It's a Wonderful Life!!

All Hail to St. Joesph.....

  I will bury MY St. Joseph Statue tomorrow. I ordered him on a website - "The Complete St. Joseph Kit" - I got the small one, he is 3" tall and an ivory color. You can read about it on Snopes.

I had never heard of this St. Joseph thing. Nor have most of the other folks I have talked with. My smart and funny bookkeeper, Trish, told me about this. She was reared Catholic and went to Catholic Schools. Then I asked Mr. Man and he thought he had heard something about it at school. That Catholic upbringing sometimes scares me. But Trish claims it to be true and if Trish says so, then it is the Gospel in my book.

So Trish and her beloved wanted to sell their house. She went out and bought herself one of those "Complete St. Joseph Kits". She buried her St. Joseph and three days later had a contract on her house when it was on the market briefly. Then after she packed some 95 boxes or so, her beloved decided he kinda liked their house. So, they got out of the contract rather quickly.

So, this is the deal, and I find it rather amazing and mystical. You bury this guy (statue) head down, facing the street, in his burial plastic and say a prayer over him for nine days straight.

My contractor happened to be over here when he arrived. He is doing a few updates and repairs so a buyer will just fall in love with my house. Paul is a retired Presbyterian minister. I made the mistake of asking him about this Catholic practice to aid a homeowner in selling their home. He thought it to be hogwash. What he actually said was "that is Catholic indulgence". Then went into the Reformation Movement by Martin Luther, and how he found the Catholic to be indulgent with the Vatican and stuff. And from then on he looks at me like I have lost my mind.

Well, I don't feel like I have lost my mind. I even told my friend Becky who was here also today, and whose house has been on the market for 9 months. She said "order me one of those things". So I gently told Becky that you have to believe that St. Joseph will really help you in selling your home.

I'm just trying to cover all bases, so the burial will take place this weekend. And I will go dutifully out there and repeat my scripted prayer for nine days straight. I will probably do this after dark, just so my neighbors won't think I am wacko.

Now speaking of neighbors, there is one fellow in my neighborhood that would thwart my big plans - and try and uncover my St. Joseph, or turn him in the wrong direction, or take him out of his plastic burial bag, just to get my feathers ruffled. But fear not, no one, and I mean, no one, will actually know the exact burial site. This will be a well kept secret!!

So, on with the burial plans and the packing........I will sell my house in January!! Well, maybe the middle of February, but NO later than that.

Positive, Punitive, and Positioned - yes, it will happen.

It's a Wonderful Life!

Peace!

Logan, The Sky Angel Cowboy

This is such an awesome video clip!

It speaks for itself - Children are so wise, we don't give them enough credit for what they know instinctively.

I believe we are all born with an intuitive knowledge that God is present, He knows and understands - He is Our Creator.

Peace!

Halloween - The Prelude

I've often thought this a tad odd, considering my Christian persuasion, but my favorite holiday is Halloween. Mr. Man and I love to decorate and carve pumpkins and go to parties and festivals. It is basically stress free, unless of course you attend the annual carving of the "Christian Pumpkin" at church. There is nothing like a room full of overactive kids of all sizes and shapes and ages holding knives and digging out the slimy stuff pumpkins are made of. It was enough to just about send me over the edge last night.

I, of all people, forgot to take my ever trusty camera, but my friend Sara did have hers - damn she's always so organized and together! So here is the shot of Mr. Man digging out pumpkin guts.

Next to us is Tu and Quinn, my new buddy! Julie tells all about the Christian Pumpkin in a lovely way. Quinn and I have become buddies since I pick him up for Karate on Wednesday's. Emily and Mr. Man are in the car also, and I have to ask those two chatter boxes to be quite for a minute and let Quinn say something. He is a quite boy with a sweet spirit - I have found him to have alot to say if given the opportunity. I think Mr. Man is sometimes conflicted about Emily. He sees her as his buddy and "one of the boys", and wants to "protect" her on the other hand. It is funny how I see their relationship evolving. But she is tough as nails and I have to hand it to her for stickability!! But often Mr. Man will want Emily to come over and play - and I have to make him pinky promise he will be kind and nice to her. Emily and I like to play word games on the way to get Mr. Man from school. She likes that - and well, you know, I love a little word play myself.

