He is riding on sleigh

I just had to post this picture. A true Blue New England Christmas. Will the post office get through? What about the big man in the sleigh?

Hope you and yours wherever you may be in this world have a happy and safe Christmas full of happy memories that have been in the past that take place in the present and what may come in the future!!!

Project

This is one of my favorite pictures of Daddy/Big Grampa/Dwight. He was in his happy place at the Ocean City condo on the beach with his Redskins hat. I am sorry that the picture is sideways, The original in Picassa is straight - weird that it uploaded on the side. But so it is!

I have taken on the challenge of converting the "slides" over to JPGs to view on the computer. This has been a big challenge and taken many hours and will continue. It is fun to see the pictures and as many of them were taken by Daddy, to see them through his eyes.

The Christmas photos are just about complete. I did not copy all of them as there are many similar shots. Daddy loved to take pictures and them be able to enjoy them over and over again. He loved the holidays and I think especially Christmas. We always had to load up the car and drive down to DC to see the National Tree- which by the way has often been from North Carolina.

As in German? tradition we would always go cut a tree but it was not to come into the house to be decorated until the 15th and then left up until the 15th of January. Through the years we were always required to be at home to decorate the tree- I dont think we complained too much. It was fun and we had cider or hot chocolate and gingersnap cookies - YUM!

Daddy loved to bake/cook and I have found memories of watching then helping and then in later years the roles were switched as we made the Christmas Stolen. The kitchen table was covered with flour and the massive loaves were rolled and rolled and them filled with fruits and nuts and then carefully placed in the oven to bake.

I do miss Daddy and am so glad that he taught us girls so much and I can see it in my adult life everyday.

So Daddy, at this time of year I raise my cider/Glug glass to you sir and wish you a very happy Christmas and to all family that read this to you I send the same. Family: take a minute to reflect on your memories if Daddy/Big Grandpa/Dwight and enjoy this holiday!

Heres to you! Skal!!!! EN skal till du en skal till vännerna och en skal till alla den söt flikarna

A little Southern Christmas Tale!

Bubba Claus Is Coming To Town

A new contract for Santa has finally been negotiated....Please read the following carefully.......

I regret to inform you that, effective immediately, I w ill no longer be able to serve Southern United States on Christmas Eve. Due to the overwhelming current population of the earth, my contract was renegotiated by the North American Fairies and Elves Local 209. I now serve only certain areas of Oregon , Nevada , Washington , Montana and California . As part of the new and better contract I also get longer breaks for milk and cookies so keep that in mind.
However, I'm certain that your children will be in good hands with your local replacement who happens to be my third cousin, Bubba Claus. His side of the family is from the South Pole. He shares my goal of delivering toys to all the good boys and girls; however, there are a few differences between us. Differences such as:

1. There is no danger of a Grinch stealing your presents from Bubba Claus. He has a gun rack on his sleigh and a bumper sticker that reads: "These toys insured by Smith and Wesson."

2. Instead of milk and cookies, Bubba Claus prefers that children leave an RC cola and pork rinds [or a moon pie] on the fireplace. And Bubba doesn't smoke a pipe. He dips a little snuff though, so please have an empty spit can handy.

3. Bubba Claus' sleigh is pulled by floppy-eared, flyin' coon dogs instead of reindeer. I made the mistake of loaning him a couple of my reindeer one time, and Blitzen now overlooks Bubba's fireplace.

4. You won't hear "On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen ..." when Bubba Claus arr ives. Instead, you'll hear, "On Earnhardt, on Wallace, on Martin and Labonte. On Rudd, on Jarrett, on Elliott and Petty."

5. "Ho, ho, ho!" has been replaced by "Yee Haw!" And you also are likely to hear Bubba's elves respond, "I her'd dat!"

6. As required by Southern highway laws, Bubba Claus' sleigh does have a Yosemite Sam safety triangle on the back with the words "Back off" The last I heard it also had other decorations on the sleigh back as well. One is Ford or Chevy logo with lights that race through the letters and the other is a caricature of me (Santa Claus) going wee wee on the Tooth Fairy.

