Grandma Faith's Fabulous Life

Bob's Birthday Party

2010-05-13T17:49:00.001-05:00

Abigail and Amelia

2010-04-24T21:57:00.003-05:00

Gray Family Memories

2009-11-03T21:34:00.003-06:00

Connor and Becca --2009 CHS Homecoming

Connor and Becca --Cotillion Dance, October 2009

This was the day Macie was born, March 27, 1997.

This was taken on the Mediterranean Cruise in the summer of 2005.

This was Christmas 2008 cruising to the Bahamas.

Great Time in Maryland and Bermuda

2009-10-27T17:40:00.003-05:00

We just returned from a wonderful vacation. We visited Bob's sister Lori, her husband Bob, their son Doug, his wife Sam, and their daughter Kathy, and her husband Pete. We also met their children and were able to visit our niece Theresa and her husband Larry and their children. sounds like a family reunion doesn't it? But that's not even half of Bob's family....that's just the ones in Maryland. We also went on a cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda, and it was a whole

bunch of fun, too. Here are a few of the pictures---

Nickelodeon Family Cruise

2009-08-18T12:58:00.005-05:00

We had a great time on board the Freedom of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's largest ship. We sailed from Cape Canaveral on Sunday, August 9, and returned on August 16. Here are some pictures we took on the cruise.

We went to a butterfly house in St. Thomas.

Blue Monday: BLUE Bayou

2009-01-19T08:02:00.001-06:00

Happy Blue Monday! Link on the Bluebird to join in Smiling Sally's Blue Monday Fun!

Here is a photo of Smokey and Oodie standing by the beautiful BLUE bayou.

I can imagine they are discussing whether or not to go for a swim.

Smokey the Laborador Retriever doesn't hesitate,

but Oodie the Golden Doodle wimps out.

"Jingle Cowjingle"

2008-12-15T16:48:00.003-06:00

"Jingle Cowjingle All The Way" is here from Cow Parade (San Antonio, Texas, 2003) to help me finish packing my bags. Thirty-seven friends and family members are heading to Jacksonville to board the Carnival Fascination for a cruise to the Bahamas. It's going to be soooo much fun, but I have to get our clothes together and into a suitcase by Wednesday, or the sleigh is going to leave without me.

Here are some more vintage pictures. That's my little brother, Frank, and me with Santa back in 1955. The other picture was Christmas morning in 1956. Oh, I remember baby dolls who needed their bottles. I see her buggy there by the tree. Frank always loved his army men. He was crazy about that football helmet.

Precious Memories....

Merry Christmas!

Moodolph the Reindeer

2008-12-15T16:38:00.003-06:00

"Moodolph" from Cow Parade (Houston, Texas, 2001) is here to wish everyone

A Very Merry Christmas!

Here is my grand daughter Abigail in 2004 when she was just one year old.

Blue Monday: Beyond Belief

2008-12-15T01:33:00.001-06:00

Our favorite little bluebird is here to wish one and all a Happy Blue Monday. You can visit Smiling Sally on her blog and find the list of all the wonderful bloggers who are participating today.

The BLUE baseball jersey you see here today belongs to Josh Hamilton who plays for the Texas Rangers. I don't know much about baseball, but I won this book in a giveaway on Sally's blog not long ago, and I am now a Josh Hamilton fan. I wanted the book for my grandson, but I decided to read it first. I am so glad I did. Josh's story is truly inspiring. It touched my heart and soul. It was really a wake up call for me. We must keep praying for our children and grandchildren. It's a tough world, full of tough decisions, and you should never underestimate the importance of a grandmother in a child's life.

I googled Josh and found out he has been in the national news recently.

WASHINGTON (AP)—December 11, 2008--President George W. Bush highlighted his eight-year record in reducing drug use, reflected in a White House gathering with law enforcement, religious leaders and one of baseball’s most famous comeback stories— recovering addict and Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton.The president didn’t discuss his personal experiences, but Hamilton did.
The 27-year-old outfielder was out of baseball for three years as he battled addictions to cocaine and alcohol, wasting $100,000 on drugs in six weeks. He made it to the major leagues in 2007 and joined the Rangers—a team Bush once co-owned—last December. This past season, Hamilton led the American League with 130 RBIs and hit .304 with 32 home runs. At the All-Star Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium in July, he belted 13 straight homers.
Hamilton said Thursday he shared some of his story of drug use and the road back.
“I told how much easier it is for me to stay clean because I’m held accountable at such a higher level,” said Hamilton, who argued that the greater concern is an individual in an everyday job.

Happy Blue Monday, everyone.

Thank you, Smiling Sally, for all you do to make Bloggerland a happy place.

Love, Faith

Here Comes Santa Cow!

2008-12-14T16:27:00.005-06:00

Here comes Santa Cow, here comes Santa Cow, right down Cow Parade lane!

(Cow Parade, Kansas City, 2001)

My daughter Kellie, only two months old, pictured here with Santa in 1974. Then there's my son Lawrence, about five years old, with Santa in 1982. Don't you just love these precious old Christmas pictures? Sweet memories! Merry Christmas!

Love, Faith

Friday Favorite Family Foto: Ho! Ho! Ho!

2008-12-12T05:22:00.000-06:00

Today is Friday, so it's time to post a favorite family photo. You can visit Deborah at Pictures, Pots, and Pens to see who's on the list for today.

"Father Cowristmas" from Cow Parade (West Hartford, Conneticut, 2003) is the cow of the day for this Friday.

This sweet cow is here to present an adorable baby picture of little ole ME. This vintage photo was taken in 1952 when I had just turned two years old.
Have a happy, fun-filled Friday! Love, Faith

Blue Monday: Dolphins

2008-12-08T01:19:00.004-06:00

Here is "The Elusive Sea Cow" from Cow Parade (2004, Harrisbourg, Pennsylvania) to celebrate Blue Monday. Smiling Sally sponsors Blue Monday every week on her blog and you are welcome to join the fun.

These stained glass creations hang in the front window of our house. Bob brought them back from Mexico.

You will see these beautiful dolpins in our family room. The mother and father stand on the end table and the three children hang on the wall over the computer. These sweet dolphins are carved from wood and they are stained a beautiful shade of blue.

To conclude this dolphin presentation for Blue Monday, I bring you this picture of me being kissed by a dolphin named Regina. This happened on a dolphin encounter in Cozumel, Mexico, a couple of years ago. Needless to say, I had a fabulous time on this excursion!

I'll Be Back!

2008-11-25T13:03:00.002-06:00

Thanks for stopping by my blog, but I'm not here right now! I have been meeting myself coming and going lately, and I'm not sure where I am right now. Rest assured I'm alive and well, and if the Good Lord's willing,

and the creek doesn't rise,

I'll be back soon.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love, Faith

Blue Monday: Chicago Tiffany Art Glass Dome

2008-11-17T04:36:00.004-06:00

It's time for Blue Monday hosted by Smiling Sally. She extends her cordial welcome to one and all to join in and post your happy blues.

Here are some more pictures I took on my fun trip to Chicago. Imagine how happy I was to see this beautiful BLUE ceiling in the Chicago Cultural Center. This awesome building was once a library, and it is definitely worth visiting when you go to Chicago.

It's the largest Tiffany art glass dome in the whole wide world!

If you want to read more about this dome link here.

Pink Saturday: Chicago Pinks

2008-11-15T02:33:00.002-06:00

It's time for Pink Saturday.

You can see all the Pink participants by linking over to Beverly's Blog:

How Sweet the Sound

My friends and I spent all Saturday afternoon enjoying the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. There is so much to see and do there. I was excited about this lovely gown because it had PINK in it, and it is also amazing. I wouldn't want to wear it, but it was interesting to find out about it.

On Monday afternoon we visited the Navy Pier. This place is also something to see. There is a beautiful indoor garden called Crystal Garden that is amazing. It rivals the gardens at the Animal Kingdom in Disney World, and it's all inside. Among all the trees and bushes and fountains, I found some pretty PINK flowers.

Friday Favorite Family Foto: Bob in Kilt

2008-11-14T15:03:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Friday Favorite Family Foto!

Today I have for your viewing pleasure, a magnificent photo of my darling husband, Bob, all dressed up in a kilt. He actually went to work dressed like this on Halloween, October 31, 2008. Everyone gave him high points for his bravery. He makes me think of ....Braveheart.....he is soooo handsome in his kilt!

You can visit the other people participating in Friday Favorite Family Foto Fun by linking here: Pictures, Pots, Pens

Chicago's Billy Goat Tavern

2008-11-14T01:51:00.003-06:00

I had a good time last week with my friends in Chicago. I do have some pictures and the very first video I have ever downloaded to show you. (If you enjoy reading about this experience, you can go back a little way and see more of the trip to Chicago.)

Here we are in the awesome paper hats we received when we butted in to the Billy Goat Tavern in Chicago!

Here is the video I took in this famous establishment. (If you want to watch the short video, please put Frank Sinatra's beautiful singing on pause for a jiffy.) The tavern is on lower Michigan Avenue, and it is worth finding. We had cheeseburgers, chips, and cokes there for lunch on Sunday. We were reminded of the Saturday Night Live Skit starring John Belushi that put this colorful tavern on the map. If you're ever in Chicago, look it up!

Vintage Thingies Thursday: Harry From Chicago

2008-11-13T06:32:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Vintage Thingies Thursday!

On our recent visit to Chicago my girlfriends and I met a wonderful gentleman by the name of Harry. He has been selling his famous hot dogs at 300 W. Randolph Street since 1955. We actually ate breakfast at Harry's on Monday, November 10, 2008. The food was delicious and the experience was unforgetable. Harry is certainly "VINTAGE." On his next birthday, March 15, 2009, he will be 100 years old.

I hope I'll be as happy and healthy as Harry when I am 99 years old. It seems he has found meaning and purpose in his life. He spoke lovingly of his family, and the way he talked you could tell he has lived a rich, full life. The smile on his face shows he wanted us to feel welcome in his restaurant and his city!

Now go check out the other participants in Vintage Thingies Thursday!

We're thinking about vintage cars, so I found this old picture of my brother and me back in 1967, on top of my first car, a Chevy Corvair.

Fun In CHICAGO

2008-11-12T10:03:00.012-06:00

Last Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, Kathy, Faith, Dawn, and Peggy left sunny Florida and traveled to Chicago. Nyla joined us from her home in Iowa. We had a wonderful time seeing the sights and visiting with one another. We stayed at the Allegro Hotel right in the theater district. We rode city trains and buses all over the place. Here you see a sign from the Chicago Theater and a good shot of us waiting for the subway train.

Of course, you know I was looking for this cow left over from the famous Chicago Cow Parade in 1999. Chicago was the first city in the United States to host the Cow Parade.

We were happy to see there were still some trees covered with beautiful fall leaves in Millennium Park. That fabulous sculpture is called Cloud Gate. I was tickled to see the buildings reflected on the sculpture in this picture.

