Advent coming--redundancy worth repeating

Too cold to porch sit. Sad.  No Name bathed in light below porch with rug and container for staying warm.  He ran to see me and nuzzled my leg for thanks when he saw me out with little BW. 

Amazing the joy that comes from smiling boys or friendly furry animals coming toward you.  Hedgie Twins are crawling and putting up their little arms.  Heart melting.  Seems like I might have posted this earlier--bears repeating. 

Prayers needed for my MIL.  She is recovering from a hip surgery.  Recovering is a stretch.  She's struggling to recover.  Hard to watch.  She's always been very kind to me.  Hard to know how to help.  Duke Boy reports feeling diabetic after several hours of the Hallmark Channel while sitting with her.  Tell him he's jaded and thinks the whole world is Morning Joe.  Lots of the world is Hallmark.  Hoping for a Hallmark moment in the ICU. 

Advent is around the corner.  Everywhere I go people are talking about putting up their Christmas decorations.  Hedgie Girl's house is decorated.  My boxes in the basement having a protective layer of potted plants between me and them.  Plants that need watering--they were put there to keep the cold from killing them--shoot.  The Pilgrims on the mantel --either side of that TV--have no readable expression--no mouths--to tell me how they feel about being displaced early by Santas and Baby Jesus x 25 or so.  Maybe I'll resist but then there's the Alabama game...this is why houses are already decorated. 

Advent means coming --not "here"--whew.  Hoping healing is coming too.  I know Louise does.

Peace from the Hooch.

Thanksgiving can have pumpkins too. 

Married to Mr. Surprise

Duke Boy is full of surprises.  Even at almost 60 with almost 33 of those spent married to the most beautiful, talented, smartest, kindest woman in the world. Ok, enough about me. Back to him.
Planned a surprise party for him for Wednesday--his actual birthday.  Going to crash Bible Study. Everyone was in on it.  Brilliant plan.  He never cancels Bible Study.  Just ask those folks who have come out in hurricane force winds to go to Bible Study. Suddenly, he has a need to celebrate or mourn being 60 so he's not just cancelling Bible Study---he's taking the ENTIRE day off.  AUGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRATSRATSRATSRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time for Plan B. I'm going to be sick on Wednesday.  He's going to have to help Hedgie Girl with the Baby Hedgies 1 & 2. Now you see where my talented, smart, KIND traits come in.

If you didn't get your invitation to the party and you live close enough to come or you'd like to make the trip just text me or message me.  It's a hot dog, actually chili, slaw, dog thing with oyster crackers that you have to eat with a fork,  it's a valley thing-- supper with BD Cake.

 Wednesday night   6PM
Shawmut UMC 
He will be there. Cody will escort him.
  He might not be bathed but that's ok.  Birthday, 60, let it slide.  FOR ONE DAY. 

Remember--I think it's still a surprise.  He probably is going to tell me that he knew all along and just did this for spite.  Surprise!

Oops--wrong composer

Ok, ok so the Lone Ranger theme is Mozart: William Tell Overture.. I knew all those big booms weren't correct.   Good night, Kemosabe--I'll go with the trusted friend definition.  Just learned that too is in question.  Tonto may mean stupid or crazy.  Not the Tonto I remember.

Bonanza or Beethoven

These little darlings made Halloween extra fun

They are so cute they would have probably gotten to vote if they could have read the ballot.

Life has changed now.  Hedgie #1 is pulling up to stand. Whew.  He also will crawl to you when beckoned.  So sweet when he reaches up for a lap. 

Baby Hedgie #2 is still quietly army crawling and snatching passies when he can. 

Spent quality time teaching "Hi oh Silver away" but with music from Bonanza while helping them ride their pony.  My sister tells me that Beethoven's 5th is the music for the Lone Ranger.  She also shared a story of meeting him during a Veterans' Day Parade when she was 5 or so.  He was coming out of elevator and she was with our Daddy. My brother met him too.  This little kid was lone ranging somewhere with my Mom perhaps in her tummy or lap depending on the date.

Hope you're enjoying this lovely fall weather. 

Bluffton Antiques open on Sundays now from 1-5.  Go see my twin sale and get 20% off when you buy 2 items over $5. 

