January smiles

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

January, mid-month, 40 degrees is the high today.  Did you see that moon last night?  Cruising the front garden ---brown, brown, brown, Green shoots, brown, and brown, browner. Hunting for life and something to smile about.  No yard work, unless you are Martha Stewart or her staff, no bugs.  January has allowed me to reorganize the house, and de-Santa-tize it.  Santa and Baby Jesus back in the tubs till next Advent.  Back to the treadmill, trying to smile, new book that I only let myself read while I’m on the treadmill.  It has not proven to be a page turner.  Porch still drying out after Saturday’s monsoon.  Too cold to be writing from there.

Smiling about wonderful lunch at Korean Bar-b-que House in West Point with Ms. Marilyn, who is an excellent chooser of a wonderful Korean lunch.  The staff is friendly and provides forks to those of us not skilled like Ms. M. in the use of chopsticks. Smiling about a morning spent as volunteer, they could use some more as well as food donations, at the Interfaith Food Closet.  Smiling about the sales in my booth at Bluffton Antiques—go in to get warm and ask for booth #19—mention this article for a 20% discount in addition to the great discount that I’m already offering.  Smiling about sorting out my taxes, and having Carolyn Lott as my CPA.  Smiling about worship at Shawmut UMC where Duke Boy makes me think about the Gospel and how to live it in this Valley.  Smiling about Ms. Ann treating me to inspiring piano music in that same service. Smiling about the work of the Pastoral Institute in this community and how I am able to be a part of it.

 Smiling about participating in the baptism of my great nephew—precious red-headed little fellow, at West Point 1^st UMC.  The event brought tears, as baptisms always do, while he was walked around the congregation as they sang a special lullaby with his name in it.  What a lovely tradition.  The family gets a framed copy of the song after the baptism.  Even the Baptist grands know this song because their Becca sings it to them too when they spend the night with her.

Smiling for the sunshine reflecting off the screen as I type this article.  Smiling because little BW quickly (chilly) visited the yard while I stood on the porch watching the eagle circle in the distance.  Forgot to mention the smile for the gorgeous blue sky framing the eagle. Smiling for the warmth of the heat while I write. Little BW is trying to climb into the vent after her outside adventure.

Smiling for the friendship of Double N, our community cat.  He/she said “hello” to me all the way across the yard yesterday while he came for his daily petting.  During all the extreme cold I made a Double N friendly warming light with a box and quilt.  He ignored my attempts to get him to snuggle there but later I observed him curled up asleep enjoying the spa treatment. Smiling.

Where are you finding smiles during this chilly winter?  Lots of opportunities… worship, volunteering, shopping, nature, and friends.  Take the time to notice.  Things aren’t as brown as they look.  After all the “Brown” as added a lot to my life and name.  Smile.

Karen Erwin-Brown is the therapist for the Valley office of the Pastoral Institute.  She provides individual, marriage and family counseling by appointment only. Call 334-768-2341 to make an appointment or for more information.  She also hobbies a booth at Bluffton Antiques where you can find treasures that brought past smiles. 

January, mid-month, 40 degrees is the high today.  Did you see that moon last night?  Cruising the front garden ---brown, brown, brown, Green shoots, brown, and brown, browner. Hunting for life and something to smile about.  No yard work, unless you are Martha Stewart or her staff, no bugs.  January has allowed me to reorganize the house, and de-Santa-tize it.  Santa and Baby Jesus back in the tubs till next Advent.  Back to the treadmill, trying to smile, new book that I only let myself read while I’m on the treadmill.  It has not proven to be a page turner.  Porch still drying out after Saturday’s monsoon.  Too cold to be writing from there.

Smiling about wonderful lunch at Korean Bar-b-que House in West Point with Ms. Marilyn, who is an excellent chooser of a wonderful Korean lunch.  The staff is friendly and provides forks to those of us not skilled like Ms. M. in the use of chopsticks. Smiling about a morning spent as volunteer, they could use some more as well as food donations, at the Interfaith Food closet.  Smiling about the sales in my booth at Bluffton Antiques—go in to get warm and ask for booth #19—mention this article for a 20% discount in addition to the great discount that I’m already offering.  Smiling about sorting out my taxes, and having Carolyn Lott as my CPA.  Smiling about worship at Shawmut UMC where Duke Boy makes me think about the Gospel and how to live it in this Valley.  Smiling about Ms. Ann treating me to inspiring piano music in that same service. Smiling about the work of the Pastoral Institute in this community and how I am able to be a part of it.

