Holiday confusion

This article will appear in the West Point/Valley Times News this week

Trips to the store are confusing.  Did I come for Halloween candy or an ornament for my Christmas tree?? If I did come for Halloween candy which kind should I choose?  Chocolate, suckers, lemon heads, bubble gum? And when I pick the kind that I want do I want Duck Dynasty? Batman? Dora the Explorer? Mickey Mouse?  If I buy what I like what will happen to it if I don’t have enough trick or treaters?  Exactly! Get the Dum Dum suckers—cheap, lots, and I don’t care for them.  I won’t feel bad when I throw them in the trash instead of back in my candy bowl. Ok, so that’s one holiday decision.  I must take a nap before I tackle the next holiday decision. 

We must have skipped right over Thanksgiving? The forgotten holiday but often the one we enjoy the most because it has food and Football.   There are a few napkins and plates and an occasional pilgrim available at the stores.   My Thanksgiving decorations are still in the “fall” box.  I’m like the store—just a few—fat pilgrim salt shakers, turkey platters, and a couple of svelte pilgrims who are delivering a Norman Rockwell turkey.  These guys won’t appear until the stuffed witches go back in the box. I try to limit my holiday confusion to trips outside my home.  I also have to build up my strength for carrying all those plastic tubs of Christmas treasures out of the basement. 

All these holiday trappings can be overwhelming to those of you trying to make it through the holidays if you have suffered the death of someone you love.  You probably can barely find your bedroom shoes much less your holiday decorations.  Even if you could find them—your decorations not your shoes, you probably wouldn’t want to display them because you’d feel guilty for celebrating a holiday without your husband, son, or mom or whoever there. 

These feeling aren’t right or wrong they are just feelings. On November 21, 2013 at noon, ET at Shawmut United Methodist Church, 2301-31^st Street, Valley, AL we will share a meal with people who’ve experienced the death of a loved one. It will be a good one, lovingly prepared by people who know what it’s like to keep moving after someone you love has died.  We will also have a program about facing the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. You will leave with a decoration for your tree or desk drawer –if you have no intentions of putting up a tree this year.   It’s a free event sponsored by the Pastoral Institute, Shawmut United Methodist Church and the Naomi group for widows.  If you’d like to attend please call for a reservation, 334-768-2341 by November 18^th so we can set a place for you.  `

Karen Erwin-Brown is the director of the Valley office of the Pastoral Institute.  She is a licensed social worker and marriage and family therapist. She provides individual, marriage and family counseling by appointment only.  Call 334-768-2341 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

 

 

Stretch checking out Dex

Craning my neck from my porch to see Stretch, the crane.  He's out on a morning walk near the site of the Hedgie vows.   That spot is frequented by geese , otter, and coyotes--also Double N.  Stretch normally sits in the cove across the river. Recogn he heard about Dex and was checking out the competition.  Stretch has been an object of my affection for the last 13 years while he's strutted and preened  trying to appear uninterested in the local fish.  Those poor unfortunate souls. Will have to point out Stretch to Queen Elizabeth. He appears to have flown off or perhaps has just turned sideways and disappeared.  It's not a trick I'm capable of .

Dex is a little chilly today.  He may be missing all the guys who have visited him for the last few weeks. Queen Elizabeth will sit awhile with her blanket but it's not like having guys with hammers and power tools.  He'll have to learn to enjoy quiet with an occasional train sound. 

Y'all have sent my hits over 10000.  Thanks for that.  Hope you find as much peace today as I have when I sit with Dex on the Hooch. 

Bye Frank

My porch is more of a Poindexter.  Those of you old enough to remember "Mystery Date" from the 60s, a board game, understand. He required nothing of you and was glad to have you just show up.  Content to be selected.  Honored.  Available.  Could go out on a moments notice.  He didn't care what you looked like. Wear the clothes you slept in--don't worry about your hair or that you breathe smells like last night. Of course, my porch is still  lovely while Poindexter wasn't much to look at.   But I'm going with Dex.  Kicking Frank to the curb. 

Cool, rainy morning. Thanks for letting me snuggle in Dex.

Queen Elizabeth & I bought flowers yesterday. My first of the season.  Lettuces, pansies, and a croton.  My pots are anxiously anticipating their new outfits.  Personification--got it bad.  Just ask Dex.

Time to do all those things that didn't get done all week.  Have a peaceful Saturday.

Frank entertains

With Frank again--need more coffee--nothing is perfect.  Duke Boy still snoozed.

Today Frank will help host a party for our group, The Naomi Project.  It's a group of widows who've been meeting since March.  They have all had husbands to die less than a two years ago. I almost said they'd lost their husbands, but unfortunately their husbands aren't coming back so they aren't lost.  They have held each other up during tough spots--anniversaries of deaths, weddings, and birthdays;
holidays, and lonely lunches.  Today we will plan how we want to minister to the next group coming out of our Holiday Hope luncheon in November.  Holiday Hope is for those who've had a loved one to die during the last year.   I know I'm only Holy Ground when I'm with these women.  They have blessed me and Duke Boy with their love and trust.  Pray for their continued recovery from their grief.

Daylight is creeping onto Frank. Squirrels are doing the Frisky Whiskey up a tree.  Fall is also creeping here.  Wonderful, but slight, chill in the air. 

Time to help Frank spruce up for his guests. 

Got get my own coffee.  Rats.

Spending time with Frank

I've been with Frank for nearly an hour now.  His blue hat is coming into view with the morning light. He is quiet and let's me think and rest.  He provides a comfortable spot for me to sit and even has a plug for my laptop.  If I could just teach him to have the coffee ready....hmmm....He loves to listen to the early morning sounds with me...too many birds to name, chipmunks scurrying to hide from Double N, Frisky Whiskey up a tree--it's a squirrel poem--look it up.  Ms. Daily taught Hedgie Girl that one at East Lake...freeway in the distance--not disruptive--white noise .

Oh no...I'm discovered with Frank.  Duke Boy is coming.   Morning Joe will also join us. Rats.

