Found it!!!!

Everyone has done it, purchased something and put it away thinking they know where it is. I seem to do it more frequently, even if it is not a new item, just something I want to put away and "remember" where it is. In August of this year, I purchased a really pretty shirt with lots of flowers and glam, not my usual clothing, but I fell for the beautiful color and my love for flowers. Welllll, I put it on a coat hanger and hung it in the ..................? I have looked for months, touching every piece of clothing in ALL closets - getting really upset with my self every time that I searched with no success. This morning I hit the jackpot. Looking for a long sleeve shirt to wear in the cold weather early early, as I pulled an old faithful out of the closet, lo and behold, there was my beautiful unworn new shirt. YEA! so, all said and done, it's much to do about nothing except now I am happy. Today's thought from Arthur Koestler "The more original a discovery, the more obvious it seems afterwards". I think that sums up my shirt dilemma. bye bye November 2010.

He's here :-)

Oh Joy, as I passed the jolly gentleman, he asked me to stop and chat and tell him what I wanted for Christmas. He definitely had a twinkly in his eye (I didn't know Santa wore glasses) but he was a very nice Santa. He offered me a candy cane, told him I only did chocolate. It's still November, by a couple of days, so I told him I would think about what I wanted and get back in touch with him. from Oscar Wilde "Illusion is the first of all pleasures." I second that.

Thanksgiving Pics 2010

The most beautiful girl in the world is Sadie. Her bro Onyx is a beauty also but he would not stay still long enough for a pic. Sadie has eyes the color of liquid chocolate! And sweet, sweet, sweet. A real lovey! Rather good size also, she is a labadoodle. The ranch has about 250 acres, 18 head of cattle, a ranch house, barn, shack, an airplane hanger and lots of brush. It is a work in progress and a wonderful outlet for all of the energy that Mima and Phil seem to have. One of their sons with his lady friend, her dad and Phil's dad rounded out the party. Nice. During the night the weather dropped and the wind was loud and made for good sleeping. The holiday food was all delicious and by the time I left on Friday most of it had been eaten. The traffic was easy returning home, a nice drive and I didn't even get lost. After you read this blog, go to see older blogs for more pics....I home your holiday was as lovely as mine and that you remember to give thanks. That was the most important part of the day.....

Thanksgiving pics cond't

Pics cond't....Oil/gas well being worked on a neighboring ranch. The Jacxsn Ranch is being looked at also. That would be cool. Mima and I took a ride over to the home of Shiner Beer. "The cleanest little town in Texas" and it was ever so clean. The Catholic Church was built in 1912 and we were able to go in. Now tell me, can you find a church, synagogue or such in Houston that is open all the time? The last pic was a beautiful old mansion that had been converted to an antique shop, all bedecked for the holidays, with wassail and greenery everywhere. All in all, a really lovely, lovely, weekend. Good food, beautiful weather and wonderful friends.

By special request

Talking with my darling daughter today, she asked that I take a pic of my dressing so here it is. I spent the day cooking. Pillsbury has come out with a new devils food cake "Sugar Free" cake mix and sugar free icing. My choice for making a cake is always my trusty never fail bundt pan. Next, my grandmother's sweet potatoes (with pecans and sherry wine). The only thing I do differently, is put marshmallows on top when baking. Making gravy for the dressing followed by chop, chop, chop the celery and (tears) onions. Even tho the onions were frozen, still a few tears. A cranberry loaf is in the freezer for breakfast at "the Ranch". I'll be traveling to dear friends Mima and Phil's ranch in Gonzales, TX. Going to get up close and personal with all of the baby calves and other critters.