 Smiling about participating in the baptism of my great nephew—precious red-headed little fellow, at West Point 1^st UMC.  The event brought tears, as baptisms always do, while he was walked around the congregation as they sang a special lullaby with his name in it.  What a lovely tradition.  The family gets a framed copy of the song after the baptism.  Even the Baptist grands know this song because their Becca sings it to them too when they spend the night with her.

Smiling for the sunshine reflecting off the screen as I type this article.  Smiling because little BW quickly (chilly) visited the yard while I stood on the porch watching the eagle circle in the distance.  Forgot to mention the smile for the gorgeous blue sky framing the eagle. Smiling for the warmth of the heat while I write. Little BW is trying to climb into the vent after her outside adventure.

Smiling for the friendship of Double N, our community cat.  He/she said “hello” to me all the way across the yard yesterday while he came for his daily petting.  During all the extreme cold I made a Double N friendly warming light with a box and quilt.  He ignored my attempts to get him to snuggle there but later I observed him curled up asleep enjoying the spa treatment. Smiling.

Where are you finding smiles during this chilly winter?  Lots of opportunities… worship, volunteering, shopping, nature, and friends.  Take the time to notice.  Things aren’t as brown as they look.  After all the “Brown” as added a lot to my life and name.  Smile.

Karen Erwin-Brown is the therapist for the Valley office of the Pastoral Institute.  She provides individual, marriage and family counseling by appointment only. Call 334-768-2341 to make an appointment or for more information.  She also hobbies a booth at Bluffton Antiques where you can find treasures that brought past smiles. 

This little fellow is the happy face that was baptized on Sunday.

Cat ways

So grateful for a warm house. Made Double N a warm spot last night with a lamp, his quilt and a box.  Now there's a warm quilt possibly harboring a once cold possum.  Double N returned to his spot in the plastic storage area with the plants.  It's pretty protected so I'm hoping he's ok.  I got  the "crazy chick" look while I was preparing the Hilton on the Hooch.  Gotta remember as sweet as he is that he's a cat with a mind of a cat and they have cat ways of doing things that I'm not privy to.  He probably snuggled into his own spot with the same crazy chick with torturous light in his dreams...

10 degrees here on the Hooch.  Peace and warmth to you.

Feeling like that kid watching the TV to see if I'd have to go to school the next day.  TV isn't even on but I'm awake.  Can't sleep. Ticked because Downton Abbey didn't tape--rats.  Ok...so I'm hooked.  If you've ever watched it then know you are too so don't judge.

 Back to the weather...glad I live in the South.
 Have you seen some of those temps in the North and Mid-west.  Bless 'em.
 Well, the three ups for tonight are:
1) Bundle up

2) Snuggle up   

3) Turn the heat up.

 Dripping faucets are a good thing tonight.

Had a great New Year's Eve with the Hedgies in Birmingham at Little Savannah.  Good food and good service.  and a good thing it's in Birmingham. 


New Year's Resolutions...I'm gonna get right on those.  Today is the 5th?  Hmmm

The number one answer??? You know it...

1) LOSE WEIGHT. Duke Boy says he's losing 20 #s. And he will.  I love and hate him for his resolve in that area.  He didn't cook any dessert for Sunday lunch. The rest of the meal was AMAZING.  Faquitas--steak, chicken, sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, green peppers.  Homemade guacamole by Hedgie girl. 

2) Which is actually #1.  Get us a baby.  Complete an adoption.  They are approved.  Their book for the birth parents to look over is sooo sweet.  They are a creative pair.  Will be fabulous parents.

3) Figure out what I'm going to do with the part of the time that I'm not working.  Just went to part-time.  Very scary... but I can stay up and blog because I'm not working tomorrow.  Maybe I'll blog more.  I could exercise more so I could accomplish # 1.  If #2 happens fast then #3 will be taken care of.

All this resolve is making me sleepy.  Blogging is good.

  Peace and warm, snuggly thoughts from the Hooch.