He will bring me coffee...the perfect love triangle.

Frank has other lovers---sad and wonderful.

Spooky views

My porch got new pants so we can't sit on him for 48 hours.  They look great.  Barn red.  Love it.  Didn't think about my patriotic theme when I was picking.  White shirt and sky blue hat.  He's very cool.  So excited to get to put furniture on him after tomorrow. 

I did a health fair at MeadWestvaco for 2 days.  What nice people.  I've gone there for 3 years and never cease to be amazed at how happy and friendly they all are to me and to each other.  Thanks for the good vibes--especially helpful when you've gotten up at 4:30 to be there by 6 AM. 

BW's mommy had to be put to sleep.  Very sad for her family, who are my family.  We love you guys and you are in our prayers. 

Does anybody know what tomorrow is?  I'm thinking it'd be a great day to send my blog closer to 10,000 views.  Tell your friends to take a look.  I need about 300 hits.  Let's do it before Halloween.
Spooky!!

wanted to share this cute pix of my family despite their choice of attire

Breezy day with my porch

I confess I'm with my porch again! This time we are listening to the rain together.  This is why I wanted  a porch.  It reminds me of Camp Sumatanga, G4 with just screens--laying in bed listening to the rain on the roof sooth me to sleep after a long day of crafting with kids.  Ok, cutting gimp can be very taxing...soothing a young boy after a mouse ate his bread dough roses that he'd left to dry, watching someone's popsicle treasure chest fall apart after an hour of painstaking gluing...as I write I now know where most of my early therapeutic skills were honed. 

Back to the porch...so nice here.  It won't be long before I'll have to do a blankie and sox.  For now turning off the ceiling fan over my head was a must.  Duke Boy had to help.  I must get a longer chain. 

Today was Pastor's Appreciation Day at Shawmut UMC.  Lovely.  Great getting to lead the line with the Pastor.  Preacher's wife job does have its perks.  Grape salad, poppy seed chicken, Swiss chocolate cake, green beans.  I'm so sorry all my bloggers friends weren't there.  We had tons of food.  Thanks to all of you who pulled off that lovely event. 

Thanks too to all who helped me Turn 60. Where do we get these expressions.  Sounds like something that happens to silver.  Time to polish me?? Shine me up for the next party?  Anyhow.  Great family event with Hank and Shelia. Always fun with Miss Sunny, Jim Pop and newest future Miss Sunny.  Sopigopnopa and Tom.  Now I'm still partying with a  dance card of invites here in the Valley.  The porch will be jealous. 

Congrats to my babies that just celebrated 5 years of marriage.  My porch overlooks their wedding site. 

 

 

I've fallen in love again--with my porch.

This is the article that will appear in the Valley Times News this week.  Hope u enjoy.

I have fallen and I can’t get up.  I’m on my new porch and it’s cool, pleasant, the birds are singing, The Hooch is reflective as glass showing off the beautiful green still on the trees.  Double N is stalking a mid-morning snack.  He brought me a baby mole last week.  The workmen were surprised to see me grab my dead gift by the tail and do a perfect two pointer into the trash can below.  Double N is not deterred by my rejection of his gifts. He continues to be as regal as a tiger purposefully stalking the perimeter seeking his next victim.

I promised the Baptists that I’d write about them.  They put on a feeding that was something to brag about…a low country boil with shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn.  Then they had the audacity to serve dessert…I had homemade ice cream with a scoop of peach cobbler. Wow.  Unfortunately, I can’t lay claim to the reason for the festivities at Riverview Baptist Church.  Paul Coker was named their man of the year so the party was in his honor.  They did get a little scoop of something unexpected with their meal though since I was their speaker.  We had a little chortle about the wisdom of having someone like me speak to Baptist men.  I am a cradle Methodist with a brief year spent in the Episcopal ranks.  When I was debating over what I’d say to Baptist men I decided to share my own story about important men in my life.  Duke Boy, his Dad and of course, my own Dad are all on my list.  My Dad left a rich legacy for me to drawn on with his life story of loss of his Dad at age 10, and heroism at age 23 when he received the Medal of Honor.  Riverviewans, male and female, to whom, I feel a kinship due to my own view of The Hooch, got to see pictures, read the “Helen Keller” letter, and hear my version of my Dad’s heroism to country and family.  Thanks to all of them for their gift of hospitality.

While writing a hummingbird buzzed outside the screen to see what that pink T-shirt was all about.  I’m looking forward to adding some bird feeders to my yard.  I haven’t had one in a while because I haven’t wanted to make snacking too easy on Double N.  Still working on a plan for the best spot.  Squirrels here were raised watching old Tarzan movies and they can swing, leap, and bound from amazing heights to strip bird feeders bare. I have a bag of sunflowers seed in my laundry room.  I’m truly surprised every morning to not see the door chewed off from their latest discovery of my hiding place. 

Little BW isn’t quite sure about this porch thing. We are in the air with the squirrels after all.  Double N is ticked because he isn’t allowed into the screened part of the porch.  He has to deposit his gifts at the door.

Thanks to all of you who made our Pastoral Institute event a success. We had lots of laughs with a clown, balloons, laughter Yoga, beautiful songs from the Signature Singers from Point, catering by Railroads, and great door prizes.  Thanks to all of you who sponsored tables.  Call Bradley Bonner and ask him to show it on HPTV if you haven’t seen yourself yet.

Karen Erwin-Brown is the Director of the Pastoral Institute in Valley, AL.  She provides individual, marriage and family counseling by appointment.  Call 334-768-2341 for an appointment or more information. 

I have fallen and I can’t get up.  I’m on my new porch and it’s cool, pleasant, the birds are singing, The Hooch is reflective as glass showing off the beautiful green still on the trees.  Double N is stalking a mid-morning snack.  He brought me a baby mole last week.  The workmen were surprised to see me grab my dead gift by the tail and do a perfect two pointer into the trash can below.  Double N is not deterred by my rejection of his gifts. He continues to be as regal as a tiger purposefully stalking the perimeter seeking his next victim.