Angie and Josh had a Halloween Party last weekend. My friend James, the world traveler, went with me. It was fun - I love to see adults in costume. Josh was even in drag, and well, I don't remember who Angie was, but she is the one with the white face and unibrow - I didn't even recognize her. Sam was the witch with the dangles from her hat. She completed her witchery with orange and black stripe tights with pointy shoes. Beaux wanted to be Professor Snapes from Harry Potter, but he thought he looked more like a Rock Star..... Wes, and my A/R Guru, AJ came as a Groomsman and Bridesmaid, and Tina came as Tina. The adult beverages were really tasting good and well, I had way too much fun for one evening.

If that weren't enough, James and I thought we needed a night-cap. So we headed down the middle of Swan City for a local tavern with a mahogany bar. We met this sweet couple, Clarence and June,  and we joined them and their appetizers (they had stuffed mushrooms!!)......they had been married 24 years and I guess we solved everyone's problems til around 3:30'ish. I liked Clarence's hat! We invited them over, and they were especially pleased when they found out my business involved pork skins. On their way out, I loaded them up with as much as I could - I just bet they thought they hit the jackpot with us.....

Here's to Clarence and June!!

It was a spooky night come to think of it!

Stay tuned, there will be more Halloween '07 events coming soon.

Peace!

Sunday Scribblings

It has been a lovely weekend! I love Friday's at the office, busy in the morning and the afternoon is quite as a mouse. There was a time when I could say this business was a huge burden for me. Debt was enormous, many obstacles to overcome.

I believe I am an overcomer, if nothing. Over the course of a decade, many challenges have surfaced in my life. Not quite the picture book setting. I have come to have a huge capacity for dealing with curve balls - you know I love baseball! Well, life is alot like baseball. Sometimes the pitcher is predictable, and will throw the ball right down the middle - perfect for my swing. Then there are those pitches we just can't predict or perfect. I've had both pitches!

You know those Israelites were in that dadgum desert for 40 long years. The greatest Jewish leader, Moses, brought them just to the edge of their promised land. That sweet Moses, didn't even get to see the promised land. When he sent the spies to check out the enemy - the majority came back and said, oh, no, we could never overcome them. Did Moses trust God when he said I will lead you to the promised land?? He didn't trust God's promises, his vision did not incorporate the mighty Lord we serve.

So, what is my point in all this. That life throws us curves, it is the way we deal with those curves that determines our character. This leads me to the question from last week??

1) What are we trying to redeem in our lives??

2) What are you waiting for??

I've thought alot about that this week. I had to look up the word redeem first......

re·deem(r-dm)

tr.v. re·deemed, re·deem·ing, re·deems

1. To recover ownership of by paying a specified sum.

2. To pay off (a promissory note, for example).

3. To turn in (coupons, for example) and receive something in exchange.

4. To fulfill (a pledge, for example).

5. To convert into cash: redeem stocks.

6. To set free; rescue or ransom.

7. To save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences. See Synonyms at save¹.

8. To make up for: The low price of the clothes dryer redeems its lack of special features.

9. To restore the honor, worth, or reputation of: You botched the last job but can redeem yourself on this one.

I guess for about 2 years now I have been trying to redeem my family's business. Hold it together - it has been a matter of honor and obligation for me. In the midst of chaos, I have tried to do what my father would have wanted. He would have come up from his grave to haunt me if I had just closed business down, stopped answering the phone and stop receiving/sending e-mails! Heck, I am still struggling - but much like those Israelited, I am in about year 35!!

What am I waiting for??

Well, I have alot I am waiting for - energy, willingness - and throw in some honesty about things. This is totally different from business. This would encompass my personal life. I have been so totally into being the best mom I can be (I didn't say the best mom!!) - that I have misplaced Debi in some of that. It's funny how you lose yourself in motherhood. Today in Sunday School, I was role playing Mary - as in the Mary and Martha story. I introduced myself to the 1st and 2nd graders as Mary. One young lad said "You're not Mary, you are Miss Debi and you are Sam's Mom".

So, something for me to think about as the growing concerns about business have subsided to a degree.

It's time to get back to me.

See, I do post horrible, weird and not so attractive pics of even myself!!

Have a BLESSED WEEK!

Peace!

