Living the Good Life

A Re-Cap in Pictures of the Vintage Show in Tulsa

2009-11-12T07:39:00.010-06:00

I had a wonderful time at the vintage show.

I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted, buy here are a few.

The good news was that most of the booths I really liked

are local people. I was expecting prices to be out of this world.

Most prices were very reasonable.

I hope Tulsa has another one in the future.

I got the yellow fan for my bathroom...LOVE IT!

The 4 radios were are real steal for $32.00/set.

Can't you see turning that display into a lamp??

My great nephew is the going to be the new owner of this chair thanks

to his GiGi.

A left-handed phone table....

I really wanted this wagon....but chose not to get it.

It was only $25.00.

The pig is a MAILBOX...how cute is that?

Last but not least is the wonderful chair...

I just knew it would be great for some photography pics.

Look at the texture on it...and it didn't even SMELL!!

I Finally Found Some Vintage Cat Eye Glasses!!!

2009-11-07T19:39:00.003-06:00

I am sooo excited!

I finally found some cat eye glasses!

I've been afraid to order them online because I didn't want them

to be too narrow. These are real prescription glasses, so I can't

look through them without feeling like I'm

getting a headache.

My eye Dr. will put my lens in them for $40.

The frames were $20.00.

I got TWO pair!!!

Stay tuned to see the other lovely stuff I found at the vintage show!

Gettin' My Vintage On....

2009-11-06T17:29:00.003-06:00

I am sooooo excited!! Tulsa is FINALLY having

a TOTALLY VINTAGE show! No crafts baby!!

I am going to be there like it is BLACK FRIDAY tomorrow morning!!

I might as well be a kid waiting to go to Disney World!!

I'm sure I'm going to have trouble sleeping....

Do you think they will let me take my camera???

Maybe if I give them that certain little smile...and bat my eyes....

What Do Pampered Chef and Facebook have in Common?

2009-11-03T07:43:00.009-06:00

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a Pampered Chef consultant and

am not receiving any extras for posting this. I just want to share.

A few weeks ago I hosted a Pampered Chef party in my home.

It has been quite awhile since I've seen their products.

I decided that I could have a small party and get some stuff.

I used the trusty Facebook to advertise my party.

I also used an email loop.

I did not hand out any invitations unless someone asked for one.

I think the consultant was hesitant because she didn't think I was putting

in the effort to have a successful show.

I ended up having a VERY successful show.

I ran out of chairs.

I had 20+ people come to my house.

I had 4 or more online orders because I sent the link through my

blog and Face Book.

I had a $1200.00 party, which gave me $265.00 in FREE

products. I also got 4 products at 1/2 price.

Then, above that, if I still had items I wanted, I could

get 30% off of those items!

TALK ABOUT A GREAT WAY TO GET SOME CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DONE!

So, what you are seeing is what I got. I got all of these

Pampered Chef products for $24.88. (I had to edit, I had wrong price)

I also had 6 shows booked from my one show.

I now get to go to their shows and get the special for 60% off.

So, if you want to get some Christmas shopping done, you might

contact your local Pampered Chef consultant and book a party.

Here is the recipe we made at the party...tastes JUST like a Pumpkin Pie.

Pumpkin Lattice Dessert

1(15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon pecan halves, divided

1 egg

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 (15 ounce) can solid pack pumpkin

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed, divided

1 (3.4 ounce) box cheesecake instant pudding and pie filling

1 teaspoon Pantry Cinnamon Plus Spice Blend

Additional pecan halves (optional)

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Let pie crusts stand at room temperature 15 minutes.Lightly sprinkle Large Round Stone with flour. Gently unfold one pie crust onto center of baking stone. Lightly brush with water using Pastry Brush.

Using Food Chopper, finely chop 1/4 cup of the pecans; sprinkle evenly over crust.

Unfold second crust and place over first crust, matching edges and pressing to seal. Using Baker's Roller, roll crusts out together to edge of baking stone.

Fold edges of crust 1/2 inch toward center, forming an even border; press to seal seam using smooth end of pastry tool, form a decorative fluted edge; prick entire surface of crust.

In Small Batter Bowl, lightly beat egg and brush over crust. Place sugar in Flour/Sugar Shaker; sprinkle evenly over crust.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to Stackable Cooling Rack. Cool 15 minutes.