I promised the Baptists that I’d write about them.  They put on a feeding that was something to brag about…a low country boil with shrimp, sausage, potatoes and corn.  Then they had the audacity to serve dessert…I had homemade ice cream with a scoop of peach cobbler. Wow.  Unfortunately, I can’t lay claim to the reason for the festivities at Riverview Baptist Church.  Paul Coker was named their man of the year so the party was in his honor.  They did get a little scoop of something unexpected with their meal though since I was their speaker.  We had a little chortle about the wisdom of having someone like me speak to Baptist men.  I am a cradle Methodist with a brief year spent in the Episcopal ranks.  When I was debating over what I’d say to Baptist men I decided to share my own story about important men in my life.  Duke Boy, his Dad and of course, my own Dad are all on my list.  My Dad left a rich legacy for me to drawn on with his life story of loss of his Dad at age 10, and heroism at age 23 when he received the Medal of Honor.  Riverviewans, male and female, to whom, I feel a kinship due to my own view of The Hooch, got to see pictures, read the “Helen Keller” letter, and hear my version of my Dad’s heroism to country and family.  Thanks to all of them for their gift of hospitality.

While writing a hummingbird buzzed outside the screen to see what that pink T-shirt was all about.  I’m looking forward to adding some bird feeders to my yard.  I haven’t had one in a while because I haven’t wanted to make snacking too easy on Double N.  Still working on a plan for the best spot.  Squirrels here were raised watching old Tarzan movies and they can swing, leap, and bound from amazing heights to strip bird feeders bare. I have a bag of sunflowers seed in my laundry room.  I’m truly surprised every morning to not see the door chewed off from their latest discovery of my hiding place. 

Little BW isn’t quite sure about this porch thing. We are in the air with the squirrels after all.  Double N is ticked because he isn’t allowed into the screened part of the porch.  He has to deposit his gifts at the door.

Thanks to all of you who made our Pastoral Institute event a success. We had lots of laughs with a clown, balloons, laughter Yoga, beautiful songs from the Signature Singers from Point, catering by Railroads, and great door prizes.  Thanks to all of you who sponsored tables.  Call Bradley Bonner and ask him to show it on HPTV if you haven’t seen yourself yet.

Karen Erwin-Brown is the Director of the Pastoral Institute in Valley, AL.  She provides individual, marriage and family counseling by appointment.  Call 334-768-2341 for an appointment or more information. 

Monday thoughts

Pulled for the winner last night.  Ms. New York became Ms. America. Special connection that'll I'll brag about.  My niece, who is a reigning "I now live in New York City" designed the interview dress for Ms. or is it Miss America?  It was an exciting evening running back the show every time they showed her cheering section trying to catch a glimpse of my niece who was in the audience.  She claimed some TV time but I never saw her.

I'm guessing my biggest "to do" this week won't be as monumental as helping Ms./Miss America achieve the taking of the crown.  I'm too chicken to help the U.N. with Syrian peace keeping.  No skills in helicopter rescue for those poor folks in Colorado who are getting washed away. ( So glad my Colorado niece, who I visited there last year, is safely in Samson, AL sleeping this morning. ) Perhaps I can achieve 10,000 steps today all in the right direction for my health.  According to my pedometer that's almost 5 miles and 500 calories. 

Porch sitting is not quite as guilty of a pleasure after having achieved my steps goal.  Here's the latest view of that experience....

I couldn't get my other picture to cooperate so this is the next best one.  We watched the Bama game from the porch.  Duke Boy was barefooted though.  Roll Tide!

Rest from Renovations

Hoping for company this weekend so I can show off my new renovations.  Calm and lovely here today.  Snipped off a few dead heads in the garden while BW was engaged in offering "Good morning" to every blade of grass in the yard.  So gorgeous mums yesterday at Lowe's. Want them SOOOOOO bad but am trying to wait to make sure all workmen are gone from my home first. 

Here is a pix of my Roll Tide door with it's new roof to give me and it a little shelter during the rain.

Pleasant, gorgeous day on the Hooch.  Peace.

Changing my view of the world---- with Ms. Georgia

Mr. T celebrated his 62nd birthday in heaven.  Not quite sure how that works.  I'm sure we must quit having birthdays and that if we have bodies they are restored to their youthfulness where we all look the same and no one snickers in the locker room.  Even better there AREN'T any locker rooms. Heaven! You won't have to have your initials on your tennis shoes and no one will care if your gym suit isn't ironed--you won't have one with bloomer legs that make your thighs looks like elephants' and your butt ALWAYS big.  I know where the designer of those now resides--in a special place!

I digress--Mr. T--had a front row seat for a Bama victory.  Duke Boy wasn't happy with the playing of the game so I'm sure Mr. T was schooled in Heavenly demeanor for Bama fans.  You are missed Mr. T but it's good to know you are among the Bama saints--my Daddy, Glover, Bob Burnside, who could forget the Bear...oops. 

My morning began with a trip to the new location of my treadmill.  My new laundry room in front of my new window overlooking the river garden and the Hooch.  Super.  Duke Boy, Hedgie Boy and Euro Dirk got it there. It's previous residence was upstairs in Hedgie Girl's old room.  No window and out of sight and MIND!  Yes, I could close the laundry room door in the morning so I wouldn't have to look at it.  Today!! I didn't do that!  30 minutes with the last 30 SECONDS on a little run. No difibulator  ( not in dictionary) in there.  Didn't want to push it.  Also have to sit some this afternoon for appointments.  No leg or bloomer butt cramps later in the day.  Those guys did a fab job and I really appreciate it. Ms. Georgia loves her new view. 

Reading "The Butler" on my Kindle. Great movie.  Cried through most of it. 

Hot, hot, hot

The da Vinci surgical robot is now in law suits--the Jetsons would never consider subjecting Rosie to such torture.  I'm sure she occasionally dropped their sandwiches on the floor.  I know that seems random but a commercial just came in my ear while I was trying to think.  Never a good thing. 