Every day I start and end the day with a thank you to G-d, asking for my familys safety and good health. Tomorrow will be no exception except there will be alot of other personal thanks that I'll add. For our brave men and women in the service of our country, that the crisis in our country comes to a resolve, for friends near and far going thru tough times, and being grateful that I'll have another daily "second chance". Enjoy your holiday, be it fancy or not, it's the spirit of thanksgiving that counts. :-)

Before the cooking starts......

tomorrow, it was time to meet up with some friends of long standing for lunch at the Club. Two of the gals and I go back at least 20-25 years. We worked together many moons ago during my banking career. Virginia (far left) and I both live in April Sound and Kay and Sara live in Walden. We didn't leave the Club until almost 2:30 p.m. but it was so much fun. We vowed not to wait so long to get together again and are talking about a spring visit to New Mexico to Virginia's home. How nice will that be?

using some of my many quotes, this was from Sam Levenson - the comedian from years ago but still I think it is a good one. "It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm."

Check out Harry

Check out Harry. He was a gift to me in 1969 and amazingly still doing well, plus, BOY - has he grown. He was approximately 1/2 inch when he was given to me by my cuz and her hubby. Plus he has been in the same container (which I made on the pottery wheel back in the '70's). Obviously he is root bound but he is almost 8" now. Who would have thought it. I have 2 pony tails and one of them is suddenly putting out another shoot. I guess they are enjoying the patio, fresh air, cool weather and sunshine. Can't say I blame them. Personally I have been going thru and cleaning out my inbox filled with quotations. Probably this weekend I will just make a blog of quotes, just to clear the deck and get ready for 2011. This is my best and favorite of all - from Mary Randolph Carter, author of A Perfectly Kept House Is the Sign of a Misspent Life- "Clutter is the poetry of our homes. It is an intimate view that is not always perfect - a few dishes in the sink, books piled next to the bed. Everything in its place may give a certain satisfaction, but a lived-in room exudes comfort and warmth." That is soooo definitely ME!

Hooray!

Thanx to some of the cooler/colder weather we have been having, I finally found a tree (1) with some beautiful colored leaves. sigh....how nice is that! I change my screen saver to the old faithful Windows Autumn Scene and savor it until mid December. I am an autumn person. I love pumpkins, pies, turkeys, goblins, witches, etc. To me it is the start of the 3 month holiday season. Unfortunately most of our local stores start pushing the Christmas season just before Halloween. I really dislike going into the stores and hearing Christmas music in September. Not that I don't like Christmas music because I do. It just seems as tho the holiday push to spend $'s and buy, buy, buy comes faster every year. I guess in the next few years it will begin with "back to school". I miss the good old days when holidays came when they were/are suppose to.

Today's thought is sent out to all us parents who have grown children with children of their own....I read this early today and had to laugh - from Doug Larson "Few things are more satisfying than seeing your own children have teenagers of their own." taking exception to that, my grandchildren, Ryan & Abby are teens and PERFECT."

CRMC Volunteer Luncheon.....

Today, Thursday was the Volunteer Luncheon for Conroe Regional. In the years I have lived in April Sound, Montgomery, I've never been to the Incredible Pizza Restaurant. It was great fun, hugh building, great food and plenty of it, an particularly the 1957 red Chevy Bel Aire in the Main Entrance. Dating myself, but how I do remember that wonderful few years of really greatttt Chevys. The minutes were read and approved, the budget approved for next year and the new slate of officers approved for voting. There were about 40 of us and we all had a good time. Since I only volunteer one day a week I don't often get to socialize with volunteers that have other days to work. Plus we get to wear our "civvies"....

I totally forget to take pics the day before, Wednesday at our April Sound Thanksgiving luncheon. We had our 1st T'giving food which Chef Paul did a grand job of and most delish Pumpkin Bread Pudding....Woo hoo! I have been told by several friends that my blog needs to go on a diet and stop showing all the tummies that we have. sigh...

At yesterday's lunch we chose our Christmas Angels that we will provide holiday gifts for and also talked about our involvement with the Womens Assistance League.

