Magnolia Memories

2010-02-02T16:54:00.000-06:00

Where are you Spring?

2010-02-02T16:26:00.002-06:00

I'm starting to get Spring fever, and dreaming about the Azaleas and all other wonderful blooms to come. To me Spring represents a renewing of body, mind and spirit! All things new and the old shall pass away. We come out of winter hibernation searching for what?? The first should be a spiritual awakening. I pray that I will continue to live a life pleasing to my Lord.

I am sooo looking forward to good times with family and friends and maybe some travel. Will start to spend less time on face-book and enjoy more time with nature, maybe some beach walking and an island visit.

There is still a lot of re-building going on since Katrina 4 1/2 yrs ago. But still so beautiful here and so much to see and do.

For now will dream of warmer days and nights to come. Oh my... looking out a window I see beautiful yellow blooms on my Carolina Jasmine

oops, on pictures

2009-09-14T12:35:00.002-05:00

oops, these are not all on facebook. Some are favorites and some have wonderful memories. I'm still learning about scanning and posting pictures.

2009-09-14T11:59:00.005-05:00

my brother, sister & Unclegolfing with Al on Mother's Day

Danny, me & Al.. my 65th birthday

me & Morgan, my 65th birthday

me & Grant

Ken, before we were married and to think he wanted to go sailing in that stormy water. lol

Same day with Ken when a hurricane was threating

Ken took this pic on our 1st anniversary

beautiful sunset after a storm

hot air ballooning in Albuquerque

looks like I didn't want this pic taken.. haha

Sweet, sweet Kendall

End of Summer

2009-09-14T11:39:00.002-05:00

Now that Sept is going fast and we will soon be getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas, family and friends.. I always get some sadness about broken dreams and promises never kept.

However, the Fall of year has a way of cleansing like no other time of year. I look forward to happy reunion times with loved ones and friends. And the cool fresh air that only Fall can bring! I have enjoyed my summer with family and grandchildren. And now I can just smell a sweet potato and pumpkin pie in the oven!

My family visits from my sister, niece and nephew were nice. My sister has just come home from the hospital (after a 10 day) from knee replacement surgery. She had a hard time of it & I'm sooo grateful for the love and protection of God as He wrapped his arms around her.

My summer flowers still have some blooms & I'm looking forward to some fall flower bed re-doing and planting more flowers. The butterflies are fluttering around as well as the hummingbirds enjoying all that nectar.

I enjoyed my 65th birthday in August and pray I will have many more! Now time for me to get going with the exercise thing and daily chores.
Posting a few pics from facebook.

Summertime/ butterflies,dragonflies & hummingbirds and

2009-07-26T17:07:00.005-05:00

When I go outside.. I am intertained by butterflies, dragonflies and hummingbirds. The dragonflies are so interesting to watch with their 2 sets of wings. I see gold wings, blue wings, black wings. Sure are strange looking. I was visted by one yesterday while I was on the patio eating ice cold watermellon. Guess he wanted a taste:-) They do enjoy dipping in the bird bath. And the hummingbirds zip by so watch out. Sometime I think they will fly right in my face.
Nature's creatures are so carefree and a joy to watch.. very relaxing. I hope to get some pics to post soon.

I have a pork loin cooking with my fresh grown rosemary. Will cook brown rice and yellow squash. Trying to cook very healthy meals.
And my grean beans are growing, growing. Will be happy when I can pick enough to cook with new potatoes and ham.. yum

As a new week starts, I am reminded to leave all worries with God. Hard to do, so best to start small. Give one anxious thought to God, and watch for His faithfulness. Then, as larger worries come, give these to Him also. He can take care of them all, and He will! So don't worry.. Be Happy!

Day with sweet grandaughter

2009-07-21T19:18:00.003-05:00

What a nice day today.. made me smile. I had a project planned for today, but a phone call last night changed my plans. You see my Granddaughter Taylor Danielle wanted me to come to her house and hang out at the pool with her. I'm happy that at age 14 she still wants to be with her Grandmother:) Sooo I got up at 6 am, got a beef roast ready for the crock pot, got my swimsuit on and away I went.

We had so much fun and she talked a lot and I listened. She had to tell me all about her vacation trip last week to Destin, Fl. She will be a freshman going to high school and is a little nervous about it all. It seemed to help her to talk with me about things.
It was good to do my pool exercises and just be with her. She is so precious!! I washed my SUV after we got out of the pool. Then we came to my house for lunch. She is like me and would rather eat my home cooking than to get fast food. For dessert.. warm blueberry pound cake with 2 scoops of Blue Bell vanilla bean ice cream. She said you can't get this meal at fast food:)..She is so funny.
It is such a blessing to be a part of a grandchild's life. Children watch us and they begin to form their lives by what they see and how they live. I pray that I will always be a worthy Grandmother.

I heard this about Grace the other day..
Prat ice God's Grace that is given to us each day by living each day with: Gratitude, Humility and Compassion.
I am so very thankful for so much. And when I hear my son thanking me for cooking a meal and telling me how good it is.. I feel blessed to be able to cook a meal.. that I'm not in bed with a feeding tube and I can still walk and take care of myself. I feel so bad when I see someone with no legs or crippled in some way. I always say silent prayers for them.

Now I can see the same Gratitude, Humility and Compassion in my 3 Sons and Grandchildren. Being a parent.. esp. a single parent is not easy but having a wonderful Mother as a teacher has given me the tools to press on and never give up. Live is good.. live each day as though it will be your last. Let your love ones know how important they are and how much they are loved.