Carefully slide crust onto Round Platter; cool completely.

Meanwhile, for filling, combine pumpkin, half of the whipped topping, pudding mix and spice blend in Classic Batter Bowl; whisk until smooth using Stainless Steel Whisk (mixture will be thick).

Using Large Spreader, spread filling evenly over crust.Attach closed star tip to Easy Accent Decorator; fill with remaining whipped topping.

Pipe 3 horizontal rows of topping across surface of filling, followed by 3 diagonal rows, forming a lattice pattern. Pipe a decorative border along edge of filling.

Using Deluxe Cheese Grater, grate remaining pecans over topping.

If desired, arrange additional pecan halves around edge of pastry.

Cut into wedges using Chef's Knife.

Serve using Slice 'N Serve.

Yield: 12 servings or 20 sample servings Nutrients per serving: Calories 290, Total Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 8 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Carbohydrate 34 g, Protein 3 g, Sodium 250 mg, Fiber 2 g

CLICK HERE IF YOU WANT TO ORDER FROM THE AMAZING CONSULTANT I HAD!!!

Thanks Teri for doing such a great job!!!

Rain has stopped, let's take some PICTURES!!

2009-10-30T08:40:00.005-05:00

I got a chance the past week to get out and enjoy some fall picture taking. The little one is Cooper, the toddler my daughter babysits. He is the cutest little scarecrow. His mom made the costume....she is also a very talented lady.

The next, is my niece, Laura.
She wanted some fall pics....here are a few.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween!
We are hoping the rain holds off for a bit....our toes are beginning to web.

Do You Have One of These?

2009-10-23T09:20:00.002-05:00

#2583 Mix ‘N Chop - $10.00 A Pampered Chef® exclusive! Unique, beveled pinwheel blades efficiently chop and crumble foods for even cooking and seasoning. Its high-quality nylon design follows the curves of your cookware and won't scratch the surface. A soft grip and thumb rest help you comfortably grasp the handle and chop more easily. Heat-resistant to 428°F. 11". Dishwasher-safe.

If you don't, you NEED one!

They are wonderful for using when you brown your ground beef.

No more big chunks to break up...no more splattering yourself or your stove top

because your spatula slides!

I am hosting a Pampered Chef party and you can order online.

IF you spend at least $30 before taxes, you will be entered into

a drawing for this wonderful, made by ME apron!!!

Just click the ABOVE PICTURE to be taken to my site.

What is YOUR favorite Pampered Chef product???

Sign of the TIMES we are in......

2009-10-21T11:55:00.002-05:00

We don't want to get the piggies sick!!!

This was a sign at the state fair....have you seen them at your fair?

A Great Way to Spend a Lazy Sunday Afternoon...

2009-10-19T19:29:00.003-05:00

Here in Oklahoma we've been experiencing great amounts of RAIN.

Then, once the rain stopped, the cold weather hit....

Sydni wanted to take Senior pictures all year long instead of doing one

photo shoot.

Soooooo, we jumped on it as soon as it dried up enough.

I am NOT a photographer and should never be confused for one...

So, if you are a professional....just mosey on by and don't look too close!!

We stopped by a friend's house to see if we could use her porch...then I remembered she had an awesome loft...so, I quickly ran up the stairs...yah, I know....I took at least 10 minutes to make my way to the top.

I leaned over the banister and SNAP....that is how I got this really neat shot.

If you have a large group, I would suggest doing a shot like this...they turn out so neat because everyone is looking UP and their 3 chins aren't showing!

I took this one downtown in front of some weird window.....

Downtown again.....

I've always wanted to ride a horse and buggy down this road....I love how the trees overlap the road.....

Yep, that is the large frame I have in my Halloween display....I've been waiting to use it in some pictures....yeehaw!!

I can't believe my 2nd child is on the verge of flying the coop....wow...how come I never believed those old folks when they said to enjoy it while they are young because it goes by sooooooo fast?

What Creature is THIS?

2009-10-15T16:18:00.003-05:00

I think I've discovered how movie writers come up with some of the weird creatures in the sci-fi movies.....

They take pictures of ordinary things and then focus on just ONE area....take a look and see if you can see the MONSTER....

Don't tell me you can't see a resemblance to the the Loch Ness Monster.....