We returned home on Tuesday, Nov. 11. I had a fabulous time with my friends, and I took a bunch of pictures. I'll be sharing them on future blogs. In my opinion, Chicago is a very friendly city, and a great place to visit. I definitely want to go back.

Blue Monday: Fun at the Pond

2008-11-02T19:30:00.007-06:00

It's Time To Play Blue Monday!

Meet Smiling Sally and her friends by clicking on the Blue Jay!

This Saturday Bob and I went to my cousins' fish pond in Alabama with Will and Gina and their girls, Abigail and Amelia. Everyone had a wonderful time fishing and playing and eating and napping and visiting. It was a fabulous day of family fun. Here are some beautiful pictures with lots of blue sky and some fairly blue pond water. You can also see some of my wonderful relatives dressed in blue jeans, of course.

Join in Blue Monday fun by visiting Smiling Sally's blog!

Friday Favorite Family Foto: Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T14:17:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Friday Favorite Family Foto! You can enjoy all of today's participants by linking on the cute picture up above. That takes you to

Deborah's blog, Pictures, Pots, and Pens.

"Udderly Wicked Witch" (Wizard of Oz Collection, Kansas City, 2001) and "Miss Fiesta Bones Bovine" (San Antonio, 2003) are here from Cow Parade to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!

I am celebrating past Halloween's with pictures from the family scrapbook.

First, Kellie as Cookie Monster, Lawrence as Big Bird, and William as Oscar the Grouch. Robinhood was a neighbor back in about 1980. Next, you see Connor with the witch decoration in 1994. How about the photo of Bob and Dan when they won the underwater pumpkin carving contest in 1995.

Then we see Tim and Lawrence dressed up for the Haunted House in about 2001. Finally Jennica and John are going to a Halloween Party in 2006.

Hope you enjoyed our walk down Halloween Memory Lane.

I've Been BOO-ED!

2008-10-29T13:55:00.010-05:00

I've been BOO-ED!!!! Shimmy Mom gave these instructions: Here is how the Blogging Boo will go. Go to as many friends as you want and tell them they've been "B00-ED." Have them link back to your blog to pick up their Halloween Treat (picture) and tell them to Boo their friends. (Then put the picture in your side bar so everyone knows that you've already been "boo-ed and to send the picture to someone else.) Have a great Halloween everyone.

Thank you Sally and Judi for sharing this Halloween fun with me. Now when you read this you can pass it along to your blogging buddies, too.

FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN, FUN!

Pumpkin Fun For Pompei

2008-10-26T12:20:00.010-05:00

In the spirit of the season, I carried " Scarecrow" from Cow Parade's Wizard of Oz collection (Kansas City, Missouri, 2001) over to Kathy and Bill's house yesterday to be in a picture with their pumpkin . The cutest little party poodle named Pompei lives with Kathy and Bill. I just had to take some pictures of this wonderful canine heart throb with the pumpkin, too. Isn't he something?

Pompei must be thinking, "What is this thing? Is it good to eat? Can it jump and run with me? What do they want me to do with it anyway? Oh, well, I'll just stand here beside it; that seems to make them happy. Who knows why?"

Have A Beautiful Fall Sunday, Everyone!

Pink Saturday: Disney World

2008-10-25T01:04:00.000-05:00

It's time to play Pink Saturday!

I was in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida last week with my family, and I kept my eyes peeled for PINK. You may now feast your eyes on these PINKS!

We stayed at Mike Ditka's Runaway Beach Resort, and don't you just know, my condo was PINK. The other three condos for our big group were green, yellow, and blue. This beautiful tree was blooming just for me. I have no idea what kind of tree it was, but it sure was PINK and pretty.

These flamingoes were in Animal Kingdom. I think they need more shrimp to eat, so they could be a darker shade of pink. The jelly fish are not real, thank goodness, but they were very pink. They were in the Finding Nemo ride at the Sea in EPCOT.

We all had a wonderful time, and I just can't wait to go back. There is so much to see and do in Orlando. I wish we could move there for a couple of years and be on vacation all the time. Alas, this kind of fun cost money. Maybe Bob could get a job working for Disney. Nevermind, Bob said, "NO!" Everyone, take care and have a

Happy Pink Saturday!

You can link to Beverly at "How Sweet the Sound" right here to join in the FUN!

Friday Favorite Family Foto: Family at Disney World

2008-10-24T01:45:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my contribution for Friday Favorite Family Foto. We were on vacation just last week, so this photo is hot off the digital camera. I managed to round up all the members of the family for this shot. We all had a wonderful time in Disney World, and tons of pictures were taken. You know how I am, though, I needed at least one shot of the whole group together for the blog. Thanks everybody...Now SMILE!

You can find a list of other bloggers participating in Friday Favorite Family Foto on Deborah's blog "Pictures, Pot, and Pens."

Old Brass Lamp

2008-10-24T01:43:00.008-05:00

This is the computer corner in my family room. If you look up in the top left corner, on the rack, you will see a big round brass ball. I think it is very pretty, but I also think it is special because of how I came to have it.

In its first life, it was a lamp. Someone donated it to the Waterfront Mission thrift store, and I bought it. I removed all the lamp wiring first. Then, Bob actually let me use his metal cutting saw to cut off the top. I thought I was going to have a brass bowl, but when the top came off it fell down inside the bottom. Voila, I have a beautiful brass ball on a stand. I was so tickled with myself for creating this fine brass decorating thingie!

My love affair with brass and copper started when Bob wanted the stainless steel shelves for our electronics. I decided to use a metal decorating scheme in order to blend them in. It's easy to find second hand brass and copper, so I can be pretty picky. Now I'm all about Metallica decor! I've managed to accumulate a bunch of the shiny stuff!

Happy Birthday Kellie

2008-10-23T02:15:00.002-05:00

"AngeliCow" from Cow Parade (West Orange, New Jersey, 2001) is here to bring Heavenly Birthday Wishes to my precious angel daughter, Kellie.

I will never forget the afternoon you were born on October 23, 1974. Your father Larry and I were so excited to welcome our little girl to the family! Then, when you were only about one month old we took the first picture of our four generations together. That's you with me, and my mother, Grace, and her mother, Addie Lee.

Time seemed to fly by! Your brothers came along. You have always been so sweet to both of them. One day you were a little angel in your kindergarten Christmas play, and the next day you were a grown-up young woman graduating from high school.

Then Tim came along and we all fell in love with him and his children, Tony and Nicole. Next thing I knew my daughter was the mother of four wonderful children. We don't get to see Tony and Nicole as much as we would like to, but we know they are making their way in the world out in Montana. This family picture was taken back in about 1999 when they were here for a visit.

Now, here you are with your half grown babies goofing around at Disney World last week. How did they get so big, so fast?

Dearest Kellie, you know how much I love you, and how proud I am of you. You are my best friend. You mean so much to so many people. You are surely an angel sent from heaven above. Thank you for being the daughter, the sister, the mother, and the friend you are to all of us.

Happy Birthday!

Vintage Thingies Thursday: Antique Cupboard

2008-10-23T01:15:00.000-05:00

Hope this Thursday finds everyone well and happy. If you want to join the Vintage Thingie Thursday fun just click on the button and you'll be magically carried to "Confessions of an Apron Queen." She's our most excellent host for this event. Don't be shy, but don't go until you've visited me for a few minutes. I'm so glad to get to share my blog with you. Also, I have included a sweet picture of my grand daugher, Abigail, with my pink hairbrush for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I am sure you all join me in hoping breast cancer will be a thing of the past before she ever has to worry about it.

Now here's my feature presentation for Vintage Thingie Thursday.

It's a cupboard from back when cabinets were not built into kitchens. ( I'll guess it's from the early 1900's.) My parents gave it to my husband Bob when they sold their house in Florida several years ago.

Here it is with the top opened up. You can see we store mostly DVD's in there. It has a flour sifter in the left side. I'll bet it still works, but I've never tried it. It's in our TV room over by the bathroom door. In this picture you can see a picture of our grandson Connor when he was four years old. The photographer was doing a photo shoot at an old school house. She asked Connor to play in the dirt and stand on the porch with the baseball and bat. The picture won awards and hung in our mall for a while. Of course, Grandma Faith had to have a copy. I think it looks wonderful over by the antique cupboard.

Blogger Award: To Show God's Love

2008-10-22T15:09:00.005-05:00

Smiling Sally has graciously offered this blogger award to her commentors.

It was given to her by Barbara at Stray Thoughts .

This is what Barbara wrote to Sally.

"I thank you for being a faithful servant and being obedient to the upward calling every time you share a piece of His heart living out in you!

I pray that you will share this award with others who have touched your heart by sowing seeds of love into your life!

They will know we are His by how we love one another!"

This is what Smiling Sally wrote about the award.

"I will place it on my sidebar with appreciation.

I would like to pass it on to you if you comment here and are someone who shares His love."

I am very happy to place this award on my blog, and if you would like to accept it for your blog, then please do so. God Bless Us All, Each and Everyone.

Ruby Tuesday: Bobbing for Apples

2008-10-21T01:06:00.000-05:00

It's time to play Ruby Tuesday, and this week we're showing Red for Halloween!

If you want to join in the fun, just click the Ruby Tuesday picture and it will take you where you want to be.

For Ruby Tuesday this week I am happy to present this wonderful snapshot of Bobbing for Apples. No Halloween party would be complete without this exciting game. The handsome young redhead with his head in the big red bowl is my little buddy Colton.

Blue Monday: Donald Duck

2008-10-20T08:03:00.005-05:00

I'm back, and I'm happy to be here with all my Blue Monday friends. Blue Monday is hosted by Smiling Sally, and you can find plenty of wonderful Blue Monday posts over on her blog.
We all had a blast on our visit to Walt Disney World. Here I am with Donald Duck. Lucky for me, he was wearing his beautiful Blue jacket. I'm so glad we could be here together for Blue Monday.

I haven't forgotten about posting pink for October. We're doing this to remind us all about breast cancer awareness.

Happy Birthday Mamaw!

2008-10-20T01:00:00.000-05:00

Today is my mother's birthday. She was born on October 20, 1926, so she is 82 years old today. Her name is Grace, and she is a wonderful person. She has always been and continues to be a dynamic individual! I just wish I could tell you everything there is to know about her, but it would take too long for one blog post. Now that I am a grandmother, I realize how important it is to tell your grandchildren about their "people."

So, trust me, I'm going to be getting more information from my mother while she is still here on earth to tell me. I'm just lucky she has a good memory. The hard part will be that she is very humble about her accomplishments. I have selected a few pictures that I hope you will find interesting and entertaining to help me celebrate my mother's birthday.

She was about 11 years old in the first picture, so about 1937. Mamaw has lots of stories about growing up during the depression. The next one was taken back when I was a little girl in the early 50's. Mama was always very busy with her family, teaching school, and continuing to go to school herself.