Summer days and summer nights

2009-07-16T21:14:00.004-05:00

I started Mon washing and cleaning after a 17 day visit from my Sister. I finished Tues by shampooing all the carpets and rugs in my house. I had planned to do the carpet with my Spring cleaning but got started on other projects. Whew.. I am tired now, but have a few more projects. Guess by winter I will be bored and have to go back to work. It's so hard for me to be still for very long. Guess old working habits are hard to break..ha, ha
My Sister gave me a break from cooking and it was nice to eat her cooking. Unfortunately, she has a bad knee that will require knee replacement so we didn't get to go a lot of places. But it was good to be together with one exception... she had her neurotic Yorkie dog with her. I soon found out that my allergies didn't like the situation so I had to take allergy pills while she was visiting.

We traded receipes, did a lot of praying and watched Momma Mia and a Yanni tape of his performance in Greece. My sister liked his music as much as I do. When I lived in New Mexico.. I had the opportunity to see him live. Awesome performer!
When life seems confusing.. look up and ask God what do you need to learn? Stay cool and hope your days are good. And that each day you will try to make God happy, living one day at a time.

Need a rain dance

2009-06-24T20:22:00.002-05:00

Wow, is it hot hot hot! It is steamy here in Ms and we sure need rain. I am staying inside as much as possible. Just got finished painting my kitchen and soooo glad it's finished. I'm getting too old for this sort of thing. My next project is sorting through pictures and putting in albums. A nice project for sitting indoors and staying cool:)
Today was my 1st born son's birthday. Too bad he is so far away in Va. It was soooo good to talk to him and he will be coming home this summer for a visit. I can hardly wait!! He wants some good seafood and we do have the BEST shrimp and seafood around. And maybe a trip out to one of the Islands that he grew up going to.
My Grandaughter Taylor spent the day with me Monday and we had a good time going through pictures. She will be going into the 9th grade next yr. Hard to believe how time just keeps on ticking away. You know TIME is a precious thing that we take for granted. I hope to continue to use all my TIME wisely and pray that God will give me many, many more days to enjoy.
For those who read this.. I hope TIME is being good to you. Blessings to all.

Oh what a wonderful day

2009-05-16T11:57:00.002-05:00

I hope all Mothers had a wonderful day! Mine was great. I attended a cookout at son Danny's house Sat evening and had a wonderful meal and relaxing around the pool till late in the night. The next day my son Al wanted to take me golfing. I was dreading it because I had not picked up golf clubs since Ken and I last played about 4 years ago. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to hit the ball. Much to my surprise; I did better than expected. Al was surprised and happy that his Mom did so well and was getting to play with him. It was our 1st golf outing together. He has just started playing the game and he said I did better than him at times. We both ended up with a good putt and had a time wiping the smile from our faces.We had so much fun. After golfing, he took me to Applebee's to eat.
My son John couldn't come from Virginia, but we expect to see him this summer. The cards my sons gave me made me cry (of course). They were so beautiful and I keep them each year. I have boxes of cards that I have kept through the years. Guess the boys will enjoy going through them someday when I'm not here.
Looks like rain this afternoon and I will do some trim painting inside. Gotta stay busy, ha ha
I think my boys read my blog, but they don't do the comments things.. ha..typical guys.
Blessings to all.

New visitor at my bird feeder and Mother's Day

2009-05-06T18:37:00.003-05:00

My, oh my.. what a surprise to see a pretty raccoon at my bird feeder. It was very entertaining to watch it eat the fallen seeds on the ground. You never know who your next visitor will be, ha ha,ha
We are geting some much needed rain around my house.
I am enjoying my aquatic classes. I'm also going to sign up for Yoga and Tai chi. It's a very nice place for us Seniors to keep in shape :) I'm also trying to stick to very healthy eating to keep this lady going strong!
It's so very important to take care of our body, mind and spirit. If we do that, then life is soooo much better for ourselves and those we love.

With Mother's Day fast approaching, I remember my sweet Mother and wish she were here to give me her special hugs and great time together. So I now give that special love to my 3 sons and grandchildren. I'm so thankful that my Mother was a good teacher. You know most Mothers never stop caring, loving, correcting or giving sound advice. After all that is what God made us to do even if our children don't always want to hear the things we say. My sons have all come to me and thanked me for being there with words of wisdom and never giving up. The thanks is all a Mother needs to keep on giving more of that love. Wouldn't you agree?
For those who still have their Mothers.. treat them with great respect, love and kindness. Life is short, make the most of it and don't worry.. be happy!

Roses, roses and more roses!

2009-04-27T11:36:00.002-05:00

Are your gardens ready yet? This year I got a head start and now I am enjoying all the blooms. From the front windows I look out and see lots of red roses blooming and various other flowers. However, the roses are sure putting on a show:)

When I am here in the back of the house I have a kaleidoscope of color and blooms. A yellow and red rose grafted together is just beautiful right outside my desk window. I am going to have to go cut some of these roses and bring inside. Guess the mircle grow is doing it's job along with a lot of help from God. My Easter lillies will be blooming soon. And my day lillies are blooming every day. Oh yes the confederate jasmine is filling the air with wonderful perfume! A person could get drunk on all the aromas.. ha ha I just love it all. Me and my flowers have a great time and my conversations with God seem to be much better when I'm in my gardens.

I found this and will share flower meanings. Of course we all know that the Rose means Love, Freesia is Trust, Carnations is Joy, Mint is Virtue, Sweet Basil is Good Wishes, Primrose is Youth, Ivy is Friendship, Pansy is for Warm Thought, Snowdrop is Hope, Jasmine is Grace and Rossemary is Remembrance.

My bird feeders are attracting some wonderful birds and I'm esp. enjoying the Indigo Buntins. The bright blue is so beautiful to look at. My nephew Stephen was here for the weekend recently and he tried to take a picture but the blue birds flew away. I will try and see if I can capture their beauty. The forest behind my house provides such a wonderful haven for all the birds and those pesky squirrels! I have a mockingbird nesting in my Wisteria vine over my swing. It will be nice to watch the babies hatch and fly away. I always worry for the little birds, but I know our Heavenly Father takes care of the birds just as He does us all.