 

Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth

A cold wintery, sunny Christmas Eve.  Duke Boy in the kitchen getting our Christmas Eve supper ready.  I have the table set--my job-- and I've made cherry, orange, nut butter.  UMM.  Now gotta type up our menus.  Part of the tradition.  The Hedgies will be here with Queen Elizabeth.  We'll go to church and then come home to a fabulous meal.

Christmas Eve Celebration With the Erwin-Browns   Menu 2013 Prepared by Chef Duke Boy

appetizer Snowflakes with Cranberry Pepper Jelly Creamiest cheese Roasted Pecans Soup Traditional Oyster Soup Salad Mixed Green Citrus Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette Entree Spinach Stuffed Beef Tenderloin Mashed Potatoes with Mushroom Gravy Roasted Green Beans Cloverleaf Rolls Cherry, Orange Nut Butter a la the Hooch Dessert Red Velvet White Chocolate Cheesecake Coffee   It will be a delight!!! Wish you were here.

This photo from East Lake UMC in Birmingham.  This was our church from 1987 to 1993.

Peace to all of you this Christmas season.


 My nephew is safely home from Qatar. See the happy home photo.

Post from 12/22/13 that disappeared and is now back??

Dex and I are enjoying the breeze on the porch.  Air was still earlier --74 in the house.  We keep our heat on 70--yes, it was warm outside.  Stormy weather is coming.  Little BW has already burrowed in the blankie on the couch. 

Speaking of burrowing.   Double N has a blankie for his spot under the porch. Double N is in love.  Might be his first blankie--whoa--big whistle of wind just blew through Dex.  Double N just came by for her morning petting.  Trying to teach her not to pick my screens---aauuuggghhh!

Christmas is right down the street, no longer around the corner. Queen Elizabeth and I went to the mall.  Actually we were dropped off.  Duke Boy grocery shopped while the Q and

Sad now. Just wrote the best blog ever and it got dumped when I lost my connection.  Very sad.

Oh well...Shout out to Miss K.  Keep on reading anyway.

Hooping and hollering on the Hooch for a minute

The last day of November sure went out like a tiger...I thought it was March that did that??That's about all I'm gonna say about that part of my day.  Most of you probably know I'm not a very good fan anyhow...today though I watched almost the entire game.  I certainly didn't go anywhere in the second half.  Queen Elizabeth even watched most of the last quarter.  It was easy to explain to someone who knows even less than me about football. Duke Boy was sad but he was happy earlier in the day about his other team--previously only known for their basketball team.  Go Duke! 

Have a lovely Sunday.  Go to church and thank God for your win or thank him for your patience until next year. 

Peace from the Hooch.  Do some Christmas shopping at Bluffton Antiques in Lanett, AL. 

Winter on the Hooch

Winter is wintering around my porch.  Too cold to be out there writing even though it’s my new favorite spot.  Golden, brown, and red leaves still decorate my oaks and the ground beneath them. Our house philosophy is “we will remove no leaves before it’s time”.    “Time” means there are no golden, brown or red leaves on the branches.  “Time” means that Santa may have to wade through leaves to get to our house if he approaches from the river side and misses the rooftop.  “Time” means that our neighbor and lovely friend has generously agree to spend an afternoon blowing our leaves off the yard and down the hill.  “Time” means we might be about to host a party on the porch—Love those words.  Room to move around and spread out.  We even have a heater on that porch—so far we’ve only used it twice.  Winter has only teased us until recently. 

My porch has proven a cozy spot to write—not today—and a place for sumptuous meals, naps, and aerobic activity…what?  Hmm?? What’s the shift from those previous porch activities… enter Fred.  Actually Fred probably entered my porch a month or so ago when I brought my plants that summered in the backyard while my screened porch was in process.  Fred previously lived on my “not screened” porch when those plants lived on my tiny back porch—one could have referred to it as a “stoop” if it hadn’t had 18+ steps from the river garden. 

Fred has shared then new, previously referred to as screened, back porch with us for several weeks but had managed to stay hidden most days. Since he frequently showed himself on the stoop while I was watering, and since river life has accustomed me to all kinds of critters, I was not surprised that he too preferred my new back porch.  It doesn’t host cats or snakes or birds. Fred is a lizard.  A chameleon to be exact. He’s about as big as my hand—long that is.  And he can move quickly.  Fred had winked at me one day from the eave near the screen door.  Duke Boy was with me so we just winked back.  We knew that Fred would provide that extra protection that can’t always be provided by screens. 