Hump Day - At Ease

I have felt so peaceful lately. This is a welcome change from my usual bizarre world. I have been reading alot lately - mostly spiritual in nature. Most of the time there are 3 books sitting around - I multi-task well!!

Several "dramas" have reared their ugly head my way lately. Don't you just hate that. In any given moment - Murphy's Law kicks in and rules.

I am proud to say that a couple of issues with the A.F. have been turned over to legal counsel. I am at peace with this, it was long over-due. Speaking of which, Mr. Man announced to me that his dad and Ms. Ashlyn just got married. Now all this is news to me. But friends, my sympathy to her. I am sure she is quite nice and sweet, but boy-hidey if she only knew that she just jumped in a sack full of snakes. Bless her heart!

Business is good, but my main manufacturer is giving me fits and demanding that my vendors only carry his line or he won't sell to them. Now isn't that the craziest thing you have ever heard. That situation will only dilute the market further (to my benefit since they will be open to buying my private label). It is a two-edged sword. My vendors want to carry his product, I just have an option for them if needed.

Well, the wonderment and excitement of 1st Grade has faded, on day 3, none the less. It may turn out to be a long year. Mr. Man doesn't do well with alot of change. He likes structure. I had my SISTERS group last night and we didn't get home till late. Mr. Man is like me in many ways, he loves to stay up late and likes to sleep in. We are not on the same schedule as school!! He was tired and grumpy this morning. I literally had to dress him and practically drag him out the door. It was horrible - I hate those mornings. I didn't lose my temper, but the devil was whispering in my ear....

Reminds me of a scripture verse I heard while listening to my 2nd favorite minister - of course my Metro Minister is tops, but on occasion I have listened to Joel Osteen, the smiley preacher. Anyway, the verse is from Isaiah 54:15: NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU WILL PROSPER, BUT EVERY TONGUE THAT RISES AGAINST YOU IN JUDGMENT, YOU WILL SHOW TO BE WRONG.

One of the books I have in rotation right now is "Your Best Life Now" by the Smiley Preacher. I remembered a little diddy his mother prayed before her children went off to school for the day. I wanted to pray this for Mr. Man in the morning. It struck me as simple, yet so powerful. I spent about 45 minutes flipping thru the book trying to find the quote, this is an excerpt that includes the little diddy....

"All my life, I've been aware of God's favor. From the time my siblings and I were little kids, every day before we left for school, our mother would pray, " "Father, I thank You that Your angels have charge over my children, and that Your hand of favor will always be upon them." " Consequently - and I say this humbly- I've come to expect to be treated differently. I've learned to expect people to want to help me. My attitude is: I'm a child of the Most High God......He has crowned me with favor."

It is true, we are God's children. We have to live life to expect his favor. He wants us to have peace and make our lives easy. As Smiley says, "To be favor-minded simply means that we expect God's special help, and we are releasing our faith, knowing that God wants to assist us."

Tonight in our PHAT group Sara F. used an analogy I loved......We love it when our own children come to us for help, or for love. Simply put, God works the same way. We are His children, and he wants us to come to him when we need help.

Our Lord is Good indeed!!

Peace!

Hump Day - Really?

I visit several blog sites most everyday, one of which is my Metro Ministers blog. I loved his most recent topic about taking responsibility and instilling this characteristic in our children. He went on to say that this was difficult in light of the news coverage of some pretty stupid folks in the spotlight these days. You can go there yourself and read it.

One of the guys was Michael Vick who recently plead guilty to Federal Dog Fighting charges. Don't you just love the antics of stupid people. You may have seen the video clip of Saturday Night Live "Really". You must REALLY check it out - it is just simply hilarious. It is about Micheal getting caught at the Miami airport carrying weed in a water bottle thru security.

Speaking of Metro Minister - his sermon Sunday really spoke to me. On Monday night I even listened to it again. It was about craving the presence of God in your life. Oh, how important that is. I even picked up a CD of the sermon tonight at church. There is a certain peace that came over me after I came home Sunday. I had been in such a bad space, what with business troubles, and A.F. troubles - just refer to the Bitch Column! I have made some decisions regarding those challenges. They weren't easy decisions to make. Plus, if business continues in the vein it is going, my main manufacturer may be in second position soon. Who knows, I may be better off in the long run.