For all the Saints

Chilly day on the Hooch.  Beautiful view of back garden from my cozy, warm couch. Thank you for that extra hour of sleep with DST today.  Know I'll be pouting when it gets dark so quick tonight.  Right now I like it.

All Saints Day.  Lots of saints in my life: my Dad, Baby Thomas, Grandmother Starnes, Glover Brown,
 Nancy King Hare, Myron Uptain, Don & Sophie Gorton, Larry Stephens,

 Grandmother Erwin, Madelyn Ray, Kay & Herb Morgan, The Paulks,

E.B. Box (" if I had time to tell it, you wouldn't have time to listen")

Mrs. Terry, Nancy Harris, Gus Hosey, the Earwoods, Bubba

so many people who have left their impression on my heart and in a good way.  There are many more that I can't remember due to the time change---ha!

I thank God for their presence.  Church today will be sad and happy tears as I remember my saints.

Help me be a saint, Lord. 

this weekend most of my saintly deeds have been with my grand Hedgies 1 & 2.  Such beautiful fun.

Monster truck on the Hooch

Lovely day on the river.  Home bodied today.

 Moved out a couch to my booth at Bluffton Antiques. Teapots.  Very cute.  Go buy it.

Got to hug on those sweet Hedgie boys today. So cute and so active.  Hedgie baby boy #1 just woke up into a new personality.  Monster truck comes to mind when you him watch go over the top of his brother for the toy he wants.  Hedgie Baby boy #2 has gotten calmer--like they decided to swap personalities.  So interesting. God is good.  One Monster Truck is plenty.

I'm retiring in January and looking forward to spending more time with them. More on that later.

Peace from the Hooch.  Enjoy these adorable shots of our punkins.

squishy and healthy

The Roosevelts and the Erwins

Watching the Roosevelt special on PBS.  Indomitable spirits those folks.  I think my Dad was that kind of guy too.  Smaller scale than Roosevelts' but ever bit as contagious.  Dad's is raining down through all his children, grands, and great grands.  So proud of all of you.  Watch the special if you get a chance. They, of course, were humans and did human things.  I won't go there with my own shortcomings either. 

Another beautiful day on the Hooch.  Turned the heat on for a minute.  Duke Boy gone early taking his Mom to the doctor.  Don't tell him what I did with the heat.  Of course, the windows are open upstairs which may be why I needed heat in the living room. Duh!

Here's this gorgeous fall image. 

oh, and Roll Tide.

Crowmotion on the Hooch

Planted on my porch for last couple of hours. Watered myself with coffee.  What a beautiful day. Crows are causing a crowmotion down by the river.  Several were in the front garden yesterday. Must be gearing up for Halloween.  Those guys are big.  Haven't spotted Tippy Hedron in the neighborhood.  Duke Boy is totally freaking out by those things and any birds after that movie. 

Leaves falling from the trees. Views of orange, red, yellow, green, and brown. Jacket on but I'm about to shed it like the tree dropping these leaves. Temp is 65 but feel is 70 according to my phone. Still lovely.  Sun creeping over the top of the house so the porch is mostly shady. 

Tomorrow is homecoming at Shawmut UMC.  11 ET. Come on over, down, up, just come. Bob Morgan, grandson, of Bob Harding is our speaker.  Bob Harding, as in the one the school in Shawmut is name for.  He's quite a legend in these parts.  Food will be fabulous.  Bring a dish if you'd like or just bring your appetite.  Great cooks at Shawmut. Duke Boy will bring chicken and dumplings to remember Miss Georgia.  Our most recently passed oldest member. 

Hedgie Twin Boy #1 is crawling.  It's official.  Nothing will be the same.  Missing my lap babies already.  Those guys are such joy.  Twin Boy #2 laid on the floor with Duke Boy when he arrived yesterday just gazing in his eyes and running his fingers through his hair. Too cute. Settling down for sleep not their fav.  Too much to  see and do when you are 7 months old.

Get outside. See this day.
Peace from the Hooch.

Seashells, sand and shrimp

Apologies to Valley Times readers--this will be duplicated in print.  You do get to enjoy great pictures with this one though.  Hope you all have a wonderful Friday.