Things were rocking along pretty well for Fred until the night temperatures dictated a need to move my plants—mainly begonias—indoors.  I only gave it a passing thought that Fred might be hitchhiking indoors from the cold too.  Fred’s cousin, or perhaps twin, had once posed as a lizard statue under a dishtowel on our kitchen counter during a summer of screened door openings.  I knew it could happen.

What happened instead was Fred showed out sunbathing as if at the Grand Isle Resort while Queen Elizabeth was also enjoying the pre-winter sunshine.  I saw him but had chosen to ignore his shameless “own the place” behavior.  What ensued was me, a broom, and  Queen E not wanting that thing in her bed.  It was better than any treadmill work I’ve ever done.  Fred should be in the Olympics. Fred and I ran up and down behind the settee and up and down the screen. I even opened the door and let in a wasp so Fred could run out.

  I am proud to report that Fred still suns on that porch since I’m a failure at lizard removal.  I named him so Queen E could envision him as a friend rather than a reptile.  I think that’s the category for lizards???  The Queen was unimpressed with my reptile removal skills and my naming.  She still wants the porch doors shut so he won’t visit her room.  Fred will have to snuggle under the porch blankie today.  I’ve made it a point to shake it out before using it on a chilly evening.

Peace to all of you this Thanksgiving weekend.  If you see Fred out he may be sporting a tiny hounds tooth scarf so he’ll fit in with the rest of the crowd on the porch.

 

Karen Erwin-Brown is the director of the Valley office of the Pastoral Institute.  She offers individual, marriage and family counseling by appointment only.  Call 334-768-2341 to make an appointment or more information.   

Seeing with 3 year old eyes

Chilly day on the Hooch.  Haven't visited Dex today. 

Yesterday during church had coffee, cinnamon rolls, lemonade, muffins, and fruit loops. 

... fruit loops were ok but my imagination was better when I was eating cinnamon rolls prepared by 3 year old hands.

  Nursery Sundays are always entertaining.
 Coloring,
 hearing Veggie Tales,
                  seeing excitement in the eyes when the blocks fit the holes,
 Queen Elizabeth enjoying her cinnamon roll.

 I'm sure "big " church was fun too and worship was certainly different.

  I'm thankful during this Thanksgiving week that God provided me a set of 3 year old eyes to see the world for an hour.

Time to get to Monday with 60 year old eyes and bones.  Peace for the day from the Hooch.

Thanksgiving and fire

Spent the morning with Dex even though he was cool to me.  Watching leaves fall was like watching a movie in fast forward.  Our river garden is at least ankle deep perhaps knee deep now in gold, reds and browns.  The great thing about leaves on the ground is that means the view of the Hooch is pretty fabulous.  Coffee, Dex and the river...

now I'm in front of my cozy fire.  Little BW is trying to push the laptop away so she can snuggle into me.  My fire is of course...electric..it has a blower for warmth...need one that crackles.  Do they make those...well duh, called "real fire".  I don't have to go into the cold for more logs, no sweeping up ash, no sparks on the rug...close to perfect. 

BW has given up on being my "laptop" and has burrowed into an afghan.  Queen Elizabeth is dreaming of Christmas cookies with Martha Stewart.  Just had mochas and cream cheese on ginger family cookies.  Yum.  It's beginning to look a lot like winter...

Top 10 Thanksgivings:
New room for Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth in her new room
Dex
New laundry room no longer in basement
Hedgies on the way to being parents and you know what that means>>>>!!!!!
BW all snuggley
Duke Boy happy as Bama wins its way through the season
Good folks to work with
Good folks to worship with
Good folks to call family
Friends who love me--wahoo --that's 11!!

Hope you will count your blessings instead of sheep tonight.

Peace from the Hooch.

Looking forward to Thanksgiving with this cute family of Bama fans!!

Kennedy remembered

Watching the Kennedy memories tonight.  Remembering being in Ms. Guthrie's room in 5th grade at Bush School in Birmingham when some boys ran down the hallway yelling that the President was shot. 

My family felt a kinship to the President because my Dad, a Medal of Honor recipient, had shaken hands with him in the Rose Garden in May of 1963.  My Mom didn't go because she was pregnant with my little sister, Bette.  Jackie Kennedy was pregnant too but unfortunately lost baby Patrick in August when he was born five weeks too early and his lungs were too little.