But God, please help me with this Anger! I am not natured to stay angry, but the more indiscretions that are carried out the more resentful I become. I know the thing to do.....This is what the AA Big Book tells us:

"If you have a resentment you want to be free of, if you will pray for the person or thing that you resent, you will be free. Ask for their health, their prosperity, their happiness, and you will be free. Even when you don't really want it for them, and your prayers are only words and you don't mean it, go ahead and do it anyway. Do it every day for two weeks and you will find you have come to mean it and to want it for them, and you will realize that where you used to feel bitterness and resentment and hatred, you now feel compassionate understanding and love"

Well, for me right now, that is like crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a row boat with two minnows and a fishing pole. But, you know, it just may work. I love the AA Big Book. If I had to chose 2 books for the rest of my life, it would be my Bible and the AA Big Book.

Mr. Man is with the A.F. He hasn't seen him in 3 weeks, and I needed a little break. The Contractual Issues are getting better, but we have to keep up the good work when he returns. He being out of school and home all day while I am working was just not the best plan. So, he is working with the A.F. on his route.

I went to Walmart at 10:30 tonight - so my shopping is done for the week. I needed to get the food to follow my no sugar and no white flour routine. That is going good. I have slipped up twice with Mr. Man's Apple Jacks. I just can hardly resist the ONLY sugar in my house at 2 am (ya know, my bad habit of getting up in the middle of the night to eat). But tonight at PHAT I lost 5 lbs. So I must be doing something right. My mind feels a little less foggy. This always happens, I abstain from sugar and white flour and my mind clears. This is a good thing. It must be that pink fuzzy cloud.

Peace!

The Saturday Evening Post - The Bucket!

I love Saturday Evenings. One thing I would change is the early morning worship moved to the late worship! My soul is fed with that service. The problem herein, is I am not an early riser. Even Mr. Man is much like me. But he, like my self loves the early service.

After the Bitch Column, I found it comforting to give this over to Our Lord, he is much better able to deal with this stress than myself. My nature is to love and help people when I can. I try to live by the Golden Rule!

I read an amazing column in our local newspaper this morning. I went to get my nails done, so I always take something to read to pass the time. That nail shop is busy - but I like the owners. It was in the Religion and Faith section. The columnist is a weekly writer and I usually enjoy and can relate to her subject matter. Today it was about ANGER. She was a teacher and one day she discussed this with her glass. She said Anger was like a drip into a bucket. It may be traffic woes, folks that are irritating to you, etc. But all this adds up into the drip bucket, till one day, the bucket becomes full and spills out. I believe stress can be much like anger - the anger being rooted in the loss of your serenity. An interuption to your otherwise normal existance. We all like things to go smoothly in our life, but is life really 'NORMAL AND SMOOTH"?? I say not.

She commented that some students had funny comments when this analogy was discussed at home. One child came back and told his wise teacher that his mothers bucket spilled last night! Yes, we all do that, our bucket sometimes is filled, and oversflows. But rather, shouldn't we be getting along with the work of Our Lord. Should this really be our distraction? Does the other party really spend time thinking about how we react/are affected?? The columnist concludes by saying : "In my secret place of silent prayer I tell my self and those who drip in my bucket, ""I've got to get on about my Fathers business of caring for the ones he has chosen for me to make a difference in their angry lives.""

I have to know that no matter what happens in any given situation, that things will work out how they are supposed to. I can worry myself to a frenzy in about one second flat. Things go from a drip in my bucket to a steady stream of stress. Yes I grow very weary sometimes and think to myself - WHY ME??

This is where I must be very careful. My first line of defense if the ask for help. Some folks hold in details about life. Not me, I will share with my close friends if they are willing to listen. They loving tell me I am in their prayers, and to do what I feel is RIGHT. You know, basically, all I desire is to be normal, make enough money so that I can pay bills, tithe to my church, and help where help is needed. Thank our good Lord for friends in my life that truly love me and I am reminded of this everyday. (See I am working on gratitude!!). What a lucky girl I am!

This week has been testy - there are drips in my bucket - but I punched alot of holes for drainage.

Peace!

Summer Fun Days at The Water Park

This was a very cool day! There are not many things I love in this world better than a water park. And sports fans, this was a day that will go down in my memory bank as the Big Kahuna! And yes, there are some tales to tell.

