently expanded its facility. There is lots of room for birthday parties, bridal showers, art classes, and school field trips. This place has it all, you really got to visit this place and get your ART on!!!!!!

 

Photo courtesy of TheArtBarnStudio.com

Once a month, The Art Barn hosts a ladies night called Cocktails & Create. I’ve been saying for months that I wanted to participate, but something always came up or I was out of town on event night. Well, I ran out of excuses or prior engagements (or both!) because tonight I had the privilege and honor to be with four lovely (and very artistic!) ladies from church. We had a blast creating our masterpieces.

 

Lil’ Dulce painted an owl, her school’s mascot! Her nickname was Princess Loud Mouth ~ hmmm!!!!

 

Mama Debra painted an inspirational plate for her classroom, she wrote “Believe” in the center. Her nickname for the evening was Queen Sings-in-the-Shower!!!!!

 

 

Jenny made a glass tile mosiac on a peace sign. Her nickname for the evening was Princess Shopaholic!

 

I must’ve drank too much sweet tea because I decided that painting a large platter with an intricate monogram and border within a limited time frame was a good idea. Perhaps my nickname should have been Table Idiot!!!!!!!

 

I’m still a-paintin’!!!!!!!

 

Four HOURS later………my pottery creation is complete!

I’m really pleased with the platter and I’m excited to see the final product. One must wait at least a week for their painted pottery to be “fired” in a kiln…..afterwards though, it’s all pretty and shiny and glossy. It’s gaw-geous dawlin’!!!!!!!

 

 

Mama Dulce showed off her uber-artistic abilities by painting this beautiful floral motif on a large round plate. This woman is talented!

 

She’s also lucky….as she won a doorprize. You would’ve thought she had won the lottery, but it was a miniature disco ball. YEAH BABY!!!!!!

Good times tonight, I can’t wait to see all of our finished products for a big reveal post. Stay tuned!

 

In the meantime, only 24 HOURS REMAIN until the “big kahuna” Celebration Giveaway ends. If you have not entered, you must visit this POST and add a comment with your name and email address. There are lots of great prizes included in this collection, you don’t want to miss out!!!!!!

 

Peace, love, and pottery,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Peace…..one piece at a time

Attention dieters and calorie-counters, you will be offended by this recipe. Pants with elastic waistbands are highly recommended.

I’m convinced this chicken fried steak with gravy would bring peace to the world. If the crunchy, battered tenderized steak didn’t encourage people to be nice to each other, the thick and creamy gravy would surely change their attitudes. It changed my Husband’s.

 

You know those little crunchy bits you get when you fry something? Well, I took a big handful and added them to the cream gravy. Yeah, I’m livin’ on the edge. Mmmmm mmmmm gooooooooood.

Sorry, I was having a personal moment with myself.

Moving on!

Back to Husband’s change in attitude tonight…

Husband’s been irritated and frustrated all day while trying to find tires to fit one of the trailers parked behind our house. Currently, there are three ~ a horse trailer, a bumper-pull trailor, and a gooseneck trailor. He blew two tires last weekend coming home from an auction and it’s been tougher-than-nails to find two additional tires that match the new ones. He began this “scavenger hunt” EARLY this morning. Seven hours later, plus several trips to multiple retail locations bearing the same name, he found the tires.

Praise the Lord, the tires will be here Monday.

All was fine-and-dandy in Husbandville until I heard growling words. I peaked my head outside and quickly ducked back in. Minutes later, Husband appeared to share his bad news.

While re-attaching a new tire to the trailer, he stripped the thread on a nut and bent a bolt. That’s not a good thing. In fact, it’s going to require ANOTHER trip to an auto or hardware store for a new nut and bolt.

I know what you’re thinking – - ”Wow, this girl really knows what she’s talking about!” Keep telling yourself that. I won’t stop you.

Anyway……..I tell you all of this because as soon as Mister Frustrated entered the kitchen and smelled battered meat fryin’ in the iron skillet, his attitude quickly changed and he was quite pleasant. He even poured a glass of sweet tea for me. Bless his heart. 

World Peace Chicken Fried Steak

Start with a couple of pounds of tenderized steak cut into large pieces. I used two large steaks and cut into 12 pieces. Husband and I enjoy leftovers, but you can adjust the quantities to suit your needs.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, and seasonings. I use a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, combine add a good amount of Bisquick (or plain flour) and a healthy dose of more seasonings. In an assembly-line fashion, dredge the meat into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and return for another coating of flour.

Heat a large iron skillet over medium heat and pour in enough oil to completely cover the bottom.

When the oil is hot, add 2-3 pieces of steak, depending on their size. Don’t crowd the pan, this meat deserves respect and you’ll appreciate the crunchiness.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip. The steaks are done when golden brown.