Hot here.  Had to bathe after watering the yard due to all the itchy bug bites.  No rain in sight, just thunder.  It's the first day of September.  I was spoiled and became lazy during most of August where I didn't do squat in my garden.  The hydrangeas are droopy and sad.  However I do have a few amazing zinnias. 

Our remodeling projects are almost at an end. Except one...more on that one later.  Waiting on the plumber to come and connect up some essential parts.  Trying to restore some order and dust . What a lot of dust!  What a lot of fun to see it all come together. 

Roll Tide.  Good start even though Duke Boy wasn't happy with how the Tide played.  So picky.

Peace to all from the Hooch.

Thanks to all who made the Pastoral Institute event a big success.

This is a random shot while the Point University singers were performing.  I'm the girl on the left in the orange pants rocking out.

Amazing grace on the Hooch

Amazingly calm--amazing grace--despite my FUNdraiser tomorrow. Hedgie Boy has handled all the catering and I haven't called the caterer myself at all.  Amazing...you know the rest of the song.
Have my list to work today.  Hoping and praying all will go as planned.

Did a couple of creative things this weekend.  Forgot the carpenters rule of cut one and measure twice--I always get that wrong...I can't event type it in order!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Miraculous discovery---upholstery tacks--they cover a world of sin and are far superior to staples.  Took an old ottoman of 28+ years and made it new again.  Lots of fun after the amazing discovery...before that not so much...the material was on 40% off at Hancock Fabrics.

after--miracle tacks

before***

so much for my calm spirit.  I can't make these pictures do what I want---auuugggghhhh

 

You get the idea.

Peace, love, and cash for the PI. 

Looking for the 99

Joy for the day is ...going to bed thinking you were $300 in the red in your checkbook and getting up early in the quiet to balance it and finding out it was only -$99.  Hurrah.  It will be a Bible story in reverse in a little bit while I see if I can find the $99. The online banker and I have a running disagreement about my balance but for the last six months he's said I have $300 more than I say I have--I have let him win ---up until last night when he decided to remove my cushion.  Rats.  Goes under the too good to be true section of life. 

Speaking of that.  We have 179 people signed up for my FUNdraiser on Tuesday for the Pastoral Institute.   Another too good to be true but is! People in this Valley never cease to amaze me at their support.  Pray that I will have a vision sooon about the program.  I do have an idea and it's on paper but it's not cooked yet.  Still at the stirring stage. 

My remodeling is coming along. It's a good lesson in patience.  I have some lovely workman.  Very kind and polite and proud of their work.  My front porch has a roof .  So cool.  No more fumbling for my keys in the rain while trying to balance my umbrella on my shoulder.  No more replacing a shredded door mat every 60 days. No more having the annual painting of the icky boards over the front door that get streaked from all that rain that pouring straight down while you are trying to get your key in the door.

My laundry room has shelves now and hang up bars. An old friend that came into our family the year Hedgie Girl was born is hanging on the wall.  An old glass front parsonage cabinet from East Lake. It lived in our garage when we moved in and the church gifted it to us when we left.  I'm sure it knows a lot of stories about preachers' families.  It has lived in our garage for 13 years and now has a place in the air conditioning.  Imagine--a cabinet of real wood!!

here is the weary traveler.  A place to call home on the Hooch. 

random cuteness for your day--my great nephew


My bathroom vanity is in route from Mexico, MO.  Who knew there was such a place.  Pray that it will be beautiful and in mint condition when it arrives.  Hope it will be assembled with all the screws where they are supposed to be.  Another story of an internet purchase of furniture--5000 pound computer armoire in 750,000 pieces when we lived in Talladega. A miracle that we are still married after assembling that one--stupidly in the MIDDLE of the living room floor during a hurricane.  No plugs in our floor.  It had to be on a wall.  Couldn't wait for male friends to help--oh, no...good thing I'm a strong woman married to a very strong willed man.  That cabinet never quite got over it's little bit of sway from it's move to Auburn.  Not much need for a huge piece of furniture to house a computer anymore.  Of course, now I forget which room I left mine in. 

Ok, time to quit writing about life and get up and do it.  Peace from the Hooch. 

God is good

Looking for joy this morning:  cut hydrangeas to take to my widow's group, rejoiced with the workmen in my yard about my new roof over my front porch, sunrise over the magnolia, taste of good coffee, feeling present in Greece while reading a friend's account of his experience there, BW playing chase with her toys, a good morning kiss and hug. God is good.

Our widow's group meet today and hopefully they will be able to share joys and sorrows.  My FUNdraiser is going to happen! Lots of folks have pulled together to support the Pastoral Institute in this community. Hedgie Boy has gone many miles for this event.  Joy! I actually slept to 6 AM this morning instead of 3.  Not as worried about all of it.  Joy!. Not today at least....God is good.

View from my window.  Huge oak with gorgeous green leaves leaning into the sunlight.  This tree is at least as old as me, I'm guessing?  Keep on standing baby! Joy! God is good.

Look for Joy today.
                  Offer joy to others with your calm, kind presence everywhere you go.

                                                                     God is good. 

Hedgie Boy man of the hour for getting my ox out of the ditch.
Congrats Southern Union grad 2013!!

Relaxin on the Hooch

It was great to spend a weekend at my home.  Even though it's still under construction and very chaotic.  Got to do some dreaming about what can go where in a week or so--ha-when things are settled again.  Also did some real dreaming in the form of a great Sunday afternoon nap.  This cool rainy weather makes climbing under the cover a great idea. 

Will probably be orangey tomorrow due to all the peaches I've eaten since Friday.  One day of bowl sitting made them start to ripen.  So good.  Had a peach with cheese for supper.  Had a peach with cheese for breakfast.  Had peach cobbler at lunch.  Starting to sound like Forrest Gump talkin about shrimp.  Ms. Kay at Carroll Farms says next weekend is the last one for peaches at her stand in Woodbury.  Make the trip.  The Hudmon Fruit Stand on the corner across from Ingle's has great peaches and tomatoes.  That sweet gal took every peach out of my basket and looked at them to make sure they were all ok.  Then she gave me a few more to make a" nice real full basket".  Sweet folks over there in Woodbury. 