7. The usual Christmas movie classics such as "Miracle on 34th Street" and "It's a Wonderful Life" will not be shown in your negotiated viewing area. Instead, you'll see "Boss Hogg Saves Christmas" and "Smokey and the Bandit IV" featuring Burt Reynolds as Bubba Claus and dozens of state patrol cars crashing into each other.

8. Bubba Claus doesn't wear a belt. If I were you, I'd make sure you, the wife, and the kids turn the other way when he bends over to put presents under the tree.

9. And finally, lovely Christmas songs have been sung about me like Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer" and Bing Crosby's "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." This year songs about Bubba Claus will be played on all the AM radio stations in the South. Those song title will be Mark Chesnutt's "Bubba Claus Shot the Jukebox" and "Grandma Got Run'd Over by a Reindeer."

Sincerely Yours,
Santa Claus(Member of North American Fairies and Elves Local 209

Memories Dim the lights please!

Ok after many hours of scanning the slides to jpgs I hope you will be able to enjoy this one. It should be playing music too!

I apologize if the font is too small to read the captions!

Its The Time of Year

In yet another box I came across these doilies that I was going to do something a few years ago but net did. Well, here its the time and so Angels we have heard on the ironing board singing gently for loved ones!

I have fond memories growing up of little glass angels ornements with spun glass wings and hair. I think Daddy brought them from Germany.

So here is my newer version of the angels - Don't laugh but the hair is from a "lady Godiva" wig from Halloween. Well OK, my hair did have an influence for these sweet angels!

Rejoice!

do these look familiar

Hey I was unpacking some old boxes and came across these flowers. These lovely flowers were my bouquet when we were married how many years ago?

dont know why the pic loaded sideways- it is correct in my Picassa photo album - sorry!

Black Friday - Cyber Monday

I was attempting to post a picture of the day after Thanksgiving for those of you readers who have not been privileged or had the gumption? to venture out in the early hours of the day after Thanksgiving to brave the cowds. Hmm is that a run on or just a big mouthful?

Anyway, I remember one year Sis came down to the land of the south and we went out to stand in line at the Walmart. It was cold, BUT we did stay on our focus and as soon as the doors opened we were to the electronics and two big tv boxes were secured and we went to stand in line. We had to sit the two young boys on top of the boxes as folks were attempting to take the boxes from us!

The boxes were so big we could not get them in the Expedition beast so we had to take the TVs out of the box!. Our TV lasted for a few years but one day it did not want to speak to us any longer.!

I did not get out at the crack of dawn but we braved the outlet mall on the way home from the coast a lovely Thanksgiving feast w/Bill's older sister and then later I did go and get in on the Joanne's sale. Hey fleece for $2.99 yard - great for Christmas gifts! And flannel for $1.49 - I had a great time and grateful to have most of my shopping over with - now to become joined at the pedal with my sewing machine!

Look forward to seeing the finished products! Cant show material because it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?

Time to run and cook some ribs on the grill - WHAT it is November!

Juliet

Holiday Crafty Decorations

Alright all you decorators out there check this out!

I was recently out with a friend and saw the Poinsetta topiary- way too much. I thought I can make that and I did- this is only a prototype but I think it looks very nice!!!

To get into the holiday spirit I also heard of a Tomato Cage Christmas tree - so of course I checked it out and had to make one too! Really Easy too invert the cage, tie the prongs together and run garland frorm top to bottom. I thought that two 9 yard lengths would be good but it really could stand for another.

Sorry To hear of the Fury Friends

Well, this has been a hard year not just for us but others as well. This year earlier we lost our sweet Princess and last week, Oscar left this earth. He is laying eternally beneath the azaleas in the front of the yard. He liked to sleep there.

I just found out that sister in law lost one of their own, Rocky and also father in law lost RC. These great family friends were lucky to live a long happy life and we will miss them.

It is still strange to walk into the bedroom and not see Oscar laying on the bed!