Served with mashed/smashed/smooshed/baked/fried/whatever-you-like potatoes and gravy, this fried steak will promote peace in the world…….one piece at a time.

Oh, and would you believe this recipe is completely, totally, unequivalocally, 100-percent dairy-free. That means, no milk, no butter, no cream, no nothing from a cow. Well, except the meat, of course. I might have an allergy to cow’s milk, but I’ll still eat the cow!

Have you entered my current giveaway? If not, click HERE and add a comment with your name and email address. If 100 or more comments are received, I’m increasing the Target gift card amount to $100.00. Contest ends Sunday at midnight. Good luck!

Peace, love, and fried steak,

Top 10 Reasons I’m Happy

Reason #10 I’m Happy:

Tomorrow is Friday. Tomorrow is also an “off” Friday for Husband.

Whoop – Whoop!

Not that we have anything planned, but it’s nice to hang out and three-day weekends totally rock.

Reason #9 I’m Happy:

I’m going back to Kentucky in September.

Photo from Rachel Mathew Photography

My cousin, Lindsey, is getting married to Josh. They are an adorable couple. Josh is a genuinely GOOD guy and he fits right in with our crazy family. Josh has made it clear for many years the reason why he LOVES me so much………my family’s secret recipe barbeque sauce. This almost-seven-foot-tall Good Guy literally drinks the stuff with a straw.

On September 24, I will present Josh with several gallons of the liquid gold.

He will love me even more than he already does.

Smile.

Reason #8 I’m Happy:

The Hooter Hider

Right now, my evil, immature, and sarcastic twin is laughing out loud.

Until today, I had never heard of a Hooter Hider. Thanks to B, a childhood friend of mine, she introduced me this baby-necessity. For the record ~ again ~ I’m not pregnant. But I still want a Hooter Hider!!!

Reason #7 I’m Happy:

I know my Mother is reading this in horror. I bet she’s giving me the dreadful Mother Eye Roll.

It’s totally worth it!

Reason #6 I’m Happy:

Margaret Feinberg is totally awesome.

Earlier this week, she added my blog ~ 27 & Counting ~ to her blogroll. Celebrate!

I received another surprise from Margaret this afternoon……she’s invited me and a guest to a women’s conference in January where she’ll be speaking about her book, The Sacred Echo. I’m really excited to attend this event, and even more excited to share the experience with a friend. Thanks, Margaret!

If you’ve not read Margaret’s books, here are my favorites:

• Hungry For God
• The Organic God
• Scouting the Divine
• The Sacred Echo
• Twentysomething

Reason #5 I’m Happy:

I’m semi-employed as a substitute teacher.

There is peace, tranquility, and sanity in a flexible schedule.

Reason #4 I’m Happy:

I have three ~ yes 3! ~ ladies interested in starting a book club with me. This is monumental. This is pure awesome-ness. I’m still waiting for others to RSVP, but I’m already planning our first meeting and luncheon on September 17.

Reason #3 I’m Happy:

I know really talented people. Most of them claim me as their friend. I’m a lucky girl!

Visit “The Wood Shop” on Facebook ~ these front door monograms are made by Brandy Sutton

Visit Lindsey’s Etsy shop, Petit Cadeau Boutique (that’s French for Little Gift Shop), for these custom textiles…..you can also save 15-percent if you visit right now!!!

Visit Jan at The Diamond E for custom tile gifts.

Reason #2 I’m Happy:

I’m finally going to learn how to use Photoshop. Well, that’s my hope at least. I purchased a Groupon deal today for a five-hour Photoshop class in Arlington this fall. This class is limited to five people so the personalized attention is guaranteed. I think I could be the cover model for the book, Photoshop for Dummies. Obviously, I am the dummy!

Reason #1 I’m Happy:

I have a GIVEAWAY going on and YOU should enter RIGHT NOW!!!!!!

Seriously people, this is the Big Kahuna of Giveaways. Click HERE to visit the giveaway post and enter by simply posting a comment with your name and email address. It’s really easy. Pass the word along to your friends and foes ~ the more the merrier! Contest ends this Sunday at midnight.

Peace, Love, and Giveaways!

 

 

 

 

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge – WATER

Thanks to Jan over at The Diamond E, I’ve been introduced to another photo blog site, I Heart Faces. Each week, they invite amateur and professional photographers to submit their photos that fit a particular theme. If you’ve been following my blog, you’re sure to have noticed the Weekly Photo Challenge hosted by The Daily Post (a sidebar of WordPress.com). Now, I get to add another one of these to my blogging schedule.

So let’s get to the photo.

This week’s I Heart Faces theme is WATER. I’ve been in Kentucky the last two weeks (returning to Texas tomorrow) and I captured this photo of my dad with Emma (one of the neighbors along Shady Grove Knoblick Road) as they were feeding the fish.