Many of my SISTERS were present and in their finest regalia. One aspect of my church I love so much is over a 15 year period, I have come to know and love many fine folks. My SISTERS are my heart, but it is always fun when I go outside my core group. Over the years I have seen kids from the 6th grade mature in faith and knowledge to go forward on their life journey to adulthood. Most went to college, some to the ministry, and others to further their professional careers. My hope is Mr. Man will follow in some mighty fine footsteps from those that went before him. What a witness that is for the body of Christ.

The day started out quite nice, we planned to leave at 8:30 - but pulled out of the parking lot with 2 vans at 8:45'ish. Thought that was remarkable considering it is summer and it involved getting kids up and dressed for a day of fun in the sun. This takes some preparation. There were a few clouds in the sky, however, it turned out to be the picture perfect day. Speaking of pictures:

If you like slides, then you are close to heaven. For me, I am more of a lazy river kind of girl.

The rumors are still milling around about the fact that some long-standing friendships are on high alert status. So, I just want to put everyone on notice that I not only post your pic's, but I post my own. I may even ask you when you least expect it to take a quick shot at me. I don't particularly have any photography skills, I just enjoy the documenting the day kind of thing. The M.U. has concerns that one unpleasant side effect of WNV for me is memory loss. I enjoy carrying my camera in my purse, unless I have "forgotten" where I put my camera the last time. It makes me feel like a good Girl Scout. I wonder if the motto for G.S. is still "Be Prepared"?????  We got to the water park, claimed our Cabana, listened attentively to the Dynamic Duo's (Debra and Kaylee) and then split up in 15 different directions. I headed straight for the lazy river, did I mention that I love a lazy river?? I must have gone around 3 times right by myself before I even saw anyone in our group. And oh, by the way, Debra and Kaylee, well, they are top shelf in my book! This trip was planned perfectly. We didn't lose but one child - MINE! Imagine that......

 

Rookie Mama and I were circling the park looking for him. She found him. Generally, RM is a little like E.F. Hutton, when E.F.Hutton speaks, we listen. But no, not Mr. Man, my son. He was still playing (in the kiddie pool section, none the less!). He is oblivious to all that goes on around him when he is "playing". The loud speaker that announced "EVERYONE WITH P.H., PLEASE MEET AT YOUR CABANA" - do ya think he heard that?? Bless his heart, he may have had water in his ears. Leave it to Mama to take up for her little one. He is looking down-trodden and sad. Well, he should be. That might have something to do with the fact that Mr. Man has history with RM. Once I was in a bind (ya think?) and asked RM if she would get Mr. Man dressed in his baseball uniform when he was at EE daycare. She said he did exactly as she said. To the "T". That made me a proud Mama. I have to tell him 10 times to get dressed, but RM does it once and he obeys so dutifully. Authors side note - see my memory ain't so bad after all....... Well, he wasn't so obedient today for RM. She pointed her finger at him and said get out, we are leaving. He looked at her and said "NO, I AM STILL PLAYING". So after recanting the tale to his horrified mom - she continues - and yes there is more. So, she tells the lifeguard "GET THAT BOY OUT, WE ARE LEAVING" He may be cute, but he is a bit head strong. He gets that from the Absent Father, not me!!!!! Some more pics of all the precious little girls on the trip. Do you think God was playing a joke on me when he blessed me with a boy???

And then the gnarly, smelly, boys....

Mr. Bus Driver Benson, you aren't really gnarly or smelly, but you are one of the boys. So, I had been around the lazy river (did I mention I love a lazy river??) about 35 times, and I was tired, so I decided to go rest under our cabana. Well, about that time, Mr. Man comes dragging up, sad looking, and a bit upset. Wild Walker is in tow talking in his usual upper volume voice, that Mr. Man had to be "saved" by the lifeguard. Evidently, he had gotten cross ways under some blue floats during the wave action. Which, by the way I hate after a horrible experience on another church trip many years ago. He whimpered for about 2 minutes, then he was off "to play". I said be careful and kissed him on the head and waved bye bye. Mr. Man is a great swimmer and I not even for one minute would allow my child to wander off if he didn't know how to swim. He has been swimming since he was 18 months old. So, Mr. Man and I had been on the big pink slide once. He wanted Sweet Sydney to come along with us for the second time. See, I didn't stay on the lazy river all day! We were standing in the humongous line when I overheard Sweet Sydney and Mr. Man talking, it went something like this: S.S.: Sam, What is that on your side? Authors note: it is a brown quarter size birthmark. Mr. Man: It is where the Angel kissed me when I was born. S.S.: "OH"  Authors note: she starts looking all over her body.