Here is a little bit friendlier version......

Seriously, should a creature really have CLEAN teeth.....

I am thinking that I could count the ridges like rings on a tree to find this creature's age....

Yep, this is a Priefert Percherons at the State Fair....he just kept begging me to take his picture even when I couldn't see his eyes because he was tethered at the top.....but he knew...he knew how to get my attention....

If you want to know more about these beauties...then check out their website: BIG SCARY HORSES

Just know that they won't look near as scary as what you see on this blog!

My First HOMEMADE Apron!!!

2009-10-12T09:18:00.003-05:00

Isn't the material adorable???

Doesn't it look just mahvelous on that vintage prom dress?

It was actually quite easy...now you must also know that I've never taken sewing lessons. Anything I sew is self taught...so, there are no rules for me.

True seamstresses will probably gag if they look closely at my VERY FIRST APRON!!!

It took me about 2 hours to make....I have no idea if that is good or bad timing...lol.

I will be giving this apron away at my Pampered Chef party next week.

Each person that spends at least $30.00 (before taxes) will get their name into the drawing.

The Post that will bring the MOST Traffic this blog Has EVER seen....

2009-10-09T08:07:00.009-05:00

Like I've told you many may times...the life of showing livestock tends to get a little boring in between checking in, showing the animals and then waiting for the evening feed time.

So, what is a person to do with SOOOO much time on their hands?

You buy LARVAE and see who has the nerve to EAT THEM!

Of course I KNEW they wouldn't eat just PLAIN Larvae...had to get BBQ...EVERYTHING is better with BBQ right?

This is Kyle.

Kyle is NOT like Mikey(from the LIFE cereal)...he does NOT eat anything.

I would have probably bet that Kyle would have been the last person I would have expected to eat larvae. Well...he put it on his tongue......

Here....let's get a close-up....it REALLY is a WORM!!!
Not to mention that his orthodontist will probably use this picture for what NOT to eat while wearing braces!

He closes his mouth.....and eyes.....

Now, my friends comes the really great stuff....so sorry for the poor picture quality...have you tried to take pics of something moving at lightning speed while you are laughing so hard you just might need to get "DEPENDS"?

You can see it in his eyes and pursing of his lips.....

He is thinking...."What did I just DO?"

Do you see a change in his complexion?

He jumps up...quickly does the universal sign for

"Oh no, I can't believe I just did that".

While trying to spit out the worm...he accidentally almost but not quite...spits out his TONGUE!!!

Then comes the retching sound....

avert your eyes.....

You still had to look didn't you?

Thank goodness I was too busy retching that I didn't snap a picture...

No, seriously, he spent the next 30 minutes trying to spit out the individual body segments of the worm.....and not once did he let go of that state fair RIBBON!!!

FOOTNOTE: This is where I would like to tell you that no Larvae were harmed in the making of this blog post.....but I can't.

ANOTHER FOOTNOTE: Kyle gave me permission to do this blog because he is hoping that some cute girls might recognize him and want his autograph since this is such a famous blog and all!

ANOTHER FOOTNOTE FOOTNOTE: I have been banned from putting his father's picture on this famous blog because he is afraid the cops might recognize him on this famous blog!

The Spooky Decor.....

2009-10-02T08:30:00.002-05:00

I love scaring the bejeebies out of my children...so, of course I would love

decorating for Halloween, right?

This is Coralee. Coralee was a bride who married a man on whim.

She thought she knew him and loved him.

Coralee's family didn't trust the groom Walter.

After the very elaborate wedding, Coralee and Walter went to Eureka Springs, Arkansas to celebrate their honeymoon.

The stayed in a fairly new hotel called The Crescent.

One day after they should have returned from their honeymoon, Coralee's body

was found in the honeymoon suite. She was still in her wedding dress and hanging from the ornate chandelier.

The groom, Walter, was nowhere to be found...just his tux from the wedding.

To this day, they've never found Walter.

The family continued to look for Walter for years because they knew he was guilty of murder. Patrons of the now famous Crescent hotel, swear they've seen a bride ghost carrying a black bouquet roaming the halls in search of her groom.

Have you seen Walter?

Here is an heirloom portrait of Emmel and Jenny Goodfarm.

This was supposed to be a beautiful portrait; full of color and happiness.

Emmel and Jenny came to Oklahoma when it was still Indian Territory.