Take time in your life to smell the flowers and enjoy the Spring before the hot Summer begins.
I gotta go fill up my hummingbird feeders. Blessings and God's peace to all.

Glorious Spring along the Ms. Gulf Coast

2009-03-12T12:22:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite times of year is finally here! My yard is beginning to burst with color from my Azaleas, Carolina Jasmine, Daffodils, Iris and lilies are getting buds. I spent 3 days cleaning out all my flower beds.. thank goodness for my indoor hot tub to massage my body. I had a guy come Mon and put mulch in all the beds to keep the weeds out. Thank goodness the yard work is done before the heat of summer begins! Now I can move on to other projects... some painting, garage and shop clean out. I hope to get all projects complete by May.

My sister came for a wk. visit the last wk of Feb. We had a great time and covered years of catch up. In addition, we did house hunting and found her a house within walking distance from my house! Everything came together and we both knew the hand of God was over it all. We think she has a buyer for her house in La. So if all goes well, she should be moving here sometime in April. I am so excited! We both have so much talent and we each said; look out for" sister power " We had some wonderful prayer time and sooo much fun. We had wine in the hot tub her 1st day here, laughed and talked about so much, then we were on the go the rest of the wk. And ended with a cookout at my son Danny's house. It was great to have my uncle, aunt, brother, sister-in-law, niece and her boyfriend. A great time for all. It makes you realize how important family is to you!

We are planning for our best high school friend living in Ca. to come for a visit. We 3 girls were like the Ya Ya sisters growing up :-)... having fun.. driving the boys crazy... going to the beach... dancing at the skating ring..ha, ha. But were not too bad and it will be great to walk down memory lane together!

It will be fun helping my sister Linda decorate her new house. And I have a contractor friend who is looking for houses to buy, redo and sell. He wants me to do the interior design and my sister can help me with the jobs. So it looks like my life will will filled with activity and fun! God always has a wonderful plan for our lives if we are patient and wait on Him to reveal it to us. God always heals a broken heart and brings sunshine to us if we have faith and trust our lives to Him.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Spring and receiving great blessings!

Cupid day

2009-02-11T11:30:00.004-06:00

Hope everyone is ready and prepared for the big "love day":) I hope cupid makes sparks in every heart.

I just have to tell this love story! Feb. 1st, my son Danny called to say I should call his Grandpa and wish him happy birthday. You see he turned 95 and still lives at home with his 93 year old bride! They have been married for an amazing 72 years! They are wonderful people and I was married to their son many years ago as a child bride. We had 2 amazing sons. My husband's parents continued to have a wonderful friendship and love for me that has lasted to this day. My boys would spend summer vacations in Illinois and Grandpa taught them to be very good golfers and Grandma always made favorite apple pies. Through the years they came for a visit each year. Their last visit to my home was about 8 years ago. They don't make the long drive any more.

When I called on Grandpa's birthday he was so excited to hear from me and put Julia on speakerphone so they both could talk. It was so inspiring just to talk with them. Grandpa still has his sense of humor and wanted to know if I still had "that dark hair" and just as pretty. He sure made me laugh. It was good to walk down memory lane with them and they want me to come for a visit. For breakfast.. they eat oatmeal 1 day and eggs the next day rotating through the wk. And with Grandpa's sense of humor.. said and we still make love every day:) My reply was .. that is wonderful.. keep on eating oatmeal and eggs and you'll live to be 100.

They have always considered me as their daughter in law.. even though their son deserted me for another woman in Chicago when I was pregnant with our 2nd son. I knew they couldn't help what their son had done and I never let it affect my relationship with them. They continued to give their love, time and support to me and even to my youngest son from a 2nd marriage. They treated him as their own grandson and he loves them to this day and wants to go with me to see them. They always gave love and respect to me and I gave back love and respect to them that has lasted for 47 years. This is an example of lasting love between families.

During my last visit with them.. they sat on my couch close to each other and held hands and they were in their 80's at that time! I hope all who reads this will have this kind of love story for all to see.

Sometimes a bad love will force you to leave it but God's love is beyond human understanding and will never leave you.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

So this Valentine's day.. hold your dear ones close.. be good to and respect each other and above all be honest and true. A recipe for lasting love. And some yummy chocolate might help out :0) :-)

Weather is teasing me

2009-01-24T11:19:00.002-06:00

I guess the weather here just wants to tease and entice us to get outside. Are you as tired of the cold as I am? My garden gloves are calling me to come out and plant flowers! ha, ha, ha However, it looks like rain but just maybe I can get out between rain drops.

Last Spring it was a new patio that me, Al and a good neighbor built. Now this year.. I started on a project yesterday to dig up older plants across my back fence. They have never done well since Katerina, so out they go. I will replace them with an assortment of evergreen things. I just love to create and design things and for the most part things turn out nice. I am so thankful for that gift and talent from God. I have a few plants that I will relocate in the yard. You know that's the way a garden grows.. you have to move things around to suite the plants. I always start early and my goal is to be finished with all outside projects before Easter. I can then enjoy Easter and Mother's day. I should have lots of company this year and plan to travel some myself.

Good news to me that my sister plans to move back here from Louisiana. She is coming for a visit next month and stay for a week. We will have great fun house hunting and going and doing things! My sister , Linda is 16 months older than me and looks more like our Irish Grandmother. She is short, I am tall, she has brown eyes, I have blue-green eyes. I took after my Daddy and my Mother's Italian Father.
My sister likes to cook, sew, etc and I like the outdoors. She did tell me that she planted a garden one year and got lots of veg's. Her husband is retired Air force and has health problems so it will be good for them to be close to KAFB and the VA hospital.

I found this poem that I love and at this time in my life it just seems to fit. Things seem to find their way to you when you need to hear. I will share .. maybe someone else will get something from it also.

After a While

by Veronica A. Shoffstall

After a while, you learn the subtle difference

Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning

And company doesn't mean security

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts

And presents aren't promises,

And you begin to accept your defeats

With your head up and your eyes open

With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,

And you learn to build all your roads on today

Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.