This picture is in 1968, when Mamaw received her Master's Degree. She went on to earn her Doctorate from Florida State University in 1979. She's not just beautiful, she's also real smart! I added the last picture because I remember how excited Mama was to meet Captain Kangaroo. She was at Notre Dame University for a conference and he was there, too. (If you don't know who this is you can google him and find out all about one of my favorite television characters as a little girl.)

God Bless You, Mama. We all love you so much!

Happy Birthday!

Disneyworld, Here We Come!

2008-10-13T21:23:00.005-05:00

Remember, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month!

I just get to blog long enough to say I'm going to be tied up for a few days with Mickey Mouse and his pals in the Magic Kingdom. We've rounded up all nine grandkids for this wonderful expedition. Don't worry, we will have some adult supervision. There will be twenty of us all together. Man, oh man, I'm going to have a blast. I'll be back posting as soon as I get home and regain my strength.

Wonderful Award from Kim

2008-10-13T18:38:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my Fabulous Life!

First, let's take a moment and remember Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I have joined with many other health conscious bloggers posting pink for October.

Now, for some serious excitement! I am tickled pink to have received this beautiful award from Kim!

Kim has a lovely blog she started in September and she's been posting on Blue Monday and Pink Saturday. I know you would enjoy meeting her and visiting her blog, Shabby, Pink and Pretty.

The award comes with the following rules:

You may choose five people/blogs to give the award to.

Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog.

One has to be a new follower of your blog or live in another part of the world.

To share in the generosity and spirit of giving, I am in turn presenting this Gold Card to the following recipients:

Judi, Sandy, BJ, Angel, and Felisol

Please stop by and visit them at their blogs to say hello and find out what is going on in their world.

The prettiest little cow figurines in the world are here to show their appreciation for this sweet award.

Thank you!

Happy Sixth Birthday, Colton!

2008-10-09T05:36:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, Dear Colton! Happy Birthday to you!

"Party Cow" from Cow Parade (New York City, 2001) is here to help wish Colton a Very Happy Sixth Birthday!

I had such a good time looking through all the family pictures. I have so many happy memories of times we have all shared. I know Colton was too little to remember the Cow Parade in Atlanta in 2003, but I know he enjoys visiting the cows in the cupboards at my house. I'm sure he does remember the Mediterranean Cruise we went on and all the fun we had winning the "Ship on a Stick."

I'll always remember the good time we had visiting Yellowstone National Park. Colton looks so spooky with all that steam from the geyser. How about that time we cut off his head at the Science Center in Mobile!

Colton has been a lot of places and done a lot of things. He's quite the baseball player. He is loved by people and animals everywhere. Look at the big kiss this sled pulling dog in Alaska is giving him..

Colton has a great big family, and we all love him very much. Here he is with Mother Nancy, Father Larry, and big Brother Lawrence. Colton, your future looks bright. You are doing great work in kindergarten, and I'm sure this year will be full of loads of fun and excitement for you. Keep up the good work, Dude. You know we all think you are awesome!

Happy Birthday!

Ruby Tuesday: Arby's Cowboy Hat

2008-10-07T08:17:00.000-05:00

Ruby Tuesday means fun for all red-posting bloggers! Check out The Work Of The Poet, the Home for Ruby Tuesday to find out what it is all about. Also, keep in mind, October is the month for Breast Cancer Awareness!

Today's presentation for Ruby Tuesday begins with a wonderful cow from Cow Parade (New York City, 2001) called "Even Cowgirls Get The Blues." I selected her for the-cow-of-the-day because she is wearing a red cowboy hat just like the one on the Arby's sign. I have no vested interest in this fast food restaurant, I just took a photo of their sign to sneak in some pictures of some of my favorite fellows.

The first young cowpoke is Colton in 2005, and the next one is Connor in 1996.

Finally, here's Lawrence in 1998. He doesn't have on a red cowboy hat, but he is a good looking cowboy, all the same. This post just wouldn't be complete without him.

The First Time Ever I've Been Tagged by a Meme

2008-10-06T18:42:00.004-05:00

It's a Meme
I was tagged by http://curlyscorner-sandy.blogspot.com/

Here are the instructions:

What you are supposed to do... and please don't spoil the fun...

Copy/paste, type in your answers and tag four people in your lists!

Don't forget to change my answers to the questions with that of your own.

(A) Four places I go over and over: Church, McDonald’s, Curves, Winn-Dixie
(B) Four people who e-mail me regularly: Gina, Kellie, Susie, Joni

(C) Four of my favorite places to eat: Home, Kellie’s House, Gina’s House, Kathy's House
(D) Four places you'd rather be: Home, Kellie’s House, Gina’s House, Kathy's House

(E) Four TV shows I could watch over and over: Gray’s Anatomy, Boston Legal, Burn Notice, Bones

(F) Four people I think will respond: I'm not really sure... maybe

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/

http://thecrazytalking.blogspot.com/

http://mylittlecatcher.blogspot.com/

http://pammiejoandfriends.blogspot.com/

Blue Monday: Stained Glass

2008-10-06T08:43:00.001-05:00

It's Blue Monday time again! To join in the fun visit Smiling Sally and sign in. Have fun!

My Blue Monday contribution for this week is the stained glass creation I have hanging in my entry way. I looked and looked and finally found something that fit this window perfectly. The blue glass in this artwork is very beautiful to me. I hope you like it, too.

Let's don't forget to post something PINK for breast cancer awareness all through the month of October. I have added the button that sponsors free mammograms, so now I can click it everyday right here on my blog. Good thinking!

Pink Saturday: Soft-Drink Tab Belt

2008-10-04T06:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Pink Saturday to one and all. You can find out who's posting PINK today over on Beverly's Blog, How Sweet the Sound.
First of all, let's take a moment to show our support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here's a picture I snapped at Winn Dixie. Thank you Folger's coffee!

Now for my feature presentation!

What can you do with some pretty pink beads and some soft-drink pull tabs?

You can make a gorgeous belt for your grand-daughter!

Friday Favorite Family Foto: High School Graduation

2008-10-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

If you enjoy sharing your favorite family photographs you should click this website:

Friday Favorite Family Foto.

Imagine how excited I was this day forty years ago. This picture was taken the day I graduated from high school. My mother, father, and brother were happy for me, too. Yeah, Class of '68!

Moozaic Art

2008-10-03T02:11:00.005-05:00

First of all, here is my pink post for October. This hibiscus flower was blooming right outside the store I am going to show and tell today. It's so beautiful; I just had to take its picture. It makes me happy just to look at it. Let's all support breast cancer awareness this month by posting something pink every day!

"Moozaic" from Cow Parade (Kansas City, Missouri, 2001) is the cow-of-the-day for today. She wants to show off the front of one of my favorite stores. It's the fanciest Goodwill store I have ever seen. To enter the store you walk through these archways that are covered with all kinds of broken bits of pretty things. They are very artistically arranged. The unused doors down on one side have marbles where the windows used to be. The front windows are covered with some interesting flower art made out of metal. It is very artsy in an unusual kind of way. I always get a kick out of seeing it. Not to mention, I am always excited about finding hidden treasure inside the store. I hope you enjoy my Show and Tell mosaic pictures.

Vintage Thingies Thursday: Praying Hands

2008-10-02T04:02:00.004-05:00

First of all, here is my pink cow for October. I bet you never thought you'd see a pink cow with the world on her hide. Oh, the magic of photo shop. I didn't create the cow, I just tinted it PINK! Let's all support breast cancer awareness this month by posting something pink every day!

Now it's time for Vintage Thingie Thursday once again. Lots of fine bloggers are participating and you can find the list at Confessions Of An Apron Queen. Be sure to drop by and have some fun.

My contribution for Vintage Thingie Thursday is a piece of sculpture I bought for my mother when I was a young girl. I was away from home on a church trip, and my mother had given me some spending money for the trip. I found this piece of pottery and I just wanted my mother to have it so bad. So I spent all my money. When Mom moved back to the farm several years ago, she insisted I have it for my home. I appreciate her thoughtfulness. She displayed it all this time, and now I carry on the tradition. I have included a picture of my mom in her classroom in 1962. She retired from teaching school in 1984, after 38 years. There is also a picture of me around that time as well. Here's hoping you all have an exceptionally wonderful Vintage Thingie Thursday!

If you have never heard (or you just want to read it again) the beautiful story of the sculpture titled "Praying Hands" that this piece is based on you can click HERE to go to a site that will tell you about it. (P.S. This is what it says on the back of the piece, in case it means something to someone.)

"Butterfly" Welcomes October

2008-10-01T08:45:00.005-05:00

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I will be posting this sign everyday in October along with something pink. This lovely lily is blooming in my garden this morning. In the spring I had thirty stalks going strong. I guess this one is a late bloomer, or maybe she's early for next Spring.
This is the time of year when all the butterflies are migrating south, so we get to see lots of them. This sweet Cow Parade (Atlanta, 2003) lady is called "Butterfly" and she is here as the cow-of-the-day to help welcome the butterflies. This lovely little gerber daisy was also blooming this morning.

I had never tried to photograph a butterfly before. Let me tell you, it is no easy task. I'm sure if any of my neighbors saw me running around with the camera chasing butterflies, they got a good laugh. Finally I decided to just sit down and wait patiently for one to land near me. After deleting many tries that did not turn out well, I decided these pictures could be posted for all to enjoy.

I added the last picture so you could all see what the trees look like in my yard. Happy Fall in Florida.

An Award from Shambles Manor

2008-09-30T20:10:00.002-05:00

Well, there it is. The highly coveted "Brillante Weblog" award. It will now be proudly posted for evermore on this humble blog. I surely do appreciate Kate's kind words about my blog and the merit this award implies. If you are not already familiar with her blog, do yourself a favor and check it out: ...Shambles Manor... She has so many funny stories, and sometimes she will touch your heart with her words. I try to get by there everyday at least once.

All the cows in all the cupboards want to shout out a big thank you to Kate. They really think the award is all because of them..Silly Cows!

I now have the exciting responsibility of passing this award on to seven other deserving bloggers, and it is my enormous pleasure to invite everyone to get out there and visit these blogs. They are all exceptional, each in their own way.

1. Judi at Cranberry Blossom
2. Felisol at On The Far Side Of The Sea
3. Baba at Baba's Blog/Night Owl...Babies are Special...
4. BJ at Sweet Nothings
5. Kelli at There Is No Place Like Home
6. Lisa at Confessions Of An Apron Queen
7. Deborah at Pictures, Pots and Pens
I want you all to know, "I think you are brilliant!"

Ruby Tuesday: Matryoshka Dolls

2008-09-30T16:27:00.000-05:00

It's RUBY TUESDAY time again. Time to join in the REDNESS. Click on the RUBY and it will take you to the LIST. Sign up there, post your RED, then visit other blogs also posting RED.