They weren't afraid of the local hostile Indians. They quickly became friends with the Native Americans and often entertained them at their small humble prairie home.

After the great Land Run, things changed. More and more people moved into the area. Emmel and Jenny sort of enjoyed the new friends from the eastern states. They began to associate with the Indians less and less. Emmel began to look at their little shack and desired to build Jenny a bigger and more beautiful home. He thought that they would look more "polished" and less "country". The new neighbors were building grand two-story homes, why shouldn't he. The problem was, that the only suitable place was in an Indian cemetery. Since Emmel and Jenny hadn't been talking to the natives anymore, he figured they would never know if they did anything to the cemetery.

Emmel and Jenny worked hard at night dismantling the grave markers hoping that no Indians or neighbors would see. They plowed the ground and buried the bodies deeper. Work on the house began. To the casual by-stander, one wouldn't know that the house was being built on a cemetery. Emmel and Jenny went on with the house building acting as if there wasn't a dark secret lurking just under the home. The two-story home was finally finished in the fall. It had the looks and glamour of the homes on the east coast. They wanted to have an elaborate house warming party to show off the new home to the neighbors. They invited the best photographer to come take a picture which would be revealed at the house warming. Emmel and Jenny dressed in their best attire. At the last minute, Emmel decided to grab the shovel that did the ground breaking for the new home. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, the breeze was blowing and the leaves were turning a beautiful orange color. The photographer sat up his camera, Emmel and Jenny took their place in front of their adored home and just as the camera flashed.....something happened.

They sky turned a terrible black, the breeze turned into a ferocious wind blowing around dirt and debris, the trees lost all their leaves. Emmel and Jenny ran quickly into the house to escape the wrath that was brewing outside. They photographer quickly got his stuff and drove off to town.

That day turned out to be one of the strangest days in the town's history. It seemed that there was only one place that had any damage from that storm; Emmel and Jenny's beloved home. It was completely demolished in the storm. It seems the storm was so devastating that it was as if someone or something picked up the house and carried it off with Emmel and Jenny inside! When the townspeople rushed the rescue, all they found were remains of dead Indians and torn up gravestones. Emmel and Jenny Goodfarm were never found.

Weeks later, the photographer was developing the picture when he made a very gruesome discovery. The picture was not at all what he photographed that beautiful day.

This one, I got nothing for you.

You make up a story and tell me.....

Life of the Farm Kid....

2009-09-29T09:38:00.002-05:00

When farm kids show livestock....often the reality is that they will have to learn to say goodbye. Regan showed "Phantom" at the fair this past weekend and "Phantom" did very well. He was the 3rd best goat in the show of more than 100 goats.

"Phantom" made it into the sale...which meant that "Phantom" would not be

going home with Regan.

"Phantom" was a special goat since he was out of her herd of goats. Often, show animals are bought and brought to the farm.

"Phantom" was sold for over $600.00.

So goes the life of a farm child.

Goodbye Phantom....we love you and will miss you!!

You Won't Believe What This Kid Did!!!

2009-09-23T07:58:00.003-05:00

This is Sydni. Sydni is a middle child. Need I say more?

Sydni scared the bejeebies out of me....I thought she was getting sick or something.
I felt her forehead.

I took her temperature.

I checked for her tale-tale birthmark on her leg that looks like

a little pork chop.

(I did notice the nasty shirt that she just fed livestock in during a rain storm)

(I also noticed that she either has an oven mit on wrong or she REALLY

doesn't know how to use it)

I pinched myself to see if I was dreaming.

It was REALLY Sydni and I WASN'T dreaming!

SYDNI COOKED DINNER!

I made sure I documented this experience because I'm sure there will have to

be flying pigs or something before it happens again.

It was good and I didn't have to help!!

THANKS SYDNI!!

There is one thing I can't figure out though....when I cook, I clean the kitchen.

When kids cook, I clean the kitchen....is there something wrong

with this picture?

(On a side note: Carly cooked the next night, but unfortunately I was not able to

document it because I was grocery shopping and there was only a lone

pork chop left)

Thanks girls....I appreciate it like you will NEVER know!!!

Getting Started with "Pooky" Decor

2009-09-17T06:59:00.003-05:00

We use the word "pooky" because when Sydni was little, she would often tell people that we lived in a "pooky" house....she had trouble getting the "S" onto spooky.

