bcp..... My Life

No,, you can't have him!

2012-01-03T19:41:00.001-06:00

My sweet husband did most of our Christmas decorating this year. First he did our front door wreath.

No,, you can't have him!

And then, the mantel.....maybe not what I would have done, but you can

surely believe that it stayed that way all thru the holidays!

No, you can't have him!

Come visit:

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com

Wow us Wednesdays

Lighten up!

2012-01-03T16:38:00.001-06:00

The past few months have been and continue to be hard. Situations that I don't know if I'll ever be able to write about. So in the mean time I am going to lighten up!

Recently I was shopping around at one of my favorite stores, T.J. Maxx. Looking for nothing in particular. I spotted some nail polish that made me smile. I am usually a "clear nail polish" polish kind of girl. This is what I bought.

I wore the reddish, black for Christmas when my Granddaughters came. They thought I was so "cool". I painted Mother's toenails with the bright red while she was taking a nap. She would have never let me use that color! I wore the royal blue next. It matched my scarf....so much fun! Then I decided to try the yellow. It's pretty bad.

Maybe I'll take this off tonight....

Still in T.J. Maxx......I love checking out their socks. Aren't these fun?

I think so too!

I'm glad to be back.....

A boy and his dog.....

2011-11-17T13:45:00.001-06:00

I love this picture!

Our oldest son, Steve...with Midas. Such a sweet dog!

I love this picture!

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread...."

2011-11-12T15:21:00.002-06:00

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. " ~John MuirO
One lovely tray of violas to pot into my favorite kind of pot.....italian clay with "green stuff" already growing on it.

Something to rest our eyes on all winter long.

Blooms by my front door....

My tiny backyard garden....with chapel resting inside Autumn wreath.

"In all thy ways acknowledge Him....."

SSuch a peaceful place....

Mantel Re-do

2011-09-24T15:41:00.002-05:00

Two Goebel birds from W. Germany. First loved by Stan's sister, Katherine. I cherish them.

This is the right side of mantel. A large candlestick that a dear friend carved for my mother.
Some old books with a silver urn (one of a pair) I've had for years. I filled it with seed balls for Fall.

Recently, I was digging in a box at the Salvation Army. This old print caught my eye. It took me back to the old Parker Place, the lane, the barn, Earl and Stella's house. I loved the colors. The frame was all beaten up. I talked myself out of getting it. It was $2.00. I went back a week later and it was still there. It came home with me. All I did was rub the frame good with scratch cover. The black urn on the left is gone now. Just too much.

I bring these out every Fall.

I love the colors of these seed balls......and the old books.

Carved pheasant that Stan's sister had.

Have a blessed Fall.

"You Look Good"

2011-09-24T13:48:00.002-05:00

I have missed you....
I'm trying to wrap my arms around being dianosed with Fibromyalgia recently. I am one to be consumed with gathering information when something like this happens. The good part is that I now have a name for this pain and fatique that takes over my body. One of the most difficult issues is responding to "You look good" comments from family and friends. The best way I have found to describe it is "have them think back to the worst flu they ever experienced."
Now....I promise not to talk about this too often. I just felt I needed to explain what was going on in my life.

Now, I'm looking forward to getting back to bloggin' and my real life!
I forgot to mention that I am on a new medication and I am better!

'But I didn't need a bath...

2011-09-10T14:59:00.001-05:00

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the nice aide that gives Mother her bath could not come today.

I looked all around the house and saw no one but me...OK, we can do this!

Wait! No, Mother, give me the sprayer! The other way, Mother.....Dear God in Heaven!

When flannel gets wet it gets very heavy.

Oh, well.....a day in the life...

It made Mother laugh so it was all worth it!

My only container of Figs this season.....

2011-09-10T14:04:00.002-05:00

Publixs had Black Misson Figs "two for one" this week. I asked Stan to pick up some. "Sure, no problem". A couple of hours later, he came home. He loves grocery stores. "Do you know how much those figs are"? " Nooo, but they were on sale." "Well, I would hate to see what they cost at regular price! Enjoy them!," he mumbled. I will.
Saw this recipe on someone's blog, have no idea whose:
Ist time I did them, I was out of goat cheese so I substituted.