"Chelsea" from Cow Parade (Harrisbug, Pennsylvania, 2004) is the cow-of-the-day for today because she has a pretty face painted on her back. The face reminds me of the face on a Matryoshka doll. When I was souvenir shopping in Alaska in 2006, I came upon a bargain. If you bought the book, you would also receive the nesting dolls. I knew my grand daughters would like them, so, of course, I bought them.

I decided to photograph the Matryoshka dolls with this old brass Russian tea pot. I think it adds some pizazz to the picture. Besides, I have got to find a worthwhile use for some of the brass I have around the house.

Happy Ruby Tuesday! Thanks for stopping by to see my red!

Blue Monday: Painting of Venice

2008-09-29T01:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Blue Monday

This day of sharing blue is brought to you by Smiling Sally.

You can join in by visiting her blog and signing in on the list of participants.

You can have so much fun visiting these sites of blue.

This is a beautiful oil painting I have hanging in my dining room. I bought it at an antique store, and there is not even a signature on it. For all I know the person who painted it isn't even a "real" artist, but I believe the painter had talent, and I love the picture. The blues are so vibrant. It reminds me of Venice and the wonderful time I had there. The person who sold me the painting didn't know anything about it, but I liked it, and I bought it, and there it hangs.

Enough said.

Lullaby Cow Brings Us Sleepy Time

2008-09-28T17:48:00.007-05:00

Cow Parade (West Orange, New Jersey, 2001) brings us today's Cow-of-the-Day, "Lullaby Cow." Today is Sunday and since it is a day of rest, I think she is the perfect cow for today. We have teamed up to present one of the most beautiful sights on earth---a sleeping baby.

The first picture is of my daughter, Kellie, holding her baby brother, William, back in 1979. The next one is William, now all grown up holding his daughter Amelia in 2005.

The next picture is Kellie's daughter, Macie ,when she was a baby in 1997. The baby sleeping on the rock is her son, Connor. These pictures were taken on a camping trip in the Smoky Mountains. We all had so much fun the little fellers were just plum worn out.

This Prince Charming is my husband Bob. Colton got so tired climbing Mt. Vesuvius in the summer of 2005 he wanted to be carried. He promptly feel fast asleep on Bob's shoulder.

Finally, Abigail and Amelia were so tired from a full day of fun at Walt Disney World they fell fast asleep in Gina's and Will's arms waiting for the monorail.

Last but not least, here's baby Abigail at the family reunion in 2004. Nothing is more relaxing than holding a sleeping baby. Don't worry, I'm just resting my eyes. Lullaby and good night everybody. Sweet dreams!

Pink Saturday: Roses From Taormina

2008-09-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Pink Saturday! We are going to have such a good time today visiting all the blogs sharing their pinkness. To find the list of participants just click

Beverly's blog, "How Sweet the Sound."

In 2005, while on a Meditteranean cruise we had the opportunity to visit Taormina on the Island of Sicily. We had a wonderful day there. We saw so many beautiful places I went back through our pictures and found a few to share for Pink Saturday.

This picture has two pink apartment buildings. I think the little trees growing out of the chimneys are the cat's meow.

This is a shot of Taormina's 10,000-seat ancient Greek amphitheater, Teatro Greco, which was erected in the third century BC and expanded by the Romans. The view of Mount Etna and the sea beyond is absolutely superb from here. I think the bricks are a lovely shade of pink.

Of course, I had to have something to remember this great city and the day of fun we had here. There were so many shops and so little time, but I found exactly what I wanted. It even has the most beautiful pink flowers with real gold highlights. It wasn't easy getting it back home, but it was worth all the trouble. Thank goodness it was wood, not ceramic. It has the perfect place in my home. It complements the window in my front door. Best of all, it reminds me of the wonderful time I had with my family.

Have a Happy Pink Saturday!

Friday's Favorite Family Foto: Cornfield Kids

2008-09-26T08:51:00.008-05:00

Friday's Favorite Family Foto

You know how I love to look through the old pictures my mother gave me. Well, look what I found. This is a classic. It was taken in July of 1957. My little brother, Frank, and I are standing by the well at my grandparents' house. Frankie is all dressed up in his hat and somebody else's boots. I'm sure we were having fun because I remember I always had fun at my grandparents' house. I was allowed to play in the barn and the fields to my heart's content.

Oooh, those carefree days of childhood!

You can have a good time visiting other blogs that are posting family pictures today. Just click on over to

Friday's Favorite Family Foto .

That's where you'll find the list.

Have a great day !

Special Olympics

2008-09-26T00:34:00.008-05:00

This is the ever so lovely "Leopard Cow" from Cow Parade (New York City,2001.) She gets to be the cow-of-the-day because she reminds me of the Special Olympics Annual Awards Banquet we went to Monday night. We were celebrating 40 years of Special Olympics in Florida.

The banquet was held at the Ramada Resort. The grounds around the hotel are very tropical, so I wanted a picture with my handsome husband Bob. I, as you can see, had decided to wear my beautiful jungle animal print dress.
This led me to remember a print I bought at a Special Olympics Auction several years ago. The young artist is Dylan Scott Pierce, and besides being very talented, he is also autistic. (I took the close up of the picture off the web. I didn't want to undo my framing and the glass reflected too much.) Here is a photo of my beautiful framed print entitled "Jasmine and Friends." I think it looks wonderful on my wall. I have provided a link on Dylan's name if you want to find out more about him. He is a very interesting young man and a fine artist. I feel lucky to have this print signed by him.

Now let us get back to the Awards Ceremony. My son Lawrence is a previous winner of the Special Olympian of the Year Award. He has earned medals in skating, downhill skiing, track and field, swimming, and gymnastics. I can safely say, "Special Olympics is his life!" In these pictures he is helping his father (my first husband) present the awards for this year. His dad and his sweet wife, Nancy, are very active in Special Olympics, especially the fund raising part. (God Bless Them) The young lady in the picture is this year's winner, Kathy.

Here are Lawrence's medals. They are beautifully displayed over his bed. He is so proud of them. He shows them off to everyone who visits. He has so many because he's been in Special Olympics since he was about ten years old, and he is 31 now.

You can probably tell I have a passion for Special Olympics. If you ever feel the urge to become involved with Special Olympics, go for it. I know I'm glad I did.

Vintage Thingies Thursday: Water Lily Vase

2008-09-25T00:02:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Vintage Thingies Thursday. This is the day some blogger friends led by The Apron Queen go all out to display their vintage thingies. It is so much fun to visit them and check out their cool old stuff. You won't want to miss a single one.

Today I am showing off my pretty vase. This is the only piece I have from this collection, but I would love to have a pair. Maybe someday one will come along that I can afford.
This is what I found on the internet about it:
"This pretty cornicopia goes from a rose at the base and then flows to the top in a light pink color - a perfect background for the lovely white and green water lily embossed decoration. It is in the Water Lily line made by Hull Pottery in 1948."

This is what the bottom of the piece looks like.

I just know I'm going to see another one someday at a yard sale, a thrift store, or a flea market. I just know it will be right in my price range. I just know my day will come. Someday....

Now it's time to click on over and check out the other Vintage Thursday Thingies.

Ruby Tuesday: Red Gladiolus

2008-09-23T11:33:00.012-05:00

I have discovered another great color game for bloggers. It is called Ruby Tuesday, and it's hosted on Work of the Poet. You can meet other friendly bloggers who are radiating redness.
I am presenting my gorgeous red gladiolus for Ruby Tuesday. They are shown here in a fabulous marble vase. On the nightstand, beside the vase, you can see a wonderful portrait of my grand daughters, Abigail and Amelia. They are so cute dressed up in their overall jumpers. This is the last picture I see every night before I turn off the light. If this doesn't give you sweet dreams, I don't know what could.

I am also asking for advice about Chicago. My girlfriends and I are going to Chicago in November while our husbands are at a gun show in Oklahoma. What do we need to be sure we see and do in Chicago? We will be there for four days. We're looking on the Internet, but I thought there might be places off the beaten path we would enjoy as well. Any advice about Chicago would be appreciated. Thanks for your comments. Here is our picture when we were vsiting Natchez, Mississippi. We always have so much fun on our trips together. Life is so FABULOUS!

Cow-rrabbas, Guess Who Came To Lunch

2008-09-23T00:59:00.000-05:00

I have chosen "Cow-rrabbas" from Cow Parade (Houston, Texas, 2001) to be today's cow-of-the-day because I am thinking about how much fun I had being the chef for my family last Saturday. I know you want to hear all about it, so read on.

One time, a long, long time ago Mamaw and Papaw came to my house to have lunch. It was back in 1979 when William was a newborn baby. Kellie and Lawrence were little children back then, too. It was so much fun to have my mother and father come for a visit.

Over the years we have had many lovely lunches together, but it's not as easy to get everyone together as it used to be. You cannot imagine how happy I was when Mamaw and Papaw came to town last Saturday. They came early and stayed for lunch. Gina and Will came and brought Abigail and Amelia. Kellie and Tim brought Macie. We all had so much fun. Even Lawrence came out of his apartment to see them. He kept on his pajamas, but it was Saturday, and you don't have to get dressed for lunch on Saturday even if your grandparents come to town. I fixed a nice lunch for everybody, nothing too fancy, and we all ate plenty.

Here is a picture of my babies with their grandparents now.

Here is a great picture of most of the brood with Mamaw and Papaw.

On February 22, 2009, Mamaw and Papaw will celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary. I have been looking through all the old pictures getting them organized for the celebration, and look what I found. This picture was taken in the summer of 1954. I can tell because that is my little brother and he was born in May of 1954. Weren't we a good-looking family? The other picture was taken up on their farm last summer. Once a family, always a family! There are just a lot more branches on the family tree now.

Blue Monday: Glaciers in Alaska

2008-09-22T00:03:00.002-05:00

"Wisconsin Winter" is the name for this gorgeous lady from Cow Parade (Madison, Wisconsin, 2006.) I selected her for the cow-of the-day for this Blue Monday because she reminds me of the glaciers we saw in Alaska in 2006. There are some other wonderful bloggers celebrating Blue Monday today. You can find out all about it on Smiling Sally's blog. After you enjoy my glaciers you can click on over and check out all the others. Have a Happy Blue Monday!

We had a wonderful vacation in Alaska. These pictures were taken while we were on a boat out of Seward. We were able to see whales, seals, puffins, and other birds on the trip to the glacier. This big mountain of blue ice was something to behold. We were so close we could hear the sound of the glacier calving. I will never forget this experience. I'm feeling cold just looking at these pictures. What a great Blue Monday chill! I'm loving it. I hope you all have a special Blue Monday. Take care, and thanks for your sweet comments.

Pink Saturday: Precious Pink Sweater

2008-09-20T00:30:00.004-05:00

Pink Saturday is a special day in blogland. You can see what all the fun is about and join in if you want to. Check it out right here on this blog:

How Sweet the Sound.