OK, I like Halloween....and that shouldn't be a surprise to you since I like to scare the bejeebies out of my children...or friends' children...or husband...or dog...or anything that I think will jump. I'm sick, I know.

So, when you see my latest Halloween decor, it shouldn't surprise you.

I took regular cheap frames that I've had FOREVER...(do you say just like the kid in The Sandlot?)....FORRRRREVER!

I spray painted them WHITE.

Laid a piece of lace over them and

spray painted BLACK.

I think one of the frames has the colors reversed.

I used some scrapbook paper to make the mat.

I googled and stole....er, uh...borrowed the images.

I will hang them w/ my Halloween decorations...if I ever

get up to the "pooky" attic and get the decorations.

OK, just to let you know....the scaring bit is like a legacy in our family.

My grandfather got the biggest kick out of scaring us...

I was once so scared by him that all I could do was make a

primal sound....couldn't even cry or scream.

My Papa lives on.....because I now catch my children scaring each other

or some that shall remain NAMELESS...cough, sydni cough....

get a thrill out of tormenting the little Cooper boy she

babysits!!! Yes, this is the same daughter that SWORE she would

NEVER NEVER NEVER scare her kids.....tsk, tsk.

Are you sick like me or do you just do the fall decorations?

Homemade State Fair Corn Dogs with PICTURES

2009-09-12T13:26:00.006-05:00

I've never attempted homemade corn dogs.

I just saw a neat recipe on ALLRECIPES.COM that sure sounded easy.

I like finding recipes that have at least 4 1/2 stars w/ tons of reviews.

Always make sure you read the reviews, because sometimes people will give a recipe a 5 star rating but change 10 things to the recipe.

Click the link above to see the recipe.

I bought the only skewers I could find...which of course would have made great foot long corn dogs. I just used the wire cutters and snipped off the ends.

I couldn't make foot longs because my pan wouldn't hold them....and it was a large pan.

In the reviews, I lucked out and a reviewer was an old Carny....who made corn dogs.

He said to make sure you have the batter extra cold.

So, while I was skewing the dogs....I put the batter in the freezer.

Mr. Carney also said to DRY OFF THE DOGS...so, there I was patting the little pups

with a paper towel.

Another reviewer said to use a tall container...well, it just so happened that

I stopped and got a malt on the way home and had this Styrofoam cup...just

waiting to be recycled.

The batter all fit in the cup....UNTIL I put it in the freezer....

THEN IT GREW AND GREW AND GREW....

So, don't put ALL THE BATTER in a cup....you'll be cleaning up a mess.
I wasted a lot of batter because it was too thick....I think from the freezing...

So, make sure you add more milk if needed to make

it more along the lines of somewhat runny pancake batter.

Because if you don't....you will have really weird PUFFY corn dogs.

I finally got the hang of it..and they started looking more like what you get at the fair.

The recipe was awesome and I will be making them again....

I should just make them up and keep them under a heat lamp while we are at the

fairs this fall.....

The Fairies are Ready for Fall!

2009-09-11T08:05:00.004-05:00

Well, the fairies were busy last night.....

They beat me getting ready for fall....

Pumpkin lights and a BLACK wreath!

A basket of pumpkins.....

Oh look, they even have gold glitter added to the black wreath....how creepy.

What a bright "fallish" doormat!

Yep, they beat me to it....I still haven't got out my fall decorations.

I guess the fairies are trying to tell me to get busy, huh?

The Goat Whisperer...er, uh, Chaser......

2009-09-06T20:49:00.006-05:00

When it is time to show goats, you can't just grab them out of the pen and hope they look good enough for a blue ribbon. It takes work. We started out walking the goats. Then we found that running them builds better muscle. I'm not talking about running them to death. It is more like a sprint.

We would walk the goats to the end of the lane and then REGAN would

with all of her might...and giant rubber boots chase the goats back to their pen.

We had a dog that could do the same thing...but he met his fate when he chased a car one too many times. So, it was back to Regan....

Until......
Daisy came along on a goat exorcising...er, uh, exercising adventure.
Now we walk them to the end of the driveway instead of the fenced in lane.
One particular day Daisy decided to join us....I noticed she was acting strangely.....