I leave this poem and picture of our Oscar in his fighting weight! Warning if you have lost a pet close to you, this poem might spot a tear. It does for me.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...

Virginia Outing

We met up with Dave and Karen and Chase in Virginia. We did one day at the theme park and the other day at Colonial Williams burg. Had a good time as you can see from the pics. Enjoy. I like the pics of Brothers in Time out and Cousins in time out!

The pic of David and Chase with the locals - check out the body accessory on the fine young lady. did not see the tattoo until after I snapped the photo! LOL

Pictures Here!

Fountain of Youth?

We have this natural spring that runs down in the front of our yard. I uncovered it a bit for Lars to drink from when he is out. Well with is running around in there and my trimming it back and back, it is really now easy to see. There is even a bank for him to sit at to drink although he would rather be sitting in the middle of the stream!
Crazy thing is part of Oscar's physical exercise , I take him outside- he is old you know!
The other day I took him- carried him down to the water for a drink. He liked it and now he yelps until we let him out at night and he stays down there all night. We have to go get him and bring him in in the am. He is eating more and is more social.
I tried an experiment with my mums. I brought the pots down and dropped them in the stream - they appear to be happier and fuller so I have taken to watering all my plants with this water.
Maybe I have come upon something here!
I will take a picture and post this!

What Are You Doing now??????

I thought I might take my job quest in a different direction- check this out!

http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=379346&altf=Kvmjfu&altl=Sfupsjdl

Working Hands Again???

Ok I am also friends with the RS president - like personalities. I am also Compassionate Service . We were talking about the blah of the RS room and decided we needed a floral decoration for the table. I also thought it would be nice to have one on the piano. I told her I would be on the lookout. I was dropping some stuff at the thrift store and there I saw this little ol arrangement begging to be taken away. I paid the $1 and was on my way. I stopped at the Dollar General and purchase two bushes of fall flowers. I took the basket home hit it with some gold spraypaint, placed in the flowers and walla! Not to bad!!1 Thanks to Auntie for helping me learn to arrange flowers. Notice my freshly mowed lawn in the background. It only took me 1 1/2 hours this time with the push mower and I was moving!

Yeah!!!!!!!!!

Cumberland County Fair - Montgomery County it Aint!

We went to the Cumberland County Fair last weekend. David won two free tickets for competing in a Guitar Hero contest! We've promised David we will plant to take him to the Montgomery County Fair one day. It was fun - to enter this fair you walked into the Event Center and there was to FFA display of chickens, hens and fowl inside. Also some cows and horses. Oh, we did not have to pay for parking.

The adrenalin junkies want to go straight to the midway and so we went. I have heard too many stories about the maintenance of the carnival rides so I went on the bumper cars only. I took pictures of the others. The tickets went fast as most of the rides were 5 or 6 tickets.

As you can see we did have fun. Found out later that both of the junkies were under the weather and you can tell on the one ride - David looks like he is going to hurl!

The last picture David thought he was getting his picture with the donkey - I saw the camel stick his head over and just had to get it instead!

Enjoy!

Look What I Can Do!

I went out with one of my new friends, Tonya, the other day. We are so much alike it is almost scary! We walked into a Michaels and as she was saying Oh I need to make a fall wreath I was thinking it! We even choose many of the same flowers. Such as it is as I was getting my ER and Grey's Anatomy last night- I put the wreath together. I was going to hang it on the wall behind the entertainment center - but it does not fit there. For right now it will keep my Viking company by the fireplace.

We did get alot of rain last night but thankly after I transplanted 60 lirape (sp) along the front of the embankment on our front yard. I planted them in a line right where the yard goes down towards the ditch. It will look much nicer in the spring. I also plan to plant yellow bulbs to come up in the spring there too. I am toying with the idea of putting some day lillies around as well. I just dug them up from the house in Greensboro - hey they have to be split anyway right?

I am going to go back to dig up the Japanese Maple and transplant it into a big whiskey barrel- need to find one first.

Enjoys!

Day At The Beach?