Resting on my porch after vacation.   Hiking in the Alps.  Ha. Most of you know if I’d been doing that that I wouldn’t be writing about it because I wouldn’t have returned unless it was in a small urn.  I admire people who can do those kinds of adventures.  A hike through the streets of Paris is still on my bucket list. 

The most difficult part of my vacation was the one time I carried a car seat complete with baby from the car to the condo.  I did not have to volunteer for that opportunity again.  Hedgie Girl can balance one on each hip if she has too.  If push comes to shove I could run for my life with a baby on each hip—without the car seats—ok –if it was life and death I could carry the full car seats and the car.  It did not come to that—thus the word, vacation.

 

Back to vacation.  I never cease to be amazed at how many seashells God still makes.  I only made it home with a small jar of mainly interesting pieces.  If truth be told most of them were a rescue of cast offs from some serious shellers.  One perfect specimen did await me on the sand as I loaded up chairs and all the paraphernalia that one has to take to the beach with twins.  When I picked it up I flashed back to a year ago when I picked up such a beautiful shell from the waters’ edge that I looked around to see if someone had placed it there for me to find. It appeared to be store bought because it was empty, perfect, and highly polished.  It is somewhere in my office?

Back to vacation again.  The boys were amazed with sand and of course wanted to taste it.  We did our best to not let that happen but salty fingers are even more amazing than plain ones when you are seven months old. It made bo-bo (pacifier) stealing particularly intriguing.  Keeping them from poking fingers in each other’s eyes while bo-bo stealing is the biggest issue when they are left to sit in the sand or on a blanket together.  Now it’s a cute behavior but we try not to encourage it by laughing too much.  They already are very interested in the other brother’s toy even if it’s identical to the one they are currently holding.  Seems we don’t have to teach envy.

Vacation again.  Sunrises, shrimp, sand, salt, security.  People on the beach at night with flashlights chasing sand crabs.  Sitting on the balcony each morning and evening, I was in awe of the beauty and security.  I have that same feeling as I sit on my porch this morning.  I am grateful for this feeling and sad for those who don’t have this kind of wonderful life.  
 

Back to real non-vacation life:  thanks to all of you who made the fundraiser for the Pastoral Institute such a success.  The food, venue, door prizes, table sales, donations, program, volunteers. Amazing just like sea shells. 

Karen Erwin-Brown is the director of the Valley office of the Pastoral Institute.  She offers counseling for individuals, couples, and families by appointment only at the Shawmut United Methodist Church.  Call 334-768-2341 for more information or to schedule an appointment.  She and her husband, Donnie, also facilitate the Naomi group, a support group for women who are grieving the loss of a spouse or partner. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month at noon at Shawmut United Methodist Church.  A lunch is provided.  Call 334-768-2341 to make a reservation for the November 13^th meeting.    

Happy days

Wonder what I was doing 29 years ago today?  Having my beautiful daughter.  Today got to spend time with her family.  She is a bundle of joyful energy with her twins.  So proud of her.  Amazing the skill, and organization she has with the boys.  They love her so much and she is who-larry-us with them.

 

 

She is married to an amazing fellow too.  Fun birthday on the porch. 

Peace to all from the Hooch.  Happy Birthday Hedgie Girl.
 

Sunday on the Hooch

Twilight on the porch--so lovely and cool.  Finally weeded a flower bed tonight.  One can only watch TV for so long without mind mush happening.  Waited till the sun started going wayyyyy behind the house then hit the front natural areas---jungle like natural.  Worst part was iris--all cut back now--room for the daffodil bed. Tomorrow maybe Cro-Magnon day--you know--look at your toenails and drag the knuckles. Still managed to do moderate glistening even though the evening was pleasant.  No Name joined me.  Resting up for a night of hunting.

Giggles all around from the Hambones

Shawmut UMC had Invite a Friend day.  Good to meet some new folks and see old faces. Hedgie #2 sat on my lap and sang with me.  He was precious .  His brother was behind me with his dad and almost cousin, Grayson.  Such fun to see kids in worship.  Hedgie #2 didn't miss a thing. He doesn't meet strangers.  He even served as greeter today.  along with his brother of course.  Great ice breakers for newcomers. Kingdom of God, grace-filled day. The preaching was good enough to make the Duke grads sermon book--when that one goes to press. 