She was REALLY SMACKING HER LIPS....I tried to ignore it.
When we let the goats go.....and Regan began to run...something strange happened....

Little bitty Daisy started chasing the goats and barking!

Now, remember, we ARE a farm family and what is a farm without 1.2 million dogs? The big dog is Rascal, remember him? He is the REAL pillow thief.

He is the reason I can't have a magazine perfect porch complete w/ pillows.

See the little cotton ball that is running up there to the right?

That is Sydni's froo froo poodle....JOJO.

He is a wimp.

See! He is running like a mad dog from that terror goat....

Look at them go!!!!

Now, let's take a closer look, shall we?

Daisy is so busy chasing one of the goats that she doesn't even realize she is about to be trampled by Little Bo Peep.

Isn't that an amazing picture? Sorry for the poor quality....it is very hard to shoot

these pictures when they are running all over the place and then...see that hand? That is David....he just decides to mosey on right in front of the camera.

Don't these people know I am a true amateur here?

Now this picture is a little deceitful.

JOJO actually looks as if he is becoming a goat chaser....

when in actuality, he is running FROM a goat and just happens to be running

in the direction of another goat....he totally freaking at this point

and would probably bet that his life was about to come to an abrupt end.

But look at the goat whisperer go.....

She manages to chase them back to their pen.

Yep, and the pillow thief is not doing a darn thing.......

He figures that if he raises his ears, that maybe we will think HE is the goat whisperer.....FAT CHANCE!

See, his feet are barely moving.....neither is his tail...he is trying to be tricky.

When I see him, I always have that bumblebee song in my head...

"I'mmmmm bringing home a baby bumblebee...won't my mama be so proud of me?"

Oh look, Regan and David completely forget that I am busy taking pictures....

Ladies and gentlemen...meet the newest goat whisperer....er, uh....chaser.

She can bound across rocky driveways....leap the tallest goat....

she is DAISY DOODLE!!

This first time she chased the goats, she got into trouble because David thought she was going to chase them through that barbed fence.

The next night....he sweetly says...."Honey, want to come exercise the goats with us?" then he quickly throws in, "If you do, bring Daisy."

Sheesh....I thought I was the one doing such a great job leading the goat down the driveway...and it was really the fact that Daisy wouldn't come if I didn't come....

We are a package deal!!!

See her laughing?

A Lesson on a Navigation Channel Lock & Dam

2009-09-04T07:58:00.009-05:00

Here is the gang who went up the river on a pontoon boat for Regan's 14th birthday.

Don't forget that I am in that gang...I'm just behind the camera.

Last year, we went downstream.

This year is upstream.

I want to thank my mom and dad for providing the boat for this excursion.

Oh, and I might mention here that we did run out of gas....

just as we pulled back into the cove to unload.

God is AWESOME!!

It was a very beautiful day....we experienced rain and winds...but, it was still a wonderful trip.

Last year we went through Lock and Dam #17.

We are on the McClellan Kerr Arkansas River Navigation channel.

Notice where the lady is...because at the end of this post, you will be
looking at pictures of the lock from that perspective.

While we are in the lock...the north end is leaking and is a little unnerving.

There is a HUGE wall of water on the other side of that gate....

notice the water line....

There is grass growing in the gates....Hellllloooooo.

This is the SOUTH gate (looking behind us)...we are now in the lock.

Regan is holding the wall because as they pump water into the lock, it bounces the boat around which makes it hit the wall. We have to tie up to a rig that inside the wall and raises and lowers with the water.

The gates are closing behind us...notice the watermark on the gate.

The gate is closed and to give you a perspective of the size...that is the engineer driving in a golf cart ON TOP OF THE GATE to inspect it before they start pumping the water.

We start seeing the whirlpools forming....which means the water is being pumped into the lock.

The whole process takes at least 30 minutes.

I often wonder if they roll their eyes when little boats come through this....

it seems like so much work for one little boat.

They are very friendly and will stand on the wall and talk to you as you wait for the water to rise.

They told us of a sailboat that came through and was headed all the way to the gulf!

They had NO ENGINE...just the wind and paddles.

They said they must have made it because they didn't have to send out the coast guard.

The water level is now full and the gates on the north end start to open.

As we exit, we get to see the U. S. Army Corp of Engineers HUGE

barge that will be doing some repairs to the lock and dam.

