Shake shake shake!

Last weekend I went to Shaker Village with a group of lovely ladies. We had a bit of a snafu on the way down there, the gas gauge broke and we ran out of gas, visited one of the lady's sons at college, toured around the village and each of us took a ride on the giant swing on the way out of town. Saturday night we played bananagrams and we had to argue with the oldest member in our party about what were real words because she was playing words that Words With Friends accepts. Hilarity ensued!

Unfortunately someone who was not with us found out we went and has been giving two of us the cold shoulder upon our return. Honestly I am upset but I am torn with how to handle it. I intentionally didn't tell her we were going because I knew her feelings would be hurt and now that she has found out they are. To address or not address?

There's No Place Like Home

Home, home on the range!
I've been gone a week and I came back to an RV being moved into the yard beside me and neighbors out the back yard. Oh and 5 new lbs. Of course.

Reading my bible this morning and came across this verse...
Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done the saving of  many lives.
It reminds me of the whole football scandal and how incredibly painful that was. Knowing Hubs was not at fault but in charge so therefore found at fault. I really felt those in power intended him harm. And I held onto this verse. Since then so many times people have commented on the way he handled it with grace. I try to remember all the times I couldn't understand why God could let this happen to such a godly man, take him out of the position to touch so many lives and then let the program be run into the ground. But after reading this verse again today I think it's not my place to know the details. It is what it is and we did all we could to make the outcome different. We were not at fault. God makes the outcome work to his advantage and I am at peace with that.

Time to get back on track, start making those pounds melt away. I can't delay any further because I will have nothing to wear to work!

Getting my plan for when school starts together....
Focus on meal planning. Post breakfast choices, lunch choices and plan ahead for dinners we can fix over and over and then try something new each week.
Porch projects: go through a magazine a day.

I sure have become a oenophile- a lover of wine. We didn't even eat alot of sweets over the vacation but we drank lots of wine and fruity drinks, made delicious dinners and lounged around to our hearts desire.

A few observations...
Do not waste your time talking to people who are not listening to you.
Do not waste your efforts on people who do not appreciate your gestures.
No one likes to be bossed around, told what to do or how to do whatever it is you are doing better or differently.
It does not matter if a person deserves to hear what you have to say. If you hurt their feelings you are going to feel like crap.
Don't tell everything you know. Mysteries are a good thing.

And a few memories...
It is not ok to ask the sales clerk for a piece of paper and proceed to copy down a recipe from one of their books.
It is not ok to try to make contact with drivers of other vehicles.
We spent an evening making letters with our bodies in the pool and then proceeded to play an alphabet game that had us naming sweet treats for every letter of the alphabet. Caleb, a six year old, thought we were having so much fun he wanted to join us. Then he told us we needed more water in our sippy cups. Yes Caleb, yes we do.
When Weezey came out with just her coverup and no cookie monster shorts on Marg asked, "Weez where are your shorts?" "I'm too fat." Cue hysterical fit of laughter.

Boys came home from fishing all day together and ask if we can play scrabble together. Absolutely.

Time passes...

My borrowed MacBook bit the dust. Second day of vacation I think so no blogger on the go.

We left at 7am on Saturday and got home at 8pm. Not a bad drive really. I mean, who am I kidding, I didn't drive at all. Yo drove the whole way. I think I got in the driver's seat to pull around the parking lot once. That's it.

It really was the best vacation. We had such a good time.

Monday the boys went dress shopping with me. St. Vincent de Paul, Gayle's Vintage, Goodwill, Valley Thrift; they were troupers.

Watched some Project Runway yesterday, Suits, Covert Affairs... spent time helping Bub's clean his room. Packed up 4 garage sale boxes.

I really missed the girls. Apparently they've missed me too because they've been like glue.

Facebooked it.

Last night Bub's had a friend over and I was completely amazed and delighted when they came downstairs and said, "Wanna play scrabble?" Has my answer ever been no? No. We played one long game of scrabble- the two TEENAGERS, me and the hubs. It was so fun. Then they continued to sit at the kitchen table....................
I KNOW!!! and so I suggested Pit. We had so much fun it was incredible. At lunch today they came out of hiding and said we'll play again this evening. Who are these kids?

Stella craves our attention. If you are still for a moment she is sitting on your lap, behind your back, on your feet or anywhere she can get close to you. It's amazing. Little booger just wants to look at you. And for you to look at her.

Just for Today...

Just finished All Over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg. Sounds very familiar especially when his mother and aunt are speaking. Or speakin'.

Woke up to the smell of coffee.. .ahh the pleasure of traveling with early risers who drink coffee :) now add a little Cinnabon creamer and we're ready for the a day at the beach! — with GeorgeandLouisa Rise.

