Happy Valentine's Day

 

These little lover boys have definitely stolen my heart.
 Hope all of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. 

Nothing but blue sky...

Amazing day on the Hooch---blue sky, an eagle, ducks, cranes, daffodils

back pain from cleaning out the garage--in the loosest since of clean...toting limbs to the road, loading things in the car to go to Bluffton Antiques for my booth---where a sale is going on.

Then wonderful supper by Duke Boy--he was on a high from the Duke big win over Notre Dame. 
I let him beat me at Canasta too so his winning streak could continue. Don't tell him. 

If you didn't leave the house today you must venture out tomorrow and show the groundhog that you're defying his prediction. 

Peace.

Unparalled play

My second Wednesday of retirement. Let dog out, feed dog, make coffee, unload dishwasher, turn on dryer, read a chapter of Max Lucado, "You'll Get through this", finish taxes, take dog out, pay bills, finish coffee, straighten guest room, put away linens,

When did I do all this before?

Everyone, well, not everyone, since I've yet to meet everyone on this planet or any other... but the people I see asked me with a distressed look, "what are you going to do with yourself?"  I say probably play with boys more---did that from 8 to 5:30 yesterday. Came home and took 38 minute nap after supper.  Leftovers reheated by Duke Boy while I sat in my chair.  Thanks DB. 

Those guys are 11 months old now.  Being with them beats any clinical studies I've ever done.  They are a constant source of joy and puzzlement.  11 month olds don't know that developmentally they aren't supposed to do anything but parallel play.  Chasing each other through a tunnel isn't parallel.  Too funny.  Not sure if stealing the other's toy counts as play?  When did we get too big to need a lap?  Sitting on the floor provides many opportunities for snuggles and check ins. Pee pie new favorite game. Played with lap quilts over each boy.  Good to have time to visit with Hedgie Girl too as she also tries to figure out what's in these boys heads since language is still forming.  Fun to watch her and Hedgie Boy love these boys with patience and kindness.  Glad to be included in the days and nights.

Never just black or white

Duke Boy on the couch--Duke BB team on the flat screen.  Go Coach K.  Had to turn off the volume on the kitchen TV--time delay by a second or two--crazy producing. 

Saw "Black or White" today with Kevin Cosner.  Got terrible reviews.  Here's mine.  Worth the price of a matinee ticket and popcorn when you borrow a prepaid bucket and take in your own chocolate covered cashews.  Dark chocolate. Health food.  Got out for less than $30, I think? Unless I remember where I hid the rest of the cashews I can take them to the next show.  Back to the review.  I just love Kevin and Octavia. Don't know the name of the precious child star. Glad I wasn't the Judge.  Encouraged Duke Boy to go see "American Sniper" if he wanted to ...I'd go alone...sad eyes...problem only 1 borrow popcorn bucket and it was going to the movie with me...he loves popcorn...

Those little Hedgies are growing up.  Almost 11 months old. We became a gated community this week.  Sughar and Paw can climb over...with a wall assist.  Gate open...trip hazard...has happen twice to me...quick recovery...no stitches or falls...thinking about getting a lifeline though.  Does provide a little containment when only one of us is in the room. 

These little guys make me smile, breathe hard, dance, sing, bend over, attempt to stand up again, learn "Twinkle, twinkle" on the piano, pitch a ball, change 3 or 4 poopies--an aerobic event---daily, discover "ancient grain cheerios, eat eggs for breakfast, use my cell as a flash light looking for a "bo bo"  lost in the bed---aka pacifier. They are both so something but mainly little bundles of love who touch your face with tiny fingers, grab your shirt with slimmy fingers, pull hair with sneaky fingers, and steal your heart with a whole body waving "Hi" fingers.  Love them so. So glad to be part of their world.

In case you were wondering...

Water filled my shoe yesterday at a well know baby store.  A puddle formed around my feet.  The clerk looked at me in disbelief.  I'd just thanked her for my 15% discount that I'd had to beg for because I couldn't find my coupon.  The boys sat in the stroller, a huge box with a baby gate spilled out--luckily not in liquid form from my buggy. 

I'm sure I'm not the first person to have their water break at this store.  Many pregnant women moved to other lines while the cashier called for a clean up and opened another register.  I apologized for my uncontrollable issue but I was just asked to sign the ticket. 

Good news is that I love wool sox in winter.  Wool sox "wick water" away from your feet.  Those were some wicking sox.  My Sketchers never missed a beat with their rubber soles.  My pants were another story.  People were very understanding as I continued my check out. 

Hedgie Girl didn't give me the number on her account so she could claim the points offered by the store.  She wasn't about to call out her name as identification.  She did quickly sprint to the back while giggling to get a new gallon of "nursery water". 

She told me later that I just stood there while the big broken jug chugged out water on my feet.

Perhaps now that I'm retired things that are unexpected will continue to challenge my brain so that atrophy will be less pronounced.  This is what I'm doing now that I'm retired in case you were wondering....

More wisdom on napping

Many of you were draw to the "retirement naps" post.  I've always been a napper but I've really tried to step up my game lately.  Perhaps because I end up writing this in the wee hours--actually it's 6:10 AM but I've been up awhile.  Actually the time stamp is on Paris time.  Bless their hearts, they've had quite a crisis there this week. Hoping the upcoming days are more peaceful. 