We both had a day off and decided to go to the beach while the boy went to school. We arrived and it was a bit balmy. The waves were crashing right below the fence line in this picture. We had to set up our chairs on the dunes. We settled in and noticed that there were three folks standing on the end on the walkway to the beach. We were asked to be a witness for the couple getting married.

We stood in and as the Justice of the Peach read the ceremony, I was reminded of the promises and commitments I had made several years prior. It was a nice day. We decided to go back the next day and the waves were not as rough- still yet we did not go in past our knees. If you did you got swept up the beach. David found out first hand it is wise to listen to mom and dad!

The last pic is a strange one- Nasturtiums and catus - only at the beach!!!!

Go for A Ride???

While we were unpacking the boxes Lars was not sure he liked the new house. He jumped in the front seat of the Crown Vic and we could not help ourselves to not take this priceless picture.

Ok you know I am a sucker for Lowes clearance plants - I can save them!! I rescued these mums. I replanted in these two pots and pulled off all the dead flowers. A few weeks later they are ready to pop open with new blooms any day now!

Made the Move!

OK, I am finally posting pictures of the new house. The picture of the front is taken at the foot of our driveway. You can see why David wants a riding lawnmower!
The master bedroom is downstairs - I really do believe it is about all in all including the walk in closet and master bathroom- the size of our first apartment when we moved to Gboro!
Upstairs is David's room and two other rooms - one being the bonus room. David is excited to have a room for his games systems and not be crammed into a small room like in the house in Gboro.
Most of the acreage is either in the front yard or on the side in woodsy. Lars loves to go and explore on the side.
The picture of the street is looking up our street. Oh how peaceful!!!
I will attempt to get some pics from the inside soon!

4th of July Parade

This will be the last parade we will see in Gboro so I thought I would take some and share. As a kid my sis and I marched in many a parade- Dad loved a parade and a band. The bagpipe band brings memories of the band that played up the street at the high school.

The dog is Casey and she is the mascot of the local baseball team. She runs the bases at the home games carry her bat. The little guy is being trained up so Casey can retire!

Love the Uncle Sam on the segway! Happy 4th to all!

New Countertops!

This was a big project and thanks to Lowes someone else installed them! It took four people to install them. They look great! I realized that I took the after picture before I painted the wall. It looks even better now! I decided to paint the cupboards too! Havent done that yet. Will post the pics of all the improvements later!

J

Sad News

We lost our sweet Princess Pup. David and I were shopping today and we sure did miss her today. She passed in her sleep two weeks ago. She will certainly be missed!

Fake or real? Little Man takes on the Padunka Dunk

OK - these flowers were found at my favorite store for silk flowers - amazing they look real!!!
Also here is a pic of Little Man after a hair cut. Looks much better and the best part--- it was his choice!!!!!

He took on a 2/3 pound Big Angus burger ( padunka dunk from Hardies) and finished!!!! Although now he is stating his tummy is a little sore!!!!!!

David Graduates 8th Grade!

This past week- David graduated from 8th grade. This graduation no cap and gown or tassel like in 5th grade. The one teacher who made the comment a few years ago when asked why we were going all out for graduation, his daughter also graduated with David. His comment was - that he thought that for some of the kids- the 5th grade graduation was the only graduation they would ever see.

I am proud to say that ALL of the kids that graduated from Brookes 5th grade and went to Mendenhall - ALL graduated 8th grade this past week.

Coincidentally - The teacher, John Phillips was sitting three rows ahead of me - Gee should I have gone up to say, " See John all these kids graduated no problems!" I did not!

Don't you just love his "smile? ( David) He did wear a tie for graduation - but the heat was unbearable!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Strawberries Anyone?

OK I saw Peach's post re the chocolate covered strawberries and I got an idea.

I went to pick strawberries at a local farm and I was reminded of the fun times we had growing up picking strawberries one for the basket one for me! This is the time of the year that we lost Big Grampa, my dad. I am sad and miss him BUT have fond memories of the good man he was.

So enjoy this picture and have a great day!

I have also included a few other pics of strawberry picking past!

Happy Memorial Day!