You'll be glad you did!

This picture takes me back to 1954, when Olin Mills photographed at least half the children in America. (I really don't know if that is a fact or not, but it might be.) My mother saw fit to go there for a portrait of her darling daughter, Faith (me). It is not really a color picture, it's just been tinted to look like a color picture. Nonetheless, I do have on a precious PINK sweater, and I'm sure my cheeks really were a rosy PINK.

I am so happy when I look at this picture of myself. It does my heart good to see that my grandchildren favor me a little. They like to see Grandma when she was a little girl, too.

It seems the older I get, the more I feel like that little girl again, happy and carefree. It's a feeling I like to call, "In The PINK." Life is always full of promise, no matter how many years you have already lived, four or fifty-seven.

Have A Happy Pink Saturday!

Glass Swans

2008-09-19T05:50:00.001-05:00

I hope you think my glass swans are as pretty as I do. My mother gave me the one on the left. I found the one on the right at a yard sale. They don't match exactly, but I think they make a good pair. I know they are old, from the sixties, I believe. They live on top of the cabinet shown below. I think they look very happy up there with some of my other treasures.

Vintage Thingies Thursday: Ancient Armoire

2008-09-18T05:37:00.000-05:00

Several years ago, Bob and I went to Dothan, Alabama, looking for a brewery he had heard about. The brewery was out of business, but there were plenty of antique stores to visit. I found this beautiful armoire, and we decided it would look perfect in our dressing room. I am not an expert, but I can tell it is vintage. Below is a picture of the decorations I have on placed on top. The books are works of Jane Austen. They are old, but the other items are relatively new.
If you would like to participate in Vintage Thingies Thursdays you need to get yourself on over to this wonderful blog, Confessions of an Apron Queen.

I'm So Excited About My Award!

2008-09-16T18:00:00.008-05:00

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!

I am honored to announce I have just received a Super Commenter’s Award from Judi. I am so pleased that she has chosen me. I feel blessed to have met so many blog friends. Many of them already have this prestigious award on their blogs. It is a pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful community. I would like to pass the award along to some other bloggers whose comments I always look forward to reading. I believe the rules are as follows:
1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award.
2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog so that it can be visited by everyone.
3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link of the blog that presented him/her the award.
4. The award winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5. Show these rules.
Blogging is a wonderful form of sharing and meeting new friends and can’t be complete without acknowledging that we’ve actually been there. It wouldn’t be as special without exchanging thoughts, comments and support. I would like to pass the award along to 5 Super Commenters who brighten my day with their comments:

Sandy, BJ, Angel, Beverly, and Claudie.

Visit these ladies and their lovely blogs, and don’t forget to leave them a comment.

The Cows on Parade in my dining room are all shouting out a big "Thank You" to Judi. Ya'll stop by and visit her wonderful blog, Cranberry Blossom, too.

Future Bloggers

2008-09-16T17:03:00.007-05:00

"Imoo" from Cow Parade (New York City, 2001) is the perfect cow for today because Abigail and Amelia, my youngest grand-daughters came over for a visit. They had a good time playing the computer alphabet game that Diane recommended. I could not resist the opportunity to take some pictures of them while they were so absorbed. It held their attention for quite a while, then we did some coloring, and some puzzles, and other fun stuff. We had a wonderful time.

It's A Starry Night For Blue Monday

2008-09-15T00:16:00.005-05:00

Vincent Van Gogh painted a beautiful painting in 1889 called "A Starry Night." That painting serves as the inspiration for one of my favorite Cow Parade cows, "Starry, Starry Cow" (Kansas City, 2001.) This painting also inspired a beautiful song, "Vincent" by Don McLean. Click here to listen to this song.

"Starry Cow" gets to be today's cow-of-the-day because, of course, she is blue and it is Monday. She also is here to commemorate the lovely date Bob and I had Saturday night. We spent a fun-filled evening with our friends from his company. They were celebrating 25 years of being in business. Any excuse for a good time will do as far as I am concerned, but I have to admit this was an auspiscious occasion. We boarded the Solaris about 6:oo; that's when they took the picture of us. We enjoyed a lovely cruise for several hours. The dinner and the music were very nice and the sky was full of stars. It was a starry, starry night of fun!

While I am on the subject of stars, have you ever heard of star fruit? Nancy, my friend and mother-in-law, picked one from a tree in her backyard and gave it to me. She told me how to prepare it. Those little stars are so cute. I was so impressed with this star fruit that I made a delicious fruit salad with it. I even saved six seeds, so maybe I'll be able to grow my own star fruit tree. I did some research (how did we ever live without the internet?) and found out it's other name is carambola. Check it out if you are in the mood for some exotic fruit.

Here is my fruit salad. It has star fruit, watermelon, cantelope, honeydew, and blueberries.

"A Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh is on display now at the Museum of Modern Art in New

York City. I wish I could go see it. Since I can't go to New York today, I think I'll go see some more exciting Blue Monday blogs. Why don't you join me? Click right here and you'll find yourself at Smiling Sally's Blogspot, the home of Blue Monday.

Have a safe and happy Blue Monday!

What Do You Say To A Striped Cow?

2008-09-14T21:16:00.008-05:00

This Cow Parade lady is called "Striped Cow" (New York City, 2001). I decided on her for today because she reminded me of the pretty dress my daughter Kellie had on the other day. She is such a beautiful young lady and she has excellent taste. When she was a little girl, she loved to play dress up. When she was teenager, all her friends would come over to our house to get ready, so Kellie could help with outfits, hair, and make-up. Thank you, Kellie, for letting me take your picture for the blog. The cow looks good in stripes, but you look gorgeous!

What do you say to a striped cow?

See you around!

Pink Saturday Picture and Flower Arrangement

2008-09-13T06:45:00.010-05:00

Don't hesitate to join in the Pink Saturday fun.

This Saturday I am featuring a wonderful print signed by the artist. Her name is Beki Killorin and she is from Oklahoma. The painting is titled Jazzed for Summer. I took the following quote from the information on the back of the picture:

Her style brings a contemporary look to familiar subjects, imbuing birds, flowers and other images of the natural world with a unique life and spirit. Each work receives her special imprint...a small red dot that precedes her signature. It is an acknowledgement of God's ever-present and lasting love and an affirmation of the wonder of His creation.

I bought this picture at an auction raising money for Special Olympics. Using it as my inspiration I arranged the flowers in the other photo to compliment my picture. The vase is actually a plant. My husband says he thinks it is a palmetto bush. I bought it in a thrift store, so I really don't know what it is. It looks like all the stems have been cut off evenly. It was top heavy, so I turned a nut bowl upside down and super glued it on. I really like the effect. I shopped around for silk flowers as close to the print as I could find, and voila, my creation. It is sitting in the floor across from the Killorin print in the dining room where all the cows from Cow Parade live.

Now go to Beverly at How Sweet the Sound, and check out nearly 100 pinkies who are graciously showing their pink today. Beverly has hosted this Pink Saturday event for some time now. Thank you dear Beverly for all the work involved in this parade of pink treasures.

"Pull Toy" For The Fun Of It

2008-09-12T10:44:00.000-05:00

This beautiful Cow Parade (New York City, 2001) figurine is called "Pull Toy." Her wheels actually roll as you pull her around by her rope. She gets to be the cow-of-the-day because she makes me think of all the toys you see for sale at yard sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and all those kinds of places where I love to shop. I have enjoyed other people's blogs about their treasures, so I decided to blog about some of mine.

A couple of years ago Bob and I went to Tampa with some of our friends. The fellows went to a gun show, and the girls went "antiquing," that's what we call junk shopping. We ate lunch in the sweetest little cafe called Limoges. I decided I needed some Limoges china to commemorate the occasion. Any excuse, is a good excuse, I always say. Anyway, I finally have three gorgeous plates and the red rose rack to display them. I didn't find them all at the same place, and it took over a year, but I am satisfied with the results. I don't know if you are supposed to put plates in the bedroom or not, but I have used pink and red roses for the decor in my bedroom, so that is where they are.

I saw a chair like this one in an antique store one time, and I really liked it, but not for the price. Then one Saturday I went to a yard sale, and the lady had this chair for sale. It didn't have a seat in it. I asked her how much she would take for it, and she said I could have it for nothing. "Free," I said. She said, "Sure, it isn't good for anything, anyway." I then began collecting old men's ties, with red and pink, of course. I finally had enough to weave the bottom of the chair. I really love this old chair, and it didn't cost me $100. The three pictures beside the chair actually hang on the wall above the chair. I got them at the Junkyard Dog, our Humane Society thrift store. They are Japanese prints with little birds on them. I think they pick up on the three circles theme I started with my plates.

I bought this tall plant holder at an estate sale. The lady said her father made it. I admired the workmanship. I know it took a lot of patience to glue each one of the pieces of wood together into such an intricate design. She said her mother used it to hold an ashtray. I think it is a beautiful plant stand. The picture on the left is showing the arrangement I have above my kitchen sink. I really wish I had a window there. I thought and thought about what to do. Finally I found this picture at the Agape thrift store. I found a frame that I thought flattered it. I said to Bob, "I don't know why I like that picture so much. He said, "I know why; it's because it's a picture of your things." I began to look around. He was right. I had things like that around the house. So began the putting-of-things-on-the-shelf. I have become somewhat obssessed with trying to match the picture exactly. When I find another piece that matches better than the one I have, I have to get it. It's all for the fun of it!

A Modern Art Lesson From"Mooma"

2008-09-09T00:00:00.006-05:00

The artistic styles of Piet Mondrian and Marcel Duchamp can be seen in this creation for Cow Parade (New York City, 2001). Her name is "Mooma," after the Museum of Modern Art, or as

it is commonly known, MoMA.

When it comes to modern art, this is as close as I care to get. As a matter of fact, this vintage dress is getting a little closer to me than it needs to. I can zip it, but I won't be wearing it out anywhere until I work off a few more inches at Curves.

Be sure to go visit Curly this morning for a cup of coffee!

"Puzzled Cow" Joins Blue Monday Fun

2008-09-08T00:01:00.004-05:00

"Puzzled Cow," Cow Parade (New York City, 2001) wants everyone to have a Happy Blue Monday. Here's hoping none of us face any puzzles we can't solve.

Here is a beautiful blue puzzle I assembled just for Blue Monday. Now that I am a rabid blogger I don't have as much time for building puzzles as I used to, but I think that is a good thing.

This puzzle reminds me of all the fun I had swimming with the manatees in Crystal River, Florida. I have been twice, and I think maybe we'll need to go again, as soon as Abigail and Amelia are old enough to enjoy it.
Have a Happy Blue Monday!

Click on the Blue Jay over on my sidebar to see who else is enoying Blue Monday.

Happy Birthday Kailee

2008-09-07T18:35:00.007-05:00

On August 29, 2000, John became the father of a precious baby girl, Kailee. We celebrated her 8th birthday at the Skating Rink today.