Part of my Christmas whimsy was using Eiffel tours in my living room with my mini tree.  Don't do a big tree anymore.  Don't be hater.  Get enough of that from my fam.  You know who you are. The towers are continuing in my winter/Valentine's festivity. 

Shout out to all my beautiful friends and relatives with birthdays this month.  Hope you have grand times.  There is a new bakery in West Point, GA.  One of these friends is going to have treat.  Maybe if it's warm enough I can talk Duke Boy into walking there with me today.  I got myself a Fitbit for Christmas.  It needs testing.  It has a calorie tracker too.  Great idea!

Peace to all from the Hooch.  Need to wake up Duke Boy.  I'm joking. I never wake him up on Saturday.  He loves sleeping better than I love napping.  High today 47, hmmm, driving to bakery doesn't give much testing time to Fitbit.  Nothing is perfect.

Here's a sentimental Saturday picture for you.  Remember being able to hold these guys in my lap at the same time.  Still can but it's harder. Hair on Sughar is longer now too. 

Duke Boy just reminded me that he has to go out of town today.  Rats.  Time for a nap.

Retirement naps

Retired and Sugharing a lot.  Lots of fun sitting on boys.  Bless their hearts they've been sick. Ready for them to get well but sickness hasn't hindered activity. 

So cute yesterday with boys riding in their airplanes from me and Paw.  Big brother riding and little brother pushing.  Spontaneous effort from little brother. Adorable. 

Got some good retirement naps in too.  Of course, usually with a brother in my arms. 

cute boys and my cute momma at Christmas

Happy New Year from the Hooch

Happy New Year.  Smelling chicken frying, kale soon flashing in the pan, black-eyed peas, cornbread.  Yep, it's New Year's .  watching the Rose Parade. 

Wal-Mart at 8:30 am on New Year's.  Primetime to shop. Don't tell so I can go back next year.  Had to get a new coffee pot.  Thought I'd just forgotten to push the button on the pot yesterday. Nope. Dead. My little Keureg is a life saver.

Sat on boys last night so the Hedgies could catch a movie. They report "Into the Woods" is good. Didn't know it was a musical but Meryl Streep always makes for a good look see.

Duke Boy and I feel loved back from those little fellas.  So precious.

That's the news from the Hooch.  Hope you have a great day and remember ....

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Final thoughts on 2014

Bon vivant.  My French readers get that . for the rest.. go to Wikipedia .

I have a little display honoring Paris in my living room--inspired by my Parisian Christmas dishes. Less costly than a run to Paris for lunch.  One can still dream.

December saw visits from good friends and good family too.  Last party of the season last night.  Good to see everyone on the Erwin side.  Dirty Santa was replaced by Bingo.  Duke Boy won a roll of duct tape which he regifted to our great nephew.  Please don't tape your brother to the wall with it.
He is a creative kid.  Maybe I'll ask for an Eiffel tower from duct tape.

Our boys were the main source of entertainment this holiday season.  Makes me feel all gushy inside to know that my parents once looked at me with such joy.  My Mom did a good job of that with me last night.  She was all cute in her fur vest.  My goofy nephew, you know who you are, kept saying it was "squirrel".   She seemed glad to have most all of her chickens in one coop last night. 

Prayers to all of you for a bright new year.  Prayers for peace and healing.

this shot was taken by me.  Hanging out with professional photographers helps you raise the bar. 

No elf on shelf here

Merry Christmas in 6 days.
  Already being Merry here.  What fun having baby boys to chase. 
Already crawling faster than I walk. 

 

no shelving these guys.  I think this little elf quickly crawled back to the couch.  Look at that face.

see if you can find the other elf wearing diapers.

 

So glad to be sharing all this joy.

Happy Advent

Yesterday was yard work day.  Almost too hot to be in long pants.  What a great day.  Got a little sprucing up done in the front garden.   Ants were mad.  Dumped two dead pots of mums that were winter quarters. 

Roll Tide!!  I'm not a football game attender.  Usually... I could take it up after Saturday.  What big fun--especially for us Bama fans.  Was a real nail biter for some.  You know who you are.  Our seats were at the top of the wind tunnel.  My hair was still straight back the next day.  Cold!! ear muffs, coat with hood, jacket under that, sweater and long underwear, fur lined boots....still cold.  All that jumping around made it worth it.  Walked 7 miles that day.  All fans were courtesy to me.  I may go back in two years.

Hedgie twins got to spend a night with Sughar and Paw.  Big brother slept 11 hours.  Little brother woke up at 5 and did the spider monkey cling when I tried to put back down.  Ok... he must need to snuggle with his Sughar.  Since we all survived they get to come back for a whole weekend soon.  Pulling up, crawling everywhere, laughing, clapping, screaming...big fun.  Also trying table food.  They are fans.  Nine months old tomorrow.  

Advent is in full swing here.  I love this season.  Had a Hanging of the Greens service as a reminder of what all the symbols are about.  Will begin decorating here this week.  Time for the Baby Jesus and Santa to get out of the green plastic tubs. 

Duke Boy's mom went to nursing home yesterday for her hip recovery. Prayers appreciated.  She's had a rough time. 

My nephews are making another movie in Birmingham.  "Woodlawn", a story from their Dad's life.  Should be out next fall.  Hope it goes well for them. 

Happy Advent to all.  Who knows when I'll post again??

These guys know how to make spirits bright .  HO, HO, HO!!

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.