And futures have a way of falling down in mid flight.

After a while, you learn

That even sunlight burns if you get too much.

So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,

Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure...

That you really are strong.

And you really do have worth.

And you learn and learn...

With every goodbye, you learn.

Oh, I see sunlight.. gotta go get my garden gloves on.. God seems to be closer in my gardens :-)

New day, New year

2009-01-06T12:34:00.004-06:00

Al and Danny

Me, Danny (son), Donna Lynn(niece), Mark (nephew)

Well, here we go with another year ahead! New days, new nights, new beginnings. The old year has passed away and the slate is clean for all things new.

I don't know about you, but I get excited about a new year. I start thinking about changes I need to make with myself and I dream of the things to come.

My new year lunch began with the black eye peas, cabbage, sweet potatoes and chicken. Can you tell I'm from the glorious South:-) I did stay up to watch the ball drop in New York.

I'll share the Fruit of the Spirit and what it means to me.

Love: seeks the highest good of others

Joy: gladness not based on circumstances

Peace: contentment, unity between people

Patience: slow to speak and slow to anger

Kindness: merciful, sweet, and tender

Goodness: generous and open hearted

Faithfulness: dependable, loyal, and full of trust

Gentleness: humble, calm, and non-threatening

Self-Control: behaving well

_Galatians 5:22,23

I hope everyone will have a blessed, healthy, and Happy, happy New Year! I have a preview of Spring with my Sweet Olive shrub and Carolina Jasmine blooming and the wonderful fragrance. And I can almost smell the Gardenia, Roses and Lily's that will be blooming in the Spring.

So stay warm and healthy. I hope this New Year will bring out the best in Me and You too!

Christmas receipes

2008-12-21T09:02:00.003-06:00

I made this cake recently for my Grandson's birthday and everyone is requesting it for Christmas. It's wonderful for chocolate lovers! And a good snack to have around to munch on is dj's King Crunch.

Best- Ever Chocolate Cake

3/4 c. butter
3 eggs
2 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda

3/4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 c. sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 c. milk

1. Allow butter & eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 min. Lightly grease bottoms of (3) 8 x 1 1/2 round cake pans. Line Line bottoms of pans with waxed paper. Grease & lightly flour waxed paper & sides of pans.

2. Preheat over to 350. In medium bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, & salt; set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating on medium speed for 3 - 4 min. till well mixed. Scrape side of bow, continue beating on medium speed for 2 min. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each egg (about 1 min. total). Beat in vanilla.

4. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to beaten mixture, beating on low speed just until combined after each addition. Beat on medium to high speed for 20 seconds more. Spread evenly in prepared pans.

5. Bake for 30 to 35 min, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pans for 10 min. Remove from pans and peel off waxed paper. Cool completely on wire racks.

6. Prepare chocolate frosting; fill and frost cake layers. If desired, top with chocolate curls or Christmas sprinkles. Store cake in refrigerator. Makes 12 - 16 servings.

Chocolate Frosting: In a large saucepan, combine one 12 oz. pkg semisweet chocolate pieces and 1/2 cup butter; heat over low heat until melt stirring often. Cool for 5 min. Stir in 8 - oz carton dairy sour cream. Gradually add 4 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar, beating on medium speed until mixture is smooth.

This may seem difficult but it's not and well worth the compliments you will get!

dj's King Crunch

1 box(regular size) golden grahams cereal
1 jar (unsalted) peanuts
1 can potato sticks (shoestring potatoes)
1 pkg almond bark

In large bowl, mix all the ingredients together. Melt the almond bark (in the microwave) according to the directions on the back of the pkg. Mix the almond bark with the dry ingredients. (I use my hands to mix all to ensure better coating of the almond bark on the dry ingredients).
Once everything is mixed together, pour mixture onto 2 cookie sheets lined with foil or wax paper. Place the cookie sheets in refrigerator for 10-15 min. Remove from refrigerator and break the mixture apart and enjoy!
Note: if you can't find the large pkg of almond bark; you could use about 4 pkg of white chocolate chips. I store in gal. zip lock bags and take out what you need for self or guest.

Christmas Time

2008-12-18T21:38:00.030-06:00

Peaceful night light

Angels we have heard on high

This arrangement is in honor of my Mother.. she and Jesus share the same birthday Dec 25. Her Italian Father named her Mary Christine and called her Christina

I started this arrangement when Taylor was so small that she had to stand on a small stool to see. She had to touch everything and talk to all the things in the arrangement.

Wise men at the birth of Jesus

Santa is checking his list and Taylor Danielle used to always look to see that her name was on the list!

round & round we go

Table setting

Alpine trees that I call my 3 sons trees

Red bow tree with my hand painted wood ornaments

Arrangement in my indoor patio/hot tub/spa room

table in patio/hot tub/spa room

Christmas tree in patio/spa room

Rudolph is ready to go

Come on Santa, don't just sit there.. let's go

flower arrangement

flower arrangement in sun room

table for Santa & his helper to have cookies and milk

One of my favorites that I keep on the table all year

fireplace with Al's stocking.. gotta to find mine to put up

This Christmas tree is 37 years old, can you believe. I have changed the decorations at times & I guess it will outlive me.

coffee table in the living room

Well, as Elvis would say "It's Christmas time pretty baby.. you be a good little girl cause Santa Claus is back in town". No one can sing it the way he does.