Weezy read me this me this morning... Just for Today

Just for today: I will try to live through this day only,
and not tackle all my problems at once.
I can do something for twelve hours that
would appall me if I felt that I had to
keep it up for a lifetime.
Just for today: I will be happy. This
assume to be true what Abraham Lincoln said,
*Most folks are as happy as they make up their
minds to be.*
Just for today: I will adjust myself to what is,
and not try to adjust everything to my own desires. I will
Take my *luck* as it comes, and fit myself into it
Just for today:I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study.
I will not be a mental loafer.
I will read something that requires effort.
Thought and concentration.
Just for today: I will exercise my soul
in three ways: it will do somebody a good turn
and not get found out; if anybody know of it, it
will not count. I will do at least two things I
don't want to do-- just for exercise. I will
not show anyone that my feelings are hurt: they may
be hurt but today I will not show it.
Just for today: I will be agreeable. I will
look as well as I can, dress becomingly, keep my voice
low,be courteous,criticize not one bit. I won't find
fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate
anybody else but myself.
Just for today: I will have a program.
I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it.
I will save myself from two pests: Hurry and Indecision's.
Just for today: I will have a quiet half
hour all by myself, and relax. During this half hour,
sometime I will try to get a better perspective of
my life.
Just for today: I will be un-afraid.
Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what
is beautiful,and to believe that as I give to the
world, so the world will give back to me. 

At Hilton Head and we are getting along swimmingly. 
The drive down here was easy and humorous. Yolanda drove the whole way and she made good time! I flipped through magazines and finished reading All Over But the Shoutin'. Then we listened to MetroGirl by Janet Evanovich together. Lovely.

We drove by my first teaching job location. Barbourville. I told the ladies about the student who came by my room and asked me to carry her home?!?!?! Took me awhile to realize she was just asking for a ride in my car. 

Yo threatened a local at the gas station! Lady didn't pull up to the first pump but just the first. Yo leaned out the window and shouted, "Did you not see the pump in front of you?" "No" "REALLY?" Then she whipped around got out and continued gripping VERY LOUDLY!

One of the fun parts of the ride down here was Yo and me telling Margy about growing up. Yo told her she used to prick me with the diaper safety pins (telling my age there) and making me cry then telling my mom I cry too much she should take me back. 

Last night we ate at Nick's Steak and Seafood. Grouper was panko encrusted. Good stuff. 

One of the mag articles mentioned Breck shampoo. My best childhood friend Christie's mom used it on us when I spending the night. The smell is heavenly.

Summertime. A time to forget what day it is. The date. The day of the week.
A time to forget what time it is. Lingering day... That's when I know it's summer and I'm in the groove!

So fresh coffee, green smoothie, an english muffin sandwich (made by Weezie) and what a wonderful morning served up wonderful.

Milton was our tour guide on the gullah tour. He was very knowledgeable and well received as we drove around the back roads and he pointed out houses, people, and history. Wonderful tour.

Margy had the first craft night and it was hilarious. She did not do the craft ahead of time and it was a total flop. It is absolutely amazing how something could go so wrong and we could have one of the funnest most memorable times ever!

We went to a local seafood place and I bought scallops and key lime pie. Both were good but the scallops were to die for in our pasta dish that night.

The three of us all wondered why Margy chose us to come to Hilton Head with her. An odd assortment of people. She said this was her wedding anniversary (she's getting a divorce) and she wanted to be surrounded by 3 strong women.

My (borrowed) laptop died while I was at HHI so I'm now trying to suss out my notes.
We each were assigned an evening to cook. We had Orzo chicken zucchini and thin spaghetti scallops and flounder among other things. It was delicious.

We watched The Descendants. It was fabulously quirky.

I can't really remember is our gullah guide was Milton or Irving. I jotted both names down. He recommended Chef David's roast chicken and cornbread. We'll go there next year.

He pointed out Broad Creek and a little community called Jarvis. That was my grandfather's name. I wonder if he was from here. He also pointed out Port Royal, a large gullah community.

Another first was clearing the beach because of lightening and trees falling on my head. Seriously. It was downright scary.

We left by 7 on Saturday morning and we were back by 8pm. That's not bad. 

Another notable event was the  Riesling incident. Really funny. And that's all I've got to say about that. 

We listened to Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich on the way down there, driving around there and on the way back. Favorite quote by the manly man main character. Something going on that the girl main character wanted him to do. His response was no way... 

I'd get my testicles repossessed.

Funny stuff.

Midsummer

Almost half way through the summer. I've appreciated every minute. This back porch has seen me most mornings and evenings.

I've...
made pinterest projects
ferried Bubs to Kings Island
had my feet in the sand
played in the ocean
lunched with friends
thrifted
laid poolside and had breakfast on Yo's back porch
walked the dogs on long wondering walks
went out for lunch
put everything in my house back in it's place
played board games
stayed up late and slept in
went out on the pontoon
finished a few books
went to the movies
went to Milford's farmers market
picked blueberries
crafted with friends
took Bubs fishing at M's
the garden is in!
got into the habit of morning pages,
and generally had a wonderfully blissful time.