Birthday party for Andy today.  His sister and parents threw a great party with a baseball theme.  Great excuse to eat cake.  and ice cream and cookies and cream kisses...and... as my Momma would say, "you don't have to tell everything".  thanks Mom.  Andy is 34 and battling cancer. Lots of family and friends came to offer their love and support.  Prayers for Andy please.

Roll Tide to all of you.  Peace from the Hooch. 

Daffodils, coolness and hugs

Put on the jacket to take the dog out--and not just because your pjs would shock the neighbors...Coolness...lovely sit on the porch--drink coffee, read Sermons from the Duke Chapel---Duke Boy's not in there Yet, have some more coffee and blog a little..

Gotta go sit on the boys in a bit--hurrah--Little Hedgie #1 may crawl today!!!  Hedgie #2 can almost sit up alone.  Doctor says twins were all crowded in the womb so sometimes things aren't as quick plus they were 3 weeks early.  Soon we will wonder why we encouraged them from being huggable lap babies.  Hedgie 2 already does a great strong wiggle for the floor when he is fighting sleep.  He reminds me of his mother who never slept without a fight until she was 2.  Helped me develop my biceps.

Flowers a little happier with the showers and coolness.   Hydrangeas actually putting on new leaves.  Bought me birthday present from Duke Boy.  Bag of 50 daffodil bulbs--now he has to dig a large daffodil hole--going to spread them in one pit in the natural area in front garden. Hoping for a magnificent display there next spring.  Love tulips but so do other critters.  Plus I don't have much luck with them after a year or two.  I have daffodils that were here when we moved in in 2000.

Wonderful, cool crisp mornings and nights to all of you.  Enjoy the day. 

Peace from the Hooch.

Home on the Hooch again

Lovely night on the Hooch. Cool breeze, birds and crickets, whirring of ceiling fan.   God watered my garden all weekend while I was in LA.  Duke Boy is a great guy but he hates to water  flowers--   Hole digging, hauling dirt and enjoying are his contributions.  I get to keep them alive once they're planted.  Not complaining.  I hate digging red Georgia clay.

Great weekend with my Mom, sister's family, our boys and Hedgie Girl. Mom out shopped us all.
She and the boys had a blast together.  They are such cards--kept us all laughing. 

Lions, tiggers and bears--oh my...

6 months old--unbelievable.

Go by Bluffton Antiques and tell them I sent you.  There are some great spaces for rent now.  We need some new people to share their wares with the valley.  People there are friendly and helpful and are glad to help sell your treasures. Come give it a try--rent a booth. 

Blogging, piano playing and thank you notes

Changed my blogging spot to pump up the inspiration. Little tip from "O" magazine article.
 Yard much greener from here. Love my oak tree.  That's the Hooch in the distance. 

 

 

One day I will take a blogging class.  I will also take piano. Ms. Bobbie Abercrombie played the organ at a funeral for Mr. Jack last Friday.  This created the urgency for piano lessons again.  She teaches.  I tried to learn in elementary school.  I went to lessons--once--I was too embarrassed to return once I learned you had to pay.  I didn't tell my Mother about that experience until I was an adult--perhaps only last year.  She would have paid had she known--she said.  Oh well... instead I sent Hedgie Girl.  She took for a few years but wasn't ever a fan.

 

I did return to counted cross stitch this week--ok for 1 night--a Santa picture with a bazillion Santas that I need to finish.

  Hedgie Girl and I bought some quilt squares for her Maw-Maw and I to cross stitch. 

 Perhaps that will happen??

 

This was me going to work last Tuesday for the fundraiser.  So glad that's over.

 Now I just have to write a bazillion thank you notes. 

 

Non Laboring today and tomorrow

Sunday nap with Double Hedgies.  Such fun to wake up with them. Little Hedgie #2 is  a non stop babbler.  So cute. Hedgie Brother #1 is quieter with plenty of smiles and cuddles. Crawling may happen this week.  Hedgie Brother # 1 can get wherever he wants but he needs a back up signal because he only goes places in reverse. 

Good to catch up on some relaxation since fundraising endeavors are over.

Happy Labor Day. 