Her friends and family brought her gifts and cards.

Everyone sang Happy Birthday and she blew out the candles on her cupcakes.

There was pizza and soda for everybody. Her sister, Ashlei, and her brother, Brandon were having fun at the party!

Jennica was there, and so was her dad, Bob.

Her sister, Brittany, was there, too, but she is camera shy. Lawrence was making sure the DJ played all the right songs.

We had a good time at your birthday, Kailee. Thanks for inviting us. We all wish you many more happy birthdays and wonderful years of life.

New Star on Ballet Horizon

2008-09-07T12:03:00.009-05:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to Abigail's ballet class with her. She is only four years old, and she has only been to four lessons, but I already see greatness in her future. This calls for "Moo Moo in a Tutu," from Cow Parade (Las Vegas, 2002) to get to be the cow-of-the-day. At the end of the lesson, the teacher let all the little girls pick a costume and make up a dance for their classmates and visitors. It was wonderful fun. If you would like to see the beautiful dance Abby presented to her class, you can find it here.

That's Abigail standing on the left side of the picture. She was very excited when the teacher chose her to go first. Gina and William are watching while Amelia takes pictures. She may be only three, but she takes some great pictures.

Before we were allowed to go into Abigail's class, Amelia entertained us in an empty classroom down the hall. She says she wants to be in a ballet class when she is four.

Here I am back in 2003 at the Atlanta Cow Parade. Moo Moo in a Tutu was visiting from Las Vegas. I almost deleted the last picture because the flash showed in the mirror. Just in time I realized it looks as if Abby is holding a star. I decided to post this shot after all and call it "Reach For The Stars." Isn't that what we all want our children and grandchildren to do?

Pink Saturday: Pink Roses

2008-09-06T00:01:00.005-05:00

Happy Pink Saturday to everyone.

This is a wonderful print, signed by the artist, I won at a silent auction for our Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Guild.

It is a watercolor done by a fantastic local artist, Donna Burgess.

I bought the frame at a thrift shop, and had it resized to fit the print.

It hangs in my bedroom where it looks great with my red and pink posies theme.

These lovely pink roses always make me smile.

No More Ice Cream

2008-09-05T11:35:00.012-05:00

I am not feeling very well today, and it is because I did not sleep well last night. I have no one but myself to blame. I never should have eaten that M & M Blast from Sonic last night. But I wanted it sooooo bad. I know better. I had such a stomach ache, and I deserve it. I even have some pills I can take, but I didn't know I was going to eat ice cream, so I didn't have them with me. I have no self control when it comes to ice cream. I am making a promise to myself, and I am recording it right here: I am never going to eat ice cream again. Never, ever, until the next time I want it soooooooooo bad. There is no fool like an old fool! All that said, now you know how "Lactose Intolerabull" from Cow Parade (Atlanta, 2003) became today's cow-of-the-day. Enough about all that.

I have been reading blogs again, and I just watched an awesome video. With September 11th right around the corner, we are being urged to show our patriotism. This video brought tears of pride to my eyes. Visit Smiling Sally and watch it. Click on the link that says "footage." You'll be glad you did. If you aren't already flying your flag, get it out there!

Charli has inspired me to join in a blog activity.

So here I go! Friday Fill-ins with obscure song lyrics.

1. If I was to walk into your life, would you be willing to chat about the people you love?
2. Catch a bright star and place it over your mirror to remind you to smile all day long.
3. And you can send me a sentimental e-mail that is sure to touch my heart.
4. I promise to forgive you, but I'm dealing with a memory that never forgets.
5. I'm the innocent bystander / Somehow I got stuck watching while everybody else got rich and famous.
6. What's keeping us apart isn't selfishness, it’s missed opportunity.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to watching a good movie, tomorrow my plans include garage sales, and Sunday, I want to go to church and spend quality time with my family!

Everyone have a great weekend. Mine will not include eating any ice cream!

"Early Show" All Day Long

2008-09-04T13:20:00.008-05:00

I received some Gustav pictures from my friend Susie who lives in Mississippi.

I was looking at the cows to see who could be the cow-of-the-day.

(I am saving the pink ones for Saturdays and the blue ones for Mondays.)

As I was trying to decide on a cow, my stomach started growling, so I looked at the clock.

It's 1:24 PM.

I have been checking e-mail and reading blogs since...I don't know what time.

I did work on a puzzle and watch some TV and talk on the phone.

I don't know where this day has gone.

Anyway, I am still in my nightshirt.

There it is, the truth about retirement.

If you don't want to get dressed, you don't have to.

I do have to pick up my grand-daughter, Macie, from volleyball practice at 4:00, so I guess I better get my act together by then.

Anyhow, I decided "Early Show" from Cow Parade (New York City, 2001) should be my choice for today.

My son, William and his wife, Gina, want to go to Biloxi this weekend. He has called the casino, and they say they will be open. Speedy recovery, I would say.

I'm So Excited About My Award!

2008-09-02T21:39:00.008-05:00

My blogger friend, Ky Woman,at http://pebbledrops.blogspot.com/ sent me an award. I am telling you the truth, I am thrilled to pieces. I have just been having so much fun with this blogging business. Wandering around in this new world is very entertaining. Ky Woman's blog is interesting and informative. She is supportive of our troops and the work they are doing. My son-in-law is in the Air Force. He has been over in Afghanistan, and I know how much our soldiers depend on our support from here at home. That is all very important, but I have to admit, I love the Friday Funnies. You really should check out this blog.

All my Cow Parade cows are here to shout a big Thank You to Ky Woman for the Blogging Award

Now it is my turn to pass this award on to seven blogs I enjoy:

http://keepingupwithjohnandangel.blogspot.com/

http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/

http://diane1876.blogspot.com/

http://kelli1975.blogspot.com/

http://charliandme.blogspot.com/

http://curlyscorner-sandy.blogspot.com/

http://dawnsdaybreak.blogspot.com/

Thank you to all of you for making me feel so welcome in Blogland.

Relatives Up For Some Mexican Food

2008-09-02T14:47:00.009-05:00

This lovely couple, "Toro and Vaca Folklorico" from Cow Parade (San Antonio, 2003) were happy to welcome our relatives from Ocala, Florida, for Labor Day Mexican style. It was still too messy outside for a cookout, so we all headed on down to our favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner and a good time of visiting.
We were all glad our family could get together.

Lawrence sure was happy to see Uncle Joe and Aunt Linda.

Joey and his girlfriend, April, came with Joe and Linda. Joey hinted that perhaps we would be invited to special occasion in the future. They do make a great looking couple. Speaking of great looking couples, Jay and Kathy were also there to visit with the folks from Ocala.

Of course the kids all had a wonderful time. Thank goodness they put us in the backroom so we would not disturb the other customers.

Macie and Amelia

Abigail

Connor and Colton

There were other members of the family present who managed to avoid the camera. I don't know why they're scared to let me take their picture.

In closing, I'll post this picture of Bob and Tim. They look like bouncers, don't they? There was some muscle flexing going on. With Joey and Connor both growing up so tall and strong, I guess, a man's got to strut what a man's got to strut!

Keeping An Eye On "Sky Cow"

2008-09-01T12:36:00.007-05:00

We are spending a very quiet Labor Day today keeping an eye on Gustav. Here in Northwest Florida we are experiencing a whole lot of rain and wind. We are currently under a tornado watch. Thankfully it seems we will escape disaster. I am praying everyone will be spared.

On a playful note, I have decided to join Blue Monday. I have chosen "Sky Cow," from Cow Parade (Chicago, 1999) for today's lucky lady. She's perfect since our minds are concentrating on what's happening in the sky, and she is blue.

I took advantage of a break in the weather to photograph her under the carport, on top of my car. I get a kick out of taking pictures of my cows. They are all so cooperative. I really liked the reflection in this shot.

In other news, on the way home from church yesterday, I spied some ducks crossing the road. Bob sweetly stopped the car so I could jump out and take their picture. They were heading to a pond and they came to this drain thing at the end of the street. Mother duck jumped up on top and I thought, "Poor babies, they can't jump up there." Then look what happened. They just went through the hole and joined mama on the other side. You have got to love Mother Nature.

Let's Go Check Out Nate's

2008-08-30T18:54:00.003-05:00

I would like to introduce you to Joe. He is Bob's oldest sister, Kathy's son. His friend has opened a new restaurant, and Joe is working there. So we decided to go out for dinner.

Bob's baby girl, Jennica, and her beloved John joined us for some very delicious steak dinners. We will definitely be returning to eat here again. The food was excellent and, of course, the service was up to Joe's high standard.

After dinner, Bob was horsing around with the lamppost and I caught this funny photo.

My Girlfriends Are Quirky Fun Seekers

2008-08-29T14:17:00.017-05:00

"Fun Seekers" cow from Cow Parade (Houston, Texas, 2001) is the perfect girl for today. She has so many gorgeous funseekers painted on her that I had to photograph both sides. Since I spent the entire morning working in the yard, I decided to take her pictures outside and show off my newly mowed grass. (The pictures on this cow do not represent my girlfriends. Any resemblance they may have to any of us is purely coincidental.)

This cow makes me think about how lucky I am to have some really great girfriends. They are all such fun seekers. We are known as Quirks, and you only get one guess why.

Last night we went to Olive Garden to celebrate Peggy's birthday. I forgot to take the camera, but I did take the camera to the Sugar Mill the last time we had lunch together. It was only about a month ago, so we don't look that different. We always have such a good time when we get together. We have been friends for over twenty years. (L to R, Faith, Kathy, Dawn, and Peggy) We are getting together on Saturday to plan a trip to Chicago in November while our husbands go to a gun show in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This picture was taken at another one of Peggy's birthdays. I won't say how old she is now, but this picture was taken six years ago, and this birthday was a "BIG ONE." That's Peggy in the middle. The Quirk in the red shirt is Nyla. She got married and moved to Iowa, so we don't see her too often anymore, but once a Quirk, always a Quirk. On the far left, we have Sonnie. She is the Quirk who has just opened a new face and nail salon after retiring from teaching, so she has been very busy lately.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the Quirks. This is the day my youngest son, William, got married. Of course, all the girlfriends turned out for the event. We all try to be there for each other in good times and in sad times. It's soooo good to have these Quirks in my life.

I Feel The Need To Cruise

2008-08-28T14:40:00.015-05:00

"Cowlumbus" from Cow Parade (Barcelona, Spain, 2005) takes her inspiration from Christopher Columbus, the widely acclaimed traveller from back in 1492. She gets to be the cow-of-the-day today because I have become inspired to do some travelling myself. Thankfully some of my beloved family members have volunteered to accompany me. You know they are going to be glad they did!

Just look at my handsome grandson, Connor. He is in the tenth grade now. He is a great kid. He works hard at school. He's active in his youth group at church. He plays football. He minds his parents. He is good to his grandma. Who wouldn't want to go on a cruise with him?