Sad day for our country then and now looking back.

Sorry that Lanett High School lost tonight to Fyffe?? spelling??  Safe travel to Hedgie Girl and all the fans traveling home tonight.

Peace from the Hooch tonight.

One duck dynasty afternoon

Dex finally warmed up again so I could sit with him.  Queen Elizabeth & I ate supper with him tonight.  Lovely evening to enjoy a great meal prepared by other main man, Duke Boy.  Here now with both of them watching Bama. 

Spent the afternoon napping here. The Dex couch is the best nap spot. 

Duke Boy had a birthday this week==thank God, now he is only 1 year younger than me again!!
Good thing we're both so cute since we look so much alike after all these years!

 Attempted to pick up pecans by the Hooch today. Not many there.  Took Queen Elizabeth on a joy ride down in the truck so she could help us hunt.  We picnicked a little after unproductive pecaning.  Lovely day to enjoy the Hooch though.  Disappointing to have so few birds today.  One duck. They must have all gone to Mississippi for The Game.  Gave the Queen a thrill trying to climb that hill in the truck.  Reminded her of riding with Major Charles in the golf cart after the Hedgie wedding.  It was her first trip down there in 5 years.  Who knows when I'll get her there again.

Next Saturday, we have the Winter Festival in downtown West Point.  It's gonna snow courtesy of KIA.  Come and bring friends.

Lots of good buys at Bluffton Antiques in Lanett.  Check out booth 19. 

The Pastoral Institute has Holiday Hope on Thursday the 21st.  You can still make a reservation if you call by Monday.  334-768-2341.  It's for those who've lost a loved one and are going through the holidays for the first time without them.  Duke Boy and our Naomi, widow group, are making a wonderful meal.  Free event.

It's good to have the Queen here.  She never fails to make me smile with some of her comments. She continues to be amazed that I know how to do laundry.  She has to be since I don't let anyone touch my washing machine. 

Medal of Honor remembered

Lovely tribute by the VFW and Valley Postmaster yesterday. My family was honored to be able to participate in the ceremony.  Weather was beautiful with a little nip in the air.  Tommy Weldon, the Valley police chief, played taps on his trumpet.  Impressive!  The last few military funerals that I've attended the honor guard has used  pre-fab bugle music.  It's lovely but not quite the same experience.  Taps always bring a tear-- the bugler at my Dad's funeral, soggy and wet under a tree. I'm not sure if his was canned or not--I do remember that it was sad.

 The Medal of Honor stamp is available today for purchase.  My Dad's name is in the inside if you purchase the book, Henry Erwin.  There are also 464 other names of the WWII recipients.  Just to be politically correct--never refer to a Medal of Honor recipient as a "winner" of the medal.  Most of them never strived for this honor since many of them are awarded posthumously. My Dad's medal was raced to his "death bed" by his buddies from a broken case in Hawaii.  I think it's the fastest a medal was ever approved.  He had it engraved himself.  My nephews, the Erwin Brothers, are planning to produce a movie about this story. 

Dex is chilly today.  He wishes we had a big ole blanket for  him to wrap himself in for the upcoming winteriness. 

Hedgies had their last adoption class last night.  On to the home study.....then...

Peaceful day from the Hooch.   

A tribute on Veterans Day --Henry Erwin--Medal of Honor recipient

Today I'm going to the Veterans' Day celebration in Valley to say a few words about my Dad.  Shawn Daily, the postmaster for the Valley office, who is also in the military, is doing the military bio.  I am to cover the civilian side.  Dad was a Medal of Honor recipient. 

 He was a good man, who took us to church every Sunday.  Sunday morning, he grabbed your toes through the cover to awaken you. Sundays we ate out so Mom didn't have to cook.  Britlings, the Frost Top--I can still taste the Lot-o-Burgers.   Family was important to spend time and we did--usually visiting both Grandmothers and siblings on one side or the other on Sunday afternoons. Sunday evenings were spent at home around the dinner table and then TV-- Bonanza or Ed Sullivan. He was always in bed by 9.  Snoring from that room sounded like a German Shepard dog guarded the bed.