As you can tell from the pictures.. Christmas is my favorite time of the year and as was my Mother's. She always encouraged me to decorate and she was like a child loving it all. Even though it takes me longer as I get older to decorate my house for Christmas, I keep on each year for my Mother's sake and the grandchildren and friends who enjoy seeing it all. After days of putting it all together like painting scene after scene.. I sit down, listen to my collection of Christmas music, have my cry; look to the heavens and say "Merry Christmas Mother.. I hope you like it. And I just know she does :)

Traditions are important in families and we all have different ones. I now have the family gathering on Christmas eve to eat, be merry and open gifts. On Christmas day I go with the flow and let the day unfold as it may. As our children grow and have their own families.. they begin new traditions and still find some time for the old traditions they grew up with. Sometimes we want to hold too tight to the old ways instead of being excited about something new.

This will be my Christmas prayer at our gathering and I hope all who read this will be blessed as well.

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds and the wisdom of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, for Jesus sake.

We thank God for His Mercy and Grace and ask for complete healing for Mikaslyn Larsen and Kendall King. Amen

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!! :) :)

A wonderful friend

2008-12-10T22:21:00.003-06:00

Dottie and Marie

I have been so busy with the decorating and baking cookies to mail to my son in Va. and to Ken and Kendall in Tx. So I took time to enjoy 2 wonderful friends. Marianne invited me to lunch Tues and Marie invited me today. I have had 2 great days with wonderful friends! I forgot to get a pic of Marianne.

Marie is of my best friend's that I have known for over 20 years invited me to lunch and to spend some time together before she starts her new job at the state capital in Jackson, Ms.

Marie is such a wonderful Christian friend. The lunch was yummy and cozy in the restaurant even with all the rain outside. Afterward we came back to my house for hot tea and my homemade cookies. She wanted to see all my Christmas decorating. It took me 4 days to put it all together. I will take pictures and post later. We had a great afternoon walking down memory lane.

Good friends are so important in our lives because they love us unconditionally and will always be there if we should need them. I will post more later.. getting sleepy gotta go crawl in my warm bed.

BE THANKFUL

2008-11-24T19:07:00.002-06:00

Turkeys, ham, cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes, yummy veg's and desserts, desserts and more. How can you not be thankful? I started today baking delicious, healthy oatmeal raisin cookies with pecans. I took a plate to neighbors across the street and they disappeared instantly. I will change up and put chocolate chips instead of raisins next.
Tomorrow I will make more cookies and Wed. will make a cake and pies. Once I start, I tend to go crazy baking and cooking. Guess it comes from feeding those 3 boys of mine and all their friends and my family. I will post a recipe for beef, ham and turkey rollups that are great for appetizers. You can make ahead and it will keep in the frig. for about 2 wks. I will include my DJ's King crunch. I made this a few yrs ago while we were in San Diego and it seemed to be a hit!

I will share my thoughts for all that I am thankful this Thanksgiving.

First and foremost I am so very thankful for life, my amazing 3 sons, grandchildren, other family members, dear friends and my home.
I am so thankful for God's love, mercy and grace that He bestows to me daily.
I am thankful to live in a free land and for our troops who insure this freedom for us. God bless them all and for those who have given their lives.
I am thankful that we didn't have a major hurricane here on the beautiful Ms Gulf Coast.
I am thankful for my extended King family. They are all so very precious to me.
I am thankful that I have eyes to see God's beauty, ears to hear someone's concerns or troubles or beautiful music, legs to keep me moving moving, and hands to do my work.

Last year my son Al and I started the day out by going to fix plates of food for the needy. We will do the same this year and later enjoy a good meal with family.
I hope each of you reading this will have your own list of Thanks and keep those things in your heart each day of your life. When we keep ourselves in a thankful mode.. then we don't allow the ups and downs of life to bring us down. Life is a journey that we share with many along the way. Make it an unforgetable one... be good, do good, enjoy the journey and be thankful! :)

Kumquats anyone?

2008-11-20T21:12:00.002-06:00

Ever tasted kumquats? They are delicious.. You eat the whole thing except the seeds. They taste similar to a manderin orange. I planted this tree about 8 years ago and it has produced lots of fruit every year. I was amazed that Katrina didn't wipe it out. It was loaded with fruit at that time and not a single fruit was lost. It is one tough little tree. I just love it and enjoy sharing the fruit with others. I picked a bag full yesterday and there is still more to pick. The fruit ripens right before Thanksgiving each year and I like to stuff some in the turkey before baking, yum!

Next week Taylor Danielle will be out of school so I will be doing the Momma Dottie baking cookies, pies and a cake with my sweet grandaughter. What a treat for me to get grandmother time and maybe I'll be teaching her something good. She has grown up so fast to become a beautiful, smart and talented young lady. For that.. I am thankful :)

Miss Dixie Doodle

2008-11-20T20:54:00.002-06:00

Well, this is Miss Dixie Doodle. This is as close as I have for a baby in my life. She is a sweet turtle. Since my son Al saved her from hurricane Gustav, she has become a part of our lives. And as usual.. Mom does her share of taking care of her. This is my 1st experience with a turtle!

Watching her grow and move slow for the most part has taught me to do just that! Slow down and embrace life.. enjoy the sun, look at the flowers. You know we can learn so much from nature and that is right up my alley since I am such a nature lover.

Peaceful fountain and lots of Angel trumpets

2008-11-20T20:27:00.003-06:00

This is such a peaceful place to read and soak up some sun and gulf breeze. The date is wrong on the camera.

I just had to show off my Angel trumpet plant. It was so pretty a couple of weeks ago until the recent frost got it. Yes, we have frost here on the Golden Gulf Coast! Lucky for me that the plant comes back in the Spring.

Dixie Doodle and boo time

2008-10-30T20:24:00.005-05:00

Well, the turtle we rescued from Gustav is still with us and growing at a slow pace.. I tried to convince Al to let the pet shop have it but he wanted to keep it.. And I thought I was well over the pet stage that my 3 sons had through the years. a big ha, ha:)
We took the baby turtle to the pet store and they told us it was a girl so Mom had to come up with a name and "Dixie Doodle" it was! I have to admit.. she is very cute and no trouble. I'll take a pic and post later.