First, cut the tip off the fig and do a little criss-cross cut. tuck 1 teaspoon of goats cheese (or whatever you have that's white and mild) inside the cut. Now drizzle some honey on top. It is important to adjust the figs to the size of the baking dish so that the figs will stay upright. Bake about 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Or if you cannot wait that long, stick them in the microwave. (me) Sooo good!

I just may have to make a secret "run" to Publix this next week.

Autumn's Colors

2011-09-01T15:14:00.007-05:00

Sooo ready for Fall.....

I did some "house shopping" to help things along. The china is a "wanta be" collection of Fiesta ware look-alikes. What do you think?

My colorful linen napkins and runner just sing "Fall" to me. These were thrift store finds from last week.

I found a few branches with some yellow "thingies" on them in my entertainment closet along with dryed hydrangeas to make a simple centerpiece.

Black-eyed Susans and Purple Petunias are the "crowning glory" to this table.

Linking to: http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ (Feathered Nest Friday)
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/ (Show and Tell Friday)

$1.48

2011-08-26T14:47:00.001-05:00

A plastic bag filled with linens! Why do I not remember to use my phone camera? I could tell there were several napkins , all different. I can always use these to wrap food gifts. I could also see a touch of red and yellow flowers.

Before I describe the contents, I want to try and explain why I have this addiction to napkins. I love, love, cloth napkins. This would be a reason for me to eat in a particular restaurant. They use cloth napkins! It is such a "green" thing to do. I put them out every time we eat. I still have problems getting family to use them. I keep trying.

Now, my very favorite thing in the bag....a linen (yes, linen) scarf and six napkins to match! One or two of the napkins had some age spots but those are gone now. Just soaked all of them in dishwasher powder and water. They are perfect! I plan to use the scarf on my kitchen island with the napkins on island and counter. I'll do a table scape later.

I tossed a couple of polyester napkins that were really ugly.....

and then I found these delicate, lovely coasters made in Switzerland. Eight of them, never used.

Did I mention This bag was $1.48 at my favorite thrift store?

Black-eyed Susans

2011-08-24T17:16:00.002-05:00

Usually by this time of the year in our part of the country, everything is dry and dead.
That's the reason everyone should have some Black-eyed Susans. They thrive in hot, dry weather. When all the Spring blooms are just barely alive, the Black-eyed Susans are a bright spot in our gardens. Give them a drink of water occasionally and they are happyl

These shots were taken in the early evening. Had two more pics but they disappeared????

Linking to :Outdoor Wednesday

Learning to Pace Myself

2011-08-21T13:33:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel like you could clean the house in an hour with one hand? Do you ever want something done for a long time and then one day just tear into it without stopping? Me too......knowing I will pay for it tomorrow. I'm talking, not being able to get out of bed, pay for it!
It is really sad that it takes a lifetime to learn some lessons. I believe it is in our gene pool and that's all I'm going to say about that.
Oh, how I would love to have a clean garage. That will never happen. My husband would faint! He wants everything left where he can find it and for the most part it is. I have one corner that is mine and even that was in bad need of a cleaning!
I started Thursday morning about 9:30. I don't have "before pics" but take my word for it , it was bad. First, I emptied all the shelves and moved the unit outside. Where does all the dust come from? A major "throw away party" was going on. Next I spray painted the shelving unit.

I'm sooooo slow. Break time!

After about an hour, I'm ready to complete this job. I love the feeling of satisfaction after setting a goal (however small) and getting it done. I smile every time I pass this area.

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Why Keep Your China Collection Hidden in a Cabinet?

2011-08-15T12:28:00.004-05:00

Having a pretty table can be simple, inexpensive, and fun.
Learning to think "outside the box" is the trick.

Started with the faux glads already on table....added one pretty napkin ring to make the flowers "pop".

Bone-handled forks found at thrift store years ago.

Set of French knives bought at T. J. Maxx several years ago.
A recent find at my new favorite thrift store....four, really funky, designer, linen place mats. They were stapled together, $1.98 for the four! I love the colors, I also found the green salad plates (Pier One) at same thrift store. They were .59 each. I dug around in my stash of napkins and found these.

Hmmmm....wish I had a little more "red"
There is amost always something to use outside. My "knockout rose" is still blooming. Perfect!