Dad worked five days a week at the VA Hospital in Birmingham, AL. He left for work every morning by 5:30 but not before planting a Listerine-laden kiss on your sleeping cheek. To this day I don't have to use an eye lash curler.  You could also set your clock by his 5:30 return.  Dinner was on the table and we ate together.   Paper, TV, a little help with homework--he was good at Math--thank goodness--I was not.

Our yard was also neat and clean--girls didn't have to do yard work--thanks goodness--sorry Hank.
Girls washed dishes.  Mom did everything else.  The house was also always neat and clean. 

If Dad had a vice it was cigars and new cars.  He smoked cigars for years and then chewed them for years after that.  New cars were always a surprise. To my knowledge, he always picked them out alone.  I'm guessing he paid cash.  He didn't like debt.  He'd just come home with a new car about every two years.  He'd trade the old ones until we got old enough to drive.  My first car was a '64 Chevy, white with red interior. I inherited it when I was a sophomore at Alabama. Freshmen couldn't have cars then.

Dad made sure all his kids got an education.  Grammar school and up.  You respected your teachers.  The GI Bill helped with our college educations. Dad helped with the $20 to $50 in your pocket when you went back to school on Sunday evenings after a weekend visit.  When I didn't visit.  I'd get a short letter with a little cash about how I needed to call my Mom. When I say short, I mean short--less than a paragraph.  I loved those letters and the cash was nice too.  He and Mom never called before they visited me in college.  Back then those visits were not cherished like I would have had I know that I wouldn't have them anymore.

Precious memories of him were when Hedgie Girl was a baby.  We lived in Pell City and Leeds was about a 30 minute trip. Early in the morning after Duke Boy had left for church, I'd hear a knock.  No call first.  Dad would show up and hug me--then sit and hold Hedgie Girl.  He'd stay about an hour while I visited a little then did whatever Moms of newborns do--shower, have another cup of coffee, do laundry--then he'd give her back and say bye.  Makes tears to think about those times. 

He loved us.  We loved him.  I miss him.  I wish he was here to hold our soon to be family member who is out there somewhere waiting to join our family. 

A salute today to my Dad and to all those who helped give us the kind of freedom that I enjoyed as a child, and I continue to enjoy today.  Thanks Dad. 

Views from the Hooch

 

Ms. Potato Head stopped by Valley Family Dentistry for the Cabbage Patch Girls to correct her overbite.  Gotta love it when your dentist gives you Chocolate!!

These are not morning children.  Too funny.

My niece maker of beautiful pictures made this one.  

 

 

 

We love because (God) first loved us.  1 John 4:7-21



These words began my devotion from the Upper Room this morning. It can be accessed free on-line if you are interested.  It's written by people like me--perhaps this year I will attempt to be a writer for them. 

I am tickled to announce a new blog by the Hedgies--if I was really good at this stuff I'd link you to it--another goal for this year--it's time for them to be public about finding a baby for us to love on. 
They have done so in a big way with all kinds of wonderful pictures, stories, and peeks into their souls. Made me cry and swell with pride that I know them and they are a part of me. 
www.themulberrytreeinthesea.com
so the above is the link.  I know I'm amazing--

 

"How long the road is.

 But, for all the time the journey has already taken,

                                    how you have needed every second of it."

   

                                                                        Dag Hammarskjold

 



 

I'd love to stay with y'all all day.  I've got to visit Dex today.  He was cold this morning so I kept my distance.  My to do list is a mile long and Queen Elizabeth wants to go shopping.  I probably need a spiff up too.

 

Speaking on Monday, Veterans Day, at the Valley program at the memorial in Langdale.
 The Medal of Honor stamp for WWII is issued that day.  My Dad will be remembered.


 

 rockin the power of purple with Hedgie girl and the Queen

the hedgies



Treats for Halloween

Alone with Dex.  So peaceful.  Sun just coming up.  Just cool enough for my sweater and sox to be cozy.  He got a little attention from Queen Elizabeth and company yesterday.  They spiffed him up.
I'm a little jealous that he spends more time with them than he does with me.  Someone must help pay for his house. 

We are getting our Boo on with some help from these folks today.

Samson on parade.  Gramma trying to steal their chocolate

Samson's new Chief of Police

 the Princess has tamed the Dragon

Samson's new mayor

Trick or treat! Roll Tide

mystery man? Probably scratching the hair in his ear

Happy Halloween to all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ha, ha, ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Porch views from the Hooch

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

We are enough. We all want to be skinnier, prettier, wealthier, more creative, more thoughtful, and more computer literate, the list goes on.  You know how to fill in those blanks. It’s Monday and most of us started working our list before our feet hit the floor. Research says that Monday mornings are the prime times for heart attacks due to our stress hormones peaking after a weekend of relaxation. 