All said and done in yesterday's blog I mentioned Veterans Day - in light of that, I would like to send this link for your reading pleasure written by the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees, about his feelings on Veterans Day. I think it says alot about our young "sports heroes" that are to be admired... Enjoy....http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20101111/OPINION/101111002/Drew-Brees-WWII-vets-still-deserve-our-attention

Tuesday, last Garden Gals function for

2010 - We will not do December because there are so many other act ivies going on. We traveled to Navosta, TX. and had a lovely luncheon at Martha's Bloomers. The nursery was full of holiday decorations which added to our enjoyment and Charley the Parrot was "in the house" also. The flower on the yummy chocolate cake was not only a pretty garnish but edible also. There were 19 of us and we had a nice visit and safe trip back to April Sound. one down and a dozen or so more activities for the rest of November and December is chocked full. Today's thought from Marlene Dietrich "I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authorty by someone recognized wiser than oneself."

Blog # 400 - Happy 235th Birthday

MARINES.............SEMPER FI! Today is the 235th birthday of the United States Marine Corps and tomorrow is Veterans Day commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the conclusion of the “war to end all wars.” Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, marks the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 when World War I officially ended. The day is now a national holiday in which we honor those who have bravely served and rededicate ourselves to world peace. With the vicious 2010 election season in our rearview mirrors, these anniversaries could not have come at a better time.
At the first observance of tomorrow’s holiday, President Woodrow Wilson said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

Gen. Amos takes command United States Marine Corps Official Page, on Flickr
The thing with which it has freed us and the opportunity it has given. President Wilson was right then and his words remain true today. The debt we owe those who walked these roads before us, who built our country and changed the world is, in part, gratitude for freeing us. But, the bulk of this obligation can only be repaid by our making the most of the opportunity we have been given as a result of their sacrifice. Fly the FLAG folks to say thanks to ALL our Veterans.

Montgomery Saturday

Music and Montgomery go together like cheese and crackers, cookies and milk, etc., you get the drift. Downtown Montgomery was abuzz with music, food, vendors, visitors and just plain ole' fun for First Saturday. The weather was beautiful, and I even saw a cow, her little one and a pink pig! That was at the "Time Change" Bazaar. Hit several yard sales and enjoyed it all.

Returned home just in time to see the Breeder's Cup from Kentucky. The most beautiful horses in the world, unfortunately Zenyatta's Quest (the big time fav) a 6 year old mare and winner of 19 races out of 19 run, came in 2nd place. That was a real let-down, not only for me but I'm sure most of the world.

Today's thought is from Douglas Adams "I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be"....Amen, Amen, Amen!

That's totally the best sum it up of MY life!

New fridge "in the house"....

I know it just looks like a big white blob - but the new fridge arrived this morning. The delivery team were in and out within 30 minutes, plus they found my home without problems. Hooked up a new water line and the fridge slid just into the spot perfectly. I was concerned about my yardstick abilities to measure just right....the really cool thing about this fridge is that it does not have door handles. I like that alot because I use to hit the handles all the time and looked like I had been in a fight with something. Anyway, I really did not anticipate having to purchase any more appliances ever in my life, but that's life isn't it...

Today's thought was actually something I heard last night on t.v. - Bernard Malmet "Without heroes we are all plain people".

Sometimes when you really don't feel like

doing something that has been planned, it turns out to be the most fun! I was kinda of tired this morning and wasn't really sure I felt like going to the A.S. "Girls Night Out" even tho it was daylight and we were doing a field trip to Bernhardt Winery in Plantersville. There turned out to only be 9 of us, rainy and slightly cold, but we had absolutely the best time. Toured the area where they make the wine, had a nice introduction to wine making 101, tasted and sniffed the various wines. Luncheon was served and we tasted our way thru the lunch with more info from a very nice hostess. The Winery is really nice and the people very pleasant. The ride home was mellow and I think I am ready for a nap. Motto today is never pass up an opportunity to have fun, even if you don't think it will be.

Side note - Happy Birthday to my oldest son....and many more. Hope the day is great and you have a good year. lots of love Stephen...m