Linking to "Table scape Thursday" @ Between Naps on the porch and " Feathered Nest Friday" @French Country Cottage

MiMi's Pralines

2011-08-10T14:11:00.001-05:00

I love getting packages!

You all must know by now that my real name is "MiMi"!

A gift of the most wonderful, melt-in-your-mouth pralines ever! I could not wait to taste.

They are thick, creamy, loaded with pecans!

Orginial pralines, peanut butter pralines, and chocolate fudge pralines! Lord have mercy!!!

Louisiana Pecan Candy

www.mimispralines.com

Thanks, Rob...

Mom

A Very Special Day!

2011-07-31T21:05:00.002-05:00

My Mother was 94 years old on July 30th, 2011!

This is a flip calendar that my sister makes for her. It is one of the most helpful aids we have. We always know when the Braves are playing!

She had a wonderful week-end with lots of family calls, visits, and cards!

Beautiful flowers were a big part of her birthday!

94 Roses for 94 Years!

Billy had fun too. He got a new baseball outfil, new cool sandals, pacifers!

1

A Very Special Day!

Linking to: My Romantic Home "Show and Tell Friday"

A lovely little dinner

2011-07-23T16:07:00.002-05:00

A green salad with home-grown cucumbers and baby tomatoes...buttered toasted french bread....and the star of dinner, Roasted Garlic.

A good chardonnay to wash it all down. Do you ever buy wine because of the label? I almost always do. This one is named for one of our granddaughters, Carmen. It was a bonus that it tasted good too.

Roasted Garlic

7 to 8 heads of garlic (I only cooked 3, just the right amount for 2 people.) Cut off top 1/4 to expose the cloves.
Set the heads of garlic in an oven-proof dish and dot them with butter. Sprinkle with herbs/provence and 4 to 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Add about 1 cup of broth (whatever you like, I used chicken broth) and 1/2 cup of white wine.
Roast in slow oven 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the tops of the heads of garlic start to brown.
Dip extra bread in the broth!
This is best if eaten warm by picking out cloves of garlic and spreading it on the buttered bread.
I borrowed this recipe from Corey Amaro. ( I changed a few things.) Corey lives in France and writes one of my very favorite blogs:
Tongue in Cheek
http://willows95988.typepad.com/tongue_cheek/

Easy tomato Tart

2011-07-19T11:25:00.007-05:00

I know I have shared this before but it is so good it deserves re-posting every tomato season.

Only six ingredients! The recipe calls for "basic pastry dough" which means a store-bought pie crust at my house!

Pie crust

8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

3 to 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Spread the cheese in bottom of unbaked pie crust. Sprinkle with the basil. Arrange the tomato slices evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. Slice into wedges and serve hot, garnished with additional basil.

This is taken from Southern Settings

Published by Decatur General Foundation

( with just a few alterations)

This recipe alone is reason enough to grow a pot of basil each Spring.

Try it tonight!
Linking to: http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

I've decided I like "blue"

2011-07-16T19:08:00.002-05:00

For the record:

Churchill Blue Willow is one of the most popular patterns of dinnerware ever made. The Blue Willow pattern was inspired by a Chinese legend about two young lovers. A wealthy man's daughter (Hong Shee) fell in love with her father's secretary (Chang). The father did not approve of the romance. So, he confined the girl to the palace. With help from her sympathetic maid, Hong Shee escaped. The two lovers ran over a bridge to a boat and sailed away together. A terrible storm developed, the boat sank and the two lovers drowned. Legend says that two love birds appeared in the sky --- the spirits of Hong Shee and Chang happily together at last.

Made In England

I found mine at the thrift store!

Place mats and napkins: Pier One via thrift store!

I have had napkin rings for years. I don't remember where I got them.

Touches of "blue" that I have picked up since I decided I liked blue.

Very, very real looking, faux galdiolus from Pier One. I never use faux flowers when food is on the table. Sometimes, if they are really good looking, I will use them in tablescapes.

Drying hydrangeas the "easy" way...

2011-07-16T16:46:00.003-05:00

Timing is everything. In this part of the South, (North Alabama) late July and on into the Fall is the best time to dry hydrangeas.