Yesterday, at Fairfax United Methodist Church, I got to experience a wonderful sermon on being enough.  Sorry Ian, I was in your pulpit and it wasn’t from me either.  It was from a younger member of your congregation, the Hugging Boy.  This young fellow moved through every pew and hugged each person present in the congregation.  Amazingly, he got a hug back and a smile from each person he hugged.  I hope that congregation realizes what a gift they have. I’ve experienced many church” meet and greets” but none as moving as the one done by this young boy.  His message was the gospel, “You are enough” and “I’m hugging you”.  Thanks for the wonderful wordless sermon. 

God’s presence was felt on my Pine Mountain Saturday get away too.  My day included lunch at Rose Cottage; where amazing bread is baked, a little shopping, and a ride on top of the mountain in the Roosevelt State Park.  The next couple of weeks will be peak leaf time on that mountain.  It’s well worth the trip.  God is definitely going to put on a show there this fall. 

He is definitely showing off in my garden. I’m ready this year with my ring-side seat on the porch.  This morning it’s gently raining and the weather is sweater and sock worthy.  The squirrel that fussed at me last week when I wrote from this spot is snuggled inside the bluebird house. He chewed out the hole so he could squeeze his chunky self into a warm dry home.  I don’t think he has a fireplace and hot cocoa but anything’s possible in the squirrel world.  He’s probably snacking on some of my recently planted lettuce from the pots in my front yard. No Name, not my cat, hasn’t brought any furry gifts by today.  Perhaps he’s squished up in a bluebird house too—I certainly wouldn’t put it past him.

Another great thing about my porch is that it gives ample space to stretch out for a Sunday afternoon nap.  The couch is in the sun after lunch and the October warmth made it a true Goldilocks moment for sleeping. 

Remember this week that we are all God’s hands out there.  We are enough for this task as are the people we encounter who believe they have to strive to be enough.  Perhaps the little Fairfax fellow will serve as a reminder to all of us what’s important about worship. 

 

Don’t forget to sign up for Holiday Hope at Shawmut United Methodist Church on November 21 at noon.  It’s a program and lunch for those of you who have lost a loved one and are facing the holidays for the first time alone.  It’s free and all you have to do is call for reservations.  334-768-2341.

 

. 

 

EdibleCreativity

www.EdibleCreativity.com

Check out this cool blog.  It's Ms. Nancy's daughter.  She sat on my porch yesterday and encouraged me to look her up.  Her blog is cute with fun designs, pictures and recipes. I aspire to such creativity but not enough to do much about it.

Queen Elizabeth toured Pine Mtn. with me this week.  Rose Cottage has the most wonderful breads and the croissants are----indescribable--only word I can think of is yummy,... buttery,... makes your mouth happy,... blasted to Paris with no jet...ok so I could think of more.  Queen E and I had the chicken/avocado salad sandwich and some kind of steak soup---go with half a sandwich unless you have recently walked a long trail in the Roosevelt State Park. 

Speaking of that park--took a short car ride on the top of the mountain from the country store to the first spot that you can get back to the main road to Callaway. So lovely. Couple of spots to pull off and enjoy the view of the valley below.  Trees are just beginning to turn.  Duke Boy and I usually do this one in the convertible this time of year.  Great spot for convertible therapy. 

Had to privilege of stealing the pulpit form Ian at Fairfax UMC yesterday.  It was United Methodist Women's Sunday and I was their speaker for the Pastoral Institute.  Cutest little hugging boy there.  He was about 10 and he went through each pew before the service and hugged everyone in the congregation.  No one escaped his embrace and ever single person that I observed smiled and hugged him back.  During my mini sermon I told them that it had in essence been a group hug. 

He helped me with my point of not having to be perfect in our worldly definition but that we are enough just as we are.  He didn't discriminate.  Hugged everyone.  We were enough!  Truly beautiful.  That little boy steals the sermon every Sunday morning. 

Stole this one from my niece, Laura.  She's in NYC finding her bliss. Isn't this an amazing pix.

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.