Happy Halloween to all. Don't let the witches get ya!! I'm posting a recipe that I think you might enjoy and so easy.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Ingredients:

1-box yellow cake mix

1-large can pumpkin pie mix

1-8 oz can evaporated milk

2-eggs

1-stick butter (melted)

2-small pkg. pecan halves

Mix pumpkin pie mix with eggs and evaporated milk. Pour into large baking dish. Crumble dry cake mix over the top, drizzle with melted butter, garnish with pecan halves.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven until brown. Approximately 45 min. Sprinkle small amount of powdered sugar on top if you like or add a dollop of whipped cream and enjoy. Yummy, yummy in my tummy!!

Pretty little faces

2008-10-16T13:44:00.002-05:00

Oh those pretty little faces in the pansy flowers! I just love planting the pansies and watching them grow. The colors are so bright and bold and such a strong little flower. And the cold doesn't bother them at all!
I had an enjoyable day with my grandaughter, Taylor Danielle on Mon. since she had a day off from school. She bacame my assistant as I planted flowers and we had some interesting conversations. My goodness, how a 13 yr old can lift your spirits and laughter fills the air. It is so refreshing to talk about everything from politics to where we will live in heaven. And when the wheel came off my little garden cart I sit on to do my weeding and planting... we both laughed at the possibility that I could go rolling down the hill.
Time flies with our own children and before you know it time also fiies with our grandchildren and those pretty little faces become beautiful young people inside and out. And so it goes.. time just keeps on rolling along..
Let's take a breather from politics, the financial woes of the country..whose to blame and who is not.. and plant a flower, dream with your grandchildren, have fun and breath in life's joy in your own little part of the world!

Dewdrops and Thunderbirds

2008-10-05T18:46:00.003-05:00

What, you might say does dewdrops and Thunderbirds have in common? Yesterday in the early morning light, dewdrops were hanging there ready to fall from my pretty pot plant. It was so interesting to watch the dewdrops drop away and I just had to touch a few.

Later in the day my son, grandson and myself took a ride out to KAFB to the golf course. I watched as they were hitting golf balls. Father teaching son... a leftie grandson and right handed Father. It was interesting to see how quickly Justin got the swing of it.

On the way back we saw several antique cars coming in for Crusin' the Coast. We stoped and my eyes turned to a Thunderbird and the owner was wiping off the last drops of water. It just had to be a favorite of mine because the 1st auto I owned was a white T-Bird. I must have washed and waxed it every week! ha,ha I wish I had it now. I just love those old cars. And just like the dewdrops on my plant.. I wanted to touch the water drops on that T-bird and go back to a simpler place in time. I was touched by memories of that great time with my 1st auto.

Memories are an important part of our lives and become the history that makes us who we are today. What kind of memories do we continue to create? Let's create good memories because in the end .. that is all we have to take with us.

Enjoy the Fall air, colored leaves and touch some dewdrops! Blessings to all and stay healthy!

New Southern Ladies Club

2008-09-26T11:42:00.002-05:00

You know ladies, we like to talk things over, hear details, solve problems & etc; things that most men don't understand.

So I am putting together a "Southern Magnolia Ladies Club"! We will meet 1 day a week for coffee, juice or tea and pot luck lunch afterward. At such time we will discuss Bible text, issues of the world and pray for each other and others that we know. We will share ideas, recipes, flowers, friendship and wisdom.
We are also planning on a monthly " ladies day adventure" for short trips of site seeing, shopping, movie reviews, etc. You know... the things that ladies like to do.
You know, even though the men in our lives are important... ladies still need that "Venus thinking friendship" that only other ladies can understand. We can all bring something of value to the table.

I came across this by Henry David Thoreau:
"Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of each other." See there are many men who are a Prince among men. I love his thoughts.

Let's build a " good influence " support around us so when life gets you down.. you have goods friends to lift you up!

Grasshopper story

2008-09-24T11:27:00.000-05:00

Those who know me, know that I have this thing about outside critters, Ha, ha
I was so prepared to whack this grasshopper because he was on one of my nice pot plants. But nooo my youngest son Al wouldn't hear of it. He let it get on his finger. Holding it for me to see as I was peering out the door ready to run. He said see "Mom he's not hurting anyone". I finally convinced him "see he's eating my plant". So he took it to another green plant that I didn't care about.
Lesson here: When things scare you, you don't always need to run away. Just face it and find a simple solution. Life is full of scary things to deal with; but face it we must and we always discover it wasn't so scary after all... even huge grasshoppers. So let's leave the hopping around in life to Mr. Grasshopper.

For in our stillness, we find the comfort, joy and peace of God.

2008-09-21T14:46:00.000-05:00

Al and Mr. Grasshopper

Kimberly, Danny and Taylor Danielle

Justin and Morgan

Morgan and Justin

2008-09-21T14:36:00.000-05:00

2008-09-21T14:17:00.000-05:00

More pictures

2008-09-21T13:46:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to add more pictures to my blog spot . This is my #1 Grandson Heath and his sweetie. They were celebrating his birthday in Fl. Cute couple, don't you think!