Start by clipping the blooms with approximately 12 inch stems. Strip all leaves from stems. Gather and enjoy in a vase filled with water.

Notice that these blooms take on a pink hue as they mature. This is another sign that they will dry well when this happens.

By the time the water is gone from the vase, (about a week) the flowers will feel dry to the touch.

These are the dried blooms.

They will hold their color for about one year! Aren't they lovely?

Linking to: Met Monday & Outdoor Wednesday

Update on "Billy"

2011-07-16T16:15:00.002-05:00

Remember Billy? He is my mother's baby.

Such a good baby.....he never cries!

Recently, one of mother's caregivers crocheted a sweet little hat for him. She just "whipped it up" in two hours! He loves it!

He goes with Mother to my sisters' on weekends. He travels really well.

Isn't he precious!

Summertime and the Living is easy.......

2011-07-15T12:11:00.016-05:00

Rob, Krista, and the boys have new beach photos,

Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.

Mom and her boys......

A Smile is a lovely thing.....

I've got my toes in the water, my butt in the sand.........

Sweet Family!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-05T18:29:00.001-05:00

What's blooming in my garden.....

Blue Dishes

2011-07-02T20:09:00.004-05:00

If you have read very many of my blog posts you will know that I LOVE dishes! I LOVE the dishes I find at the thrift stores....the good stuff at "give away prices". I also go through stages of what kind of dishes I like. One year everything was white, bright colors of "Fiesta" kinda dishes, and always, always, the old Martha Stewart green dishes. I have a really neat story about those dishes I'll tell you someday.

MDuring the past few months I have been on the look-out for BLUE dishes. I had 2 or 3 odds and ends. It really is not important if they are all the same pattern...in fact, I prefer that they be different! I just pick up anything blue that I like.

NOTE: Thrift shopping is my therapy. You would be amazed what I can find in ONE HOUR!

Back to my blue dishes....last week, I had one hour and this is what I found! I was at the check-out buying a couple of books, and I saw this pink plastic dishpan sitting on the floor.....full of all of these dishes! Yes, this is true! I asked the clerk if the dishes were for sale? "I guess, they just brought them up here". There were also 2 very ornate pink and gold cups and saucers. Nawwh, not in the mood for fancy today. The whole box was $21.00. Subtract $10.00 for fancy cups and saucers, $11.00 for all these beautiful dishes!!! Another interesting point, I knew I had one dinner plate at home, had no idea of the pattern. This dishpan of treasures had only had 3 dinner plates. You know the end of this tale, the dinner plate at home matched the 3 in the dishpan!!! Have mercy!

So fun!!!

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com

I Found it!

2011-06-26T13:23:00.003-05:00

My first experience as a free lance writer was a monthly article (written from a grandmother's prospective) called "Message From MiMi". The magazine was called "Valley Family". I have saved hard copies of all of these. Remembering when our Carmen was born, I started scratching around in the old trunk, searching for the words that described how I felt sixteen years ago today

Happy Birthday, Sweet Carmen!

"There is nothing more important than family!'"

2011-06-20T19:13:00.005-05:00

The Parker Reunion....

"There is nothing more important than family!

AMEN....

OUR NANCY
MY SWEETIE!

"Can you play, I'LL FLY AWAY?" HE COULD AND WE SANG AND SANG!

Two sister-in-laws..."If those guys would just listen!"

Brother & Sister sharing secrets
Rosemary & Dan
TIM & LOYAL
Young families/ older families

(Jeff Futrell and family)

So glad Wayne & Lynell could make it this year!
Tracey and Karen
Nat had back surgery 2 days before! Superman!
Jean and Boots' grandson, Will, with Sheila
Dwight is spinning a yarn!
Danny doesn't age at all!
Lynell & Betty Joan
Hannah & Haley, Carl & Kay's grands
Martha Rose, Dwight & and Wayne's sister
Sweet Merita!
Boots
Larry helping Jean
Cindy & Susie, Travis & Peggy's girls (and ours!)

A mom and her son (Sheila & Riley) Sorry, Sara...can't locate the shot of you and Riley...

I know I have missed folks that were there.....Celia, Christopher and his son, Loyal's wife, Martha Rose's husband, Billy Bragg, maybe more.....I'll try and do better.