While I'm on food we had a great lunch at Country's in Lagrange Saturday afternoon before the movie.  You can count on them giving you a plate of food big enough to share.  Duke Boy and I usually get chicken livers--I know some of you are curling up your noses at the thought--just because you don't know what good is.  Yesterday we went with chicken fingers and fried eggplant--I know-we split the plate.  No dessert and we didn't eat anything at the movie--the only time I've ever been grateful for all that preview stuff.  We left the restaurant, drove to the movie--around the block, Duke Boy bought tickets, I parked, we were in our seats before the movie started--it was a 1PM movie and we left our table at 1PM.  I was trying not to breath so hard so the people in front of us wouldn't think they were sitting near some weirdoes. When the lights came up I had done all that weirdo worrying for nothing because we knew the folks and they already know we are weirdoes. 

Put a little love in your heart

Saw "The Butler" today.  Weeping through the last part and feeling tense as I remembered the history I lived through.  Sad to think that we are so hesitant to give up our fears and prejudice against those different from us. All that energy lost on hate.  Where could we be if Kennedy and King had lived?  It's definitely worth seeing . 

Raining here all day.  Windows open feeling the fall-like coolness.

 Ed Sullivan on PBS.  He was a regular at our house.  Little did I know how versed I was on pop culture at the time.  Of course, Lulu wasn't in color then--she was in living black and white on our TV.
 Watching "Shake" by the Animals. They were so wild  then.
                                                      They are barely moving??
You could fall asleep watching them.
  Feb 9,1964--the Beatles appeared live --"She loves you".
Gotta love PBS.
 Herman's Hermits was my fav. Saw them tonight too.  Of course, I was barely out of the crib then...

Time to head for bed.  "Mrs. Brown you've got a lovely daughter.,," a prediction,...who knew?

                                                                                                    and she's a graduate....

Peace from the Hooch. 

Living in the chaos

Rain is gently falling unlike the Niagara version in the rain chains yesterday in Columbus at the Pastoral Institute.  If you don't know what I'm talking about go by there on a rainy day and ask to see the rain chains.  It's worth the trip.  On a good soaker day like yesterday.  It's pretty cool.  I'm having a back porch built so those may be added to my long wish list of accessories. 

My contractor is a calm presence in the midst of the chaos of my house.  He is expert in knowing that the woman of the house must be looked in the eye while discussing upcoming decisions about construction which make take several weeks/months to complete.  He is also grateful that I don't "nut up" like some homeowners have over things like the dryer not working after a move to a new location just because the plug was accidentally wired wrong.  My mantra in the chaos is "wait for it--this is gonna be good".  And God was right, "it was good" having your washer and dryer on the main floor of your home.  I'm sure if God had laundry that even the angels would insist the appliances not be located in the basement.    

This picture makes me smile.  Great for a chaotic day!!

Back to the Water

Double N is back and giving whole new meaning to "eye of newt".  Running toward me with one hanging from his mouth while meowing loudly.  How does that happen? Cat mamas must not teach don't meow with your mouth full of newt.  My reward for not rewarding his gift was getting to pick up Dead N (newt)from my sidewalk and give him a proper burial by the road.  Still glad he's back.  He lay on the table that held my feet while reading the paper.  The glass top gave little BW lots of jealous views while she leap around trying to get a game of chase started. Double N kept it going by giving off fake scared meows from her reclining position. Mosquitoes were the only damper on my perfect garden relaxation moments. Now there are minus two newts to dine on my mosquitoes.  Rest in peace.

Newt point for two little guys due to this furry fellow
 

Have join the ranks of teens again.  Rockin my Pandora with my new Peace sign headphones while blogging.  I may never make it out of my purple chair. 
Peace on Peace.


Made out of water by Alice Dimicele "I'm always trying to get back to the water from that first breath on my day of birth."  I made it Alice.

Resurrection day for all

 My funeral outfit went in the dirty clothes last night.  Please be careful until it's clean again.
 It wasn't my intent to be my funeral outfit when I purchased it.  It's just evolved.
 Black and white polka dot sweater, not too sad, or hot--since this summer has had some hot days.  Yesterday was no exception. 

Duke Boy and I made the trip to Bessemer, AL to help lay my Uncle Ray to rest.  Duke Boy was a pall bearer.  Hank, my brother, did the service.  Ray was the last of the brothers to leave his earthly life and join the rest in the heavenly chorus of Roll Tide.  I just assume he was a Bama fan, and if he's near my Dad he'll have to lean that way on game day.  Ray and his twin, Fay were the babies of the family.  They were new to the world when their Dad, Walter, left it.  My Dad was the oldest and became the man of the house at ten.  Howard, Alvin, Carey, and Cecil were the in-between kids.  Grandmother was a young widow in 1931 with lots of mouths to feed.  My Dad had a story about the pot on the stove with the beans that you didn't eat because they flavored the soup that was the meal.  It was a hard living, but it produced some fine men and a woman who brought other fine men and women into the world.

Funerals aren't just about the resurrection of the dead in the casket they give families an opportunity to resurrect relationships that are separated due to death--Grandmother--no more family parties or reunions --distance--Tennessee, Michigan, Georgia, Alabama, Colorado.  Thank you to Ray's family for bringing him home to rest beside Grandmother, and his sister where he had his beginning. Thanks for the opportunity to see cousins and aunts, and second cousins--so cute.  Also great to see a favorite Aunt with a new love.  This new love was in 1st grade with Uncle Ray but had never crossed paths with my aunt until they attended a grief support group after the death of their spouses.  Great love story.  Hopefully we will make good on those promises to be in touch. This is an attempt at my part.