Surprise, it's alive

2008-09-20T15:10:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness the Knockout Tree Rose is still alive! After putting it off most of the day; I finally took the shovel to dig up my favorite rose. A closer look and there was a small growth of green down on the trunk. Since I'm sooo sentimental.. I began to boo, boo. Then I cut off the old dead branches, got my watering can filled with fertilizer and watered down deep into the roots. Now I'll leave it alone and see what happens.
Guess the lesson here is never give up on living things! Just when you think it is gone, life springs forth.
Got a favorite thing in your life.. hold on to it because it just might bring you joy again.

drink your juice for inside, outside health http://www.thegreatproduct.com/HealthyWayToLive

Autumn reflections

2008-09-20T10:27:00.000-05:00

A reminder to all that The Autumn season turning to Fall begins Monday, 22. The mornings and evenings are cool and a joy to be outside among nature.
After a early cup of coffee outside, I looked and saw that my Rosemary plant with it's pretty shape needed my attention! It had received some stress from hurricane Gustav and had dead branches. While I was pruning away.. thoughts came into my mind. Pruning & fertilizing is necessary for new growth to begin. So it is with life as well!
As I went to the front yard, to my dismay.. a tree rose called Knockout had died. It was given to me as a Valentine gift by a special person in my life several years ago. It had weathered hurricane Katrina & was pulled back up to thrive. It gave passersby joy as they always made nice comments about my yard being the prettiest in the neighborhood. I had tried hard to save it to no avail. There is always a sadness when any living thing dies but we can remember the joy it brought.
Lets go into the Autumn season and prune away the things that bring us down, (release the bad habits, relationships, fear & etc). Fertilize our minds with the word of God. Allow joy to come and wash away the disappointments of the past. Gather up your blessings and begin the Thanksgiving season early. Clean out the clutter as you would clean up the fall leaves.
Happy Autumn season! Be so thankful for God's Love, Mercy & Grace. Be good, do good and be kind to all. I have to go now and dig up that dead Rose.

Whew

2008-09-04T10:50:00.000-05:00

We dodged the bullet with this hurricane. Had a limb on my fence in the back, but no damage. Just a lot of leaves and small limbs to clean up. Boy, am I sore today! I feel so sorry for the others along the Ms. coast that received a lot of damage.
Now we have another one, Ike to stress about. I think I will pack and leave if this one heads to the Ms gulf coast. I'm glad I'm drinking my good health juice. check it out http://www.thegreatproduct.com/HealthyWayToLive
It's hard to eat or drink the required number of fruits and veg's during and esp. after a hurricane. So that is why Mona Vie is so very important to keep us healthy!

Ready and waiting, waiting

2008-08-31T12:36:00.000-05:00

It is around 12:30 pm as I write this and about 24 hrs before landfall for this nasty hurricane! As it looks now, it will hit La. However we are being reminded how fickle hurricanes can be and usually turn to the left. And that would not be good for us. For all areas along the beach front rd. have mandatory evacuation. We will at the least get tropical or cat. 1 winds, storm surge up to 10-15 ft, and 5-12 in. of rain and power outage. And there is the dread of tornadoes (my big fear). It will be a long night and I hope to sleep. Please keep us in your prayers.
As I was getting ready to go to the store this morn. for last min. things.. Al called out for me to come to the front door. He had rescued a new baby turtle on the sidewalk, lost from his Mother. Soooo, with Al being the caretaker that he is; we had to get a big bowl to keep the baby turtle until the storm is over. Now Al has something to keep his mind off the storm.
As I look out the window, the birds are flitting around, searching for food and the butterflies are drinking nectar from the flowers as though they know what's coming! You know we learn so much from nature .
I will go and finish washing all the clothes and do some cooking while we have power. I will bake some blueberry muffins, some oatmeal cookies, potato salad and fry some fresh trout caught by son Danny. For me keeping busy will help keep me calm.

Oh no Gustav

2008-08-29T09:50:00.000-05:00

Looking at the weather reports is necessary but scary these days! Needless to say, we here along the Ms Gulf Coast are nervous. As our Gov. said; plan for the worst, and pray for the best. As for me, I am praying, praying, praying. And will be doing all the necessary things Sat. to move and put inside all outside things. We don't like moving our stuff, but a necessary thing to do.

Two more nice surprises on my birthday.. hearing from my two grandsons. John Michael called from Va with wishes. It was so good to hear from him. He will be starting his Jr. year in high school and so hard for me to believe. He will be driving himself to school in his truck with money he saved to buy it himself. I'm so proud of him.

I spoke to Heath Matthew while he was on his way to class @ UA in Mobile. He is taking 15 credit hrs. and working part time. He is so independent, grounded and dedicated to getting his college degree. Then I guess he will work in the medical equip area and pursue anesthetist This Grandmother is so very proud of these amazing young men!

Echoes

2008-08-26T09:36:00.000-05:00

I thought I would sleep late on my b'day, but noooo I got up at 6:15 ready to see the day.I went to the coffee pot and saw a sweet note from son # 3 saying Happy Birthday Mom Love you Al, have a good day. After smiling.. I went out to get the newspaper, got my coffee and headed out to the patio. I listened to the sounds of the birds.. a mockingbird was just a talking and then echoes from another and another waking up to start their day, just like me! I read my daily devotional; good advice about bad memories. When bad memories tramp through your heart.. I ask dear Lord that You shake them in the sunlight of Your love. Then may the gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit blow them all away - never to be found again. Great advice and I centered my mind on my blessings and began to offer to God all that I was thankful for!
Later reading the paper I read this about character types: People with great minds talk about ideas. People with average minds talk about things. People with small minds talk about other people. Lets strive to be people with great minds full of ideas and possibilities.
As I was reading, I kept smelling a familiar scent and went to see beautiful gardenias blooming around the corner with their flawless white blooms and heavenly smell. Well, I was convinced the blooms were just for me, ha ha I quickly picked a bouquet and have them sitting on my desk. My favorite room (sun room) is filled with the scents of gardenias and the beautiful bouquet that I received from John & Sheila yesterday. Boy, am I in heaven!!
Then the 1st call of the day, a friend's birthday wish before leaving on a trip to Argentina, a birthday song from Shelia in Va, then another friend's call, then #2 son's call, then another friend, then another. Whew.. what a blessed start to my day:) In reading again the card from my best childhood friend in Ca. about friendship till we are old and grey (maybe never unless the bottles run dry) ha, ha, ha; I am filled with joy and appreciation for the family and dear friends in my life.
I am reminded again about echoes.. a Mother's constant reminders about life, making right choices, do this, don't do that, etc, etc. I guess we will be forever echoes in our children's ears. B'day card from # 3 son had The Circle of a Mother's Love: cheering... loving... guiding...helping...encougaging...inspiring...listening. This is one Mom that knows that being constience paid off with 3 amazing sons.