Say hello to Mr. Pat....to get perspective on the size of this barge...the tug on the left is

a normal tug for this river.

Now you are looking from the visitor's center...because they've pumped out almost all of the water to do some repairs. It has been 17 years since they last did any repairs of this magnitude.

The engineer told us that since this system was built back in the 50's, they've only done this TWICE.

I am sooooo glad I found this bit of information out AFTER we had traveled through the lock or I doubt I would have gone through it....lol.

You are looking at a lot of sludge and rocks on the bottom.

This is the SOUTH gate....

This is the NORTH gate...remember where the leak was?

They also have put up a temporary dam.

We were told that there was about 7 ft. of mud that they've been removing.

See Mister Pat back there behind the gate?

See that hole? That hole is big enough for a person to stand up and walk through.

That is where the water is pumped into and out of the lock.

There are several of them all down both sides of the lock.

Those holes are what creates the whirlpools when filling up the lock.
They have working on Lock 17 and Lock 18 for about 2 weeks.

All travel has been suspended until the repairs can be made.

One lock said they are on schedule to open on Sunday, but this one said...NO WAY.

It was only supposed to be for 2 weeks.

Weekly Menu with Pictures and LINKS.

2009-08-31T17:00:00.001-05:00

Menu Monday

CLICK the pictures to go to the recipe.

MONDAY: Bacon wrapped roasted chicken w/ green beans and bread.

TUESDAY: Lasagna, garlic bread and salad.

WEDNESDAY: Chicken & Bow Tie Pasta, mixed veggies.

THURSDAY: Grilled Pork Chops, fried potatoes, corn.

FRIDAY: Homemade Corn Dogs, chips

(Our county fair is Friday and Saturday)

SATURDAY: Sloppy Joes and tater tots.

SUNDAY: BREAKFAST FOR DINNER.

(no link to click, sorry)

What is Love?

2009-08-29T15:47:00.005-05:00

A Tribute to Doe and Jim

(aka Aunt Dodo and Uncle Jim)

There is a lot to be said about these hands.

These hands began a life together on August 24, 1952.

Although the age may be showing in these hands....so is the love and devotion

of a very special man and woman.

For 57 years, these two have been Mr. and Mrs.

They've shared a lifetime together.

Doe and Jim.

She only had one sibling.

He had six siblings.

They have continued a legacy of long marriages.
They created two wonderful children together, a girl and a boy.
They have 5 grandchildren; 4 girls and 1 boy.

Life is throwing a curve called Alzheimer's.

Life is changing....

They are learning to cherish EVERY moment.

They are learning that love isn't limited to people or places...

They will continue to praise God in this storm.

Their love and devotion goes far beyond them....

It even goes far beyond this house....

It goes for an ETERNITY.

I love you Aunt Dodo and Uncle Jim.

It was such a pleasure to spend your 57th Anniversary with you.

You are an inspiration to so many people with your love and devotion

to one another. I can only hope that God will bless my marriage the

way he has blessed yours. Memories might fade....love endures.

Let these pictures serve as a reminder for all to know

these two people who met and fell in love.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version)
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Hoveround....here is your next ad!!!

2009-08-24T20:30:00.005-05:00

I am posting this from the big state of TEXAS.

My mother and two sisters took the ole motor coach on a road

trip to help my mother's sister pack and move.

We couldn't help ourselves when we saw the Hoveround just sitting by its

lonesome self in the garage....

Our ever so wonderful uncle charged that baby for us and we

loaded up and took off!

I know you can't tell in the picture, but our hair is NOT MOVING AT ALL!

That baby goes the whopping eye popping speed of .0000005 miles per 24 hour period!

This is my mom...remember her?

She is PRETENDING to pump the gas....see how we can make it look

so REAL?

Don't worry, the REAL gas pumper is just outside of the picture.

She was really not in harms way....her husband takes good care of her.

The next Olympic sport....synchronized hoveround ballet!

I think I would get a gold medal!!!

My two sisters, Terri and Julie....did I tell you that I am the SANE ONE?

My aunt and uncle have lived in this house for 37 years.
So many memories have been made in this house.
I will never forget this house.
I love you Doe and Jim.
May you have many new and happy memories ahead of you.

Do You Think HE Realizes HE Is In A PINK Bed?