Roll Tide and other new words

                                                              Roll Tide , here kitty kitty


It's starting this weekend...my return to the single life of marriage to a fall football fan..  Duke Boy loves Bama football.  Fanatically----to put it mildly.  He also hates the "kitty kitty" team...to put it very mildly. I did watch the last quarter of "The Game" last winter.  That's all I'll say about that other than sad, sad. 

Since we have new family members I'm not sure how football season will go.  It'll be interesting to watch.  I'm guess some first words might have a "Roll Tide" or two in them.  Duke Boy aka Paw will love that.

It'll be fun to be Double Sughar on Saturdays, hint, hint.

Hope all your teams win the weekend and Roll Tide.

Day in the life of a town

Still up at 3:30 and the event is over. Probably because I was out by 9:30 last night.

 The Hedgies did a marvelous program for the PI.  Hardly a dry eye in the house.  Humor, love, raw emotion--from Hedgie Boy---Hedgie Girl didn't look at anyone who might squish hers' out.  It's moment like that where you can't beat small town living.  Almost 200 people in the room and most of them connected in some way to our family.  Very loving, supportive audience.

The Double Hedgies were sweet and squishy the whole time.  Baby Hedgie boy #1 did his best to smile but was always glad to have a familiar shoulder to bury his face. Baby H. #2 was his usually hammy self .  Mastery of holding out their arms when asked to come to you achieved this week.  Nearly broke their Momma's heart to see her boys leaning into others but the delight of watching their charm soothing.

Sheriff Sid Burgers were a hit.  So good. Chocolate cake made by Duke Boy and Chatt Girl amazing.  Yes, I helped.  Door prizes were plentiful and very nice.  Table sponsors made the day.  Had lots of good help for prep and clean up from my board and the Naomi group.  Almost forgot--lots of nice donations.  Thanks to all.

Think I'll go back to bed now. 

Still up at 4:30 after going to bed at 11.  May climb back in.  Duke Boy up to put final touches on his sermon and organize Bubba's funeral in his head and heart. 

Get to see the Double Hedgie boys today in the nursery. Fun stuff. 

Peace to all from the Hooch. 

Good-bye Bubba

Duke Boy and I made cakes --12 of them done before noon.  One will go to a meal for a family who will bury a beloved man.  I will miss Bubba.  He sat behind me in church almost every Sunday for the last 7 years.  He never failed to smile and tell me how much he enjoyed my singing, or how much he enjoyed worshiping with me, or how nice I looked.  He came to worship and offer kindness.  Cancer moved in quickly.  The Lord will be glad to have another kind soul. Oh, he will also have a piece of hard candy for those who might have a cough in Heaven. Peace at last.

Received some lovely door prizes today from Southern Roots in Newnan, GA. They will be part of the fun on Tuesday during the fundraiser.  All the tables are sold and I only have a couple of seats left.  If you are coming bring some money to donate and to put on some special prizes that you could win by making an extra donation. 

Perhaps sleep will be less restless tonight. 2 more days...

                                           Join us on the Journey

Worry to I wills...

Last weekend before my fundraiser on Tuesday.  My board and family are being their amazing selves and this is going to really come together.  Duke Boy and I will bake cakes at some point today or tomorrow.  Sid, the high sheriff, cooking the burgers.  Table decorating will happen with assistance from the Naomies  and board members.  Program will be lovely with my Hedgie family presenting.  Money will come in to assist with services continuing in the local PI office.  Then blessed non interrupted sleep --no eye popping, brain whirling moments of worry .  Bliss.

My worries are minimal compared to the unrest in Ferguson, Texas, and the Middle East, but they are still mine.  Prayers go to all those who worry this morning no matter the troubles.  God cares and listens regardless of what the world thinks about our worries because that's what love is.  Now leaving soapbox to return to my spot on the Hooch.

Today I will watch the hummingbirds buzz the lantana. I will pet No Name before he puts his claws in my screen. I will water the thirsty pots of sunflowers and daises.  I will have coffee with my friend who didn't want to share her home with yellow jackets last night.  I will let all those pleasures wash over me and clear my mind ....I will, I will, I will....

Peace to all from the Hooch.  Take the ice bucket challenge if you get hot today.

sweet little Hedgies at rest and play