Just look at my handsome son, Lawrence. He works hard everyday at his job. He keeps his room clean. He helps keep the house tidy. He minds his own business. He smiles at his mama. Who wouldn't want to go on a cruise with him?

Just look at my gorgeous daughter, Kellie, and her precious daughter, Macie. They are so sweet, and so much fun to be with. I remember the good time we had when we all went cruising the Mediterranean Sea. Who wouldn't want to go on another cruise with them?

How about this man of the sea, my adorable husband, Bob. He is awesome in so many ways. He is the icing on my cake. He's the best mate a girl could want. I'm sure everyone who knows him would want to go on a cruise with him.

There you have it. I could no longer resist the urge to book the cruise. Only 286 days from now, June 11, 2009, we will take off for London. From there we will set sail for northern Europe on the Carnival Liberty. I am so excited, I have butterflies in my stomach. I realize that's pretty far off in the future, and things could happen between now and then that could change our plans. But the deposits have been paid for plane tickets, hotel rooms in London, and cabins on the ship. I've just got to come up with the rest of the money by March. I think I'll go buy a lottery ticket!

"Cowabunga" Our Waves Are Breaking

2008-08-25T17:00:00.011-05:00

"Cowabunga" from Cow Parade (Houston, Texas, 2001) is here to show off the waves of Fay!

The picture on the left was taken back at the beginning of the summer, on a bright sunny morning. The waves were just right to play in. The one on the right was taken an hour ago. When you look out at the end of the pier, you can see how much rougher the waves are today. There is a red flag on the beach, which means the water is not good for ordinary swimmers. While I was out there I saw three surfers, and only one of them was in the water.

Here it is, one parting shot of Grandma, the way she was back in the summer of 1967. This is the only picture I have of me pretending to be a surfer girl. My brother let me carry his board around so I could be cool. I wasn't usually content at the beach for very long. It was too hot, too sandy, too sunny. I liked to swim, but I didn't like to sunbathe, too boring. There weren't good sunscreens back then, and I hated to get burned. Fair skinned people have to be careful. We can't be sitting around in the gulf waiting for a good wave. Now that I'm old, I'm glad I didn't spend anymore time in the sun than I did. I'm enough of a raisin as it is.

"Celtic Cow" Brings Sunday Tidings

2008-08-24T12:21:00.014-05:00

"Celtic Cow" from Cow Parade (London, 2002) reminds me of our trip to Ireland, June 2008. We visited several graveyards. Here are some pictures from one of them. The guide explained why the Celtic crosses have a circle. He said the circle stood for the sun and the moon which were worshipped by the people they were trying to convert to Christianity. This made the symbol of the cross acceptable.

Here is a beautiful picture of the Irish countryside.

I thought it would be a nice day to show where I go to worship. We have a cross outside our church building like all good Methodists. We have many crosses inside as well. Here is what the front of our sanctuary looks like. I am thankful to have a beautiful building to go to worship and gather with my friends and family. I am also thankful for what the cross means to me personally. God bless us all! Have a blessed Sunday.

"That's Cow It Goes"

2008-08-23T14:01:00.017-05:00

We went down to the beach last night to see if the tropical storm heading our way was creating any big waves. I have never seen the gulf so calm. Seems the wind was blowing the surf out instead of in to shore.

While we were there we had some fun playing at the kid's playground. The play stuff reminded me of this weird cow. Her name is "That's Cow It Goes." (Cow Parade, Atlanta, 2003) I don't know what it is all about, but it makes me think, "Man, I've had some days when I felt like that cow!"

Bob is having a close encounter of the shark kind.

I'm goofing around with this sporty fish, or maybe it's a fishy sport.

I also have this cow in my Atlanta Cow Parade Scrapbook.

As the sun begins to set, we can't help but feel the romantic mood. The sunset was so beautiful, I wanted to share the experience. Hopefully the storm won't be too bad. I think we are just in for a lot of rain for the next few days.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Review to You

2008-08-22T16:38:00.010-05:00

Cow Parade (Paris, 2006) presents "Moolin Rouge." She is a beautiful dancing girl straight from the Moulin Rouge in Paris, France. I was in France once. Our cruise ship stopped in Cannes for a day. Bob and I went on an excursion to Monaco, but that is not the subject of the blog today. So I'll just keep France on hold for now. Paris isn't even on my travel list at the moment.

I had lunch with Gina, Will, Abby, Amelia, and Kellie today, and we were talking about Disneyworld. The family is planning a trip there in October. Everyone is getting excited about all the fun we will surely have. That conversation reminded me of a past visit to Disney. We stayed at Fort Wilderness. Along with all the other fun, we got to go to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review. It is a fun filled dinner in a dance hall.

The really great part was when Kellie, my daughter, the one with the red feather, was selected to be in the chorus line. It wasn't the Moulin Rouge in Paris, but it was the closest any of us will ever get to dancing on the stage there. (That means you, too, Abigail.)

What a hoot! If you knew her like we all do, you'd see why this was so funny. She was such a good sport, even though she is normally so reserved (nothing like her crazy mother.) None of us will ever forget what a good time we had that night. We are not planning to go to this dinner again in October. Some experiences just can't be topped!

Catching a glimpse of family togetherness waiting outside the saloon. I think this was in Septemer of 2003. Abigail, you weren't born until February 18, 2004, but Gina and Will were anxiously awaiting your arrival.

"Moomaid" Sends Congrats to Michael Phelps

2008-08-18T08:38:00.008-05:00

"Moomaid" from Cow Parade (Kansas City, 2001) joins with the rest of the world to congratulate Michael Phelps for winning eight gold medals in the Olympics. We all think he is amazing, but Moomaid is just beside herself. She thinks he's the man she has been looking for all her life. Do you think he has a girlfriend?

I cut this picture out of the newspaper this morning. This young man is in the news all over the place. He is quite a celebrity, but, from what I can gather, he is still a great, friendly guy.

I found a couple of photos in the family archives that bring back mermaid memories.

Here is Lawrence in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with a billboard. I believe it was advertising haircare products. Don't you love that hairdo?

Then we see Macie with Ariel in her Grotto at the Magic Kingdom in DisneyWorld. I believe she was about five years old when I had to stand in that long line for this photo and autograph. Not to worry, it was well worth it.

Moomaid was present in Atlanta in 2003 for the Cow Parade, so I posed with her for Bob to snap this lovely picture. Oh, the memories!

"Nicole's Dream of Peace"

2008-08-16T13:38:00.009-05:00

It's a lazy Saturday around here for me, nice and peaceful, so I decided the cow-of-the-day would be Cow Parade (Harrisburg, PA, 2004) cow, "Nicole's Dream For Peace." She was created by the employees of Coin Wrap in honor of the US coin, the "Peace Nickel." Tranquility and Peace radiate from the blue background, and the peace signs and clouds combine for a dreamy ambiance. Whenever I see the peace sign, it reminds me of my teenage days. Peace and Love, man. . . .

I never was a hippie, but I did dress up like one for spirit day at school back in about 1991.(Yes, children, Grandma's hair was long back then. I went to a lot of trouble to get it curly, too.) It was fun to dress up like a hippie. My students got a good laugh. That's a fun memory, but hippie peace is not what I'm talking about. I have a dream for peace, real peace. I long for peace of mind. I want to know my children and grandchildren have peace within themselves. We may not be able to have peace on earth, but we can have peace in our own hearts and minds, can't we? What's wrong with an old lady wanting her babies to be happy?

So, that is my prayer this day. I want all the people I love to have Peace Like A River. When my family is happy, I am happy. So make me happy, love one another, live in peace! Life is too short to spend even a minute disgruntled. God Bless Us Everyone.

It's a Magical Day with "MOOlin' the Wizard"

2008-08-15T08:25:00.013-05:00

"MOOlin the Wizard," Cow Parade (West Hartford, CT, 2003) is today's cow-of-the-day. As I was cooking breakfast this morning, Myra, Lawrence's boss rang the doorbell. She told me that Lawrence is doing extremely well with his work crew. She thinks it is time to move him up to supported employment. Over the next few months she is going to be to pushing him toward that goal.

As I sat eating my breakfast, looking at all the cows, I could not help but think, "The work that Myra has done with Lawrence is magical." Then I thought of all the wonderful people who have worked with him in his life. He started at the School of Hope when he was only two years old. His first teacher was Kathy. She worked miracles with him. When he was in public school at Silver Sands, so many wonderful people worked with him. When he was 21 he finished school, and I didn't know what would happen to him. Now look, we continue to be blessed with a fabulous teacher.

Lawrence loves to go to work. He has great friends. I am so happy for him. I have a heart full of hopes and dreams for him.

Being his mother is not always easy, but it's always interesting.

Today, yes today, I feel the magic of his success. Actually, I feel the power of God's many blessings in our lives.

May God continue to bless Myra and the work she does with these precious folks.

God bless you, Lawrence, as you grow ever more independent. As you always say, "I'm a grown man, Mom."

Everything is Sew-Sew with "Patchwork Cow"

2008-08-13T14:37:00.012-05:00

"Patchwork Cow" from Cow Parade (London, 2002) proudly models one of the quilts my mother's mother made for me many years ago. My grandmother was an expert seamstress. She made quilts for all of her daughters and grandchildren. I still have my quilts that she made for me.

Abigail, Amelia, and Gina came for a visit today. The girls brought their bunnies along for new outfits. We had such a good time together making the clothes. It reminded me of all the fun I had when I was a little girl at my grandmother's house.

Gina was also in the mood to do some sewing, so she joined in the fun when she returned from the dentist.

One time when I was with my grandmother she told me about a doll her mother made for her. I wanted a rag doll, too. So my grandmother made this doll for me. She also made several dresses for her. I always loved this doll and I cherish her today as a beloved keepsake.

My grandmother also made my wedding dress back in 1969. She and my mother did an awesome job. The marriage might not have lasted, but my memories of this dress will never die. My grandmother went to heaven on December 7, 1983. I still miss her and remember how much we loved each other. Now that I have grandchildren of my own I love her even more.

How About a sMOOch on Saturday?

2008-08-09T12:21:00.015-05:00

Cow Parade (New York City, 2000) presents "sMOOch." Seems like there is always a lot of kissing going on around here.

Of course, most of it doesn't get photographed.

I was pleased, as I looked back through all the old photos, to find some smooches that have been saved for all to enjoy.

I'm glad someone had a camera handy when Tim decided to take a break from lunch to give Kellie a big kiss.

Of course, everybody gets their picture taken kissing on their wedding day. Gina and Will took time for a smooch before they cut their wedding cake. The other picture of them is on December 25, 2003. I'll never forget the day he asked her to marry him and she said, "Yes."

While the whole pirate family was trying to pose for a photo, Captain George just couldn't wait to get another smooch from his wench, bride Kathy. Kathy is Bob's sister. She and George were married in Seattle in 2007.