I interject and said that maybe the angel kissed you on your head, and now it is under your hair. S.S.:  I don't think I have one of those. Mr. Man: The Angel kissed me and that means I'm Christian. Authors note: not I'm A Christian, but I'm Christian.

I wonder if S.S. will discuss this with her father, our Metro Minister?

Dad gum, she doesn't need to be kissed by any angel. She is Angelic enough - now isn't that the sweetest little face in the universe. I could only hope that Mr. Man may one day be lucky enough to call Metro Minister father in law!! Last but not least are my SISTERS:

Now, quiz for the day - which one of us is with child??? No, it is not the one in the green paisley dress suit, it is the one with the pickle!!! If it were the one in the green paisley dress suit, it would be the second immaculate conception!! One final good-night: Life is very, very good! Peace!

P.S. Typepad is making my post look terrible - the spacing is all wrong - sorry. They have been having technical problems for a couple of days......

Pennies from Heaven - Happy Hump Day!

Sam, Beaux and Baby Thomas are wonderful! They are coming home soon with rejoicing hearts!! All the Glory is from Our Lord, the Great Healer!! They are such a special couple and loved by all!

Tonight I held a precious little one, Baby Evan B., about 1 month old. I held him and cuddled and toted him around to our breakout sessions. He is one of those "church babies". Jenny B., mom, obliged me! There is something about cuddling with a little infant that settles the soul. It makes all cares and concerns just slip away and for that time, nothing matters, but that amazing tiny life in your arms. Oh, God, what a marvelous creator you are.

Once a month this summer our church has dinner on a Wednesday evening. It was tonight. What true fellowship we share! It is my sustenance, my dose of the outside free world. My peoples. My heart.

Mr. Man has been "working" with the A.F. this week and not particularly enjoying his time away from home. Mr. Man is a home-body! He loves his room, he loves our 2 dogs along with Nemo, his goldfish, he loves his backyard. Not to mention the time spent with his MOM!! I find it important for Mr. Man to spend time with the A.F.; likewise, I find it important that my time spent away is special as well. It brings us closer, but I actually enjoy the liberty to do as I please. Or rather the luxury.

After our meal tonight, we broke up into groups to plot and plan the fall offerings. One that is near and dear to my heart is a woman's group that will focus on weight management, healthy living, diet and nutrition and exercise. I was a bit amazed by the name, but we are calling it PHAT! The first 2 letters are a given, but debate is strong on the A and T. So here goes, I am taking a poll on suggestions:

Parkway Heights _____   _____.

We are stumped on the final name. So, what are your suggestions? I see my stats and I know you are reading, so please leave your votes...... 

Our "Metro Minister" has suggested Parkway Heights Atrophy Therapy. Now how funky is that? I think that idea is axed from the git-go. I know we need shrinkage, but NOT atrophy....

This will be a very relaxed setting. This is the plan:

* 10 minutes for weigh in with partner. (Sara F., you are providing the scale!) - In a sequestered room, none the less.

* 10 minutes on devotion

* 20 minutes on group talk

* 20 minutes for guest speaker or lite exercise (yoga - stretching)

The thought of the group is we need a carrot! Something to entice us to excel, to be the winner. What is it about human nature that makes us this way?? We decided to contribute $20 and the person who has lost the most percentage of weight will garner the grand prize. YEE HAA the race is on!

So, I have been doing research for my perfect food plan. This is not solidified in my mind yet. But at least I am doing research.... This is the nature of a future post, but not tonight, there are other things to happily muse about.....

My A/R Guru, AJ quipped "why don't we get a drink somewhere?" So Tina and I obliged. Paige and Diane D. joined us. We went to this cool sports bar, quite possibly my new favorite spot for adult beverages. Of course there were TV screens everywhere, nice music, low key - which at this time in my life I appreciate. Forget the loud, young, craziness of which I once would have felt at home. Now don't get me wrong, we quite possibly were the "oldest ones" there, but it was an aura of belonging, comfortableness. There were several young hip folks, but guess what: WE HAD MORE FUN!