Birthday gang

2008-08-25T22:10:00.000-05:00

Well, here we are.. all another year older and very thankful. The date on the camera is wrong. It's strange how it worked out that our birthdays are each 5 days apart starting with Al 8/16, Danny 8/21 & me 8/26. I am so grateful for my 3 sons and family. The only one missing is John from Va. He called this evening to see if I received the flowers and cards from him and Sheila. Quoting him.. every day is a good one, some days are just better ones! So today was a real good day and tomorrow will be a better one. I thank God for all blessings given unto me.

Birthday Mom, Taylor & Al

2008-08-25T16:07:00.001-05:00

The date on the camera is wrong. I think I have since corrected the problem. This was taken on Sat 8/23 at the party for me , Danny & Al to celebrate all our birthdays.

Beautiful Flowers

2008-08-25T15:57:00.000-05:00

Oh my, what a nice surprise today! Beautiful flowers from my son in Virginia. This has truly brightened up a dreary day. and now the sun is starting to come out, yea!!!! All is well.. Just opened more birthday cards that make me smile and be thankful for my friends and family.

Good coffee

2008-08-25T08:46:00.000-05:00

Yum, my coffee taste good on this stormy Mon. morn. As I look out my window.. I'm reminded of storms by a large broken tree limb that broke off yesterday while we were at church. Knocked out power for awhile, according to the neighbor who called the power co. Thank goodness the power was on when I arrived home.

As I look at the large tree limb just hanging there; I wonder why it fell.The wind didn't appear to be too bad. Guess the branch was just weak from Katrina.. who knows? I'm very thankful that it didn't hit my wood fence since fences are not covered by ins now..so sad, too bad.

The tree limb reminds me of our lives at time.. sometimes a weak branch has to fall away to provide for new growth. And growth is good at any age :).

Since I love flowers, the birds and all of nature; just couldn't resist getting this patented rose bush that grows red and yellow roses from the same bush! I planted it outside my window from my desk and can now have a lovely view, along with all the other flowers and plants. A red rose is limp from the rain, but a new yellow rose looks very happy.

I hope all of you are having good coffee and making the most of a stormy day. Take time for reflecting, be good to yourself and stay happy and healthy.

Ask me about the amazing health juice I make a part of my daily life or visit my web site www.thegreatproduct.com/HealthyWayToLive.

To please Taylor

2008-08-23T21:46:00.000-05:00

The cook-out was wonderful. Kim did a wonderful job on the pulled pork. She said she was up till 1am pulling the pork loin. I laughed when she told Danny that he wasn't going to bed until she did. And he said ok.. by the time her work in the kitchen was done Danny boy was sleeping in his recliner.. just like a man, huh?//
The ice cream cake I brought was wonderful and Kim had bought a yummy butter cream cake from a bake sale at the hospital. It was Paula Dean's recipe yummmeee. I love that lady on the food network.
The pool looked inviting but we all went into the pool house & watched tv. Danny & Taylor played a video race car game. Al took a nap & Kim & I did the girl talk. Funny story about a guy coming into ER. A fun day for all.
I wonder where my boys get the birthday cards that touch their Mother's heart and make me cry. Such sweet guys.
Taylor was looking at my blog and my new business web site and she said "oh can you put a pic of me & you on?" I promised that I would learn how. Sooo Ms Taylor Danielle this is for you, sweet pea!
We came home with cake left and Al always wants to share.. so he took some to the neighbors. He has such a big heart. The neighbor has a mentally disabled son who is so sweet and Al has gotten close to him. So he wanted to take ice cream cake to him.
My bed is calling me and I must go. Good night all and God Bless.

2008-08-23T21:37:00.000-05:00

Rain, rain go away

2008-08-23T11:34:00.000-05:00

The wind is blowing and swaying through my weeping willow tree. Pleasent to look at. Getting ready for lots of rain from Fay since we are under tropical storm warning. I pray we can get through till Nov when the hurricane season is over! I'm sure the wind surfers are having a blast at the beach! I'll be laeving shortly to go to my Danny's house for big cook out.. pulled pork and all the fixins! Hope the rain will stay away till we get back home. We may have to dash into the pool house. Danny and Kim made a good choice to put in the pool and Pool house. Taylor and her friends have enjoyed it so much. Danny enjoys the pool house for a nice get-a-way to watch golf or football. His sign saying "it's 5 o'clock somewhere is cute".
I don't know how to do the picture thing yet.

Wonderful child

2008-08-22T14:58:00.000-05:00

Hey everbody.. Please check this out on my blog. Click on what's this about.. read and let it touch your heart. Pass this on to everyplace you eat that have menu's. You can make a difference in a precious little girl's quality of life. Thanks and blessings to all.

2008-08-22T11:16:00.000-05:00

Correction to web site
www.thegreatproduct.com/HealthyWayToLive

2008-08-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

It is a good morning! I have success on my web site www.thegreatproduct.com/HealthyWayToLive and life is good.
Just celebrated my 2nd son's birthday yesterday. And my big day is approaching on Aug. 26. I will be celebrating with a big cook-out planned for me. Nice to be waited on. There are great benefits when the kids get grown.Gotta go for now.

2008-07-26T11:52:00.000-05:00

Well it Sat morn & I have been busy with the house clean thing, ugh..It is hot and humid here in Mississippi. No better place to live. I drink my health drink Mona Vie every morning . Gives me great energy and is all natural and great for the body at any age! Will be going to see a cajan band tonight for some r&r.
I hope all have a wonderful blessed day!

Fruits, fruits and more fruits

2008-07-22T22:03:00.000-05:00

Have you all had your 9 fruits today? I know it seems to get harder to stay on course to be healthy at any age.
I have discovered a way to get all those fruits we need.