These sweethearts are our friends, Kathy and Bill. We caught them smooching on the porch of our hotel on the south rim of the Grand Canyon. We vacationed there with them in 2005.

You all know how much I love cruising. Bob loves me, so he goes along. I don't remember where we were going, but I'm sure we had a great time!

Nancy couldn't resist stealing a kiss from Larry on the gondola ride in Venice.

Couldn't help myself, I had to show this smooch. It's the first time Bob and I went to Disney together, around 1988, I think. Oh, we were so young. I can't believe I had those socks on. I really can't believe Bob had those shorts on. Great legs, though.

Finally, the crowning glory of my smooch collection: Mamaw and Papaw, my mother and father, smooching like the lovers they are. Talk about looking young. I think this was taken back in the early seventies.

Any Day Is A Good Day For A Strawberry

2008-08-08T09:02:00.010-05:00

This berry nice Cow Parade (San Antonio, 2002) lady is known as "Strawberry Cow." She brings back great memories of Abigail's third birthday. Abby is four now, but I didn't know anything about blogging in the old days. It's always fun to relive good times!

Her mommy, Gina, baked a beautiful strawberry cake. It tasted just as good as it looked. Amelia is already sampling the frosting in this picture.

There was also a strawberry pinata filled with treats. Don't you just love the strawberry outfit?

I just had to include this baby picture of Abby. You can see she loved strawberries from almost the very beginning of her life. That's just tooo cute! God bless us all. You know I'll be smiling all day. You might as well, too.

Today Is A Good Day For Chocolate

2008-08-06T10:31:00.007-05:00

This Cow Parade (Harrisburg, PA, 2004) sweetie is called "Miss Udder Lee deLishiss." She is the perfect cow for today because I am dog sitting my oldest granddog, Guinness. He is a twelve year old Chocolate Lab.

This is Guinness back before Abigail and Amelia were born. He was younger then and received more attention from Gina and Will, but I think he would agree with me that his life is more interesting now.

This is my favorite Guinness picture of all time. That's Abby in the pumpkin. What will these young mothers think of next?

This is another fond Guinness memory. He made friends with a turtle. The turtle wasn't a bit scared of Guinness. By the time I thought to get the camera, they were tired of each other, and Guinness was back to fetching the stick.

When I tried to get him to smile for the camera today, he just covered up his eyes, as if to say, "Grandma, leave me alone."

That's okay, old buddy, I know you miss Abigail and Amelia. I promise, as soon as I'm finished with this blog, we'll go out and play fetch.

Out to Lunch With "Horns In the Sky"

2008-08-05T17:18:00.008-05:00

This lovely Cow Parade (London, 2002) lady is called "Horns In The Sky." I'm sure that has some special meaning, but I don't know what it is. I decided to feature her today because my husband asked me to meet him at the mall for lunch. This was a treat for me, since he usually mixes business with lunch.

My favorite food court eatery is called Sarku of Japan. They make pretty good teriyaki chicken. I like almost all oriental food. As a matter of fact, I like almost all food. Anyway, eating Japanese food made me think of this cow because she has Asian writing all over her.

I found this picture from the first cruise Bob and I ever went on. I packed a different outfit, complete with shoes, for dinner each night. This was my oriental outfit. I had too much luggage. Now I can go almost anywhere with a carry-on and a backpack. Live and Learn!

Then I remembered the Japanese Tea Ceremony I went to the last time we were in Seattle. One of Bob's sisters, Sandy, and her family live there. It was such a neat experience. The gentleman who served us was very entertaining.

These two wonderful folks are Bob's father, Bobdad, and step-mother, Nancy. Nancy is from Taiwan, and she is without any doubt the best Asian cook in the world. She is also a great lady and a good friend. Thanks for all the good food and good fun we have had together.

"Corn on the Cow"

2008-08-04T14:12:00.007-05:00

"Corn on the Cow" from Cow Parade (West Hartford, CT, 2003) would like to introduce you to some of her most ardent admirers. They are from left to right in the middle: Kathy, Bill, Cindy, and Jim. On the bottom, we have Harland and Dawn. That's my adorable Bob in the back. We were over at Bill and Kathy's Saturday night. What a bunch of good sports they were to pose for the sake of the blog. I do have some moo-moo-moovelous friends!

I found this old photo in the archives. The family was camping in the Smokies back in the late 90's. We roasted corn on the cob in the fire. It was so delicious. I don't know what I had on my head, but I do remember it getting very chilly in the mountains at night. The fine old gentleman wrapped up in the blanket is Chuck. He is Nancy's Dad. Chuck has gone on to heaven now, but we all have many great memories of times we shared with him.

To Everything There Is A Season

2008-08-03T15:46:00.009-05:00

This Cow Parade (Houston, 2001) lady is named “Four Seasons.” She is so beautiful I had to show you both sides of her.

Today is Sunday, so I went to church. Worship always gets me in a reflective mood. Today, after church, several members of the family went out to lunch. I had the chance to visit with my youngest son, William. He is very interesting to talk to and offers great insight on many subjects. He made me think about how life changes. He is 29 years old now. He is grown. My role in his life has changed. That is okay. It's good that we have different seasons in our lives. "There is a time to every purpose under heaven." But William is not my only son.

The darling baby riding on his rocking horse is my first son, Lawrence. He was born in May of 1977. He is 31 yers old now and he is autistic. He became very ill when he was 10 days old and ran a high fever for many days. I begged God to save my baby, and He did. As the seasons came and went it became apparent Lawrence was not developing like other babies his age. "Not reaching the milestones," is what they said. It's a long story, but a wonderful one. God must have known I'd be happy to have a little boy for the rest of my life, because he blessed me with Lawrence.

Here is is on a horseback ride in Montana. Don't worry I'm not far away. He is my buddy and I love to go places and do things with him. Seeing the world through his eyes is a special treat. So even though the seasons of my life are moving on, Lawrence always keeps me in the sunshine.

"Cowdolier" Brings Back Memories

2008-08-02T14:11:00.010-05:00

Cow Parade (Kansas City, 2001) presents "Cowdolier." In the summer of 2005 when we cruised the Mediterranean we actually got to spend the night in Venice. We had so much fun exploring the city, but the must-do-tourist-thing is, of course, the gondola ride. I have soooo many pictures of the sights in Italy. I get a big kick out of looking back at them. I will call this shot, The Token of All the Venice Canal Photos.

The gondola ride was nice. Bob and I rode with Larry, Nancy, and Colton. Our gondolier didn't sing, but he did have a fellow gondolier who sang loudly enough for us to hear. He just steered our gondola right up beside the others and one guy sang to everybody. It's efficient, if it isn't romantic. A gondolier's got to do what a gondolier's got to do!

It was a wonderful night in Venice.

"Beehive Bovine" Brings Back Memories

2008-08-01T13:44:00.004-05:00

I am feeling nostalgic today, thinking about how I'm getting so old, remembering the good old days. Looking at old pictures can be a lot of fun. When I found this picture of my mother and her sisters it made me think of one of my favorites from Cow Parade (Houston, 2001), "Beehive Bovine." Even if you aren't a baby boomer, you have heard of this hairdo.

This photo of my mother and her sisters was taken in the sixties. From left to right: Macie Lee, Elizabeth, Beatrice, Grace (my mother) and Myrlene. They are in order from the youngest to the oldest.

This picture was taken in 2005. These ladies are all great grandmothers now. They are still looking fine, but they don't have beehives anymore. This time from left to right: Myrlene, Beatrice, Elizabeth, Macie Lee, and Grace.

When I look at this picture, I feel better. I come from good stock. My mother is eighty-one, and she is still going strong. All of her sisters are alive and well. Maybe I don't have one foot in the grave after all.

This is my daughter, Kellie, (Please forgive me) back in 1990. She was about 16 years old. This was the way all the really cool girls styled their hair. Looks somewhat kin to the beehive, doesn't it? You know she hated those braces, but her smile is perfect now. I love you, Kellie.

Let's keep blogging along!

Happy Birthday to William!

2008-07-31T08:13:00.011-05:00

Cow Parade (West Hartford, CT, 2007) presents "Happy Birthday to Moo." She is representing the entire herd to wish William a Happy Twenty-ninth Birthday.
He was born on a beautiful afternoon, July 31, 1979. As has always been his style, he gave his mother no trouble at all. Labor and delivery were too easy to be true. He was such a good-looking baby, and the more he grew, the better looking he was. He was such a good baby, and the more he grew, the sweeter he was.

As William grew, he continued his education. First he graduated from elementary school (1990), then high school (1997), then Georgia Tech (2000). He was always a great student, a good athlete, and a joy to his mother.

As an adult he continues to be a good son. He married a beautiful, loving wife, Gina (2004) who is a daughter after my own heart. They have a family of their own to raise now, two precious daughters, Abigail Elizabeth and Amelia Grace.

Today on my baby's birthday, I pay tribute to a mighty fine son. I love you and wish you many more happy years.

(P.S. You know I have so many pictures; I hope you like the ones I chose.)

"Here Comes the Sun" Curves Summer Camp

2008-07-30T11:13:00.008-05:00

"Here Comes the Sun" is the name for this Cow Parade (San Antonio, 2002) figurine. I selected her today to celebrate Camp Curves.

We have all been working out as hard as we could to win this competition at our club. My team was the Morning Glories, and we finished in second place. I received a certificate for getting the most points (181) on my team . Our team earned 707 points and the winning team received 770.

Yeah Curves! We are all winners!

"Moocho Amor" for Nineteen Years

2008-07-29T09:49:00.013-05:00

Cow Parade (Chicago, 1999) lady "Mooch Amor" brings anniversary greetings to the most wonderful man in the world.

July 29, 1989, Bob and Faith sealed their relationship in the bonds of holy matrimony. My best friend became my husband and I'm happy to say after 19 years he's still my best friend.

There is no place else on earth I'd rather be than hanging on Bob.

Being in Cozumel, Mexico, is more fun with Bob.

It's more fun to be in the Smokey Mountains with Bob.

The Grand Canyon is more fun with Bob.

Cruising anywhere is more fun with Bob.

Sitting on a dock on the Baltic Sea outside of Dubrovnik, Croatia, is more fun because I'm with Bob.

My life is wonderful and I am so glad I get to spend it with my beloved Bob.

Happy Anniversary, Bob, I love you with all my heart. Sincerely, Faith

"Moocho Amor"

"Bovina, the Las Vegas Showcow"

2008-07-28T09:51:00.009-05:00

Cow Parade (Las Vegas, 2002) presents "Bovina, the Las Vegas Showcow." Here I am posed with the real Bovina. She's another memory from the Atlanta Cow Parade.

Bovina reminds me of the showgirls Lawrence likes on Carnival cruises. You can tell by the smile on his face, he enjoyed having his picture taken with these gorgeous showgirls.