I must tell my fun story of the day--My sweet aunt Betty Sue, who is the epitome of graciousness, came to me at the graveside and said I looked like a model.  I had on my big black sun hat to keep from perishing.  They were chairs vacant under the tent but I didn't sit down because the hat's so big that no one could have seen the casket from behind me.   She then said, "you have done modeling haven't you?" so cute and so wrong but we had a good laugh. 

 Hank and Isaac.  Hank told a great story at the funeral about Isaac and sleeping in the Father's arms.  Very sweet moment of the reminder of how we are God's hands in the world.

 my happy face last Saturday when Hedgie Girl blew her good-bye kiss to

 University of West Georgia

 

 

Saw 2 flocks of turkey yesterday on the way to Bessemer.  Peace to all.

Lots of feathered friends

Almost time to make the doughnuts. 

Here is my little Duck Dynasty group shot from yesterday. 

Huey, Dewey & Louie
They live in the pond down the street. It's for sale if you need a pond. They probably come with it.

 

Yesterday just after I finished my fly over comments about my Dad, I had a flyover of about 20 Canadian geese go honking over my house.  I could see them from my writing room window.

 Life on the river is never dull.

 

Peace to all.

 





Dynasty tributes

I'm hoping all of you will pack up and come to the Memorial Tribute for Mr. T , aka Larry Stephens.  It will be living proof that the story goes on after what we know as earthly life.  I'm sure that Larry has a ring side seat picked out with the Lord for this event .( This seat won't have wheels unless he's already gotten hold of a chariot that someone left unattended. )  Perhaps things won't go exactly as they would if Mr. T were present but the Lord has had an earful before.

My Daddy didn't want a military funeral but my brother went to great lengths to make it happen and the rest of us supported him because Dad was a Medal of Honor recipient and he'd earned it.  The day of the ceremony I have never seen such rain nor had I ever been so cold in my life.  We were in trouble with the Man Upstairs who now sat with the Lord.  When the Honor Guard stepped up to the gravesite with the casket, I just knew they were going to slide in the hole ahead of Dad due to the slippery surface.  Duke Boy was co-leading the interment with the military Chaplain and before the "amen" we heard the planes coming for the fly-over tribute.  I remember jumping out from under the tent to look up and at that moment the clouds, that were nearly touching the ground due to all the rain in them, parted and some light came through so we could see these big planes.  This is difficult to type because of the tears in the eyes--but I just could picture my Dad in that plane looking down and thinking--ok--this was a good thing.  Thanks.(No cheese, real tears.)

I know that the Divine Ms.M., the kids, and Duke Boy will see that Mr. T. is lovingly remembered and honored for a life of service to the United Methodist church, and to a life of Turkey Dynasty.  I'm sure he wishes he'd marketed this part of  his life.  He'd look much better on a t-shirt in his hat than the bearded guys. We then could have all showed up in them for the service.  Actually I'm not sure Mr. T had regrets except not having more time with all those sweet grands.  Keep the stories going so they'll know him. Time for the book, Ms. M.  More tears, no cheese.  Thanks for letting me express my memories of Mr. T. 

My front garden had it's own little Duck Dynasty--Hooch style this morning.  My pix didn't upload.  Had 3 visitors with feathers who waddled up to check out the grounds.  Fed them some bread--is that bad?  Made Double N jealous since I don't feed him.

they both wear hats well, don't you think?

 

Grins from the Hooch. Gifts from the Heavens

This article will appear in the Valley Times News this week.

Stolen from their Nana.  Too adorable. 

So what’s made you smile this week?  Yesterday evening I was headed next door to greet my new neighbors with a warm loaf of zucchini bread from Duke Boy, and shazamm---a double rainbow.  I suspect it was due to a dear friend who went to heaven on Friday night.  I’m pretty sure it was his doing.  He was probably put in charge of the rainbow section because that rainbow was just the type of over-the-top extravaganza that he would pull. His memorial service is Sunday and I’m deciding if I need to take my tambourine for the anthem.  It’s going to be a volunteer choir singing of “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder”. Mr. Larry is the reason that I once carried it to church regularly.  His vision and that of several others of the Lanett UMC to have a contemporary worship service started my tambourine career.  I loved sharing a mic with Ms. Margaret, his bride, all the while singing Christian lyrics to old Beatle tunes.  My job was as a do wop girl with a funky beat.  I know I drove the musicians crazy, notice I never claimed to be a musician.  Other than the CD player that’s the only musical instrument I know how to play.  I’m pretty sure that Jesus was happy to see Larry since that meant he could turn “parable telling” over to new guy, he’s also glad that Larry’s there to lead the Bama cheering squad since the Auburn folks were hassling him all last season to help them out. Take some time this week to send up a prayer for his earthly family and friends who miss the ole turkey hunter.

My lips are sealed on what we were laughing about. We are in the room where I debuted my tambourine.

 

What made you smile?  Did you see the camel on TV for hump day? Very cute.  What about hummingbirds? My yard is all a buzz with them.  How do you not smile at one of them?  Double N at my backdoor every morning helping with blueberry picking makes me grin. I do have him trained almost or maybe he has me trained to let him get down the steps first so I don’t have give Dr. Martin a visit before beginning my work day.  Did I mention fresh blueberries on my cereal? If I could just teach Double N to pick them.  Hmm?  Wait for that one on YouTube. Cutting hydrangeas for my Sunday lunch table reminds me of my Grandmother.  Smile.  Seeing a little girl bring a doll to church today.  Not a video game.  Hurrah. Lunch with the Hedgie folks. Upcoming graduations for both of them—double grins.

 

                                                    My favorite grads

                                                   One of my favorite grins

Remember you have the opportunity to bring smiles to folks in this community who need some help to make counseling more affordable. Buy a ticket and attend the annual fundraiser for the Pastoral Institute on Tuesday, August 27 at noon at the West Point United Methodist Church.  We might even stand on our feet to get you to laugh—notice I didn’t say heads. It’s not too late to get a table for a group. It’s also never too late to donate if you can’t attend. Guaranteed smile from me.