2009-08-21T07:03:00.004-05:00

Meet JoJo.

JoJo is Sydni's "baby".

Sydni was able to catch dear mother in a moment of weakness.

Mother is seriously regretting the decision to allow another dog in the house.

1. JoJo likes to "piddle" when he gets excited.

2. JoJo is not tall enough to stand above the short grass in the yard, which means his belly gets all wet and nasty every time he goes outside.

3. He has SHARP teeth.

4. He stinks

5. He has no idea about authority.

6. He sleeps in pink beds.

Reason #7 I regret getting JoJo.

This is Daisy.

She is the Queen of the palace.

Daisy does NOT play well with others.

Daisy has TWO beds, one in the living room (suitcase) and one in the

bedroom (aka pink bed)

JoJo has his own two beds in Sydni's room.

Daisy just discovered that she is now down to ONE bed.

Did I mention that Daisy likes to look for JoJo's CREAM FILLING?

She eats away at him like he is a Twinkie!

Then she spends the next 15 minutes trying to spit out the hair ball.

Just picture a dog w/ peanut butter on his tongue...that would

be Daisy with JoJo fur on her tongue.

SMACK, SMACK, SMACK

It is enough to drive one to MADNESS.

Oh, and I won't mention the CUJO look she gives if JoJo wanders into the

invisible force field....

See that bone in the bed with her?

JoJo now has it in his bed....does he NOT learn?

Oh, and if the little bugger ever decides to mess with that

purse there....HE WILL DIE A QUICK but PAINFUL DEATH.

Daisy guards that purse with her life.

If that purse leaves...she completely stresses out unless she

gets to go with that purse. I really should post a video of her.

Menu Monday in Pictures

2009-08-17T18:33:00.006-05:00

I got tired of the same ole' posting of my menu. This week, I decided to add pictures and links to the recipes I am going to use. I always try to give credit where credit is due.

MONDAY

Silver Dollar City Skillet Supper

Sorry, no recipe link. I will try to get it posted next time.

TUESDAY

Blue Plate Special: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Brown Gravy

For the Salisbury Steak Recipe, just click the picture!

WEDNESDAY
BLT Sandwiches w/ fresh from the garden tomatoes

Sorry, no recipe...but it is the standard basic BLT recipe...no special magic.

THURSDAY

Baked Rigatoni, Garlic Bread and Salad

For the Rigatoni Recipe, just click the picture.

FRIDAY
Taco Salad

For the Taco Salad recipe, just click the picture.

SATURDAY

Brown Beans & Cornbread

For the Brown Beans and Cornbread recipe, click the picture!

I burned this a few weeks ago, so I am going to make it this week...lol.

I am at a loss for Sunday...Give me some ideas and a link for the recipe!!!

Friday Night DATE with My Farmer/Cowboy/Ag Teacher

2009-08-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

The guy in the blue shirt is my manly man, David.

Since he is a teacher and works for a salary, he gets his "overtime" pay

when he judges livestock shows.

This is a Futurity Pig Show in a rural town on Route 66!

This CUTE little guy is showing a pig....look at his little boots!!!

Look at how his little pants are tucked into his little boots!!

Look! I don't know which is cuter...

If you judge pigs, you've got to like BIG BUTTS...

boy does this pig have a big butt. Certainly you weren't thinking

I was talking about the boy....

Look at the SHINE on that pig!!

If you know me at all, you know I can't keep my eye just on the show....

I have to look all around....

While I was looking all around, it became quite evident that

there was a serious fashion statement being made at this

little pig show in a little town on Route 66.

Ok, enough of the fashion statement....back to the show....

Look! There's my manly man earning OVERTIME!

I know you are dying to know which pig won...

Well, of course it was the CROSSBRED....

That grand prize just won that boy $500.00!

I think it was worth the trip to the little town was certainly

worth it for the Grand Champion.

Oh, and should I mention that I also got to see an alien spaceship on Route 66?

So, that was my exciting and ROMANTIC night....I know you are thinking I got cheated...well, NOPE, I wouldn't trade it for the world....

hearing my manly man speak into a microphone and not even sound like

himself....made my knees go all weak and all.

You'd have to know my husband to know that he isn't much of a talker...

but put a microphone to his mouth and let him start giving reasons....

WATCH OUT!!!