Anyway, here are some pics:

 

They must be listening to some diatribe from my A/R Guru, AJ.

They cracked up 2 seconds later, but I missed it.

I was watching the baseball game in the background, but don't tell my table-mates. Don't you just love Sports Bars?

Notice Paige's Chardonnay in the foreground....is she nursing it or what?? Girl, you got something to celebrate!

And then there's Diane C's EMPTY GLASS. And my A/R Guru AJ's perpetually empty Bud Light.

Tina was telling us about the dancing pole in her bedroom - NOT!

OMG - the incredible hug(lk) - get it!

She is still nursing that Chardonnay.

I may need a trip to the bathroom (equipped with a TV for your viewing pleasure) to fix that red hair-do.

You know, there has got to be a better angle to reflect my true attractiveness.

 

I just never could get a clear shot.

But for the record, she was there, and her husband wasn't pleased. He was deducting time off her Bunko allowance.

You are just too pretty to be putting that hand up so quickly.

But I am lurking around for future shots, so, don't put your hand down, because when you least expect it - I'll be there ready.......

I saved the best for last. Now aren't those the two cutest smiles East of the Mississippi???

Can you believe Paige is still nursing that SAME glass of wine, AND Diane C.' GLASS IS EMPTY AGAIN???

You know I poke fun at you guys, but you are my heart!

Diane's son, Scott, is in Basic Training at Ft. Benning, GA. We want to hear more, so bring that letter to Bunko.

So, all is well with the world. It is a Wonderful Life.

Peace!

Switching Gears

The outpouring of love and concern for me softened the rough spots, for which I am grateful! I could feel prayers. I put forth the war call and my dear SISTERS heard my cry! Isn't friendship a wonderful thing?? Doesn't God feel good!! After a sleepless night, I gave all this to our Lord, for it is far too great a burden for me to do alone. I know the answers and resolution will come - and I have a masters degree in patience! So, time alone will tell.

Switching gears for tonight.

Mr. Man had a baseball game tonight. The first pitch was a pop up and he caught it handily! I was a proud Mama. He came to bat 4 times and hit the ball each time, once between 1st and 2nd base that went to the outfield. On his 3rd time up to bat, he was called out at 3rd base, but after the slide, he got up, brushed himself off, and ran off the field, just like a pro! If this business does not make me some money some day, maybe Mr. Man could go pro and make us a living -YIKES. Life is good!

I am on the mailing list for The Yokel Market located in downtown H'burg. My dear friend, Sha, turned me on to this place one day for lunch. We had a wonderful salad - the best anywhere - comprised of all Organic produce, all grown right here in Forrest County. It has a small salad bar, but you won't be disappointed. Then we went there another time and I had a Reuben sandwich. It is a meatless variety (not sure what they used), but it was to die for. If you are ever in downtown H'burg., you really owe it to yourself to try this food and then meander over and buy some locally grown fresh produce. They have a good variety of whole foods and you really can taste the difference. They also have grains and nuts that are bought in bulk, meaning it is a large container and you scoop out how much you need. The best damn peanut butter anywhere, that is ground right there (as a matter of fact, you do the grinding). A young couple own the joint along with the husband's sister. I enjoy organic food and really should restrict my diet to this, in light of some facts I want to share:

Hey y'all! First, let's have some bullet points provided by the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) that underscore why it's so important to support local food producers:

>Each year, the average American consumes 260 pounds of imported food.

>98.7% of foods imported into the U.S. are NOT inspected by the FDA for safety.

>Of the scant 1.3% of imported foods the FDA tests, over 200 shipments of grains, fish, vegetables, nuts, spice, oils and other imported foods are detained each month for issues ranging from filth to unsafe food coloring to contamination with pesticides to salmonella. The other 98.7% of untested food is immediately green-lighted for the American diet.

>The U.S. imports almost twice as much food today as it did just ten years ago, yet the FDA's budget for testing imports has been cut nearly in half since 2000.

Check out their site: The Yokel Market for more information. It also contains links to some fun stuff to browse. Who wants to go to lunch sometime??

Love and Peace!