My Mansion has window units

Mr. T and his lovely bride, the divine Ms. M

While I was writing last night Mr. T was holding court with His Heavenly Father.  God didn't sleep as well last night because Mr. T had just one more story and it was just too captivating to miss. On the other hand...Wild Turkeys in Alabama and probably in the southeast are dancing from the first time in awhile to Turkey in the Straw--Turkey in the road, Turkey in the treetop, and every other turkey hiding spot that ever was.  I'm sure  Mr. T got an entire mansion and there is now a window unit a/c in every room. Lots of eye rolling from St. Peter and the 1,000,000,000 movers with no truck. 
 
  Red and Glover are happy to welcome another Bama fanatic! 
                                           Roll Tide! 
 I'm sure God will be convinced that another National Championship for all Tide fans will be a good thing just so He can get some sleep again.

Joseph, the guy with  Amazing Coat, has posted playbills all over Heaven regarding the upcoming Storytelling Face Off.  Get ready Kathryn Tucker Windham. Mr. T has arrived.

We love you Mr. T. and Ms. M.

Lots of Carpents

Mr. T made it to his earthly home. So glad. Know that was a goal.  Hope all is well.
 Praying for peace.

Trying to keep my sanity during a remodeling project.  It's amazing how things can captivate when trying to restore a little order to the chaos.  Ex.  Cleaned out a junk drawer tonite and now I have a junk basket--wow!  Don't scoff at me.  You know you do that.  You know you are going to need all those nails that were obviously mating in that dark drawer.  Not to mention birthday candles, rulers, pens, thumb tacks, rubber bands, fuses, 10 different kinds of tiny screwdrivers that are never on vacation with you when your glasses lose a screw, carpenters pencils--who carpents at this house???

Needless to say I am exhausted and need to go to bed even though I've already had two naps since supper. Dreaming about what my new bathroom is going to look like is tiring.  And everyone knows the best dreaming takes place when the eyelids are SHUT!

Duke Boy doesn't do well with an unorderly house.  Probably why he doesn't carpent. No need for those eraser less pencils.  Spell check is very distracting.  Duke Boy is ready to put everything back in place. 

We do have a great new bathroom--not exactly new.  Our downstairs hall bath now has a door that swings out--we have lived in this house for 13 years.  Hello--why did we wait so long for this simple space creator?? No carpents . When I came home two nights this week my first view wasn't of the toilet with the lid up.  It was of a closed door.  Now when I take a moment there I don't have to worry that my teeth will get knocked out by the door knob if Duke Boy is in a hurry and I didn't lock the door.  Who locks the door in the bathroom when it's just the two of you.  When your child lives a mile away you don't have to worry that she is going to join you in the bathroom.  I actually miss those inseparable moments.  Ok, only when I'm really needing a good cry.  I no longer have to worry after a family gathering that I need to check that room for trapped relatives before saying good night. 

Ok shut eye. No carpents in the house. 

Saying good-bye to Mr. T

Prayers go up tonight for friends watching someone they love --we love--struggle with the end of life as we know it.  Plans are for him to be home one way or the other. Mr. Turkey Lurkey is a storyteller who was telling them last Friday during a visit in hospital room.  He kept us entertained and engaged even as he struggled to breathe using his oxygen.  His sermons during his hay days never ceased to captivate and surprise.  A memory of a fellow football player jumping over a bush and leaving the stadium stays in my mind --I heard it more than  10 years ago.  Mr. T.  did the Hedgies wedding on the hottest October day ever.  It was good to spend that day with them and also enjoy the day at his daughter's wedding where he was her Daddy down the aisle and after a quick change the pastor tying the knot.  You live in our hearts Mr. T and we know the Heavenly Father will enjoy the gift of your presence when you are ready to join him. 

A salute from Duke Boy to Mr. T.  Bow tie on the big day.

Oh Deer!!!!

House quiet. Birds singing. Coffee good. God watered for me last night. 

Well, the ones still with me.  Went out of town Friday. Came back Saturday night.  Walked around my back garden Sunday morning.  Whoa--where are my Hostas?  My beautiful pot of Caladiums--spp?? i before u except after deer?  Wait 2 beautiful pots of Caladiums . What? no Airplane plants or pots of wild violets tediously collected by Duke Boy before spraying our pea gravel in the spring. 

No deer here since the flood of 2003.  Prior to that nothing much for them to eat.  It's sun up now but I'm afraid to look out. What if all my beautiful hydrangeas are gone?  Time to get the Liquid Fence.

Double N was no help with this intruder.  He probably walked around with her rubbing all 4 of her legs.   Rock Man says it was a doe, he saw her outside his fence--IN Between our yards--didn't think to shoo her away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hostas don't like me away but I didn't plan for them to leave me so suddenly.
 Life lessons in the garden. 

Praying for Dear  Friends, not the 4 legged type, who are struggling with life and death.
You are on my heart. 

Last memories of my patio garden--Hostas WERE directly behind this pot.

Old to New Again

Said good-bye to two family members this week.  One was with us for 27 years which in couch years is 200,013.  He moved with us from Birmingham to Talladega to Auburn to storage to the Hooch.  His golden years were spent in two different rooms in this Hooch house.

 His infancy and that of Hedgie Girl, he lived in the den in our parsonage at East Lake UMC.  Duke Boy reminded me we all slept on him in front of the fireplace during the blizzard that caused a power outage. Sofa beds are never that great so I can't say I have many happy pull out couch memories. He was great couch for snuggling with Duke Boy and BW.

 We purchased Old Blue with monies from a gift we received after serving the Pell City UMC for 4 years. They loved us and we loved them.  My Sunday School class had so many pregnant women that everyone was afraid to drink out of the church water fountain. Our class was a the most fun I ever remember having in Sunday School.  It was hard to go the next appointment.

 East Lake was a good fit too.  That was were Blue lived in our den. He got to see Hedge Girl when she'd have to sit a time out in the chair located near him.

 Old Blue loved Talladega and enjoyed the company of many a Presbyterian Home friend, and our count em, 3 dogs. There was also a plethora of little girls from the neighborhood who graced our home daily and Blue loved them too.