And now I still have some living to do...
breakfast at Plain Folks
lunch at Acapulcos
dinner at Bite
make it Loveland's farmer's market
hammock reading
 roasting hotdogs and marshmallows on the fire pit
playing board games on the porch in the evenings
watching movies in the evenings
riding bikes
kayaking
swimming in the lake
tubing in the lake
deep clean the house 

BASEBALL ROOM: organize papers to scrap upstairs, complete some scrap projects, 
LAUNDRY ROOM: catch up on ironing, catch up on hand washing, fix things on counter in the laundry room, MASTER BED: clean the trunk downstairs and bring up to the bedroom for sweater storage, 
BUB'S ROOM: help him get his act together in there with the fridge and tv, 
SPARE BED: hang old hats, find a better way to store scrapbooks,
use up food stuff and restock with clean eating food
STUDIO: get some projects done, mainly get caught up scrapbooking and ordering photos, get cards stockpiled,
get Bub's started on some SAT problems 

My parents are on vacay but when they get back I'm looking forward to going to the trail in Loveland with them and then hitting the farmers market afterwards. I think the dogs, my parents and I will all like this.
I'd like to take my dad to the Kentucky horse park for Father's Day. He was gone that day so all he received was a phone call. Apparently while wearing his Life is Good shirt that reads not all who wonder are lost he got lost for 4 hours on a mountain.

Sipping green tea, green smoothies...
Listening to, well, the outdoors creatures telling me good morning- hawk, crow, chirpy birds
Watching The Fighter will Mark Wahlberg. Good inspired true story.

Haven't updated my 2012 Books in awhile...

Before That: Scenes Goshen Township, Clermont County, Ohio- Goshen Historical Society- a local book that was very informative about the area I grew up in.

The New Crafting Heritage Albums- Braun- a friend's book that helped me bone up on my scrapbooking knowledge.

A Couple of Kooks and other stories about Love- Rylant- stumbled on in the library at work. The first few short stories were really good then downhill. Quickly.

Blood Song: a silent ballad- Drooker- another stumbled upon in the work library. no words and little interest. didn't stand up to the hype.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening- Frost/Jeffers- another work book. Short, sweet illustrated poem.

The Elegant Witch- Neill- I've been reading this since           Halloween. Decent vintage book.

Wesley the Owl- O’Brien- Loved Wesley. Informative and heart warming.

            The Seminary- Stefan- Edited for a church friend. Lots of edits. He is still talking to me though so that's good.

            Fifty Shades of Gray- James- Yep finally got it and yes it's good and worth the read.

            Summer Rental- Andrews- Our beach house read. Good beach fun read.

Finally getting around to cleaning up some thrifted items. Looked this one up and found it sells for $50 used and around $80 new.
Stephanie Johnson for Saks

Recent goodness

Lots of this going on around here...

 A pinterest project. Take a blanket, scarf etc and wrap a pillow.

 Mine was too small to tie in a knot so I pinned it.

 Thrifting in SC turned up this cute set.

 Pinterest project modpodge shoes.

 Should of called this one slinky.

 Seashell crafting with my beach roomie.

 Mezmerized by Essie

 Another beach shot

 Pinterest hair

 Yesterday I went blueberry picking then to the farmers market in Milford.

 The dogs (and me) are getting lazy so we went for a good long walk.

 And then we didn't move for the rest of the evening.

 My consign dress from SC.

 Went to Snooty, Goodwill and Salvation Army with Ginger. Found some goodies. 2 dresses (one Spledid) for $1. and a Michael Simon shirtdress.

 Thrifted Michael Kors dress, vintage sweater, and a scissor shirt. Oh and those boots! I've been wanting a pair that are folded like that! I pulled a ball out of a bag and got 50% off. That made them $5!

She sells SeaShells

Attended a visitation for a friend's mother's passing. Beautiful church.

Lunch at a sushi place in Eastgate. Yo and I had appetizers, rolls, meals and sides and drinks for under 30$ together. We need to come here more often. I tried an avocado roll something that was really good.

Yo and I went by Best Buy to get printer ink and we got a talkin' to by the Best Buy guy who said we were having too much fun at the apple computer's photo booth. Of course he then showed us more funny things and we all three laughed. Then he told me about Hipstagram, which I had heard of but not used. So I downloaded that. Interesting. It let's you change lenses and cameras. Not sure about how to share, etc. 

The boys took my chandaliar down and put up a fish bait. whose truck is this anyway?

We went to go get new tires for the boat trailer for their next fishing trip.

We talked about not doing a garden this year and I agreed but reluctantly. Then the next morning I woke up to the tiller. We went to get plants just in time for feeding time for the barn animals. How about those bottles. The farmer is really a knowledgeable guy. He gave us lots of pointers. Such as

• don't over water. give them a good drink once a week and then make the roots go look for water they'll get a good base
• you don't need to mound melons and cukes. it just groups them
• no need to use additional potting soil
• buy local- he researches what plants are resistant to our area and only orders those

I told Hubs I wish I would have recorded him. He talked forever and I know I only caught some of it. 

Finally watering my own.

Beach Babes Week

Breakfast on our trip out there at Bob Evans in Rio Grande

And so it begins...

Dinner on Murrel's Inlet Hot Fish Club

Morning walks with my favorite Gym Teacher 

She collects sea shells by the sea shore.

Weezy with our new room mate. She was a good fit for our trip.

A Krispy Kreme was sooo close.

Magnolia on Main on the way home.

3 in one car and 4 in the other.

I caught alot of flack for being the youngest so here's to you old folks!

Just a little traffic on the way home.