While Emma’s face is hidden, Dad’s is visible - I hope this counts in the contest…..guess I’ll find out if my entry is deleted.

I think it’s a great shot of these two in action, especially the pellets in the air and Emma’s little fingers. It’s definitely turning my maternal clock a bit faster, as I know my parents would love to become grandparents. Besides, my own grandmother is instructing me to “get on it” so she can see her only granddaughter become a mother and embrace another great-grandbaby. Yes, my grandmother is encouraging Husband and I to hurry up.

Anyway……….I hope you enjoy this photo and I look forward to participating in future I Heart Faces events. Check out their site, there are lots of great photos for this theme, as well as others.

Thank you, Jan @ The Diamond E, for introducing me to this site. You’re the best blogging friend a blogger could ask for ~ now if we could just meet in person, considering we live so close to each other!

Related articles

• I Heart Faces – Water (soanywaytoday.wordpress.com)
• I Heart Faces Photo Challenge - Water (www.thediamonde.com)
• Weekly Photo Challenge – SKY (mrshutchison.wordpress.com)

Cousins are the BEST

I’ve had a fine day. Really fine.

I left Louisville at the butt-crack-of-dawn early because my Mother said I had to come home and help in the sweet corn patch. No big deal, except I drove at excessive speeds to span the 150-miles under two hours only to get here as the pickers were done picking, the last ears of corn were boiling, and the cutting-off had begun. I did assist in the silking process though, so it wasn’t a total wasted effort on my awesome driving abilities.

If you don’t have a clue about what I just said, just nod your head and smile.

Bless your heart.

Anyway, by early-afternoon I called my cousins in the big city towndot-on-the-map of Onton, located outside of Sebree.

Earlier this week, I promised Lindsey that I would prepare a meal for her birthday if Miss Jill would allow me the pleasure of getting to use her fancy-schmancy kitchen appliances.

Imagine for a moment the commercial with Kelly Ripa and the Electrolux appliances. You know that stove that supposedly boils water in 90 seconds or less. Well, the less part is true. That stove is AHHHHHHH-MAZING. I want one. Problem is, I have a drop-in glass stove top and separate double ovens. I don’t know if those models are available. And, heck, even if they were, I’d have to sell kidney or my ovaries to afford them.

I digress.

Lindsey and I are second cousins. Her mom is Jill, or Miss Jill as I always called her when she drove a school bus. Lindsey’s father, Jim, and my father are first cousins. They all live in Onton and have a fabulous backyard complete with a HUGE swimming pool and gorgeous landscaping.

Lindsey’s engaged to Josh. He’s super-tall and a cutie-patootie who FINALLY proposed a while back…..their wedding is September 24. I’m planning to attend the wedding – plus, it’s another reason to come to Kentucky.

*Photo courtesy of Rachel Mathew Photography*

After swimming, Super-Tall-Josh and I began dinner. He grilled the pork tenderloin while I tended to the fresh green beans, homestyle mashed potatoes, corn-on-the-cob, and bread. Josh and I made a great team! Supper was dee-lish.

I couldn’t eat the dessert options, but I know they had to be tasty and Lord knows there were enough candles on that darn thing. Geesh, Lindz, you’re old! Actually, Jill put about 8 packages of candles on the cake, I guess she was going for ambiance in the dining room.

Yes, there’s a chunk of dessert missing. Obviously, somebody did NOT wait for the candle-lighting ceremony.

Want more proof we’re a crazy bunch?

Who has a swim party, birthday dinner, AND spa session?!?!

WE DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is Jill’s mom, Granny Jane, getting beauty-fied. All of the girls got pampered tortured with a brow wax before the festivities concluded for the evening.

If I go missing or am unresponsive for an excessive period, check the whereabouts of this crew because I know they’re going to whip me for putting this picture on my blog ~ but I don’t care!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Simply put, this afternoon was splendid. We swam, we ate, and we laughed out loud.

Now, for your viewing pleasure, some photos I took of the gorgeous flowers around their pool and deck. Jim is a part-time beekeeper as well, but several hives have been swarming lately and I didn’t want to take any chances getting stung – so I stayed clear of the bee area.

Hummingbirds were all over the place……until I got my camera ready.

This cardinal bird stayed perfectly still while I took his picture.

tehehe

I have a thing for dragonflies now.

delicate pink flower

I love this picture. You can see the tiny little fibers, or hairs, on the leaves and petals.

Kentucky has seen plenty of rain this year, which means the grass is green and lush. But growing along the perimeter of the deck and pool areas are these striped grasses. I think they look really cool. It’s as if somebody took a brush and painted white spots on the grass!

working on my camera’s “aperture” settings here – notice one petal is in focus while the other is not…….I’m trying my best to figure out this camera!

definitely have the subject in focus and the background blurred here….pretty nice shot

butterfly in the grass ~ told you the grass was really green here!