Our move to Auburn put Blue in a huge room.  The biggest of his life.  His favorite memories are of the fireplace and visits with our great nephew, now teen Donny, who lived around the block.  His parents came to supper once a week before and after his birth and it was fun to see him grow.    Blue had the privilege of  seating my Dad during one of his last Christmas parties with the family in 1999. 

Blue was pretty lonely when he spent a few weeks in storage before the purchase of the Hooch house.
He was delighted to discover he could see the Hooch from his living room window perch. Of course, he got the shakes on at least two occasions when the Hooch threatened to invade his cozy, dry domain. 

His final years with us were probably some of his greatest supporting roles.  Duke Boy often joined him for a nap or a place to get back to sleep after sermonizing in his head all night. BW is wandering around searching for her sleeping buddy while I'm writing this.  She is confused as to his whereabouts.  She is 10 and he's been here all her life up until Tuesday night. 

That night two strong men showed up to carry him to the home of blind man who'd been sleeping on a pallet on the floor.  I wish I could take credit for the move.  I just called a lady who I knew who knew people.  It's a Velveteen Couch story that he went to live with someone who couldn't see how his eyes had been loved off over the years.  Hopefully they will love him as much as we did and they will have many years of story telling in his super golden years.

Old Blue
 

Nearly floating on the Hooch

Muddy, muddy Hooch today.  Rivaling the Mississippi.  Not as wide at my view though.  Currently rain isn't falling from the sky--I'm almost afraid to type that.  Squishy beneath the flip flops.

Double N is all lovely dovey and  innocent looking this morning as he runs between my legs for some companionship without getting feathers in his mouth.

scene of the Friday's crime

Such fun to be with Mumpsy and Jim Pop despite the torrential rain as we made the JOURNEY to Opelika/Auburn yesterday.  Jim Pop was on a mission to find a doll for the future Miss Sunny.  You can't spend the night in this home without being influenced by the doll mania of Hedgie Girl.  Jim Pop had some lessons on baby dolls while he was here.  Our selection was limited but finally Fisher Price came through with a soft snuggley brown haired baby doll just right for a little gift for a little sweetheart. She will never know that we nearly drowned to find such a treasure.


Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger in Auburn was a great place to hide from the deluge of rain. Hannah, our server, was cute, friendly,  and efficient.  The food was yummy.  I had a Birthday Cake shake, a 1/2, that didn't disappoint.  A friendly stranger helped me with my camera phone on the pix of Jim Pop and Mumpsy. 

Peace, Joy, go to church, call your Momma, have a great day.  Sitting on the Hooch, and at Shawmut UMC.  Will call the Pastoral Institute in Valley home tomorrow. 

Angry Birds on the Hooch

Double N got my newest baby bird. The poor unfortunate Soul was living in my cable connector box with his 2 industrious feathered parents.   I'd witnessed their parental vigilance earlier in the week while conversing on my cell in my car .  Several times they flew by my windshield and gave  angry bird looks as to my presence in THEIR yard or air space. Double N was told to scat several times when he'd parked himself underneath the car listening  for the chirps signaling the launch of the fledglings.

  When I arrived home last evening all that was left for these proud parents was another sidewalk gift for me.  I know this is what cats do but it doesn't mean I have to like it.  I didn't pet him,I fussed but I didn't turn the hose on him while I was cleaning the sidewalk.  I DID think about it. 

Surely, there's a better way to do these launchings.  This little Soul has announced his presence with loud chirping for days now.  Perhaps the sad parents delivered a safety lecture to his sibs if there are any. 

On a happier note--a friendship that has survived since 3rd grade with Ms. Sunny was celebrated yesterday with a post 4th visit.  She and Jim Pop arrived looking like the Clampetts with furniture for my booth at Bluffton Antiques in Lanett.  Mumpsy and Jim Pop shared great stories about little future Miss Sunny.  Duke Boy and I are going to give them some schooling on dolls today. They raised a boy so they are out of their element.

Hopefully lessons are learned in the bird world--loud chirps are emitting from my cable box. 

Peace for the day to all God's creatures.

Thanks for freedom, Dad.

Sad and mad. I had my best post ever. and...it is now in the Twilight Zone.  I even saved it. 
GRRRRRRR.

The Power and the Glory by Life a magazine about the US military.
On page 56 it has a story about my Dad, Henry Erwin, a Medal of Honor recipient.
You can find this at Lowe's provided my sister hasn't already been there and bought all the copies.

Happy Day

Birthday hats off to my little sister today.  She is 50!.  She looks and feels great and is ready to head for 100.  Still remember the day she was born.  My Dad burned the toast.  Not surprising since cooking wasn't his first skill.  I was ten and that was the first time that I ever saw him cook.  After that we hustled off to the hospital where I wasn't allow to see my new sister or my Mom.  A nurse yelled at us that I was too young to be on the ward when I did the blend into the crowd technique to gain access to my Mom's room.  Times have definitely changed. 

Hope you all have a great Monday.  I'm hoping for a healthier week.

Peace to all.

Happy Birthdays and the 4th

Had a trip south to LA to celebrate my Mom and my sister's birthday.  I won't give any ages except to say that 50 years ago tomorrow that little Bette was Big Betty's 37 year old Birthday present.

I blew kisses to all because I've got some kind of crud that I'm treating with an antibiotic. Today I'm feeling like I may live. Yesterday that was questionable???

 

 

 

 

 Little Bette with Momma Betty

 

                Fort Sumter flag from our Charleston trip in April .
                                                                       Time to celebrate the 4th.


Train whistle and crickets through the open window that Duke Boy wanted to shut so I wouldn't cool the whole back yard.  Gotta listen to that high pitched something in the yard that is louder than the train clacking by. 

Hope everyone is planning a way to stay cool and watermeloned on the 4th.  Watermelon and tomato cut up in the bowl together with salt are delicious.  You don't have to do any of that fancy "Chopped" dressing or cheese. Had it for breakfast last week.